Anyone here thinking about early assurance programs?

[passionformed]

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How competitive are they? Specifically, the UMDNJ RWJ program; anyone here thinking about that?

 

[passionformed]

Bump

 

[Goobs]

I think the general consensus is don't apply to early assurance programs unless your stats are significantly above their average. If you don't get in you're at a severe disadvantage to every other school because of your late application.

 

[sunflower18]

I think the general consensus is don't apply to early assurance programs unless your stats are significantly above their average. If you don't get in you're at a severe disadvantage to every other school because of your late application.

Unless I'm mistaken, OP and you are talking about two different things.

Early assurance -- apply in your sophomore year, usually, and get accepted. Typically you have to do a summer program there or something, and then you matriculate along with the class you would have traditionally applied with (for example, you would be the class of 2019, but instead of applying in 2014 like the rest of class of 2019, you apply in 2013 -- but you still matriculate in class of 2019). I applied to, and was rejected from, an early assurance program (HuMed at Mt. Sinai).

Early acceptance -- apply to only one school during your normal app cycle. Hear by September or October. If you get in, great! If you don't, time to scramble.

I think if you can get into an early assurance program, go for it! And it doesn't hurt to apply, other than the time it takes and maybe getting bummed if you don't get in.

 

[NickNaylor]

If you feel comfortable committing to a program early then I'd say go for it. In general, though, I'd say to go through the normal process so that you keep all of your options open.

(sent from my phone)

 

[Goobs]

Unless I'm mistaken, OP and you are talking about two different things.

Early assurance -- apply in your sophomore year, usually, and get accepted. Typically you have to do a summer program there or something, and then you matriculate along with the class you would have traditionally applied with (for example, you would be the class of 2019, but instead of applying in 2014 like the rest of class of 2019, you apply in 2013 -- but you still matriculate in class of 2019). I applied to, and was rejected from, an early assurance program (HuMed at Mt. Sinai).

Early acceptance -- apply to only one school during your normal app cycle. Hear by September or October. If you get in, great! If you don't, time to scramble.

I think if you can get into an early assurance program, go for it! And it doesn't hurt to apply, other than the time it takes and maybe getting bummed if you don't get in.

My mistake! Thanks for catching that.


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[Lollygag]

if you feel comfortable committing to a program early then i'd say go for it. In general, though, i'd say to go through the normal process so that you keep all of your options open.

(sent from my phone)

+1

 

[Mel Belle]

I haven't really given early assurance much thought just because my test scores were not as high as they could've been as a result of chronic illness (which is now resolved, thank God). But since people keep mentioning it to me...

The school I would love to go to prefers a 1300 SAT score and a 29 ACT score. I only took them once, and with no preparation (I was more concerned about graduating with a good GPA and figured it was good enough to get into the college I wanted to...and it was). I got a 1700 on the SAT and a 26 composite on the ACT. My overall GPA at the moment is 3.90 and my science GPA is 4.00. (There's still time for that to possibly change before I apply.)

I'm just wondering if I would have a chance of getting in early assurance, considering the fact that all my stats are above what's needed except for the ACT score. I'm sure I could mention something about my extensive illness during high school within my personal statement. But I'm just wondering if I could still do it even though my high school test scores are lacking. I think it's obvious that I've been working hard (and physically able to do so) and that I actually give a **** about excelling.

I mean... I've heard that med schools like to see people continuously improving as opposed to being stagnant or doing worse.

Thanks! 🙂

Note: I realize I would have more options going through the usual process. But it's still an option that I may want to pursue if I can do it.

 

[plumhill]

Its worth a shot. Honestly if I could go back and re-do things I would've done early assurance somewhere. Trust me, its a HUGE relief to not have to worry about getting into med school. That being said, from my experience the students who get into an early assurance program are the same types of students who are intelligent/driven/accomplished enough to get into medical school the "normal' way, if they'd gone that route.

 

[Mel Belle]

Its worth a shot. Honestly if I could go back and re-do things I would've done early assurance somewhere. Trust me, its a HUGE relief to not have to worry about getting into med school. That being said, from my experience the students who get into an early assurance program are the same types of students who are intelligent/driven/accomplished enough to get into medical school the "normal' way, if they'd gone that route.

You make a great point. 👍

I just feel like early assurance could be a social stressor. You know. Having friends who aren't quite on that level and making them feel bad about themselves just by existing as an accepted applicant (if I were to make it). Though I imagine it couldn't be worse than MCAT/application stress.

Plus, I feel as though taking the MCAT is like a rite of passage. As stressful as it is, I do want to know what it would be like. I also don't know where people that are really important in my life are going to be in 3 years. I may want to go to a med school close to them if I can.

Oh. Does being pre-MD/PhD make any difference, here?

 

[Planes2Doc]

A lot of people with stellar stats get rejected each year during the admissions cycle. I don't care what anyone says, it's a crap shoot.

Medical schools aren't like undergraduate institutions or other non-health professional schools. As long as you stay in the US, you'll be golden overall. Going to a top school can give you an advantage for academic medicine residencies, but as long as you have a high step 1 score, you can go anywhere you want from any school.

By all means try to do an early assurance program. It's a whole load off your back plus you don't have to play the whole pre-med game, which will give you enough time to enjoy your life. I really wanted to do the early assurance program at UIC back when I was graduating from high school. Though we had class rank then, so that didn't end up happening.

 

[Nottinghamlace]

I did an early assurance program and as an MS2 don't regret it to this day. Around the time my friends were getting their application materials together I had already been accepted. There was nothing to do my senior year but lounge back and enjoy life. Thousands of dollars saved in application fees and interviewing and traveling. If I hadn't been accepted I would have just applied regularly...no harm done.

Just make sure you are doing it because you love the school and not because it is an acceptance. For me I had visited the school, met students from it, was perfect for location, and would have been a top choice anyway. The headache of avoiding the application process made it worth it to me to go to a school I wanted to go to anyway. Just be sure you actually want to attend because you sign your name in blood.

 

[passionformed]

A lot of people with stellar stats get rejected each year during the admissions cycle. I don't care what anyone says, it's a crap shoot.

Medical schools aren't like undergraduate institutions or other non-health professional schools. As long as you stay in the US, you'll be golden overall. Going to a top school can give you an advantage for academic medicine residencies, but as long as you have a high step 1 score, you can go anywhere you want from any school.

By all means try to do an early assurance program. It's a whole load off your back plus you don't have to play the whole pre-med game, which will give you enough time to enjoy your life. I really wanted to do the early assurance program at UIC back when I was graduating from high school. Though we had class rank then, so that didn't end up happening.

Early assurance programs are very competitive, or so one would think...

From what I've researched, it seems like they are not too competitive.

 

[sunflower18]

Early assurance programs are very competitive, or so one would think...

From what I've researched, it seems like they are not too competitive.

I think a lot are looking for very specific things. I applied to one with a 3.98 high school GPA, <32 ACT, 3.96 undergrad GPA, and 500 hours of volunteering in a hospital (among other ECs), and I didn't even get an interview. I know it's not all about numbers, but I had at least hoped I'd get an interview based on my stats. Obviously I didn't have what they were looking for, but hopefully you do!

 

[Mel Belle]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I think I'll apply, then. I still have some time to completely decide where to apply... I'm thinking either SUNY Upstate Medical or SUNY Buffalo Medical school for MD/PhD. Anybody happen to know if I would have a better chance at one or the other? UB doesn't ask for ACT scores. If not, I suppose it's more up to my discretion to choose, then. But I'm just wondering. 😛

Oh. Additionally... If I don't make it into an early assurance program does that mean my chances of getting into that school normally would be tanked?

 

[NickNaylor]

Oh. Additionally... If I don't make it into an early assurance program does that mean my chances of getting into that school normally would be tanked?

They'll likely be reduced because you'll be entering the process relatively late in the game. Obviously no one can say for sure, but it certain wouldn't be a positive thing.

 

[Mel Belle]

They'll likely be reduced because you'll be entering the process relatively late in the game. Obviously no one can say for sure, but it certain wouldn't be a positive thing.

Forgive me for any misunderstanding... But how would I be late in the game if I'm applying earlier than normal applicants? I'm talking about early assurance (apply end of sophomore year), not early decision.