Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
It was changed to the 45th percentile overall and in each section
-
Practice your interview with the new SDN AI Interview Coach. Choose a school, answer by voice or typing, and receive a personalized feedback report. Available now to all SDN members. Try the AI Interview Coach.
Drexel DPMS 2015-1016
Started by ajv1213
It was changed to the 45th percentile overall and in each section
I was hoping that would apply only to the new mcat but it's not specified so it might not be.
This is what they sent:
**Please note that important changes have occurred to our College of Medicine entrance requirements. The changes affect both the GPA and MCAT requirements which are needed to enter the medical school’s class of 2016.
We will now require a minimum GPA of 3.2. The revised MCAT total score must be at the 45th percentile, with each subsection score also at the 45th percentile. Please note that these MCAT score requirements are subject to change as more data becomes available. Students in the DPMS class will be informed of any changes to these scores prior to the January 2016 MCAT exam
**Please note that important changes have occurred to our College of Medicine entrance requirements. The changes affect both the GPA and MCAT requirements which are needed to enter the medical school’s class of 2016.
We will now require a minimum GPA of 3.2. The revised MCAT total score must be at the 45th percentile, with each subsection score also at the 45th percentile. Please note that these MCAT score requirements are subject to change as more data becomes available. Students in the DPMS class will be informed of any changes to these scores prior to the January 2016 MCAT exam
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
.
Last edited:
Don't get too worried about it, people from last year said the same thing and was later invited. So don't count yourself out just yet.
I submitted around the deadline. I was marked complete about 4 days later, and received an interview invite the day after.
I think that definitely doesn't soothe @neurobio23 's concern
You're totally right. I'm sorry. What I meant to say is that our completion dates are only a few days apart (4/28). So I think you'll definitely be getting an email soon.
Hey Guys, Can any current/former DPMS students on here tell me the matriculation rate of those in Track 1. Track 1 students have to retake the mcat, so what is the success rate with that? Since they are balancing coursework and studying for the mcat (especially with the new and longer mcat now) I feel it is a doable but yet difficult task. Why don't drexel provide a summer mcat prep for these students and allow them to solely focus on that so it can increase their chances of meeting the "guarantee" requirements.
I am asking this bc I just received an interview invite to dpms but also have been accepted to another program, that provides a summer mcat component, and although it isn't a true guarantee, it has a high matriculation rate and indirect guarantee into the medical school granted your performance is great (your mcat does not have to be too stellar). I would have to retake the mcat with dpms/this program anyways. And do not want to chance it by not meeting dpms mcat requirement and be out of the app pool another year. I will call dpms and ask as well, but I Just wanting you guys feedback before I blow 500-600 dollars on a flight and interview that can go 50/50.
I am asking this bc I just received an interview invite to dpms but also have been accepted to another program, that provides a summer mcat component, and although it isn't a true guarantee, it has a high matriculation rate and indirect guarantee into the medical school granted your performance is great (your mcat does not have to be too stellar). I would have to retake the mcat with dpms/this program anyways. And do not want to chance it by not meeting dpms mcat requirement and be out of the app pool another year. I will call dpms and ask as well, but I Just wanting you guys feedback before I blow 500-600 dollars on a flight and interview that can go 50/50.
Just out of curiosity what other program is that you got accepted into, that offers the summer prep?
At what campus do DPMS students take their classes at?
I think, from reading past threads, that classes are live streamed to DPMS students at NCB (New College Building). The actual medical classes are on Queen Lane Campus
When is your interview? I picked 5/11 as my date and I actually already booked for 5/10. But since you don't pay till you get there that would be doable if yours is the same day.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Matriculation rate of track 1 ranges year to year but is close to the overall matriculation rate(since they make up a much larger portion of the class than track two's who almost all make it.) bunch of people I know self-study over summer then went into mcat prep classes(since they had time)
I also got an interview offer, will be interviewing on the 11th. Are there recommended places that we should look for lodging (is it the bed and breakfast places they included in the information email)?
Also, regarding the new GPA requirement, if we aren't there now, does that mean that is the GPA we are expected to have in the program (assuming we are admitted)? Good luck everyone!
Also, regarding the new GPA requirement, if we aren't there now, does that mean that is the GPA we are expected to have in the program (assuming we are admitted)? Good luck everyone!
The GPA and MCAT requirements are what you will need to obtain if you are admitted into the program. (i.e through course work and/or retaking the MCAT)
I'm pretty sure that is the case because otherwise why wouldn't they just list the specific subsection scores needed? For the old MCAT they still know what a certain number means; they're only specifying a percentile requirement because no one knows what to do with the new exam. That's my reasoning at least.
the 8/7/8 breakdown, do you know what percentile that was? I know it depends on when you took the test but.. on average do you know?
8 in P.S for 2013 is in the 51% percentile, 7 in verbal is the 40% and 8 in biological sciences is 41%
I spoke to someone about that and it's all inclusive for old and new. Also I don't think anyone will be applying and getting interviewed with the new mcat because taking the earliest date would have made you ineligible to apply. If it's the only mat score you'll be getting at least.
Thanks for the info! That's surprising. It looks like the new minimum will probably be around 8PS/8V/9BS then?
Ok since I've seen this asked more then once I figured I would do my best to clear it up as best I can. As someone mentioned already matriculation rates are going to vary from year to year. That being said I can tell you about the most recent med school matriculated class of DPMS students (aka they are now 1st year med students and did DPMS last year). I believe the class started with around 42 that entered the summer program, of that 2-3 people left right away cause they had gotten accepted off the waitlist into other US med schools. During the first semester another 3-4 decided medical school wasn't for them or for whatever reason decided they would rather do something else. So, lets say now that leaves 35/36 students so from these give or take half or slightly more are in track I (retaking MCAT) and half are in track II. From the track II group everyone but 1 person made it. From the track I there might have been 2 that people that didn't get the GPA require, the rest that didn't make it was because of the MCAT which might have been 5 people. To be honest though a lot of people, myself included, put off the MCAT studying throughout the year and for some people that came back to bite them in the butt. So, I would say the classes are def doable I mean if you think about it your only doing about half the work load that normal 1st year medical student is required to do. Will it be challenging, YES but if you do what you have to do there should be no reason you aren't receiving your white coat the following year. I just recommend for all those that end up in Track I to not put the MCAT off especially because this will be the first year with the new section.
As far as the difficulty of balancing coursework and studying for the MCAT thats all about proper time management and also depends on how much you need to bring your MCAT score up and in what section.
Why don't they do the prep course in the summer... who knows thats something to ask the admins I think that's one thing everyone complains about honestly. My assumption is they would tell you because they want you to use the summer to find housing, get used to the city (aka NCB where your classes will be), most importantly tho probably so you can get a chance to preview the material for the Fall semester (which will def give you a leg up on everyone else taking the same classes), and lastly probably because they feel that the time over the summer you would have isn't enough time to properly prepare for the MCAT. (which I don't agree with but whatever haha).
As far as what you should do or not and this goes for everyone, that's really only for you to decide. It's a great program with the unique benefit of having a seat guaranteed in the med school. Just have to make the most of it. Either way good luck to you with whatever you decide.
Last edited:
Yeah that is what it looks like. If they look at both my scores they'll have that. So I hope they do. Also I spoke to 2 people and they say the info is super fresh and they won't know for sure until decisions have been made for those accepted. So it'll be based on the pool they pick I guess? Haha. I'm just crossing fingers now.
Oh so if your doing the math that means started with 42 - 14/15 (got accepted to med school elsewhere, left on their own, or didn't meet requirements) = 27/28 that retained their seats into the med school. So, calculated out you would end up with a matriculation rate of like 66%, which is probably where that other person got their number from. Realistically if you only count the people that actually completed the entire year of the program and then didn't get accepted then the matriculation rate is more like 80%. With the mcat being the largest culprit for those that weren't accepted. Hope this was helpful.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Just to give my perspective for the individual above still deciding on what do., I think DPMS is a great opportunity for those who are looking to get into medical school and don't have a viable alternative at the time... If you have another acceptance to a DO school or a low tier MD school, a more direct linkage post bac/masters, or a more cost effective means(this isn't gonna be cheap)....I would assume the risk of DPMS would far outweight the benefits as you will certainly have to earn your guarantee, but if this is all that you have ( pretty much the case for me at this point lol).., this is a golden opportunity... A past dpmser put it simply for me on my interview day...he said this can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make or one of the best decisions you can make.. And the only difference will be whether or not you work hard enough to make the contract...which he concluded is not gonna be easy but VERY doable, but you have to know yourself...I wish you luck and I'm sure you're going to make it and be a great physician one day regardless of what you choose
Last edited:
Thank you for taking time out to respond. I really appreciate it. I understand completely about time management and not doubting myself or my abilities. However, the person should put themselves in the safest and smartest situation, to eliminate any chance of waiting out another year (if requirements aren't met). And after calling the admissions office and hearing that the matriculation rate is 50% (give and take people leaving, etc), I am not to thrilled by those percentages. And the admissions director stated that they tell you post interview which track you will belong to (so its an holistic approach they take to determine it). I do wish they invested time with those having to retake the MCAT and let them do that in the summer, but like you stated thats something to bring up to the admins.
I really think it's just preference. I personally, prefer that it be done over the semester. MCAT prep courses are already hard work and condensed into 4 weeks or so is not idea to me (especially with moving), although it may be for the next person... Plus, there's nothing stopping people from studying for the MCAT in the summer if they choose to do so. You aren't restricted to take the MCAT on a specific day, you just need to get the required score to matriculate into medical school.
Couldn't agree anymore, plus isn't there two courses that DPMS students take designed to help you prep for the MCAT.
Thats true. Its a personal preference. We all know the type of individuals we are. Its all one goal (to get into medical school and become a doctor) whether if its at dpms or any other program. I appreciate everyone's input!!
Is the portal only updated once a week???
Ummmm track one is typical restricted to a month to take(aka can't take it before April this year people could only take it in January before the old tests were stopped being giving still have the three tries though) studying however is not restricted and some people I know(because I helped them in the physics section and got a 14 on that) studied during the summer.
During my conversation with Dr. Walker, I asked her if I could take the MCAT before the program started officially in August and she said that it was up to me but that they do offer the prep classes during the fall. I could have misunderstood, but how would they "block" you from registering for it?
I wonder the same thing. I feel like it's never really updated, maybe not until after May 28th. The banner site, however, seems to change more frequently... It seems that people were getting invites every few days and sometimes even random days. Have you gotten an II?
No I haven't heard anything. I check the portal daily and it still says that my file is complete and under review.
Before starting is fine the thing is during the program and they don't block it but if they say don't take your test until April if you haven't taken it already and you go ahead and take the test when you send the score as proof that shows up and boom you violated the contract and there goes the conditional acceptance.
Two people tooK it before staring ended up getting the grade and were track two's for the program.
Two people tooK it before staring ended up getting the grade and were track two's for the program.
Long story short if you have a test date already set for before August/September keep it if you don't, don't make one
Are you saying that we have three tries to take the mcat and get the score necessary to matriculate into medical school?
Wow! That's crazy. So it will actually be considered a violation if I were to take the exam, lets say in December??? Not that I was planning on doing that but being restricted to do so feels so.... Restrictive lol. Had no idea. Thanks for that info.
In that case, I'd check once a day or every other day. People seem to be getting random IIs so keep checking, just not incessantly like some of us have, it'll drive you insane.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
The administrator stated that the new 45% equates to a 25 on the old MCAT. She, however, did not specify exact breakdown. I think there is more that they have to find out about this new test.
Yeah or if in the fact of if you take in out of their range without approval... and get the score you have to take it again in their time frame and if you don't get it then( because you could fluctuate between a point or two by luck) its tough toenails pinky you didn't get it.
I'm not trying to scare you I trying to make sure that if you are thinking of getting a test date over break now to save the money for I don't know if they will reimburse for moving the date.
I'm not trying to scare you I trying to make sure that if you are thinking of getting a test date over break now to save the money for I don't know if they will reimburse for moving the date.
I'm in the same boat...this wait is making me a little nuts. I check the banner, and portal at least 10 times a day... 🤣
Does that mean that you did not get an II? If so, don't let it discourage you. Your path to being an MD will just begin elsewhere.
