Has anyone done the Drexel MSP program? If so, how was it? Did you get into medical school after you completed the program? If so, which ones?
Thanks for all of your help 🙂
Thanks for all of your help 🙂
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Drexel MSP Program
Started by tres_chicMD
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CaptainZero
Most people that do just one year of MSP don't apply to med school that same year...tres_chicMD said:
Cutting and pasting from a previous post of mine (sorry if it's redundant):
I'm not doing the MSP program, but I know several people that are. MSP students generally fall into the category of applicants with solid GPA's but marginal to poor MCAT scores (If it is your GPA that is hurting, and not your MCAT score, consider IMS instead). The curriculum is basically built to prepare you for the MCAT. The core courses are physics, gen chem, O-chem, Pharmacology (which apparently is basically a physio class)and anatomy. Additionally they have specific MCAT prep sessions that use the Exam Krakers books and CD's as a guide. Practice MCAT's are scheduled on saturdays for the majority of the year, so you get PLENTY of practice.
Many (most) MSP students do the MSP curriculum 1 year, take the MCAT that April, and then do the IMS program the second year. This will give you an MBS degree - Masters of Biological Science. The MMS degree (that medicine2006 has) is given to people that do IMS one year and take a few additional classes (Pathology and/or pharmacology-different than MSP pharmacology) plus some research in the second year.
Most of the people I know that did MSP last year and are doing IMS with me this year did well on the MCAT and have gotten numerous acceptances from med schools (primarily osteopathic, but several allopathic as well).
Unfortunately,I have no idea how competitive it is to get into. My inclination is that it's not very competitive though. In terms of increasing your chances of getting in, I don't really know what to tell you. If you live close by, you can make an appointment with the administrator of the program (Dr. Soslau) to meet with him and ask questions/express enthusiasm for the program.
Good luck, I hope it works out for you.
__________________
What is you dont have a high MCAT or a high science GPA? Do you think the MSP program would be the right program to pursue?
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CaptainZero
Yestres_chicMD said:
You should do MSP the first year so that you can improve your MCAT scores, and then do IMS the second year to improve your science GPA.
Thanks a lot CaptainZero. I really appreciate all of your advice. Good luck in medical school
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CaptainZero
No prob. good luck to you as well.tres_chicMD said:
Hello all,
I don't post messages often on SDN...but this time, I would very much like to have some guidance on what to do. Here is my situation: I applied to MSP about a month ago, and my application was complete as of May 28. Because I didn't hear from them for several weeks, I called the admissions and asked about the status of my application. The secretary said that my application was on hold (neither reject or admit) and the reason was that the admission officers wanted to compare my application with other applicants. What does this mean? Should I be expecting a rejection?
The secretary also said that it would help me if I write a letter addressing my interest in the program. MSP is my1ST CHOICE because I believe that it accomodates my need the best. I am going to write a letter to the admission officers for sure explaining why I must join their program, but is this enough? Does anyone have any brighter ideas? Also, what is appropriate tone in the letter? Should I be sincere, pleading, or formal?
If you can share your experience with "hold" or insights on what to say in the letter I would really really appreciate it!!
I don't post messages often on SDN...but this time, I would very much like to have some guidance on what to do. Here is my situation: I applied to MSP about a month ago, and my application was complete as of May 28. Because I didn't hear from them for several weeks, I called the admissions and asked about the status of my application. The secretary said that my application was on hold (neither reject or admit) and the reason was that the admission officers wanted to compare my application with other applicants. What does this mean? Should I be expecting a rejection?
The secretary also said that it would help me if I write a letter addressing my interest in the program. MSP is my1ST CHOICE because I believe that it accomodates my need the best. I am going to write a letter to the admission officers for sure explaining why I must join their program, but is this enough? Does anyone have any brighter ideas? Also, what is appropriate tone in the letter? Should I be sincere, pleading, or formal?
If you can share your experience with "hold" or insights on what to say in the letter I would really really appreciate it!!
Wisc-ite,
What schools did you get into? Did you apply to allopathic schools?
What schools did you get into? Did you apply to allopathic schools?
People who did MSP/IMS,
How long after your interview did you hear back from Drexel with an acceptance?
How long after your interview did you hear back from Drexel with an acceptance?
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CaptainZero
Drexel takes a while...like 6 weeks.tres_chicMD said:
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CaptainZero
Address it to Dr. Soslau, make it formal - definitely not pleading.chicago-girl said:
Honestly though, I read your post and think it's kind of funny (no fault of your own). Just hearing the "admissions officers" title being used...everything in the admissions office (more of an admissioins closet) is such a disorganized nightmare....Admissions officers don't exist. They're no where near that organized or structured, although they might like to think that they are. It's really like three people that run the show, and they do everything...Believe me, it's not like there's some large admissions committee that sits in a mahogany boardroom and discusses applications - the same three people handle everything about the program, from admissions to copying lecture handouts. I guess you kind of have to be in the program to understand how asinine it sounds to hear them refering to anyone as admissions officers.
Sorry...had to get that out...
Anyway, Soslau is the only person of real importance, address your letter to him
tres_chicMD,
I did fairly well with the admssions stuff. I posted it somewhere else on SDN, I think... but it was something like 16 interviews invites, went to 8 or 9, got accepted outright from three and eventually withdrew from all my waitlists spots except at Mayo and U Rochester. The three I got accepted to outright were: U Wisconsin, Med College of WI, and Tulane.
It you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Also, I too laughed about the Admissions Staff-thing that CaptainZero mentioned. He is right on with what he said. It is hard to explain and the post would make more sense if you went to the school and saw the program, but it is not like your college. I know someone who before coming to Drexel asked me "how big is the swimming pool" and I couldn't stop laughing for an hour. In fact that question is bringing a smile to my face now.... I would have been happy with just a pool table.
Cheers,
WISC-ite
I did fairly well with the admssions stuff. I posted it somewhere else on SDN, I think... but it was something like 16 interviews invites, went to 8 or 9, got accepted outright from three and eventually withdrew from all my waitlists spots except at Mayo and U Rochester. The three I got accepted to outright were: U Wisconsin, Med College of WI, and Tulane.
It you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Also, I too laughed about the Admissions Staff-thing that CaptainZero mentioned. He is right on with what he said. It is hard to explain and the post would make more sense if you went to the school and saw the program, but it is not like your college. I know someone who before coming to Drexel asked me "how big is the swimming pool" and I couldn't stop laughing for an hour. In fact that question is bringing a smile to my face now.... I would have been happy with just a pool table.
Cheers,
WISC-ite
tres_chicMD said:
When I wrote this I was refering to the Drexel MSP/IMS program. Thanks!
"Also, I too laughed about the Admissions Staff-thing that CaptainZero mentioned. He is right on with what he said. It is hard to explain and the post would make more sense if you went to the school and saw the program, but it is not like your college. I know someone who before coming to Drexel asked me "how big is the swimming pool" and I couldn't stop laughing for an hour. In fact that question is bringing a smile to my face now.... I would have been happy with just a pool table."
Dear WISC-ite and CaptainZero,
Now I am more curious than ever about the comments you made on the last two messages. I hope that I don't sound ignorant in anyway [not my intention]...what is so different about Drexel Univ from other colleges? It may be difficult to explain to people who haven't been there personally, but can you elaborate on your comments?
One more question pops up in my head: what are the positive and negative aspects of the programs at Drexel?
Dear WISC-ite and CaptainZero,
Now I am more curious than ever about the comments you made on the last two messages. I hope that I don't sound ignorant in anyway [not my intention]...what is so different about Drexel Univ from other colleges? It may be difficult to explain to people who haven't been there personally, but can you elaborate on your comments?
One more question pops up in my head: what are the positive and negative aspects of the programs at Drexel?
Well, I don't want to give a wrong impression about anything... but it is a post-Bacc program and NOT a full university. It is affiliated with Drexel Med and Drexel undergrad, but the post-Bacc is held in a separate location. The program is all run from the program office, so it has a local control over everything. There are only a few people who are involved in the administrative aspects of the school.
The building that houses the program is an old medical school (Hahnemann Medical School) which is attached to a hospital (Hahnemann Hospital - a 780ish bed hospital = big). Positives are that the people in the program really get to know one another as it is very similar to a medical school. The comradare that forms is amazing (if you let it) as you are competing against a foreign body (the medical school curve). And you have a lot of resources available to you. Another is that there are tons of research, volunteer, and party things to do as you are physically located in the downtown of Philly.
The negatives depend upon your situation and how you deal with things. The school is not the nicest building I have every been in, but I looked at it as I was going to school for the education and not the building. At times people complained about the organization/disorganization of things, but that is life sometimes. And it is tough, so that is hard to deal with as it really questions your motivation for things.
Overall the program did amazing things for my application. I WOULD NOT BE IN MED SCHOOL had I not done that program and I am proud that I made it through. It has given me a mind-set that everything is in my control if I take the right steps and as long as I keep working hard.
Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I am sure you have a ton as it is a big new step.
The building that houses the program is an old medical school (Hahnemann Medical School) which is attached to a hospital (Hahnemann Hospital - a 780ish bed hospital = big). Positives are that the people in the program really get to know one another as it is very similar to a medical school. The comradare that forms is amazing (if you let it) as you are competing against a foreign body (the medical school curve). And you have a lot of resources available to you. Another is that there are tons of research, volunteer, and party things to do as you are physically located in the downtown of Philly.
The negatives depend upon your situation and how you deal with things. The school is not the nicest building I have every been in, but I looked at it as I was going to school for the education and not the building. At times people complained about the organization/disorganization of things, but that is life sometimes. And it is tough, so that is hard to deal with as it really questions your motivation for things.
Overall the program did amazing things for my application. I WOULD NOT BE IN MED SCHOOL had I not done that program and I am proud that I made it through. It has given me a mind-set that everything is in my control if I take the right steps and as long as I keep working hard.
Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I am sure you have a ton as it is a big new step.
What is housing like in Philly? How much would a studio run me? What parts of Philly do you recommend living in if you dont have a car and want to be safe? If anyone has any information on housing, please feel free to post that too. Thanks
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CaptainZero
Okay. A good undergrad college is a shopping mall with sitdown restaurants, a food court, a movie theater and every store you could ever need. Drexel IMS/MSP is a homeless dude selling hubcaps from his shopping cart.chicago-girl said:
Hope that helps.
Otherwise, I agree 100% with WISC-ite's post in regards to your questions.
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CaptainZero
The closer to the school (15th and Race) the better. The Metropolitan, The sterling, Franklin Town Place (I could be wrong with this name), Park Town Place, The Ambassador, and The Windsor are all placces nearby. Studio will set you back 900-1200 per month.tres_chicMD said:
im also dealing with the whole housing situation in philly. im in the DPMS program and Ive been able to find really great housing in east falls, near the med campus. and since the shuttle goes back and forth from the med campus to center city, transportation is never a problem. there are tons of med students looking for roomates. go onto drexels COM website and check out the listings, you can also search the larger apt complexes there like alden park, the empirian and school house lane apts. i just got a studio in alden park and I know they generally range from 500-800 bucks. their cmplx also has great perks like a giant pool, sauna and gym. id rather live in this area then get stuck in the city. you should check it out.
Well, I'm officially in to the MSP program and now have to start to consider the housing issue. I'm actually planning to commute from NJ either driving the whole way or taking the train in. Has anyone heard pros or cons for this option? It will be incredible convenient to live in Jersey to start the program but I anticipate moving in to the city if the travel time get to be too much of a burden.
Congrats to the rest of you who are "in" and see you August 2nd at orientation.
Congrats to the rest of you who are "in" and see you August 2nd at orientation.
Can anyone eleborate on the classes in this program? I see them listed on the site but how are they blocked and how many actual credits is it? I need to know in trying to "boost" up the GPA.
I'm contemplating whether I should look at this or the IMS program. I think that this will help my GPA and then I could do the IMS program afterwards ... 🙂
Thanks!
I'm contemplating whether I should look at this or the IMS program. I think that this will help my GPA and then I could do the IMS program afterwards ... 🙂
Thanks!
The program credits are as follows:
14 Total Post-bacc credits that go toward your undergrad GPA (there is also 1 or 2 credit lab class... but I didn't have to take it). All of these 14 are BCPM (Bio, Chem, Physical, Medical).
Of the Grad classes during MSP there are 12.5 Total Credits. 11 in the BCPM and 1.5 in the other.
They are all put together in semester long format.
Hope this helps.
-WISC-ite
14 Total Post-bacc credits that go toward your undergrad GPA (there is also 1 or 2 credit lab class... but I didn't have to take it). All of these 14 are BCPM (Bio, Chem, Physical, Medical).
Of the Grad classes during MSP there are 12.5 Total Credits. 11 in the BCPM and 1.5 in the other.
They are all put together in semester long format.
Hope this helps.
-WISC-ite
WISC-ite said:
Can you eleborate on what the "other" classes are? Thanks 🙂
mshheaddoc said:
I goofed in my earlier post as my numbers didn't add up. The MSP classes are as follows:
Post-Bacc (count towards undergrad credits)
-Adv Topics in Chem I
-Adv Topics in Physics I
-Adv Topics in Chem II
-Adv Topics in Physics II
Graduate classes
-Lab Techniques in Bio and Cell Bio (I exempted)
-Cell Bio
-Community Dimensions of Medicne
-Graduate Pharmacology
-Special Topics in Anatomy
-Physiology
I also think there is a 3 credit research project during the summer.
-WISC-ite
Hey thanks again for your insight. I may pick your head at a later date for some more information about the program. I see you have a bunch of PM's you compiled to people. Do you sell them binded by any chance?
Another thought ...
ALthough I have a low Ugrad GPA ... wouldn't doing the MSP still help me with boosting that up a little rather than taking strictly undergrad? 😀
Thanks again!
~M
Another thought ...
ALthough I have a low Ugrad GPA ... wouldn't doing the MSP still help me with boosting that up a little rather than taking strictly undergrad? 😀
Thanks again!
~M
Hey all,
Im a graduate of the MSP Program as well, and like WISC said, I also would not have ever been accepted to a US allo med school without this program. It is a program that works if you let it. By this I mean the Drexel IMS and MSP Programs, as I am sure with other post-bacc programs, is no joke. You cant take it lightly. It is difficult work. Long hours of studying. Didnt go out much or only after exams. You are basically a med student without actually being one (if that makes any sense), except that you have the added pressure of doing well. Med students dont have to worry about doing well if they dont want to, they can get by with C's, but you dont have that luxury. It can seriously hurt your chances of getting into school if you dont at least do as well as the med school averages, which is your "B", and/or get your MCAT into the acceptable range of about 29-30, give or take a few points in many cases. But if you are up to the challenge, are willing to bear down and get your priorities straight, then this program is outstanding, and if you do well enough, it will improve your chances drastically. It will get you in.
You may want to check out another thread dealing specifically with Drexel's IMS and MSP Programs, I dont recall the name but it gives current students' opinions of the program, its pros and cons. Read it with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience is going to be a bit different. Just because one student hates it doesnt mean you should disregard the program, and just because another student loves it, doesnt mean you should definitely apply and matriculate. Bottom line is that the program has worked for others, and it can work for you if you're willing to put in the tough work. Are you willing to do whatever it takes? I was, and now that I'm done with it and was accepted into school, I look back and just marvel at how all my hard work has actually paid off. It doesnt even feel as if I had spent the last two years of my life doing the program. But I would do it all over again if I had to. The friendships I've made in the program are amazing and Im sure we will keep in touch during our journey thru med school. Good luck with everything, send me a message if you have any questions!
Im a graduate of the MSP Program as well, and like WISC said, I also would not have ever been accepted to a US allo med school without this program. It is a program that works if you let it. By this I mean the Drexel IMS and MSP Programs, as I am sure with other post-bacc programs, is no joke. You cant take it lightly. It is difficult work. Long hours of studying. Didnt go out much or only after exams. You are basically a med student without actually being one (if that makes any sense), except that you have the added pressure of doing well. Med students dont have to worry about doing well if they dont want to, they can get by with C's, but you dont have that luxury. It can seriously hurt your chances of getting into school if you dont at least do as well as the med school averages, which is your "B", and/or get your MCAT into the acceptable range of about 29-30, give or take a few points in many cases. But if you are up to the challenge, are willing to bear down and get your priorities straight, then this program is outstanding, and if you do well enough, it will improve your chances drastically. It will get you in.
You may want to check out another thread dealing specifically with Drexel's IMS and MSP Programs, I dont recall the name but it gives current students' opinions of the program, its pros and cons. Read it with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience is going to be a bit different. Just because one student hates it doesnt mean you should disregard the program, and just because another student loves it, doesnt mean you should definitely apply and matriculate. Bottom line is that the program has worked for others, and it can work for you if you're willing to put in the tough work. Are you willing to do whatever it takes? I was, and now that I'm done with it and was accepted into school, I look back and just marvel at how all my hard work has actually paid off. It doesnt even feel as if I had spent the last two years of my life doing the program. But I would do it all over again if I had to. The friendships I've made in the program are amazing and Im sure we will keep in touch during our journey thru med school. Good luck with everything, send me a message if you have any questions!
I'm in the MSP program currently. If you got accepted and are looking for housing there are apartments/dorms one block from the school that about 80-90% of IMS and MSP people live in, (STILES). I don't believe this housing option was around when wisc-ite or captain zero were in the program. Unless you are married or are bringing a serious relationship with you seriously consider living in Stiles residence hall. Unless you are a masochist or like commutes you will absolutely want to live as close to the building as possible (I'm talking about the MSP program). Some people moved to East Falls in the beginning only to move closer later on.The shuttle sucks, runs every so often and you will be isolated from your posse the further you live. Since IMS is similar to a distance learning course, you reallly only have to show up for lab tests, tests, and medicine and society the rest of your courses are viewable online (you will hear the term I'm behind 6 lectures alot). Still most IMSers live in Stiles as well. You can message me for any info. Good luck.
Basically I think the program is typified by the following statement: "Make the most with what you've been given."
Depend on no one but yourself for your success!!! I say this because I rarely went to classes, studied by myself at the library or at my apartment, and watched lectures on the computer. I frankly think that this is the best way to acheive this program because you allow yourself to maximize your study time, especially in the first MSP year where you're studying for your classes but also for the MCAT.
With that said, yes I did significantly increase my MCATs, and my GPA, and will have a Master Degree in two months. I think that if I hadn't come to this program I would probably not be in med school right now. I have currently been accepted into 2 allopathic schools.
Pros: excellent courses selection, MCAT material availiability, Web courses, High Potential for Huge success
Cons: old building, old classrooms, old library, hands off administration, no accomodation for interviews during MBS year, terrible cafeteria
Hey, but if given the chance to go somewhere else or go here, I would definitely do the MSP program. Best 2 years of my life.
Depend on no one but yourself for your success!!! I say this because I rarely went to classes, studied by myself at the library or at my apartment, and watched lectures on the computer. I frankly think that this is the best way to acheive this program because you allow yourself to maximize your study time, especially in the first MSP year where you're studying for your classes but also for the MCAT.
With that said, yes I did significantly increase my MCATs, and my GPA, and will have a Master Degree in two months. I think that if I hadn't come to this program I would probably not be in med school right now. I have currently been accepted into 2 allopathic schools.
Pros: excellent courses selection, MCAT material availiability, Web courses, High Potential for Huge success
Cons: old building, old classrooms, old library, hands off administration, no accomodation for interviews during MBS year, terrible cafeteria
Hey, but if given the chance to go somewhere else or go here, I would definitely do the MSP program. Best 2 years of my life.
