**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**

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Hello everyone. Thank you in advance for your advice. I guess these following questions are for people that are applying to medical school that are currently in SMP programs or have already completed them.

Background info:
Undergrad GPA: 3.3
BCPM: 3.1
MCAT: 29O--Phys 9 Verbal 10 Bio 10
SMP status: currently enrolled, finished first semester
Medical School: applying for fall 08 and have 2 "hold" statuses as well as 4 rejections so far.

My questions:

1. I just finished my first semester at an SMP program in which I take medical school classes side by side with medical school students. The grades I got for the first semester are:
Biostatistics: A
Medical Physiology: B
Medical Biochemistry: B

Are these grades acceptable? are the completely horrid? I don't really know how to judge SMP grades in the whole scheme of things and how they are reflected on my current application. Will schools smile or frown at these grades?

2. I sent update letters to the medical schools I am applying to and will be sending out transcripts this week. My update letters included all the courses I took and will be taking next semester. My graduate advisor will also be sending out recommendation letters this week. Is there anything else I should be telling the medical schools/is there anything else I should be doing right now?

Thanks again!
 
scrunchy08 said:
Hello everyone. Thank you in advance for your advice. I guess these following questions are for people that are applying to medical school that are currently in SMP programs or have already completed them.

Background info:
Undergrad GPA: 3.3
BCPM: 3.1
MCAT: 29O--Phys 9 Verbal 10 Bio 10
SMP status: currently enrolled, finished first semester
Medical School: applying for fall 08 and have 2 "hold" statuses as well as 4 rejections so far.

My questions:

1. I just finished my first semester at an SMP program in which I take medical school classes side by side with medical school students. The grades I got for the first semester are:
Biostatistics: A
Medical Physiology: B
Medical Biochemistry: B

Are these grades acceptable? are the completely horrid? I don't really know how to judge SMP grades in the whole scheme of things and how they are reflected on my current application. Will schools smile or frown at these grades?

2. I sent update letters to the medical schools I am applying to and will be sending out transcripts this week. My update letters included all the courses I took and will be taking next semester. My graduate advisor will also be sending out recommendation letters this week. Is there anything else I should be telling the medical schools/is there anything else I should be doing right now?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Hi,

I'm not on an ADCOM, but your grades from the SMP seem to be pretty good. In my non-expert opinion, I'd say they show that you can perform at the medical school level. However, your previous performance does not set you apart. You have been placed on hold by some schools, mainly because they want to see these SMP grades. At least, so long as they know you are in an SMP program. If they are waiting to see the SMP grades, then that suggests that they are willing to consider your application. Since you are doing decently in the SMP, I would say that at least one of those schools should offer you an interview.

As I said, I am not on an ADCOM, but have been through the process. I hope that helps, and good luck!
 
So I posted this earlier and no one has answered me yet.. If someone could please answer me that would be REALLY HELPFUL

OKay, so here's the situation. I'm a senior at a state school and my gpa for both overall & bcpm is around 3.5ish but I think it is going to go down to a 3.4 after this semester. Here are my grades for the prereqs:
bio I-C
bio II-probably a C
college physics I= B
college physics II= haven't taken
chem I= B
chem II=A-
orgo I=B+
orgo II= A
orgo lab= B

I haven't taken many upper level science courses. I'm going to take biochemistry, human physio, and another upper level bio class next semester though. I transferred from basically a no name private school where I had a 4.0. When I transferred to state it went down to a 3.20 ish. Since then I've had a downward trend (remained in the 3.xx zone) which picked up for a semester but went back down last semester because of a family emergency. Due to that emergency I had to withdraw my semester. I came back this semester with the issue semi-resolved, I still had to deal with it though. The only reason I came back was because if i didn't i would lose my scholarship. So my current semester grades aren't too hot. A,B,C,W.

Okay, so the question is should I apply to a SMP program after graduation or should I stay another year? Also am I competitive enough for a SMP. I really really don't want to stay at my current school because I need a change of pace/scenery.

I also plan on applying to med school this summer. I haven't taken the MCATs but plan to in April. So do you think I can get into a MD program this upcoming cycle if I enroll in a SMP?

ps- i have solid extracurriculars.
 
Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about any SMPs that would help for pre-dental students? Most of the graduate programs only ask for GRE and MCAT scores, and I'm not sure of which schools would take DATs...I've heard that you can supplement your DATs if you arrange something with the school? If any of the pre-dents out there know anything about this, I would love your input. Anyone in SMPs planning to apply to Dental school?

Thanks!
 
bmwguy said:
Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about any SMPs that would help for pre-dental students? Most of the graduate programs only ask for GRE and MCAT scores, and I'm not sure of which schools would take DATs...I've heard that you can supplement your DATs if you arrange something with the school? If any of the pre-dents out there know anything about this, I would love your input. Anyone in SMPs planning to apply to Dental school?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You'll find that a lot of SMPs accept DAT instead of MCATs. If this isn't stated on their website, call and ask. Some that come to mind are: Midwestern, Nova, and Boston. I'm sure there are others.
 
Hi,

Just curious: does anyone know of students who have completed SMPs and have successfully applied to MD/PhD (MSTP) programs?

If I can get my MCAT up, I've been told my various faculty to apply to these programs while doing one of the SMPs. But I think MSTPs want April MCAT scores.
 
Hi,
I am in need of a academic record booster, such as an SMP, but I have been thinking about doing a year in medical school in Germany instead. After finishing UCLA undergrad, I would do the first year of medical school in Germany, and apply to US schools the following summer. If I don't get any interviews, I would continue on with the second year and apply again; if I do get interviews, I would go back to the US to interview.

German medical schools are very good, VERY inexpensive ($1200/year), and if I don't get into medical school after completing the first year of school in Germany, I am at least already in actual medical school and could continue on. I have both German and American friends who are either in medical school in Germany now with plans to practice in the US, or who have finished German medical school and have been accepted into a good residency program in the US (he made connections during his clinical year in the the US).

I am very motivated and I have a colorful extra-curricular and research resume, but as I said, my GPA is lacking at a 3.0. Do you guys think I should do a no-guarantees SMP or German medical school? Thanks!
 
Are credits earned from medical school classes taken during a SMP program transferable to medical schools upon matriculation? E.g., if I enroll at G-town SMP and take A&P, and then get accepted into G-town Med School, will I have to retake A&P? Would most other med schools take credits from med school classes taken at a different SMP, thereby shortening time spent in med school? I tried searching threads relating to this with no avail.

Also, BU and Tufts have been mentioned earlier has having SMPs but the AAMC site doesn't list them (as of yet, I suppose). Any ideas?
 
Does anyone know if I can use medical school recommendation letters/composite letters for medical school as an acceptable replacement for the recommendation letter requirement for applying to the University of Cincinnati's SMP?
 
zackscoot said:
Does anyone know if I can use medical school recommendation letters/composite letters for medical school as an acceptable replacement for the recommendation letter requirement for applying to the University of Cincinnati's SMP?
Click to expand...
Please do not cross post- I answered your question in another thread
 
Essex said:
Are credits earned from medical school classes taken during a SMP program transferable to medical schools upon matriculation? E.g., if I enroll at G-town SMP and take A&P, and then get accepted into G-town Med School, will I have to retake A&P? Would most other med schools take credits from med school classes taken at a different SMP, thereby shortening time spent in med school? I tried searching threads relating to this with no avail.

Also, BU and Tufts have been mentioned earlier has having SMPs but the AAMC site doesn't list them (as of yet, I suppose). Any ideas?
Click to expand...
If you get accepted and enroll in the same medical school that you did your SMP at, and you did well in your SMP (usually around HP and honors level), you most likely will have the option to opt out of your classes. However, from what I heard at least from my SMP director, opting out of that class for credit doesnt translate well when it comes to boards. Again, this is heresay but it probably wouldnt hurt to take these classes and ace them taking it a second time, have it stay fresh in your mind, and have it count towards AOA if thats what you're aiming for. Some schools may accept high SMP grades from another school. My personal recommendation is to retake the classes (or be a TA in that subject so you stay connected to the material). Opting out wouldnt "shorten" your time spent in medical school as you would graduate in four years regardless- it might give you more free time to focus on the classes you DO have to take, but it wouldnt shorten it. As for AAMC issue- AAMC doesnt always list everything. BUMAMS is a two year program- 1st year including med school classes, and the 2nd to actually get your masters. Tufts is brand new.
 
Hi everyone,

I was wondering about how many SMPs people normally apply to. I applied broadly to about 25 med schools, and the rejection letters are rolling in (not that I'm surprised).

My stats are:

3.01 BCMP
3.63 non-science
3.26 overall

with a strong upward trend

Took MCAT twice:
Phys 8 Bio 10 Ver 11 (29O)
Phys 10 Bio 10 Ver 9 (29Q)

Very strong ECs and LORs.

I'm guessing that I should apply to around 6-7? Does that sound right? I'm limited to the East Coast because my fiance will be working in DC and I would obviously like to stay geographically near him... Applying to GT this week for sure.

Thanks in advance for all your help!
 
kateycat said:
braluk,
im looking into SMPs especially UC since i'm from ohio. i applied this cycle but so far am on 2 waitlists, still waiting to hear from a third interview, and have an upcoming interview in march.

My stats:
mcat- 29O (11bio, 9 phys, 9verbal)
gpa-3.84
bpcm-3.71
applied kinda late (amcas submitted july 29, secondaries i also procrastinated on)

what dome if it's the case.
Click to expand...


Does anyone know the link for Boston university( special program for oral biology) .I just can't find it...thanks
 
Please help me!! I'm strongly considering an SMP, but don't know where I should go or more importantly, who would take me.

I've called a couple SMP counselors, but having them repeatedly tell me that "25 MCAT and 3.0 GPA" are the minimum does NOT help me whatsoever. I need to know the range and average scores that ACCEPTED people have, not the BARE MINIMUM.

My stats:
3.1 sci (sucks - I know)
3.5 overall
3.9 non-science

11V, 8P, 8B = 27Q

The science portions are not good because I started off undergrad as a studio art major, didn't seriously consider medicine until well into sophomore year, and didn't complete all my premed req's until senior year. I took the MCAT before finishing orgo and physics b/c it was the last year they were doing paper and pencil versions and this version was what I had been studying for.

Which SMP program is most appropriate for me? I need to prove that I can "do science" and take my MCAT sci portions up. I'm from the midwest.
 
Okay I guess I'll do the stats page as well, so anyone and everyone please give any feedback you can.


Undergrad GPA (when I graduated) 2.65 -awful I know, one or two F's even, but has obviously moved up from post bac grades. Hopefully close to a 3.0 now.

Post bac gpa~3.87

Science~3.8

MCAT -taking May 23rd 2008

Good clincal experience, volunteer experience, TA for Gen Chem teaching recitation, etc.

I have been in contact with a few programs in my area, PCOM and Drexel.

I would like to enroll Fall 08'. Don't think I left much out. Please giveme some feedback on all of the above, and be nice. 😉 Just kidding. Be mean, honest and brutal. I'm still going to try.
 
Hiya Guys:

So I know that most programs will let you take the MCAT in April and then just update them with the scores, but does taking this route kill your chances? I don't want to just be applying for waitlisted spots... I am planning on taking the MCAT in May, but I can take it in April and apply for Fall 2008 SMPs if its worth it.

If I do wait to apply for Fall 2009, has anyone ever found taking a year off before entering an SMP detrimental?

Me: Overall GPA 3.4 BCMP: 3.5
 
Hey all,

Sorry I didn't have the time to browse through all of this enormous (yet informative) thread.

But I was wondering if anyone knew if there are SMPs in Canada. Any information would be great. Thanks!
 
I have already applied to several medical schools, but I have not heard back from many of them. I was wondering if an SMP program is the appropriate route for me to take in case I don't get in anywhere this year.

Stats: biomedical engineering major, engineering business minor
3.6 overall undergrad GPA
MCAT: 30 overall (12 PS, 6 VR, 12 BS) (2nd time taking it)
1 publication during 1 year of research
1 year of clinical experience at emergency department and Cerebral Palsy clinic

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
 
Hi,

I have already submitted my applications to SMP Programs and have been accepted to the one at Eastern Virginia Medical School. I'm still waiting to hear from Cincinnati and Georgetown. Assuming I get into both does anyone have an opinion on which program is better?

Thanks
 
hi Braluk
read my querry in this forum under heading (advice needed for a foreigner) and advice me any solution.
 
eppendork said:
Hey all,

So here's my stats:
Graduated '06
Bio and English Major
Cum GPA: 3.11
MCAT: 26O (9VR, 7PS, 10BS) After three tries...uuuugh. I will retake it if it is absolutely necessary. But I know 4th times are not looked upon well.
-tons of ECs from undergrad, have two publications in the current lab I'm working in...possibly three by the summer.

I've applied to the MS Physiology program @ the University of Cincinnati and I plan to submit applications to Loyola MA of Medical Sciences program and the SMP program @ Georgetown. Do I stand a shot for these programs?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
have you been improving each time?
 
Hi everyone. So I've been trying to figure out the difference between postbaccalaureate and masters education. Does anyone know?

Thanks
 
mademoiselle1 said:
Hi everyone. So I've been trying to figure out the difference between postbaccalaureate and masters education. Does anyone know?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Postbac is undergraduate study beyond an earned undergrad degree. The prereqs for med school are undergrad courses. Some people choose to pursue med school after they've finished a non-premed undergrad degree, and do structured or unstructured postbac premed programs for 1-2 years. Or, to a limited extent, you can improve a poor undergrad GPA by doing additional postbac study, whether or not premed prereqs were completed.

Masters programs are graduate programs. These include SMPs, which are typically hail-Mary-do-or-die-last-ditch-effort one year programs, which prove or disprove that you're ready for med school given weak undergrad transcripts, and may or may not grant an actual masters degree. Aside from SMPs, most masters programs are actual graduate study, demonstrating "mastery" of material well above and beyond undergrad work, typically including research and/or a thesis.

The GPA you earn for graduate coursework is not compared with your (or anyone's) undergrad GPA. A 4.0 in grad coursework is generally less valuable than a 4.0 in undergrad coursework, for example, in the eyes of med school adcoms. A 4.0 in an SMP, on the other hand, alleges that your youthful undergraduate indiscretions are not the whole story, and that you're an applicant worthy of a post-GPA-autoscreen review.
 
what were your practice exam averages?
 
Has anyone heard from GT's SMP yet? How long does it usually take to hear back?

I applied to GT's SMP in December and my application was certified Jan. 2nd. I know it hasn't been that long but I'm already starting to get nervous! 🙂
 
Question on time frame and my eligibility:


Overall GPA: 3.5 - 3.55
Science GPA: 3.2 - 3.3

The problem is that I'll finish my post-bac in March of '09, and will take my MCAT in April of '09. Unless I ace the MCAT, I don't see myself getting into any MD schools (don't have the awesome state schools that prefer IS'ers). However, I don't want to waste a year. Since my pre-reqs won't be done until March of '09, and MCATS probably won't be back until later, is it too late to apply for an SMP for the next year instead of waiting a whole year applying to medical school and SMP for the year after?

If I take MCAT in April, I assume they come back in June or something? Can someone help?

Also, if I take another year of full science courses, I can improve my Science GPA to around a 3.6, and my overall to a 3.6. If I can do that, should I go that route, or go towards the SMP route?
 
braluk said:
If you get accepted and enroll in the same medical school that you did your SMP at, and you did well in your SMP (usually around HP and honors level), you most likely will have the option to opt out of your classes. However, from what I heard at least from my SMP director, opting out of that class for credit doesnt translate well when it comes to boards. Again, this is heresay but it probably wouldnt hurt to take these classes and ace them taking it a second time, have it stay fresh in your mind, and have it count towards AOA if thats what you're aiming for. Some schools may accept high SMP grades from another school. My personal recommendation is to retake the classes (or be a TA in that subject so you stay connected to the material). Opting out wouldnt "shorten" your time spent in medical school as you would graduate in four years regardless- it might give you more free time to focus on the classes you DO have to take, but it wouldnt shorten it. As for AAMC issue- AAMC doesnt always list everything. BUMAMS is a two year program- 1st year including med school classes, and the 2nd to actually get your masters. Tufts is brand new.
Click to expand...

I'm in BU GMS program (also known as MAMS) and can speak on this issue regarding BU. If you get into BU Med, you are exempt from taking the medical school classes taken as SMP (ex: biochem, physiology, histology, endocrinology, immunology). However, other schools most likely will not take this credit but it's entirely up to that other school and from what I've heard, chances are low. What most of the BU med students from the GMS program do is take public health classes during their first year along with some of the other courses (we don't take ALL of the 1st year med classes). Also, as a point of correction, BU GMS can be completed in one entire academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer). The thesis is library or lab based so those that want to finish in a year will choose to do the library thesis to start once school finishes in June and complete it within 2 months by the deadline in August and you get your masters.
 
Lokhtar said:
Question on time frame and my eligibility:


Overall GPA: 3.5 - 3.55
Science GPA: 3.2 - 3.3

The problem is that I'll finish my post-bac in March of '09, and will take my MCAT in April of '09. Unless I ace the MCAT, I don't see myself getting into any MD schools (don't have the awesome state schools that prefer IS'ers). However, I don't want to waste a year. Since my pre-reqs won't be done until March of '09, and MCATS probably won't be back until later, is it too late to apply for an SMP for the next year instead of waiting a whole year applying to medical school and SMP for the year after?

If I take MCAT in April, I assume they come back in June or something? Can someone help?

Also, if I take another year of full science courses, I can improve my Science GPA to around a 3.6, and my overall to a 3.6. If I can do that, should I go that route, or go towards the SMP route?
Click to expand...


It is not too late to apply to SMP. I applied last May and heard back over the summer.
 
Thanks. Do you think its a good idea to do a SMP or wait a year, which will take my overall GPA to 3.6 and science to 3.5-3.6?

It will be 3.5 overall and 3.2-3.3 science before then.
 
Which SMP programs take International Students (without a permanent resident or green card)?
 
Hey Guys,
So I just got accepted into Barry University and they said they are one of the top three programs for biomedical sciences masters. I wanted to find out a little more from the pros😉...I am still waiting on other schools to let me know their decision. But if I HAVe to have Barry as one of my options...do you think it would be a good decision to attend it?
 
Is an SMP the same as the other Post-bach programs that are being discussed on this forum? Also, it seems that it is only for pre-med/pre-dent...but what about for Pre-PA? I have all the same issues...(low GPA, lack of sciences) so I already know im going to have to do something more..but whether or not to do it through a program or alone is what im trying to figure out...
I also posted these questions on the Pa forum...but im still trying to get some insight from this forum as well..
Thanks!
 
jahnavi said:
Hey Guys,
So I just got accepted into Barry University and they said they are one of the top three programs for biomedical sciences masters. I wanted to find out a little more from the pros😉...I am still waiting on other schools to let me know their decision. But if I HAVe to have Barry as one of my options...do you think it would be a good decision to attend it?
Click to expand...

Hi jahnavi! I just got into Barry, too! I haven't heard back from many other places but so far I've been pretty impressed with their program. We should compare notes on Barry. I've read through most of the thread but I didn't see anyone mention anything about the school.
 
Hey all,

I was just wondering if anyone knew whether taking an SMP at an osteopathic school (e.g, TCOM) was a liability when applying to allopathic medical schools. The reason I'm asking is because I'm a Texas resident and it would be great to pay in state tuition while I'm not working.
 
jahnavi said:
Hey Guys,
So I just got accepted into Barry University and they said they are one of the top three programs for biomedical sciences masters. I wanted to find out a little more from the pros😉...I am still waiting on other schools to let me know their decision. But if I HAVe to have Barry as one of my options...do you think it would be a good decision to attend it?
Click to expand...
Hi, congratulations on your acceptance, just wondering how the application process was for you as I will be applying for their 2 year program.

I'm also applying to UNT's post-b program as well as Drexel's. Does anyone have any experience with these programs?
 
Hey,

I just wanted to know if the SMP programs are yearly or semesterly. Do these programs admit students every fall? or can I apply for spring (or summer)?

Thanks
 
May sound like a stupid question, but I was wondering what constitutes as an under represented minority?
 
achang88 said:
May sound like a stupid question, but I was wondering what constitutes as an under represented minority?
Click to expand...

generally, an ethnicity that is underrepresetned in the field of medicine. (ie an ethnic group makes a smaller % of the doctor population than the general population)

so if 10% of doctors are of ethnicity xyz, and 15% of the u.s. population is of xyz heritage, then that ethnicity is URM.
 
achang88 said:
May sound like a stupid question, but I was wondering what constitutes as an under represented minority?
Click to expand...

african-american, hispanic, and native american tend to be the most common. east- and south-asian do not count.
 
CoolSpot7Up said:
african-american, hispanic, and native american tend to be the most common. east- and south-asian do not count.
Click to expand...

It once was that the AMCAS application would identify "URM's" to medical programs based on the national stats of populations of people in the US who did not have a representative percentage of MD's to support their populations. The Michigan decision made it so that this could not be identified at a national level. It would now be up to each MD program to determine whether they were a local, state, or national MD asset and then begin to identify those groups of people in their identified region that were not well represented by enough MD's of their own kind. In the past nationally, the "URM" populations were Black, Puerto Rican, American Indian, Alaska or Hawaii native, and Mexican American/Chicano. Since the dynamics have not changed with regard to MD's vs population, those categories are generally still in vogue at most of the MD programs. While this is all acknowledged, the Michigan decision made it so that programs cannot set up certain quota systems etc to ensure that a certain number of seats were filled by "URM" candidates. The Michigan decision also provided that scholarships could no longer be provided based on ethinic/racial status alone, but that multiple factors would have to be considered in awarding scholarship dollars to applicants. Long answer. I hope that this helps.
 
Hey,

I just wanted to know if the SMP programs are yearly or semesterly. Do these programs admit students every fall? or can I apply for spring (or summer)?
Click to expand...

All the SMPs that I'm aware of begin in the Fall, and almost all of them last a either two semesters or two semesters and a summer (I'm aware of only one single semester program). It's possible there are programs I don't know of, though.
 
Do I belong in a post-bacc?

I have 3.5, 3.6 Science
10
12PS
10 = 32P

What are the benefits as opposed to taking another year of undergrad?

Im talking about SMPs, not pre-req post-baccs.

Will a successful post-bacc at Tufts or BU or georgetown or UMDNJ help me get into a more prestigious school?

Thanks for responses!
 
Hey,
I'm a junior currently, and I'm very interested in the Georgetown SMP program. I was initially planning to apply to both medical schools (if my GPA improved and if my MCAT grade were to be sufficient) and SMP program, but now that I see I am having some trouble balancing studying for my classes and the MCAT.

Since I don't want to ruin my momentum with school, I'm taking a Princeton Review MCAT course but I am considering taking the test in mid-late August rather then the intended June date this summer.

If I do take the test in August, how would that effect my application to the SMP program at Georgetown and other universities? From what I understand I would miss the application cycle for medical schools, but how about the SMP programs?
Is my assumption for the med school apps correct?

Thank you so much for your help. This thread is invaluable.

-OrbitalOverlap
 
smps start accepting applications around october/november. however, applying in january/february is still pretty common since many applying to smps have been rejected/waitlsited for md/do schools or aren't getting interview invites.
 
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