Need Advice: UCincinnati's SMP vs UToledo's MSBS

[bustdakap]

Does anybody have a link or have any knowledge/opinons comparing Toledo's MSBS program and UC's SMP in Medical Physiology (i.e. pros and cons list)? I feel like Toledo has had a higher linkage but am unsure with all of the pending administrative changes. UC seems to have better reviews and a better place to live but they don't seem to verify any linkage with the UC's school of medicine. My goal is to better my chances of getting into med school this upcoming cycle.

I've been accepted to UC's Masters program and I believe my stats are competitive for the Toledo program (3.47 GPA with 4.0 senior year, 36 MCAT, 2000 hrs research, 300+ hrs volunteering, 60+ hrs shadowing, strong LORs) but I am still waiting to hear back. I applied late last cycle and was only offered 2 interviews and 2 waitlists and will be reapplying soon for this cycle (based on what I choose to do AKA SMP or double major).

I am also considering not doing a SMP and saving some cash and reapplying this upcoming cycle with a double major (Biochemistry and Neuroscience) where as last cycle I applied with a Biochemistry major and Neuroscience minor. Any thoughts on this approach? I live near Columbus and would prefer to go to OSUCOM.

Thanks for your help in advance...

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[ClassicJandT]

I don't really think you need an SMP, just apply early and broadly.

If you do opt to go with an SMP, UC is the much better option especially given all the uncertainty with the Toledo program moving forward. Please see the Toledo MSBS thread for all the ongoing controversy: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/university-of-toledo-msbs-2015-2016-smp.1114197/

Although the UC program is stronger and there have been several acceptances into OSU from UC's SMP program, the UC program has had it's own changes over the last couple of years:

1) Their same year linkage into their own school has been declining: http://med2.uc.edu/Physiology/MS-benefits.htm#success. The current 2014-2015 class linkage in even lower, I believe.
2) The curriculum has been changed to add on more of the MS1 workload so it's harder to do as well as before: http://med2.uc.edu/Physiology/MS-curriculum.htm

That being said, UC remains one of the best SMPs because it has a small class size , is fairly well known at schools across the country, and offers the advantage of allowing people to gain Ohio state residency. Overall, UC SMP gets people into medical school at a high rate either at their own school or into others. Just that a gap year as becoming more and more necessary there, unfortunately.

I would honestly avoid all this $$$, risk, and pressure and apply broadly ASAP without an SMP. Keep in mind that if you do poorly in an SMP, then US MD chances become almost nil. For someone like yourself with a salvageable gpa, an early application with some additional strong undergraduate coursework performance might be enough. If you do feel you have to do an SMP for some reason, UC is the better option. Until we know more with what is going on at the Toledo program, it really isn't an option at all anymore.

 

[RubicStorm]

You have strong stats. The two wait-lists suggest you are med school material if there was a spot available. Not sure if the SMP route is the safest route to take in that case, but I feel you'll need something bigger for the next cycle than a second major. A worthwhile job you enjoy doing is worth considering.

If you do choose a SMP, I think the safe bet is cincinnati. Smaller class size at 32 is pretty important for getting that personal touch with professors and letter writers and just people who can go to bat for you. It's well known and has a proven record for getting graduates into many US medical schools. Considering the hub-bub over Toledo, it seems unwise to put all your eggs in that one basket.

 

[Flashboy11]

I would not attend toledo since they only want people who perform exceptionally well in the program now. I would go to U Cincinnati plus they have more of a reputation.


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