SMP dilemma

[bkprodigy]

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Just when I thought I was pretty much settled into doing the Drexel IMS, I got an acceptance letter from RFU today.

My ultimate goal is of course getting into a med school ASAP.
But my ultimate goal can be divided into a few mini-ultimate goals, so please hear me out. 😀

My stats are such that I need to do the salvage work to have a shot at MD school. ECs look good.
-cGPA 3.0, sGPA 3.2 with close to 50 credits of post-bac at the University of Maryland (all 400 level science with A's and A+'s)
-3 years of pre-clinical research with 3 page worth publications (few primaries, a bunch of 2ndaries)
-shadowing, volunteer, TA, etc etc
-30S mcat with retake coming soon (due to low verbal)

My priorities are:
1: get into an MD school in 2012
2: get into my state school (University of Maryland in 2012)
3: get into my SMP school (drexel or CMS)
4: cost of the SMP (drexel $24k, RFU $37k !!😱)
I have researched extensively as far as school ranking, linkages, courses offered, not having to re-take the smp courses in M1 etc etc.
I will be applying this cycle and do one of the SMP's. If I get into my state school while doing the SMP, I don't mind having to re-take the M1 courses.

Given my situation, which smp will you attend? Drexel or RFU?

Also waitlisted at Gtown, EVMS, Cincinnati.

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

Just when I thought I was pretty much settled into doing the Drexel IMS, I got an acceptance letter from RFU today.

My ultimate goal is of course getting into a med school ASAP.
But my ultimate goal can be divided into a few mini-ultimate goals, so please hear me out. 😀

My stats are such that I need to do the salvage work to have a shot at MD school. ECs look good.
-cGPA 3.0, sGPA 3.2 with close to 50 credits of post-bac at the University of Maryland (all 400 level science with A's and A+'s)
-3 years of pre-clinical research with 3 page worth publications (few primaries, a bunch of 2ndaries)
-shadowing, volunteer, TA, etc etc
-30S mcat with retake coming soon (due to low verbal)

My priorities are:
1: get into an MD school in 2012
2: get into my state school (University of Maryland in 2012)
3: get into my SMP school (drexel or CMS)
4: cost of the SMP (drexel $24k, RFU $37k !!😱)
I have researched extensively as far as school ranking, linkages, courses offered, not having to re-take the smp courses in M1 etc etc.
I will be applying this cycle and do one of the SMP's. If I get into my state school while doing the SMP, I don't mind having to re-take the M1 courses.

Given my situation, which smp will you attend? Drexel or RFU?

Also waitlisted at Gtown, EVMS, Cincinnati.

Ive read RFU has good linkage into their MD program.

Drexel IMS is a great program and very rigorous, but the linkage isn't great.

Both programs are awesome and will get you into medical school. If you want to matriculate Fall 2012 and want to go MD, I would go to RFU. Check the linkage percentages and make sure I'm not wrong. If you don't care about DO or MD, I would go Drexel IMS because it's cheaper and you have a shot at Drexel MD the following Fall 2012.

 

[deleted248403]

Drexel's program is terrible.

Someone brought Drexel up in another thread the other day, and Jslo pointed out a post from a former Drexel student. Its a good program if you are one of the 10-15 (i think those numbers r right) that then get accepted to Drexel Med. It sucks big time if you are one of the approx 125 who dont get accepted.

Based on the those rough numbers, i would say its not a good program.

Do RFU of these two.

 

[bkprodigy]

Drexel's program is terrible.

Someone brought Drexel up in another thread the other day, and Jslo pointed out a post from a former Drexel student. Its a good program if you are one of the 10-15 (i think those numbers r right) that then get accepted to Drexel Med. It sucks big time if you are one of the approx 125 who dont get accepted.

Based on the those rough numbers, i would say its not a good program.

Do RFU of these two.

I'm also leaning towards RFU just because of sheer number students who matriculate. How would you compare EVMS, UCINN, and RFU?
Which one of these will give the greatest shot at the Univ of MD without the gap year?

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

Drexel's program is terrible.

Someone brought Drexel up in another thread the other day, and Jslo pointed out a post from a former Drexel student. Its a good program if you are one of the 10-15 (i think those numbers r right) that then get accepted to Drexel Med. It sucks big time if you are one of the approx 125 who dont get accepted.

Based on the those rough numbers, i would say its not a good program.

Do RFU of these two.

Truu. Yeah I heard its extremely difficult to get into Drexel Med from IMS, but I wasn't positive on the numbers. RFU has had about 75% of their students matriculate the following year.

 

[deleted248403]

I wasnt talking about the linkage rate to DUCOM. I don't really consider linking from an allopathic school's SMP program to an osteopathic program a good thing...

And I suggest some reading, slack3r about, the drexel program...

 

[deleted248403]

Ive never seen Drexel MEd written like DUCOM - COM usual refers to college of osteopathic medicine

I would have thought poor linkage to its own program, cut-throat nature, and poor overall acceptance rates would be enough to scare people away from it slack3r, but hey if you wanna go, go - i hope you are one of the 10-15 to make it, and not one of 125

 

[drizzt3117]

I'm also leaning towards RFU just because of sheer number students who matriculate. How would you compare EVMS, UCINN, and RFU?
Which one of these will give the greatest shot at the Univ of MD without the gap year?

Cinn > RFU ~ EVMS in my opinion. EVMS is a much smaller program than RFU so some people like it more, other people prefer ~chicago to norfolk.

 

[deleted248403]

slack3er - i didnt take it as combative, and hope i wasn't such.

I dont think drexels programs are either rigorous or relatively-well known (for good reasons anyways).

BU, Tufts, Georgetown, RFU, Cincy, EVMS are all better options than Drexel IMO

 

[deleted248403]

Rigorous being quality of education, not number of credits...

 

[marspotter]

My priorities are:
1: get into an MD school in 2012

Given my situation, which smp will you attend? Drexel or RFU?

Also waitlisted at Gtown, EVMS, Cincinnati.

Since your number one priority is getting into an MD school as soon as you can, I would definitely go for a program with better linkage agreements. And between Drexel and RFU, RFU has better linkages, thus, I would recommend RFU solely based on your priority and the given options. RFU is more expensive than Drexel as you mentioned, however, risking your number one priority and wasting another year won't be worth the cost.

Good luck!

 

[bkprodigy]

So you're suggesting medical school classes at Drexel have a lower quality of education than graduate courses at Rosalind Franklin, Tufts, or BU? What is this based off of?

The complaints seem mostly come from people who doesn't perform very well in the IMS and couldn't get into DUCOM in the subsequent year. A couple reviews of drexel IMS were given the most favorable 5/5 in terms of quality. So I wouldn't really say Drexel is worse than RFU.

Based on my research, drexel IMS is just as good. It's only that CMS accepts more students. I'm sure if you are top 10%, there's no reason to worry in either program.

Also, my understanding is that Drexel IMS offers all of M1 courses other than anatomy? If that's the case, does anyone know if I will be able to start as M2 and take anatomy that year? That way completing med school in 3 years? Is this even a possibility?

 

[bkprodigy]

Since your number one priority is getting into an MD school as soon as you can, I would definitely go for a program with better linkage agreements. And between Drexel and RFU, RFU has better linkages, thus, I would recommend RFU solely based on your priority and the given options. RFU is more expensive than Drexel as you mentioned, however, risking your number one priority and wasting another year won't be worth the cost.

Good luck!

It's a really difficult decision.... let me send you a pm

 

[deleted248403]

So you're suggesting medical school classes at Drexel have a lower quality of education than graduate courses at Rosalind Franklin, Tufts, or BU? What is this based off of?

I'm suggesting Drexel is an inferior program, and have been this whole time.

You seem set on going there so go there.

Its hard to argue with the numbers of people who move on from drexel IMS to either drexel med or another medical school.

It would appear that regardless of the number of medical school credits drexel students take - they aren't successful in the ultimate goal.

As bkprodigy pointed out, if you are in the top 10% it kind of doesn't matter. It would just suck if you are in the 11th percentile...

 

[bkprodigy]

I'm suggesting Drexel is an inferior program, and have been this whole time.

You seem set on going there so go there.

Its hard to argue with the numbers of people who move on from drexel IMS to either drexel med or another medical school.

It would appear that regardless of the number of medical school credits drexel students take - they aren't successful in the ultimate goal.

As bkprodigy pointed out, if you are in the top 10% it kind of doesn't matter. It would just suck if you are in the 11th percentile...

Hey bud,

Do you know if there's a chance you'll be able start as M2 if you get into drexel med straight from IMS? considering IMS offers all M1 courses other than anatomy?

 

[deleted248403]

Hey bud,

Do you know if there's a chance you'll be able start as M2 if you get into drexel med straight from IMS? considering IMS offers all M1 courses other than anatomy?

I don't think you can start as MSII but I do think you can skip a few of the MSI classes.

I'm not set on going there, it is one of several programs I'm considering so I'd like to find out as much as possible. I'm also trying to elucidate why yourself and a handful of other posters (not one of which has attended the IMS program) seem to be so adamantly against it. Aside from the linkage and hearsay and/or personal opinions, I still haven't figured out why this program is so negative. The few reviews I have read from current/former students had mostly positive things to say, yet it seems that there are quite a few folks on SDN who seem to be parroting negativity without much evidence.

I'm just curious as to why you find the program to be inferior?

Ugh - i've been over this, and I pointed a reference Jslo85 made to a post from a current student that pointed out the poor linkage rates amongst other things. To be honest, i'm sick of rehashing the same things over and over again. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make

 

[bkprodigy]

No, you'll start as an MS1. I believe you can petition out of some courses, but you'll still have to take the entire year.

Damn it! LOL
That was one of things I was hoping as to not to throw away my $500 deposit made towards Drexel. 🙁
I guess the choice is clear for me now. RFU it is..unless I hear from Temple.

 

[DeucesHigh3]

I'm not set on going there, it is one of several programs I'm considering so I'd like to find out as much as possible. I'm also trying to elucidate why yourself and a handful of other posters (not one of which has attended the IMS program) seem to be so adamantly against it. Aside from the linkage and hearsay and/or personal opinions, I still haven't figured out why this program is so negative. The few reviews I have read from current/former students had mostly positive things to say, yet it seems that there are quite a few folks on SDN who seem to be parroting negativity without much evidence.

I'm just curious as to why you find the program to be inferior?

Honestly, the poor linkage is the only aspect that has much truth to it. Consider, though, that it is an enormous program, and has looser admission standards than a number of other SMPs. There are a lot of people in IMS that will just to scrape along at a 3.0, and then be shocked that their guaranteed interview doesn't net them a DUCOM acceptance. The guaranteed interview only requires a 27 MCAT (9's and up) and B or better in all of the classes. However, only 20-25 out of the 125+ in the program interview during the IMS year (assuming they apply to DUCOM concurrently). To me, that speaks to the quality of the students rather than the quality of the program. Unfortunately, people who have a generally good application but get a B- in one class get passed over too, but those are the breaks.

Other issues people have mentioned are with the facilities (which I somewhat agree with) or the program administration (with whom I've had no difficulty). The most virulent of IMS' reviews on SDN are also going on a decade old, so take that for what it's worth.

Lastly, many people conflate the IMS program (the actual SMP) with the various and sundry other programs that Drexel offers. Many of the latter are seen as being lower in quality, or an attempt to keep wringing money out of you for 2+ years. I have no first-hand experience with them, but they are more commonly complained about online. As for IMS, though, the classes and exams are exactly the same as the medical school, simply telecast to another location; if you call those "low quality", you're calling DUCOM itself low quality (and I'm not getting into that argument!). And yes, of course IMS students can talk to the professors -- I'm not sure where the notion to the contrary came from.

 

[DeucesHigh3]

Hey bud,

Do you know if there's a chance you'll be able start as M2 if you get into drexel med straight from IMS? considering IMS offers all M1 courses other than anatomy?

IMS offers the majority of the MS1 coursework, but even if you could exempt out of everything (which I don't think is a possibility with some of them, or very wise for some of the others), you'd still need to take gross anatomy, behavioral science, principles of medical research, genetics, and all of the clinical stuff.

 

[aidama]

Drexel's program is terrible.

Someone brought Drexel up in another thread the other day, and Jslo pointed out a post from a former Drexel student. Its a good program if you are one of the 10-15 (i think those numbers r right) that then get accepted to Drexel Med. It sucks big time if you are one of the approx 125 who dont get accepted.

Based on the those rough numbers, i would say its not a good program.

Do RFU of these two.

Blah blah blah.. you two....


If you want any info about Drexel I will be HAPPY to talk about it in PMs. I have written a very good review about the program. What Deuces said is true.

 

[James Sacket]

What's so bad about Drexel outside the perceived low linkage rate to DUCOM?

- very little support from staff. Some staff members aren't nice... ...
- disorganized
- classes are simulcast (you don't sit in the same room with the med students). You can email faculty, but to meet them in person, you need to commute to the medical campus.
- location (IMO)
- expensive

I dont think drexels programs are either rigorous...

False. Drexel Med is one of the most rigorous programs in the country.
IMS students take 70% of the MS1 courses. That's why it's challenging.

Also, my understanding is that Drexel IMS offers all of M1 courses other than anatomy? If that's the case, does anyone know if I will be able to start as M2 and take anatomy that year? That way completing med school in 3 years? Is this even a possibility?

You will retake all courses if accepted, UNLESS you take the cumulative finals and pass.

 

[Slack3r]

- very little support from staff. Some staff members aren't nice... ...
- disorganized
- classes are simulcast (you don't sit in the same room with the med students). You can email faculty, but to meet them in person, you need to commute to the medical campus.
- location (IMO)
- expensive

Disorganized in what regard?

 

[aidama]

- very little support from staff. Some staff members aren't nice... ...
I can name a few people who are not helpful, but they're also not useful to you. Christy is the most helpful person on staff. She can't take the test for you, but she's good for motivational speeches, advising, and telling you exactly where you stand [as she has your grades and knowledge of last year's averages]. On a separate note, not all tutors (MSP) are equal.

- disorganized
Our notes are always given to us on time, the lectures are always posted, our tests run smoothly and grades are posted quickly, which is all you really need. Sometimes there are problems with rooms, but not often. Medicine & Society is laughably disorganized, but it's a joke anyway. It was kind of annoying during the beginning of the year when it took a month and a half to get our gym memberships, but that wasn't their fault.

- classes are simulcast (you don't sit in the same room with the med students). You can email faculty, but to meet them in person, you need to commute to the medical campus.
Not really sure why this is perceived as being a "bad" thing. Most of the actual medical school students don't even show up (which can be seen on the simucast). If you choose to show up to the simulcast lecture hall, you get freedom to eat, talk with your peers if you're confused, laugh when you encounter a bad lecturer... I personally like it. I also don't know anyone who has actually gone to ask a professor a question - you have tutors and 100+ other classmates (and for certain classes bulletin boards). If your question is a good one, the professors WILL bring it up in class.

- location (IMO)
It's Center City Philadelphia.... soooo...yeah. Why is the awesome Drexel Gym so far away?

- expensive
Yeah, it is. Even more so if you screw up.

False. Drexel Med is one of the most rigorous programs in the country.
IMS students take 70% of the MS1 courses. That's why it's challenging.
To the above - thanks. To the people who say it isn't rigorous, that is ******ed and false. We take something like ~30 credits in the fall and 15 in the spring. It's the same amount of work the medical students do minus Anatomy and Genetics. It is by no means "not rigorous" and "not well known".


You will retake all courses if accepted, UNLESS you take the cumulative finals and pass.
True for Biochem, Microanatomy, Physiology. Not true for others. I think most people that have been accepted year are opting out of Nutrition (can be petitioned if you've simply taken it before) and Microanatomy.

bolded notes.

PS: The school actually refers to itself as DUCOM, very frequently.

I have talked extensively about linkage in PM's. Deuces also pointed out a lot of true facts. When I say there are 125-150 kids in the program, this doesn't mean that they are all equal candidates...........
- Some go into the program expecting it to be a 2-year deal.
- Some people don't have the MCAT distribution to make the interview.

Let's now say this (the above) cuts out 25 people or more. So the pool of potentials is maybe 100 kids or less, right at the start of the program.
Now some kids flunk and have to leave early on. Mid program now we're looking at maybe 80-90 eligible candidates. Maybe even less.
NOW some kids don't make the grades and lose their interview guarantee. This happens more often than you think. Let's say that 60 kids have the grades.

Last year I believe 40 people interviewed and something like 25-30 got in. This year I think the number was 25-30 people interviewed and I don't have the number for acceptances. That would mean if you hold up your end of the bargain, you have like, a 50% shot of going in. That is not terrible at all. MANY people who stay around for the 2nd year get into DUCOM.