CalMed MBS 2019-2020

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premedbrah

premedbrah

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Hello! I just applied and have been granted an interview for the MBS program at CUSM. Anyone else currently applying or in the program?
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I am! Finishing up my application today hopefully. All I need to send in are my transcripts now
 
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KEPT said:
Mind sharing your stats?
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To be honest they're pretty bad lol so I'm surprised I got an interview invite. I have around a 2.67 cGPA and 2.8 sGPA due to a very rough start to undergrad YEARS ago. But looks like GPA range for matriculants into the program last year was 2.5-3.9 so there's hope!
 
premedbrah said:
To be honest they're pretty bad lol so I'm surprised I got an interview invite. I have around a 2.67 cGPA and 2.8 sGPA due to a very rough start to undergrad YEARS ago. But looks like GPA range for matriculants into the program last year was 2.5-3.9 so there's hope!
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Did you submit a MCAT score? Also do you know if they have a good linkage with their associated medical school?
 
Hi there! Submitting my application today to the MBS program.

Anyone have additional information regarding linkage to COM???

I am OOS
 
Dr.Gains said:
Did you submit a MCAT score? Also do you know if they have a good linkage with their associated medical school?
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I did submit my MCAT score, and I will be updating my score when my retake comes out. They linkage guarantees an interview but that's all (so long as you get a 3.2 while in the program).
 
premedbrah said:
I did submit my MCAT score, and I will be updating my score when my retake comes out. They linkage guarantees an interview but that's all (so long as you get a 3.2 while in the program).
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Sweet! Keep us updated. Good luck champ.
 
I got an invite too but kind of having second thoughts after a former MBS student said MBS student doesn’t have much advantage over regular applicants
 
Hello! I just discovered this program and I was wondering if anyone could offer some insight. I was accepted to the Master's program at Touro University in California. The cost of living is significantly less in San Bernardino and I have a family, so this program looks very appealing.


My question: is one program or the other better or are they largely the same?
 
The only advantage I see this program have is that it is being offered by an MD school, otherwise I think Touro have a much better linkage and more established. I'm in similar situation as you too, I got accepted to KCU COB program but family is in SoCal soo I'm kind of on the fence for the program since a previous student from the program state MBS students don't have any advantage over regular applicants aside from the guaranteed interview. Even with guaranteed interview, you are viewed the same as other applicants who interview here.
 
I applied to the program a couple of days ago and got a request for interview a couple hours later. I'll be interviewing in late May and currently live in Norcal. I'm planning to apply to medical school alongside. My thought process is updating other schools I'm applying to with the fact I'm enrolled in a Master's program wouldn't be viewed negatively (positive if anything), and the fact that I would have a guaranteed interview (given I meet the 3.2 of course), is better to have than nothing.

It can be a risk to re-locate without having anything "guaranteed" but its largely dependent on your circumstances. Personally, re-locating somewhere where housing prices are much cheaper than where I currently live, and the fact that its only about an hour or two from central LA are huge perks! From what I could piece together from the thread @KEPT is mentioning, although there isn't any 'significant' advantage, about 4/8 of those who completed the program did get accepted to their med school (with what seems like an average MCAT of 510-515). Although it is only 50%, its not 0, and they might have not had that opportunity if they weren't in the program. As it goes for any other med school, you have to be a strong applicant outside of completing the MBS program. You can't really count on the program to guarantee you anything if the rest of your app (EC's, Shadowing, Clinic hours, etc) is lacking significantly. Just my two cents!
 
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futuredoc9977 said:
I applied to the program a couple of days ago and got a request for interview a couple hours later. I'll be interviewing in late May and currently live in Norcal. I'm planning to apply to medical school alongside. My thought process is updating other schools I'm applying to with the fact I'm enrolled in a Master's program wouldn't be viewed negatively (positive if anything), and the fact that I would have a guaranteed interview (given I meet the 3.2 of course), is better to have than nothing.

It can be a risk to re-locate without having anything "guaranteed" but its largely dependent on your circumstances. Personally, re-locating somewhere where housing prices are much cheaper than where I currently live, and the fact that its only about an hour or two from central LA are huge perks! From what I could piece together from the thread @KEPT is mentioning, although there isn't any 'significant' advantage, about 4/8 of those who completed the program did get accepted to their med school (with what seems like an average MCAT of 510-515). Although it is only 50%, its not 0, and they might have not had that opportunity if they weren't in the program. As it goes for any other med school, you have to be a strong applicant outside of completing the MBS program. You can't really count on the program to guarantee you anything if the rest of your app (EC's, Shadowing, Clinic hours, etc) is lacking significantly. Just my two cents!
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Yea I understand the guaranteed interview is a perk but I guess I was hoping for some type of advantages over the general applicants if we can do well in the MBS program. My other concerns are only 8/33 applied since majority of the SMP program offered by medical school have a linkage where a lot of the cohorts in their MBS program end up matriculating into the hosting COM after completing the program. So having such a small percentage of the class applying to the COM kind of concern me.
 
KEPT said:
Yea I understand the guaranteed interview is a perk but I guess I was hoping for some type of advantages over the general applicants if we can do well in the MBS program. My other concerns are only 8/33 applied since majority of the SMP program offered by medical school have a linkage where a lot of the cohorts in their MBS program end up matriculating into the hosting COM after completing the program. So having such a small percentage of the class applying to the COM kind of concern me.
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I'm a little confused why you're concerned that only 8/33 applied? It could be they didn't meet the 3.2 cut-off or the 504 cutoff, or their app wasn't ready (they needed to do other things to be considered more competitive), so they're delaying their app a year. I don't find the small percentage particularly concerning. You also have to keep in mind the program only started last year, so their stats will hopefully readily build up as years go by. It's hard to make any solid conclusions based off one year's stats. Hope everything works out for you 🙂
 
haha guess I'm just overthinking it. I'm just comparing it to other SMPs which have a much greater number of applicants applying from their MBS. Let see if I can get into the program after the interview then worry about the rest later hahah. BTW does anyone know when the school begin to offer federal loans?
 
KEPT said:
The only advantage I see this program have is that it is being offered by an MD school, otherwise I think Touro have a much better linkage and more established. I'm in similar situation as you too, I got accepted to KCU COB program but family is in SoCal soo I'm kind of on the fence for the program since a previous student from the program state MBS students don't have any advantage over regular applicants aside from the guaranteed interview. Even with guaranteed interview, you are viewed the same as other applicants who interview here.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply! Yeah that's really concerning to me that previous students said there is no advantage over regular applicants. I know that at Touro there's a large advantage - they reserve a seat at the medical school for you in case you move on from the SMP.

This program looks so nice because there are more jobs available in the area for my wife, cost of living is so much nicer, and it's $20k cheaper. But it doesn't do any good if it doesn't significantly enhance my ability to get into their medical school.
 
Retro.viridae said:
Thanks for the reply! Yeah that's really concerning to me that previous students said there is no advantage over regular applicants. I know that at Touro there's a large advantage - they reserve a seat at the medical school for you in case you move on from the SMP.

This program looks so nice because there are more jobs available in the area for my wife, cost of living is so much nicer, and it's $20k cheaper. But it doesn't do any good if it doesn't significantly enhance my ability to get into their medical school.
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Yea that was my thought for SMP programs too they save seats for their SMP students
 
Yes 8/33 applied, but the rest of them are applying next cycle. You still are guaranteed an interview so long as you complete the program with a 3.2, and it makes sense to apply after completing the masters (for many). If you're grades are stellar and app is ready, but you need a foot in the door, it would make sense to apply while in the program. If you're doing the MBS because you have a poor academic record, like me, then completing the MBS and THEN applying makes more sense. Most people who do an SMP have academic hiccups or are trying to distance themselves from a crappy GPA, hence why only 8/33 applied this cycle.
 
premedbrah said:
Yes 8/33 applied, but the rest of them are applying next cycle. You still are guaranteed an interview so long as you complete the program with a 3.2, and it makes sense to apply after completing the masters (for many). If you're grades are stellar and app is ready, but you need a foot in the door, it would make sense to apply while in the program. If you're doing the MBS because you have a poor academic record, like me, then completing the MBS and THEN applying makes more sense. Most people who do an SMP have academic hiccups or are trying to distance themselves from a crappy GPA, hence why only 8/33 applied this cycle.
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Yea I understand some people want to wait a gap year to apply to more school. My concern is that 75% of the class waited which is a huge number if you compare it with other programs where 75% would apply to the hosting med school since like you said majority of the people who take the SMP route already have hiccups in their academic history so it’s always the safest route to apply straight to the hosting school rather than wait and apply to other school where they have no idea how to view the program you competed, especially a new program from a new school. My assumption of going this route would lower your chances to gaining acceptance but that is just my thought. Regardless of my thought I still applied and will be interviewing for the program and worry about it later if I get accepted into the program haha
 
It would be nice if more former students would comment and give us some insight on the program.
 
Did you guys receive anything from Amber after confirming the interview date and time? Like any instruction on how to even Skype them lol
 
KEPT said:
Did you guys receive anything from Amber after confirming the interview date and time? Like any instruction on how to even Skype them lol
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She said I'd be getting an email sometime this week after getting my invite last monday.
 
KEPT said:
ah alright, thanks!
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Got the follow up email this week and interviewing today with a faculty member. Will keep ya'll posted on how it goes. Also if anyone has any insight/input from interviewing (either this year or previous years) feel free to chime in!
 
Interview was exactly 30 minutes long. Went very well, all notifications for admittance will be sent out by May 31st. Entering class is 60 students max. Many opportunities for research with 5 different concentrations. Typical interview questions, it was more of a conversation instead of a "interview". Admissions committee meets every other week on Tuesday.
 
Did you ask about their linkage?
 
Mind sharing what kind of questions were asked during the interview?
 
premedbrah said:
Interview was exactly 30 minutes long. Went very well, all notifications for admittance will be sent out by May 31st. Entering class is 60 students max. Many opportunities for research with 5 different concentrations. Typical interview questions, it was more of a conversation instead of a "interview". Admissions committee meets every other week on Tuesday.
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Thanks for all the insight! Good to know its more conversation like and less formal.
 
Just realized, the class of 2019 had 36 students but the incoming class they are capping at 60 students. I wonder if they're planning on increasing the number of seats for the med school class with the new campus opening in 2020..
 
Man I decided to do some research on the school and it's founder. Dr. Prem Reddy does not have the best reputation lol. The COM's mission and his mission does not align
 
I mean you could find that just about anywhere.. look at the Ivy League scandal? Or any variety of school's such as LECOM, Tuoro, etc.

Anyways lets try and keep the topic on track shall we
 
I applied and got an interview. Got an email a few days ago saying I am waitlisted. Does anyone know if students are actually ranked on this list? I am not sure if the waitlist is even used at some point.
 
How long did it take before you heard back?
 
OCcalistud18 said:
I applied and got an interview. Got an email a few days ago saying I am waitlisted. Does anyone know if students are actually ranked on this list? I am not sure if the waitlist is even used at some point.
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Curious to know when you interviewed and when you heard back? Also, would you mine sharing your stats? Thanks!
 
premedbrah said:
Curious to know when you interviewed and when you heard back? Also, would you mine sharing your stats? Thanks!
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interviewed on the 10th of April. Heard back on the 25th. Just got an email saying the class was full and was waitlisted.

Stats: 3.0 GPA, 500 MCAT
 
OCcalistud18 said:
interviewed on the 10th of April. Heard back on the 25th. Just got an email saying the class was full and was waitlisted.

Stats: 3.0 GPA, 500 MCAT
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response.

That's so strange, why would they continue to interview if they know the class is full? Makes more sense now because during my interview he mentioned the waitlist twice and stated that everyone who is/will-be waitlisted would hear back on May 31st regarding admittance or not.
 
premedbrah said:
Thanks for the response.

That's so strange, why would they continue to interview if they know the class is full? Makes more sense now because during my interview he mentioned the waitlist twice and stated that everyone who is/will-be waitlisted would hear back on May 31st regarding admittance or not.
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yeah that's weird. That is what the letter said: a decision should be made on or before the 31st.
 
OCcalistud18 said:
yeah that's weird. That is what the letter said: a decision should be made on or before the 31st.
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Ok well all we can do now is wait. They increased the class size from 30 to 60 this year, so that means there must be ALOT more students who applied for the program. Considering that they spammed it via email, I'm sure they were able to secure a ton more applicants
 
premedbrah said:
Ok well all we can do now is wait. They increased the class size from 30 to 60 this year, so that means there must be ALOT more students who applied for the program. Considering that they spammed it via email, I'm sure they were able to secure a ton more applicants
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Well, that's a little frustrating. I purposely chose my interview date after I take the MCAT so I could do more research on the school. Seem's like it doesn't really matter if their class is already full? I didn't realize they accepted on a rolling basis.
 
futuredoc9977 said:
Well, that's a little frustrating. I purposely chose my interview date after I take the MCAT so I could do more research on the school. Seem's like it doesn't really matter if their class is already full? I didn't realize they accepted on a rolling basis.
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That's basically what the email said. Hopefully, things work out for the best.
 
OCcalistud18 said:
That's basically what the email said. Hopefully, things work out for the best.
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I just called and asked about this, and they said the class wasn't full and they interview and consider all applicants who submit their applications by the May 31st deadline. So I guess its all up in the air? haha
 
futuredoc9977 said:
I just called and asked about this, and they said the class wasn't full and they interview and consider all applicants who submit their applications by the May 31st deadline. So I guess its all up in the air? haha
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good to hear. I guess we will all find out soon. good luck!
 
Hi, current about-to-graduate MBS student here. Just wanted to clarify a few of the numbers.

Yes, 8/33 current MBS students applied "fresh" to the med school this year and 4 got in, but another 8 came in with provisional MD acceptances based on making it to the MD waitlist in the 2017-2018 cycle (one-time offer for the inaugural MBS class). It's looking like all 8 of those will also get in; we'll know for sure once spring grades are finalized. So, 16 total applied or had been provisionally accepted to the MD program, and most likely 12 got in.

Of the remaining 17 who didn't apply this past cycle, many were coming into the MBS straight from undergrad and wanted to get more clinical experience and otherwise strengthen their med school applications first. At least one student hadn't ever taken the MCAT, so took it this spring and is applying this coming (2019-2020) cycle. Many others wanted to re-take the MCAT because they didn't yet have the minimum score required for the guaranteed MD interview. The guaranteed MD interview offer persists after MBS graduation, so someone who did well in the MBS program and just needed a higher MCAT score could use their guaranteed interview ticket for this coming (2019-2020) cycle and maybe even the following (2020-2021) cycle, if they ended up getting at least the minimum score.

Yes, the MD class size is increasing: 60 the first year (2018-2019), 90-98 this year (2019-2020), 120 next year (2020-2021).

The MBS class size is likewise increasing. We started last year with 36 students (3 dropped for various reasons). They were aiming for 60 students this coming year and it sounds like they'll meet that target.

Feel free to reply or message me if you have other questions. Best wishes to everyone applying!
 
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