I've been getting a number of PMs, so I'll just post one of my responses for you guys, and for future prospective students who search for a thread like this.
gatewasani said:
Hey,
I'm really trying to figure out if I should attend Rush. I am trying to decide between Rush and RFUBMS, the smp. I really like Rush because it doesn't seem nearly as cut-throat but I'm worried that it won't help me get in to med school as much. I also thing that Rush would provide me with a more tangible degree to the real world so that is encouraging but my ultimate goal is med school.
1) Can you comment on how competitive and cut throat the program is? How difficult is it to get a high gpa in the program?
2) Do you mind if I ask what were your stats before entering the program and if you felt the program helped you get in?
3)What is the timing of the application?
What I mean is, did you apply before starting the Program and update the schools throughout the year or did you apply after the program and take a gap year?
4) Can you tell me how supportive the staff was and if the program has any linkage to the rush medical school.
Sorry for all the questions, but I am seriously considering this option, and want to make the best possible decision.
You sound like you are in a very similar position I was in.
1) I can't say anything about how your class will be, but our class is tight knit and supportive of each other. We only have 25-30 of us, depending on the class. Curves never hurt us. I've maintained a high GPA in the program, but I've busted my ass for it. It is difficult at times, but it's a masters program. This isn't undergrad anymore, so be prepared to up your study habits and understanding.
2) My stats were decent before entering, but I did not get accepted into med school my first cycle. Originally, 29 MCAT (first cycle), retook to 33 (this cycle). Cum GPA 3.8+, sGPA 3.7+. Did it help me get in? Couldn't have hurt. It came up a few times in interviews. Really depends on the school. I did the program more as a long term career choice, as I still want to pursue research while being a practicing physician. The masters would also give me a possible alternative if med school didn't work out.
3) I was accepted to the program by the time I finished my primaries, and updated schools with grades and grad letters as time passed.
4) Staff are extremely extremely supportive and receptive. Things change from quarter to quarter based on our feedback. Although many of our lecturers and professors also teach for medical students, there are no real ties to the medical school. I'm one of the successful med school applicants in the program, and I had a long discussion with the director of the biotech program. She told me that there are no ties at the moment, that she wants to change this/has tried to change this. How soon this will take effect or if will ever I cannot say.
I would say this program is more geared toward a future in research than directly getting you into medical school. It just so happens that most people use it as a stepping stone to phd, md, dental programs etc. I have friends who went the RFUBMS route, and they feel like their choice for them was right. My advice is, if you think you can get in without the SMP, and want to do research in the future, this program isn't a bad choice. I don't regret my decision (but again I want to do research in the future).
