question for Phil_A or any other post bacc expert

[tacmrage]

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I've been reading on SDN for a really long time, but not consistently which is why I never post. But anyways, I would like an opinion with regards to special master's programs. Specifically the one at Georgetown. It seems to me that the best way to go about doing things once you're there is only apply to Georgetown med while enrolled in the program and, if not accepted, apply the next year to any other medical schools you're interested in. The reason for this is it seems that Georgetown or BU or Ros. Frank. give a "special" consideration to your app during the time that you're enrolled in the program, whereas other schools prefer to see grades for all of your classes, specially those in Cali. What would you do? would you apply to multiple schools while in the program? Or do you think it's better, in terms of chances at places other than the SMP institution and money spent on apps, to wait and apply the following year if you're rejected. Thanks for any input.

 

[silverdime]

I've been reading on SDN for a really long time, but not consistently which is why I never post. But anyways, I would like an opinion with regards to special master's programs. Specifically the one at Georgetown. It seems to me that the best way to go about doing things once you're there is only apply to Georgetown med while enrolled in the program and, if not accepted, apply the next year to any other medical schools you're interested in. The reason for this is it seems that Georgetown or BU or Ros. Frank. give a "special" consideration to your app during the time that you're enrolled in the program, whereas other schools prefer to see grades for all of your classes, specially those in Cali. What would you do? would you apply to multiple schools while in the program? Or do you think it's better, in terms of chances at places other than the SMP institution and money spent on apps, to wait and apply the following year if you're rejected. Thanks for any input.

It's true that Georgetown only gives preference if you apply same year (next year, tough luck). However, many of the schools that like SMP students (and they do exist) will wait until after the first semester to consider candidates as well, and will happily admit once they see good grades.

In my opinion, it'd be pretty dumb to waste time and money to put together the AMCAS and then only submit to Georgetown. Your chances of getting in there are only slightly better than your chances of getting into a mid-tier private school. In fact, the mid-tier chances are probably better. The SMP is not like Ros Frank: it actually increases your chances at other medical schools as well as its own.

Regarding the UC question...many California students enter the program to increase their odds at private schools because their undergrad/MCAT combo has already disqualified them. As I said, the schools the program will help you with will consider you based on your first semester grades. If you attend the SMP, apply same year to the AMCAS. It's not worth the lag year to wait.

 

[imrep1972]

I've been reading on SDN for a really long time, but not consistently which is why I never post. But anyways, I would like an opinion with regards to special master's programs. Specifically the one at Georgetown. It seems to me that the best way to go about doing things once you're there is only apply to Georgetown med while enrolled in the program and, if not accepted, apply the next year to any other medical schools you're interested in. The reason for this is it seems that Georgetown or BU or Ros. Frank. give a "special" consideration to your app during the time that you're enrolled in the program, whereas other schools prefer to see grades for all of your classes, specially those in Cali. What would you do? would you apply to multiple schools while in the program? Or do you think it's better, in terms of chances at places other than the SMP institution and money spent on apps, to wait and apply the following year if you're rejected. Thanks for any input.

Tacmrage,

Silverdime is correct. I am currently in the SMP at Georgetown. What I can tell you is this: they actively encourage us to apply to other schools during the year we are in the program. If you go to the SMP website, you can see a list of all the schools that have accepted students each year.

The acceptance rate for students during the year of the SMP is above 50%. That's better than 75 students. Georgetown only takes around 30 or so (at best) so that means that 45 others students get into other schools during that year.

As far as Georgetown considering an SMP after their first year, it is true that they don't get "special" consideration (current SMP's have their own interview dates set apart from the rest of the applying class). However, the adcoms at Georgetown are well aware of the SMP and what it does, so if you complete the program, do well but don't get in the first year, you will still stand out from the other applicants the following year, because you will have the SMP on your transcript.

Good luck, and let me know if you have other questions - there are about 10 current SMP'ers from G-town who are on here regularly or semi-regularly.

 

[tacrum43]

I've been reading on SDN for a really long time, but not consistently which is why I never post. But anyways, I would like an opinion with regards to special master's programs. Specifically the one at Georgetown. It seems to me that the best way to go about doing things once you're there is only apply to Georgetown med while enrolled in the program and, if not accepted, apply the next year to any other medical schools you're interested in. The reason for this is it seems that Georgetown or BU or Ros. Frank. give a "special" consideration to your app during the time that you're enrolled in the program, whereas other schools prefer to see grades for all of your classes, specially those in Cali. What would you do? would you apply to multiple schools while in the program? Or do you think it's better, in terms of chances at places other than the SMP institution and money spent on apps, to wait and apply the following year if you're rejected. Thanks for any input.

I think that imrep1972 (Hey Mr. Pres) already addressed most of your concerns, but I just wanted to say that there are several schools other than Georgetown (Drexel, GW, NYMC, SLU and Creighton) that are very familiar with the SMP, and specifically wait for your first semester grades before evaluating you. This means that it is to your advantage to apply to several schools even before you start the SMP.

It is true that the UCs ( 😍 ) do prefer to see a whole year's worth of grades, but last year a few people did get into Davis and one in to Irvine right away. I believe UCSD has also taken some SMPers in the past, but maybe not the first year.

One of the major benefits of Georgetown's SMP is that it really helps (if you work hard and do well) your application for that year. If you're comfortable with an extra year ("glide year"), maybe you should consider Boston or Loyola's programs. As far as money for apps though, you are gonna be shelling out $50,000 for tuition and living expenses anyway for just one year (at Georgetown). In a two year program, it would cost twice as much anyway because you would still be going to school. Med school apps are a drop in the bucket anyway considering the expense of a medical education, so I wouldn't hold back one year to save a few grand.

 

[tacmrage]

I think that imrep1972 (Hey Mr. Pres) already addressed most of your concerns, but I just wanted to say that there are several schools other than Georgetown (Drexel, GW, NYMC, SLU and Creighton) that are very familiar with the SMP, and specifically wait for your first semester grades before evaluating you. This means that it is to your advantage to apply to several schools even before you start the SMP.

It is true that the UCs ( 😍 ) do prefer to see a whole year's worth of grades, but last year a few people did get into Davis and one in to Irvine right away. I believe UCSD has also taken some SMPers in the past, but maybe not the first year.

One of the major benefits of Georgetown's SMP is that it really helps (if you work hard and do well) your application for that year. If you're comfortable with an extra year ("glide year"), maybe you should consider Boston or Loyola's programs. As far as money for apps though, you are gonna be shelling out $50,000 for tuition and living expenses anyway for just one year (at Georgetown). In a two year program, it would cost twice as much anyway because you would still be going to school. Med school apps are a drop in the bucket anyway considering the expense of a medical education, so I wouldn't hold back one year to save a few grand.

You make a good point... Good luck in the SMP. Is it really as hard as they say?

 

[imrep1972]

You make a good point... Good luck in the SMP. Is it really as hard as they say?

Not for Tacrum... he's kicking everybody's butts in grades and interviews.

But for the rest of us mere mortals...

Actually, it really isn't that bad. It is very similar to being in med school. So, if you can handle this, you know you can handle med school easy. The only challenge really is the pressure to perform. I would say that is probably the hardest aspect of the year so far.

 

[tacrum43]

Not for Tacrum... he's kicking everybody's butts in grades and interviews.

Who told you that?

I have a sneaking suspicion that it is you that is actually "kicking everybody's butts".

 

[tacmrage]

I hope all is going well for you guys in the SMP, I've been accepted to gtown so I'll be where you are currently next year unless I get off a waitlist somewhere. I have a question though, I'm still leaning on not applying this coming year (during the SMP) because I think I'll have a better shot at my state schools post-SMP. I don't really care for gusom all that much - toooo much dough! So my question... Let's say you pull a 4.0 during the year and have a 35+ MCAT score, other than your state schools - what range of schools do you think you have a shot at? Do you think your undergrad GPA will still matter all that much? Is SMP GPA gonna be much more important? Thanks for any input