Hey ya'll,
My name is Anderson and I'm a current DPMS student.
I Just want to introduce myself, as I've received some DM'S about the program and I figured my answers would benefit most of you.
I think the first thing you have to do is not compare yourself to other students based on stats. There are people with great GPA's and MCAT scores, people with low GPA's and low MCAT, and a mix of those.
DPMS is a program for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, that could be due to low SES, URM, race, sex, gender, and a mix of many other things that may have hindered you in your pursuit to one day become a physician.
EVERYONE's background is different and unique. The most important thing IMO is to be yourself when writing your essays for DPMS, and when going on the interview. Let your passion and your want for a career in medicine to show through those, but also highlight the challenges you have experienced and how they have made you a better student, and a better human, and how those things drive you to one day become a physician.
Time Line: Last year they seemed to have started reviewing everyone's application once the Due Date came. Like my friend Tzooh said. it really doesn't matter when you apply as long as its in before the due date. Interviews and acceptance came in 2 waves. I personally was in the first round of interviews (early May) and first round of Acceptances (early June). Just because you interviewed in round 1 does not mean you will get an acceptance in round 1, it could come in round 2 and vice versa.
As far as the program goes;
DPMS will test you academically, mentally, and physically!
It is a really fast paced program that is best described as drinking water from a firehose. But, do not let that discourage you from applying and giving it your all.
DPMS is hard but I have also grown as a person, I have learned lessons, and have developed friendships that I will carry with me forever.
Good Luck to you all on your journey
feel free to ask me any more questions at any point.