Information about SMP

[MercifulDoc]

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Hello,

I did a search on SMP programs but I found many threads that were unaswered so i decided to make a new one specific to my question. Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

From what I understand SMP programs put you in the same class as other medical students and if you get above average in terms of grades you get acceptance? Also can you apply to other medical schools in the United States or is it specific only to a particular one (I don't really understand the policy on this)? What are the pros and cons of applying to an SMP program (other than money)? Does it limit your ability to enter medical school?

Help would be appreciated.

 

[joker2400]

Hello,

I did a search on SMP programs but I found many threads that were unaswered so i decided to make a new one specific to my question. Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

From what I understand SMP programs put you in the same class as other medical students and if you get above average in terms of grades you get acceptance? Also can you apply to other medical schools in the United States or is it specific only to a particular one (I don't really understand the policy on this)? What are the pros and cons of applying to an SMP program (other than money)? Does it limit your ability to enter medical school?

Help would be appreciated.

1. Most allow you to take some classes with med students but applications work the same as every one else. You just have a shot to prove you can handle the coursework
2. You can apply anywhere you want.
3. Pro: might help you get accepted. Con: if you tank it you are screwed

There is a whole section dedicated to this http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/postbaccalaureate-programs.71

 

[Mad Jack]

This is a pre-allo topic, just fyi. I'm sure the mods will move it, no big.

SMPs all work in different ways. Some have you take courses with medical students, some are general physiological science degrees, some are more similar to the premed curriculum, and some are research based.

Your best bets are linked programs that have you take courses with medical students and have a guarantee of either admission or an interview if you achieve a certain GPA and MCAT. These still allow you to apply to other MD programs, but also give you a strong shot at their home institution. Your best source of SMP info will often be the SMP site itself.

The AAMC also has a SMP database, found here:
https://services.aamc.org/postbac/

Other posters could probably answer quality questions and such. I know Georgetown is pretty good, other than that, no clue.

 

[MercifulDoc]

This is a pre-allo topic, just fyi. I'm sure the mods will move it, no big.

SMPs all work in different ways. Some have you take courses with medical students, some are general physiological science degrees, some are more similar to the premed curriculum, and some are research based.

Your best bets are linked programs that have you take courses with medical students and have a guarantee of either admission or an interview if you achieve a certain GPA and MCAT. These still allow you to apply to other MD programs, but also give you a strong shot at their home institution. Your best source of SMP info will often be the SMP site itself.

The AAMC also has a SMP database, found here:
https://services.aamc.org/postbac/

Other posters could probably answer quality questions and such. I know Georgetown is pretty good, other than that, no clue.

Thank you to the posters above for your answers. Here are my stats:

I am a fourth year student at the University of Toronto in Canada.

I currently have a GPA breakdown as follows:
First year - 1st semester: 3.0; 2nd semster: 3.0 GPA
Second year - 1st semester 3.85 GPA; 2nd semester: 3.79 GPA
Third year - 1st semester 3.10; 2nd semester: 2.4 (my father died suddenly)
Fourth year - 1st semester: looks about the same as last semester did (I ended up getting a D in second year OChem because I got depressed and stuff, but the rest of my marks were B- B+); 2nd semester - I plan on getting a 3.7 - 3.8
My MCAT is 27R.

I know I could have gotten higher in 3rd year first semester but I got depressed, started chasing girls, stopped focusing so much on school. My marks went to **** in second semester of third year because my dad got diagnosed with brain cancer, and bam a month later he was dead.

In fourth year I lost all hope of getting in -- hence my first semester marks, but I realized it is something I really want and would like a new chance at it. Is there a way for me to get into an SMP program were I am in the same class as medical students? What programs would take me? Do SMP programs provide a benefit for Canadian schools? Also, do you think I have what it takes to succeed in the SMP program and then get in? What medical schools can one apply to after an SMP? Finally, what did you do to succeed?

I have 1 publication (3rd author) and am working on a fourth year thesis that may get published. I have started a kickboxing club at my university, volunteered in the hospital for 256 hours.

I would greatly appreciate your help! 🙂

 

[joker2400]

Thank you to the posters above for your answers. Here are my stats:

I am a fourth year student at the University of Toronto in Canada.

I currently have a GPA breakdown as follows:
First year - 1st semester: 3.0; 2nd semster: 3.0 GPA
Second year - 1st semester 3.85 GPA; 2nd semester: 3.79 GPA
Third year - 1st semester 3.10; 2nd semester: 2.4 (my father died suddenly)
Fourth year - 1st semester: looks about the same as last semester did (I ended up getting a D in second year OChem because I got depressed and stuff, but the rest of my marks were B- B+); 2nd semester - I plan on getting a 3.7 - 3.8
My MCAT is 27R.

I know I could have gotten higher in 3rd year first semester but I got depressed, started chasing girls, stopped focusing so much on school. My marks went to **** in second semester of third year because my dad got diagnosed with brain cancer, and bam a month later he was dead.

In fourth year I lost all hope of getting in -- hence my first semester marks, but I realized it is something I really want and would like a new chance at it. 1)Is there a way for me to get into an SMP program were I am in the same class as medical students? 2)What programs would take me? 3)Do SMP programs provide a benefit for Canadian schools? 4)Also, do you think I have what it takes to succeed in the SMP program and then get in? 5)What medical schools can one apply to after an SMP? 6)Finally, what did you do to succeed?

I have 1 publication (3rd author) and am working on a fourth year thesis that may get published. I have started a kickboxing club at my university, volunteered in the hospital for 256 hours.

I would greatly appreciate your help! 🙂

I bolded your biggest problem as far as SMPs are concerned.
1. Probably, but your options will be limited with that MCAT
2. BU MAMS, EVMS, Loyola, and Rosalind Franklin maybe. The best IMO is Uof Cincinnati which has a min MCAT of 28
3. I doubt it
4. I don't know, do you?
5. Any school they could apply to before
6. I had a good MCAT, did well in the SMP, and had residency in a good state

Read the 1st post in this thread http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-official-guide-to-special-masters-programs.346106/

 

[MercifulDoc]

I bolded your biggest problem as far as SMPs are concerned.
1. Probably, but your options will be limited with that MCAT
2. BU MAMS, EVMS, Loyola, and Rosalind Franklin maybe. The best IMO is Uof Cincinnati which has a min MCAT of 28
3. I doubt it
4. I don't know, do you?
5. Any school they could apply to before
6. I had a good MCAT, did well in the SMP, and had residency in a good state

Read the 1st post in this thread http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-official-guide-to-special-masters-programs.346106/

Thanks for your post.

Two more questions: 1) Are the programs you listed with medical students? BU MAMS, EVMS, Loyola, and Rosalind Franklin 2) If I retake my MCAT and get in the 30's, would that increase my chances for an SMP?

 

[joker2400]

Thanks for your post.

Two more questions: 1) Are the programs you listed with medical students? BU MAMS, EVMS, Loyola, and Rosalind Franklin 2) If I retake my MCAT and get in the 30's, would that increase my chances for an SMP?

1.BU MAMS and EVMS I am pretty sure are with med students. Idk about Loyola and RF
2. Sure would my SMP had an average of 33 or 34. Also, most med schools need to see higher MCAT scores since your GPA is lacking

 

[MercifulDoc]

1.BU MAMS and EVMS I am pretty sure are with med students. Idk about Loyola and RF
2. Sure would my SMP had an average of 33 or 34. Also, most med schools need to see higher MCAT scores since your GPA is lacking

Wait, so even if you get high grades in an SMP med schools still look at your MCAT?

 

[joker2400]

Wait, so even if you get high grades in an SMP med schools still look at your MCAT?

They look at everything.

 

[MercifulDoc]

I see. Thanks!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Yep...moving to Pre-Allo.