Few Questions

[med etudiant]

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Salutations.

I have a few questions regarding Post-Baccalaureate programs.

I had a poor undergraduate career- and am currently looking at Post-Bac programs. I will be graduating in May with around a 3.0cGPA with a non-science degree. All MSAR's have been taken:

C- Gen Chem I/ Lab B
B+ Gen Chem II/Lab A
B- Bio I w/ lab
A Bio II w/lab
C- Organic I / Lab A-
C- Organic II/ Lab B+
B- Physics I w/Lab
B+ Physics II w/Lab
B+ Call Biology
B+ EMT course w/ US license
No MCAT. Tentatively planed for Spring 2010 after I work/save/pay for Kaplan.

I have been accepted to several Caribbean schools, and I am currently staring at the application for the Atlantic Bridge Program.

I'm taking several upper-level science classes now, and have held off graduation an additional year in a desperate attempt to pump up my GPA before graduation (all of my major classes have been completed since last spring.)

I don't want to go the Caribbean route unless I have to. I really would like to get into a SMP but even those are a reach with my GPA.

What should I do? I searched for Osteopathic Post-Bac but the requirements seem so different for each school?

Can anyone give me some worthwhile advice?
Thanks!

 

[KiwiBruin]

I think if you do decent on the MCAT, you have a good shot at most SMPs. Just apply early. Also, Look at the 2009 list for min. GPA and MCAT scores/other requirements. There are people at most SMPs that are below minimum requirements . I think you will be fine. 🙂

Good luck!

 

[Perrotfish]

What Caribbean school accepted you without an MCAT? My first piece of advice is that of the many medical schools on the islands, the 4 that you want to go to are SGU, Ross, SABA, and AUC. The other medical schools are not recognized as being medical schools by some/all states/residencies.

Advice: With a good MCAT followed by an SMP you can definitely work your way into a US medical school, where you will have more options and much less of a chance of either failing/not matching. If you go to the Caribbean you're gambling that you wil never fail a class, pass all your boards on the first try, and generally make no mistakes until you gradate. Even then you might limit your options for residency. Of course if you fail out you'll basically be buried under debt until you die.

Obviously I went with the SMP, but it all depends on how risk averse you are. Just make sure you don't go to either the SMP or the Caribbean until you're sure you've resolved the problems that hurt your ugrad GPA.

 

[med etudiant]

Thanks for the advice.

My cGPA was hurt mainly to being an immature brat my first two years of college.

Since switching to pre-med I've worked my tail off. I've been on the deans list (4 semesters) and have been doing pretty good, except for my Chemistry (I seem to be (very) weak in Chem) getting my cGPA up is difficult due to the amount of college credits I have (a lot.)

I was accepted into: AUA, MUA, and UMHS. These are descent schools, but I hate to limit my options for residency especially before I even start medical school.

1. Where do I find the entrance stats that was mentioned?

2. When is the typical deadline to apply for Fall 2010? Is it spring?

Thanks again!

 

[peasant05]

Also keep in mind that SMPs require you to have completed the pre-med requirements, which means no pre-req grade less than a C. So that means that you will have to retake all of your C- classes before beginning a SMP, which could mean an extra year.

If you do retake those classes and do significantly better, and do well on the MCAT, your stats seem fine for a SMP. Make SURE to address any Gen Chem weakness before even trying to take the MCAT. You don't have to be fantastic in OChem to do well (I am living proof), just have a handle on the basics, but I would not take it yet if you feel very weak in Gen Chem. Just my opinion.

And please make sure any/all studying weaknesses are addressed before doing a SMP. It is incredibly difficult, and doing badly would put you tens of thousands more in debt and back in the Caribbean anyway.

But have hope! It is definitely possible to stay in the US. I had to retake C- grades in OChem and Physics after college, and then do an SMP, and it was totally worth it (for me) because it did get me into an MD school in the US.

 

[med etudiant]

Also keep in mind that SMPs require you to have completed the pre-med requirements, which means no pre-req grade less than a C. So that means that you will have to retake all of your C- classes before beginning a SMP, which could mean an extra year.

If you do retake those classes and do significantly better, and do well on the MCAT, your stats seem fine for a SMP. Make SURE to address any Gen Chem weakness before even trying to take the MCAT. You don't have to be fantastic in OChem to do well (I am living proof), just have a handle on the basics, but I would not take it yet if you feel very weak in Gen Chem. Just my opinion.

And please make sure any/all studying weaknesses are addressed before doing a SMP. It is incredibly difficult, and doing badly would put you tens of thousands more in debt and back in the Caribbean anyway.

But have hope! It is definitely possible to stay in the US. I had to retake C- grades in OChem and Physics after college, and then do an SMP, and it was totally worth it (for me) because it did get me into an MD school in the US.

Congrats.

Does anyone have any comments on Southern Illinois University's "MEDPREP"?

 

[Perrotfish]

I was accepted into: AUA, MUA, and UMHS. These are descent schools, but I hate to limit my options for residency especially before I even start medical school.

By what standard are these decent schools? Are they accredited in all states? What percentage of their matriculants go on to graduate? What percentage of their graduates get residencies? A quick Google search shows that UMHS students only even got the right to sit for the USMLEs last year. That's not good. The fact that they accepted you without an MCAT should also set off alarm bells.

1. Where do I find the entrance stats that was mentioned?

See Dr. Midlife's stickied thread on the top of this forum

2. When is the typical deadline to apply for Fall 2010? Is it spring?

For SMPs the deadline is anywhere from early April to late June depending on the program.

 

[med etudiant]

By what standard are these decent schools? Are they accredited in all states? What percentage of their matriculants go on to graduate? What percentage of their graduates get residencies? A quick Google search shows that UMHS students only even got the right to sit for the USMLEs last year. That's not good. The fact that they accepted you without an MCAT should also set off alarm bells.



See Dr. Midlife's stickied thread on the top of this forum



For SMPs the deadline is anywhere from early April to late June depending on the program.

Thanks perrotfish. I'm looking into the Southern Illinois program right now. I talked to someone from their office today and she said they get 300 applicants for 30 seats. ugh.

 

[Perrotfish]

1) Like med school applications, you need to apply broadly. If you're looking at just one program you're doing it wrong.

2) Make sure you know the success rate of the program you're looking at, not all of them are worth the money (I know nothing about the Southern Illinois program one way or the other).

G'luck

 

[med etudiant]

Will do. Thanks.

1) Like med school applications, you need to apply broadly. If you're looking at just one program you're doing it wrong.

2) Make sure you know the success rate of the program you're looking at, not all of them are worth the money (I know nothing about the Southern Illinois program one way or the other).

G'luck

 

[med etudiant]

--bump--

 

[med etudiant]

Quick question:

I have three C-'s. Do ALL SMP's require a C (not a C-) to matriculate? Or is this a school by school type of issue?


Thanks!

 

[coat0023]

Quick question:

I have three C-'s. Do ALL SMP's require a C (not a C-) to matriculate? Or is this a school by school type of issue?


Thanks!

I am wondering this too. I only have one C- but it is in Gen Chem II so that might be a problem.

 

[med etudiant]

I am wondering this too. I only have one C- but it is in Gen Chem II so that might be a problem.

Anyone mind helping?

 

[DrMidlife]

Anyone mind helping?

Who cares what the SMP lets you do or not. Med schools typically require you to get a C or better in all prereqs. That means you have to retake C-'s.

Which you should do before you start an SMP.

 

[med etudiant]

Prior History:

Salutations.

I have a few questions regarding Post-Baccalaureate programs.

I had a poor undergraduate career- and am currently looking at Post-Bac programs. I will be graduating in May with around a 3.0cGPA with a non-science degree. All MSAR's have been taken:

C- Gen Chem I/ Lab B
B+ Gen Chem II/Lab A
B- Bio I w/ lab
A Bio II w/lab
C- Organic I / Lab A-
C- Organic II/ Lab B+
B- Physics I w/Lab
B+ Physics II w/Lab
B+ Call Biology
B+ EMT course w/ US license
No MCAT. Tentatively planed for Spring 2010 after I work/save/pay for Kaplan.

I have been accepted to several Caribbean schools, and I am currently staring at the application for the Atlantic Bridge Program.

I'm taking several upper-level science classes now, and have held off graduation an additional year in a desperate attempt to pump up my GPA before graduation (all of my major classes have been completed since last spring.)

I don't want to go the Caribbean route unless I have to. I really would like to get into a SMP but even those are a reach with my GPA.

What should I do? I searched for Osteopathic Post-Bac but the requirements seem so different for each school?

Can anyone give me some worthwhile advice?
Thanks!

Question: I am planning on taking a Kaplan MCAT prep course this spring. With studying for the MCAT, I am taking an easier course load. I plan on taking:
- 1 upper-level Bio class
-French
-Film class
-Gym credit

My question is- are the above classes too easy? Will this be suspicious to different ADCOM's? Should I drop one of the above- and take another Bio class?

 

[coat0023]

I am not a member of an admissions committee but I think that schedule definitely sends the wrong message. I would say drop the film credit and do another upper division biology/chemistry/physics/etc. course.

 

[deleted248403]

Agreed - one science class, and two BS classes doesnt really impress anyone esp if you think you are a fringe candidate anyways

 

[med etudiant]

I am not a member of an admissions committee but I think that schedule definitely sends the wrong message. I would say drop the film credit and do another upper division biology/chemistry/physics/etc. course.

Keep in mind I'm not a Bio Major. Would you still recommend the taking another Bio class?

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it!

 

[graduate2be]

SIU MEDPREP is a great program. I've had a few conversations with Ms. Layla Murphy (the program coordinator) as well as several current and former students. Last year, 96% of their graduating MEDPREP students (they seat 70 a year, not 30) were admitted to medical school (at least thats what I was told by Ms. Murphy. Most of their students seem to get into allopathic schools and a few have gone the osteopathic route) and though the program web site doesn't say it, a number of their students get into SIU SoM. If you have any C- grades, you will have to repeat them before applying to MEDPREP (or medical school for that matter) but the MCAT is not required for MEDPREP as the first year is spent doing nothing but intensive MCAT prep. If you do choose to take the MCAT prior to matriculation, you would only have to spend one year in the program (assuming that you do well on the MCAT). I recently submitted my app for MEDPREP and am waiting to hear if I'll be invited to interview (they have an admissions day where you interview and take some BPCM assessment testing); if you have other questions about the program, I certainly don't mind sharing the info that I have (or what I find out). By the way, the advice you were given about taking the additional science class is good advice. Drop the film credit and pick up an upper division bio or something.

 

[med etudiant]

SIU MEDPREP is a great program. I've had a few conversations with Ms. Layla Murphy (the program coordinator) as well as several current and former students. Last year, 96% of their graduating MEDPREP students (they seat 70 a year, not 30) were admitted to medical school (at least thats what I was told by Ms. Murphy. Most of their students seem to get into allopathic schools and a few have gone the osteopathic route) and though the program web site doesn't say it, a number of their students get into SIU SoM. If you have any C- grades, you will have to repeat them before applying to MEDPREP (or medical school for that matter) but the MCAT is not required for MEDPREP as the first year is spent doing nothing but intensive MCAT prep. If you do choose to take the MCAT prior to matriculation, you would only have to spend one year in the program (assuming that you do well on the MCAT). I recently submitted my app for MEDPREP and am waiting to hear if I'll be invited to interview (they have an admissions day where you interview and take some BPCM assessment testing); if you have other questions about the program, I certainly don't mind sharing the info that I have (or what I find out). By the way, the advice you were given about taking the additional science class is good advice. Drop the film credit and pick up an upper division bio or something.

Thanks!

 

[med etudiant]

Does anyone know any programs similar to SIU (specifically if their application deadline is approaching?)


Thanks.

 

[graduate2be]

Does anyone know any programs similar to SIU (specifically if their application deadline is approaching?)


Thanks.

Take a look at the Touro-Nevada MS Medical Health Sciences program. It is fairly new but they are taking applications now and from what I was told, the app deadline is in July. The program would have you taking three 1st medical school courses (biochem, gross anatomy & embryology, and physiology) as well as a set of graduate school courses. The cost of the program is decent ($18,500) and they set aside seats in the entering medical school class for the top 20% of the MHS graduates. The following web site gives a break down of the program and if you want more info, contact Rouel Roque at [email protected]; he's the program coordinator: http://www.tu.edu/departments.php?id=125&page=1184&prev=1

You should just get online and start looking for the programs. The University of South Florida has a few options as does the University of Tennessee in Memphis (they have a new MS in Phramacology that they advertise as preparation for medical school. I spoke with Edward Parks last year and he indicated that they are working on a linkage with their medical school). St. Louis University has a new medical anatomy certificate called CAPS that may be of interest as well. Finally, the deadline for SIU MEDPREP isnt until Jan. 5th or 6th, so if you are interested, I'd advise you to contact Layla Murphy to see if the program would be a good fit for you and if so, go ahead and apply. A closed mouth doesn't get fed...

 

[med etudiant]

Take a look at the Touro-Nevada MS Medical Health Sciences program. It is fairly new but they are taking applications now and from what I was told, the app deadline is in July. The program would have you taking three 1st medical school courses (biochem, gross anatomy & embryology, and physiology) as well as a set of graduate school courses. The cost of the program is decent ($18,500) and they set aside seats in the entering medical school class for the top 20% of the MHS graduates. The following web site gives a break down of the program and if you want more info, contact Rouel Roque at [email protected]; he's the program coordinator: http://www.tu.edu/departments.php?id=125&page=1184&prev=1

You should just get online and start looking for the programs. The University of South Florida has a few options as does the University of Tennessee in Memphis (they have a new MS in Phramacology that they advertise as preparation for medical school. I spoke with Edward Parks last year and he indicated that they are working on a linkage with their medical school). St. Louis University has a new medical anatomy certificate called CAPS that may be of interest as well. Finally, the deadline for SIU MEDPREP isnt until Jan. 5th or 6th, so if you are interested, I'd advise you to contact Layla Murphy to see if the program would be a good fit for you and if so, go ahead and apply. A closed mouth doesn't get fed...

Thanks again. I just need to find time check all of these programs out. Thanks for all your help.

 

[ABRPh427]

What Caribbean school accepted you without an MCAT?

Ross waived my MCAT because I hold a doctorate in pharmacy and then they accepted me a few wks after my interview. This little loophole is stated in their 2008-2009 openhouse packets but not in the current ones. It actually caught my attention at first glance and was very attractive.

 

[med etudiant]

There's different programs in the US that also waive the MCAT. (B.S/M.D programs, programs that give advanced standing, etc.)

I'm not saying that the MCAT isn't necessary, but just pointing out that there's reputable schools that don't always require it.

 

[deleted248403]

The BS/MD programs are disappearing over the last few years

They also typically require you to be a HS student.

I don't know of any reputable school waiving the MCAT short of you being a HS student

 

[nene12]

Hey, is the Touro-Nevada MS program for their DO school or for their MD program? I know the MD program lost its accreditation..so I wasn't sure.

Take a look at the Touro-Nevada MS Medical Health Sciences program. It is fairly new but they are taking applications now and from what I was told, the app deadline is in July. The program would have you taking three 1st medical school courses (biochem, gross anatomy & embryology, and physiology) as well as a set of graduate school courses. The cost of the program is decent ($18,500) and they set aside seats in the entering medical school class for the top 20% of the MHS graduates. The following web site gives a break down of the program and if you want more info, contact Rouel Roque at [email protected]; he's the program coordinator: http://www.tu.edu/departments.php?id=125&page=1184&prev=1

You should just get online and start looking for the programs. The University of South Florida has a few options as does the University of Tennessee in Memphis (they have a new MS in Phramacology that they advertise as preparation for medical school. I spoke with Edward Parks last year and he indicated that they are working on a linkage with their medical school). St. Louis University has a new medical anatomy certificate called CAPS that may be of interest as well. Finally, the deadline for SIU MEDPREP isnt until Jan. 5th or 6th, so if you are interested, I'd advise you to contact Layla Murphy to see if the program would be a good fit for you and if so, go ahead and apply. A closed mouth doesn't get fed...