confused about smp and app proccess...

[smileydoc542]

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i've just been browsing the forum and I'm still a bit confused...if my MCAT score is in the 30's but my science gpa is weak, and I am accepted to an smp for 2008-2009, is it possible to apply to med schools in the summer of 2008 and be accepted while still in the SMP program, if you send grade updates and are doing well in coursework? or are you only likely to be accepted if you complete the program and have official grades for the full yr, and then apply the summer after...basically, how often are people accepted to med school without having to wait the additional yr after they've finished the smp, and do you have to have really strong credentials to begin with for this to happen?
If anyone can clear this up for me, I'd really appreciate it....thanks! 🙂

 

[Instatewaiter]

i've just been browsing the forum and I'm still a bit confused...if my MCAT score is in the 30's but my science gpa is weak, and I am accepted to an smp for 2008-2009, is it possible to apply to med schools in the summer of 2008 and be accepted while still in the SMP program, if you send grade updates and are doing well in coursework? or are you only likely to be accepted if you complete the program and have official grades for the full yr, and then apply the summer after...basically, how often are people accepted to med school without having to wait the additional yr after they've finished the smp, and do you have to have really strong credentials to begin with for this to happen?
If anyone can clear this up for me, I'd really appreciate it....thanks! 🙂

Most people end up sending in AMCAS before they have even started SMP classes. Just make sure to mention it in your PS and make sure that you include it in your list of classes on the primary app.

I did a program similar to an SMP and was put on hold for grades. I got in when they only saw my first semester grades.

 

[princessbbn]

Most people end up sending in AMCAS before they have even started SMP classes. Just make sure to mention it in your PS and make sure that you include it in your list of classes on the primary app.

I did a program similar to an SMP and was put on hold for grades. I got in when they only saw my first semester grades.

I see alot of people saying they mentioned the SMP in their personal statement...what if we only mentioned it in our future coursework planned section? I am feeling a little uneasy about not *emphasizing* it in my application. I guess I just figured they would be familiar with the program if they saw it mentioned in my application. Should I send them a letter detailing the SMP I will be starting in the fall or should I wait to send that letter once I have some grades (i.e. my first round of tests/quizes)? FYI: Most of the AMCAS schools I applied to were those that either have their own SMP program or I thought would be familiar with them.

 

[ilovescience]

I see alot of people saying they mentioned the SMP in their personal statement...what if we only mentioned it in our future coursework planned section? I am feeling a little uneasy about not *emphasizing* it in my application. I guess I just figured they would be familiar with the program if they saw it mentioned in my application. Should I send them a letter detailing the SMP I will be starting in the fall or should I wait to send that letter once I have some grades (i.e. my first round of tests/quizes)? FYI: Most of the AMCAS schools I applied to were those that either have their own SMP program or I thought would be familiar with them.

I think the program director or advisor in your SMP will write a letter and send it out to schools you applied to once you start the program. I would call to check if that is what will happen. Also, you can possibly mention it in secondaries if appropriate and/or send a letter yourself.

 

[Instatewaiter]

If you are relatively close to a dean of admissions at a certain school, go ahead and send in test scores that you get. I did that and it allowed me to get an interview much faster.

You dont have to emphasize it in the PS, especially since most secondaries will somehow allow you to slip it in there.

 

[smileydoc542]

thanks for the info!! but how much do they weigh undergrad science gpa compared to the smp test scores before you finish? do people who get accepted that year tend to have a higher undergrad gpa anyway? it seems like waiting for the semester to finish, there may be less spots by that time since it is later in the app cycle...

 

[medanthgirl]

you can definately get accepted while you are in the smp....just be sure to finish strong, most med schools will see your final transcript and request it before orientation. it's worth a shot and if you are doing well in the smp/med classes they will look at that and weight it as part of their decision

 

[DeeZi]

I'm also in the same boat in that I don't know whether I should apply now (I'm still waiting to hear back from SMPs - waitlist) or plan to apply after a year of good grades at SMP (hopefully). I have 3.1 GPA/28 MCAT so just based on that, can I get into med school just by listing my SMP courses in AMCAS? Or should I wait a year? Thanks in advance