Hi all, this is going to be a bear of a post but I've compiled some of the questions I've gotten in my inbox for everyone to see my responses. I've edited some of the questions and responses.
“What do you think of the program?”
I believe the program is the best of its kind in the country. It offers the ultimate prize of gaining an acceptance into a US allopathic medical school, which I believe is the ultimate goal for many who are looking into programs such as this. We have students who are years out of college and many in different types of family situations.
“Are you doing anything outside of class to prepare yourself for Temple?”
You don't feel pressure to build an application outside of what you're doing for the school which is a huge benefit of the program. You go to class, study, get good grades, and use your free time however you please. For those who have to do the MCAT, there's that component of it. The coursework is challenging but essentially everything is directly related to the medical school curriculum. I've heard from first years (both who have graduated from our program and those who have not) that it helps a LOT in medical school. So I'm certainly excited about that.
“I have an interview coming up and was wondering if you had any advice/suggestions or feedback regarding the interview day. I noticed that not all interviewees were accepted in previous cycles (seemed to be around 60% acceptance rate) and wanted to make sure that I do the best in terms of setting a good impression on interview day.”
Interview day is relaxed. It's a good/fun interview and you get to learn more about the program. I wouldn't stress about the acceptance rates, but 60% seems low? Although numbers don't lie.
“What do you think of the program overall, and do you find the coursework to be manageable (able to obtain the required 3.5 GPA if you work hard)? Is the grading system based on a curve amongst other ACMS students?”
I absolutely love this program. I think the coursework is extremely rigorous, but the grading is fair. This is perfect because you want to keep your spot in the medical school, but you want to have a lot of work your postbac year because it will help you in medical school. NO curves against the other ACMS students - all students should be keeping the 3.5.
“Do you take classes with only ACMS students or with first year med school students as well?”
Only ACMS - which is good. You have a tight group, and the professors can get to know you. Also, you're not graded against medical students! It's great. I'm going to post some of the questions I've been getting on the page so everyone can benefit from these great questions