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How was the SMP experience during the pandemic? It looks like we're on track to do a hybrid system for at least the first semester so I am curious how it went for you guys.
2020-21 University of Cincinnati SMP Discussion Thread
- Thread starter labtech312
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So the lockdown began after our Spring break. At that point we had just completed the Respiratory section of GMP II, and had Neuro + CAPSTONE + Stats left. They did a VERY good job on such a short notice on getting everything together in a timely manner. There was one stick in the mud, who did not adjust well, but I will not point fingers publicly. Overall, i think it made GMP II easier, for me at least. Sitting in class for those lectures was miserable, but watching them from home was a much easier experience than in GMP I. Stats was adapted well enough for an online format. Neuro was adjusted equally as well, Dr. Reyes really is a gem. She wants you to succeed and is VERY aware of how difficult the other courses are. Now CAPSTONE... that got a little messy. I am sure they will adjust it this year from my year, as we were supposed to do a poster and present to faculty , but obviously that did not happen. So we were reduced to making a ~10min video presentation on our topic + our paper.
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Hey overall what did you think of the program and how did you find housing/what do you recommend ! Thank you
The program was very difficult, but I feel very prepared for this application cycle. I also have proven to myself that I can succeed in medical school, definitely helped with imposter syndrome.
As for housing, it really depends. If you don't have a car, there's a ton of apartments off Eden Ave, that are within walking distance, but are a little pricey. Avondale is not the best area so I would shy away. If you have a car check out mt lookout, Hyde Park, Norwood. All within 15min of campus and rent will be nearly half of that near campus. Parking permit is like 400$ a semester though, keep that in mind
For GMP II online, how did you study? I'm very nervous about having online classes again. Also, were they simulcast or available to watch on your own time for you? TIA!
Wait for orientation, the alumni have some tremendous resources for you. They were pre-recorded and then posted. But I used Anki the whole way through.
Hi! Do you mind sharing your stats and how this SMP helped you for medical school applications? Also how exactly does the linkage work? I am confused on what the linkage process exactly is.
517 MCAT
3.1 UG GPA
3.92 SMP GPA
It showed me that I was capable of doing medical school, and helped me fix a lot of bad habits I had. I'm currently applying right now. It's not a linkage, but a guaranteed interview as long as you score no lower than a B in all the courses, and get a B+ in the three medical school blocks (FOMM, FOCM, MSK). If you meet the criteria, your next application cycle they will pull your app for an automatic interview. Unfortunately it seems they wait until quite late in the cycle to extend the II to the SMP students
Wow this is amazing!! Good job on this!! If you don't mind me asking, what made you choose an SMP over a postbacc?
Thank you!
My UG GPA was very low, so taking enough credits in a DIY postbacc would take a long time, and be expensive (limited financial aid is available for those who already have a bachelors). Similar issue with Temple's postbac program, you wont qualify for gradplus or unsub grad loans if you already have a bachelors, opposed to if you are in degree rewarding program (ie SMP). UC SMP had a great track record with a quasi-linkage. Tulane ACP was my #1 choice, but i did not have a W to apply.
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Any idea if any of the accepted students (this year or previous) had a sub 3.0 gpa? I plan on applying next year and will likely have around a 2.85-2.9 gpa by the time I apply. (Undergrad in combination with DIY postbac, although i have a 1.5 year gap between my undergrad and postbacc).
Although the avg gpa of accepted students is a 3.0, I read that the program seeks students who "have a significant gap in time from when they were undergraduates; did not emphasize biomedical sciences as an undergraduate; have poor undergraduate GPAs that do not reflect their academic potential."
I can't speak on anyone elses GPA. But the common thread amongst us was low GPA and high MCAT
I recall a few students both in my class and the one before having an undergrad GPA near 2.9, who then crushed the SMP (~3.9), and earned med school acceptances. The "academic potential" quote implies a strong MCAT with great GPA trends, and that's generally what my sub-3.0 classmates had.
futuredoc_11
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this is probably answered in previous threads, but is this program a linkage program? if so, how does it work?
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@futuredoc_11 they have a guaranteed interview if you get over a B+ in which of the three med blocks
