SMP questions

[kp2010]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi,

I'm planning on applying to a few SMP programs for the Fall of 2008, and I have a few questions.

1. I graduate from my undergrad in June of 2008; when I'm applying in January for SMP programs, will this make it so my application is not complete and reviewed until final transcripts are received and I graduate?

2. I'm trying to figure out when to take the MCAT for the first time...I guess this would depend on the answers to question 1, because if my application would not be complete until June I would take the April exam-- if I could be considered earlier, I would sit for the January exam.

3. How serious is Penn Special Sciences about their SAT scores? It says you should have a 600 in each section, but I definitely didn't take the SATs seriously (wasn't necessary for the undergrad I started out at) and my score is lower than that. Do you think I would still be considered if I do well on the MCAT?

Stats:
Predicted GPA: 3.4 (Science)
I'm not even going to attempt to predict my MCAT score
Lots of volunteer hours, and I'm going to start shadowing a doctor hopefully next month; ER volunteer experience, as well; Dean's List, 3+ years of research experience

I'm planning on applying to Drexel IMS, Penn Special Sciences, and possibly Georgetown SMP...I'd really appreciate some feedback before I start applying! 🙄

 

[Isoprop]

1. I graduate from my undergrad in June of 2008; when I'm applying in January for SMP programs, will this make it so my application is not complete and reviewed until final transcripts are received and I graduate?

As far as I know, you send your current transcripts when you apply early 2008. They will use your grades up to the point you applied to determine acceptance. You send your final transcripts after you're accepted.

2. I'm trying to figure out when to take the MCAT for the first time...I guess this would depend on the answers to question 1, because if my application would not be complete until June I would take the April exam-- if I could be considered earlier, I would sit for the January exam.

Some programs encourage/require MCAT scores before they make a decision. April might be too late as many schools are rolling. I'd sit for January.

3. How serious is Penn Special Sciences about their SAT scores? It says you should have a 600 in each section, but I definitely didn't take the SATs seriously (wasn't necessary for the undergrad I started out at) and my score is lower than that. Do you think I would still be considered if I do well on the MCAT?

Sorry, I can't answer specifically for Penn. Perhaps someone else can chime in?

 

[drizzt3117]

Why do you want to do a SMP? With a 3.4 you would be a competitive MD candidate w/ a 32+ and good ECs.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Why do you want to do a SMP? With a 3.4 you would be a competitive MD candidate w/ a 32+ and good ECs.

This is a decent point. With a solid MCAT and some luck you could manage an MD acceptance. That would save you a good 40K

Hi,

I'm planning on applying to a few SMP programs for the Fall of 2008, and I have a few questions.

1. I graduate from my undergrad in June of 2008; when I'm applying in January for SMP programs, will this make it so my application is not complete and reviewed until final transcripts are received and I graduate?

2. I'm trying to figure out when to take the MCAT for the first time...I guess this would depend on the answers to question 1, because if my application would not be complete until June I would take the April exam-- if I could be considered earlier, I would sit for the January exam.

3. How serious is Penn Special Sciences about their SAT scores? It says you should have a 600 in each section, but I definitely didn't take the SATs seriously (wasn't necessary for the undergrad I started out at) and my score is lower than that. Do you think I would still be considered if I do well on the MCAT?

Stats:
Predicted GPA: 3.4 (Science)
I'm not even going to attempt to predict my MCAT score
Lots of volunteer hours, and I'm going to start shadowing a doctor hopefully next month; ER volunteer experience, as well; Dean's List, 3+ years of research experience

I'm planning on applying to Drexel IMS, Penn Special Sciences, and possibly Georgetown SMP...I'd really appreciate some feedback before I start applying! 🙄

1) As said before, you dont have to have finished school yet. You apply, get accetped and when you graduate you send your final transcript.

2) Often programs will keep slots open until the med application season is coming to a close. That said, get the MCAT out of the way as soon as possible.

3) Yes

 

[kp2010]

Why do you want to do a SMP? With a 3.4 you would be a competitive MD candidate w/ a 32+ and good ECs.

Well, a 3.4 is assuming I get all A's in my winter quarter and spring quarter...which is possible, since I have a strong upward trend and have been doing well in my elective courses.

I figured since my GPA is an approximation and if I get lower than a 3.4 I really don't consider myself competitive that I would give an SMP a shot. I also don't know how I'm going to do on the MCAT...I haven't sat for the exam yet, and if I don't get a 32+ I definitely wouldn't feel confident in applying this round with a mediocre GPA.

My plan was to get into an SMP and apply the same year (meaning for matriculation in 2009) to all of my state schools (PA) and a few others. If I happen to get an outstanding MCAT score, then I may just apply in the summer and take a few upper-level post-bacc classes in the fall, but as of right now this is my back-up! 😀

Thanks for the advice and answers so far guys...

 

[kp2010]

Oh yeah, and I have one more question...

If I do an SMP program and apply the same year for MD, will my application not be complete until my first set of SMP grades are released (i.e late Dec) or does it depend on the school/program?

 

[Isoprop]

the first sticky has a guide. i'll quote the answer here:

When should I apply to medical school?
Personally, I think the best time to apply to medical school if you intend to attend an SMP, is to apply the summer right before it starts and get EVERYTHING done as early as possible, preferably before the programs start. As anyone will tell you, you barely have enough time for yourself when classes start, imagine having to do secondaries alongside. Indicate on the AMCAS or AACOMAS all the classes you are going to take, and list it as "blank School of Medicine Special Masters Program". You'll get it verified and will catch the eyes of admissions committees. Wordsmithing can go a long way. Most likely, unless your GPA and MCAT can carry you far, you'll most likely be asked to submit grades (along with recommendations from your program). Submit them as soon as possible, and as often as possible. Many submit after their first exam, which also includes a handful of small groups quiz grades. I submitted after my second exam (both medical physio and medical biochem). That way, you keep adcoms up to date, and give them an idea of the trends you are on. Funny how doing well on one medical school exam can determine if you get an interview or not.