I eventually applied to the program today and got my acceptance today! Woohoo! I'm so excited!
I submitted my application on 11/21/2019 and didn't hear back until today (01/14/2020). I feel like it took long for them to respond because my last recommendation was submitted 12/18/2019 so when they started reviewing applications, it was during the holiday period so I assume the application review process kicked into 2020.
I have a few questions regarding the program. What are classes like in terms of the lecture style and rigor? How prepared did you feel with taking the MCAT with the help of this program? Is one able to be involved in research while enrolled in the program? Do you think it's worth the cost? Please feel free to answer this at your earliest convenience.
Hey congratulations on the acceptance!!!
I'll do my best to answer your questions as best as possible.
As far as classes go, there are two main semesters and an optional summer semester (this is required if you don't have an MCAT score of at least a 506).
The first semester is fairly rigorous. Basically they squeeze 16 week courses into 8 weeks. It is tough, but very doable.
Fall semester is 16 weeks split into Fall A and Fall B.
Fall A is 8 weeks and you take Cell Biology and Physiology
Fall B is 8 weeks and you take Genetics and Biochemistry
Spring semester is not compressed and lasts a normal 16 weeks, but you take more credits so you are definitely still busy. Spring is all electives, so you get a choice on what you want to take. If I remember correctly, you can choose classes such as: Neuroscience, Epidemiology&Stats, Histology, Pharmacology, Immunology, and a few other smaller credit courses like readings, research, management, and bioethics. I'm fairly certain I'm missing some classes, but that should give you a good idea. Also throughout the entire fall and spring semester you have a class called Professional Identity Formation. It is two hours every two weeks and is taught by the school's accociate dean of admissions. It contains alot of excelellent information about how to get into medical school, as well as preparing your CV, personal statement, etc.
Here is an outline of my class schedule:
Fall A:
-Cell Biology
-Physiology
-Professional Identity Formation
Fall B:
-Genetics
-Biochemistry
-Professional Identity Formation
Spring:
-Pharmacology
-Neuroscience
-Immunology
-Professional Identity Formation
Summer (has not started yet for me):
-Management
-Bioethics
-Lab Techniques
-Princeton Review MCAT prep course
As far as how the classes are taught, most are standard format, with a few flipped. The medical school leans heavy on the flipped style, so I would not be surprised to see more classes going to flipped in the future. One of my favorite parts about classes is that they are all recorded though. So you always have the ability to go back and rewatch a lecture and even play it at a faster speed. The school is state of the art when it comes to new technology and integration, which is awesome.
As far as MCAT prep, I feel like the program has gone way over what I need for the Bio section of the MCAT. It's hard to say since I haven't started the built in MCAT prep course for the other sections. But I think It will definitely help improve my score overall. One of the main reasons for me going into a masters program (not the only reason) was to improve my MCAT score.
As far as research goes, there is a lot of opportunity, but you need to seek it out on your own for the most part. There is a research club on campus that started up this year that has been amazing at getting people research opportunities. Also most staff are involved in some form and take on students. I'm not as knowledgeable on the subject as others.
As far as price goes, that's up to you. Yes, it is expensive, but you'll have to make up on your own if you think it is worth the price. Personally, I am happy.
Feel free to ask any other questions or even PM me if you want!
