Smdep 2010

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It looks like columbia is "winning" so far. I doubt all the programs have the same number of slots though. All I know is that Columbia had 80 slots total (between med and dent). Anybody else know of any bigger?
 
soooo i submitted my app last week and it was completed because they have my transcripts but no reccs yet...and next to YALE it says application in review!!!?????? deadline isnt until march 1st and decision until april 1st sooo why so early??? first round applicants what can you tell me about this??? lol
 
mabreu328,
ur soo luckyyy...i too submitted my application last week...along with sending my transcript with overnight shipping...and my application is still not complete....this is very frustrating....and oh yea regarding ur question...just because it is due by march 1st and the decisions are due in april....it doesnt mean they cant start to review u as an applicant....its a first come first serve basis...so as the applications continue to come in to them...they will continuously review them so long they are complete....but u wont find out if u got in till april
 
ook thanks doc91...while i did finish the app last week, i had mailed the transcript about 2 weeks before hand..i would suggest calling the office, i had to call to make sure the transcript was received and it was so they updated my page...good luck
 
soooo i submitted my app last week and it was completed because they have my transcripts but no reccs yet...and next to YALE it says application in review!!!?????? deadline isnt until march 1st and decision until april 1st sooo why so early??? first round applicants what can you tell me about this??? lol

1) Schools can deny/accept students without LoRs
2)When I called the main office about this, they told me that we really didn't even need them at all; that it can only help or hurt the applicant once they've made their initial decision

I don't know if this is entirely true because the lady I spoke to sounded like she was in a rush to get me off the phone but I guess it worked because the one recc that was missing during the whole process didn't turn up on the smdep website until May. 😕
 
soooo i submitted my app last week and it was completed because they have my transcripts but no reccs yet...and next to YALE it says application in review!!!?????? deadline isnt until march 1st and decision until april 1st sooo why so early??? first round applicants what can you tell me about this??? lol

When i was accepted it said "decision on" or something along those lines BEFORE the Feb 15th date. I wouldn't doubt if Yale has already made a decision about you but they just won't release it until april 1st. For me, my decisions were made on Feb 12th and 13th but they released it on the 15th. I'm not sure how the march 1st deadline works, but if it's not rolling, Yale probably already made their decision about you. You could try calling Yale and asking, but I wouldn't expect them to tell you anything. If you are really anxious to know or you need to make other plans for the summer BEFORE april 1st (i know I had another summer opportunity deadline quickly approaching if i wasn't accepted into SMDEP), you could try calling yale directly at their office of diversity and see what happens. They might just get annoyed at you, or maybe they'd be helpful. Either way, your fate has probably already been decided.
 
When i was accepted it said "decision on" or something along those lines BEFORE the Feb 15th date. I wouldn't doubt if Yale has already made a decision about you but they just won't release it until april 1st. For me, my decisions were made on Feb 12th and 13th but they released it on the 15th. I'm not sure how the march 1st deadline works, but if it's not rolling, Yale probably already made their decision about you. You could try calling Yale and asking, but I wouldn't expect them to tell you anything. If you are really anxious to know or you need to make other plans for the summer BEFORE april 1st (i know I had another summer opportunity deadline quickly approaching if i wasn't accepted into SMDEP), you could try calling yale directly at their office of diversity and see what happens. They might just get annoyed at you, or maybe they'd be helpful. Either way, your fate has probably already been decided.

Yeah ... Columbia made their decision two months (!) before the February 16 decision day (for those who applied after February 1st, they had a major delay on February 15 and we didn't find out until after midnight on the 16th). However, on the other hand, UWash made their decision on February 13. I wish the admission process was rolling like it was the past years where the applicant would know within 10 days after submitting the application. Oh well, I'm just glad the wait is over and know where I'll be this summer! Viva la Ciudad de Nueva York!
 
I feel like I have neglected this blog since I have been accepted and confirmed with Columbia.

My decisions for Columbia was 1/11, Duke 2/10, Howard 2/12

I got into all three but as you can see by the dates.. I got in way before the release of decisions on the 15th. So they probably have already made a decision. If you have a strong application then you should be fine without your letter of recommendations. Stay positive.
 
.... I am a new applicant the SMDEP .... talk about last second right??? :xf: .... do any of you know if they place more consideration on those who have taken more credit hours or have had heavier credit loads and classes? ....

Thanks
 
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.... I am a new applicant the SMDEP .... talk about last second right??? :xf: .... do any of you know if they place more consideration on those who have taken more credit hours or have had heavier credit loads and classes? ....

Thanks

I'm not an official source, but it would appear that major emphasis is placed on two criteria: 1. Successful essays and 2. Disadvantaged status.

Keep in mind that a student who takes 12 credit hours a semester while obtaining a 4.0 will almost always be more competitive than a student who takes 18 credit hours while obtaining a 3.8 (out of 4.0 of course). It is always better to spend an extra few terms in school if that means obtaining higher grades--because subtle deviations in grades do count when competition is fierce. So in an ideal situation, you should never take more than a full load. Just something to ponder--

Blake
 
Ahhh yes I see that those are the two main components.

However I am not taking GPA into the matter of this question, I am more referring to the idea on whether or not course load and course quantity play any role over those who have less. I am a sophomore with decent GPA but have an abundant more credits then those of a normal sophomore. Just curious on whether or not this will help in the eyes of the admissions committee?

Thank you for your response

And yes GPA is very important over those rushing things and overloading, I understand. 🙂
 
Ahhh yes I see that those are the two main components.

However I am not taking GPA into the matter of this question, I am more referring to the idea on whether or not course load and course quantity play any role over those who have less. I am a sophomore with decent GPA but have an abundant more credits then those of a normal sophomore. Just curious on whether or not this will help in the eyes of the admissions committee?

Thank you for your response

And yes GPA is very important over those rushing things and overloading, I understand. 🙂

I really doubt it. I was accepted and I'm a freshman with only 18 credits from the first semester - I didn't transfer any in.

If you have a LOT more than a normal sophomore and you are academically a junior you might want to be careful because the program is targeting freshman and sophomores. For this reason, you might not qualify if you have to many credits regardless of how many years you've spent in school after high school. (I could be wrong about that, but my guess is if you are academically a junior, that's how SMDEP will see you as well).
 
That is interesting, thank you for your response.

I wasn't able to find any information on what the SMDEP program classifies as a junior status. I do meet more than 60 credits. However I am only a sophomore age wise, and institutional wise. My current institution still has me as a sophomore standing, yet technically I suppose I should be a current junior standing.

Opinions?
 
That is interesting, thank you for your response.

I wasn't able to find any information on what the SMDEP program classifies as a junior status. I do meet more than 60 credits. However I am only a sophomore age wise, and institutional wise. My current institution still has me as a sophomore standing, yet technically I suppose I should be a current junior standing.

Opinions?

Just apply, the worst that could happen is they say no. If you haven't applied yet you've got something like 2 days to get everything in so hurry!!

I don't think SMDEP is out to play games with people, they are around to help people realize/achieve their goals. If you are what they're looking for, you'll be offered admittance.
 
That is interesting, thank you for your response.

I wasn't able to find any information on what the SMDEP program classifies as a junior status. I do meet more than 60 credits. However I am only a sophomore age wise, and institutional wise. My current institution still has me as a sophomore standing, yet technically I suppose I should be a current junior standing.

Opinions?

It would be wise to call SMDEP and find out before writing two essays, getting LORS, and sending in transcripts.
 
It would be wise to call SMDEP and find out before writing two essays, getting LORS, and sending in transcripts.

This is good advice. Most institutions that I've come into contact with base class standing whole or in part on credits earned. I would definitely contact the AMA office and verify your eligibility before applying.

Best of luck!
 
That is interesting, thank you for your response.

I wasn't able to find any information on what the SMDEP program classifies as a junior status. I do meet more than 60 credits. However I am only a sophomore age wise, and institutional wise. My current institution still has me as a sophomore standing, yet technically I suppose I should be a current junior standing.

Opinions?

That's what I am too. If you have college credits from AP courses, they're not going to count it. But I had credits from concurrent enrollment in high school (my transcript says I'm a junior). I called them and they told me that it might count against me but it won't keep them from reviewing my application. So I included two lines in my essay explaining why I have a junior standing even if it's only my second year in college. I got accepted by two schools so I would definitely advice you to still apply. Good luck.
 
Thanks so much for your information and suggestions. Silly as I am, I applied anyway before contacting the national office. I did however recently contact them, and they said I was good to go. It all just depended on the "official" college transcript information stating what "standing" I was. But glad to hear that a fellow higher credit holding applicants still got in.

Anyone know how much my chances decrease applying on the second wave as compared to the first, or if they do at all?
 
Thanks so much for your information and suggestions. Silly as I am, I applied anyway before contacting the national office. I did however recently contact them, and they said I was good to go. It all just depended on the "official" college transcript information stating what "standing" I was. But glad to hear that a fellow higher credit holding applicants still got in.

Anyone know how much my chances decrease applying on the second wave as compared to the first, or if they do at all?

You're chances definitely went down, but by how much I don't think anyone knows. Judging that the facebook group for this summer only has something like 60 people in it so far (obviously not everyone has joined that's accepted) there are definitely still slots open.

Good Luck!!
 
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march 1st! apps r closed...cant wait for april to find out where i will be spending my summer.
 
I applied only at UW, but now I wish I put more just because I'm seeing that everyone is getting rejected from there...

But I'm from Washington and planning on sticking around for med school and stuff so hopefully it works out!

I went in and met everyone in the office with a friend of mine who got accepted into the UW School of Medicine so hopefully that helped.

I'm really scared!

: (
 
Does anyone know if Columbia is full?
The other two places are reviewing my apps, but Columbia won't...=(

Also, what do you guys think about the chance of getting accepted now?
Think there might actually be slots left open?
 
well, i would imagine that they have to leave spaces for the second round of the reviews at columbia...but everyone applies there so maybe it is full...i just got the application in review this week for columbia
 
Hi everybody. I completed my application in early February to Yale, Columbia, and UMDNJ. I am really crossing my fingers for UMDNJ. I had the director of the Biology department at my school write one of my LORs and he told me not to be discouraged if I am rejected as it is mostly under represented minorities that are usually accepted. I guess we'll see what happens.
 
So strange, I decided to check my SMDEP account today even though I got rejected at all 3 sites. And the status now says App In Review for all. I'm not sure if this is a mistake, but maybe theyre putting all the rejectees in this next wave?
 
I submitted my application on February 7th. My transcripts were mailed on the 9th, and one of my LORs was mailed by the 14th and the other by the 19th but it only says that my transcripts and one LOR was received.

It also doesn't say any of my programs are being reviewed. How long did it take for you guys to have your application under review? I applied to UMDNJ, Columbia, and Yale.
 
Hi everybody. I completed my application in early February to Yale, Columbia, and UMDNJ. I am really crossing my fingers for UMDNJ. I had the director of the Biology department at my school write one of my LORs and he told me not to be discouraged if I am rejected as it is mostly under represented minorities that are usually accepted. I guess we'll see what happens.

I hope you get in there too im going to UMDNJ just pray that you get in and you prolly will🙂
and it took between 1-2 weeks. umdnj started reviewing mine the next day howard took like a week and a little more time and then uwash took almost 2 weeks
 
I hope you get in there too im going to UMDNJ just pray that you get in and you prolly will🙂
and it took between 1-2 weeks. umdnj started reviewing mine the next day howard took like a week and a little more time and then uwash took almost 2 weeks
Columbia is reviewing but UMDNJ and Yale are not. Just wondering, whats some information about yourself? I don't think I will get in because I am not an under-represented minority or disadvantaged. :\
 
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Columbia is reviewing but UMDNJ and Yale are not. Just wondering, whats some information about yourself? I don't think I will get in because I am not an under-represented minority or disadvantaged. :\


I think for me Wash started reviewing within days. Then. Yale in a week, then Columbia in about 2-3 weeks. so keep up the hope....if you're not disadvtanged, you must be of diversity? xoz...isnt there a whole essay on diversity?
 
Columbia is reviewing but UMDNJ and Yale are not. Just wondering, whats some information about yourself? I don't think I will get in because I am not an under-represented minority or disadvantaged. :\

well i am black. my GPA sucks..its a bit below 3.0..and I came from a disadvantaged area. I however feel that my resume showed that I had ALOT of interest in dentistry I have done a wide array of things in my opinion. but keep your fingers crossed You should have a good chance
 
Does anyone know if Columbia is full?

I'm going to columbia and we got an email with all the accepted people's addresses. There was about fifty, from past years they've had about 20 dental and something like 50ish medical (correct me if i'm wrong) so columbia still apparently has 20 spots about left.

This is just from the data I've experienced. could be totally wrong though.
 
So if it says -- instead of Application in Review, does that mean that they just havent started to assess it yet, or does it meant that their site is full/closed?

-thanks
 
So if it says -- instead of Application in Review, does that mean that they just havent started to assess it yet, or does it meant that their site is full/closed?

-thanks
They haven't started reviewing it.
 
Maybe it's because hmong people look Chinese, because even Chinese people think I am Chinese.
Hope UW, Yale, and UVA know that Hmong is underrepresented ethnicity
 
Wats up everyone,
I soooo excited to find out my decisions on Thursday, but trying to stay hopeful

Applied to Columbia, Duke, and Yale

But at the moment, both Columbia and Yale say "Under Review"
 
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I applied to Duke, Case and Yale. Do all universities send emails asking for current courses, because I've only received and email from Duke. Do you think I'll get in, my professor told me that this was usually a "first come, first serve" kind of thing...I hope not.

Decisions tomorrow!!!!
 
I applied to Duke, Case and Yale. Do all universities send emails asking for current courses, because I've only received and email from Duke. Do you think I'll get in, my professor told me that this was usually a "first come, first serve" kind of thing...I hope not.

Decisions tomorrow!!!!

You are definitely at a huge disadvantage for not being in the Feb 1st applicant pool. That being said, there are still spots available! So don't fret! Good luck though! And about the email thing, I didn't get a single email. It's not a bad sign though, it means they cared enough to follow up on you and are actually considering you as a candidate! Good luck!
 
just wondering what time will the admission decisions be sent out? Like right at midnight of April 1st or during the day?

sent to UW, Duke and Columbia
 
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just wondering what time will the admission decisions be sent out? Like right at midnight of April 1st or during the day?

sent to UW, Duke and Columbia

They sure did. Well at least 2/3 of mine were. The other is still "--".... what do you know ... didn't get accepted into any of the programs.... not gonna deny probably because of my ethnicity. Oh well.... best of luck to the rest of you.
 
wow i guess responces were posted at midnight...just check and i got two "not accepted" and one says program full.......o well guess i'll be spending my summer doing something else 🙁((((
 
Accepted at Yale and Nebraska, waitlisted at Texas.
 
well got rejected from houston and washington.... but accepted to nebraska!!!
I'm not even a minority! Can't wait to spend my summer in Omaha!
 
Yale and Columbia say full and not accepted at UMDNJ.

I'm not really surprised I guess. I think my application was good. I had strong essays, a 3.7 overall GPA and 4.0 science GPA, and two great LORs from science professors, one of which was from the head of our Biological Sciences department... but I'm white, not disadvantaged, and probably considered mid-upper class -_-

Oh well.. Looks like I will be spending my summer as an EMT.
 
I'm a soph from a CC with 4.0 GPA.. and the worst part is that I am ASIAN.

I applied to UCLA, Columbia, and Case Western. I was rejected from Columbia and Case Western, but I still do not know the status of UCLA..

Did any one happen to apply to UCLA?

This is what I saw on my SMDEP site:

Program Site

Latest Admission Action/Date For additional information, please click on the links below.
Case Western Reserve University Schools of Medicine & Dentistry Not Accepted- 03/04/2010 12:28 AM
Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons & School of Dental & Oral Surgery Site is Full- 03/17/2010 11:08 AM
David Geffen Schools of Medicine & Dentistry at UCLA --
 
I only applied to UW and I got wait listed...

I wonder what my chances are...

Probably because Iranian is considered caucasian, but at least I got wait listed instead of rejected. :/
 
Duke still says -- for me 🙁 Has anyone who applied to Duke gotten a decision yet?
 
I GOT IN YALE FOR MED!!!!!!!!!! But i really wanted Columbia, but im grateful and excited
 
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