**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**

[Daedalus]

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I think this last year 32 previous SMP students got into the med program, but I am pretty sure at least 7 of those were from the year previous. Not bad, definitely the highest percentage of our class stays at Georgetown.

From the stats I've seen 55 to 60% get into medical school somewhere the year they are in the program, and between 85 and 90% are in medical school somewhere by the end of the year after that. Of those 10% who don't get in, some decide to get their PhD, some go to Law, some dentistry and some just decide on something completely different. By the numbers if you come to G-town, work hard you will end up in medical school!

In terms of linkage, you truly can't beat EVMS. When I was applying there the saying was, "you have a seat in the first you medical school class the following year that is yours to lose." So if you don't mind the idea of going to EVMS and you are admitted to the SMP their, seriously consider going!

+1 on EVMS having great linkage to its own medical school class if you don't have any huge objection to attending EVMS.

But I wanted to add that we have quite a few physios from the Georgetown SMP in the M1 class at EVMS this year. I think someone posted a few of the schools Georgetown SMPers have success with, and you can definitely add EVMS to that list.

 

[whosinthebunker]

Check your PMs if you get this message. I sent you one.

Hey gujuDoc and 0 Complications, I applied to Cincy, G'town, Drexel, Loyola and EVMS about a month ago.

Feel free to PM me with your essays if you still need trimming! I had the same problem!

Happy applying!

 

[0Complications]

Hey gujuDoc and 0 Complications, I applied to Cincy, G'town, Drexel, Loyola and EVMS about a month ago.

Feel free to PM me with your essays if you still need trimming! I had the same problem!

Happy applying!

Hey, thanks for the offer, but I actually got all mine completed. I had a friend thrash my first 8 drafts. 🙂

Good luck on your apps. I actually applied to all the same schools as you, with the exception of Drexel.

Now I just need to take the MCAT in March, if you want you can take that for me though. 😛

 

[de_la_soul]

are the personal statements for the SMP program just like the medical school ones? or did you guys write a completely different one? (i have a real hard time writing one for the medical school so I'm hoping we don't have to be so creative and great at it for the SMP if that makes sense)

 

[0Complications]

are the personal statements for the SMP program just like the medical school ones? or did you guys write a completely different one? (i have a real hard time writing one for the medical school so I'm hoping we don't have to be so creative and great at it for the SMP if that makes sense)

I think it depends on the program. A number of them seem to be ok with the med school essay as long as you have submitted it through AMCAS.

 

[whosinthebunker]

Hey, thanks for the offer, but I actually got all mine completed. I had a friend thrash my first 8 drafts. 🙂

Good luck on your apps. I actually applied to all the same schools as you, with the exception of Drexel.

Now I just need to take the MCAT in March, if you want you can take that for me though. 😛

haha i think i'll let you kick the MCAT's ass, i already made my attempt. it was miserable, but it's something that you do and you're like for sure, i am the amazingz. just finishing the test is a feat in itself, regardless of your score.

good luck on your apps too! i actually got into Cincy, but i haven't heard from anyone else. I guess now the next thing is getting ready for the the summer cycle!

in response to essay length: i used the essay that I intend to use for AMCAS in June, but I trimmed it a little and put a couple of sentences specific to schools like Cincy, EVMS and Loyola that directly ask you to address their SMP in the essay.

 

[0Complications]

haha i think i'll let you kick the MCAT's ass, i already made my attempt. it was miserable, but it's something that you do and you're like for sure, i am the amazingz. just finishing the test is a feat in itself, regardless of your score.

good luck on your apps too! i actually got into Cincy, but i haven't heard from anyone else. I guess now the next thing is getting ready for the the summer cycle!

in response to essay length: i used the essay that I intend to use for AMCAS in June, but I trimmed it a little and put a couple of sentences specific to schools like Cincy, EVMS and Loyola that directly ask you to address their SMP in the essay.

Ha ha. Well, you did great on your attempt!

Congrats on Cinci! That's actually my first choice program (just based on the neuroscience emphasis option and the homier feel of the program). So, if all goes well, I might see you there!

 

[wannabesrgn]

How soon after acceptance to an SMP do you usually have to respond?

 

[theplatypus7]

Hi,
I am thinking of applying for an SMP program and am a little confused.

If I applied now, would I be starting the SMP Fall '09?
And would I fill out an AMCAS this coming June to begin medical school in Fall '10?

 

[DrMidlife]

If I applied now, would I be starting the SMP Fall '09?

Yes. There are a couple of programs (like Boston) that do spring admissions, but this isn't the norm.

And would I fill out an AMCAS this coming June to begin medical school in Fall '10?

If the SMP you're in can support a same-year application, and your app is solid other than undergrad GPA, then yes. Note that no SMP is a lock for same-year applying, and that you're at a distinct disadvantage, timing-wise, even in the most supportive SMP. You'll be expected to have a complete application at med schools before the SMP has anything to offer to support your app, so you're at the end of the line for interviews, even at the host school.

Be a smart shopper. If you're in the EVMS SMP, and applying to EVMS med school, you've got terrific odds for a same-year app. By extreme contrast, if you're in the Georgetown SMP, and applying to U of California schools, a same-year app is a waste of money. You can find details on such efforts in most of the school-specific threads, so I recommend doing a thorough browse for info here.

Best of luck to you.

 

[schroon]

gujuDoc, DrMidlife, or anyone else.....

1. Is there any Special Masters Program, other than Georgetown that does not require MCATs?

2. Do any of the SMPs admit students in January?

Thank you for any responses to the above questions.

 

[jdeng]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if I could get some help about my current situation. I applied to med school this past year, but unfortunately, have not heard back from many schools yet. With the interview season drawing closely to an end, I feel the need to see where I will go from here. If I don't get into med school this year, I will definitely re-apply, but I guess my main question would be when. I was wondering if doing an SMP before re-applying would be right for me.

Here's a little about me: I graduated in '07 with a BCPM of 3.6 and MCAT of 28P (second time). I did quite a bit of volunteer work in hospitals during my undergraduate years and have been working in research since graduation. As I have already taken 2 years off, I guess you could say that I'm eager and excited to get back to the world of academia and actually start studying again. I feel like I haven't studied in ages, and surprisingly, actually miss it (ah, those unforgettable all-nighters). I think doing an SMP will definitely help me in terms of preparing me for med school, in addition to hopefully enhancing my application for next time.

So my questions are:
1. Is an SMP program right for me? and if so, what are my chances of actually getting in?
2. Should I apply to an SMP NOW and hope to start this fall, while applying to medical school again this summer? (or would many of you suggest I take more time off before reapplying?)
3. If I do apply to an SMP now, would my application be considered "late," since I know that many have a rolling admissions?
4. Do many people who get into an SMP program with a low-ish MCAT still retake their MCATs before applying to medical school? I know it would be difficult to do the two simultaneously, hence i'm debating taking another year off to study/retake the MCAT before applying to an SMP/med school again in 2010. (but I really don't want to take that extra year off if I don't need to.)

Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jdeng]

I'd do an SMP in your shoes. I think your stats are fine for an SMP and you won't have to retake the MCAT unless it is too old to be considered or you think you can get it up by 3+ points.

I'd not consider 28 low when the lowest SMPers MCAT scores I've seen have been 23 at some places and in the case of the minority SMPs lower sometimes.

Yes you'd be late but you'd be surprised by how many SMPers get into med school same year as they are doing the SMP. A lot of schools know what SMPs are so they look at it and may give one of the last interviews or an earlier one or may give you one after fall grades come in. But many places will interview you and if you are above a certain threshold the school hosting it will often interview you.

You should consider doing one, keeping up with the ECs, and getting your apps and secondaries done before you start any program.

I'd consider applying around to a lot of them. Gtown SMP, EVMS BMS, UCincy MS in Physio, BU MAMS, etc. are a few notable ones.

I think with your stats you could possibly get interviews if you apply to the right schools.

Thanks! I just wasn't sure whether or not I should retake my MCATs again before reapplying to med school. I know a higher score would definitely help, but I know that I wouldn't be able to study for that and do an SMP concurrently.. hence my debate on whether or not to take another year off to study for it first. I think I'm liking the sound of maybe just doing an SMP though haha..

 

[jdeng]

No point in taking another year off when you've already done 2. I'd just try to get into Gtown's program or one of the other more reputable programs. But what I don't understand is why you didn't get in anywhere with those stats. What state are you from? Where did you apply to previously?

I think one of the main reasons I didn't hear from many schools was the fact that I applied pretty late (though I'm sure there were other factors in my application that played a role.. maybe the fact that I didn't hit the magical MCAT "30"). I actually didn't get my primary application completed until close to most schools' deadline, which was basically the time when people were already sending out their secondaries and even getting interviews! I unfortunately decided last minute to re-take my MCATs, and thus took a late test, which postponed the processing of my application. I guess I was eager to start med school so I decided to try and apply this past year. I still have interviews in late March, but those are cutting it pretty late and will most likely put me on a waitlist if I'm lucky. So, even though I'm still hopeful, I'd feel safer knowing that I have a back-up in case things don't work out this time around. So I guess next time... APPLY EARLY! haha. (though I guess I'm not exactly applying early to these SMP programs 😛)

How are your SMP applications coming along? Any good news? 🙂

 

[hung]

Jdeng, you don't really need to do an smp to help your application for med school. There are obvious factors that held you back (applying very late and mcat) and maybe other less obvious factors such as not applying to a lot of schools, being from california (high instate numbers), average LOR, average PS. If you went to a big undergrad, your bcpm of 3.6 says lot and doing an smp would be a waste of your money. There is plently of time still left for you to study and take the mcat before amcas opens in june. You can also spend this time to prepare your application so you'll be ready to submit early in june. With everything you have now, a 30+ mcat score, and applying broadly and early in june, you should be in great shape. I am in an smp right now and the dean of admission told us that if you have a solid gpa and a low mcat, you should be working on your mcat and don't need to do the program.

 

[jdeng]

Jdeng, you don't really need to do an smp to help your application for med school. There are obvious factors that held you back (applying very late and mcat) and maybe other less obvious factors such as not applying to a lot of schools, being from california (high instate numbers), average LOR, average PS. If you went to a big undergrad, your bcpm of 3.6 says lot and doing an smp would be a waste of your money. There is plently of time still left for you to study and take the mcat before amcas opens in june. You can also spend this time to prepare your application so you'll be ready to submit early in june. With everything you have now, a 30+ mcat score, and applying broadly and early in june, you should be in great shape. I am in an smp right now and the dean of admission told us that if you have a solid gpa and a low mcat, you should be working on your mcat and don't need to do the program.

Thanks for the advice Hung. Well, one of the reasons I wanted to do the SMP was the fact that it would help prepare me more for actually being in med school in terms of my success then. With two years away from schooling (and if I apply again this June, that'll be three years away from school), I feel that I would have a lot of catching up to do in comparison to those who enter med school right after college. Though I would like to believe that I remember and retain all of my scientific knowledge from a few years ago, the truth of the matter is... well, I don't. Do you think doing an SMP in terms of that would be helpful in just doing well in med school? Or, based on your experiences right now, would you consider it not to be worth it? Yes, I know getting into med school is the goal, but I want to make sure that I do well in med school too 😛 Which SMP program are you in now? just curious..

Thanks!

 

[SkiSweden]

I did the SMP last year and was lucky enough to get in during the first semester .

 

[geh926]

Hey guys, I've been going crazy lately trying to figure out what to do, so I thought I would ask for some advice if possible.

I'm set to graduate this May with a degree in physiology~3.3 cgpa., Solid ec's, but I have yet to take the MCAT though. I really want to take it in April, and apply to some SMP's and get my AMCAS in for this cycle too. But, I'm taking 19 hours currently in order to finish my major/minor, so I don't really see when I could put some good hard studying in for the MCAT. So, I guess I'm just lost on what to do here. I really want to get my app. in for this cycle and plan on applying to 20 schools (10 do, 10md). But should I be trying to do some SMP, or MS, and when should I try to take the MCAT in order to still apply at some point this summer?😕

 

[DrMidlife]

Hey guys, I've been going crazy lately trying to figure out what to do, so I thought I would ask for some advice if possible.

I'm set to graduate this May with a degree in physiology~3.3 cgpa., Solid ec's, but I have yet to take the MCAT though. I really want to take it in April, and apply to some SMP's and get my AMCAS in for this cycle too. But, I'm taking 19 hours currently in order to finish my major/minor, so I don't really see when I could put some good hard studying in for the MCAT. So, I guess I'm just lost on what to do here. I really want to get my app. in for this cycle and plan on applying to 20 schools (10 do, 10md). But should I be trying to do some SMP, or MS, and when should I try to take the MCAT in order to still apply at some point this summer?😕

I'm going to strongly advise you to slow it down. If you add the MCAT onto your current class schedule, both will suffer, which you can't afford. I strongly suggest that you NOT TAKE the MCAT until you are positioned to do very, very well. If that means you can't apply this year, worse things have happened. Your GPA is borderline, so you need to ace those 19 hours in order to be in competitive range. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you need an SMP - an SMP is the last ditch, super expensive, no-other-options-left option.

What I'm afraid of for you is that you'll finish your major on a low point, since 19 hours is a boatload, and bank on doing well on the MCAT say in August, and get under 30, which sets you up for a weak, late application year. In your shoes I'd add a year to the plan, drop some of those 19 hours, pick up some part time work in a lab or whatnot, do some traveling and soul searching, and set yourself up to have a killer app in June '10. Put yourself in a position to get into a good and/or inexpensive school. Being in a hurry to get into med school is a big fat mistake.

Best of luck to you.

 

[AttackNME]

Hi, I could use a bit of guidance. I have 3.33cgpa 3.28sci gpa, 32L mcat, applied to med school but didn't get any interview invites so I'm going to start applying for smp's. I think I have pretty good chances of making it somewhere, so I know I'm going to apply to georgetown and pennsylvania. Do people apply to these programs like they do med school? (basically apply to everything on sight)

 

[AttackNME]

I feel ******ed. Im trying to apply to the georgetown smp. Do I need to fill out all that information on the left-side-bar? It asks me to select a degree and I don't see "SMP" anywhere. I really appreciate your help thanks guys. (BTW I emailed them but they haven't responded and the deadline for georgetown is soon so that's why I'm feeling anxious)

 

[drizzt3117]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if I could get some help about my current situation. I applied to med school this past year, but unfortunately, have not heard back from many schools yet. With the interview season drawing closely to an end, I feel the need to see where I will go from here. If I don't get into med school this year, I will definitely re-apply, but I guess my main question would be when. I was wondering if doing an SMP before re-applying would be right for me.

Here's a little about me: I graduated in '07 with a BCPM of 3.6 and MCAT of 28P (second time). I did quite a bit of volunteer work in hospitals during my undergraduate years and have been working in research since graduation. As I have already taken 2 years off, I guess you could say that I'm eager and excited to get back to the world of academia and actually start studying again. I feel like I haven't studied in ages, and surprisingly, actually miss it (ah, those unforgettable all-nighters). I think doing an SMP will definitely help me in terms of preparing me for med school, in addition to hopefully enhancing my application for next time.

So my questions are:
1. Is an SMP program right for me? and if so, what are my chances of actually getting in?
2. Should I apply to an SMP NOW and hope to start this fall, while applying to medical school again this summer? (or would many of you suggest I take more time off before reapplying?)
3. If I do apply to an SMP now, would my application be considered "late," since I know that many have a rolling admissions?
4. Do many people who get into an SMP program with a low-ish MCAT still retake their MCATs before applying to medical school? I know it would be difficult to do the two simultaneously, hence i'm debating taking another year off to study/retake the MCAT before applying to an SMP/med school again in 2010. (but I really don't want to take that extra year off if I don't need to.)

Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

What is your cumulative GPA? Is it higher than your BCPM? I wouldn't apply to SMPs. If your cumulative GPA is above 3.5 and you can improve your MCAT to above 30, I would apply broadly to med school instead of looking at a SMP.

 

[rjpark2]

I feel ******ed. Im trying to apply to the georgetown smp. Do I need to fill out all that information on the left-side-bar? It asks me to select a degree and I don't see "SMP" anywhere. I really appreciate your help thanks guys. (BTW I emailed them but they haven't responded and the deadline for georgetown is soon so that's why I'm feeling anxious)

don't worry about it, it took me a while to figure out too. The degree for the SMP is the physiology and biophysics- special masters program. I don't know if you've read through this yet but it helped me a lot. feel free to PM me if you have more questions, although i can't guarantee that i'll know the answers either since i JUST applied (meaning yesterday).

 

[jdeng]

What is your cumulative GPA? Is it higher than your BCPM? I wouldn't apply to SMPs. If your cumulative GPA is above 3.5 and you can improve your MCAT to above 30, I would apply broadly to med school instead of looking at a SMP.

I don't recall what my cumulative GPA is at the moment, but I know that it's higher than a 3.5. I studied what I thought was the best I could do for the last MCAT I took, but still only managed a 28. I think my average usually rested btw a 27-30. I was hoping doing well in an SMP would show that I could still handle the med school curriculum, even though my MCATs aren't great. That and I would be out of school for at least 3+ years before my matriculation into med school. I thought I'd need the preparatin from an SMP.

 

[swampthing6]

Hi guys, I'm new to SDN but is the SMP just for students who need to boost the science portion of their application? I have a 3.74 ugpa (biology) and a 32M on the MCAT, but I'm on wait lists for the three schools that I still have an active application. In the ever-increasing likeness that I have to take a year off, is the SMP going to be a good idea or should I just find a job and continue to volunteer for the next year?

Specifically what I'm trying to figure out is, are the expenses of the SMP worth it for someone like me (35k? yikes), or is it not going to be worth it if my gpa and cat are already sufficient?

 

[drizzt3117]

I don't recall what my cumulative GPA is at the moment, but I know that it's higher than a 3.5. I studied what I thought was the best I could do for the last MCAT I took, but still only managed a 28. I think my average usually rested btw a 27-30. I was hoping doing well in an SMP would show that I could still handle the med school curriculum, even though my MCATs aren't great. That and I would be out of school for at least 3+ years before my matriculation into med school. I thought I'd need the preparatin from an SMP.

That's not a good idea IMO. I think you should just retake the MCAT and if you score 30+ you should get in if you apply broadly. Take a MCAT class and work on studying more effectively. You're going to have to take the boards anyways when you get into med school so learning to take standardized tests will be useful.

 

[Aldock59]

Graduated with a 3.3 cum laude in Biology from a top 5 liberal arts college. MCAT 30, excellent ec's,letters of recommendation,shadowing and volunteer experience. Currently working in a medical research lab. Have had two interviews but am worried gpa will hold me back. Feel like an SMP is the next step for me, advice welcome.

 

[Aldock59]

Any thoughts on which SMP has the best reputation? Are the state programs like EVMS geared towards instate students?

 

[Falling Gator]

GujuDoc: I see that you are in Tampa, I assume at USF? I plan on submitting my application to the anatomy concentration for the biomedical sciences, and wondered what your opinion was. The good, bad, and ugly..lol. And would you recommend another concentration, say molecular medicine, instead of the anatomy?

 

[drizzt3117]

Any thoughts on which SMP has the best reputation? Are the state programs like EVMS geared towards instate students?

Georgetown is the most established SMP. EVMS is open to students from other states.

 

[Falling Gator]

The anatomy concentration is harder then the MM concentration but a lot more people have success getting in with that program and there are far far fewer students. There are only 15-20 spots. MM has 60-100 spots.

So its harder to get in. However, because there are less students, and there are more professors that teach M1 classes. So that kinda helps too.

It is a good program but very, very tough. although it is not a true SMP it is the next best thing to IMS as far as USF programs go. Out of curiosity what does your profile look like? GPA? MCAT? ECs? etc.

I graduated from UF last summer Cum Laude with a B.S. in Health Education, had a 3.5 ugpa and a 3.4 science gpa. My ECs include shadowing an MD and DO (I've decided to pusue osteopathic med), research, and lots of community service. Oh and my MCAT was a 26O.
I feel I would greatly benefit from the anatomy concentration due to my interest in osteopathy (OMT and anatomy's practicality in medicine). I'm ready for a challenge to show these schools I can handle the workload. I've also been waitlisted at two of the schools I had interviews, most likely due to my lower science gpa.

 

[phungy]

Anyone recommend a reputable SMP (1 year) for a pre-dent and a Masters that I could use as a backup?

I'm currently attending Barry's 1 year Biomedical Science program. Getting good grades, 3.65 overall, 3.8 sci but seems like I may not get in this cycle so I'm looking for a backup plan. I can't really do anything with an M.S. in BMS because the program is more focused on science courseload vs research/thesis.

 

[phungy]

I am confused, I thought that that was a SMP and would cut it. If you want a nearby SMP for dental school purposes, try NOVA's own DO program because that school has a dental school so you might be able to build contacts.

Alternatively, if you are willing to leave the state, I'd recommend UMDNJ-NJMS BMS program in Newark, NJ or BU MAMS in Boston.

These are both programs connected to dental schools.

I'd also consider EVMS BMS as I tend to think they allow DAT scores and hence must have predents applying and allow predents to apply.

I'm not sure I know of others.

I appreciate your response. Barry's BMS is an SMP but I got rejected to two of the four dental schools, waitlisted at the third and waiting from the fourth. I'm just looking for another SMP (possible at Ivy league) since it seems adcoms are superficial and only know Ivy league names but had no clue what Barry was.

I was told that I'd have a much better chance next cycle since I'd have completed the BMS program, have an M.S. and 2 semester's worth of grades. If I don't go to school, I'll have to start paying back loans and its tough to find a job these days and I can't really do much with an MS in BMS.

 

[BearPolar]

Hi all.

I am just trying to figure out a reasonable game plan for gaining admittance to med school. I graduated with a BSc from a major state research university but royally screwed up my med school prereq's (which I completed post-bacc) resulting in a 2.5 overall gpa. I also do not have many EC's. My one shining premed moment so far is a 33S on the MCAT. I have considered taking more post-bacc science courses but due to the 160+ credits I already have it would take a large number of A's to raise my gpa anywhere near competitive. I have also considered the caribbean schools but feel this might be a last resort. So it comes down to -- would a SMP accept me, and if so, could I gain a med school acceptance if I did very well in said SMP.

 

[swampthing6]

No and especially not as a Fl. resident who could easily do EDP with those kinda stats at most Fl. schools. That's how good your stats are. An SMP is a last resort for those with lower end stats

Also if you are on the waitlists at Fl. schools, chances are you will get off one of them. Continue to volunteer and do other things. Speak to REL, Leila, and other adcom members about your situation and advice. I'm sure all will tell you to stay away from SMPs with your stats.

What is your weakness in your apps? Interviewing skills? LORs? Essays? Extracurriculars? Clinical Exp? volunteerism? lack of research? I think one of those things are probably a bigger issue then studies in affecting your status.

Where are you on waitlists at? Fl. schools or out of state?

Dang, the SMP seems like a good opportunity to be admitted to Georgetown Med next cycle if things don't work out. The 50% acceptance rate to Gtown SOM is pretty enticing. I'm actually a TX resident, and I'm wait-listed at Southwestern, UT Houston, and UT San An. I'm really not sure what is holding my application back to be honest, because I received positive feedback from my interviews and I have the typical pre med application with research/volunteer exp and the whole sha-bang. I didn't even get offered an interview by Florida though, which was frustrating. I feel like (I know that...) I applied too late to out of state schools in my range because I spent too much time on the idea of Georgetown and other Florida schools (not realizing that just because I ATTEND UF I won't be considered for USF, UCF, FSU, etc.). If I have to repeat my application cycle I will definitely have all of my secondaries in by September . . . lesson learned.

Hey, what does EDP stand for?

Thanks for the help by the way, I'll bounce the idea off of the adcom ppl here as well and see what they say.

 

[DrMidlife]

Dang, the SMP seems like a good opportunity to be admitted to Georgetown Med next cycle if things don't work out. The 50% acceptance rate to Gtown SOM is pretty enticing.

You've misunderstood Gtown's "success rate." 50% of SMP students are admitted somewhere during their SMP year - not necessarily into Gtown. I believe I've seen numbers like 15-20 SMP students getting into Gtown med school, not sure that's concurrent or not.

And do you love Gtown so much that you'll spend $100k extra to go there? For the love of all that's holy, don't squander your TX residency. Do you want your education to cost $260k, or do you want it to cost well under $150k? Focus on getting into TX med schools!

Best of luck to you.

 

[swampthing6]

Thanks a ton, although it's just more frustrating to have above average statistics and not be early accepted anywhere .

My other back-up plan is to get a job at a hospital and work somewhere, however, one of my parents wants me to work for them for a year. Would it be looked upon unfavorably if I took a non-medically related job for a year, if I continued to volunteer? Or is it necessary to work in medicine to make sure they know I'm serious about being a doctor?

I hate to take over the forum with my own questions, but I'm really appreciative for the help from both of you. I just finished my CV, so hopefully sending that to the schools on wait will help my chances...

 

[hung]

TX residence = (almost) golden wrapper

 

[swampthing6]

Eh, probably tax stuff. I guess I'll drop the GU SMP application and start looking for hospital positions.

 

[pices394]

I

 

[pices394]

I

 

[owen61]

Hi everyone! I've been a long time lurker but am desperately in need of advice and so I finally came out of the shadows I suppose...🙂

I'm a senior now, and I want to go the SMP route. I used to be a history major (which I was really good at but got no joy out of) but switched to biology (which I've been pretty mixed at but like a lot). 3.49 overall (a lot of good humanities grades as buffers), but only 3.13 science (some not-so-good sciences). I didn't do so hot in some classes sophomore year (C+ in calculus and a few B's/B+'s in some core classes, mostly A's/A-'s in electives and other cores), but did really poorly in a very hard biochem elective I took in which I got a D+ in this fall. I am repeating that one now and am on track to get a solid A (maybe A+, depending on the final) this term.

I did okay on the MCAT I guess (33) but I'm reasonably sure not well enough to make up for the science GPA and especially not for the D+, even if I do well on the repeat given my mixed science record overall. I've thought about giving up on med school altogether, but after giving it a lot of thought, I am positive it's what I want to do if I can. I'd ideally like to do an MD which is why I'm looking into SMP's with good placements for allopathic schools.

I've been looking into various programs, and would ideally like to go to a good one (Cinci, GU etc...) but am really concerned about that D+ raising a huge red flag even with a good grade the second time around. So I just wanted to get some opinions since I'm feeling very lost and everyone else I talk to doesn't know as much about SMPs. I'm planning to become a super senior and stay for a full 5th year, so I have time to improve, but I'm not sure if I've basically shot myself in the foot and put myself out of contention to even go to a good SMP.

If anyone has any advice, whether positive or not, you'd be my hero since I'm feeling incredibly lost right now, and am starting to think I'm really, really screwed 🙁.

 

[drizzt3117]

Hi everyone! I've been a long time lurker but am desperately in need of advice and so I finally came out of the shadows I suppose...🙂

I'm a senior now, and I want to go the SMP route. I used to be a history major (which I was really good at but got no joy out of) but switched to biology (which I've been pretty mixed at but like a lot). 3.49 overall (a lot of good humanities grades as buffers), but only 3.13 science (some not-so-good sciences). I didn't do so hot in some classes sophomore year (C+ in calculus and a few B's/B+'s in some core classes, mostly A's/A-'s in electives and other cores), but did really poorly in a very hard biochem elective I took in which I got a D+ in this fall. I am repeating that one now and am on track to get a solid A (maybe A+, depending on the final) this term.

I did okay on the MCAT I guess (33) but I'm reasonably sure not well enough to make up for the science GPA and especially not for the D+, even if I do well on the repeat given my mixed science record overall. I've thought about giving up on med school altogether, but after giving it a lot of thought, I am positive it's what I want to do if I can. I'd ideally like to do an MD which is why I'm looking into SMP's with good placements for allopathic schools.

I've been looking into various programs, and would ideally like to go to a good one (Cinci, GU etc...) but am really concerned about that D+ raising a huge red flag even with a good grade the second time around. So I just wanted to get some opinions since I'm feeling very lost and everyone else I talk to doesn't know as much about SMPs. I'm planning to become a super senior and stay for a full 5th year, so I have time to improve, but I'm not sure if I've basically shot myself in the foot and put myself out of contention to even go to a good SMP.

If anyone has any advice, whether positive or not, you'd be my hero since I'm feeling incredibly lost right now, and am starting to think I'm really, really screwed 🙁.

I think if you did well during your last two years of undergrad (mostly As) you should just apply to med school (early and broadly) and see what happens. You could also add a few SMPs later in the year if things aren't looking so good.

Your MCAT is good so make sure it doesn't expire before you apply to med school. Remember that 33 is in the 90th percentile so it's a good score even if it seems low by SDN standards.

 

[owen61]

Cool! Thanks so much to both of you who replied; I'll definitely see what happens and try to continue improving. Thanks again!! 🙂

 

[schroon]

gujuDoc,

Thank you for your contributions to this site.

A couple of quick questions:

1. You appear to me more knowledgeable than a college/ grad or medical student. Would you object to providing a quick glimpse of your background?

2. For a student that is unable to gain admission to a MD med school in the United States do you believe that the student is better served by attending DO med school or a Carib med school?

Thanks again.

 

[maxim3L]

...

 

[NutCracker2021]

Hello guys,

Would anyone have the admissions rate to MD schools for graduates of UMDNJ MBS newark program?

For example, Drexel's IMS has like a 85% success rate which is off zee hook.

Just got accepted into the MBS but am weighing my options.

My stats for those who are interested in profiles of accepted students:
GPA=~3.0
MCAT=30
Rutgers NB 2005, Bio Sci.
big pharma scientist since I graduated
have been shadowing docs since i graduated
grew up in Camden, NJ

hey post your question in the UMDNJ-MBS program forum..http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=587878&page=3
you might get a speedier response there..

 

[maxim3L]

hey post your question in the UMDNJ-MBS program forum..http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=587878&page=3
you might get a speedier response there..

Thanks Doc!

 

[Pedsbro]

Hey all, if you're interested, I put up a "rate and review" on the Univ. of Cincinnati MS in Physiology program (SMP) on the Rate Your SMP/Post-Bac sticky. Good luck👍

 

[maxim3L]

Anyone have experience or feedback on the SUNY - Roswell Park Cancer Institute SMP? Up until today I had read great things about it when I stumbled onto this:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=154536

Seems like a great name to have on your app with the "First Cancer research institute in the world" tagline!