Smdep 2010

[Youmustknowme]

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Phew! i just finished my application. Eeek.. im so nervous! i spent nearly a month on my essays. They have to be perfect considering I am not an URM. I chose Columbia, UWash, and Yale as my three. I wish everyone luck. Thanks ali for showing me SMDEP.. I haven't said a peep about it. 🙂

 

[Youmustknowme]

thanks for the input. im asian indian

When you say Asian Indian? Do you mean Pacific Islander? Because (i'm not 100% sure on this) but I dont think people from India or Asia are considered minorities, especially in the health field. I am half Iranian and I know I'm not an URM. I still applied (today actually). u should too.

 

[VTdoc]

When you say Asian Indian? Do you mean Pacific Islander? Because (i'm not 100% sure on this) but I dont think people from India or Asia are considered minorities, especially in the health field. I am half Iranian and I know I'm not an URM. I still applied (today actually). u should too.

Yeah I don't think Indians are URM in medicine, considering every other uncle in my family is a doctor. But I'm gonna give it a shot anyways.

Considering that I am not an URM, nor am I economically disadvantaged, does anyone know if there are any sites that generally accept more people like me (people that the program is not specifically designed for)?

 

[futureMDali]

Phew! i just finished my application. Eeek.. im so nervous! i spent nearly a month on my essays. They have to be perfect considering I am not an URM. I chose Columbia, UWash, and Yale as my three. I wish everyone luck. Thanks ali for showing me SMDEP.. I haven't said a peep about it. 🙂

I love you BESTIE!! Hopefully we will both get in to the sites we want too.

.... ON ANOTHER NOTE....

My application is COMPLETE!! whoo hoo! if you guys can fedex your transcripts I suggest you do so.. I sent mine in last wednesday and they were in the computer today. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK ! <3

 

[futureMDali]

SOOO the people who said that their applications were being reviewed. Have you heard anything back yet?? OR WHAT? and did they email you and say that or how did you hear? Ah I am so nervous but I have FAITH that if it is meant to be it will be 🙂.

 

[NorCal1989]

SOOO the people who said that their applications were being reviewed. Have you heard anything back yet?? OR WHAT? and did they email you and say that or how did you hear? Ah I am so nervous but I have FAITH that if it is meant to be it will be 🙂.

All my applications are under review now, with UWash being my top choice. Seattle is one of my favorite cities and I liked UWash's curriculum the most with upper-level science classes. I haven't heard back from any of the sites yet, the "Application in Review" simply showed up on the "View Status" page. I don't think we'll hear back from them until February 15 in regard to their decisions due to new admission policies.

 

[tonguetalker]

Does anyone know that if you live in the same city as an SMDEP site, is it possible to take evening MCAT prep classes while in the program? I looked at the curriculum for Case and they didnt have any planned activities for the evenings.

 

[NorCal1989]

Does anyone know that if you live in the same city as an SMDEP site, is it possible to take evening MCAT prep classes while in the program? I looked at the curriculum for Case and they didnt have any planned activities for the evenings.

I would look into the University of Louisville site, they have an intensive 4-week MCAT/DAT prep program following the 6-week SMDEP program that applicants can apply to. I'm not sure if taking night MCAT prep classes would be the best idea during the program. You might miss out on the social events, last-minute evening seminars, and fun things with the fellow SMDEP scholars around the dorm, campus, and city. My friends who have gone through the program also say the classes are very intense and you'll have quite a bit of homework/studying to do during the week. I'd leave my evenings open to avoid any complications that may come up that could conflict with your evening MCAT prep classes.

 

[rhyn]

What kinds of stuff should we put for the Post-secondary Experiences/Experiences/Honors? I've put all the research I did in high school, a travel fellowship I won during my senior year, but I'm hesitant about including stupid stuff like high school newspaper editor. Should things like that be included on the application or left out?

 

[rhyn]

double post, woops!

 

[rhyn]

Yeah I don't think Indians are URM in medicine, considering every other uncle in my family is a doctor. But I'm gonna give it a shot anyways.

Considering that I am not an URM, nor am I economically disadvantaged, does anyone know if there are any sites that generally accept more people like me (people that the program is not specifically designed for)?

I'm in the same boat as you. Anyone know of other opportunities? Can a white middle-upper class kid get accepted to SMDEP?

 

[futureMDali]

What kinds of stuff should we put for the Post-secondary Experiences/Experiences/Honors? I've put all the research I did in high school, a travel fellowship I won during my senior year, but I'm hesitant about including stupid stuff like high school newspaper editor. Should things like that be included on the application or left out?

they want to know what you have done AFTER high school... do not include high school stuff. that is irrelevent.

 

[futureMDali]

I'm in the same boat as you. Anyone know of other opportunities? Can a white middle-upper class kid get accepted to SMDEP?

cmon now.. ofcourse u can.. if you are well qualified then it really does not matter. SOME of the sites may lean more to minorities but any1 is accepted.

 

[rhyn]

they want to know what you have done AFTER high school... do not include high school stuff. that is irrelevent.

Arghhhh so I can't include any of my summer research? :/

 

[NorCal1989]

Arghhhh so I can't include any of my summer research? :/

They clearly noted that they want to see Post-Secondary experiences. Yet, if this summer research was done after high school, I think that would be fine.

 

[SaajiMDeen]

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

Hey, When did you submit your App and trancript? Yale still isnt reviewing mine and I they had both my app and transcipt in by 16th of December. How long does it usually take for them to begin reviewing an application? My other two choices, Case Western, and Uni of Nebraska are both reviewing.

 

[Strag]

Do program sites review your application if one of the transcripts have not been sent yet? I'm not able to request for a transcript to be sent until January 4th when my community college registrar opens up...I do have my main university transcript sent however.

Also, has anyone called one of their program sites and asked if they have had several applications in already? I just want to gauge where I am at in terms of submitting my application (Sometime in January).

 

[lexieismyalias]

Do program sites review your application if one of the transcripts have not been sent yet? I'm not able to request for a transcript to be sent until January 4th when my community college registrar opens up...I do have my main university transcript sent however.

Also, has anyone called one of their program sites and asked if they have had several applications in already? I just want to gauge where I am at in terms of submitting my application (Sometime in January).

No, the sites will not review your application until all your transcripts have been received. The "view status" page will state when your application is complete..which is posted after all your transcripts are in.

 

[VTdoc]

cmon now.. ofcourse u can.. if you are well qualified then it really does not matter. SOME of the sites may lean more to minorities but any1 is accepted.

Do you know which sites tend to lean towards minorities or which sites tend to accept more people who are not minorities and are not financially disadvantaged?

 

[futureMDali]

Do you know which sites tend to lean towards minorities or which sites tend to accept more people who are not minorities and are not financially disadvantaged?

I am not sure.. u shud sift through the old threads.. if you do your research you will find some information...

Anyway what are your guys names? so I can add you on facebook 🙂

 

[lexieismyalias]

happy new year everyone! Hope we get accepted into an smdep site!

 

[NorCal1989]

Happy New Years, SMDEP 2010 prospectives! Here's what will be the most exciting decade of our lives! I will be in Nicaragua on a medical service trip for the next two weeks. Farewell friends and keep this discussion going.

 

[predent2013]

I am a freshmen and I didn't know about this program until christmas break. I go to a liberal arts college and am planning to write the essays over jan plan. Do you guys know if this is too late? Also, do the state universities give preferences to residents of that state?

 

[lexieismyalias]

I am a freshmen and I didn't know about this program until christmas break. I go to a liberal arts college and am planning to write the essays over jan plan. Do you guys know if this is too late? Also, do the state universities give preferences to residents of that state?

It is not too late..application deadline is March and I don't believe state universities give preferences..except for one site (I think in california) that leans toward community college students.

 

[rhyn]

I've just finished writing up my Personal Comments essay. It's about 3000 characters. It details an experience I had shadowing a doctor abroad for a few weeks, and explains how he influenced my decision to become a doctor. I also talk about my personal reasons for wanting to become a doctor, and a personal experience I had with a family member. Does that all sound appropriate?

 

[Youmustknowme]

I've just finished writing up my Personal Comments essay. It's about 3000 characters. It details an experience I had shadowing a doctor abroad for a few weeks, and explains how he influenced my decision to become a doctor. I also talk about my personal reasons for wanting to become a doctor, and a personal experience I had with a family member. Does that all sound appropriate?

That sounds like a very good essay. It has your reasoning on why you want to become a doctor and your passion for it. Mine starts with a minor experience I had with a blind man. Then it talks about how much becoming a doctor means to me and what I would do if I become a doctor. Its about 4000 characters.

 

[lexieismyalias]

it's been kinda quiet in here, anyone with updates?

 

[pitupua]

🙂

 

[naijagirl44]

I'm a freshman already and I've completed mine too..They've recieved one of my transcripts and none of my rec letters...i wish the mail would get there faster! lol. and also....the smdep website says my application is complete, but the 6. certify and submit box is unchecked...does anyone else's look like this?

 

[lexieismyalias]

I'm a freshman already and I've completed mine too..They've recieved one of my transcripts and none of my rec letters...i wish the mail would get there faster! lol. and also....the smdep website says my application is complete, but the 6. certify and submit box is unchecked...does anyone else's look like this?

It's checked on my application. Did you forget to fill out something on that section?

 

[naijagirl44]

yeah that was the problem..I forgot to certify the application. But the strange thing is, when I clicked "view status" it told me that my application was submitted on 12/29. Another question...is it okay that I submitted the application even though they don't have all my transcripts and rec letters?

 

[futureMDali]

yeah that was the problem..I forgot to certify the application. But the strange thing is, when I clicked "view status" it told me that my application was submitted on 12/29. Another question...is it okay that I submitted the application even though they don't have all my transcripts and rec letters?

YEA! ideally ur application should be in before the rest of ur stuff. it definitely is not a problem!

 

[futureMDali]

ahhhhhh!!!! Columbia is currently reviewing my application!!! I am sooo nervous but excited at the same time!!!!!!!!! anyone else under review? goodluck every1!

 

[Youmustknowme]

My app was complete jan 5th. Yale has my application under review 🙂 but im pissed cuz both of my letters of rec are not in yet. One teacher sent the LOR almost a month ago and i called about it and apparently they lost it. i need right now. uhh i spent so much time on this application. 🙁

 

[lexieismyalias]

My app was complete jan 5th. Yale has my application under review 🙂 but im pissed cuz both of my letters of rec are not in yet. One teacher sent the LOR almost a month ago and i called about it and apparently they lost it. i need right now. uhh i spent so much time on this application. 🙁

hey..my application was completed on 12/16 and two sites are reviewing my application...but one of my recommendation letters hasn't been posted yet. I asked my prof and he said he already sent it in so I'm probably going to have to call up smdep and find out what happened. blah!

 

[mwall003]

I know it's absoultely crazy. I submitted my application 11/12/09 and it was completed by 12/22/09 don't know why it took a month and a half I sent my transcript and LOR 11/01/09!! But anyways, I'm under review at UVA, Yale, with nothing back yet from Duke. I sent in two recommendations and only one of them is confirmed as being received! I e-mailed SMDEP and they basically told me not to worry as long as I have one that's fine. They seem very nonchalant about the whole thing and basically, the way I implied the e-mail, was that if you apply early you should have no troubles getting into at least one site as long as you have the minimum requirements. Best of luck to all!!

 

[lexieismyalias]

I know it's absoultely crazy. I submitted my application 11/12/09 and it was completed by 12/22/09 don't know why it took a month and a half I sent my transcript and LOR 11/01/09!! But anyways, I'm under review at UVA, Yale, with nothing back yet from Duke. I sent in two recommendations and only one of them is confirmed as being received! I e-mailed SMDEP and they basically told me not to worry as long as I have one that's fine. They seem very nonchalant about the whole thing and basically, the way I implied the e-mail, was that if you apply early you should have no troubles getting into at least one site as long as you have the minimum requirements. Best of luck to all!!

Thanks! This makes me feel better 🙂

 

[NorCal1989]

Greetings from Nicaragua! I received an email yesterday that basically reinforced the fact that those of us who submitted their applications by January 1st will not receive an admission decision until February 15th. I also recently discussed with an alumni of the Columbia site, and now I have no idea what I'll do if I get accepted into both UWash and Columbia. In the long run, I can see myself going to Columbia dental and this would be a good experience to really get talk one on one with the admission there and see if I could handle living in NYC. But on the other hand I really like the idea of spending 6 weeks in one of my favorite cities, Seattle. Oh well, until February 15, I'll see what decisions I'll have to make.

 

[rhyn]

I sent in my transcript a few days ago, but it hasn't yet been listed as received. How long did it take for your transcript to show up as received?

 

[naijagirl44]

i know they were saying something about a 10 business day period for them to post things online after they recieve them, but i don't think that's an actual rule for them. For me, my transcript was sent on the 4th and it showed up on the smdep site on the 11th.

 

[Youmustknowme]

I am freaking out! My LOR that was sent almost a month ago is still not in the database. I just got off the phone with them and they said their uploader is not working! uhhhh. And to top it off UWASH started reviewing my application with no LOR today. ;/
My transcripts took about 12 days to get there.

 

[lexieismyalias]

Youmustknowme - you'll be okay. The smdep view status page said nebraska was reviewing my application but it wasn't until a week or so later that the nebraska site actually emailed me letting me know that they are reviewing my application. My other site hasn't emailed me anything even though the page says they are also reviewing my application.. but I'm assuming not all sites send out emails to the applicants they are currently reviewing. Also, one of my LORS has not come in yet..but like mwall003 mentioned, we should be fine as long as we applied early and have at least one LOR on file.

Rhyn - it took about a week or so for all my transcripts to be posted on the status page.

 

[futureMDali]

hey guys! I must have been lucky because all of my stuff got there before new years. I timed everything perfectly. wen i gave the recommendation forms to my teachers, when I had them submit it by etc. Both were received and my status updated the same day that my transcripts got there and my application was completed. I haven't had any problems. hopefully they will have the uploader working soon so everyones letters will get uploaded.

on another note... i got a call from Duke yesterday asking about my schedule for this semester. idk if thats a good sign or not but they still arent reviewing my application according to the smdep site. ahhh im so nervous! ONE MORE MONTH

 

[rsgrig36]

Hey, my application/LOR/Transcript was all in by 12/07/09, but Howard still hasn't started reviewing my application yet? Should I be worried? They are my top choice

 

[lexieismyalias]

Hey, my application/LOR/Transcript was all in by 12/07/09, but Howard still hasn't started reviewing my application yet? Should I be worried? They are my top choice

nah, one of my sites hasn't started reviewing my app. either. I'd be worried in a couple of weeks if they still haven't started reviewing.

 

[futureMDali]

so... since this is a blog.. i am just going to bring up another subject. what do you guys think about whats going on in HAITI. Times like this i WISH i was already a doctor. I Want to go and help so bad..

 

[lexieismyalias]

my second LOR was finally received/posted!! One more month until we find out!

 

[NorCal1989]

so... since this is a blog.. i am just going to bring up another subject. what do you guys think about whats going on in HAITI. Times like this i WISH i was already a doctor. I Want to go and help so bad..

After my eye-opening medical/dental service experience in Nicaragua, I can certainly conclude that you do not have to be a Doctor (yet or ever) to help people out and to reach out to those in need. There is so much that you can do to help out those in Haiti from your hometown. For example, several groups from where I live have arranged to have sites at schools where locals can drop off donations (canned vegetables, meats, powdered milk, diapers, etc) that will be assembled into a sea container to be delivered to Haiti. You can even do this from your respective college. It may seem small and that it would only help a few people compared to the thousands in need, but really, the small things that you do like that can truly make a huge difference. I definitely understand your desire to want to go help them out badly, but there is so much that we can do right now to help these people out as students.

 

[lexieismyalias]

After my eye-opening medical/dental service experience in Nicaragua, I can certainly conclude that you do not have to be a Doctor (yet or ever) to help people out and to reach out to those in need. There is so much that you can do to help out those in Haiti from your hometown. For example, several groups from where I live have arranged to have sites at schools where locals can drop off donations (canned vegetables, meats, powdered milk, diapers, etc) that will be assembled into a sea container to be delivered to Haiti. You can even do this from your respective college. It may seem small and that it would only help a few people compared to the thousands in need, but really, the small things that you do like that can truly make a huge difference. I definitely understand your desire to want to go help them out badly, but there is so much that we can do right now to help these people out as students.

I completely agree. 👍

 

[futureMDali]

I am in no way saying that the only way to help is by being a medical doctor. I was only saying that PERSONALLY I wish I could do more .. because while i feel that so much can be done I would love to be more hands on. I have donated a lot of money as well as clothes and my time to groups at my school that have been set up for relief efforts. As well as churches on campus. I just think it is such a tragedy and wish I could do more.

How was your trip to Nicaragua. What did you guys do on a day to day basis?