G'town SMP

[CheeseMonkey130]

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I would like to keep up what HappyCalBear started. I just applied to the SMP. Please post if you've been accepted, rejected, neither yet, or planning on applying. Thanks

3.15 Overall
3.41 Science
32 MCAT

 

[tacrum43]

I would like to keep up what HappyCalBear started. I just applied to the SMP. Please post if you've been accepted, rejected, neither yet, or planning on applying. Thanks

3.15 Overall
3.41 Science
32 MCAT

I went to their openhouse on Friday and from what I heard, you shouldn't have a problem getting in. Your MCAT is pretty high and your science GPA is good, and your overall is over a 3.0. Assuming you've done at least some medically related activities, they'll most likely accept you right away. Apparently, they also waitlist people.

I really liked the school. The directors seem very supportive and the Master's degree is a plus too. It is quite expensive, but I think it would be worth it.

While I was there, they let us check our application statuses. They hadn't reviewed my application yet (I was complete about three weeks ago). For speculation purposes my stats are:

3.4 overall, 3.3 science and 30 MCAT. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

 

[Dr. Veritas]

Students applying to the Georgetown SMP would be wise to think twice about what they are told by the program directors.

One of the oft-repeated mantras of the SMP directors is that the SMP is a "one-year interview" in which the activities of the students will be closely watched -- particularly when decisions are made about which of the SMP students are accepted to the Georgetown School of Medicine (about 20-25 a year get in.) But a week or so ago, after the School of Medicine sent out its invitations to interview to SMP students, the SMP directors disclosed that nothing other than SMP student GPA was considered. Furthermore, they disclosed for the first time that the one SMP director who also sits on the School of Medicine admissions committee was actually barred from taking any part in discussions or decisions about which SMP students would be invited for interview or accepted to the SOM (many SMP students thought having her on the admissions committee was a small, but important, opening in the door to the school of medicine). Why did she not disclose this at the beginning of the SMP year?

And SMP students are told emphatically that they are not competing among themselves as they apply to medical school. In fact, this is not true. the Georgetown SMP directors provide a spreadsheet of SMP student exam scores to admissions officials at medical schools with which they have a special relationship. How did this information get out? An admissions officials at the George Washington University School of Medicine told visiting SMP students that she knew their scores because the Georgetown SMP program provided them.

Why are the otherwise seemingly decent SMP directors forthright about these things/ Perhaps it's best to ask them.

There's still a better than 50% chance a Georgetown SMP student will be accepted to med. school in the first application cycle, which is nothing to sneeze at. Still, it'd be best to start the SMP program knowing the true story about how it works.

I went to their openhouse on Friday and from what I heard, you shouldn't have a problem getting in. Your MCAT is pretty high and your science GPA is good, and your overall is over a 3.0. Assuming you've done at least some medically related activities, they'll most likely accept you right away. Apparently, they also waitlist people.

I really liked the school. The directors seem very supportive and the Master's degree is a plus too. It is quite expensive, but I think it would be worth it.

While I was there, they let us check our application statuses. They hadn't reviewed my application yet (I was complete about three weeks ago). For speculation pruposes my stats are:

3.4 overall, 3.3 science and 30 MCAT. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

 

[imrep1972]

I went to their openhouse on Friday and from what I heard, you shouldn't have a problem getting in. Your MCAT is pretty high and your science GPA is good, and your overall is over a 3.0. Assuming you've done at least some medically related activities, they'll most likely accept you right away. Apparently, they also waitlist people.

I really liked the school. The directors seem very supportive and the Master's degree is a plus too. It is quite expensive, but I think it would be worth it.

While I was there, they let us check our application statuses. They hadn't reviewed my application yet (I was complete about three weeks ago). For speculation pruposes my stats are:

3.4 overall, 3.3 science and 30 MCAT. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

Tacrum... didn't know that you went to the open house. How was it? Would you mind posting, or better yet, starting a thread, to talk about what went on? I would be very intersted in hearing about it.

 

[imrep1972]

Students applying to the Georgetown SMP would be wise to think twice about what they are told by the program directors.

One of the oft-repeated mantras of the SMP directors is that the SMP is a "one-year interview" in which the activities of the students will be closely watched -- particularly when decisions are made about which of the SMP students are accepted to the Georgetown School of Medicine (about 20-25 a year get in.) But a week or so ago, after the School of Medicine sent out its invitations to interview to SMP students, the SMP directors disclosed that nothing other than SMP student GPA was considered. Furthermore, they disclosed for the first time that the one SMP director who also sits on the School of Medicine admissions committee was actually barred from taking any part in discussions or decisions about which SMP students would be invited for interview or accepted to the SOM (many SMP students thought having her on the admissions committee was a small, but important, opening in the door to the school of medicine). Why did she not disclose this at the beginning of the SMP year?

And SMP students are told emphatically that they are not competing among themselves as they apply to medical school. In fact, this is not true. the Georgetown SMP directors provide a spreadsheet of SMP student exam scores to admissions officials at medical schools with which they have a special relationship. How did this information get out? An admissions officials at the George Washington University School of Medicine told visiting SMP students that she knew their scores because the Georgetown SMP program provided them.

Why are the otherwise seemingly decent SMP directors forthright about these things/ Perhaps it's best to ask them.

There's still a better than 50% chance a Georgetown SMP student will be accepted to med. school in the first application cycle, which is nothing to sneeze at. Still, it'd be best to start the SMP program knowing the true story about how it works.

Dr. V,

Thanks for sharing this. Frankly, it doesn't bother me overmuch. I am not going to the SMP so that I can get into G-town. I am going so that I can get into medical school. Wherever. Hopefully, I will be successful, and will be able to help as many others as possible to be successful as well. There is no need to compete, regardless of what you have heard.

I am curious though, how do you know all this information? You've never posted here before, but you suddenly show up with all this negative insider info?

Curious.

 

[Thegandlighs]

Students applying to the Georgetown SMP would be wise to think twice about what they are told by the program directors.

One of the oft-repeated mantras of the SMP directors is that the SMP is a "one-year interview" in which the activities of the students will be closely watched -- particularly when decisions are made about which of the SMP students are accepted to the Georgetown School of Medicine (about 20-25 a year get in.) But a week or so ago, after the School of Medicine sent out its invitations to interview to SMP students, the SMP directors disclosed that nothing other than SMP student GPA was considered. Furthermore, they disclosed for the first time that the one SMP director who also sits on the School of Medicine admissions committee was actually barred from taking any part in discussions or decisions about which SMP students would be invited for interview or accepted to the SOM (many SMP students thought having her on the admissions committee was a small, but important, opening in the door to the school of medicine). Why did she not disclose this at the beginning of the SMP year?

And SMP students are told emphatically that they are not competing among themselves as they apply to medical school. In fact, this is not true. the Georgetown SMP directors provide a spreadsheet of SMP student exam scores to admissions officials at medical schools with which they have a special relationship. How did this information get out? An admissions officials at the George Washington University School of Medicine told visiting SMP students that she knew their scores because the Georgetown SMP program provided them.

Why are the otherwise seemingly decent SMP directors forthright about these things/ Perhaps it's best to ask them.

There's still a better than 50% chance a Georgetown SMP student will be accepted to med. school in the first application cycle, which is nothing to sneeze at. Still, it'd be best to start the SMP program knowing the true story about how it works.

Dr. Veritas,

I assume you were referring to a recent (very brief class meeting) that was held after one of our lectures. Yes, in the beginning of the year, they did say that we should see this year as a "one year interview." What they meant by this was that you should make sure not to do anything that could potentially reflect poorly on your character and jeopardize your chances of getting into medical school. For example, you don't want to be known as the gunner that tries to put down everyone in the class.

Basically, they stated that there is no favoritism shown to any specific students when considering who will be admitted to Gtown. Because one of the SMP directors is actually on the admissions committee, wouldn't it make sense for her to not be allowed in the decision process for those in our class?The main criteria would be the academic performance as well as the actual medical school interview. This, I believe is what most people would want: to be given a fair shot without having any people who kiss-up be given any advantage.

When the directors were referring to us not competing with each other, they were referring to our classes with the medical students. We are graded against the medical school class, not our own SMP class. Potentially, every single person in the Physio program could get an A in the medical classes. Out of all the classes that we take this year, I can only think of one class in which that was not possible (MIM). Otherwise, we are NOT in competition with each other.

Also, about the class rankings being sent to certain schools. You have to realize that there must be SOME way of seeing which individuals have really been successful in the program and others that are having some difficulty. I see nothing wrong with having a ranking of our class possessed by the directors. It's not like they are posted up for all of us to see. In fact, we have no idea who is number one and who is number one-fifty.

 

[stang]

Dr. V,

Thanks for sharing this. Frankly, it doesn't bother me overmuch. I am not going to the SMP so that I can get into G-town. I am going so that I can get into medical school. Wherever. Hopefully, I will be successful, and will be able to help as many others as possible to be successful as well. There is no need to compete, regardless of what you have heard.

I am curious though, how do you know all this information? You've never posted here before, but you suddenly show up with all this negative insider info?

Curious.

Hi everyone,
I don't post on here much, but I'm also in the SMP program and can verify everything the above poster said. It was announced to us after class last week. Regardless, I don't think it should have much influence on your decision to enter the program since you probably all know you pretty much need all As to have a reasonable chance at getting into Gtown.

I mainly wanted to give some advice to everyone thinking about doing this program that hasn't been mentioned. First, don't do it unless your GPA and only your GPA is keeping you out of medical school. Call up a school that rejected you and make sure it's your GPA that's keeping you out. If you have a low MCAT, weak ECs, or applied late, then I would save my money and spend next year working on those aspects of your application. Also, I was told by my advisor here that this program can only get you interviews, after that it's up to you. So if you got interviews last year but ended up with waitlists or rejections, you're probably better off working on your interviewing skills and getting more ECs.

Of coarse if you only care about getting into Gtown then this is the best program for you. However, remember that although the classes aren't very difficult, everyone here wants those As and only ~25 are going to get in. Another thing to consider is that Gtown isn't for everyone and I know many people who changed their minds about staying here after coming here, myself included.

With all that said I still think this is a great program. Just make sure you look at all of your options before deciding to come here, and be ready to work hard.

 

[Thegandlighs]

I went to their openhouse on Friday and from what I heard, you shouldn't have a problem getting in. Your MCAT is pretty high and your science GPA is good, and your overall is over a 3.0. Assuming you've done at least some medically related activities, they'll most likely accept you right away. Apparently, they also waitlist people.

I really liked the school. The directors seem very supportive and the Master's degree is a plus too. It is quite expensive, but I think it would be worth it.

While I was there, they let us check our application statuses. They hadn't reviewed my application yet (I was complete about three weeks ago). For speculation pruposes my stats are:

3.4 overall, 3.3 science and 30 MCAT. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

There was quite a large group for the open house. I sat amongst you guys on the balcony that morning. Glad to hear that you had a good time. What did you guys actually do during the day?

 

[imrep1972]

Hi everyone,
I don't post on here much, but I'm also in the SMP program and can verify everything the above poster said. It was announced to us after class last week. Regardless, I don't think it should have much influence on your decision to enter the program since you probably all know you pretty much need all As to have a reasonable chance at getting into Gtown.

I stand corrected. Thanks Stang, sorry Dr. V 🙂

 

[DrHuang]

Students applying to the Georgetown SMP would be wise to think twice about what they are told by the program directors.

One of the oft-repeated mantras of the SMP directors is that the SMP is a "one-year interview" in which the activities of the students will be closely watched -- particularly when decisions are made about which of the SMP students are accepted to the Georgetown School of Medicine (about 20-25 a year get in.) But a week or so ago, after the School of Medicine sent out its invitations to interview to SMP students, the SMP directors disclosed that nothing other than SMP student GPA was considered. Furthermore, they disclosed for the first time that the one SMP director who also sits on the School of Medicine admissions committee was actually barred from taking any part in discussions or decisions about which SMP students would be invited for interview or accepted to the SOM (many SMP students thought having her on the admissions committee was a small, but important, opening in the door to the school of medicine). Why did she not disclose this at the beginning of the SMP year?

And SMP students are told emphatically that they are not competing among themselves as they apply to medical school. In fact, this is not true. the Georgetown SMP directors provide a spreadsheet of SMP student exam scores to admissions officials at medical schools with which they have a special relationship. How did this information get out? An admissions officials at the George Washington University School of Medicine told visiting SMP students that she knew their scores because the Georgetown SMP program provided them.

Why are the otherwise seemingly decent SMP directors forthright about these things/ Perhaps it's best to ask them.

There's still a better than 50% chance a Georgetown SMP student will be accepted to med. school in the first application cycle, which is nothing to sneeze at. Still, it'd be best to start the SMP program knowing the true story about how it works.

let me guess...youre cura personalis on the SMP boards? 🙂

 

[DrHuang]

Dr. V,

Thanks for sharing this. Frankly, it doesn't bother me overmuch. I am not going to the SMP so that I can get into G-town. I am going so that I can get into medical school. Wherever. Hopefully, I will be successful, and will be able to help as many others as possible to be successful as well. There is no need to compete, regardless of what you have heard.

I am curious though, how do you know all this information? You've never posted here before, but you suddenly show up with all this negative insider info?

Curious.

i believe hes a current SMP student aka to us SMPers as 'cura personalis' on our forums.

 

[medstylee]

let me guess...youre cura personalis on the SMP boards? 🙂

haha. dr. cura personalis. i don't think we'll ever know who that was, man.

anyway, my memory is terrible, but i thought i remembered "said admissions person" telling us at orientation that, although s/he's on the admissions committee at gusom, s/he's not involved in admission to gusom for the physios. anyway - no difference - we know the deal now anyway.

also, i'd agree with those current physios on here that, for all you future physios that want to get into gusom, high smp grades are the best way to do it. smp grades are essential for getting the interview. like others have said, this is no secret as the directors told us flat out the other day. while they are still really important for determining who gets in post-interview, there are obviously other really important factors. i had my gusom interview the other day and my interviewer made it a really big point that our interview for gusom is different from non-physio interviews. she went on to explain that regular interviews are open-file but physio interviews are closed file because they really want to choose the physios that know why they want to go to georgetown and medicine in general. that's really important for gusom altogether, but especially for the physios. anyway, i was at least relieved to get the feeling that the whole "you need an A in physiology and a 3.8 gpa to have any chance at gusom" mindset isn't entirely correct. anyway, that was my spiel. good luck to you guys coming next year - just remember to establish your study habits right away, that should be your first priority.

 

[medstylee]

There was quite a large group for the open house. I sat amongst you guys on the balcony that morning. Glad to hear that you had a good time. What did you guys actually do during the day?

i was on the balcony with them too. actually, two of the prospectives asked me after the lecture if the physios had to sit on the balcony and the med students in the lower level, haha (sorry to laugh guys).

anyway, if you guys were wondering that, the med students usually sit on the left of the balcony and the physios on the right and then i think it's pretty mixed on the lower level. not like there's designated seating or anything. hopefully you guys weren't too bored learing about vasopressin, dr. sherman's usually a bit more animated than that.

 

[cozmokrmr]

Can someone tell me when Georgetn. SMP starts accepting applications. From what I know it is in January for that upcoming Fall. Is this right?

 

[FowlersGap]

a majority of the SMP class is from california, and one of the things that the directors didn't tell us outright was that their relationship with the UC isn't that great. UC Davis for example won't look at your application the year you are doing SMP, they'll consider your app to their school after you receive your masters from gtown. there are a few rare cases where students have gotten into UC schools right after the program though. someone found this out and asked the directors at one of the class meetings and they said, yeah its true, but we're "working on our relationship"...i bet they're still "working on it" right now... USC takes one or two SMP students a year. I ended up at a DO school in socal and there are three others from the program in my class. the smp was a pretty helpful experience and i think i gained more knowledge that year than i did all four years of undergrad at UCLA. for those at gtown right now i know this time when interview invites were sent out can be a hard one. the year usually starts off way positive and ends on a lame note, but i guess that's how it is. just hang in there and kick butt in endocrinology and neuroscience. neuro is pretty tough but at the same time fascinating. some of the lecturers at gtown are like no other and if you end up somewhere else for med school you'll remember the good old times. stay positive and don't burn out. i took a year off after SMP and worked. it was a great break and i think i wouldn't be doing as well in school right now if i hadn't taken a break.

 

[tacrum43]

Students applying to the Georgetown SMP would be wise to think twice about what they are told by the program directors.

One of the oft-repeated mantras of the SMP directors is that the SMP is a "one-year interview" in which the activities of the students will be closely watched -- particularly when decisions are made about which of the SMP students are accepted to the Georgetown School of Medicine (about 20-25 a year get in.) But a week or so ago, after the School of Medicine sent out its invitations to interview to SMP students, the SMP directors disclosed that nothing other than SMP student GPA was considered. Furthermore, they disclosed for the first time that the one SMP director who also sits on the School of Medicine admissions committee was actually barred from taking any part in discussions or decisions about which SMP students would be invited for interview or accepted to the SOM (many SMP students thought having her on the admissions committee was a small, but important, opening in the door to the school of medicine). Why did she not disclose this at the beginning of the SMP year?

And SMP students are told emphatically that they are not competing among themselves as they apply to medical school. In fact, this is not true. the Georgetown SMP directors provide a spreadsheet of SMP student exam scores to admissions officials at medical schools with which they have a special relationship. How did this information get out? An admissions officials at the George Washington University School of Medicine told visiting SMP students that she knew their scores because the Georgetown SMP program provided them.

Why are the otherwise seemingly decent SMP directors forthright about these things/ Perhaps it's best to ask them.

There's still a better than 50% chance a Georgetown SMP student will be accepted to med. school in the first application cycle, which is nothing to sneeze at. Still, it'd be best to start the SMP program knowing the true story about how it works.

I didn't hear the directors mention that the SMP was a "one-year interview" once while I was there. They did say that you need a 3.5+ to get an interview, but that once you're at the interview, you're "on level ground" (actually Ms. Cabiness said that). She also made reference to a "file 13" which is apparently where applications go if the applicant (SMP and regular I would assume) is rude to the admissions staff, etc. So, if you are a jacka$$, then they might use their impression throughout the year to reject you.

It doesn't bother me that they share my exam grades with other schools. I've shared about every piece of personal information I have with the medical school admission committees, what's a little bit more? When they say we are not competing against each other, what they mean is that our scores are not taken into account when determining the class average, only the med school students' scores are averaged. I felt that they were clear on that point. Also, even if they didn't send the individual exam scores, of course we would still be competing against the other SMPers in terms of medical school admissions! They would see our grades in the courses, and be comparing our applications overall as well, as I'm sure many apply to the same schools.

hopefully you guys weren't too bored learing about vasopressin, dr. sherman's usually a bit more animated than that.

I thought he did a good job. The only questionable part was when he suggested that the students try using "coffee, no-doze, and/or 'shrooms" to help them study one of the particularly challenging lecture slides. For a second, I thought I was at Berkeley. 🙂

 

[tacrum43]

There was quite a large group for the open house. I sat amongst you guys on the balcony that morning. Glad to hear that you had a good time. What did you guys actually do during the day?

Tacrum... didn't know that you went to the open house. How was it? Would you mind posting, or better yet, starting a thread, to talk about what went on? I would be very intersted in hearing about it.

Well, I'll just post here for now. I'm not sure how many SDNers were there at the openhouse. One of the people I sat with for lunch had never even heard of SDN. Poor girl 😉.

Here's a recap of the day for the SMP people (since you guys wanted to know):

8am: (which = wake up at 3:30am West Coast time 😴 )
Check-In and breakfast until about 8:30 and then an intro speech by Dr. Cihlar and Dr. Myers.

9am:
Endocrinology lecture about Vasopressin and its role in salt and water balance in the human body by Dr. Tom Sherman Ph.D., Professor, Physiology & Biophysics (and, apparently, mycology)

10am:
Info about several of their graduate programs, including the SMP. Their Tumor biology and Pharmacology programs both sounded interesting to me too.

11:45am:
Lunch. Wow, it was beautiful. Your choice of steak, sea scallops, halibut, chicken salad and dessert too (or all of the above if you wanted). Made the "Campus Dining" here at Cal Poly look like a prison cafeteria's leftovers.

1:15pm:
More informational speeches. You could choose from several choices, but I listened to Dr. Mulroney talk about the "Medical School Application Process". She emphasized that you get a lot of support for your application from Georgetown, but that you also have to put in a lot of hard work. "Work your fanny off" is what she said. A handout she gave us said that the average GPA/MCAT for the SMP in 2003 was 3.3 and 29.5. She recommended that people with an MCAT below 30 retake it (either this past Saturday or in August, but not in April while in the program). She also said that if the MCAT is your problem, this is not the program for you because it is meant to help people with low GPAs. Apparently, medical schools in general look for a 30 with a 3.5 overall and 3.4 science for admission. Georgetown seems to have a cutoff at about 3.6 overall and science and a 31 MCAT for inviting regular applicants to an interview.

2:30pm:
Listened to Dr. Myers talk about the SMP some more. I don't really remember what he said because it had all pretty much been covered by that point.

3pm:
Campus tour. Georgetown's campus is really beautiful. It's all old brick buildings with well kept lawns and other plant life. Very neat and tidy. It's like what I imagined a college would look like when I was in high school.

3:30pm:
An "Informal reception" started for applicants to talk to each other, some current students and some of the professors. I went and waited in line outside Ms. Cabiness' office to check my application status first though.

4:30pm:
They drew names for some door prizes. Rumor has it one was a guaranteed admission to Georgetown med (jk).

5:00pm:
I left because I was tired from only three hours or so of sleep, but it was winding down anyway. I called a cab, but some people stole it, so I ended up waiting there for like half an hour (it was cold too). Then a Georgetown bus came by that said it went to the Key Bridge Marriott (where I was staying) so I hopped on. I later discovered that you are supposed to have a Georgetown ID, but the driver didn't ask, and since I was there on official business, I figured it was okay and I saved $10 too.

 

[tacrum43]

a majority of the SMP class is from california, and one of the things that the directors didn't tell us outright was that their relationship with the UC isn't that great. UC Davis for example won't look at your application the year you are doing SMP, they'll consider your app to their school after you receive your masters from gtown. there are a few rare cases where students have gotten into UC schools right after the program though. someone found this out and asked the directors at one of the class meetings and they said, yeah its true, but we're "working on our relationship"...i bet they're still "working on it" right now...

I don't know about Davis, but I talked to Dr. Peterson at UCI about how I could improve my application, and she agreed with me that Georgetown's SMP would be a good step to take.

 

[calbear15]

did you happen to ask any current students if there were anything that they didn't like about the program?

did you ask Ms. Cabiness about MY application? When the heck am I gonna find out???!!!

 

[tacrum43]

Can someone tell me when Georgetn. SMP starts accepting applications. From what I know it is in January for that upcoming Fall. Is this right?

That's right.

 

[tacrum43]

did you happen to ask any current students if there were anything that they didn't like about the program?

did you ask Ms. Cabiness about MY application? When the heck am I gonna find out???!!!

Guess I'm not the only insomniac on SDN tonight.

I didn't ask my student tour guide what he didn't like about the school. He was actually going to switch to nutrition after completing the program, but was nevertheless certain that it had helped him get into the program he wanted.

No, I didn't ask her about YOUR application. Did you apply as CalBear15? E-mail her yourself if you want to know.

 

[calbear15]

Guess I'm not the only insomniac on SDN tonight.

I didn't ask my student tour guide what he didn't like about the school. He was actually going to switch to nutrition after completing the program, but was nevertheless certain that it had helped him get into the program he wanted.

No, I didn't ask her about YOUR application. Did you apply as CalBear15? E-mail her yourself if you want to know.

My application should've been the shiny one that said "LET ME IN!" in English, Spanish, and French. YOu mean you didn't see it?

I don't want to bother Ms. Cabiness anymore. I talked to her quite a bit last month and it seems like applicants are bugging her all the time.

What's your backup plan besides G-town?

 

[calbear15]

Guess I'm not the only insomniac on SDN tonight.

/QUOTE]

Am I an insomiac? I don't think so...I think I'm just addicted to the SDN. (just recently discovered it)

I think I want to challenge Phil Anthropist to a post-bacc dual. I thought I was an expert in post-baccs until I saw his posts.

 

[tacrum43]

Am I an insomiac? I don't think so...I think I'm just addicted to the SDN. (just recently discovered it)

I think I want to challenge Phil Anthropist to a post-bacc dual. I thought I was an expert in post-baccs until I saw his posts.

1. No, no. Don't challenge the Phil.

2. Yes, you are an insomniac. It's freakin' 3:10 in the morning. Why are we still up?

3. My backup backup plan (plan C that is) is to finish my apps to Loyola and BU's programs (and start one to Rosalind Franklin's program). I'm not going to finish my app to Drexel's program though. I can't believe they make their SMP-type students sit in a basement somewhere and watch the lecture on TV. I heard that they aren't allowed to contact the professor either.

 

[calbear15]

1. No, no. Don't challenge the Phil.

2. Yes, you are an insomniac. It's freakin' 3:10 in the morning. Why are we still up?

3. My backup backup plan (plan C that is) is to finish my apps to Loyola and BU's programs (and start one to Rosalind Franklin's program). I'm not going to finish my app to Drexel's program though. I can't believe they make their SMP-type students sit in a basement somewhere and watch the lecture on TV. I heard that they aren't allowed to contact the professor either.

1. I think I can beat Phil because I've actually APPLIED. But I am a little scared of him. How does he know so much?

2. You're right

3. I knew about the satellite lecture thing, but I didn't know about the restraining order from the professors. That's Bull**it!! I originally ranked them above UMDNJ on my list but not anymore. I have my phone interview with them later in the week...I don't really want to go there at this point but just for my ego, I want to get in and then tell them "i'm not coming to your stupid basement lectures!"

 

[tacrum43]

1. I think I can beat Phil because I've actually APPLIED. But I am a little scared of him. How does he know so much?

2. You're right

3. I knew about the satellite lecture thing, but I didn't know about the restraining order from the professors. That's Bull**it!! I originally ranked them above UMDNJ on my list but not anymore. I have my phone interview with them later in the week...I don't really want to go there at this point but just for my ego, I want to get in and then tell them "i'm not coming to your stupid basement lectures!"

1. Phil knows all that is about post-baccs. Just accept this and move on.

2. Not the first time.

3. Pettiness may be fun, but it won't get you anywhere.

 

[calbear15]

1. Phil knows all that is about post-baccs. Just accept this and move on.

2. Not the first time.

3. Pettiness may be fun, but it won't get you anywhere.

1. Yeah, after further consideration, I think I'm going to surrender without actually challenging him to a post-bacc dual. There's just no way

2. I work the night shift at a hospital. It's almost time to go home.

3. Pettiness looks good on me. I think it brings out the vengefulness and selfishness, especially in the spring.

Ciao!

 

[imrep1972]

Well, I'll just post here for now. I'm not sure how many SDNers were there at the openhouse...

Thanks! I wish I could have been there... 🙁

 

[tacrum43]

Thanks! I wish I could have been there... 🙁

So nobody thought the mushroom thing was funny? Well, I was amused.

 

[AHappyCalBear]

Crazy pre-SMP'ers!! I haven't got into the SMP yet and I'm still waiting. I should hear back from them some time this week, or at least that's what they said. In any case it seems like the SMP should be judged on a case by case basis.

My case & why I think the SMP is really good for me...
I have a 30 MCAT, 3.5 overall, 3.1 science from UC Berkeley. So it's my science GPA that's holding me back, not my overall or my MCAT. I have ECs up the ass and a good personal statement. &... I could care less about going to med school in California. I'd much rather prefer GUSOM, Drexel, Temple, NY Med, Albany... any of these guys! These are the schools which most like the SMP and so it helps, hopefully a lot.

Do you think its a bad idea to tell the GU people once I get there what my priority schools are? If I say Drexel is my #1, which it is, I think they'll note that and might not consider me as seriously for GU. Am I being paranoid?

It's actually funny you guys had this whole long thread about the SMP, I was like damn how did I miss ALL this? Then I realized that you guys are just insomniacs who are posting like mad. More power to ya.

Oh another thing, Washinton seems like a real fun place to live in. Am I really going to be working like a madman to pull good grades or is there some time to... I dunno... Find one of the many "young-professional" woman and get a chance to go out? Or will I be either studying or relaxing from studying 24/7?

Peace be with ya & good luck, especially calbear15 who seems super anxious, but I can definitely empathize.

 

[calbear15]

Crazy pre-SMP'ers!! I haven't got into the SMP yet and I'm still waiting. I should hear back from them some time this week, or at least that's what they said. In any case it seems like the SMP should be judged on a case by case basis.

My case & why I think the SMP is really good for me...
I have a 30 MCAT, 3.5 overall, 3.1 science from UC Berkeley. So it's my science GPA that's holding me back, not my overall or my MCAT. I have ECs up the ass and a good personal statement. &... I could care less about going to med school in California. I'd much rather prefer GUSOM, Drexel, Temple, NY Med, Albany... any of these guys! These are the schools which most like the SMP and so it helps, hopefully a lot.

Do you think its a bad idea to tell the GU people once I get there what my priority schools are? If I say Drexel is my #1, which it is, I think they'll note that and might not consider me as seriously for GU. Am I being paranoid?

In any case I wanna know what you guys think about what I just said. Is the SMP really good for me? (on the condition that I do well - 3.5+)
Medstylee, gintien, have anything to say about this? PLEASE SOMEONE comment on this, I really want to know, ESPECIALLY from people in the SMP what they have to say about this

It's actually funny you guys had this whole long thread about the SMP, I was like damn how did I miss ALL this? Then I realized that you guys are just insomniacs who are posting like mad. More power to ya.

Oh another thing, Washinton seems like a real fun place to live in. Am I really going to be working like a madman to pull good grades or is there some time to... I dunno... Find one of the many "young-professional" woman and get a chance to go out? Or will I be either studying or relaxing from studying 24/7?

Peace be with ya & good luck, especially calbear15 who seems super anxious, but I can definitely empathize.

Hahahahaha.... 1 more thing SDNers... What the hell is up with all us California people who got into top UC schools but have to scrape and claw our ways into medical school. I didn't think it would be like this. Are the UCs just kicking our butts or did we get lazier or I dunno. Just wondering why so many Cal and UCLA students.

I got lazy. Played a sport at Cal and ran around naked in my fraternity most of the time. (mostly by myself...sadly. sometimes there were other girls...hey, you think the "professional women" in DC might wanna partake in that activity with me?)

Thanks for noting my anxiety. It's nice to be noticed. BTW, got denied from Loyola today. I'm 70% sure I'm going to EVMS now. I think the RFUMS answers come out this week. Good luck to y'all.

 

[medstylee]

Do you think its a bad idea to tell the GU people once I get there what my priority schools are? If I say Drexel is my #1, which it is, I think they'll note that and might not consider me as seriously for GU. Am I being paranoid?

You're being paranoid, that's all. I mean, you're not going to go into the GUSOM admissions office and announce "yo guys, guess what, I really f-ing love Drexel!" Just remember that SMP and GUSOM admissions are not linked. You'll have an advisor who will write letters of rec for you to your schools you're applying to. I was even lucky enough to have my advisor agree to write me a "special" letter for my top choice school. Also, if you really want to go for Drexel, just be sure to get decent grades. Even though they have their own SMP-like program, they interview a ton of people from our SMP (as does NYMC).

Oh another thing, Washinton seems like a real fun place to live in. Am I really going to be working like a madman to pull good grades or is there some time to... I dunno... Find one of the many "young-professional" woman and get a chance to go out? Or will I be either studying or relaxing from studying 24/7?

You just need to learn good study habits ASAP, then you'll be able to figure out how often you can afford to go out. Honestly, the time we have in class for most of the year is very minimal - maybe 3 hours a day for the most part. So, you have hours upon hours to study after class each day. Anyway, DC is teaming with good looking young people, especially the Georgetown area. So, I'm sure you'll be able to find your "young professional." If that's your thing, the DC area has lots of really good happy hours.

So, there ya have it. At your beckon call (RE:

Medstylee, gintien, have anything to say about this? PLEASE SOMEONE comment on this...

) - my answer. Good luck with everything, guys. I'll be happy to provide any further advice/opinions.

 

[waitman192]

So nobody thought the mushroom thing was funny? Well, I was amused.

Yeah - the mushroom comment was funny -- Sherman throws those comments in at a pretty regular basis. The first time he mentioned doing some shrooms, it was definetely one of those "wha?? did he really just say that??" But you learn with Sherman that he is a product of the 60's/70's.

For my 2 cents, I'd agree with a lot of what was said above. (With the exception of some of Dr. Veritas comments -- namely that we were told that one of the directors is on the GUSOM adcom, but this person would not have a say in our applications) And I remember the directors telling us outright on both days of orientation that this is a 2 year process for lots of people. Yeah just (?) 50% of the people go to medical school after the first year, but after the second year its up to over 80% (if I remember correctly). I know that's another year you need to wait to get into med school which can seem aggravating, but after a year you have your Master's and you can spend the extra year fine tuning the application if need be.

As for the program itself, you really do need to work your tail off no matter if you want to get into Gtown med or not, because the program is designed to show adcoms that you can "cut it" in med school. It's a lot of work and you'll find new limits to the amount of hours you can sit down and study (I did)

So good luck to you -- find your rythm eary and stick with it, it will pay HUGE dividends in your first year of med school no matter where you are. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

-waitman

 

[HoyaMax]

Waitman- You nailed it perfectly!

The SMP requires a yearlong commitment, anyone who says otherwise is probably gunning somewhere! I have found that after an undergrad that I personally thought was challenging (3.7 overall, 3.6 science, 30 MCAT degree in Physiology), that it was only this year that I learned 'how to learn'. Embryology was a nice wakeup, as many of us discovered what studying really was. Coursework here is managable, but by no means easy. The tradeoff for these difficult classes is the realization that YES medical school is possible as long as you put the time into it.

For you future SMP folk, the directors will indeed outline the year to you during orientation... I didn't believe half the stuff they said, but for the most part they were right. It is a yearlong interview, but ultimately decisions are based on performance-both grades and attitude. Your colors do ring true with some influential people (i.e. don't be a jackass), as bad impressions can sting you, likewise these adcom people have been doing their jobs for a while and are well versed in ass-kissing... My advice, don't waste your valuable time with sucking up or being a jerk, apply the time towards learning the menstrual cycle (you'll get it at least 3 times with embryo, histology, and endocrinology)!!!

I personally have enjoyed my year here in DC, the town really is a cultural epicenter. However, that being said, the SMP ought to be treated like a job, i.e. 35-50 hours of studying per week (NO JOKE!), and time for fun is limited, so enjoy when you have the chance!

Lastly, when you get those coveted interviews, present yourself as the dedicated physician-to-be that you want to be seen as!

I am out,
Max