Is the Georgetown SMP worth it?

[swimmergirl2010]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello,

I was accepted to BU MAMS and Georgetown's SMP. I've pretty much decided on Georgetown because they encourage same-year application, whereas BU prefers people to apply to med school after the first year. I'm already a few years out of college, and do not want to put off applying for another year.

My stats are: 3.3 sGPA, ~3.2 cGPA, 31 MCAT. I'll be retaking the MCAT in June. I've been scoring higher on the practice tests and think I can score above a 32 this time.

I've read a lot of mixed reviews about the GT SMP though, I've also heard that many students end up going DO. If that is the case, it would be a waste of money for me. It is a very expensive program, and I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. I do have a solid background in science, having taken physiology, endocrinology, immunology, as well as a year of biochemistry last year. My GPA is low because of a couple bad quarters when there was a death in my immediate family. I pulled my grades up my last year of college.

Yes, I know there a million threads about this program, but I don't want to read stuff from 2007. I'm pretty sure the program has evolved in the past few years.

Are there any current students or alums of this SMP who will comment on whether it was beneficial for attaining MD acceptance? Do you feel that the program was worth the financial cost?

Thank you.

 

[FLdivegurl]

BU MAMS doesn't prefer you to apply after 2 years. That's a myth carrying over from years ago. The director of the program (Dr. Offner) does everything she can to help you get your application together for submission while you're in the program. It does look better to have a full 2 semesters of grades to show, but that will be the case regardless of where you attend.

I am in the MAMS program, finishing my first year and will be applying in June. I have also been out of school for a while, but in the grand scheme an extra year (if you need it) isn't a big deal at all. I understand wanting to get your plans started, I felt the same way.

BU MAMS just wants you to go to medical school, period. There is no preference one way or the other. BU just might tell you that your chances are better waiting the extra year to have more grades in, but they'll help you either way.

 

[swimmergirl2010]

Thanks, that makes sense. It's a hard decision, I think they both sound like solid programs. However, Georgetown is only 1 year whereas BU would require me to stay for at least the summer after the first year. Georgetown SMP also explicitly tells incoming students to apply the summer before coming.

 

[IrishCogs]

I know I've already spoken with you over PM but I figured I would post a short opinion here for others to see.

If you do Georgetown's SMP and consistently score A's in your courses you will get into medical school the same year, that's my opinion. Realistically not everyone who attends will be able to do this, but you can be this person. It's hard work, but it is possible. My two cents as a current student.

 

[swimmergirl2010]

Thank you, yes I thought I'd see if any other students wanted to chime in. Congrats again!

 

[common man]

If you do Georgetown's SMP and consistently score A's in your courses you will get into medical school the same year.

I assume this includes DO schools. I like DO schools and I find them to be desirable. However there is little need for an SMP for DO so I make the distinction. It is good to do the SMP so we may have more options / acceptances and not bank on a few schools.

 

[swimmergirl2010]

Are you in the Georgetown SMP?

I'm not interested in applying to DO schools, but I understand some of Georgetown's reported statistics reflect DO acceptances?

 

[IrishCogs]

I assume this includes DO schools. I like DO schools and I find them to be desirable. However there is little need for an SMP for DO so I make the distinction. It is good to do the SMP so we may have more options / acceptances and not bank on a few schools.

Barring any red flags or other negative aspects of your application, if you earn a very high SMP GPA and have a decent MCAT score, I was speaking specifically of MD acceptance.

 

[vancoxsta]

http://smp.georgetown.edu/alumni/

There are ~3-4 DO schools on there with only a few people going in total for the graduating class of 2012 (and much the same for 2011).

Of course this is only what they report - I would assume that their classes would be much larger than this. Generally I'd like to think that most SMPs intend to get you into an MD school unless the programs is at a DO school because it gives the program a better reputation (and because they are supposed to be personally invested in your future and matching your goals).

Since MD admissions are so ambiguous, all the GTSMP can do is convince AdComs that your undergrad GPA does not clearly reflect your ability as a med student. If you think having 60-70k$ in loans is worth it, then take the gamble (for it all really is a gamble, with any SMP). I've heard stories/know people who have come from crummy GPAs <3.0 who went to GTSMP, did well, and have matched in top 3 IM residencies. And then people who had decent MD-applying GPAs and good MCATs who also did really well in the program and didn't get in anywhere. The program can only do one thing, the rest is up to you.