**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**

[LOSAR]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi Folks,
I am an applicant for the 2010 medical school cycle but it doesn't look very good for me. Here's my situation;
Canadian Citizen,
MCAT: 32 (12-9-11-R),
my cgpa is 3.67 and sGPA is3.63, BUT there is a big downward trend in my gpa especially in my final year where my mark was 2.95. There were circumstances out of my control that lead to the GPA but i think that my final year performance will eventually cost me acceptances from most schools this year.
I have an opportunity to pursue a masters in molecular genetics under a faculty member whose lab i'm working in right not (after finishing undergraduate studies), but the special masters programs are very appealing to me because they are geared towards people who are intent on studying medicine. I would like to know if I would be able to benefit from these programs more than the research based masters in Canada and reapplying after two years to US medical schools. Thanks in advance.

 

[drayo]

Hello. I am a recent bio major at a school known for its lack of grade inflation (c3.23,s2.87, will take MCAT in January... practice tests are 30+), but I have lots of ECs and good LORs. I am hoping to enroll in a special master's program in fall 2010. To those of you that also went this route, may I ask for your advice regarding the program you attended and then applying to med school? Do I have a shot?

Thanks in advance!

 

[halekulani]

Hello. I am a recent bio major at a school known for its lack of grade inflation (c3.23,s2.87, will take MCAT in January... practice tests are 30+), but I have lots of ECs and good LORs. I am hoping to enroll in a special master's program in fall 2010. To those of you that also went this route, may I ask for your advice regarding the program you attended and then applying to med school? Do I have a shot?

Thanks in advance!

some schools might want to see a sGPA >3.0
but it is definitely worth applying.
kill the mcat to give them a reason to take you in.

 

[SoccerChica]

I'm in my last year of undergrad - def. not traditional route with three separate schools: started at UCSD, transferred to community college and got Associate's, then to GMU for Bachelor's. Currently finishing my BS Biology with concentration in Microbiology as well as a Chemistry minor (10 credits this semester and 11 next semester remaining) at GMU. UCSD was the absolute worst experience of my life and seriously killed my GPA.

Currently (with 21 credit hours remaining):
Total GPA: 2.7
BCPM: 2.5
MCAT: 10BS; 11VR; 8PS (29R)*
(Planning to retake my MCAT's in 2010)
*Had Mono when I took it; I was averaging 35/36 on practice tests prior to getting sick. I didn't void score & retake since I was out of the country afterwards.

Activities & LORs: Excellent LORs; 5+ years significant work experience in doctor's office, 5+ years of volunteering in major hospital (2+ in ER), various clubs, etc.

PS/Essays: Writing is a big strength and my pre-med advisor/professors have said my personal statement is one of the best they've ever read.

My 10+11 credits remaining are all Science except for Intro to Psych and Intro to Sociology.

I'm trying to figure out where I should be going from here. My parents are paying for everything - problem is they are absolutely set on me going into Internal Med. Therefore, they think Caribbean schools are the best bet for me.

I, on the other hand, with my experiences in the ER and at work (Nephrology) am much more interested in Gen. Surgery (at least right now). From the research I've done, (provided I get in) it seems like Caribbean schools will pretty much lock me into IM since they seriously limit my choices for residencies. It seems like SMP is the best bet...but I'm wondering if I could even get into any of those - especially Georgetown? Or are there other/better options for me besides SMP?

Any and all suggestions/advice would be appreciated!

 

[adastra7]

First post! 😀

I've sifted through all the posts and a few people mentioned questions regarding international students but no one seemed to know the answer then. So I'm asking again lol

I'm Canadian and I hadn't heard of SMP before stumbling across it on here. Does anyone know if it is more difficult for an international student to be accepted into an SMP? Or what the success rate is for international students at getting into a med school after completing the SMP?

I'm also not too sure how much it would really help, as I would still be applying to US med schools as an international student and thus have less of an opportunity already... and I'm not too sure many people in Canada know these programs exist so I don't know whether it would really have an impact on canadian med schools or not! I know a lot of medschool obsessed students and no one has mentioned it before!

Just as a bit of background, I finished my BSc in Biomedical Science and have a 3.4 gpa (upward trend with a 3.9 in my final year), and I'm writing the mcat this summer. I'm also currently in a two-year research-based Masters program, and I don't know whether doing another Masters would really be that beneficial.

If anyone knows anything off the top of their head, that would be awesome! I'll start contacting schools directly in the meantime! 🙂

 

[ettubrute]

Should I do SMP or not? Im in serious need of a guidance counselor

My stats are

c3.74 s.3.76 ns 3.72

07/09 mcat 35N (11V 12P 12B)

I recently graduated in spring 09. Currently I'm volunteering/shadowing but have very little research experience(3 months). Should I do the SMP program or something else (suggestions are very welcome)?

 

[coat0023]

Should I do SMP or not? Im in serious need of a guidance counselor

My stats are

c3.74 s.3.76 ns 3.72

07/09 mcat 35N (11V 12P 12B)

I recently graduated in spring 09. Currently I'm volunteering/shadowing but have very little research experience(3 months). Should I do the SMP program or something else (suggestions are very welcome)?

Absolutely not. If you can't get in with these numbers you probably applied to too few programs or interviewed really poorly.

 

[ettubrute]

Well that's because I didn't apply this year. If not SMP, what else? I tried the job market but it was not too kind.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

No because if you f*** up you will screw yourself in the foot. .

i don't you used that right.

 

[sixpence]

Who are the post bacc, or smp programs best for? I realize that they are for people with low GPAs but exactly how low? At what GPA would you just say forget an SMP, I'll just apply to DO? Conversely, what's the highest GPA you would want to start an SMP with? around 3.3? What are the chances that an SMP would hurt you? Do SMPs only help you get into MD schools if you have an accompanying ~30 MCAT or does it need to be above average? Do these only help with acceptance to the institution hosting the program?

Sorry for all of the questions! Hope you guys can address some of them. Thanks!

 

[DrMidlife]

Who are the post bacc, or smp programs best for? I realize that they are for people with low GPAs but exactly how low? At what GPA would you just say forget an SMP, I'll just apply to DO? Conversely, what's the highest GPA you would want to start an SMP with? around 3.3? What are the chances that an SMP would hurt you? Do SMPs only help you get into MD schools if you have an accompanying ~30 MCAT or does it need to be above average? Do these only help with acceptance to the institution hosting the program?

Sorry for all of the questions! Hope you guys can address some of them. Thanks!

There's no formula, and if there were, there would be about 20,000 variables in it: where you're willing to live, are your home state's MD/DO schools what you're aiming for, what's your GPA, did you already apply & what happened, are you URM, how's your credit rating, what postbac/smp are you trying to get into, what are people telling you the problem is with your app, have you really maxed out your MCAT or are you just tired of taking it, are you sure your LORs aren't defaming you, have you finished the prereqs, have you already figured out how to get A's in upper div science or are you just assuming you'll suddenly gain that capability, how ridiculous are you willing to be to get into med school, how much disinformation have you absorbed from the cello major who got hired as your school's premed adviser, etc.

If you want to describe your situation you might get some useful info, otherwise, my recommendation is to do as many of us here did and keep reading threads and identifying reliable posters until you reach enlightenment.

Best of luck to you.

 

[sixpence]

oh sorry about that. well the gpa is 3.3 with a slightly lower sgpa with all prereqs done with a biology major. mcat is 31 fairly balanced. not URM and have not applied yet. gpa trend is upward but still some not so great grades here and there.

So I'm wondering would taking the SMP program, like Georgetowns, and doing decent, but not awesome, get me into an MD school or would I need a higher MCAT? The gpa won't budge very much since I've got so many credits. I'll go to wherever it takes me for the SMP and medical school. But I only want to do the SMP if it can get me into an MD school because I feel like I can get into a DO with the current stats. Obviously there's no guarantee but I'd like a good idea of what to expect because it wouldn't be worth my time to spend an extra year and 40k for an SMP to get me into a DO school. I'd rather not retake the MCAT because my averages during practice were only around ~30... Anything else?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Fixed it. I meant shoot yourself in the foot. Sorry was tired and bored listening to a certain unnamed person in class when I wrote that.

the irony is that in pointing out your error i've made one of my own... sigh... karma..

 

[sixpence]

Well you have to do awesome as you put it, not just pass to get into an MD schooling coming out of an SMP.

You have to be prepared to work your rear end off like you've never done before esp. if you've never seen this sorta material before due to a lack of background from very minimal science knowledge i.e. just having the prereqs has made it difficult for some where I'm at because they are not used to hard science.


So no just doing ok won't get you in, doing awesomely well will.

There is a risk and a chance that you won't do well in it and that's what makes it so risky esp. considering the cost of one.

Going to one with a greater chance of linkage will help you out some if you can i.e. RFU's SMP, EVMS's SMP, Tulane's SMP, even USF IMS. But to get recognized by schools everywhere the ones with a name are Gtown SMP, BU MAMS, and UCincy MS in Physio as the biggest names in terms of not having the majority in their own school but spread across many schools. Of course in both BU and gtown's case and also Drexel IMS there is approximately 150-180 students or so in each of the programs so there is no way to take a majority standing of their own students. hahaha.

A lot of other ones are smaller then that though.

I'm assuming you're in BU MAMS. If you have to do awesome, then how is it possible for their acceptance the MD schools be so high? I'm guessing they don't grade on a curve?

 

[Funky]

Well you have to do awesome as you put it, not just pass to get into an MD schooling coming out of an SMP.

You have to be prepared to work your rear end off like you've never done before esp. if you've never seen this sorta material before due to a lack of background from very minimal science knowledge i.e. just having the prereqs has made it difficult for some where I'm at because they are not used to hard science.


So no just doing ok won't get you in, doing awesomely well will.

There is a risk and a chance that you won't do well in it and that's what makes it so risky esp. considering the cost of one.

Going to one with a greater chance of linkage will help you out some if you can i.e. RFU's SMP, EVMS's SMP, Tulane's SMP, even USF IMS. But to get recognized by schools everywhere the ones with a name are Gtown SMP, BU MAMS, and UCincy MS in Physio as the biggest names in terms of not having the majority in their own school but spread across many schools. Of course in both BU and gtown's case and also Drexel IMS there is approximately 150-180 students or so in each of the programs so there is no way to take a majority standing of their own students. hahaha.

A lot of other ones are smaller then that though.

I can't agree with the whole thing about if you just pass it'll be horrible for you. I got myself through gtown smp without stellar grades. I did ok but not crazy. I think it differentiated me from many of the other applicants to show that I can actually get through the material and be already a few steps ahead of people coming straight out of undergrad.

It isn't the end of the world if you go into SMP and just do decently. My friends from that program are all in med school so it isn't just me. And believe me, I don't think everybody there was getting all A's. It's not like all of gtown smp was pulling like a 3.8+ GPA. I think if they take you on, they know you have the potential of getting into somewhere eventually (I'm speaking just about gtown, can't speak for other programs). And worst case scenario, you end up with a M.S. in Physiology.

Overall, it's your choice. I think I learned a lot from my year of SMP (science-wise) and made a lot of friends who I am still close with. Maybe it helped me because I was a business major in college and it showed that I can do advanced bio. But the bottom line is that I did get into med school. I think the whole risk thing is too overblown. I mean, it is risky because you are putting up money, and a lot of it; if you don't get into med school, it'll be a total waste of money both real and opportunity cost-wise. But don't let risk discourage you from achieving your goals and SMP might be the last thing you need to get there.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I'm assuming you're in BU MAMS. If you have to do awesome, then how is it possible for their acceptance the MD schools be so high? I'm guessing they don't grade on a curve?

EVERYONE busts ass

 

[premedchelli]

Hello!!

I'm an applicant for admission to medschool Fall 2010.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I submitted 15 secondaries to med schools in October (kinda late I'm told) and so I'm seeing holds, rejections, and no updates but no interviews yet (I know I just submitted them but my own state school put me on hold making me think chances are slim)

SO its time for a back up plan. Heres my story in short:

Natural Science major from JHU graduated 2009

AMCAS GPA - 3.5 cum, 3.43 sci, 3.57 AO

MCAT - 30Q (11PS 9VR 10BS) in 07/2009 and 26R(8PS 9VR 9BS) in 06/2008

Doing research in my "glide year"


What should I do next year if I don't get in? I have a lot of clinical experience so I'm not sure getting more clinical experience/research will really help.

Should I do a masters, retake mcats, or is it just my timing? Would I be ok in the next cycle if I apply early?

I know its early to be thinking about this, but I want to be prepared with apps to SMPs (I'm thinking Tufts MBS?) since those deadlines approach sooner than some med schools even give you any news!!

Help is MUCH MUCH MUCH appreciated.

 

[premedchelli]

Hey Guju Doc!!

THANKS SOO MUCH (ur my hero!!) I see a lot of your posts you seem to REALLY REALLY know what ur talking about more than anyone else on here.

WILL DO, thanks so much for replying!! 🙂

yours,

Chelli

 

[premedchelli]

Oh Also if this helps

My senior year gpa was around a 3.7-3.9 and a lot of these were science courses (75% were graduate classes taken at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health)

do you think that helps at all? do they really look at where you took the classes or just what grades you got?

 

[Funky]

Yeah.. maybe it's a new york thing? My friend who was just passing in SMP got into one of the SUNYs. But a lot does go into the decision. One size does not fit all in med school. 🙂

 

[BullOverBear]

Hey everyone, I've sifted through a lot of this thread, and you all seem very helpful, so I'm hoping that you can throw some advice my way as well. I just graduated in May this year from UMich, and am currently in a gap year. I started the application process before my Senior year, but pulled out because I realized I needed a year off to get my crap together.

I started applying again this past summer, but I was getting turned down by schools that I really wanted to go to, so I stopped filling out secondaries. I do have an interview in two weeks at NSUCOM, but I will be canceling it. I have nothing against DO schools, but after looking into it, it is not for me.

My stats are:
science GPA: 3.17
non-science GPA: 3.58
cGPA: 3.28

MCAT:
8/2007: v10, p9, b11, (30Q)
7/2008: v9, p9, b9, (27P)
I have no good excuse for going down the second time I took it. My priorities were not straight, and I was over-confident while studying for it. Getting that score was both a slap in the face and a great learning experience.

I have done one semester of research in Human Biomechanics (my major was Movement Science). I do not have any DIRECT patient care experience, but I have worked in a nursing home for >1000 hours. The work I do is maintenance, so it's not health-related. But I do get to know all of the residents, I see their sicknesses, and I lose people that I have grown close to on a weekly basis. I struggle with whether this counts as "patient care experience"...any advice there as well? I am still working this job 40 hours a week. I can re-prioritize my time to get more direct experience if you guys think that would be helpful.

So, knowing that I would much prefer MD, do you guys think that an SMP is the best route for me? If it helps to have a ballpark, Wayne State University would be one of my top choices for MD school.

 

[premedchelli]

Hey I'm guessing you are from michigan and want to stay in michigan judging by Umich and Wayne state choices.

Do you know anything about the ABLE program at MSU? I saw it on their webpage while filling out my secondary there. You just have to do well there and you are guaranteed acceptance to their med school.

Based on your stats I'd do a postbac/smp.

Probably try retaking the MCAT, although you did have a 30 on your first try... perhaps only take the exam if your scores are really great on your diagnostic tests?

Hey everyone, I've sifted through a lot of this thread, and you all seem very helpful, so I'm hoping that you can throw some advice my way as well. I just graduated in May this year from UMich, and am currently in a gap year. I started the application process before my Senior year, but pulled out because I realized I needed a year off to get my crap together.

I started applying again this past summer, but I was getting turned down by schools that I really wanted to go to, so I stopped filling out secondaries. I do have an interview in two weeks at NSUCOM, but I will be canceling it. I have nothing against DO schools, but after looking into it, it is not for me.

My stats are:
science GPA: 3.17
non-science GPA: 3.58
cGPA: 3.28

MCAT:
8/2007: v10, p9, b11, (30Q)
7/2008: v9, p9, b9, (27P)
I have no good excuse for going down the second time I took it. My priorities were not straight, and I was over-confident while studying for it. Getting that score was both a slap in the face and a great learning experience.

I have done one semester of research in Human Biomechanics (my major was Movement Science). I do not have any DIRECT patient care experience, but I have worked in a nursing home for >1000 hours. The work I do is maintenance, so it's not health-related. But I do get to know all of the residents, I see their sicknesses, and I lose people that I have grown close to on a weekly basis. I struggle with whether this counts as "patient care experience"...any advice there as well? I am still working this job 40 hours a week. I can re-prioritize my time to get more direct experience if you guys think that would be helpful.

So, knowing that I would much prefer MD, do you guys think that an SMP is the best route for me? If it helps to have a ballpark, Wayne State University would be one of my top choices for MD school.

 

[premedchelli]

does anyone know about this program at Temple?

I was looking at the Temple ACMS and found THIS too (which is an actual masters program)

All there is about this program is a list of FAQs, theres no info about if this is a one-year full time or not and if there is any affiliation with Temple SOM (no guaranteed interview or anything)

http://www.temple.edu/gradbulletin/chp/Clinical_Research_Translational_Med.htm

BUT the program says its new right at the link so I'm guessing they are working out the kinks...

probably something for people to consider who want a tangible degree out of SMPs

 

[DrMidlife]

probably something for people to consider who want a tangible degree out of SMPs

The tangible degree that SMP students want is an MD. There is no point in doing an SMP if you don't want an MD. If you want to do traditional graduate work, don't do an SMP. If you have a low GPA, and you want an MD, and you want a "tangible degree" then I think you need to prioritize.

 

[premedchelli]

well what I mean is that if you are going to pay a lot of money, might as well get a masters out of it.

either way I know most ppl just want a medical degree, but in the case of the Tufts MBS program, you could end up with an MPH thereby saving you time later on when people take a hiatus between their 3rd and 4th year to do an MPH/MHS.

I'm not dissing either postbac or SMP, just bringing attention to a new program in case people wanted the info.

 

[DrMidlife]

well what I mean is that if you are going to pay a lot of money, might as well get a masters out of it.

SMP: Special Masters Program. Most grant a masters degree. Not designed to get you a job in academia, but nonetheless a masters degree.

You're more than welcome to start a thread about interesting graduate programs that aren't designed for GPA repair or for getting their students into med school.

 

[premedchelli]

SMP: Special Masters Program. Most grant a masters degree. Not designed to get you a job in academia, but nonetheless a masters degree.

You're more than welcome to start a thread about interesting graduate programs that aren't designed for GPA repair or for getting their students into med school.

So the Temple program isn't designed to get you into their medical school? It was listed under postbac programs on their Medical School site so thats why I brought up... I am interesed in SMPs and wasn't sure if this WAS one or not since it is new and there is little information about it.

I just want someone to answer some questions about it, this isn't supposed to be an argument about whats better, I'm actually asking if anyone has heard of this temple program...

if you have specifics about this program then I would appreciate if you could tell me about them instead of directing me to start another thread... thats kind of mean since all I want is information about SMPs. Kinda lost here and you aren't making me feel much better...

 

[DrMidlife]

So the Temple program isn't designed to get you into their medical school? It was listed under postbac programs on their Medical School site so thats why I brought up... I am interesed in SMPs and wasn't sure if this WAS one or not since it is new and there is little information about it.

I just want someone to answer some questions about it, this isn't supposed to be an argument about whats better, I'm actually asking if anyone has heard of this temple program...

if you have specifics about this program then I would appreciate if you could tell me about them instead of directing me to start another thread... thats kind of mean since all I want is information about SMPs. Kinda lost here and you aren't making me feel much better...

Oh for crying out loud. It's not an SMP. It's listed "under" Temple's postbacs in the same sense that all of Temple's biomed PhD programs are listed "under" postbacs.

 

[Canabanana]

I would stop arguing with Drmidlife he/she kinda knows the stuff considering many people use the list he/she put together to do their OWN research on programs. TY again for putting all the info i need about SMP's post-bac and other programs all in one place.

 

[GoBears1987]

I know I'm pretty new here but I really don't know whether or not the SMP route would be ideal for my situation and I would really appreciate any advice.

I graduated in May and I have applied to schools this round but I have this terrible gut feeling that I'm not going to be accepted this year - I have so far been rejected from half my schools with no interviews in sight (and I'm also a California resident, unfortunately). I applied to many places and very broadly. My stats and extracurriculars are mediocre and borderline for getting into an allopathic school. And honestly, I have no idea what to do if I don't get in this time around.

cGPA: 3.56
sGPA: 3.50
MCAT: 31R (10 Phys, 10 Verb, 11 Bio)

Several years of research/employment, did clinical work abroad for a couple weeks, leadership in marching band, some other random volunteering. I'm currently working full time as a research associate and I'm volunteering at a hospital. I know my clinical experience is a little lacking which is why I'm trying to do that now.

Considering worst case scenario, would it be advisable to do an SMP and if so, should I apply during or after the school year? Thanks for all the help 🙂

 

[GoBears1987]

gujuDoc, thanks for the advice. I still have my fingers crossed that some good news comes my way after new years but in the mean time, I think I'm going to apply to 5-6 SMP's.

 

[GoBears1987]

I'd apply to EVMS BMS, BU MAMS, Gtown SMP, Tufts MBS, and UCincy MS in Physio if you end up doing the SMP thing.

As for what I said, I'm serious when I say update with any new activities, grades, etc. because sometimes at some places it makes a huge impact.

I definitely agree. I had actually planned on sending most schools an update about my volunteering work at the hospital and my continued interest in their school. Hopefully something pans out.

 

[vik31]

Deleted

 

[vik31]

Deleted

 

[vik31]

Deleted

 

[PodDPM]

I have applied to podiatry schools and didn't get accepted. Is there any SMP for prepod students?

 

[PodDPM]

I have applied to podiatry schools and didn't get accepted. Is there any SMP for prepod students?

 

[PodDPM]

I have applied to podiatry schools and didn't get accepted. Is there any SMP for prepod students?

 

[PodDPM]

I have applied to podiatry schools and didn't get accepted. Is there any SMP for prepod students?

 

[PodDPM]

I have applied to podiatry schools and didn't get accepted. Is there any SMP for prepod students?

 

[Untraditional]

Looks like the discussion in here is very active. I'm investigating these SMPs myself and am really hoping to find a program that offers some kind of linkage agreement. Does no one offer these anymore? I'm not certain my fiancee will remain so if I subject her to another round of med school application stress. Moreover I'm rapidly running out of cash. After an SMP I think I'd only be able to afford 5 or 6 apps.

Right now I'm looking at:

Drexel
Temple (ACMS)
Penn (Pre Health Specialized Studies)
Georgetown
Loyola
Rosalind Franklin

My profile's on the MDApps site if anyone wants to click through. Can any former SMPs give me some good advice on what I should be looking for in a program?

God, I wish I hadn't wasted my 20s. 🙁

 

[mrpuff26]

.

 

[faith2]

[



Georgetown
if intersted in DO NOVA and UMDNJ
QUOTE=mrpuff26;8939090]Hi,

I have been looking into SMPs recently since I do not know if I will be accepted into medical school this year. I have already had 2 interviews (1 rejection, 1 unsure yet) and I feel I probably will not have anymore.
Anyways, with my stats could y'all give me some suggestions on where to apply/where I stand a chance to get in? I haven't really looked into these programs because after my rejection I have just really felt terrible about everything. Thanks again...

BCMP:3.37
Cum: 3.27
MCAT: 29Mx2 (9P, 10V, 10B and 11P, 9V, 9B)

4 years of extensive research (2 abstracts, 3 poster presentations (1 international/2 domestic conferences), 500+ hours volunteering, 50 hours doctor shadowing, volunteered in a hospital/researched maternal mortality in Ghana for a summer, officer for a club, peer mentor, and resident advisor for freshmen dorm.[/QUOTE]

 

[carolynr]

i am looking at smp also. i am looking a eastern virginia, tuft, uiversity of south florida in tampa, columbia and geogetown. does anyone see the exact deadlines for the applications. also, for letters of reference does the committee letter from school for medicine seem adequate? Does anyone know anything about applying to sfu? the anatomy vs. the neuroscience program?

 

[complicity]

Based on the following:

cGPA/sGPA: 3.2
transfer student, 3.0 community, 3.5 university
MCAT: 36Q
EC: 50hrs~ shadowing, 100hrs hospital volunteering
Recently graduated.

I'm assuming that applying to a SMP would be ideal for my situation?

 

[emtweeter]

Here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.13
sGPA: 2.9

Extracurriculars:
1000+ hours as a volunteer EMT
1 year of research
Global Medical Brigades (set up free med clinics in impoverished countries)

Taking the MCAT this coming January. Assuming I get a decent score (~30), which SMPs should I be looking at? I'm interested in G-town but I understand my GPA isn't very competitive. Suggestions?

 

[sm4angel]

Hi guys,

I had a couple of questions that may or may not have already been answered but I just want some confirmation.

1. Is it hard to get into a good/well-known SMP program (like georgetown, cincinatti....etc)? What are average stats and all that?

2. How is an SMP different from a Post-bacc or r they the same thing?

3. My overall gpa is a 3.0 right now, but my science gpa is probably around a 2.8 (basically not very high). I'm a 4th yr biological sciences major and am graduating in June. I plan to take a year off and do research on autism at the MIND institute in Davis (I've been working with them for almost 2 years now).

I had some family problems which caused my gpa to drop junior year onwards. I want to take some time off school before medical school, but I don't think that my gpa as is will be good enough to get me into a good medical school. Would you recommend an SMP program for me or an post-bacc of some kind or some other course of action to raise my gpa and make me a more competitive applicant? If a SMP is advisable, which ones should i apply to and will i even get into them?

Any help/advice would be very welcome. I'm TOTALLY confused as to my life plan!! thanks so much!!

 

[Isoprop]

Hi guys

Hello.

I had a couple of questions that may or may not have already been answered but I just want some confirmation.

Sure. Ask away. 😀

1. Is it hard to get into a good/well-known SMP program (like georgetown, cincinatti....etc)? What are average stats and all that?

Generally speaking, a good SMP will accept you if they think you would be a successful medical student despite your borderline stats. So you're going to see either GPA or MCAT slightly lower (e.g. 3.3 GPA 32+ MCAT or 3.7 GPA 26 MCAT).

2. How is an SMP different from a Post-bacc or r they the same thing?

Post-bacc are undergraduate classes taken after you receive your undergrad degree. They count towards your undergrad GPA. SMP are graduate programs where you take a few medical school courses (e.g. physiology) and some graduate courses. The GPA counts towards your graduate GPA not undergrad GPA.

3. My overall gpa is a 3.0 right now, but my science gpa is probably around a 2.8 (basically not very high). I'm a 4th yr biological sciences major and am graduating in June. I plan to take a year off and do research on autism at the MIND institute in Davis (I've been working with them for almost 2 years now).

I had some family problems which caused my gpa to drop junior year onwards. I want to take some time off school before medical school, but I don't think that my gpa as is will be good enough to get me into a good medical school. Would you recommend an SMP program for me or an post-bacc of some kind or some other course of action to raise my gpa and make me a more competitive applicant? If a SMP is advisable, which ones should i apply to and will i even get into them?

Any help/advice would be very welcome. I'm TOTALLY confused as to my life plan!! thanks so much!!

Depending on how well you do on the rest of your classes, you might need to do some post-bacc work to bring up your GPA. If you score competitively on your MCAT, you can start applying to SMPs early 2011 and get into the entering 2011 class. Then apply to med school in the summer of that same year and interview while taking the SMP.

 

[hyjp]

Hi everyone,

Does SMP have pre-health committees? Or Post-Bac has them? Please let me know. Thank you!

 

[sm4angel]

Hello.

Sure. Ask away. 😀

Generally speaking, a good SMP will accept you if they think you would be a successful medical student despite your borderline stats. So you're going to see either GPA or MCAT slightly lower (e.g. 3.3 GPA 32+ MCAT or 3.7 GPA 26 MCAT).

Post-bacc are undergraduate classes taken after you receive your undergrad degree. They count towards your undergrad GPA. SMP are graduate programs where you take a few medical school courses (e.g. physiology) and some graduate courses. The GPA counts towards your graduate GPA not undergrad GPA.

Depending on how well you do on the rest of your classes, you might need to do some post-bacc work to bring up your GPA. If you score competitively on your MCAT, you can start applying to SMPs early 2011 and get into the entering 2011 class. Then apply to med school in the summer of that same year and interview while taking the SMP.

Thanks sooo much! I have more questions for you! 🙂

If I'm able to bring my gpa up to a 3.1 and score a 30+ on my MCAT do you think I could be competitive for an SMP program?

Also, do you think that it would be worthwhile to take a year off and do research or would it be better to just go straight into a SMP program? My parents think that taking a year off is a waste of time and that I should just go directly into an SMP program, but I feel that i need to take some time off to do something different and just take a breather from school. Opinion?

Any input would be welcome!!

Thanks!!