NYMC post-bac

[silverdime]

I'm about to send in my application...and was hoping someone here could answer a couple of questions. Is anyone currently attending/has attended their program and mind talking? I've checked the threads and found nothing current.

Things that are on my mind:

1) Linkages. I like NYMC, but I wonder how good my chances are with other NY colleges if I go there.

2) Location. How is Valhalla? I've heard mixed reports.

3) The program itself. Has it helped you? Do you generally feel good about your choice? Do you get to take any courses with first-years like BU and Georgetown? (which is more a question for admissions officers, but the web site is amazingly vague)

4) Applying. Is there anyone affiliated with the program who helps with applications? My undergrad college premed committee helps alums, but given the GPA I'm about to graduate with I definitely would like letters/help from the graduate program. 🙄

I'm open to any impressions. Anything, anything, anything is appreciated.

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[cammy1313]

As far as post-bacs go, I can't offer any direct advice or info on NYMC since I did mine at BU. But, I can share my opinion of the med school. I was not impressed by the school at all. In fact, my first impression was that of terror at the thought of having to attend that school. The dorm style living arrangements just weren't for me (90% of students use them because there is not much housing around there), the curriculum seemed very outdated, and the students did not seem very happy. Good points, however, are that the hospital is fairly good, very reputable in the area, and they have very interesting research opps if you're interested in that. For me, the main factor that I considered when applying to post-bacs is whether I would be happy attending their medical school. Your chances of admission are greatest at the school at which you complete the post-bac, given that you do well in the program. That said, would you be happy at NYMC med? For me, that particular school was at the bottom of my list, not that I even had the luxury of being choosy. But, i was fairly confident that I could gain admission to the Finch (now Rosalind Franklin) and BU post-bacs which had med programs I could see myself happy with and worth busting my bum for. So, my advice is to apply to NYMC but definately send other apps out.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

I'm assuming you're referring to the MS in Basic Medical Science (NYMC has a lot of graduate programs). I did not (and I am not) in the program. However, I did contact Dr. Lerea a few months ago. And some of that info is provided below. Personally, I think there are better programs to consider (including the ones mentioned above: G-Town, BU, and RFU), but I haven't heard any concrete negatives about the program either.

In reply to your questions:

1) It doesn't sound like there are any significant linkages.
2) I've heard mixed reports too. All of my info would be secondhand.
3 & 4) See below

Random info about NYMC's MS in Basic Medical Science

Length: The program is two years.
Research Opportunities: Many masters students work in research labs as research technicians. Salaries vary depending on prior experience and hours worked. However, prior laboratory research experience is not necessary to succeed in the program.
Classes with medical students at NYMC: Not permitted.
Minimum GRE/MCAT for admission to masters program: No set numbers.
Competitive standardized test and GPA: Each application is reviewed individually, in its entirety.
Success rate for acceptance into US allopathic schools:
The program is only now keeping track of success rate. However many students choose to enter the various NYMC PhD programs too. [An SDNer posted a few months ago that the director told him the allo acceptance rate was 30%, so who knows]
Pre-professional help: Mentoring is provided for students. Letters are written on behalf of students.

 

[ornis4]

I'm currently in the Master's Program here at NYMC, graduating in May. Applying for entrance to med school next year. I would be glad to answer any and all questions for you...

In general, I'm definitely satisfied with my choice. I hurt myself last spring by devoting too much time to the MCAT and not enough to my grades. Still, I love the way this program is set up in theory....very open, very few requirements...you can pretty much take it in any direction you'd like. Most people devote the entire first year to physiology and biochem. The classes are in the late afternoon/evening, with basically the same material as the med students, perhaps with even a bit more detail since it's so much more spread out. Same professors as the med school, etc. It has not been a walk in the park by any means, and I have learned a great deal, especially since I didn't really have extensive exposure to things like biochem and microbiology as an undergrad.

For those interested, there are plenty of research opportunities during the day. And on a more positive note, Dr. Lerea is a great guy, and he just took over as director of the program. The last guy was a complete jerk and screwed me out of a recommendation for med school after initially agreeing to do it....but I digress...

The area is ok. Depends on your preference. Very expensive, pretty boring, and it's tough to get into the on-campus housing as an MS student anyway. White Plains is a nice enough little city, some things to do, not a bad commute to school at all. But for those who are either extremely strapped for money and/or used to city-life excitement, it may not be your place.

There basically are no linkages...they tend to make sure you realize that going in. You are not given preference in admissions(I haven't gotten an interview yet), although I know a few med students at NYMC who started in this program.

Overall, I would just say that I realize this is a tough choice...it definitely was for me. I had a 3.4 undergrad, and was so busy with extracurriculars that I put off the MCAT until after graduation. Looking back now, the extra two years have flown by, but then again it's tough thinking about how I could be in the middle of the second year of med school at this point. But, I have plenty of time to become a physician, and this is all going to make me that much better of a physician in the end. Good luck with your decision, and let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Victoria1999]

I read that you are a student at NYMC. I am applying there for PhD in Pharmacology. I have a degree in Pharmaceutical chemistry and I really like the courses that they offer. Can you please comment on the graduate program in general? I read on this forum...something like...the professors don't care about the graduate students while you say good things about the school.
Can you also tell me if it is hard to get in their graduate programs.
Thank you 🙂

 

[dca_55]

So it sounds like most of the classes are night classes so you can work in the day? How hard is it to get a day time tech job, and how many hours/wk do the masters students work at their job? I have about 3 years research experience in a molecular lab. Does that mean the masters students take full courseloads or is it slightly less so they can work during the day? I'm putting of amcas for a year to strengthen my undergrad gpa (I had one bad semester and one bad summer that I wish didn't happen) so I really want to do a fulltime courseload next year to add to my application. I'm considering a few postbaccs and just heard about the NYMC one.

 

[StudentMember1]

I'm currently in the Master's Program here at NYMC, graduating in May. Applying for entrance to med school next year. I would be glad to answer any and all questions for you...

In general, I'm definitely satisfied with my choice. I hurt myself last spring by devoting too much time to the MCAT and not enough to my grades. Still, I love the way this program is set up in theory....very open, very few requirements...you can pretty much take it in any direction you'd like. Most people devote the entire first year to physiology and biochem. The classes are in the late afternoon/evening, with basically the same material as the med students, perhaps with even a bit more detail since it's so much more spread out. Same professors as the med school, etc. It has not been a walk in the park by any means, and I have learned a great deal, especially since I didn't really have extensive exposure to things like biochem and microbiology as an undergrad.

For those interested, there are plenty of research opportunities during the day. And on a more positive note, Dr. Lerea is a great guy, and he just took over as director of the program. The last guy was a complete jerk and screwed me out of a recommendation for med school after initially agreeing to do it....but I digress...

The area is ok. Depends on your preference. Very expensive, pretty boring, and it's tough to get into the on-campus housing as an MS student anyway. White Plains is a nice enough little city, some things to do, not a bad commute to school at all. But for those who are either extremely strapped for money and/or used to city-life excitement, it may not be your place.

There basically are no linkages...they tend to make sure you realize that going in. You are not given preference in admissions(I haven't gotten an interview yet), although I know a few med students at NYMC who started in this program.

Overall, I would just say that I realize this is a tough choice...it definitely was for me. I had a 3.4 undergrad, and was so busy with extracurriculars that I put off the MCAT until after graduation. Looking back now, the extra two years have flown by, but then again it's tough thinking about how I could be in the middle of the second year of med school at this point. But, I have plenty of time to become a physician, and this is all going to make me that much better of a physician in the end. Good luck with your decision, and let me know if you have any more questions.

Hi,

Thank you so much for all the insight...I am beginning the traditional track program this fall and am concerned because it seems the overall acceptance into NYMC or med schools in general is low...also, Dr Lerea suggests that students wait until after the second year is over to apply to medical school, making this a 3+ year endeavor...
How many hours a week would you say the traditional master's students work while doing the late afternoon/evening classes?

Thanks so so much