Early Assurance SUNY Upstate

[owleyes]

Any recent success stories for the Early Assurance Program at SUNY Upstate? What was you GPA and what stood out in your application that you think gave you an edge over others? Is there anyone out there who got accepted to this with a not so hot GPA? Also, anyone have recent stats on the program? like how many applied and how many got in? *thanks a bunch!*

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[finch]

I got into the program. From what I understand, they get maybe 100-200 applications, interview about 45 applicants (3 interview days, 15 interviewees each day) and then accept maybe 25-30 students. I think that the program is great- you don't have to ace the MCAT like most premeds, which has got to really lower stress during your last couple years of college. If you check out the school's match list, you'll see that many grads get into really competitive residencies, which is good to know if that's what you're going for.

 

[Random]

I also got in via early assurance, but it was two years ago so the stats when I was accepted may not still be current. For my year, there were about 75 interviewees and a few hundred applicants. Also, what I can tell you is that they tend to be slightly more particular about who they let in because they don't have any MCAT scores or junior year grades to base their decisions on. Historically, the GPAs for early assurance have been 0.1-0.2 better than the overall average. As finch said, lots of healthcare experience is a big plus but research and some signs of leadership (e.g. holding an office in some sort of organization) are also big positives. One other thing: while you aren't actually obligated to come if you're accepted via early admission, most people, myself included, seem to have decided to come.

 

[owleyes]

Say you have LOTS of healthcare experience but a not so hot GPA simply because you went to a difficult undergraduate institution, do you think such an applicant holds any chance? Do you guys know of any such cases that did or did not suceed?

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Say you have LOTS of healthcare experience but a not so hot GPA simply because you went to a difficult undergraduate institution, do you think such an applicant holds any chance? Do you guys know of any such cases that did or did not suceed?

I applied and interviewed for this program in 2003. I know for a fact the only reason I did not get in was because a few of my science grades were not excellent. I met with the dean of admissions- a really great, friendly, and no-nonsense woman-- a few times and she admitted that they only accept people with 3.5+ overall GPA and very close to 3.5 science GPA.

If you apply to early assurance and are not a science major, if your science grades are not excellent (especially chem and orgo)they basically will not accept you- at least that is what she told me. Also, they do not consider community college courses as seriously. Also, they prefer you to take cell bio and genetics. These are straight from the mouth of the head of admissions at Upstate. Good luck everyone!

 

[Random]

In the past several years, we've seen the overall entry GPAs and MCAT scores hold more or less steady but overall qualifications have actually risen. What we were told at orientation was that when they interview candidates, they're looking for evidence of potential for success academically but because grades in college don't correspond well to grades and class rank here, the committee tends to look at all qualifications, not just the numbers. The catch is, that's for general admissions; I don't know of anyone in my class who wasn't toward the top of their class academically and got in via early assurance. That was in 2003 so maybe things have changed

My advice is to apply anyway. The worst case scenario is that you're rejected and have a leg up on the general admissions process. One of the guys who gave me a tour on my interview day was rejected early assurance then re-applied and was accepted through the MD/PhD program and was a leader of his class throughout his time here.

Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[suk1111]

I got into the program. From what I understand, they get maybe 100-200 applications, interview about 45 applicants (3 interview days, 15 interviewees each day) and then accept maybe 25-30 students. I think that the program is great- you don't have to ace the MCAT like most premeds, which has got to really lower stress during your last couple years of college. If you check out the school's match list, you'll see that many grads get into really competitive residencies, which is good to know if that's what you're going for.

Hi I wanted to knwo what kind of grades did u have. Was your gpa very high. I have a 3.58 and 3.72 science gpa and am very involved in community services and volunteering. My only problem is that my SAT scores arent very high, but do they really look at SAT scores, please let me know. This is very important and I would really appreciate if you could respond back and let me know. thanks !!!!

 

[genswim24]

Hi I wanted to knwo what kind of grades did u have. Was your gpa very high. I have a 3.58 and 3.72 science gpa and am very involved in community services and volunteering. My only problem is that my SAT scores arent very high, but do they really look at SAT scores, please let me know. This is very important and I would really appreciate if you could respond back and let me know. thanks !!!!

You are asking a question for a thread that is four years old. I doubt the person will be around to answer it.

Hopefully someone else can chime in though.

 

[WhizoMD]

please let me know. This is very important and I would really appreciate if you could respond back and let me know. thanks !!!!

he hasn't logged in since 2007 so I wouldn't hold your breath. 🙄

 

[suk1111]

Can anyone else answer this question, if they know??? or give advice on what they think??? thanks a bunch!!!