Drexel IMS vs. MSP

[Dr. Wexler]

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I'm a senior in college looking into the post-bacc route. I plan to take the MCAT in August.

Based on what I have seen on the Drexel website, I don't really fit into either their IMS or MSP program. The IMS program requires an MCAT score for admission (which I won't have until it is too late), and the MSP program seems geared to students who havent taken the MCAT yet. They MSPers 'have' to take it in April while they're in the program.

Is there a place at Drexel for someone like me? I need to improve my undergrad science GPA, but hopefully I won't be needing to retake the MCAT.

 

[thatguyagain]

I'm a senior in college looking into the post-bacc route. I plan to take the MCAT in August.

Based on what I have seen on the Drexel website, I don't really fit into either their IMS or MSP program. The IMS program requires an MCAT score for admission (which I won't have until it is too late), and the MSP program seems geared to students who havent taken the MCAT yet. They MSPers 'have' to take it in April while they're in the program.

Is there a place at Drexel for someone like me? I need to improve my undergrad science GPA, but hopefully I won't be needing to retake the MCAT.

See the thread that we are all currently commenting on. It says pretty much everything there is to say.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=251550

To answer you question though:
IMS=for people that need GPA booster to get into schools
MSP=for people that need MCAT booster (everyone that is in MSP has already taken the MCAT...it's a requirement) to get into schools

 

[Dr. Wexler]

See the thread that we are all currently commenting on. It says pretty much everything there is to say.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=251550

To answer you question though:
IMS=for people that need GPA booster to get into schools
MSP=for people that need MCAT booster (everyone that is in MSP has already taken the MCAT...it's a requirement) to get into schools

I saw that thread, but it didn't really address my situation specifically. The way I see it:
-I can't get into IMS because I won't have taken the MCAT
-(at least part of) the MSP program will be redundant (assuming I do well on the MCAT in Aug)

Were there any Drexel MSPers were in a similar situation? (Applied MSP because they didn't have an MCAT score at the time, but took the Aug. MCAT and did well, negating their need for any MCAT review).

I guess my other option would be to just not take the MCAT this Aug. Maybe I need to reevaluate this. I thought it would be a good idea to study all summer and take it, rather than try to mix MCAT prep and schoolwork.

 

[pem8erly]

May I ask why you're looking into a post-bac program? If you're planning on taking the MCAT in August, one would assume that you've taken all the pre-requisites. Are you planning on applying this year? I think we need to know a little more about your situation to better help you.

 

[Dr. Wexler]

May I ask why you're looking into a post-bac program?

I'm a senior in college w/ a science GPA of 2.89. I will be graduating in May with all the pre-req's done. I'm satisfied I've fixed what caused my low science GPA: basically not studying for my freshman and soph years. My grades for the past 2 years have been good (lowest was a B+).

Everyone I've talked to (pre-med advisors, medical school admissions people) said I need to do a post-bacc (or something else: more classes, a master's in a "hard" science) to make myself a competitive applicant. I'm from Philly and would like to stay in the area to save $ by living at home. I'm looking at local post-baccs and masters programs. (I'm not a science major, so getting into a masters in any kind of science seems like a stretch. Even then, I might do $hitty in it if all the other grad students are bio majors.)

I'm going to take the GRE within a month. I'll take an MCAT course over the summer, take the August MCAT, then start whatever kind of school I decide to go to.

In an ideal world, I would apply for admission to med school for Fall 07, but this doesn't seem to be realistic.

 

[thatguyagain]

I'm a senior in college w/ a science GPA of 2.89. I will be graduating in May with all the pre-req's done. I'm satisfied I've fixed what caused my low science GPA: basically not studying for my freshman and soph years. My grades for the past 2 years have been good (lowest was a B+).

Everyone I've talked to (pre-med advisors, medical school admissions people) said I need to do a post-bacc (or something else: more classes, a master's in a "hard" science) to make myself a competitive applicant. I'm from Philly and would like to stay in the area to save $ by living at home. I'm looking at local post-baccs and masters programs. (I'm not a science major, so getting into a masters in any kind of science seems like a stretch. Even then, I might do $hitty in it if all the other grad students are bio majors.)

I'm going to take the GRE within a month. I'll take an MCAT course over the summer, take the August MCAT, then start whatever kind of school I decide to go to.

In an ideal world, I would apply for admission to med school for Fall 07, but this doesn't seem to be realistic.

Woa. Ummm... well....
I kind of agree with pem8erly. It is strange to enroll in a post-bacc preemptively. It costs alot of money and is alot of work. Also, no GRE needed for Drexel's program.

If your settled on a post-bacc in Philly, I would probobly recommend Drexel's. It sounds like the MSP program is right for you though. IMS is definately going to way out of your league if you have no science background. On the contrary to what you believe, your lack of a science background will, however, make you a strong candidate for Drexel's Post-Bacc programs. That is a major reason as to why the exist. I would just work the reasons your are not a science major and the reasons for your low GPA into your essay. They'll like that. If you do real well on the MCAT in august, you can opt not to take that portion of the MSP program. They will make you take some other class instead, but that way you won't waste your time.

You're a complicated scenario. PM me if you need some more advice.

 

[the alchemist]

just posting in case anyone is interested. drexel has now started their phone interview process 4 the IMS program (i know since i have one this week) so if u wanna apply, apply soon as the ball is rolling now in their court...