Got a some PMs asking Q's about the GMS program, ended up writing a long response to one that i figure i would share. So here are some more pearls from my time in the program:
Just an FYI, if you don't already know, the syllabus handed out at BUSM isn't just a 1 page course outline, its more like a text book w/ all the lecture notes for the course, so with that, attendance for most classes really isn't necessary. Which is something that should be known, unless you prefer learning from lecture don't go, use that time to study, if that is how you learn best. My first semester in the MA program I went to all lectures and labs. I was there all day and when I got home I was pretty pooped and still had a night of studying ahead of me. I did OK. but really had to break my ass to do so . Towards the end of fall and all of spring semester, I stopped going to lecture unless I had thoroughly read and knew the material that was going to be discussed, otherwise I just sat in my apt or the library and studied on my own, did a lot better, and had a lot more free time. I used lectures as an optional reinforcement rather than my primary means of learning.
This is not to say you never have to go to class, some syllabi are better than others. Histo is very thorough, learn the syllabus and lab manual you are given and learn it well, you will have no problem w/ the class, its a lot of work but everything you need to know is given to you in the syllabus and lab book, towards the end of that class I stopped going to lab and lecture completely, sat at home w/ my microscope and syllabus, studied and did much better than I did in the first half of the course. Physio is BIG syllabus handed out in 3 or 4 parts, its thorough w/ lots of stuff to learn, I never went to lab, the web resources for that class were good and anything covered in lab was usualy on the web that or the next day, But sometimes they omit and/or add small parts to the syllabus, during lecture. I found that lectures where a good way to reinforce the material, so I attended a majority of them, but only when I had thoroughly studied what was going to be discussed. Endo is a continuation of the physio course and its syllabi is just as thorough, for both those classes going to class helps b/c if somthing small is mentioned and emphasized in lecture and not in the syllabi, you can be sure it will be on the test, could be the difference between a A- and A. Immuno is good, basicaly a summary of the text book, for me at least, a real easy A, only went to that class the 1st and last day. And finally , I am not sure if it has gotten any better but the biochem syllabus blows, this is one class you have to go to and take good notes, some stuff discussed in class is in the syllabus other stuff is not, some stuff that is in the syllabus is not mentioned in lecture, unlike the other classes, the biochem syllabus was pretty much a secondary resource.
But for all these classes the things I found most helpful for doing well, were old tests, knowing the material well is important, but there is more than mere memorization involved, you will be tested on your knowledge, comprehension and ability to integrate that info. Old tests let you know what is expected of you and are great practice. There are plenty available, try asking first years who were GMS if they saved old practice tests. Those that attended 2yrs before would have old practice tests from 2-3yrs before that, so you could potentially get you hands on 5 yrs worth of test, rather than the previous 2yrs that are usually available. Plus if you can accumulate enough old test you will see a quite few of the questions repeated on your exam.. free points!
Just know that attendance at lab/lect is not required and for some is not beneficial, but other do swear by them. If you find lecture is just eating up large chunks of your time and you aren't learning much from them, don't go and don't feel guilty about it. The school provides lots of resources for you to learn the material, extensive syllabi, lectures, labs, course web sites, tutors, ect...You don't have to use them all, find what works for you b/c there will be a lot of info you will be responsible for, and you really will need to find out what is the most efficient and effective method of learning for you. Because if you want to reap the benefits of this program, you will need to do well in your classes. Which means, for the most part doing better than the med student you will taking some classes with.
Basically to summarize everything said above. As far as the med school courses you will be allowed to take are concerned, over the course of 9.5 months you will have to take around 9-10 exams, DO WHATEVER YOU NEED TO DO, IN ORDER TO DO GOOD ON THESE EXAMS! that's essentially what the whole program boils down to, those tests and how you do on them, every things else such as thesis, attendance, volunteering, getting to know faculty and students, so on so forth, should be a distant second when it comes to priorities. For the most part you have one shot so make it count. Do that (yea its tough) and also do well in biostats and path if you take it (not so tough), talk to the advisors (particularly POB), gather recomendations, write your thesis and a nice admissions essay, and you will be part of the 85% of those I the program that get accepted from the program.
Best of luck to those entering next year.
