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Don't know much about it either, but I am applying to it as well... but there's not a lot of info on it out there..even on their website
**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**
Started by braluk
Don't know much about it either, but I am applying to it as well... but there's not a lot of info on it out there..even on their website
hey, i was looking for smp info on cornell's website, but i can't find it...can anyone please post the link?
http://www.sce.cornell.edu/sp/health_studies/index.php. It's not an SMP, and it's not related to Cornell's med school at all.
thanks!
After reading through what seems like a million posts about smp's I have some Idea of what I am going to do but I figured I should ask for some opinions on here as well. First off Im a FL resident and applied this cycle got a few interviews to no avail yet, and am basically on hold at one place waiting to hear back, which is why I may take the SMP route. As for my AMCAS stats sGPA 3.64 overall GPA is a 3.75, First MCAT was a 10P,12B,9V, second time was 12P,9B,8V (I focused on bringing up physical sciences to the detriment of bio, Verbal don't know what happened, but whatever its in the past).
I graduated 2009 w/ a BS in Bio and have been working full time in a lab since. Other EC's include a bunch of shadowing, a summers worth of hospital volunteer work, a fair bit of international work and a few other things. So my question is what route should I take. I am def applying to Tulane's SMP and really want to go there if I don't get into med school this year and am thinking about doing Tufts application as well. Since I already have a year doing research I don't want to go to programs where I would wait a year to apply. Ive thought about Gtowns SMP but money is an issue although I may put out an app, possibly one at Rosalind Franklin as well. One other thing is that my first MCAT score is going to expire and I REALLY don't want to take it again so linked SMP's would be nice.
Speaking of Tulane's program if there is anyone who is in it currently or has done it, I have a few questions, I remember reading a thread with people who said they were in it but didn't want to just randomly PM someone. Anyways thanks in advance for the help.
I graduated 2009 w/ a BS in Bio and have been working full time in a lab since. Other EC's include a bunch of shadowing, a summers worth of hospital volunteer work, a fair bit of international work and a few other things. So my question is what route should I take. I am def applying to Tulane's SMP and really want to go there if I don't get into med school this year and am thinking about doing Tufts application as well. Since I already have a year doing research I don't want to go to programs where I would wait a year to apply. Ive thought about Gtowns SMP but money is an issue although I may put out an app, possibly one at Rosalind Franklin as well. One other thing is that my first MCAT score is going to expire and I REALLY don't want to take it again so linked SMP's would be nice.
Speaking of Tulane's program if there is anyone who is in it currently or has done it, I have a few questions, I remember reading a thread with people who said they were in it but didn't want to just randomly PM someone. Anyways thanks in advance for the help.
The ONLY reason to do an SMP is low undergrad GPA. You have a high GPA.
What else is wrong with your MD app? Did you apply late? To not enough schools? Are your LORs funky? Did your personal statement have errors or lack focus or otherwise fail to make a good impression?
Your MCAT score doesn't match your GPA, which might worry adcoms.
I can understand being frustrated with the MCAT, if that's your story. But think about what the MCAT is for: adcoms want to see how you do on an hours-long, standardized test. Why? Because that's what boards are: hours-(or days-)long, standardized tests. And you'll be taking them for years and years.
So you can spend another $25k to $50k and a year of your life in an SMP that offers you no guarantees. Or you can spend maybe $1500 and six months of your life (part time) doing hard core MCAT prep, in addition to maybe hiring a consultant like Judy Colwell or MedEdits.
Best of luck to you.
I applied to 25 schools most relatively early but not as early as I shouldve, the latest secondary I sent in was in early october and I got an interview to that school. The ones I thought I had the best shot of I finished in august and the rest I finished in Sept. LOR's should have been fine maybe not spectacular but I doubt they were bad. As for my personal statement I really have no Idea how good or bad it is, there werent any errors on it but judging by the results I would say it was pretty mediocre.
Yeah in thinking about it the USF masters seems like the best idea. I probably will still apply to Tulane because I really like the school and could see myself there but I see your point. Is there much difference in the types of USF masters programs?, do you feel the Anatomy one is the best one in preparing for med school? Since USF if basically my top choice I was thinking basically of doing one of the masters programs and then applying EDP (which is what I should have done this year), do you think that is probably the best game plan?
My stats are as follows:
cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.33
MCAT: 33R (11P, 11V, 11B)
I applied really late in this current cycle (secondaries complete in Sept/Oct and a few in Nov) and did not receive any interview invites. Would I be a good candidate for an SMP or am I better off just taking more Ugrad courses at a state school to boost my sGPA? Would it be a good idea to apply again in June and attend an SMP in August or do students typically wait until the end of their SMP to apply? Any suggestions for my particular stats? My ECs are decent (I consider them just average).
I also have a graduate degree in a non-science field with a 3.72 cGPA and 4.00 sGPA (but only 8 units were science).
I've looked around the forums, but could not get a good hold on what is considered a good performance at an SMP. If I apply in June and attend an SMP in August, what should I target as far a GPA? Obviously the higher the better, but what would be considered good for middle tier programs where my MCAT score would be competitive (i.e. UCI, USC, Georgetown, Tufts, etc.). I read in an older post that UC's don't typically take students while they are enrolled in an SMP, but generally wait until they complete the program and can evaluate their performance from the entire year. Does anyone know if these posts have any truth to them?
Thanks in advance for all your help!
cGPA: 3.5
sGPA: 3.33
MCAT: 33R (11P, 11V, 11B)
I applied really late in this current cycle (secondaries complete in Sept/Oct and a few in Nov) and did not receive any interview invites. Would I be a good candidate for an SMP or am I better off just taking more Ugrad courses at a state school to boost my sGPA? Would it be a good idea to apply again in June and attend an SMP in August or do students typically wait until the end of their SMP to apply? Any suggestions for my particular stats? My ECs are decent (I consider them just average).
I also have a graduate degree in a non-science field with a 3.72 cGPA and 4.00 sGPA (but only 8 units were science).
I've looked around the forums, but could not get a good hold on what is considered a good performance at an SMP. If I apply in June and attend an SMP in August, what should I target as far a GPA? Obviously the higher the better, but what would be considered good for middle tier programs where my MCAT score would be competitive (i.e. UCI, USC, Georgetown, Tufts, etc.). I read in an older post that UC's don't typically take students while they are enrolled in an SMP, but generally wait until they complete the program and can evaluate their performance from the entire year. Does anyone know if these posts have any truth to them?
Thanks in advance for all your help!
I believe your MCAT and GPA scores are well below of the actual matriculants for UC programs. I remember seeing one student at UC Davis' MDprofile and it was a 39 MCAT and a 3.95 GPA from Berkeley, but who knows (shrug) she could have been the exception rather than the norm. I generally know that UC's prefer to be pretty rigid in requiring very high GPA and MCATs to those they give out interviews to.
I suppose an SMP would help, but at the same time doing an informal post-bacc to improve your GPA by a couple pts (if possible) would seem plausible to me as well. I personally (don't quote me on this) would say if you can bring your cGPA to a 3.6 and your sGPA to a 3.5 along with your MCAT score, you can get into an MD school and certainly at least several interviews if you apply broadly. It's really up to you, I'd take an informal post-bacc to just save money and time and not run the risk/cost of doing a high level SMP simply to make you stand out. Just my 2 cents.
I suppose an SMP would help, but at the same time doing an informal post-bacc to improve your GPA by a couple pts (if possible) would seem plausible to me as well. I personally (don't quote me on this) would say if you can bring your cGPA to a 3.6 and your sGPA to a 3.5 along with your MCAT score, you can get into an MD school and certainly at least several interviews if you apply broadly. It's really up to you, I'd take an informal post-bacc to just save money and time and not run the risk/cost of doing a high level SMP simply to make you stand out. Just my 2 cents.
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Hi everyone,
Been reading SDN for a few months, but this is my first post.
I applied to 17 schools but am probably not getting in this year (I also never interviewed). I submitted my secondaries pretty late, from Sept to early Dec.
5 years undergrad, graduating this June
c 3.56
s 3.47, downward trend 🙁, I am hoping to raise my senior years 3.05 to 3.2/3.3 by June
MCAT 34 (10P, 13V, 11B)
-more than 200 hours of clinical volunteering (about half was shadowing)
-some other EC stuff (president of one club, officer in 3 other clubs, 50 hrs other volunteering, LSAMP biology tutor for 1 year)
-just joined a research lab this January 2010
Is a SMP right for me? I think I am borderline.
Was I too late? Is it the GPA? Is it because I live in California? Or is it because I am just under 20 years old? I don't know what to do.
Thank you.
Been reading SDN for a few months, but this is my first post.
I applied to 17 schools but am probably not getting in this year (I also never interviewed). I submitted my secondaries pretty late, from Sept to early Dec.
5 years undergrad, graduating this June
c 3.56
s 3.47, downward trend 🙁, I am hoping to raise my senior years 3.05 to 3.2/3.3 by June
MCAT 34 (10P, 13V, 11B)
-more than 200 hours of clinical volunteering (about half was shadowing)
-some other EC stuff (president of one club, officer in 3 other clubs, 50 hrs other volunteering, LSAMP biology tutor for 1 year)
-just joined a research lab this January 2010
Is a SMP right for me? I think I am borderline.
Was I too late? Is it the GPA? Is it because I live in California? Or is it because I am just under 20 years old? I don't know what to do.
Thank you.
ok so im really interested in the gtown smp, i think im a good candidate, but my gpa is sooo low.
cGPA- 3.1
science GPa- ~2.9/3.0
MCAT 31S (just took 1/30, but about to retake it on 4/17)
ECs
4 yr college varsity basketball player
1st author on an article published in the journal of psychiatry and neuroscience
president of cultural organizations
president of health/premed student/faculty/alumni organization
tons of other research (mostly psych, biopsych, and molec bio)
licensed and working EMT
current JV basketball coach
plenty of shadowing/volunteer/clinical experience
good personal statement, good LORs...
You guys think i have a decent shot in gtown (or other competitive smp programs) in spite of that low gpa?
Also its 3/5 and the deadline is may, so its getting late.. in terms of getting the app submitted, should i just get my transcript sent and everything else as i finish it up or should i compile everything and send it together?
thanks
cGPA- 3.1
science GPa- ~2.9/3.0
MCAT 31S (just took 1/30, but about to retake it on 4/17)
ECs
4 yr college varsity basketball player
1st author on an article published in the journal of psychiatry and neuroscience
president of cultural organizations
president of health/premed student/faculty/alumni organization
tons of other research (mostly psych, biopsych, and molec bio)
licensed and working EMT
current JV basketball coach
plenty of shadowing/volunteer/clinical experience
good personal statement, good LORs...
You guys think i have a decent shot in gtown (or other competitive smp programs) in spite of that low gpa?
Also its 3/5 and the deadline is may, so its getting late.. in terms of getting the app submitted, should i just get my transcript sent and everything else as i finish it up or should i compile everything and send it together?
thanks
ok cool thanks. are you applying for an smp? should i send everything in separately as i finish it up or have it completed and send it all in at once?
Thanks for the advice! So an SMP might help me and also might not?
Should I call medical schools or SMPs? (I'm guessing the latter.)
If you have a 3.56/34 you shouldn't be doing a SMP. Work on improving your application in other ways such as better ECs, maybe a MPH if you are interested in ph, etc. SMPs are really for people who don't have the stats to get into med school, and your stats are above average for applicants. If you're not getting in, it's probably because you haven't separated yourself from the pack qualitatively.
I don't think a SMP is going to be the thing that gets you into a UC and to be honest,it's not worth two full years to get a small chance
a uc as opposed to another med school right now if you put your application in early. 3.5/33 is just about average for applicants and if you apply broadly and early I think you'll get in somewhere next cycle. I'd work on your ECs and maybe take some science classes during the app year if you want if you're confident you'll get As.
a uc as opposed to another med school right now if you put your application in early. 3.5/33 is just about average for applicants and if you apply broadly and early I think you'll get in somewhere next cycle. I'd work on your ECs and maybe take some science classes during the app year if you want if you're confident you'll get As.
Thank you! Thanks for clearing that up. I think I'll call some schools today too.
Now I'm considering a postbac at my undergrad because I already have a research lab to work in and can probably start volunteering where I left off at my department.
Thank you 🙂
That sounds like a good idea. Research experiences can help a lot and better ECs can help also! Make sure if you take more classes you get As in them. Make sure you apply early this next cycle also! Being under 20 can hurt you as well. There was a girl that applied during my cycle that was 19 and just got in this cycle and she had a ~4.0/34...
I am doing a post bacc at UC Berkeley Extn now to complete some of my pre-reqs in the US. I have taken several classes at Cal State San Jose (SJSU) earlier as a part of an informal post bacc program that I did not complete - SJSU does not fund 2nd degrees any more.
My GPA (so far) - 3.85 (from 40 sems credits) - expect to pull it to a 3.9+
MCAT (2nd attempt) 30Q (11P/7V/12B) - Jan 2010
MCAT (1st attempt) 28Q (11P/6V/11B) - Sep 2009
I intend to take about 30 more credits before I apply next summer (2011). I am / will be taking all regular pre-reqs, math, english plus several upper div Bio courses. Will take around 20 credits in the year I apply to accumulate 90 credits in the US as required by some schools.
I have a foregin BS and MS in chemistry/organic chemistry but I have not counted that in my GPA as they will not appear on my AMCAS app.
Am I moving in the right direction ? What else do I need to do ?
I am not sure I can pull up my verbal score any further in my MCAT.
I have no reseach experience. I am in the IT industry (work for a top 10 Hi-Tech company) and have tons of IT expertise. Not sure if it counts.
My GPA (so far) - 3.85 (from 40 sems credits) - expect to pull it to a 3.9+
MCAT (2nd attempt) 30Q (11P/7V/12B) - Jan 2010
MCAT (1st attempt) 28Q (11P/6V/11B) - Sep 2009
I intend to take about 30 more credits before I apply next summer (2011). I am / will be taking all regular pre-reqs, math, english plus several upper div Bio courses. Will take around 20 credits in the year I apply to accumulate 90 credits in the US as required by some schools.
I have a foregin BS and MS in chemistry/organic chemistry but I have not counted that in my GPA as they will not appear on my AMCAS app.
Am I moving in the right direction ? What else do I need to do ?
I am not sure I can pull up my verbal score any further in my MCAT.
I have no reseach experience. I am in the IT industry (work for a top 10 Hi-Tech company) and have tons of IT expertise. Not sure if it counts.
There's nothing in your story that points to a special masters program. Not sure why you would post in this thread. SMPs are for low GPAs.
The nontrad forum (where you've asked some questions already, correct?) would have better strategy info. For instance, ScottishChap can speak to how to get your foreign transcript evaluated and whether you need to complete a bachelors degree or just do prereqs in the US. I would expect that either nontrad or the MCAT forum might offer more insight into how to maximize an app around a verbal max of 7.
This forum focuses on the problems you've already solved: what schools offer premed programs for people who already have a bachelors degree.
Best of luck to you.
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Which program?
Haha, yes, but it could've also referred to Tufts.
I'm a little new to the whole post-bacc world so I just wanted a bit of guidance in helping to find out if this is the right path for me to take or not. Quick info on me and my situation:
GPA: 3.34
Science GP: 2.85 :-/
Have a fair amount of volunteer/extracurricular and lab experience and I'm done with all my pre-med prereqs. Sounds about the same as everybody else I'm sure, but the tricky part is that I have not taken the MCAT or the GRE, nor have I started taking any prep courses to do so (I want to figure out a plan of action first). So essentially even getting a score for those to send into a program would be at least a few months of a wait. All that said, I really want to apply to a program that starts either in the fall or summer of this year.
Is it pretty much too late for me to get into a post-bacc program aimed at enhancing academic record? I'm guessing it would be impossible to get into any SMPs, even though those are the ones I'd most want to participate in, because those surely require a GRE score and their deadlines are probably fast approaching. But I did my own research before I found out about this site and I saw a couple of certificate programs but I'm not sure how reputable they are and if they are even associated with any professionals schools.
Any insight?
GPA: 3.34
Science GP: 2.85 :-/
Have a fair amount of volunteer/extracurricular and lab experience and I'm done with all my pre-med prereqs. Sounds about the same as everybody else I'm sure, but the tricky part is that I have not taken the MCAT or the GRE, nor have I started taking any prep courses to do so (I want to figure out a plan of action first). So essentially even getting a score for those to send into a program would be at least a few months of a wait. All that said, I really want to apply to a program that starts either in the fall or summer of this year.
Is it pretty much too late for me to get into a post-bacc program aimed at enhancing academic record? I'm guessing it would be impossible to get into any SMPs, even though those are the ones I'd most want to participate in, because those surely require a GRE score and their deadlines are probably fast approaching. But I did my own research before I found out about this site and I saw a couple of certificate programs but I'm not sure how reputable they are and if they are even associated with any professionals schools.
Any insight?
There are things that people still would need to know as in which programs you were considering that offered certificates. Another would be are you aiming for allopathic or osteopathic.
If osteopathic: Go enroll in a local university and start retaking any science courses that you have a C or below. Don't overload yourself and meanwhile buy a Examkrackers book and start studying for the MCAT. Make damn sure you take at least 3 practice tests with scores that you are consistently getting and are happy with before registering to take an official one. If you can get your AACOMAS sGPA to be a 3.0 or over with a MCAT of 28+ you should get interviews.
If allopathic: Enroll in a local university and look for 2 upper division science courses that interest you and that won't take up your entire time each quarter. Again, buy examcrackers and go study and take the MCAT in or before December. Based on your score and new grades, look at what SMPs are available. If things go well (3.5 cGPA, roughly 3.0 sGPA 31 MCAT) you have many options. Go check back in here if you still are undecided on how to proceed at this point.
Your options are severely limited because (I know you know this already but saying it anyway) you don't have either a GRE or MCAT or any standardized test at this point and you're far too late in the cycle this round anyway. Best thing you can do is make the most of your time by studying for the MCAT and trying to start an upward trend on that sGPA as well as show you can handle the upper division sciences (a few of them anyway) and prepare for next cycle.
If osteopathic: Go enroll in a local university and start retaking any science courses that you have a C or below. Don't overload yourself and meanwhile buy a Examkrackers book and start studying for the MCAT. Make damn sure you take at least 3 practice tests with scores that you are consistently getting and are happy with before registering to take an official one. If you can get your AACOMAS sGPA to be a 3.0 or over with a MCAT of 28+ you should get interviews.
If allopathic: Enroll in a local university and look for 2 upper division science courses that interest you and that won't take up your entire time each quarter. Again, buy examcrackers and go study and take the MCAT in or before December. Based on your score and new grades, look at what SMPs are available. If things go well (3.5 cGPA, roughly 3.0 sGPA 31 MCAT) you have many options. Go check back in here if you still are undecided on how to proceed at this point.
Your options are severely limited because (I know you know this already but saying it anyway) you don't have either a GRE or MCAT or any standardized test at this point and you're far too late in the cycle this round anyway. Best thing you can do is make the most of your time by studying for the MCAT and trying to start an upward trend on that sGPA as well as show you can handle the upper division sciences (a few of them anyway) and prepare for next cycle.
Thanks for your help. To answer your questions I was looking at Cal State (info http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/biol/certprehealth.php), SFSU (info http://online.sfsu.edu/~brothman/formalindex.html), AU (info http://www.american.edu/cas/premed/CERT-GPMD.cfm) and TU (info http://www.temple.edu/medicine/education/post_bac_programs_career_enhancer.htm) certificate programs. I did not see anything in these programs explicitly requiring a GRE or MCAT but perhaps I overlooked.
And I am more interested in allopathic medicine.
I took a peek at Temple's ACMS and I do know of 2 of those other 3 programs. You are correct in that SFSU does not require a standardized test and it looks like Temple allows for an SAT score to substitute. Cal State LA is pretty well known on these boards as an option as well. If you dont mind me asking, where are you from (is moving elsewhere a problem at this moment) as well as do you care where you end up for medical school.
I would look most favorably at Temple's ACMS program mostly for the linkage. It states on the website (which I'm sure you've also read) that having a min 30 MCAT and a 3.5 GPA in the program will allow automatic matriculation at completion into Temple's medical school. If you do not care where you end up attending, I would say this is your best bet if you wish to simply enter medical school. Apparently applications opened on Jan 25th and ends on June 1st so I would say you have a shot.
I've heard positive things from both SFSU and Cal State LA both on and off these boards. I don't think you can necessarily go wrong either way. SFSU requires an interview which can be done on skype. So it's really up to you on where you wish to go and I'm sure you know your situation best as in financial concerns and where you wish to attend. Just keep in mind the requirements of the respective medical schools and their average statistics of the entering MS1. Try looking at the SFSU/Temple ACMS threads and ask for advice/further information from a student actually in the program. Best of luck on your decision.
I would look most favorably at Temple's ACMS program mostly for the linkage. It states on the website (which I'm sure you've also read) that having a min 30 MCAT and a 3.5 GPA in the program will allow automatic matriculation at completion into Temple's medical school. If you do not care where you end up attending, I would say this is your best bet if you wish to simply enter medical school. Apparently applications opened on Jan 25th and ends on June 1st so I would say you have a shot.
I've heard positive things from both SFSU and Cal State LA both on and off these boards. I don't think you can necessarily go wrong either way. SFSU requires an interview which can be done on skype. So it's really up to you on where you wish to go and I'm sure you know your situation best as in financial concerns and where you wish to attend. Just keep in mind the requirements of the respective medical schools and their average statistics of the entering MS1. Try looking at the SFSU/Temple ACMS threads and ask for advice/further information from a student actually in the program. Best of luck on your decision.
I'm from Texas, and moving elsewhere is not a problem in the least. I'd actually prefer it, though I'd like to keep it in a warm weather area. I spoke to Temple today actually and I'm in the clear as far as requirements for that so I'll definitely be applying.
I have a couple of questions about SFSU and Cal State though. Are they affiliated with any particular medical schools? Not necessarily in a linkage way like Temple, but do they work together or have some type of relationship with any med schools in the area in which the med school is aware of their post-bac program and kind of works with them in anyway? I see the SFSU thread on the front page and I'm finding good info there, but I tried looking for threads on Cal State and AU and can't find any. Do you have any links to those particular threads?
Cal State isn't associated with any med schools. Local UCs etc definitely know about the program but I don't think that's your best bet. What about UT Dallas?
Looks like Drizzt beat me to it and I agree with his advice.
SFSU and Cal State do not have any linkage programs the way Temple does and neither does it have any arrangements for its students into any other medical schools. That said, most schools in that region know of both programs. The AET track at SFSU is new but SFSU has a pretty good reputation and a friend of mine works as a TA for the gross anatomy class there tells me its quite organized and students recieve a solid education w/e that means. Taking classes and doing well there are both options that can be considered.
Seeing that you're from Texas, my immediate thought since you have not taken any standardized test for graduate/professional admissions is UT Dallas.
http://www.utdallas.edu/pre-health/prospective/post_bacc.htm
To be honest I heard about this off the boards very recently but I was curious and looked around and it seems like a great program. Many graduate level science courses and what seems to be a good faculty. The advantage to staying in Texas should be obvious, the 7-8 medical schools there heavily favor in state applicants and I am pretty sure the schools in your state know of this program even though the rest of the nation most likely does not. I would put this as a priority option for you since you're actually from Texas if you cannot get into Temple but if you are pretty set on moving, you really can't go wrong with Cal State or SFSU.
Now I'm very glad that I asked in here because I didn't even know about this one. The only one in Texas that I was able to find on my own was at UNT which was originally my first choice until I found I would have to take the MCAT pretty soon to qualify. I only skimmed the website but UT Dallas is looking like one of the better options for me. Thanks a lot to both of you.
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Hello there!
I am relatively new to this thread, but I have been looking at it for a few days. I find this thread extremely helpful.
I like to get some feed backs since I want to do a SMP after i graduate:
Here are a summary:
Bio sci emphasis in medical microbio with a bioinformatics minor.
I'm a senior but i will need two more quarters to finish up my minor before graduating.
GPA: 3.03 and I am not sure about science GPA. I slacked off during first two years of college which i regret =/
MCAT: have yet taken. but what score would set me to be competitive?
EC:
In a student run clinic for almost 2 years now where we can shadow docs and med students.
In a research lab for 2 years by this quarter: no publications tho (does it matter if we have pub or not?)
----- I will be switching to a different lab until i grad (1 year in duration)
volunteered at my university medical center operating room for a quarter
member of alpha phi omega for community service
+ [maybe genentech/amgen intern this summer? given that i get in]
What programs do i stand a good chance?
Thank you very much in advance!
I am relatively new to this thread, but I have been looking at it for a few days. I find this thread extremely helpful.
I like to get some feed backs since I want to do a SMP after i graduate:
Here are a summary:
Bio sci emphasis in medical microbio with a bioinformatics minor.
I'm a senior but i will need two more quarters to finish up my minor before graduating.
GPA: 3.03 and I am not sure about science GPA. I slacked off during first two years of college which i regret =/
MCAT: have yet taken. but what score would set me to be competitive?
EC:
In a student run clinic for almost 2 years now where we can shadow docs and med students.
In a research lab for 2 years by this quarter: no publications tho (does it matter if we have pub or not?)
----- I will be switching to a different lab until i grad (1 year in duration)
volunteered at my university medical center operating room for a quarter
member of alpha phi omega for community service
+ [maybe genentech/amgen intern this summer? given that i get in]
What programs do i stand a good chance?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi welcome to SDN.
Some things that would help getting a more precise answer:
1. Are you looking into allopathic or osteopathic medicine
2. Take a look at your unofficial transcripts and give a rough estimate on your sGPA
3. How much time/money are you "ok" with investing
Things you can currently do if you haven't already:
1. Focus hard on getting the best grades you can with the remaining quarters you have. You can boost your cGPA and demonstrate an upward trend in your upper division sciences which Adcoms will look favorably upon.
2. Start finding MCAT prep material. I like ExamKrakers. Start studying and do practice tests and schedule an exam if you're ready prior to December at the latest after graduation.
3. Get LOR from the science faculty that you feel you have the best relationship with and have left a good impression on. SMPs will require it and medical schools will need it.
Things to know:
Osteopathic school matriculant averages are roughly around 3.2-3.4 cGPA with a 26-28 MCAT. Allopathic schools are much higher and vary alot more. If you are intent on doing SMPs, you need to decide between highly reputable but competitive/large programs or smaller programs that assure linkages back to their own medical school.
elite program examples: Gtown SMP, BU MAMS, Tufts MBS,
linkage program examples: EVMS, Wake Forest, some osteopathic MBS programs
Do some research and find out which one fits for you (tuition, 1 year or 2 year, do you like the school, etc). If you can get your GPA to a 3.1-3.2, alot of doors will be open for you. As for your MCAT, the higher the better If you want a number, aim for 31+.
The better you do on your MCAT and your remaining quarters the more programs are available, right now based off your GPA and guessing your sGPA is roughly equivalent, 80-85% should be available but this is purely guess work, you absolutely need your MCAT. Anyway this is a start i'm sure others will add to it.
Thank you for your input! 🙂
I have just calculated my sGPA (calc+ ochem + gchem + physics + upperdiv science courses) and it turned out to be a 3.03, which is the same as my cGPA, i dunno if that's a good sign.
Budget wise, I do not care much about it since it will counted as an investment.
Some of the programs i am looking at: Gtown, BU, UC
Do i stand a chance for those?
MCAT: I am aiming for a 32 ...+? (it's a little ambitious but it's worth a try).
Besides working up my grades, what else should I improve on? more clinical experiences?
in terms of LOR: I will have my PI who's a prof at my university's school of med. and my future PI: who's the chairman of a department at the school of medicine. and a MD from the student clinic (hopefully). I think i should get a non-science LOR.
Thank you in advance for your inputs!
I have just calculated my sGPA (calc+ ochem + gchem + physics + upperdiv science courses) and it turned out to be a 3.03, which is the same as my cGPA, i dunno if that's a good sign.
Budget wise, I do not care much about it since it will counted as an investment.
Some of the programs i am looking at: Gtown, BU, UC
Do i stand a chance for those?
MCAT: I am aiming for a 32 ...+? (it's a little ambitious but it's worth a try).
Besides working up my grades, what else should I improve on? more clinical experiences?
in terms of LOR: I will have my PI who's a prof at my university's school of med. and my future PI: who's the chairman of a department at the school of medicine. and a MD from the student clinic (hopefully). I think i should get a non-science LOR.
Thank you in advance for your inputs!
The reason I asked for the sGPA is because some programs have a mandatory cutoff point of a minimum of say a 2.7 cGPA and sGPA or a 3.0 cGPA and sGPA. All you need to focus on is raising both to around a 3.2 level and hit that MCAT goal of yours. You will have a good shot at those programs afterward.
LORs are fine just get them in promptly in time. As for clinical experiences, more wouldn't hurt, but just be sure you get either get a wide variety of different unique experiences or stay with one thing to demonstrate a commitment. Don't just shadow to shadow if you know what I'm saying, really try and find something you have yet to experience before and hopefully you will learn something from it and it'll reflect in future interviews as a conversational topic.
Hey everyone, thank you so much for the advice. Been lurking on this page for a while. Now that I'm officially not good enough to be a med student what should I do? I know I need to fix my GPA but I can't decide between an online MPH program or an SMP. If I did the MPH I could finish it while deployed (again) but I don't know if I would be a stronger applicant with an MPH and a deployment as a Company Executive Officer or after an SMP.
One more question. Assuming the worst, I never get into med school or decide its not for me, would having an SMP help me in another career field? More so than an MPH in Healthcare Management? Thanks so much for everyone's input.
Stats
sciGPA 2.80 cumGPA 3.15 MCAT 10P 10B 9V
ECs
10 years as an Army Medic with one deployment to Iraq, 3 years full time as an ER Tech (have BLS instructor/ACLS/ITLS/NREMT-B), Platoon Sergeant
One more question. Assuming the worst, I never get into med school or decide its not for me, would having an SMP help me in another career field? More so than an MPH in Healthcare Management? Thanks so much for everyone's input.
Stats
sciGPA 2.80 cumGPA 3.15 MCAT 10P 10B 9V
ECs
10 years as an Army Medic with one deployment to Iraq, 3 years full time as an ER Tech (have BLS instructor/ACLS/ITLS/NREMT-B), Platoon Sergeant
D
deleted248403
I am anti-MPH in your situation. It won't help prove to med schools that you can handle upper level science classes.
Thus, I think you should do an SMP.
There are those that are fans of MPHs in all scenarios, but I tend to think that they are most appropriately for those in the 3.4-3.5ish+ range who are looking for something to make them stand out if they dont have super ECs or anything.
Thus, I think you should do an SMP.
There are those that are fans of MPHs in all scenarios, but I tend to think that they are most appropriately for those in the 3.4-3.5ish+ range who are looking for something to make them stand out if they dont have super ECs or anything.
Agree w/robflanker.
The positive vibe that you'll get for your military service is already established - there will be very, very few people between you and an acceptance who have any idea what the value is of a company executive officer, and none who will be so happy you did this that they'll overlook your undergrad GPA.
If you want to go to MD school, then you should absolutely do an SMP, and I would strongly recommend also getting a better MCAT score.
If you'd be happy as a DO, then you might be able to cut some corners.
I can't imagine that I would have survived my GPA comeback if I entertained thoughts of not getting into med school. Either go for it, or don't, imho.
Best of luck to you.
Thanks for your input. I looked into the SMP's on the page by drmidlife. Great resource by the way. I agree that SMP would be the way to go, and retake the mcat of course. I'm really leaning towards the online SMP at USF. Any thoughts on credibility and weight of online coursework? I just don't know how I would be able to handle a traditional SMP financially, piling more debt on top of my current debt. If I could do the online SMP I wouldn't have to worry about making ends meet. (overseas pay is pretty sweet)
Thanks for helping me keep my head in the game. I've come a very long way and I am not turning back. On the positive side, the two schools that I did interview at (1MD/1DO) both put me on the alternate list. So, I figure I must not have been too awful. Bump the numbers up and I'm good to go!
Thanks for helping me keep my head in the game. I've come a very long way and I am not turning back. On the positive side, the two schools that I did interview at (1MD/1DO) both put me on the alternate list. So, I figure I must not have been too awful. Bump the numbers up and I'm good to go!
In my mind, online work should be in plan ONLY if you've got a great reason: like being deployed overseas. I'm nervous about this, regardless.
If you have a waitlist in hand, then look at Tulane ACP. It's $12,500 plus living expenses. It's a 93% chance to get into Tulane. If you can hurry up and apply before April 1, you could start this August. You can also aim for this the following year.
Another thing to consider is the online coursework offered by UNE, before you start the USF online program. I think you can set up a nice narrative by getting some A's in their biochem and microbio courses, then getting A's in USF's online masters, add a higher MCAT score, make sure you've got great professor LORs, make sure to work with sick people overseas and in the US, and then you're golden. I'm big on making sure to over-check all the checkboxes in a GPA comeback.
Best of luck.
D
deleted248403
Agree with DrMidlife about the online stuff - if you are deployed outside of the US, its ok if you get As. If not, then it won't help.
I dont think online is highly regarded by anyone (unless you are abroad), and getting anything short of As won't look good IMO
I dont think online is highly regarded by anyone (unless you are abroad), and getting anything short of As won't look good IMO
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I am interested in applying to SMPs but am uncertain on my chances of getting into the program because of my low stats and timing of application.
I graduated with a cGPA of 2.99 and sGPA 2.95 with pretty good lab and research experience. I am planning taking the April 10th MCAT.
I saw that the deadlines are coming up and that they r mostly rolling admission. Is it even worth applying to since my application will be getting in so late and my stats aren't good? Are there any SMPs that I have a shot at?
Thanks!
I graduated with a cGPA of 2.99 and sGPA 2.95 with pretty good lab and research experience. I am planning taking the April 10th MCAT.
I saw that the deadlines are coming up and that they r mostly rolling admission. Is it even worth applying to since my application will be getting in so late and my stats aren't good? Are there any SMPs that I have a shot at?
Thanks!
D
deleted248403
Most have a cut off of 3.0 - i'd take a couple of undergrad classes in the summer and fall to get your GPA above 3.0 and then apply nice and early next cycle.
+1. Don't take the MCAT until you're ready to get your best possible score.
sry about the late reply. Finals are finally done!
Thank you for your help! What counts in a sGPA besides the typical ochem, gchem, phyics, bio.
I have taken an upper division fungus and biotechnology and paleontology for my major. also, do calculus count towards sGPA?
Another issue, should I take summer school for my last summer in college ... or seek a volunteering lab position at a lab? or internship with Genentech (if i get in) or study for MCAT?
In other words, study for MCAT this summer or something else to enhance my resume?
thanks!! you guys are very helpful!
I would suggest taking a look at an AMCAS/AACOMAS application as they have a full guide to how to enter coursework including what classifications certain classes fall under. For instance, psychology falls under behavioral science which is not included in sGPA. Math courses are also stand alone courses and apart from sGPA.
"Science GPAs include Biology/Zoology, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Other Science, and Physics. Non-science GPAs include Behavioral Science, English, Math, and Other Non-science."
That is straight from the AACOMAS handbook.
If your fungus class is a BIO(input course # here) then it will count under sGPA.
As for what you want to do for the summer that is up to you. I personally would put the time into studying for the MCAT if you feel that extra time spent will help your chances of becoming more prepared and achieve a higher score. Medical schools also like seeing balance in whatever you do so while you should always keep up clinical work etc. it is nice to show that you also enjoy volunteering in the community and other such activities (conveys the point that you like volunteering in general and not just to boost your resume). If research is what you like to do then more power to you in taking that internship. Point is, do whatever you think will help/be most enjoyable.
Hey everyone:
I am considering applying to an SMP program as I have not gotten any acceptances yet for the 2010 cycle. 6 interviews so far and 3 waitlists, 1 rejection and 2 more to go, all of them osteopathic schools.
My stats:
3.35 cGPA, 3.27 sGPA 30R MCAT (12BS, 10PS, 8VR)
Good amount of clininal, EC's and volunteering
Should I conisder this route if I don't get accepted this year? And which top 5 SMP's should I consider applying to this month? Also, is it too late for me to apply to some of the more competative ones. Please advise, THanks!!
I am considering applying to an SMP program as I have not gotten any acceptances yet for the 2010 cycle. 6 interviews so far and 3 waitlists, 1 rejection and 2 more to go, all of them osteopathic schools.
My stats:
3.35 cGPA, 3.27 sGPA 30R MCAT (12BS, 10PS, 8VR)
Good amount of clininal, EC's and volunteering
Should I conisder this route if I don't get accepted this year? And which top 5 SMP's should I consider applying to this month? Also, is it too late for me to apply to some of the more competative ones. Please advise, THanks!!
I'm a bit surprised, your stats would be good to go for most of the osteopathic schools. Did you apply late? But yes, it would be considered late in the cycle for SMPs everywhere but I think there are some whose deadlines have not passed yet. I personally would look more at applying early next cycle while taking a few classes at a local state university and continuing to do clinical activities because your stats currently imho are fine and if you apply early and broadly, you should get a more favorable response this time around.
I had my apps in very early, especially the oseopathic ones. I had interview invites in september so I really don't know what the deal is and why I am getting waitlisted. I applied to the allopathic schools late because I was waiting for my July MCAT score to come back. I still have potentially 2 more interviews but am considering this route. How about drexel? I saw there requirements for guaranteed interview, any other ones similair to this that I would qualify pending how well I do in the SMP.
It's really your call but I find it very hard personally to rationalize doing a 24,000 program when a 2000 some Kaplan or TPR course would serve me just as well if not better and maybe a book on how to improve medical school interviews. You still come out more than several times cheaper.
There are many programs that do guarantee interviews or maybe even a step further but your stats as you have posted them are good enough for osteopathic school entry. If there is something to pick at it's the MCAT and maybe you weren't applying to the right schools. The other unknown variable is your interview.
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