Drexel DPMS 2020-2021

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Current DPMSer here. A friend of mine who is also Track 2 right now, interviewed in early June and got in just a week before the program started on July 1st. All that to say, there truly is no rhyme or reason for how they look at applicants and the timing for choosing who will enter the class.

For my case this time last year... Submitted March 10th, got an interview invite on April 10th. They proposed interview dates which were all within 2 weeks away. I interviewed 2.5 weeks later and got accepted 2.5 weeks post-interview. Since I was out of the area, I made a little vacation out of it because I deserved it. 😛

So that alone, you're looking at a 2 month minimum turnaround to really know when you're in or not. But know that things on admission side are different this year simply because there's literally a global crisis happening right now. All I can say is that I was anxious not knowing if I'd get into ANY postbacc programs during app cycle, and it was hard dealing with the uncertainty. But just know that you'll end up in a great program no matter where it is 🙂
 
Hey y’all!

I got an interesting question in my DM, and I would like to share the question and answer I provided because I think a lot of y’all may have the same question because I know I had this question too when I was applying. I’m sure that @WrldPeace could also tell you from their experience. Their DPMS year is hugely different than mine due to this virus, and up until the pandemic started, I would say that our years were very very similar.

Q: Why is the matriculation rate 50-60%? Were you properly supported to make contract?

A: That’s a good question honestly. The matriculation rate is due to a lot of different reasons. The reasons include the GPA cutoff, the MCAT cutoff, track 2 (non-MCAT track) failing one of the pass-fail classes, mental issues (which if you’re a worrier naturally, I’m really worried for you. This program is the most mentally, spiritually, and academically hard year of your life. Getting good coping mechanisms for anxiety is a MUST to succeed in this program), the volume of the material to master in such a short amount of time, the rigor/demand/expectations of the program, personal issues, and monetary issues. Those who don’t make contract is due to usually a combination of the things I listed above.

One thing I can say that I’ve noticed in my DPMS, the prior class, and this current class is that learning issues/disabilities and mental health are the major HUGE culprits. The anxiety inducing nature of this program can bring out the worst in people, and people are afraid or feel shame due to it. This is not true honestly. I will say that the school is really good at providing support and directing you to what may help you. The director, Dr. Núñez, is a huge support and tries to implement what students tell her to help shape the program. The professors are very open and receptive to working with students and helping them. Plus you have me to help in any way possible. I’m very invested in making sure that each student reaches success. So yes, I did feel supported with the school, plus the network of students around doing the same thing will help immensely, and the strength you find in yourself will help. You will definitely have to learn how to also depend on yourself because even though you have support around you, you will have to be your own biggest cheerleader and motivator. Also you have to be truthful with yourself and truly introspective to recognize where you may need help. This journey is your’s alone, but you have many others around you on the same journey.

One of biggest advices is that those that get into the program to learn first is to immediately ask for help the moment they get here. I hate seeing people who can do well in med school and deserve to be there not make contract due to their rate of turning things around academically/mentally/etc. for themselves being a tad too slow and late. Go to the academic coaches, the TAs, the professors, and big you’ll be assigned and ask how to succeed and to address your own particular issues. Second, a HUGE HELP, if you have a learning disability or anxiety, please please please get help with it now. Go to a doctor, therapist, etc. and get recognized for having these things, and then when you get to school, ask for accommodations such as distraction free testing sites or extended time. This is what I did, and it helped me with my anxiety immensely because I felt like I had a fighting chance to succeed then.

One thing that isn’t written on the site is that most of those who don’t make contract usually get into med school the following year due to having a great master degree under their belt! DPMS isn’t the last and only step for anyone who wants to get into med school. Also, another option that isn’t explicitly stated is being able to switch over to the IHS program during the year or even go into it the year after DPMS ends. This has helped so many people, and I know 2 students personally who did this and just got their acceptances into med school for next year.

All this being said, the final thing I want to say is that DPMS, even with all I just said, is very doable AND possible to succeed. It is a gamble, but one that is so worth it. It will teach you how to study, how to handle the stress and rigor of med school, and how to be one with yourself mentally and spiritually. I would be failing my first year of med school without the things I’ve learned during my year in DPMS, and I’m doing very well now. Also, my DPMS year (last year) was the highest % ever to matriculate at about 60%, and with the input the director has taken from my year, it looks like the matriculation rate for this current class will be even higher still.

I hope this helps!!
 
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I agree with what @SparklesDuWang said. I have never been in an academic program that has offered so much emotional and academic support as DPMS. The dedication of our TA's and our DPMS director has been phenomenal and a huge part of the reason why I've been successful. I believe most of my peers feel more confident in their ability to become physicians due to this program.
 
fireandash03 said:
For anyone curious, I contacted Steven Rogers about a week and a half ago to ask about acceptance decisions affected by covid19 and he said that interviews were planned to start this week. So expect word back soon.
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Hi, thank you for reaching out. So they will be sending out interviews as well as more rejections this week? Because I know a few rejections have already been sent out last week. Really nervous and anxious haha!
 
MZ96 said:
Hi, thank you for reaching out. So they will be sending out interviews as well as more rejections this week? Because I know a few rejections have already been sent out last week. Really nervous and anxious haha!
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I'm assuming so
 
Is anyone here applying without the mcat score? I submitted my application without my mcat (originally march 27th) and I am worried that they won't look at my application even though they advised me to submit my application. I keep getting notifications from Drexel about it and it's making me really anxious
 
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Coffee_addict77 said:
Is anyone here applying without the mcat score? I submitted my application without my mcat (originally march 27th) and I am worried that they won't look at my application even though they advised me to submit my application. I keep getting notifications from Drexel about it and it's making me really anxious
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Did you try emailing them and seeing what their current plan for applicants in this situation? We’re in unprecedented times right now so I can’t imagine they’re not taking this into consideration. My own testing date for May was also cancelled. I imagine June could even be affected as well.
 
Pre-II rejection here haha at least you guys survived! Hope they will start sending out some good news 🙂
 
Have you guys submitted financial aid information?
 
Hey everyone, another current DPMSer here! I feel like I'm late to the party but feel free to DM me if anyone has any questions or just wants a different perspective on how the program is. My colleagues have answered your questions wonderfully but I will try my best. I am in Track one meaning I had to retake the MCAT. Good luck and keep pushing, yall got this!
 
docjordan said:
Also got an interview! Same thing as above as far as the days, and my portal still says under review. I was completed in November.

Haha any interview advice anyone?
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cubabgooding said:
Interview invitation today!! Feeling very blessed!
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Congrats to the both of you!!! Now I’m even more anxious! I wonder if they send out invites in one sweep or they send them out individually.🤔
 
docjordan said:
Also got an interview! Same thing as above as far as the days, and my portal still says under review. I was completed in November.

Haha any interview advice anyone?
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Just be yourself! Not sure how it will be this year since its virtual, but ours contained an ethical prompt which we had to write 1 page on. Then we each had different faculty interviewing us, so it really does depend on who you get. In general, I've heard great things about the interviewers. Again, just be yourself, speak about how you are disadvantaged student and how you plan to use that as your catalyst/ motivation to be a doctor. They also want to make sure you are capable of the work load so be prepared to come with lessons you've learned along the way about your study habits and what you hope to improve
 
docjordan said:
Also got an interview! Same thing as above as far as the days, and my portal still says under review. I was completed in November.

Haha any interview advice anyone?
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First thing, congrats on getting an interview! That’s awesome!

Second, as for advice, @Future Dr. Sanchez has said some great things so far. I want to my 2 cents in as well.

First, WEAR A SUIT! (At least from the waist up lol) Even though these interviews are online, give it the kind of seriousness and respect it deserves. As one of the professors at the school told me once, look the part, and then I’ll let you act the part.

Second, here are some suggestions and prep tricks I think that will help y’all.

Frequently Asked Med School Questions

Why medicine/why do you want to become a physician?
I suggest having 3 reasons for it. Know what your 3 reasons are well, but most importantly don’t memorize a script. The reason only to memorize your points is so that when you’re in the interview, the answers comes out organically and not rehearsed.

Why this school/How will our program aid you in making your goals a reality?
Research DUCOM like if it’s your #1 choice. Knowing key information about it such as what programs it has, its mission statement, who are key players at the school (eg dean, directors, etc) will show that you know what the school entails and offers. Do this the night before your interview or morning of to have the information be as fresh as possible.

What makes you unique?
When talking to the interviewer, it's important to not compare self to others. Highlight what you bring and show how it can be an asset to your future peers and patients.

What are my good and bad points/strengths and weaknesses?
I recommend coming up 3 of each. Make sure that your bad points are qualities that have led you to developing new strengths. Flip the situation into a good light as I like to say. The strengths part can definitely tie in with how you answer with how you will contribute to our program/school.

When y’all are going through these questions, ask the person you’re practicing with how you came off and how you acted. It’ll be a good thing if they identify the small non-verbal communication that can come off as red flags. If you want also, which I did, record yourself when you’re answering the questions. I know it’s cringe worthy, but it truly does help to see how you come off.

Also, I suggest knowing your CV very well. You will get asked questions about it, and being able to summarize your work history, clinical activities, research activities, etc in a precise and concise manner is a plus. It would also be wise to aware about what's happening currently in the world of healthcare (prior to the coronavirus also), know what the ACA is and how it changed healthcare, know the different types of health insurances, and know the difference between medicaid and medicare.

With prep, you will do amazing and have less anxiety.

Overall, Good Luck!
 
To add to my colleagues' comments, I did a phone mock interview with my undergrad's pre-health office before my DPMS interview. I wore my suit during the mock interview (and the real one!) and knew my resume and essays really well. I treated it like a REAL med school interview, because it truly is. The interview is a time for them to get to know your personality and add additional information on what you've already mentioned in the application. For example, you could use it as an opportunity to explain a meaningful patient interaction you had that confirmed that this was the right career for you.

Last year, interviews were open file, so the interviewer knows your stats, personal statement, etc. prior to the interview! Also mine was no more than 30 minutes and it flew by.

Beforehand, I knew the guiding principles of Drexel's med school, its mission, curriculum and values to really tailor my personal story to how they fit into my career as a doc. This helped me really shine!

Also consider this question you may be asked: If you aren't accepted to medical school this year, what will you do? Can allow them to really see your dedication and commitment to medicine. Good luck!
 
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Thank you for all the info! I was just wondering how long the whole process was? It’s one faculty interview that’s 30 mins? And then I heard there is a writing component? How long did everything take? Thank you!
WrldPeace said:
To add to my colleagues' comments, I did a phone mock interview with my undergrad's pre-health office before my DPMS interview. I wore my suit during the mock interview (and the real one!) and knew my resume and essays really well. I treated it like a REAL med school interview, because it truly is. The interview is a time for them to get to know your personality and add additional information on what you've already mentioned in the application. For example, you could use it as an opportunity to explain a meaningful patient interaction you had that confirmed that this was the right career for you.

Last year, interviews were open file, so the interviewer knows your stats, personal statement, etc. prior to the interview! Also mine was no more than 30 minutes and it flew by.

Beforehand, I knew the guiding principles of Drexel's med school, its mission, curriculum and values to really tailor my personal story to how they fit into my career as a doc. This helped me really shine!

Also consider this question you may be asked: If you aren't accepted to medical school this year, what will you do? Can allow them to really see your dedication and commitment to medicine. Good luck!
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How long did it take your application to be complete? My my committee letter was submitted yesterday and the portal still shows awaiting.
 
MZ96 said:
Thank you for all the info! I was just wondering how long the whole process was? It’s one faculty interview that’s 30 mins? And then I heard there is a writing component? How long did everything take? Thank you!
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Overall, the interview took about 3 hours. There’s an information session to talk about what the program is, what the school provides, what classes you’d be taking, financial aid packages, who the key players of the school and program are, etc. Then there’s a Q&A session with current DPMS students and then one with prior DPMS students that are in the medical school. After that, you will have your interview with faculty (open file) and ethics essay (which you’ll also be given 30 minutes to complete). Usually in person you’ll be given a tour of the med school , but I don’t know just yet how they’re going to do that virtually. That is it.

I hope this helps!
 
Hey everyone!

I am hosting an Instagram Live on Sunday to answer any questions about DPMS with 2-3 of my peers. This will be the perfect chance to chat with us and ask any questions before interviews begin next week

Please feel free to follow my page and join the live! My Instagram is mostly geared to premed, motivating and inspiring you guys so I am always posting things and sharing my experience with my audience.

IG: Edeline.sanchez
 

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