Is it a bad idea to do an SMP so you can get ahead of your classmates?

[miss chievous]

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I was accepted into an SMP that is joined with a DO school, and I would be taking some first year med school classes (anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, etc.). I asked a similar question a while ago on SDN and people said from an application standpoint, I don't need it (I have a 3.68 sGPA/cGPA and 32 MCAT).

But I was wondering - should I do it so I can make the transition into medical school easier? I feel like it would make my first year a lot less stressful, and I would be ahead of my fellow classmates. This would give me time to do do other things such as research and leadership positions during my first year. What do you guys think? (I'm lucky enough to come from a wealthy family so money is not an issue). Thanks guys.

Edit: It took me like 11 months of intense studying to get that 32. I feel like I'm a little slow...

 

[Medstart108]

I was accepted into an SMP that is joined with a DO school, and I would be taking some first year med school classes (anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, etc.). I asked a similar question a while ago on SDN and people said from an application standpoint, I don't need it (I have a 3.68 sGPA/cGPA and 32 MCAT).

But I was wondering - should I do it so I can make the transition into medical school easier? I feel like it would make my first year a lot less stressful, and I would be ahead of my fellow classmates. This would give me time to do do other things such as research and leadership positions during my first year. What do you guys think? (I'm lucky enough to come from a wealthy family so money is not an issue). Thanks guys.

The way you put it makes you sound like a gunner, but yeah do it if you want.

 

[Bluto385]

You COULD spend that SMP year getting ahead of the competition and learning everything there is to know about medicine before you start learning everything there is to know about medicine for the rest of your career...or you could idk...play outside or something.

 

[loltopsy]

If you want to pay the 30-50k in tuition... I mean, whatever man. What's another year worth of school on top of 200k+ in debts anyway?

 

[dietitiantodoc]

If you want to pay the 30-50k in tuition... I mean, whatever man. What's another year worth of school on top of 200k+ in debts anyway?

he just said he was from a wealthy family and money wasn't an issue.

I think you need to think about whether or not you want to take up a year of your life doing the SMP, or if you would rather do something else with your year. Think about all the things you could possibly be doing rather than an SMP and ask yourself what sounds better?

I wouldn't do it just to get "ahead" somewhere though. I would do it because you actually want to.

 

[lovemango]

Seems like a waste of money and time to me. How much ahead do you truly expect to be, and is it worth giving up your last real year of freedom before you dive into med school and everything that follows?

 

[jeffs office]

I was accepted into an SMP that is joined with a DO school, and I would be taking some first year med school classes (anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, etc.). I asked a similar question a while ago on SDN and people said from an application standpoint, I don't need it (I have a 3.68 sGPA/cGPA and 32 MCAT).

But I was wondering - should I do it so I can make the transition into medical school easier? I feel like it would make my first year a lot less stressful, and I would be ahead of my fellow classmates. This would give me time to do do other things such as research and leadership positions during my first year. What do you guys think? (I'm lucky enough to come from a wealthy family so money is not an issue). Thanks guys.

Edit: It took me like 11 months of intense studying to get that 32. I feel like I'm a little slow...

SMP, for sure! 😉

 

[miss chievous]

Seems like a waste of money and time to me. How much ahead do you truly expect to be, and is it worth giving up your last real year of freedom before you dive into med school and everything that follows?

To be honest, I'm kind of hoping you guys can help me come to an answer. That's the question I'm asking - is it worth giving up my last real year of freedom? Will I have a pretty good advantage if I do the SMP?

 

[miss chievous]

.

 

[1stmeds]

point being, if you don't care about money and debt, free time, and your fleeting youth, then yes do the SMP.

If you want to live your life and not let the fear of failure influence your every life decision, then no don't do the SMP.

 

[miss chievous]

he just said he was from a wealthy family and money wasn't an issue.

I think you need to think about whether or not you want to take up a year of your life doing the SMP, or if you would rather do something else with your year. Think about all the things you could possibly be doing rather than an SMP and ask yourself what sounds better?

I wouldn't do it just to get "ahead" somewhere though. I would do it because you actually want to.

I'd be taking 19 hours in the fall and 20 in the spring, most of which are just as intense as the first year med school classes - so I obviously don't WANT to do it. I'd rather just sit around and enjoy my last year, but I also would like to go to medical school and be near the top of my class since I've learned so much of it already, you know? I feel like it would save me so much stress.

 

[FSU2013]

If you don't have to do an SMP, it's a waste of time and money. A lot of time and a lot of money.

 

[sinombre]

DIdn't you literally just ask this question a few days ago?

No, don't do it. It is a huge waste of time, energy, and money.

 

[Barcu]

Is acceptance to the school dependent on your SMP performance?

If so, it may be a risk to do an SMP because if you mess it up, no med school is going to want you.

If not, it's still a huge waste of time and money. I don't think it gives you a huge advantage academically because it is hard to keep up with material you learned during the SMP if you are not taking as many classes first year (former SMPs at my school told me).

The ability to do some research is the only possible benefit, and I really don't think that is worth the time, money, or stress of an SMP.

 

[miss chievous]

DIdn't you literally just ask this question a few days ago?

No, don't do it. It is a huge waste of time, energy, and money.

Yes, if you look at my original post, I asked this question in regards to my application. I wanted to see if it would help my application if I needed to reapply. Now I've gotten the answer to that - no, it won't make that much of a difference. I'm now asking this to see if I should do it just to get a head start (i.e. "gunner").

Is acceptance to the school dependent on your SMP performance?

If so, it may be a risk to do an SMP because if you mess it up, no med school is going to want you.

If not, it's still a huge waste of time and money. I don't think it gives you a huge advantage academically because it is hard to keep up with material you learned during the SMP if you are not taking as many classes first year (former SMPs at my school told me).

The ability to do some research is the only possible benefit, and I really don't think that is worth the time, money, or stress of an SMP.

Nope, the acceptance to my state's med schools are independent of this program. But why would it be difficult to keep up with the material during your first year if you've already learned most of it?

 

[sinombre]

Yes, if you look at my original post, I asked this question in regards to my application. I wanted to see if it would help my application if I needed to reapply. Now I've gotten the answer to that - no, it won't make that much of a difference. I asked this to see if I should do it just to get a head start (i.e. "gunner").

The answer is still no. The cost completely outweighs whatever tiny and inconsequential benefit doing an SMP would offer. Just take a breath, relax, and don't worry about trying to get ahead of your classmates before you even start medical school. Enjoy your free time while you still have it.

 

[Barcu]

But why would it be difficult to keep up with the material during your first year if you've already learned most of it?

Would you take all of the first year classes again or are you exempt from classes?

I'm confused. Would you go to a school that's different than where your SMP program is?

 

[miss chievous]

The answer is still no. The cost completely outweighs whatever tiny and inconsequential benefit doing an SMP would offer. Just take a breath, relax, and don't worry about trying to get ahead of your classmates before you even start medical school. Enjoy your free time while you still have it.

http://whitsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/okay-meme-face.jpg

 

[deleted547339]

I see no reason to do an SMP.

 

[sinombre]

http://whitsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/okay-meme-face.jpg

lol... seriously though. I'm being blunt because I think it would be a huge mistake. Please don't do it 🙂

 

[primadonna22274]

Many of my classmates at LECOM did the post bacc. I have never heard ANY of them say it made M1 any easier...M1 sucks regardless.
Good luck though.

 

[plasmamorris]

Having just graduated from an SMP - I definitely think it will be helpful next yr as an M1 at the same school where I attended my SMP (same professors, same slides, basically same classes). However, I agree with everyone in saying that if your stats are good (which yours seem to be good) don't do it.

One thing to consider is - in the year you spend at your SMP, you may decide that you don't like the school. With stats like yours - you actually are in a peculiar situation in that you could apply to a different school during the SMP year. I'm also confused as to what the exact arrangement of your SMP is and if you're going to be applying to other MD/DO schools. Regardless, if you decide to apply to other schools - they'll be extremely confused about why you decided to attend an SMP.

I think if you're concerned about your adjustment to med school - you should be concerned about those same issues in an SMP. SMP's aren't easier - in some cases they may be more difficult. I know that many med students told my classmates and I that we were in a more rigorous program than their M1 year. At times, I agreed with them, other times not so much. Either way - SMPs are not meant to be an adjustment program for med school. They're application enhancers - you're going to be in a class of very motivated and desperate individuals. They are ultimately helpful in that those of us who graduate from SMPs have a better grasp of material - but by no means was anyone in my SMP with stats like yours.

If your acceptance into med school is conditional on your performance in the SMP, I would say absolutely forgo the SMP. If it isn't - I'd still say forgo the SMP, because even if it's not - you have no idea how that will be perceived among other med schools and the DO school linked to the SMP.

I understand you're concerned about 1st year and I empathize with that. However, I think your efforts should be toward figuring out better studying methods, introspection about your own abilities, and ultimately addressing any weakness you have prior to entering medical school. A lot of ppl are adjusting in first year, including those of us from SMPs. Find some friends, get to know your learning services department, and be proactive - you'll be fine!

 

[miss chievous]

lol... seriously though. I'm being blunt because I think it would be a huge mistake. Please don't do it 🙂

Fair enough. Sometimes it's best to be blunt anyway 🙂

Many of my classmates at LECOM did the post bacc. I have never heard ANY of them say it made M1 any easier...M1 sucks regardless.
Good luck though.

I thought post bacs only take pre-med classes, while SMPs consist of medical school classes?

Having just graduated from an SMP - I definitely think it will be helpful next yr as an M1 at the same school where I attended my SMP (same professors, same slides, basically same classes). However, I agree with everyone in saying that if your stats are good (which yours seem to be good) don't do it.

One thing to consider is - in the year you spend at your SMP, you may decide that you don't like the school. With stats like yours - you actually are in a peculiar situation in that you could apply to a different school during the SMP year. I'm also confused as to what the exact arrangement of your SMP is and if you're going to be applying to other MD/DO schools. Regardless, if you decide to apply to other schools - they'll be extremely confused about why you decided to attend an SMP.

I think if you're concerned about your adjustment to med school - you should be concerned about those same issues in an SMP. SMP's aren't easier - in some cases they may be more difficult. I know that many med students told my classmates and I that we were in a more rigorous program than their M1 year. At times, I agreed with them, other times not so much. Either way - SMPs are not meant to be an adjustment program for med school. They're application enhancers - you're going to be in a class of very motivated and desperate individuals. They are ultimately helpful in that those of us who graduate from SMPs have a better grasp of material - but by no means was anyone in my SMP with stats like yours.

If your acceptance into med school is conditional on your performance in the SMP, I would say absolutely forgo the SMP. If it isn't - I'd still say forgo the SMP, because even if it's not - you have no idea how that will be perceived among other med schools and the DO school linked to the SMP.

I understand you're concerned about 1st year and I empathize with that. However, I think your efforts should be toward figuring out better studying methods, introspection about your own abilities, and ultimately addressing any weakness you have prior to entering medical school. A lot of ppl are adjusting in first year, including those of us from SMPs. Find some friends, get to know your learning services department, and be proactive - you'll be fine!

There is a very small chance that I'll be matriculating at the same school that I'll be attending this masters program for. Texas has 8 MD schools and 1 DO school, and this program is linked with the DO school. I would really prefer MD though, to be honest. And I think you read me perfectly- I really am just concerned about the 1st year and am trying to find ways to make the transition easier 🙁 I graduated in 2011 so I feel like I won't be as bright as my fellow classmates

 

[Barcu]

There is a very small chance that I'll be matriculating at the same school that I'll be attending this masters program for. Texas has 8 MD schools and 1 DO school, and this program is linked with the DO school. I would really prefer MD though, to be honest. And I think you read me perfectly- I really am just concerned about the 1st year and am trying to find ways to make the transition easier 🙁 I graduated in 2011 so I feel like I won't be as bright as my fellow classmates

If you aren't doing it at the school that you are matriculating at, then definitely do not do it. The benefit is very small. Seriously, lots of people have taken time off, some don't feel prepared, but you will be fine.

There is also risk. SMPs are meant to be a last shot for people who may not get into med school otherwise. They need to do well to prove to med schools that they can handle the course load. You do not need to do that. If you struggle in the SMP, potential med schools may notice. Do you think they would accept you if they saw you struggling in an SMP?

 

[huskydock]

There is a very small chance that I'll be matriculating at the same school that I'll be attending this masters program for. Texas has 8 MD schools and 1 DO school, and this program is linked with the DO school. I would really prefer MD though, to be honest. And I think you read me perfectly- I really am just concerned about the 1st year and am trying to find ways to make the transition easier 🙁 I graduated in 2011 so I feel like I won't be as bright as my fellow classmates

Your 3.68/32 says otherwise, both pretty much above average medical school matriculants. You have great stats, very far from needing a SMP. And don't worry about not being "as bright", if you get accepted, that means the ADCOMs think you have what it takes. If you think you'll be slow with those stats, what the heck should people who get in with sub 3.5/30 stats think of themselves??

 

[miss chievous]

If you aren't doing it at the school that you are matriculating at, then definitely do not do it. The benefit is very small. Seriously, lots of people have taken time off, some don't feel prepared, but you will be fine.

There is also risk. SMPs are meant to be a last shot for people who may not get into med school otherwise. They need to do well to prove to med schools that they can handle the course load. You do not need to do that. If you struggle in the SMP, potential med schools may notice. Do you think they would accept you if they saw you struggling in an SMP?

Your 3.68/32 says otherwise, both pretty much above average medical school matriculants. You have great stats, very far from needing a SMP. And don't worry about not being "as bright", if you get accepted, that means the ADCOMs think you have what it takes. If you think you'll be slow with those stats, what the heck should people who get in with sub 3.5/30 stats think of themselves??

Thank you all. I'm going to email the school and tell them my decision. I think in my head I expected this SMP program to be a free ticket to an easy first year of med school, but I don't really think that's the case. Also, I feel like all of my classmates will be super competitive while I'll just be chillin' (most of my classmates have <3.4 GPAs and <28 MCAT) so I'd probably blow it anyway. I appreciate the help, everyone! Hope I'm making the right choice.

 

[487806]

Yes, if you look at my original post, I asked this question in regards to my application. I wanted to see if it would help my application if I needed to reapply. Now I've gotten the answer to that - no, it won't make that much of a difference. I'm now asking this to see if I should do it just to get a head start (i.e. "gunner").

Since you have cash to burn, go for it. A wise idea is you can give some of that extra cash to me.

 

[tantacles]

I know people that were in your same situation. A friend with similar stats to yours did the SMP at my medical school (MD), was accepted to both the SMP and another program, but matriculated elsewhere. Her rationale? She'd rather do something related to medical school during her year off than just relax.

However, if this is really you, why not start studying for some of the courses on your own time? Most schools record your lectures, and if you have other friends who have already started medical school, I would bet you could get some of them to "lend" you their lecture videos (think digital format). This way, you wouldn't be beholden to tests, and a bad performance in the SMP (which could happen, based on your worries) wouldn't hinder you from getting into medical school.

Now, the reason I say this is that there is a distinct possibility that you won't get into medical school next year. I don't say this because of your stats (they're quite competitive), but because there are absolutely no guarantees in admissions. If you do the SMP and don't get in, you'll be required to resubmit your grades, including those from the SMP. If you have a decent GPA from the SMP, that'll be great. If you don't, it won't look great at all - it'll probably be a deterrent.

So consider this: An SMP is more likely to hurt you than help you in the application department. It would be worth your time to study the material on your own time if it would help you reduce your anxiety, but many people come into medical school after having taken years off and they do just fine. I'm one of them. Consider your options carefully, and choose what's right for you.

 

[miss chievous]

I know people that were in your same situation. A friend with similar stats to yours did the SMP at my medical school (MD), was accepted to both the SMP and another program, but matriculated elsewhere. Her rationale? She'd rather do something related to medical school during her year off than just relax.

However, if this is really you, why not start studying for some of the courses on your own time? Most schools record your lectures, and if you have other friends who have already started medical school, I would bet you could get some of them to "lend" you their lecture videos (think digital format). This way, you wouldn't be beholden to tests, and a bad performance in the SMP (which could happen, based on your worries) wouldn't hinder you from getting into medical school.

Now, the reason I say this is that there is a distinct possibility that you won't get into medical school next year. I don't say this because of your stats (they're quite competitive), but because there are absolutely no guarantees in admissions. If you do the SMP and don't get in, you'll be required to resubmit your grades, including those from the SMP. If you have a decent GPA from the SMP, that'll be great. If you don't, it won't look great at all - it'll probably be a deterrent.

So consider this: An SMP is more likely to hurt you than help you in the application department. It would be worth your time to study the material on your own time if it would help you reduce your anxiety, but many people come into medical school after having taken years off and they do just fine. I'm one of them. Consider your options carefully, and choose what's right for you.

Great advice. I'm starting to think the majority of people that go into medical school these days have had a couple of years off from school.

 

[mmmcdowe]

To be honest, I'm kind of hoping you guys can help me come to an answer. That's the question I'm asking - is it worth giving up my last real year of freedom? Will I have a pretty good advantage if I do the SMP?

Very small advantage, especially considering that first year/semester courses are fairly low yield for pretty much everything from your class rank to the the boards to the wards.

 

[lovemango]

If you're that worried about the adjustment to med school after a gap year or two, keep in mind that some of the Texas med schools do offer prematriculation programs to incoming MS1s. Off the top of my head, I know for sure that UTHSCSA has its pre-mat program and UTMB has the PREP program.

 

[miss chievous]

The three courses/areas that I hear 1-year medical students stress about the most are

1) Medical Terminology: This is a fast, cheap, and easy way to get step or two ahead with a workbook or website that makes you learn all the terms for anatomy especially. Something you can do on the beach in a few weeks.

2) Gross Anatomy: Likely worse course in terms of just sheer memorization. Start with an anatomy coloring book (I am not kidding) and work your way up to any of the USMLE-level review books. Even a moderately familiarity will help in the lab (in those 6 hours of cold smelly cutting)

3) Medical Biochemistry. I think this is only course I have had more than one student break down in tears over. Med school biochem seems to make upper-level undergraduate work seem like a course for 4th graders. Again, any familiarity that allows you to develop a cognitive map to store huge amounts of fast flowing info that will hit you will be helpful.

Personally, I would sit on the beach and a read a novel and enjoy while you can
Personally I would recommend

I called and cancelled today. I look forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing this year 😀 I'll definitely look into Medical Biochemistry and Gross Anatomy.

If you're that worried about the adjustment to med school after a gap year or two, keep in mind that some of the Texas med schools do offer prematriculation programs to incoming MS1s. Off the top of my head, I know for sure that UTHSCSA has its pre-mat program and UTMB has the PREP program.

This pre-mat program is awesome! I've never heard of it. The website is very vague though - do we apply after we get accepted? I'm confused as to how long this program actually is.

 

[lovemango]

The prematriculation programs are for accepted students only and you usually have to apply for it. The length depends on each school - UTHSCSA's is a weeklong, I think, while UTMB's PREP program is 6 weeks.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Take the 30-50k that you would have spent on an SMP and go backpack through Europe or chill on a beach for a couple months. Seriously, I would just relax and not even think about med school classes, rank, classmates, etc. My guess is that relaxing before you start school will help you prepare more than grinding through an unnecessary SMP and potentially burning out before the marathon even starts.

 

[sinombre]

I called and cancelled today. I look forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing this year 😀

👍

 

[yehhhboiii]

I called and cancelled today. I look forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing this year 😀 I'll definitely look into Medical Biochemistry and Gross Anatomy.

good. don't bother with looking at school stuff when you're not in school

 

[miss chievous]

The prematriculation programs are for accepted students only and you usually have to apply for it. The length depends on each school - UTHSCSA's is a weeklong, I think, while UTMB's PREP program is 6 weeks.

Perfect. UTMB's program sounds amazing!

Take the 30-50k that you would have spent on an SMP and go backpack through Europe or chill on a beach for a couple months. Seriously, I would just relax and not even think about med school classes, rank, classmates, etc. My guess is that relaxing before you start school will help you prepare more than grinding through an unnecessary SMP and potentially burning out before the marathon even starts.

Excellent advice. I'm glad I listened to you guys (I was 90% sure on matriculating before I made this thread).

👍

In retrospect, I appreciate the blunt-ness

good. don't bother with looking at school stuff when you're not in school

Done! 😀

Thanks again everyone! Sorry for the multiple threads on this topic, as well! 🙂

 

[IslandStyle808]

I was accepted into an SMP that is joined with a DO school, and I would be taking some first year med school classes (anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, etc.). I asked a similar question a while ago on SDN and people said from an application standpoint, I don't need it (I have a 3.68 sGPA/cGPA and 32 MCAT).

But I was wondering - should I do it so I can make the transition into medical school easier? I feel like it would make my first year a lot less stressful, and I would be ahead of my fellow classmates. This would give me time to do do other things such as research and leadership positions during my first year. What do you guys think? (I'm lucky enough to come from a wealthy family so money is not an issue). Thanks guys.

Edit: It took me like 11 months of intense studying to get that 32. I feel like I'm a little slow...

The clear cut answer to this is NO.

As people here have mentioned it too much time, too much money, and too much risk. If you do badly in this SMP, it is the kiss of death on your applications. Your GPA and MCAT are already competitive so just apply. If you don't get anything after this cycle, then go for the SMP.

 

[miss chievous]

The clear cut answer to this is NO.

As people here have mentioned it too much time, too much money, and too much risk. If you do badly in this SMP, it is the kiss of death on your applications. Your GPA and MCAT are already competitive so just apply. If you don't get anything after this cycle, then go for the SMP.

Yeah I think that's my backup plan. If I don't hear anything back by January, I'll reapply to the program and do it during my year off.

Thanks 👍

 

[darkjedi]

I called and cancelled today. I look forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing this year 😀

You made the right decision. First/second year is a lot of material, but definitely not worth the money to take classes to prepare you for them. Spend it on travelling and living life instead. Go somewhere awesome and do something amazing before you start med school!