Prestige of SMP

Started by JimmyB123
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JimmyB123

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7+ Year Member
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Does it really matter as long as you do well? I have an acceptance to one of the more well known special masters programs in addition to lesser known one, which is almost 20k cheaper.
 
Yes, which smp you choose matters. Even though they're all last ditch efforts (meaning doing bad in med school classes looks bad), I would still be a smart shopper. Which one seems more successful in getting people into the host school? into other med schools? Does which state you're from matter when applying to the smp's neighboring schools? Which one would have a higher chance allowing you to skip a gap year? Did you consider the potential of in state tuition for the 4 years of med? Which one have you heard more negative things about? In terms of prestige though, don't just go to a program just because X is the oldest one or Y is the smallest or Z had the highest success rate a couple years ago. Consider everything.
 
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Boston MAMS vs Mississippi MS medical sciences

Boston is 40k more expensive, doubt it's worth it
 
If you're from Mississippi or Louisiana or thereabouts, then the Mississippi program makes sense. It won't do you any good outside that area because nobody ever heard of it and it's not hosted at a med school. You can find this information on the program website.

Don't overestimate what an SMP can do for you. You still have to go through the same excruciating app cycle as everybody else. Try to only go through it once with your best possible app.

Best of luck to you.