Duke-NUS GMS

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lowmcat5

would u mind sharing ur education background and working experience with us? thx
 
lowmcat5 said:
Hi iTreg,
I am sorry to hear that u dint get it... unfortunately i dont think it was just your MCAT score. The Duke-NUS admission committee do take into consideration your recommendation, ur GPA , ur essays etc. I got in with a pathertic MCAT score of 26!
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I can’t believe that I would have to plod through life stigmatized by the knowledge that I had been judged “Not a GMS material” by someone who can’t even spell the “pathetic” word correctly….
I am so humiliated!!!!
 
iTreg said:
I can't believe that I would have to plod through life stigmatized by the knowledge that I had been judged "Not a GMS material" by someone who can't even spell the "pathetic" word correctly….I am so humiliated!!!!
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wow....elitist much? Unfortunately lowmcat5 has a point. I'm sure that the screening process includes every aspect of the application and not just the MCAT score. Even though MCATs do weigh in heavily, the admissions committee didn't rule you out simply because of a 30 on your MCAT. Plus, 30 is not a bad score. So you can stop with your imperious attitude just because somebody spelled "pathetic" wrong on a casual forum. Better yourself and apply next year. One thing I have to admit, 26 is pretty low.
 
Hi iTreg,

I got in with a 30 too, so I believe that is not your problem. No point wasting another $400 to get a higher mcat score. If you are serious in entering, why not you work on other aspects of the admission process, like getting an intern in a healthcare related area (show that you know what you are in for), think about what area of research you want to do (since this is a research based program, I think...). Dr Kamei emphasized a lot on being a fit, perhaps the GMS could not give you what you want and vice versa. In that case, its better to pursue a medical degree somewhere else.
 
Hey guys - please stop this. Let's be nice and helpful in this forum.
iTreg - Think more carefully about your application. MCAT is a factor but it is not the only thing that determines the result, as many people on this forum have pointed out. Presentation is an art. Think of yourself as a product to be marketed to the admission committee. Maybe you haven't developed close relationships with your recommenders who can write engaging letters for you. Maybe you didn't put enough effort into your personal statements. You should write stories, engaging stories that show some positive characteristics that the admission officers would like to see (e.g. teamwork, compassion, etc). Maybe you didn't show enough enthusiasm during team GMS. The bottom line is: don't be disappointed and give up. I think you should learn from this and find ways to improve next time rather than complaining and being sore
lowmcat5 - can't believe you got in with a 26. This is just low standard - put the quality of the school in serious doubt. But congrats though - you are proof of principle that a low mcat is not death sentence
 
iTreg said:
I can’t believe that I would have to plod through life stigmatized by the knowledge that I had been judged “Not a GMS material” by someone who can’t even spell the “pathetic” word correctly….
I am so humiliated!!!!
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Comeon, no one has ever humiliated you in the forum. You have misunderstood someone's post. 🙂

You have a 30 in your MCAT (30 is a good number whereas 25 and below is just plain lousy!!). I think you must have screwed up your interview or maybe your PS. How about your personal attitude? Just reapply again until you get in. You are NOT 40 years old yet!!

Don't give up. Go reapply again. Ask your best friend to read your PS and comment on it. All the best! You do not have to get angry because there are people with a 40 in their MCAT and got rejected as well. 🙂
 
So whose taking up the offer amongst the americans? Mcc? mdude? how come there are only 15 people in the facebook group? curioussss
 
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Hello everyone!

I'm a prospective applicant here 😳

Congratulations to those who have been accepted! I'm sure the wait for the acceptance letter must have been agonising!

If you guys wouldn't mind, perhaps you could kindly share with us your respective backgrounds?

I am in particular highly interested in the MCAT scores of successful applicants! How did you guys do? This is because I do *not* have a very good background for the MCAT, and I'm quite worried in this regard.

Of course if you'd like to share other bits of your background it would be most appreciated! 😳

Cheers and thanks!
 
Hi everyone,
My major is Electrical Engineering (NUS), next year is my final year. I am interested in this joint program, and intend to apply. As you know the program is open for any major. However i have not taken any biology/chemistry courses so far in the undergraduate program. So the MCAT is really the issue for me now even my Physics is very good.

Is there any advice for me from anyone? I am hardworking and have a good GPA so far. Anyone was in the situation similar to mine but still got admission? And can i take some biology/ chemistry courses to make up after i could get admission in this program? Thanks a lot.
 
For those already offered acceptance, is there a deadline for which to send in your decisions? If so, what is that deadline? I don't think the May 15th rule applies to Duke NUS does it? Someone please enlighten.
 
Hey guys,

I've been on the wait list for Duke NUS since April. Does anyone know if the classes are full? Should I just assume that I've no chance this year? Also, does anyone know how many people are on the wait list this year?
 
mikkey... Sorry to hear about the waitlist but don't give up hope yet! I think waitlist movement usually lasts until school starts, in this case end of July. If you're really curious, you can always call Dr Kamei and ask about waitlist movement.

Good luck!
 
one questions abt the admission interview...

is 2 interview (the one with admission panel and students) and essay writing arrange in the same day? what is the interview format with the student? what is their weighting in the admission?

thanks..em really nervous abt the whole process
 
pretty cool man
 
aquila said:
mikkey... Sorry to hear about the waitlist but don't give up hope yet! I think waitlist movement usually lasts until school starts, in this case end of July. If you're really curious, you can always call Dr Kamei and ask about waitlist movement.

Good luck!
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It is ok to call Dr. Kamei to inquire about the wait list? I've contacted Dr. Stenberg and he said the same thing as well--that the wait list last year lasted till July. I've also sent Dr. Kamei and Stenberg my letters of intent. Crossing fingers...
 
Can anyone who has been admitted to the gms to introduce some experience? For example, the GPA, the MCAT score, and research experience , or maybe something else. I think it may be really helpful for the followers. Thank you very much.
 
Do they accept people with second lower class from nus? and what are the degrees for the majority of people in the course? if you do not have extensive research experience, will you stand a chance? thanks in advance!
 
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mdude3 said:
To those concerned about residencies conflicting with current system in place. The Duke-NUS students will have a senior standing than those in the MBBS program because of more clinical experience. And if you didn't know, all Singapore men must serve in the Armed forces after high school so the male MBBS students will be roughly the same age or only a year or so younger than those of us who are attending close to or right after undergrad. So really age is not a MAJOR issue to those concerned in terms of post graduation training.
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Hello, you mentioned that Duke-NUS GMS graduates have more clinical experience than MBBS graduates upon graduation. How is that so because as far as I know, both routes have 3 years of clinical exposure.
Assuming that GMS graduates do indeed get more clinical experience, does it mean that they enter the internship year with a higher standing than MBBS graduates and will receive more renumeration?
 
What is DUKE NUS or GMS?
 
Hi everyone,

I'm applying for the 2009 intake. Going to sit for my MCAT in Sept. Think I can make it with a month's worth of part-time mugging???
 
i am also sitting in sept exam with full time job, work hard la.
 
anybody know except from Singapore, where else we can practice medicine after graduated from Duke-NUS with the MD degree?
(that is no need to sit for another license exam and can practice directly in the region) Thanks
 
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no response 🙁

wondering if everybody finished all 10 past paper in MCAT before test?
my test date is approaching, so nervous and still dun have confident in it...
 
my Mcat score is 32N, but the VR is only 6. Is this ok for my application for DUKE NUS?
 
Hi TravisTravis,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. As you might have guessed I was trying (unsuccessfully) to study. How did you find the paper? I must have seen you at the test centre but didn't know who you are. I didn't do any practice tests before hand.
 
As much as I'd like to say that MCAT scores do not get weighted as much as the other requirements (CV, essays) in the admission process, high scores give a higher advantage for getting a spot for applicants day (interview). I remember Dr. Casey once said that an MCAT score of 30 does not hurt the applicant's chances of getting in, but it does not help much either. I had a feeling that when you are invited for the interview, once again everyone is placed on the same plane. So my advice is, get a decent MCAT score and go all out for your interview.

Btw, 32 is a good score 🙂

Good luck to you all!
 
my mcat sucks, i did it so badly
seems that i got no chance for this yr...
anyone know their cut off marks?
 
Travistravis how do you know your MCAT scores already? For all you know you did very well.
 
i havent got my score yet, but i can tell by my performance
i hardly finish the paper in the time limit...i think should be around 20 ...
 
hello everyone

i haven't read every single post on this thread but i read at least half, and i also did visit the duke-nus website. I found that you need to do 5 years or "public service" after you graduate from this medical program. It seemed like they strongly discourage doing residency program in the US, making exceptions only when a particular residency program doesn't exist in singapore.

By no means I am trying to be offensive or anything, but I just want to find out more about this program and trying to decide whether to add this school on AMCAS: why would you choose this school? it seems like they restrict a lot of freedom and don't even let students do residency in the US. And also if you somehow manage to do residency in the US, I'm guessing you have to go back there and serve 5 years? Is this worth doing if you are not from Singapore?
 
labgod said:
hello everyone

i haven't read every single post on this thread but i read at least half, and i also did visit the duke-nus website. I found that you need to do 5 years or "public service" after you graduate from this medical program. It seemed like they strongly discourage doing residency program in the US, making exceptions only when a particular residency program doesn't exist in singapore.

By no means I am trying to be offensive or anything, but I just want to find out more about this program and trying to decide whether to add this school on AMCAS: why would you choose this school? it seems like they restrict a lot of freedom and don't even let students do residency in the US. And also if you somehow manage to do residency in the US, I'm guessing you have to go back there and serve 5 years? Is this worth doing if you are not from Singapore?
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Its worth it if you are interested in living in singapore for a while or would consider living there for the rest of your life. Probably not the best route if you want to practice medicine in the US immediately after med school/residency.
 
Travis, I'm sure everyone has the same jitters after taking the test, but they do fine. I barely made the time limits too. Shows that we maximise the time given? That said, I'm very worried abt my score as well. 🙁

Cheasus, I'm assuming you are not residing in Singapore? The reason that the Duke-NUS course comes with a 5 year bond is because the fees are subsidized by the Singapore government (MOH). As it is, we are looking at around S$36K a year in fees, cf S$65+K (US$45K) for schools in the US. I guess it benefits those who are planning to do their residency here.
 
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FYI for Singapore PR / residents, A*STAR's PhD scholarships apply only from the 3rd year of the MD/PhD programme, as they only sponsor the PhD portion. The bond to ASTAR applies, as with the MOH bond.
 
hi,
Anyone in Duke-NUS already? Could someone please tell me more about Duke-NUS and is the structure of the course really good? 😕 I understand that the students are supposed to do their own learning and meet up to discuss.. could someone tell me more about their style of teaching ? Thanks!
 
Well, I'm not in Duke-NUS, but the vice-dean of education Prof Kamei spoke to us about it. this method of learning is not new. Certain schools in the US are already using the system. It is called problem-based learning. Basically the students are assigned small groups and are given a problem. They then research it and come back with answers to present to the class. After all the presentations, they will be given a quiz on the topic, where they answer both as a group and as an individual.

I think the fairly unique aspect of the Duke curriculum is that the sciences are compressed into the first year, and clinicals begin in PGY2. You can find out more at http://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/index.php
 
hi everyone. Would anyone know where to procure the mcat books in Singapore? Been looking around for a while now to no avail. Also, regarding gms, would the school look into your application if you're in your honours year in an overseas university? As in, is it a requirement to complete the year prior to application?
 
i am not a singaporean, but to my understanding they take overseas and local equally..that is no priority is given to either side...and for overseas university, they have to send ther transcript to WRE to review.

abt the books, I bought it online mostly, amazon, or u can ask ppl here to sell u.
 
Hey travistravis. Thx for the info. Will do. Mm. so does anyone who's put their mcat behind them like to part with them for a reasonable price? Sorry for using this thread to this effect. I'm still deciding as to whether to pursue med at duke nus or to do it at usyd. Say I wanna ask. Is an honours a requisite to apply for gms? I'm really confused here.
 
I've been interested in this program for a while mainly because I could see myself living in Asia for the rest of my life and also because I want to be a 'physician investigator'. I'm a white American/European who will most likely gain acceptance to a US MD school and so I'm not looking for any out of country backups. Does anyone here, who is either currently in the program, or who lives in Singapore, have any good words about this program?

Some basic questions:

  1. Is English the official language in Singapore? Does everyone speak it?
  2. Does the school pay your full tuition, say like Cleveland Clinic or Pitt PSTP? Or do I still have to take out loans?
  3. What type of lifestyle can a Duke-NUS physician living in Singapore expect to have after residency? Comparable to an American physician living in America?
  4. I'm guessing health care in Singapore is socialized; does that mean physicians don't have to worry about not being able to treat patients? Are there problems with A*STAR? I.e. are patients denied necessary procedures, etc.?
  5. Compared to other universities in the area (including surrounding countries), how does NUS rank? Is it the 'Harvard' of the east? What about the medical school itself? Is it considered to be Asia's UCSF?
My main question is probably, if you are seriously considering spending the rest of your life in East Asia (Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan), would this be a good program to finish? Thanks in advance!
 
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wells i could help you out with the first query. yes, english is very much the official language here in singapore. as to whether everyone speaks it, wells, the vast majority does, to varying degrees of proficiencies.
 
Is anyone here applying for the 2009 intake? If so, have you all heard anything from Duke-NUS yet?
 
i plan to apply this yr but so far i still havent got my mcat result yet...

anything new for this yr application? any overseas applicants?
 
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