Smdep 2010

[NorCal1989]

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This thread was created to open up discussion for applicants applying for SMDEP for its Summer 2010 program. Feel free to discuss admission, comparison of sites, questions, etc. SMDEP alumni are more than welcome to talk about their experience and provide advice.

 

[Grand]

I am going to apply to this program. Althoug I am not "URM," but have pretty diverse background and I lived 17 years abroad.

 

[safebet]

I'm applying now and was wondering if anyone could tell me what admissions places more emphasis on the Diversity essay or personal comments essay? I have 1,700 characters for the diversity essay and around 1,600 for PC essay this is well below the 5,300 limits. Should I come up with something more or leave it alone?
Thanks

 

[TaylorMDhopeful]

I'm applying now and was wondering if anyone could tell me what admissions places more emphasis on the Diversity essay or personal comments essay? I have 1,700 characters for the diversity essay and around 1,600 for PC essay this is well below the 5,300 limits. Should I come up with something more or leave it alone?
Thanks

@safebet: Tell the admissions committees what you think they should know about you. The limit is there just to limit how much they have to read within a manageable frame for each person. If you said all that you need or want to say within that amount of characters then use it.

@Grand: You don't exclusively need to be URM to do the SMDEP. People of all backgrounds do it every year.

I did SMDEP a few years back at Yale and it was a great experience. I recommend that site to anyone applying. It was really eye opening, especially the shadowing experiences and just the overall medical environment (meeting students, studying with them, eating with faculty, engaging panel discussions and just being at Yale for the summer). If you have any questions you can PM me about it or ask here.

 

[tulipa]

Hey, i was wondering if anyone has applied already. if not, when are you planning to apply?

I feel like doing it now in the holidays (though it feels like I'm already late), because I will have more free time.

what about you?

 

[PinkIvy08]

Hey everyone. So, I did SMDEP back when it was SMEP and I did it down at UAB (which I think they closed that site down). However, there were two primary reasons I chose that site.

First, they had an anatomy dissection laboratory component where we spent a few hours 3-4x a week dissecting the thoracic cavity just like you would as an M1. We also were able to study prosected cadavers and do random cool things like help med students saw off limbs for closer study. If there are any sites that offer an anatomy component, I highly recommend selecting that program.

Second, they gave the most $$$ (with the cheapest cost of living). lol

These two reasons alone made the decision easy for me!

 

[NorCal1989]

I applied to the UWash, Columbia, and UCLA sites the week before Thanksgiving. The application site said if you applied by February 1st, they send out admission decisions on February 15. Definitely hoping to hear back before then, but we'll see.

 

[lexieismyalias]

i applied to nebraska, umdnj, and case. i am still waiting for the universities to mail out my transcripts and my lors to be sent! the waiting part is the hardest!

 

[NorCal1989]

i applied to nebraska, umdnj, and case. i am still waiting for the universities to mail out my transcripts and my lors to be sent! the waiting part is the hardest!

I agree, I check the site daily, but today I noticed they finally received the transcripts. That took about 20 days. I have no idea of the whereabouts on the LORS, but then again some friends said they got accepted before their LORS arrived.

 

[Techmed07]

There is a pretty extensive thread I made some time back. It has a good timeline on when people heard about acceptances and such. I think it has two years worth of SMDEP cycles on there. I did SMDEP a year ago at Columbia. I got in at every site I applied to, the details (stats, ect ect) are on that thread. Good luck to you all.

 

[casillas]

I did this program a few years ago and i think it is amazing. i have got numerous questions about it on the interview trail. Make sure you fully utilize all the opportunities the program offers.

i had wanted to do the columbia program so i could be in new york for the summer, but they took too long to reply and i ended up doing the Yale program.

What surprised me the most about the program is that after it a lot of people decided that medicine was not for them and went on to other paths. Which is good. at least they decided then and not their first year of med school.

 

[lexieismyalias]

thanks techmed07! I've already read the other thread but i'm still nervous! Everything happens for a reason so we'll see how this goes 🙂. Anyone with any updates for the 2010 session?

 

[NorCal1989]

"View Status" site was updated again today saying one of the two LORS has been received and that the application is being reviewed at UCLA. =)

 

[lexieismyalias]

"View Status" site was updated again today saying one of the two LORS has been received and that the application is being reviewed at UCLA. =)

that's so exciting!

 

[safebet]

Does anyone know about how long it takes them to process LOR's and transcripts once they are received?

 

[NorCal1989]

Does anyone know about how long it takes them to process LOR's and transcripts once they are received?

It took 18-20 days for my LORs and transcripts to be processed.

 

[safebet]

It took 18-20 days for my LORs and transcripts to be processed.

WOW! Was this after you know they were sent in? I was think maybe 10 lol I see I was wrong.

 

[NorCal1989]

WOW! Was this after you know they were sent in? I was think maybe 10 lol I see I was wrong.

Haha, I have no idea why it took so long. My transcripts were mailed in from my college on November 16 (according to the office), and the "Received/Approved" status showed up on December 7. But I'm sure they actually received them earlier than that, just didn't update my "View Status" page until the 7th. Technically, the application material is supposed to be processed within 10 days. So, definitely don't take my word for it and just get the materials in as soon as you can. =)

 

[tulipa]

Hi, I'm right now in the middle of every paper (transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application) and I was wondering if I could send first my transcripts and lors, and then my application, or if it was compulsory to submit first the application. The thing is, college is almost ending so I need the registrar to send my transcripts before they close college (which is in December 22 or so...) but I'm still not done with my essays, and it worries me that I won't be able to have everything done, sent and everything, by my own personal deadline, which is like from december 15 to late december... so, what do you think? And the other thing is, that I can't wait for college to open again in January and ask them to send the transcripts because for me it will be very late, and I won't feel very good with myself. I want things sent out before January.

ok so you see I'm a little rush right now... from your own opinion and experience, do you think that could be possible?

 

[NorCal1989]

Hi, I'm right now in the middle of every paper (transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application) and I was wondering if I could send first my transcripts and lors, and then my application, or if it was compulsory to submit first the application. The thing is, college is almost ending so I need the registrar to send my transcripts before they close college (which is in December 22 or so...) but I'm still not done with my essays, and it worries me that I won't be able to have everything done, sent and everything, by my own personal deadline, which is like from december 15 to late december... so, what do you think? And the other thing is, that I can't wait for college to open again in January and ask them to send the transcripts because for me it will be very late, and I won't feel very good with myself. I want things sent out before January.

ok so you see I'm a little rush right now... from your own opinion and experience, do you think that could be possible?

While my application process experience is not complete, I had my transcripts mailed in a couple days before I submitted my application. And then I'm sure my LORs were sent out a week or two after I submitted all of the above. I think the matching this is important so that regardless of the order the office receives the material, they will be able to match the transcripts and LORS with your application once they all arrive. So, in your case, I would definitely get the transcripts sent out around now and then get the application submitted once it's complete.

 

[tulipa]

While my application process experience is not complete, I had my transcripts mailed in a couple days before I submitted my application. And then I'm sure my LORs were sent out a week or two after I submitted all of the above. I think the matching this is important so that regardless of the order the office receives the material, they will be able to match the transcripts and LORS with your application once they all arrive. So, in your case, I would definitely get the transcripts sent out around now and then get the application submitted once it's complete.

Ok, thanks a lot. Your suggestion is really appreciated.

 

[tulipa]

I've been reading those old threads, that are reaaaally long but very interesting... and I'm asking myself and wondering if after submitting my application, and sending my transcriptions and LORs, I could then send another transcription (in January) that includes the 1st semester 2009-2010 grades... because I'm really hating my GPA, and I think it will improve with those new grades. But still I feel like waiting for January to send transcriptions it's too late. They all say we should do things as early as possible...so that's why I want to do it now in December.

so, I ask again, is that possible? and sorry if I'm annoying anyone with these questions 😕

maybe I should wait, I don't know...

 

[lexieismyalias]

I've been reading those old threads, that are reaaaally long but very interesting... and I'm asking myself and wondering if after submitting my application, and sending my transcriptions and LORs, I could then send another transcription (in January) that includes the 1st semester 2009-2010 grades... because I'm really hating my GPA, and I think it will improve with those new grades. But still I feel like waiting for January to send transcriptions it's too late. They all say we should do things as early as possible...so that's why I want to do it now in December.

so, I ask again, is that possible? and sorry if I'm annoying anyone with these questions 😕

maybe I should wait, I don't know...

I think you should wait until january since the application site is open until march, you wouldn't be late..

 

[Mr Memento Mori]

what sites did you all apply to? what are your brief stats?!

 

[RiceBoy]

just to make sure..we can have the LOR filled out and the transcript sent before we submit the final application right?

 

[NorCal1989]

just to make sure..we can have the LOR filled out and the transcript sent before we submit the final application right?

Right, that's what I did and it all worked out. Just make sure you put your SMDEP ID on all application material for matching in whatever order they all arrive.

 

[RiceBoy]

Right, that's what I did and it all worked out. Just make sure you put your SMDEP ID on all application material for matching in whatever order they all arrive.

uh..is that the same as the AAMC ID? weird, i started my app weeks ago and the site says it doesn't recognize my email address even though I got a confirmation about the new account from them. Whats even weirder is that it says that the app wont open on macs, but I def used my mac to fill out the app... 😕

 

[NorCal1989]

uh..is that the same as the AAMC ID? weird, i started my app weeks ago and the site says it doesn't recognize my email address even though I got a confirmation about the new account from them. Whats even weirder is that it says that the app wont open on macs, but I def used my mac to fill out the app... 😕

I'm not sure about the AAMC ID, the ID I'm talking about is the one I got when I made my new account to access the SMDEP application. It's also at the top of the application homepage. Should say ... SMDEP ID: [ID numbers]. I was able to do the entire application on my Mac, however one question wouldn't let me complete it on the Mac and I had to go to a computer lab to answer it (asked me what my county my high school was in ... lame).

 

[aaron3109]

Does anyone know what the policy is on admissions. I read a previous smdep thread and they made it seem like every site gave an admissions decision within 10 days of receiving you application. Has this changed?

 

[NorCal1989]

RiceBoy, I was just going through old emails and you're right, the SMDEP ID is the same as the AAMC ID. My apologies if I got you confused.

I'm thinking the policy might have changed too because it's definitely been more than 10 days and I've yet to receive an admission decision.

 

[NorCal1989]

I'm guessing the policy did change after all. So, definitely get your applications in by February 1st! I have pasted the admission guidelines below.
............

SMDEP program sites are completely autonomous in making admissions decisions. The SMDEP National Program Office (NPO) has established the following guidelines regarding acceptance procedures for sites and applicants. SMDEP program sites are expected to follow these guidelines.

The following guidelines will be in effect for the summer 2010 application year:

SMDEP program sites provide notification of admission decisions once the NPO has a "Completed" application by one of the following decision dates:

Admissions decisions are released on February 15th for applications completed by February 1st
Admissions decisions are released on April 1st for applications completed after February 1st

Admission actions will be submitted online and will be viewable to the applicant on the dates stated above. Applicants can monitor their status by visiting the "View Status" page within their SMDEP Web application. Applicants may not contact any site(s) about admissions decisions prior to the release dates.

Applicants have up to five business days after the admissions decision release date to confirm their acceptance to one of their designed sites. Applicants must confirm their acceptance on the "View Status" page within the SMDEP Web application.

When applicant selects the "confirmed box" online, an email will be automatically generated to the chosen program site. The program site will contact the applicant with further instructions concerning their confirmation.

Confirm at one site only! Please do not confirm at a site unless you are sure it is the one you want to attend. All confirmations are final. If you choose to withdraw from your confirmed site, you may not be considered at any other SMDEP site during the summer of 2010.
If you have questions, contact the National Program Office toll free at 866-58-SMDEP (866-587-6337), or via e-mail at [email protected].

 

[rsgrig36]

I applied to Yale, Howard, and Columbia. Yale is reviewing my application right now, the other two have ----'s under the status. All components of my application were processed in a little under 3 weeks.

So they release all the acceptance/rejection notifications Feb. 15th? Was hoping we could find out sooner.

 

[futureMDali]

Hey guys!! I am sooo excited for SMDEP and hope I get in. My grades just came out so I am waiting for those to be sent. Hopefully I get in. This would be the best opportunity ever!!! I applied to Columbia, Duke and Howard. Idk if it was smart to pick Columbia and Duke since they are the most popular but I hope I get into both! Hope you all are having a happy holidays!

 

[futureMDali]

u will be fine if u wait till january.. think about it.. MOST ppl are waiting for their gpa's from this semester so its fine.

 

[Youmustknowme]

Hi so does anyone know how many people apply a year? What is the percentage for non-underrepresented minorities to get in? In other words, what are the chances for a white, well-off female to get into the program statically speaking?? I'm really nervous about not getting into the program.

 

[Youmustknowme]

Hey, i was wondering if anyone has applied already. if not, when are you planning to apply?

I feel like doing it now in the holidays (though it feels like I'm already late), because I will have more free time.

what about you?

hey tulipa, I'm going to submit my application at the end of December. I feel that most people who really want to get in would fill it out early, around this time.

 

[NorCal1989]

Hi so does anyone know how many people apply a year? What is the percentage for non-underrepresented minorities to get in? In other words, what are the chances for a white, well-off female to get into the program statically speaking?? I'm really nervous about not getting into the program.

The sites don't tend to distribute statistics that represent the recent summer class. However, I do recall from one SMDEP thread where an alumni from the Columbia site stated 12 people were competing for each spot for the summer she attended (according to their program director). If that's true, several hundred people probably apply to each site, especially the popular ones like Yale, Columbia, and Duke to name a few. Other than that, I doubt you will find any statistics that will answer your questions. Yet, I would definitely apply as soon as possible. The earlier, the better your chances.

 

[futureMDali]

Does anyone know if anyone has gotten in with a mediocre GPA??? I was just wondering if it was all people who have like a 3.7 and above. My GPA is definitely not that high but I think I have extremely strong essays and really good letters of recommendation. speaking of letters of recommendations... has anyones been received by smdep? Mine were sent almost 3 weeks ago and they are still not there.

p.s. youmustknowme.. the other person is right. i saw that for every one student 10-12 get turned away. but that is for Columbia and that is a really popular site so I guess it just depends.

 

[lexieismyalias]

My transcripts were received last week and the site says Case is reviewing my application right now even though both my LORS have not been received yet. 🙂

 

[VTdoc]

Will a high GPA benefit you or hurt you?

I was reading one of the forums and somebody called SMDEP to inquire why they did not get accepted. The person apparently told him/her that his/her GPA was too high. I have a 3.98 through my first semester, will this look good or will they be looking for people who have more room for improvement and thus will benefit more from the program?

 

[futureMDali]

Will a high GPA benefit you or hurt you?

I was reading one of the forums and somebody called SMDEP to inquire why they did not get accepted. The person apparently told him/her that his/her GPA was too high. I have a 3.98 through my first semester, will this look good or will they be looking for people who have more room for improvement and thus will benefit more from the program?

um.. i am not sure but I do know that in some of the other threads that people who had 4.0s and stuff did not get in.. their GPA might not have been the problem though. I guess it just depends. are u a minority??

 

[Strag]

Anyone know which programs are the easiest to get into?

I know that the Ivy league schools will be tougher to get into like Harvard and Yale, but what about the easiest ones?

 

[VTdoc]

um.. i am not sure but I do know that in some of the other threads that people who had 4.0s and stuff did not get in.. their GPA might not have been the problem though. I guess it just depends. are u a minority??

thanks for the input. im asian indian

 

[gatornick]

I just found out about this opportunity but think it might be too late to apply. I know I can probably get my application and transcripts in the first week of spring but the LORs might take until right before the deadline. :\

Is it too late?

I have a 4.0 GPA and some pretty good ECs but I think they might play against me like someone else said because I might have too high of a GPA.

Thanks!

 

[naijagirl44]

hey yall, i'm applying to the SMDEP program as well....my 3 choices are UWash, Columbia, and Duke. I'm a freshman, so I have to wait till I get back to school in second semester before they can send my transcript. gah! which sites are everyone else applying to?

 

[futureMDali]

I just found out about this opportunity but think it might be too late to apply. I know I can probably get my application and transcripts in the first week of spring but the LORs might take until right before the deadline. :\

Is it too late?

I have a 4.0 GPA and some pretty good ECs but I think they might play against me like someone else said because I might have too high of a GPA.

Thanks!

WOAH calm down! THe deadline is not until March 1st. U have PLENTY OF TIME! why are u freaking out?? take your time and get everything in by the beginning of february and u will be FINE. relax....

 

[rsgrig36]

Columbia and Yale both reviewing my applications now, still waiting on Howard.

 

[VTdoc]

Do west coast programs tend to favor west coast applicants over east coast applicants?

 

[NorCal1989]

Do west coast programs tend to favor west coast applicants over east coast applicants?

Not necessarily, the only sense of preference I know is evident is that for the UCLA site, they give preference to community college students. The UWash site does appear to have had a lot of actual UWash student in the previous years, but there was definitely a number of people from the East Coast. I'm not sure if they have preference for the WICHE states, but I don't think residency is a huge factor for this program as it is for actually applying to medical/dental schools.

 

[tulipa]

I'm applying to UWash (is my top choice), Columbia and University of Virginia

🙂