SSP Sigma Sigma Phi: How to get in?

[dazzle42]

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Hello all, I was wondering if there are any Sigma Sigma Phi members out there who can give advice on how to be most competitive for getting into Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP).

I know it various from chapter to chapter, but any suggestions would be helpful, especially if anyone has ideas about MSUCOM's chapter.

I know there is considerable debate concerning the merits of SSP, vis a vis AOA.

However, all criticisms aside, it can't hurt especially if you attend to complete an AGME residency, considering ERAS application has a space for it next to an AOA membership.

 

[Dissected]

Hello all, I was wondering if there are any Sigma Sigma Phi members out there who can give advice on how to be most competitive for getting into Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP).

I know it various from chapter to chapter, but any suggestions would be helpful, especially if anyone has ideas about MSUCOM's chapter.

I know there is considerable debate concerning the merits of SSP, vis a vis AOA.

However, all criticisms aside, it can't hurt especially if you attend to complete an AGME residency, considering ERAS application has a space for it next to an AOA membership.

Get really good grades, get involved in some meaningful community service and write a good essay when the time comes.

Not really something you can prepare for. Just step up to the plate in the 1st 2 years and work harder than everyone else.

 

[fiznat]

My school had a GPA cutoff, and then sent application invites to everyone who made that initial cut. The application was mostly about what you have done besides academics at the school: leadership positions, community service, volunteering, etc etc. There was also an "essay" question which asked why you should be considered for membership.

I'd be interested in hearing what experience people have had with SSP in regards to residency applications. I know it isn't AOA, so how is it looked at?

 

[cliquesh]

My school had a GPA cutoff, and then sent application invites to everyone who made that initial cut. The application was mostly about what you have done besides academics at the school: leadership positions, community service, volunteering, etc etc. There was also an "essay" question which asked why you should be considered for membership.

I'd be interested in hearing what experience people have had with SSP in regards to residency applications. I know it isn't AOA, so how is it looked at?

I don't think its a big deal. I bet most DO students never heard of ssp. I think the majority of md students know what aoa is.

 

[willen101383]

I don't think its a big deal. I bet most DO students never heard of ssp. I think the majority of md students know what aoa is.

I am assuming u are referring to "the overachiever club," as i refer to them as. Never knew it was called ssp. Dont really get the point of those clubs. Yay guys high 5 we study so hard and act pretend interested in doing events just to pad our resumes!" Ya know what? I am going to start a club with greek letters because I spent more time shooting guns and chillin in med school while simultaneously getting still good grades! Wee! 🙄

 

[sylvanthus]

I am assuming u are referring to "the overachiever club," as i refer to them as. Never knew it was called ssp. Dont really get the point of those clubs. Yay guys high 5 we study so hard and act pretend interested in doing events just to pad our resumes!" Ya know what? I am going to start a club with greek letters because I spent more time shooting guns and chillin in med school while simultaneously getting still good grades! Wee! 🙄

The point is, SSP is right next to AOA on ERAS. How much difference that really makes is likely unknown, but it has to do something. Besides that, ya it is pointless. The national chapter is not active, there really is nothing to discuss at meetings, and the selection criteria is not consistent.

But, hell if it helps with residency, your damn right people are going to want to join. Call it CV padding if you will. I call it playing the game.

 

[fiznat]

Call it CV padding if you will. I call it playing the game.

I agree. A pimp's gotta hustle!

 

[willen101383]

The point is, SSP is right next to AOA on ERAS. How much difference that really makes is likely unknown, but it has to do something. Besides that, ya it is pointless. The national chapter is not active, there really is nothing to discuss at meetings, and the selection criteria is not consistent.

But, hell if it helps with residency, your damn right people are going to want to join. Call it CV padding if you will. I call it playing the game.

Hey go for it! As for me, I got other crap to do. 😀

 

[DbDan]

Hello all, I was wondering if there are any Sigma Sigma Phi members out there who can give advice on how to be most competitive for getting into Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP).

I know it various from chapter to chapter, but any suggestions would be helpful, especially if anyone has ideas about MSUCOM's chapter.

I know there is considerable debate concerning the merits of SSP, vis a vis AOA.

However, all criticisms aside, it can't hurt especially if you attend to complete an AGME residency, considering ERAS application has a space for it next to an AOA membership.

It's an honor society. Do really well in classes and you will get an invite. From there you will also need relevant leadership and volunteer work.

AZCOM invites the top 25% or so of the first year class plus a few who have achieved second year. They then accept a certain amount. It's fairly limited.

 

[HockeyDr09]

Hello all, I was wondering if there are any Sigma Sigma Phi members out there who can give advice on how to be most competitive for getting into Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP).

I know it various from chapter to chapter, but any suggestions would be helpful, especially if anyone has ideas about MSUCOM's chapter.

I know there is considerable debate concerning the merits of SSP, vis a vis AOA.

However, all criticisms aside, it can't hurt especially if you attend to complete an AGME residency, considering ERAS application has a space for it next to an AOA membership.

I think the obvious would be to "keep your grades as high as possible" but truthfully my grades aren't top 20% of the class and I didn't have an issue getting in. It's suppose to be a service fraternity, so just stay active with volunteering and consider running for a position in a club that your interested in. I think a strong essay and being involved around campus can do a great deal. Residency directors I spoke with seemed to hold it in moderately high regard.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588973_3

Table 2 shows residency directors rank Alpha Omega Alpha membership (MD equivalent of SSP) 8th among a list of selection criteria. (Pre-clinical grades are ranked 12th, and research is 13th and 14th FYI)