Grades in a SMP

[Art Vandalay]

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So what grades are expected out of those in a special masters program like G-town, BU, VCU, etc.? If you're taking medical school classes, what kind of grades are needed to prove yourself to be a worthy candidate for admission?

 

[cammy1313]

Well, I just finished up the BU program and my understanding is that to be considered for admission to BU med you'd need at least a 3.5 in the master's program, but really a 3.7+ makes you a shoe in. I found this out prior to classes starting up so I busted my a$$ and pulled off a 3.8. I interviewed for their med program about a week ago. You have to do well in the core classes (namely Biochemistry, Physiology and Histology), but there are really no guarantees either way. If you establish a good relationship with a professor that will pull for you if you show your true dedication then that definately helps.

 

[FowlersGap]

So what grades are expected out of those in a special masters program like G-town, BU, VCU, etc.? If you're taking medical school classes, what kind of grades are needed to prove yourself to be a worthy candidate for admission?

i did the SMP; you need As...Bs won't cut it

 

[camisho]

How about a 3.5 first semester in Georgetown SMP?

 

[cammy1313]

How about a 3.5 first semester in Georgetown SMP?

3.5 is passable but you really can't let it drop below that. Try for more A's next semester.

 

[medicomel]

I've heard that getting A's in grad school is *easier* than undergrad. Does this hold true for SMP programs? I highly doubt it, though I thought I'd ask.

😕

 

[cammy1313]

I've heard that getting A's in grad school is *easier* than undergrad. Does this hold true for SMP programs? I highly doubt it, though I thought I'd ask.

😕

SMP is medical school courses so it is most definately NOT easier to ace them. Regular grad courses are easier because your main focus in those types of graduate programs is your thesis. So if you're looking for the GPA boost, SMP is the right avenue. If you're looking to add publications to your resume, regular master's programs are the ticket.

 

[LordoftheFries]

SMP is medical school courses so it is most definately NOT easier to ace them. Regular grad courses are easier because your main focus in those types of graduate programs is your thesis. So if you're looking for the GPA boost, SMP is the right avenue. If you're looking to add publications to your resume, regular master's programs are the ticket.

this is not necessarily true.... there are a lot of coursework based master's programs out there that don't fall into the SMP category, and classes within these programs are definitly no cakewalk. maybe your comments were restricted to laboratory classes or research credits?

 

[scrubs09]

this is not necessarily true.... there are a lot of coursework based master's programs out there that don't fall into the SMP category, and classes within these programs are definitly no cakewalk. maybe your comments were restricted to laboratory classes or research credits?

I agree. Grad school in the sciences is NOT easy. It is actually a lot of work and even though its not as intense as med school, it IS intense nonetheless. I know from experience. I'm graduating from a Masters in the Biomedical sciences and entering med school next yr b/c i kicked A$$ in grad school and had a few minor pitfalls in undergrad w/ low b's. Med schools like to see a consisten 3.6 or higher for grad students. Plus, it's NOT all grades and MCAT scores. IT's all about the personal statement, Secondary essays, Volunteering, and when you get to the interview...that is the most important

 

[MD Rapper]

i did the SMP; you need As...Bs won't cut it

Are you serious? How much weight does your past hold in admissions?

For example, is there a difference between
1) having a MCAT=30 and 3.5 overall as an undergrad with mostly B's from SMP

vs.

2) having a MCAT=27 and 3.0 overall as an undergrad with mostly A's from SMP

?

At the moment, I'm more like the 1st hypothetical in the SMP program... I'm put on hold at a lot of schools... am I doomed to not get an interview anytime soon?

 

[docquaker]

i'm surprised you didn't get in with a 3.5 and a 30. those numbers should have put you in the running for a number of schools...

but unfortunately, i'd have to agree with fowlersgap since i did the smp too. the med schools look at the smp as your last chance...you've got to shoot for A's. esp. for gtown because they will put more weight on your smp grades. definitely try to get an A in physiology second semester...

 

[ekimsurfer]

My 2 cents ---> I think A's in SMP vs. B's in SMP weighs much more heavily as far as ADCOM's are concerned. SMP is a change to show what you're made of. In saying that, I pose a question for everyone:

I currently have a 3.01 GPA double majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the Univ. of FL and will be grad. in December. I will be applying to SMP for FALL2005. However, I am currently struggling with my last couple of classes allowing my GPA to potentially drop to a 2.9. If I hypothetically get a 33 or greater on the MCAT, do you think I still have a shot at SMP considering my ex. curr. and letters of rec are strong?. Have any of you ever heard of ANYONE getting in to SMP with <3.0 GPA? Afterall, the avg. is a 3.3. Thanks

 

[cammy1313]

My 2 cents ---> I think A's in SMP vs. B's in SMP weighs much more heavily as far as ADCOM's are concerned. SMP is a change to show what you're made of. In saying that, I pose a question for everyone:

I currently have a 3.01 GPA double majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the Univ. of FL and will be grad. in December. I will be applying to SMP for FALL2005. However, I am currently struggling with my last couple of classes allowing my GPA to potentially drop to a 2.9. If I hypothetically get a 33 or greater on the MCAT, do you think I still have a shot at SMP considering my ex. curr. and letters of rec are strong?. Have any of you ever heard of ANYONE getting in to SMP with <3.0 GPA? Afterall, the avg. is a 3.3. Thanks

I wouldn't worry so much about your GPA dropping a couple of points as far as SMP admission goes. The truth is, if you call them up and show enough interest in their program then you have a great chance of being admitted. A guy in my BU SMP program had something like a 2.6 undergrad and he was there. I know Georgetown has very strict cutoffs but they're really the only one. The other post-bacs actually understand the reason you're going there is to prove that you're more than your numbers so just try to express as much interest as possible. Also, don't take my two cents on it, I would call up the admissions office of the program(s) you're interested in and see what they say. Good luck!!!

 

[jintonic5]

i think getting a's in an smp will make or break you... i have a friend who did an smp and didn't do that great... he didn't do terribly, but was around a b/b+. considering the fact that his undergrad gpa isn't great and his mcats aren't great either, having less than a 3.5 in the smp pretty much put him out of hte running for allopathic med schools. he's applying to DO schools right now- not that there's anything wrong with DO schools, but he just doesn't have the option of allopathic anymore, which sucks 🙁

 

[medstylee]

i think (and hope!) that this thread's notion, that getting A's in SMP will make or break you, is blown a little bit out of proportion. i've spoken to some formers smp-ers who are now at georgetown med and they hadn't gotten A's in all their classes. at georgetown, allegedly 60% of the students are accepted to medical school that same year. it's impossible that they all have over 3.5. i mean, only 10% of the class gets an A in each course.

for those of you who did georgetown smp in the past, when did you start hearing about interviews? i'm on hold at a bunch and, other than that, i haven't heard from a ton of schools at all. does most of the news come after the first semester grades are released?

thanks again.

 

[docquaker]

most people got interview invites in jan for march/april interviews. the 60% figure includes DO schools and you have to take into account the candidate's record before coming to gtown smp. our gpa and mcat averages were 3.3 and 29, which means that half of the class had over 3.3 GPA's or 29 MCAT's. so they probably didn't have to do that well in the program to get in...

you don't have to get all A's, but definitely try to get A's in the med school classes. for gtown med, i think if you have a 3.5 first semester and you get an A in physiology, you have a good chance for an interview. good luck!

 

[KitesurfDaEarth]

i did smp last year.... i had a 2.9 and 33mcat. my advice to you is to try and get as many a's in the medical courses as possible. to adcoms it is the most reliable indicator to how well you will do in classes, boards etc. dont get fooled into thinking just getting b's will pass. i figure if you are in the SMP program you have something to prove and B's simply will not cut it for the most part. in general you won't hear from any schools until your fall transcript gets put out.......in my class i did very well in the program and recieved most of my b's second semester. I interviewedat Gtown and such but I feel some of my b's (especially neuroscience) kept me from being accepted into Gtown. oh well i got into my state school and thats all i wanted. good luck

 

[exmike]

The SMP was probably the hardest academic year of my life. It is not easy by any measure. I did the SMP (MS) and also a MPH, and I must say that by and large the MPH courses were cake compared to SMP classes, but what would you expect from medical school courses? I did very well in the SMP, but not without sacrificing my life for a year. Ironically the SMP didn't even help get into med school (I got into my "top choice" 1st semester), and I didn't like GU med at all, so I didnt even bother applying.

 

[N1DERL&]

Is there an inteview for the SMP? For some reason, I was under the impression that there weren't any.

Also, for the SMPers who did apply to schools, how did you handle interviews and your classes? Was it doable missing lectures and what not?

 

[cammy1313]

Is there an inteview for the SMP? For some reason, I was under the impression that there weren't any.

Also, for the SMPers who did apply to schools, how did you handle interviews and your classes? Was it doable missing lectures and what not?

Nope, no interview for SMP, which is nice 🙂
As for applying during school, I myself didn't (am applying this year) but some of my friends did and they tried to schedule them around breaks (i.e. winter break and spring break). They didnt start getting them until after 1st semester grades came out for the most part, so anything after Jan. they pretty much had to miss class here and there. It's not too big of a deal I don't think because you've sorta gotten in your groove by then so you can roll with the punches better. I don't know, that's just the impression I got.

 

[N1DERL&]

Thanks for the info cammy! g'luck with applying!! 🙂

 

[exmike]

Is there an inteview for the SMP? For some reason, I was under the impression that there weren't any.

Also, for the SMPers who did apply to schools, how did you handle interviews and your classes? Was it doable missing lectures and what not?

There is no interview.

I went on 10 interviews during the 1st semester. It was difficult to juggle missing lectures and taking exams. I just tried to schedule my interviews away from exams and on days when I wouldnt miss as many lectures. The lectures are on MP3 so you can listen to the ones you missed. I also made sure I was studying while I traveled. I read constantly - waiting for the plane, on the plane, at the hotel, ect ect. Its stressful but doable. I do think it had a slight negative impact on my academics, but hey, if you're getting interviews, you dont care as much!

 

[medstylee]

Thanks for all the input, guys. You're a helpful resource.

 

[morganlefay]

i'm thinking i might do the georgetown SMP. However, I am afraid if I didn't do spectacular in it, then I'd be screwed for med school forever. my grades in science and the mcat are shaky as is. How difficult is the SMP??? Thx.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

i'm thinking i might do the georgetown SMP. However, I am afraid if I didn't do spectacular in it, then I'd be screwed for med school forever. my grades in science and the mcat are shaky as is. How difficult is the SMP??? Thx.

I don't think your grades are too shabby and it looks like you've got solid ECs as well. I think the MCAT is the main thing that's keeping you from getting interviews. Seeing that you went down from April-August, I think your best bet would be to study your butt off and rock the MCAT April 2005. Oh and another thing, do you have much clinical experience?

I'm not going to comment on the difficulty of the program since I have no personal experience with it (yet), but keep in mind that the majority of the classes are medical school classes with the MS-1s--trying to go for nearly all As will be an arduous task. If I end up doing the program I might not even apply till 2006 because it could be difficult to balance the academics, finish secondaries, and go on interviews.

Good luck with the current app cycle!

P.S. You're a hottie? Are you single too?! 😉 😀

 

[exmike]

Gettin a 4.0 in it will require your life and then some. Doing "well" will require many weekends in studying. Doing "ok" means going to class and cramming the few days before the exam. Its not easy.

Your grades are good enough. Improve your MCAT first before you consider the SMP.

 

[morganlefay]

I don't think your grades are too shabby and it looks like you've got solid ECs as well. I think the MCAT is the main thing that's keeping you from getting interviews. Seeing that you went down from April-August, I think your best bet would be to study your butt off and rock the MCAT April 2005. Oh and another thing, do you have much clinical experience?

I'm not going to comment on the difficulty of the program since I have no personal experience with it (yet), but keep in mind that the majority of the classes are medical school classes with the MS-1s--trying to go for nearly all As will be an arduous task. If I end up doing the program I might not even apply till 2006 because it could be difficult to balance the academics, finish secondaries, and go on interviews.

Good luck with the current app cycle!

P.S. You're a hottie? Are you single too?! 😉 😀

Thanks for the advice...the thing is, I plan to retake the MCAT anyway but I want to do something degree-wise during that year to show I'm dedicated. I've also looked at the MA in Med Sci from Loyola, and the one-year masters in research from Tulane, the NIH postbac research program, etc.... Just trying to figure out which ones will be best if I don't get in this time. Furthermore, due to the schedule of my senior year, it'll be hard for me to study enough for the April MCAT...SO either I take it in August and work, or get into a masters and take it Apr 2006. The latter option is lookin' better and better. Yes, I do have clinical experience.

P.S. And yes, I'm single. lol 😉

 

[exmike]

Thanks for the advice...the thing is, I plan to retake the MCAT anyway but I want to do something degree-wise during that year to show I'm dedicated. I've also looked at the MA in Med Sci from Loyola, and the one-year masters in research from Tulane, the NIH postbac research program, etc.... Just trying to figure out which ones will be best if I don't get in this time. Furthermore, due to the schedule of my senior year, it'll be hard for me to study enough for the April MCAT...SO either I take it in August and work, or get into a masters and take it Apr 2006. The latter option is lookin' better and better. Yes, I do have clinical experience.

P.S. And yes, I'm single. lol 😉

I did a NIH Post Bacc IRTA, if thats what you're talking about. I would do that while studying for the MCAT. Thats probably your best course of action. Again, your grades are fine so i dont think you need extra coursework.

 

[morganlefay]

I did a NIH Post Bacc IRTA, if thats what you're talking about. I would do that while studying for the MCAT. Thats probably your best course of action. Again, your grades are fine so i dont think you need extra coursework.

I'll def. look more into that. Thanks!

 

[Singing Devil]

A guy in my BU SMP program had something like a 2.6 undergrad and he was there.

C'est moi? Oui!

And, ladies and gentlemen, therein lies the extent of my knowledge of French. Palabra a tu madre.

 

[blankguy]

C'est moi? Oui!

And, ladies and gentlemen, therein lies the extent of my knowledge of French. Palabra a tu madre.

How did you manage to get into the SMP program??

 

[Singing Devil]

How did you manage to get into the SMP program??

Good question. It's a funny story.
Um, well, yeah, um, I did some favors for some people, embarrassed and shamed myself, etc.

Actually, what happened was I made them "an offer they couldn't refuse." There was a horse head in the bed.

No, wait, uh, I paid them lots of money. Bribes, nothing but bribes.


Seriously, though, I had a few tough science courses post-grad with a 3.7 GPA, and I had a 37Q MCAT and waitlisted at one med school. Not that you have to get that MCAT to get in, but just that they need to see that you're not a risk when you have a crappy undergrad GPA. Of course, I had to retake the @#%ing MCAT this past August because it expired, but I got a 39R and my GPA at BU is just under 3.8, so there. Still, it don't mean nothing to NU & Vandy, 'cause they rejected me pre-interview, and EVMS has me on "hold" until they fill their class with better people.

 

[MrBenny]

Just my 2 cents on SMP: the guy there, Adam Myers, is one of the most incompetent directors around. I applied to medical school (3.4, 32Q) last year, did not get in, and thought the SMP would be a good way for that extra boost. Ha, guess what? I didn't even get into SMP. Perhaps you guys might think I'm a horrible guy, and that I blew all my interviews. First of all, I don't think I'm a bad guy, and 2nd, there is no interview for the SMP. Myers made some absurd statement that my academic record was inconsistent (which it was. My GPA increased each semeser of my college career, from a 3.1 to a 3.6 my 3rd and final year. If that means I had an INconsistent record, not having a consistent 3.1, then fine by me.) Second, he had the gall to question my motivation, even though everything I had done since the 9th grade, the university that i attended, every word of my personal statement,and all my hospital volunteer/ec's indicated I wanted to do medicine. He questioned my motivation because I had gone to do a master's in biology, and he took that to mean I wanted to be a biologist now, when in reality, as so many others have done, I did it to boost my resume, add some publications. In short, Myers is a fool, and do not , DO NOT trust a thing that man says. I emailed several SMP students prior to applying, asking about the program and my chances, and every single last one of them said i was a shoe-in. I still think it is a terrific opportunity for those who need the extra boost: it is simply being run and directed by an egregiously incompetent and judgmental "director". There were those who told me not to trust myers before i applied. NOw i have 1sthand knowledge that they are correct.

 

[jmmmmm]

Just my 2 cents on SMP: the guy there, Adam Myers, is one of the most incompetent directors around. I applied to medical school (3.4, 32Q) last year, did not get in, and thought the SMP would be a good way for that extra boost. Ha, guess what? I didn't even get into SMP. Perhaps you guys might think I'm a horrible guy, and that I blew all my interviews. First of all, I don't think I'm a bad guy, and 2nd, there is no interview for the SMP. Myers made some absurd statement that my academic record was inconsistent (which it was. My GPA increased each semeser of my college career, from a 3.1 to a 3.6 my 3rd and final year. If that means I had an INconsistent record, not having a consistent 3.1, then fine by me.) Second, he had the gall to question my motivation, even though everything I had done since the 9th grade, the university that i attended, every word of my personal statement,and all my hospital volunteer/ec's indicated I wanted to do medicine. He questioned my motivation because I had gone to do a master's in biology, and he took that to mean I wanted to be a biologist now, when in reality, as so many others have done, I did it to boost my resume, add some publications. In short, Myers is a fool, and do not , DO NOT trust a thing that man says. I emailed several SMP students prior to applying, asking about the program and my chances, and every single last one of them said i was a shoe-in. I still think it is a terrific opportunity for those who need the extra boost: it is simply being run and directed by an egregiously incompetent and judgmental "director". There were those who told me not to trust myers before i applied. NOw i have 1sthand knowledge that they are correct.

whoa, somebody's a little bitter. I'm glad you don't think you're a bad guy, but don't blame everything on Dr. Myers. The SMP looks at your app thinking 'with our program, will he get into medical school?' I'm sure that any doubts they raised are doubts that all your medical schools will raise. I'm sorry smp students told you that you were a shoe-in, but remember they are kids, not adcomms. They probably didn't see your transcript or your whole resume...did they? And also, they certainly weren't looking at it in context. My guess is that you applied rather late...am I wrong? When it gets later and the class is already full, I'm sure they're doing a 'compare this person's weaknesses vs this person's weaknesses'. And while your inconsistant record and perceived lack of certainty in medicine may not seem like good enough reasons on their own, maybe they were big enough when compared to someone else vieing for the same spot. My point is just this: do you think smp was really out to get you personally, mrbenny? Try to look at things from the admissions' point of view. There are many qualified people rejected from smps all over the place, I'm sorry you were one of them. Maybe if you apply early next year, you will get in. Then again, I'm just a kid. good luck

 

[1Path]

Just my 2 cents on SMP: the guy there, Adam Myers, is one of the most incompetent directors around. before i applied.

I've also interacted with Dr.Myers on a few occasions and I found him to be likeable and knowledgable. Futhermore, when I see someone like Dr.Myers who has many,many years in the premed/med school admissions game get bashed like this it raises a fed flag. Being exposed to medicine since 9th grade no more makes a person a better candidate for med school/SMP than somone who only has 2 semester of medical type experiences.

 

[MrBenny]

i knew when i made that post, there would be those out to doubt that there are other bad marks on my record. perhaps there are. that's fine. i have also spoken with myers on the phone, and my experiences were vastly different than yours. its fine. those were only my opinions.

 

[Thegandlighs]

Just my 2 cents on SMP: the guy there, Adam Myers, is one of the most incompetent directors around. I applied to medical school (3.4, 32Q) last year, did not get in, and thought the SMP would be a good way for that extra boost. Ha, guess what? I didn't even get into SMP. Perhaps you guys might think I'm a horrible guy, and that I blew all my interviews. First of all, I don't think I'm a bad guy, and 2nd, there is no interview for the SMP. Myers made some absurd statement that my academic record was inconsistent (which it was. My GPA increased each semeser of my college career, from a 3.1 to a 3.6 my 3rd and final year. If that means I had an INconsistent record, not having a consistent 3.1, then fine by me.) Second, he had the gall to question my motivation, even though everything I had done since the 9th grade, the university that i attended, every word of my personal statement,and all my hospital volunteer/ec's indicated I wanted to do medicine. He questioned my motivation because I had gone to do a master's in biology, and he took that to mean I wanted to be a biologist now, when in reality, as so many others have done, I did it to boost my resume, add some publications. In short, Myers is a fool, and do not , DO NOT trust a thing that man says. I emailed several SMP students prior to applying, asking about the program and my chances, and every single last one of them said i was a shoe-in. I still think it is a terrific opportunity for those who need the extra boost: it is simply being run and directed by an egregiously incompetent and judgmental "director". There were those who told me not to trust myers before i applied. NOw i have 1sthand knowledge that they are correct.

I am currently in the SMP and all I have to say is that it seems MrBenny's main reason for this rant is that he did not get into the program. I find that Dr. Myers, and for that matter, all the other co-directors of the program are very competent and approachable.

 

[Singing Devil]

Just a reminder that this thread was originally started as a general SMP thread, so if you are speaking about a specific program (e.g. the Georgetown SMP, from where the name comes, or the BU MAMS, etc.), please indicate which program so that there is no confusion. thanks.

 

[ShyD33]

Just a reminder that this thread was originally started as a general SMP thread, so if you are speaking about a specific program (e.g. the Georgetown SMP, from where the name comes, or the BU MAMS, etc.), please indicate which program so that there is no confusion. thanks.

I'm new to the boards and I am in the same boat as others in this thread. I have a 3.2 sci, 3.4 overall ( with 3.6 sci, and 3.7 overall for the past 2.5 years in college), good EC's, 1300 GRE, 22 MCAT. What can anyone tell me about GT, NYMC Drexel MSP, or BU SMP programs and my shot at them?

I F'd the MCAT b/c i didn't really study for it. =)

I know that GT is very focused on MCAT, Drexel's MSP accepts GRE, NYMC and BU accept GRE.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

I'm new to the boards and I am in the same boat as others in this thread. I have a 3.2 sci, 3.4 overall ( with 3.6 sci, and 3.7 overall for the past 2.5 years in college), good EC's, 1300 GRE, 22 MCAT. What can anyone tell me about GT, NYMC Drexel MSP, or BU SMP programs and my shot at them?

I F'd the MCAT b/c i didn't really study for it. =)

I know that GT is very focused on MCAT, Drexel's MSP accepts GRE, NYMC and BU accept GRE.

I would do the Drexel MSP or a formal undergrad postbac (in addition to your own MCAT studying) if I were you. The thing is that your GPAs aren't really that bad. With some more undergrad credit hours you could get your cume up to a 3.5. Also, your upward trend is good. The good thing about the Drexel MSP is that it will help you for your MCAT (and requires you to take it in April while you're in the program) and it has both undergrad and graduate courses. The undergrad courses (assuming you do well in them) will help your undergrad GPAs a little bit. Essentially, a big part of the Drexel MSP program is MCAT preparation.

My perception of the BU/G-town programs is that they're better for students who are borderline applicants or who have a good MCAT, but a questionable academic record (GPA). Even if you can pull good grades in the G-town or BU programs, you won't have much of a shot if your MCAT doesn't improve much. From my understanding, the NYMC program (I'm assuming you're talking about NYMC MS Basic Medical Sciences) is NOT very successful (someone posted that the success rate was only 25% ) and is also very expensive. I would not consider the NYMC program, but if anyone out there knows otherwise, feel free to correct me.

You might have a shot at G-town and BU, but seeing that your MCAT is a 22, I would do the Drexel MSP. Just my opinion. Also, if you stay for an extra year after the MSP and do the IMS program you can earn a Master of Biological Sciences (MBS) degree. There's another program similar to the Drexel's MSP-IMS two year sequence, but it's intended for minorities (Hampton University: MS in Medical Sciences). I don't know too much about it, but if anyone's interested let me know.

Phil

 

[ShyD33]

I would do the Drexel MSP or a formal undergrad postbac (in addition to your own MCAT studying) if I were you. The thing is that your GPAs aren't really that bad. With some more undergrad credit hours you could get your cume up to a 3.5. Also, your upward trend is good. The good thing about the Drexel MSP is that it will help you for your MCAT (and requires you to take it in April while you're in the program) and it has both undergrad and graduate courses. The undergrad courses (assuming you do well in them) will help your undergrad GPAs a little bit. Essentially, a big part of the Drexel MSP program is MCAT preparation.

My perception of the BU/G-town programs is that they're better for students who are borderline applicants or who have a good MCAT, but a questionnable academic record (GPA). Even if you can pull good grades in the G-town or BU programs, you won't have much of a shot if your MCAT doesn't improve much. From my understanding, the NYMC program (I'm assuming you're talking about NYMC MS Basic Medical Sciences) is NOT very successful (someone posted that the success rate was only 25% ) and is also very expensive. I would not consider the NYMC program, but if anyone out there knows otherwise, feel free to correct me.

You might have a shot at G-town and BU, but seeing that your MCAT is a 22, I would do the Drexel MSP. Just my opinion. Also, if you stay for an extra year after the MSP and do the IMS program you can earn a Master of Biological Sciences (MBS) degree. There's another program similar to the Drexel's MSP-IMS two year sequence, but it's intended for minorities (Hampton University: MS in Medical Sciences). I don't know too much about it, but if anyone's interested let me know.

Phil

Thanks phil for the info. I can't believe the NYMC program is 25% successful!?!?! WTF. I'm shooting for the BU and GT smp's b/c I would rather work for another degree, rather than taking random courses, or earning a certificate. I think that Drexel has a lot to offer as well, with the option to continue, or go ahead with applying.

Does anyone have info on BU or Drexel smp's ??? success rates into med school?

 

[bruinrab]

I had a 3.2 at Georgetown's SMP, and I had multiple acceptances (2 MD, 1 DO -- I was accepted at 3 of the 4 places I interviewed) the second time I applied (after a year off).

Now, I did have extenuating circumstances to explain why my SMP grades weren't better, and I also had good MCATs, but I think this does show that other factors matter too. I was able to show why I didn't do as well as I could have in undergrad (and what I learned from it 😉), I had strong LORs, and I had good, relevant ECs (e.g., established long-term desire to "help people" beyond just the standard hospital volunteering). I was able to convey in my interviews how much I wanted to be a doctor, that I knew what to expect from that choice, and why each school would be a good fit for me. I also defended my record without ever becoming defensive. I applied widely and didn't get too depressed when the rejections came. I didn't make it into a "prestige school", but I was more than content with the knowledge that I will one day be a doctor.

I think the key for me was proving how much I wanted it and not giving up on myself (and a little luck helped 😉).

 

[exmike]

I was in the Georgetown SMP, and when I going through my apps i had about a 3.9 in the program. It didnt get me off a single waiting list. In the end schools just dont know exactly how to use a masters post bacc GPA. Your mileage really varies depending on what schools you are applying to. Schools like drexel, NYMC, and such are familiar with what your MS Post bacc grades mean, so they understand that a B in that program is actually a decent grade. Other schools, typically "higher ranked" schools dont really care all that much. I still ended up at a great school, but it wasnt the SMP that made or broke me.

 

[GloryofGreece]

I was in the Georgetown SMP, and when I going through my apps i had about a 3.9 in the program. It didnt get me off a single waiting list. In the end schools just dont know exactly how to use a masters post bacc GPA. Your mileage really varies depending on what schools you are applying to. Schools like drexel, NYMC, and such are familiar with what your MS Post bacc grades mean, so they understand that a B in that program is actually a decent grade. Other schools, typically "higher ranked" schools dont really care all that much. I still ended up at a great school, but it wasnt the SMP that made or broke me.

If u get 3.9 (that is beating med school students, do u get easy admission into georgetown med school itself?

 

[medstylee]

I had a 3.2 at Georgetown's SMP, and I had multiple acceptances (2 MD, 1 DO -- I was accepted at 3 of the 4 places I interviewed) the second time I applied (after a year off).

Now, I did have extenuating circumstances to explain why my SMP grades weren't better, and I also had good MCATs, but I think this does show that other factors matter too. I was able to show why I didn't do as well as I could have in undergrad (and what I learned from it 😉), I had strong LORs, and I had good, relevant ECs (e.g., established long-term desire to "help people" beyond just the standard hospital volunteering). I was able to convey in my interviews how much I wanted to be a doctor, that I knew what to expect from that choice, and why each school would be a good fit for me. I also defended my record without ever becoming defensive. I applied widely and didn't get too depressed when the rejections came. I didn't make it into a "prestige school", but I was more than content with the knowledge that I will one day be a doctor.

I think the key for me was proving how much I wanted it and not giving up on myself (and a little luck helped 😉).

That's encouraging - I'm at Georgetown, doing SMP, this year and I've been getting wrapped up in all this talk about needing a 3.5 or whatever in the fall semester to get interviews. I think (hopefully) I'll end up with pretty decent grades for fall (have around a 3.5 after 3/5 classes), but there's just no telling until our last two classes are graded. I actually interviewed at NYMC last year but didn't get off the waitlist. I liked the school a lot and it is one of the schools I'm most hopeful for this year. Best of luck at NYMC.

 

[GloryofGreece]

That's encouraging - I'm at Georgetown, doing SMP, this year and I've been getting wrapped up in all this talk about needing a 3.5 or whatever in the fall semester to get interviews. I think (hopefully) I'll end up with pretty decent grades for fall (have around a 3.5 after 3/5 classes), but there's just no telling until our last two classes are graded. I actually interviewed at NYMC last year but didn't get off the waitlist. I liked the school a lot and it is one of the schools I'm most hopeful for this year. Best of luck at NYMC.

For SMPers
1. how hard is it to get in SMP (Bu and georgetown) can u guys get specifics?
2. How many SMPers actaully get in med school that is affliated with the SMP?

 

[Singing Devil]

Does anyone have info on BU or Drexel smp's ??? success rates into med school?

There were a few threads here on the BU program which were rather comprehensive. You can search for them to get a ton of info from several students who have been through it. Since the inception of the BU program in the 1980's, around 85% of the people who completed the program have been accepted into allopathic U.S. schools. There also have been people who attended osteopathic schools, schools outside the U.S., dental programs, nursing, public health, Ph.D., etc. On the whole, the program is incredibly successful. One interesting thing is that the valedictorian at BUSM last year was a graduate of the MAMS program.

On a side note, I'm in my second year of the program right now. I applied before and didn't get in, although I was waitlisted at one school. I had ridiculous MCAT scores, but I had a crappy GPA and I flunked out of undergrad. Well, I improved with an even more ridiculous MCAT, did very well in the program, and so far this year I have interviewed at Duke, UNC, and have an interview scheduled for Pitt. I expect that I will interview at BU, and most likely will get in there, barring some unforeseen circumstance.

 

[GloryofGreece]

There were a few threads here on the BU program which were rather comprehensive. You can search for them to get a ton of info from several students who have been through it. Since the inception of the BU program in the 1980's, around 85% of the people who completed the program have been accepted into allopathic U.S. schools. There also have been people who attended osteopathic schools, schools outside the U.S., dental programs, nursing, public health, Ph.D., etc. On the whole, the program is incredibly successful. One interesting thing is that the valedictorian at BUSM last year was a graduate of the MAMS program.

On a side note, I'm in my second year of the program right now. I applied before and didn't get in, although I was waitlisted at one school. I had ridiculous MCAT scores, but I had a crappy GPA and I flunked out of undergrad. Well, I improved with an even more ridiculous MCAT, did very well in the program, and so far this year I have interviewed at Duke, UNC, and have an interview scheduled for Pitt. I expect that I will interview at BU, and most likely will get in there, barring some unforeseen circumstance.

I remember u r the guy with 39 MCAT. haha, is it possible to get back to super old treads? By the way, do u use AIM or MSN so we can discuss it more?

 

[exmike]

If u get 3.9 (that is beating med school students, do u get easy admission into georgetown med school itself?

Here is the thing, and they tend to sugar coat it at the SMP.

If you get a 4.0, you're almost surely going to get in. If you get a 3.8+, you have a very very good chance. If you get anything below that, your'e pretty much up to the w him of the program directors and admissions. Just because you get a 3.5 and an interview doesnt put you on the same playing field as the kids that get 3.9s. Thats the truth and dont listen to what anyone else says otherwise.

 

[dbpatto]

3.5 is passable but you really can't let it drop below that. Try for more A's next semester.

For the SMP? That's nonsense.

All you need is to finish the program. School's recognize how difficult the program is. Getting B's is just fine. (although you should at least pull some As in the grad courses.) I finished with something like a 3.3 last year and have had little trouble getting into several MD schools so far this year.