Question on linkage programs

[deleted842137]

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Hey all,

So, I recently learned of what a linkage program is.

From what I understand, it's a way to accelerate the admission cycle by allowing you to apply in July/August and if accepted, enroll the following Fall.

I understand that you have to be in a post bacc program to be able to access these linkage agreements.

My question is, are there any medical schools (MD or DO) which offer this accelerated admission but don't require you to be in a post bacc program?

In other words, is there any way for me to NOT be in a formal post bacc program but be able to apply to medical school in July/August and enroll the following fall, saving me a year?

 

[sss1219]

If you are asking if there is a way to take advantage of linkage without having to do an SMP or post bacc program containing a linkage agreement, the only things I can think of would be to be in a 7 year BS/MD program, have an immediate family member with a high ranking position in the university, or donate a check with a good number of 0's at the end to the school

Although there may be an SMP program out there that has strong linkage and does not make you retake the 1st year med courses you took as part of the program once you are accepted. Gtown and BU's programs both used to offer this but do not anymore, but maybe there is still one out there that does. That is probably your best bet for 'saving a year' in a sense.

 

[infectiousdisease101]

Linkage programs are partnerships for early acceptance between a professional school and another school (could even be different colleges within the same school). The requirements for linkage programs vary between the school you attend to take your prerequisites for professional school. Some schools allow it for UGs and post-baccs. NYU for example, only takes post-baccs. California State University, Fullerton, according to their page, appears to allow both UGs and post-baccs to apply.

The downside is if accepted, you MUST attend said school. The upside is you save so much time and money from paying application fees, traveling, and writing secondaries.

 

[deleted842137]

Guess I didn't really know what a linkage was haha.

Thanks a lot for clarifying.

 

[infectiousdisease101]

I think what you were describing falls under AMCAS' Early Decision Program.

Linkage is done OUTSIDE application systems and is completely done between the school.