Georgetown Summer Medical Institute?

[zk450]

Can anyone offer advice on whether or not this program is worth the $$$?

Is it better to spend your undergrad summer doing research or taking a GSMI course? Thanks


Any advice is helpful

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[alpinism]

Why are you thinking of taking the courses?

Honestly it depends on your situation.

 

[zk450]

To just add more experience. I came to pre-med after engineering (I'm an upperclassman), so I'm looking to show dedication to medicine.

I have research, policy, ECs, and TA experience - just looking to prove more of an academic focus towards medicine.

Thank you!!!

 

[zk450]

Why are you thinking of taking the courses?

Honestly it depends on your situation.

Also

I have a 3.75 (1 C - a few Bs - mostly A's), with challenging courses (sometimes I've taken the max # with science courses/research).

Is it better to stay and take classes at my home institution to raise my GPA or to invest in this program? Thanks

 

[alpinism]

No problem.

Your GPA is solid. Whether or not you are competitive for med school will mainly depend on your MCAT regardless of your undergrad major.

GSMI is a great program but it's expensive as you already know. Usually its recommended for pre-meds who are trying to prove that they can handle med school courses (i.e. applicants without a strong science background or who have below average GPAs).

If you've never taken an anatomy/physiology/histology course and have the money to spare then its a great way to see if med school is right for you.

I took the gross anatomy course back in 2010 (my info might be outdated). It's challenging - you take it with med students and cover all of gross anatomy except head and neck in 6 weeks, but the professors are amazing and you learn a ton. Plus it looks good when applying to med schools and you can get a great LOR form the course director if you do well.

 

[zk450]

Is it a respected summer option by medical schools?

Did it help you during the application process?
Thanks so much!

 

[alpinism]

Yes Gtown is very well respected.

Its not a magic bullet however. Med schools mostly care about UG GPA, MCAT, clinical experience, community service, research, and leadership.

If you do well it will give you a small boost but it won't make up for any deficiencies in the above categories.

Can't say for sure how much it helped. All I can say is that I had a very successful application cycle after completing the program in addition to doing an SMP at Gtown.

 

[zk450]

What was the weekly time commitment for a class?