Master of Biomed at UMDNJ questions...

[Phenol312]

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Hello everyone,

I've applied to MD schools this year and its my second time around and I'm not having any luck. So on the advice others I'm looking into some post-bacc work to help boost my GPA a bit in addition to volunteering. Hopefully, I'll manage to get in for the '09 and I won't have to face the MCAT again.

My last, and only, MCAT was taken in August 2006 (the very last paper one! 🙂). I scored a 9-10-12 R on it (average). I really only want to go to RWJ or NJMS. So I'm considering the the Newark program in the hopes it will help me get in for the 2009 cycle. My GPA is a 3.37 overall with 3.19 BCPM. I have a strong upward trend i was around a 3.0 my first two years and a 3.7 my last two and that was when I had all my upper level bio courses.

Can this program be done in one year?
Is it advisable for me to attempt this program or should I just focus on my EC's?
Are there other programs out there that I should also consider? (i flipped through the lists but got a little confused)

 

[Dabyachunv]

do a search, youl find all the answers your looking for and then some.😉

 

[Phenol312]

Ok well i put some more effort into my searching and it looks like SMP would be the way to go...

So I'm looking at programs in the NY/NJ/PA area (within 2-3 hours drive from my home in central jersey). And two programs come up Drexel and UMDNJ...now UMDNJ says its a two year program and not a true "smp" while Drexels is a true SMP. I am assuming based on what I've read that the drexel SMP would look a little nicer.

still I've been told that my GPA is "borderline" for using SMP to help my chances of an MD acceptance. I'm only looking at lower tier allo schools and the usual DO schools. Would something like an SMP be advisable in my case?

Obviously, the main thing im working to fix is my volunteering...but i have from now until summer to get that in. So is it better for me just to volunteer a lot or do one of these programs?

 

[hardwork732]

the only program you would be eligible for at drexel would be the interdisciplinary medical science program (IMS). Since you scored a 31 on your MCAT you could only apply to this program, which is a one-year program. The other program that drexel offers, to non-disadvantaged students, is the medical science prep program (MSP) but you have to have lower then a 27 on your MCAT to be eligible.

The IMS program would let you experience what the first year of medical school would be like. You would be on the same schedule as the first years students of Drexel's med. This program has a strong reputation because it allows students to compete with the 1st year drexel meds. If your gpa in your classes are above the average gpa of the the first years then this would be a strong indicator to any medical school admissions board that you are def someone to consider.

It sounds like you have some nice numbers going for you. I am finding it hard to believe that you have not had some success in getting into any medical school with those numbers. Sure maybe your gpa is a little low but its not low enough to make you non-competative at lower end Allopathic med schools.

If you have no volunteer, clinical, or research experience then this is probably what is keeping you from being considered. If you did the IMS program, though, you really would not have very much time to volunteer anywhere...so you are kind of stuck in a tough spot.

If I were you...I would apply to the IMS program for next year and until then get as much volunteer and clinical shadowing experience as you can. Thats about as much as you can do right now.

 

[Phenol312]

Ok it seems the more i learn about this post bacc stuff the more interesting it gets...

am i better off considering the University of Penn program since they have linkage agreements with a lot of the schools im interested in?

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/CGS/postbac/premed/

 

[hardwork732]

you already took the MCAT and scored a 31??? Why would you do a basic post bac at penn? They won't let you in since you have already taken the MCAT.

Basic Post-bacs are for students who have never taken any of the basic sciences courses and have never taken the MCAT. They are looking to change careers to go into medical school.

Special Masters Programs are designed for students who have taken these basic science courses and have taken the MCAT but still need a boost in their science credentials...and possibly get more help to prepare for the MCAT a second time around.

Yes it would be sweet to get into Penn's program since they have some nice linkages but with your stats you do not qualify.

You are only eligible for SMPs. I suggest you take some time now and read through the forums...everything you ever need to know is in these forums.

 

[Phenol312]

yes i know that i am not eligible for the pre health program but what would prevent me from enrolling in their special science program? Unless I'm missing something it sounds like its for people who have their degree but just want to take some extra science courses to fluff their gpa

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/CGS/postbac/premed/specialscience/

 

[caliprincess]

Phenol,

The UMDNJ program can be done in a year. It requires 30 credits to graduate and earn the master's, however, if you matriculate into medical school, you really only need 24 credits to graduate. This is because UMDNJ will transfer up to 6 medical school course credits toward your graduate degree. After this, your Master's in Biomedical Science will be conferred.

I think it would be in your best interest to apply to both the program in Newark and Stratford because they are becoming "known" and competitiveness is increasing. After this application cycle, make appointments with Dr. Heinrich of NJMS and Dr. Terragino of RWJ. Bring your transcripts, your SMP acceptance, and a copy of your MCAT scores. They will tell you your weaknesses (as if you already didn't know them...haha) and what they would expect to see you take (and earn) at either SMP program. The med schools in the UMDNJ system really do like their UMDNJ graduate students, as long as you perform well and continue to show interest in NJMS and RWJ.

In any case as I told you before, I believe you are a borderline applicant. You have a solid MCAT score and a decent GPA. I think for you either a regular post-bacc (bring your GPA up just a little bit higher) or an SMP will work, regardless of what route or school you choose to attend. Just do well in either one and apply early and broadly. And again, keep in contact with NJMS and RWJ if you want to stay in NJ...besides, they love students from TCNJ, Princeton, and Rutgers 😉