**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**

[hung]

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The UC post-bacc programs are for under represented minorities and disadvantaged students. They are difficult to get into. Checkout CUSLA, they have a post-bacc program to take more upper div science classes. You definitely need to get 30+ mcat to offset the gpa.

 

[neuroneato]

thanks for the info! i wouldn't be applying disadvantaged, so I guess the post-baccs for the UCs would not be a good fit. Does anybody know about UCLA extension? If I take upper-division science classes there, will this help my BCPM? thanks! i am feeling pretty conflicted about what my next step should be...

 

[hung]

you can use extension to take upper-division classes to boost the bcpm gpa. you should look into taking classes this summer at ucla. ucla is open to everyone during summer. the first session starts next monday. some classes might still be open.

 

[neuroneato]

thanks! i think that's what i'll do, go for UCLA extension. I read that they are like $400/class which is kind of affordable...however, for summer sessions it's more like $400/unit! And, if you are not a continuing UCLA student, you do not get financial aid (which is why i had to drop the classes in the first place). does anybody know any smps that are still accepting applications, for instance the DPSM (?) program at Drexel? This would be ideal for me, as I have a super-low MCAT...

 

[valiance17]

I'd recommend the SMP. Obviously, Hunter wants you to stay since you're giving them money. It will take more time and money to do the extra year at Hunter, but if you do pull it up to a 3.0, that would be a good help. At this point, it depends how much of a rush you're in to get into med school. If you know the basic sciences pretty well and know you can handle med school (just need to prove it), I'd say do the SMP.

Thanks for the advice. Think I' doing UCinci (if I can find the money aaaaah!! )

 

[CoolSpot7Up]

Thanks for the advice. Think I' doing UCinci (if I can find the money aaaaah!! )

Nice! Congrats! I'll see you this August! 👍

At this point, I wouldn't worry about your past GPA. They wouldn't have accepted you if they didn't think you had a good shot at med school from where you're at now.

 

[subtleknife]

I have read the old thread titled "Drexel IMS vs. Loyola MAMS", but it is a couple of years old. I've also read the other Drexel and Loyola threads. I've gone through their websites and looked at the entries on aamc. I am awaiting replies from the many people I have asked for help on Facebook and Studentdoctor. And now I was hoping you could help. I'm not sure what to do.

Drexel actually compares students to medical students, while Loyola has an independent program (with independent faculty) and grades on an absolute scale. I'm not sure which would be more rigorous. I would assume the former, but at the same time, this may vary from year to year depending on the med students. Of course they are med students and I'm not, so....

Drexel has medical school classes while Loyola has graduate-level science courses that are supposed to help students learn how to study in medical school (which means talking about Drosophilia).

I don't know the quality of Drexel professors, but I assume brilliant since they are teaching at a highly regarded med school; from what I hear, Loyola professors vary.

With Drexel's classes, the lectures are recorded and simulcast to the Health sciences campus. I don't know if students go to an actual hall where they sit down and watch the simulcast and also have the choice to watch it from home later or if everyone just watches on their own computer. I assume it's that they have a choice to go to the Health Sciences campus or just do it on their on time on their own computer. I would assume the tests are in an actual lecture hall (as opposed to online) but don't know. Loyola has traditional lectures with MAMS professors. Most people I know use lecture to review and ask questions rather than learn the material primarily, so maybe (?) it's better to have an actual professor. I don't know how accessible Drexel's professors are (I'm not sure how far away the two campuses are and what transportation's like).

Drexel has an official laboratory component, as well as course conferences (no idea what these are- I'm assuming a sort of review). I don't know how important it is for a program to have a a lab component, but I would assume it prepares students for med school all the more. I was told Loyola sometimes gets access to the lab for the Anatomy class, though, but there is no graded portion as far as I understand.

Drexel's program is much older than Loyola's, which likely makes it much better known and means they have that much more experience with med school committees. However, I have heard nothing but good things about Loyola's (new) program advisor and Pre-Health advisor. I have heard a couple of people criticize Drexel's "administration" (not sure who that is specifically) but I don't know that this is reliable.

Loyola's class size is half the size of Drexel's (50ish vs 100ish, according to AAMC's website).

Drexel is something to the tune of $24,000 while Loyola is $29,000. I don't know which city would be more expensive, although I do know Chicago has a comparatively high sales tax.

I'm really not sure about transportation at either place, and since volunteering is important for my application, it would help to know this.

I'm at the point where I don't know what to think. If there's any more information you guys have, anything I am not considering, or anything I am misinformed about, please let me know. Sometimes things look good on paper but are completely different in real life. I would be incredibly, incredibly grateful if you could help. Thanks.

 

[subtleknife]

I wasn't sure if this was the appropriate place to post this. Maybe I should've just started a new thread. I apologize if this is the case.

 

[GreatWhiteTower]

Hello All,
I am a undergraduate student going into my Senior Year. I have a 2.5, but this is due to a HUGE upswing in my GPA during my Senior year (think 1.5 difference) with harder classes than my first three years. The first three years of college, I did almost nothing for my studies, just kind of slacked off without motivation - finally started getting my act together my final year. I looked at the minimum requirements for a number of the SMP programs and it seems that I'm out of the running for a lot of them. Also, a Master's Program in a basic science (Cell Biology) seems to be useless for entrance into medical school (at least from what I've read on the forums). What should be my strategy? I am planning to do about 200-250 hours of volunteer work, shadowing a physician, and doing neuroscience research. However, in the academic GPA department, I am slightly puzzled. Is there a program that would direct me into the path of medicine, even with my low GPA? What exactly is a post-bacc program? Would an undergrad post bacc be the key? (I'm not even sure what it is!) Thanks!

 

[rssnrower]

Hello All,
I am a undergraduate student going into my Senior Year. I have a 2.5, but this is due to a HUGE upswing in my GPA during my Senior year (think 1.5 difference) with harder classes than my first three years. The first three years of college, I did almost nothing for my studies, just kind of slacked off without motivation - finally started getting my act together my final year. I looked at the minimum requirements for a number of the SMP programs and it seems that I'm out of the running for a lot of them. Also, a Master's Program in a basic science (Cell Biology) seems to be useless for entrance into medical school (at least from what I've read on the forums). What should be my strategy? I am planning to do about 200-250 hours of volunteer work, shadowing a physician, and doing neuroscience research. However, in the academic GPA department, I am slightly puzzled. Is there a program that would direct me into the path of medicine, even with my low GPA? What exactly is a post-bacc program? Would an undergrad post bacc be the key? (I'm not even sure what it is!) Thanks!

I would recommend not doing a special master's program, which is typically what people mean when they say post bacc, because your undergrad is too low. Even if you do especially well in a program like Georgetown's or Drexel's, med schools still want u to have at least a 3.0 so that their stats don't hurt their "rankings". I know there aren't official rankings but having higher averages looks better obviously. If you have a chance, do a fifth year of undergrad and take all science courses and raise your undergrad GPA as much as you can. A very good graduate or post-bacc. GPA can't always offset a low undergrad GPA. The other option is to take undergrad courses at a local state school, but don't do community college because those probably aren't seen as being rigorous. Maybe once you have a better undergrad GPA you can apply to a SMP.

My opinion has always been that if you do an SMP, you're most likely to be accepted at the same med school you did SMP because they know the program the best. I don't know much about Georgetown, but I went to Drexel's SMP and was accepted to DUCOM after 1 year ( that is I applied when I started the program and was accepted late in the application season). I was in a similar situation, except I had started my upswing my 3rd year. good luck

 

[blondie1987]

What are your experiences with post-bac financial aid?

 

[rssnrower]

What are your experiences with post-bac financial aid?

With Drexel I was able to get enough from Stafford Loans to pay for tuition. I didn't qualify for any other loans though. It seems like post-bac and med school financial aid are the same.

 

[GreatWhiteTower]

Rssrower, Thanks for your advice!
One concern I had was, will undergraduate grades count the same for the prerequisite science classes if I were to take them at another university? For example, I will end up most likely with a 2.6 after my last semester at U of Michigan, and if I were to get a 4.0 for all my science classes at Michigan State University after graduation in the winter, would AMCAS treat the grades I got at MSU just the same that I got at U of M (average into my overall undergrad GPA)? Also, the process of taking classes without a degree at a different university after graduation is called a "guest" or "lifelong student" status right? One pretty important question I have is, I heard for ostesopathic schools, they only look at the most recent grades (aka if you failed in the past, they only look at your recent "passing" score). Suppose I failed a class at U of M...and then after graduation I took the same class at MSU. Would this suffice as being a retake or would osteopathic schools count them separately. Thank you for your advice! :-D

 

[rssnrower]

Rssrower, Thanks for your advice!
One concern I had was, will undergraduate grades count the same for the prerequisite science classes if I were to take them at another university? For example, I will end up most likely with a 2.6 after my last semester at U of Michigan, and if I were to get a 4.0 for all my science classes at Michigan State University after graduation in the winter, would AMCAS treat the grades I got at MSU just the same that I got at U of M (average into my overall undergrad GPA)? Also, the process of taking classes without a degree at a different university after graduation is called a "guest" or "lifelong student" status right? One pretty important question I have is, I heard for ostesopathic schools, they only look at the most recent grades (aka if you failed in the past, they only look at your recent "passing" score). Suppose I failed a class at U of M...and then after graduation I took the same class at MSU. Would this suffice as being a retake or would osteopathic schools count them separately. Thank you for your advice! :-D

I believe your grades would be treated the same whether you went to UM of MSU. I don't know what the status is called post grad. I'm pretty sure you're right about the D.O. schools looking at the most recent grades, but I don't know about retaking a class at a different school. I did not apply D.O., but this is what I heard about AACOMAS. With that said you should double check to make sure.

Lastly, if you need to take prereq's for med school there are other post-bacc's out there where you specifically take prereq's. These are different from special master's programs and usually have some affiliation/link with a med school to help you get accepted. If you do need to find them you can look at AAMC, then click on med schools on the right, and click again on post-bacc programs.

 

[blondie1987]

Hey guys,

Sorry to ask the "what-if" question, but for a while I though SMPs were essentially guaranteed admisison, but now I'm finding that's not the case. I should be applying to the SMPs with a science/math GPA of 2.9 and overall 3.5. I have had an up-swing since freshman year and I have yet to take the MCAT. I thought the "3.0" was a minimum for your overall grades. Do you think that I will stand a chance of being accepted?

Thanks!

 

[Lokhtar]

Which SMPs should I apply to?

I am in a post-bac right now to get my pre-reqs done. After this, I will have a 3.52 overall and 3.3 science. So far I am on track to get a 3.9+ in the post-bac. This is in addition to an upward trend of 3.85 over the last 80 credits of undergrad (not very good prior to that, however).

The problem is that my post-bac won't be done until end of march, and I have the GREs (scored in the upper 1300s) but won't take the MCAT until April. Most have deadlines before that. I would appreciate some advice on where/what I can do next year.

I have a lot of credits, so while I can move my science GPA up a little bit, my overall won't budge much. A whole year of science at close to a 4.0 would move my science from 3.3-3.48, but my overall from only 3.52-3.58. So while I'll do it if I have to, its not my first choice.

 

[hung]

if you get 34+ on the mcat you wouldn't really need to do an smp. 3.5 overall and 3.4 science with 34+ mcat and extra curr would get you into a med school.

 

[rssnrower]

Hey guys,

Sorry to ask the "what-if" question, but for a while I though SMPs were essentially guaranteed admisison, but now I'm finding that's not the case. I should be applying to the SMPs with a science/math GPA of 2.9 and overall 3.5. I have had an up-swing since freshman year and I have yet to take the MCAT. I thought the "3.0" was a minimum for your overall grades. Do you think that I will stand a chance of being accepted?

Thanks!

First off I'd say you're already ahead of the game because you've recognized that an SMP doesn't guarantee admission. With that said, you can still get accepted into SMP and into medical school. The 3.0 minimum is for cumulative grades and not science, at least as far as I know.

Aim for the highest undergrad GPA you can, which I think I said in an earlier post. The higher your undergrad GPA the better when you apply during post-bacc. Just remember that if you do post-bacc you're best chances are probably at the school you're doing the SMP, especially if your stats are low, but this isn't necessarily true if you're borderline for being accepted. Good luck

 

[Lokhtar]

Which SMPs should I apply to?

I am in a post-bac right now to get my pre-reqs done. After this, I will have a 3.52 overall and 3.3 science. So far I am on track to get a 3.9+ in the post-bac. This is in addition to an upward trend of 3.85 over the last 80 credits of undergrad (not very good prior to that, however).

The problem is that my post-bac won't be done until end of march, and I have the GREs (scored in the upper 1300s) but won't take the MCAT until April. Most have deadlines before that. I would appreciate some advice on where/what I can do next year.

I have a lot of credits, so while I can move my science GPA up a little bit, my overall won't budge much. A whole year of science at close to a 4.0 would move my science from 3.3-3.48, but my overall from only 3.52-3.58. So while I'll do it if I have to, its not my first choice.

if you get 34+ on the mcat you wouldn't really need to do an smp. 3.5 overall and 3.4 science with 34+ mcat and extra curr would get you into a med school.

You think so?

 

[blondie1987]

Thank you, rower!

 

[hung]

Ask the ppl on the pre-allo forum. A couple years of solid upward trend and above average mcat with extra curric should get you into med school. my friend got into a few good schools with 3.5 and 35 mcat.

 

[little rock]

First off I'd like to say that this thread is supremely helpful. The second thing is, well, I discovered this much too late.

Is anybody in my position, desperately trying to find a school program to enroll in this September? Thanks guys.

 

[MrDrizzle]

I suppose this is the right place to put this. I'm in the process of deciding where to enroll (I applied very late in the cycle), but dont want to wait until the absolute last minute. I have applied to a few SMPs and Postbaccs but I am not sure what is more appropriate for me.

Background:
Biochemistry Major at a Top 20 University, with a 3.32 Overall and 3.14 BCPM GPA, with an upward trend (3.6 and 3.9 last two semesters). My record is also marked by inconsistent performances (mainly due to a lack of focus/effort earlier on) such as A's in Physical Chemistry I/II but a C/C- in Organic I/II, and a A- in Intro to Biochemistry for Engineers, then a C- in Biochemistry and then a B+ in Intermediary Metabolism.

I have excellent LORs, about 130 hours volunteering experience in a local hospital and 150 hours shadowing a 2nd year family practice resident in both clinic and during hospital rotations. I have 2.5 years of research experience with 2+ publications (one is forthcoming this Fall).


Now that I have been accepted to some programs, I am not sure what would be better. I have been accepted to Penn's Special Science program, which is non-degree granting and from what I understand would count towards my undergrad GPA. A bit of math shows me that taking a full science courseload for a year would allow me to bump my overall GPA and science GPA's to the 3.5-3.6 range. It seems with my borderline GPA and hard science background that a flexible program like Special Science would be the best fit, because I could take courses I've yet to take at the undergrad level. However with the option of enrolling in SMP's I'm not sure what would be best.

I'm also closely considering Georgetown's CAM and Loyola's MAMS program. Both these seem to be more traditional Master's programs, except the CAM program has a little less hard science. I'm wondering if I would be better served raising my undergraduate GPA into a competitive range and applying broadly or going with a SMP? I don't really care about the Master's degree, and I'm lucky in that money isn't a huge concern.

Thanks so much for your input!

 

[markps]

You think so?

<Ben Stiller> DO IT </Ben Stiller>

Good luck!

 

[caliprincess]

Biochemistry Major at a Top 20 University, with a 3.32 Overall and 3.14 BCPM GPA, with an upward trend (3.6 and 3.9 last two semesters).

Now that I have been accepted to some programs, I am not sure what would be better. I have been accepted to Penn's Special Science program, which is non-degree granting and from what I understand would count towards my undergrad GPA. A bit of math shows me that taking a full science courseload for a year would allow me to bump my overall GPA and science GPA's to the 3.5-3.6 range. It seems with my borderline GPA and hard science background that a flexible program like Special Science would be the best fit, because I could take courses I've yet to take at the undergrad level. However with the option of enrolling in SMP's I'm not sure what would be best.

I'm also closely considering Georgetown's CAM and Loyola's MAMS program. Both these seem to be more traditional Master's programs, except the CAM program has a little less hard science. I'm wondering if I would be better served raising my undergraduate GPA into a competitive range and applying broadly or going with a SMP? I don't really care about the Master's degree, and I'm lucky in that money isn't a huge concern.

Thanks so much for your input!

You are in an ideal situation where you could go to either a program that provides upper-level undergraduate coursework or a traditional SMP. Due to the fact that your GPA is not extremely low, you only need a few undergraduate courses to be slightly more competitive in the applicant pool. However, you could also use a traditional SMP to show that you were a decent pre-med in undergrad with an upward trend, but you kick butt at the graduate level. That is why I really believe that you can do either program and do just fine as an applicant. Of course, this is also contingent upon the MCAT score you currently hold (or what you receive on a retake if that applies to you). Even though money is not issue for you, if you have a strong MCAT, I would lean more towards the Penn program because it is probably cheaper than the SMP's. Is moving an issue for you? The location of the programs you have been accepted to could be something that you might take into consideration.

One thing you could also consider doing is to call a medical school that you have an interest in and make an appointment to meet with an admissions officer (or speak with one over the phone). Give them your stats and explain your situation and see what they would prefer from an admissions standpoint. Granted, no two medical schools are alike, however, such a conversation may provide you with another viewpoint to make the best decision for you.

 

[MrDrizzle]

Of course, this is also contingent upon the MCAT score you currently hold (or what you receive on a retake if that applies to you). Even though money is not issue for you, if you have a strong MCAT, I would lean more towards the Penn program because it is probably cheaper than the SMP's. Is moving an issue for you?

One thing you could also consider doing is to call a medical school that you have an interest in and make an appointment to meet with an admissions officer (or speak with one over the phone). Give them your stats and explain your situation and see what they would prefer from an admissions standpoint. Granted, no two medical schools are alike, however, such a conversation may provide you with another viewpoint to make the best decision for you.

Thanks a lot for the advice! I forgot to mention that I took the MCAT in June 2007 and did well (34), so I'll most likely stick with that and not retake it. I'm from Southern California so moving won't be an issue, and I have friends/family in both Philadelphia and Chicago so they're about the same in that regard. I feel like with my MCAT I'd be best doing a bit more undergraduate work. I don't plan to submit my med school apps until next year, so I'm thinking about maybe holding off and leaving the window open for an SMP in the glide year. Does that seem reasonable? Thanks for the advice about contacting some admissions officers, that would do a lot to point me in the right direction.

 

[sirkeg]

Here's my situation
-Graduate June 2008 B.A.Sc. in Biology and Anthropology
-GPA 3.01 overall with no change-to downward trend. (I had one really good semester freshman year, mixed A's and B's with a few Cs sprinkled in since).
-No MCAT
-Almost No Research
-Can think of 2, but hard time coming up with 3 recommendations. (missing one science faculty)
-Only one semester of English class, but my second major was a humanities....
-Only one semester of intro Bio, but I'm a bio major!

Is SMP a good option for me? Obviously I have a lot to do, find Research/Health care experience, take MCAT.
I haven't made up my mind to go for it yet, but I want to know where I stand in general.

 

[caliprincess]

Thanks a lot for the advice! I forgot to mention that I took the MCAT in June 2007 and did well (34), so I'll most likely stick with that and not retake it. I'm from Southern California so moving won't be an issue, and I have friends/family in both Philadelphia and Chicago so they're about the same in that regard. I feel like with my MCAT I'd be best doing a bit more undergraduate work. I don't plan to submit my med school apps until next year, so I'm thinking about maybe holding off and leaving the window open for an SMP in the glide year. Does that seem reasonable? Thanks for the advice about contacting some admissions officers, that would do a lot to point me in the right direction.

I definitely think it is a reasonable plan, but of course the final decision is in your hands. I wish you all the best!

 

[sam3404]

Hi, I was considering the post-bac program at Wayne State med school. Can anyone that has completed the program or is enrolled in it right now gimme a little more info about it? For example: what kind of classes (repeating pre-med or med classes), heavy work load?, how much was the monthly stipend, any additional info that you wish someone told you before enrolling? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[sam3404]

Does anybody have info on this program?

 

[canes087]

what are the special master programs that start in the Spring? Thanks!

 

[Law2Med83]

Okay I'm in a position where I really need to get back on the horse and decide what path I want to take to ultimately reach either Medical or Dental School. I need help to see which path I should take this coming year. If someone takes the time to read all this, I will appreciate it lots.

Background info:
I have a BS in Biology (3.3ish overall & science gpa) from 2005 at a state school. I have completed all my pre-reqs but have not really taken any "hard" upper level bio classes like biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, etc.

Some classes with grades
1. Bio I = A
2. Bio II = never took bc when I transferred, person that evaluates the credits screwed up and ended up putting me in an upper level Bio class (Cell & Molec) that was in the curriculum following Bio II. Regardless, I was exempt from taking this course.
3. Cell & Molec = C (bc I had no pre-req Bio II to help me get prepared)
4. Genetics = A
5. Microbiology = A-
6. Cell Culture = A
7. Independent research for a semester = A
8. Pharmacology = B+

chem classes
1. Chem I = B+
2. Chem II= C+
3. Orgo I= A
4. Orgo II= C
5. Orgo Lab = B-

physics classes
1. Physics I & II = B+

math classes
1. Calc I = B+
2. Calc II = C+

I have tons and tons of EC's and awesome LORs. I worked for a dentist for 4 years as a receptionist/dental assistant (I didn't want to venture out and work at a doctor's office because I had to help pay for school, and didn't want to risk my position)

Frankly put, my grades are not stellar. But I have not ever failed a class, so is it even worth the time and money to retake any of these classes?

Here is my dilemma. When I was a senior I had no idea what path to go in my life. I took DAT's half assed and did pretty bad (scored a 16). I wanted to do something related to the medical field, so I decided to go to law school to pursue patent law and work with pharm companies/doctors. I hated it, it hated me. Needless to say, I found out I need hands on interaction between me and my future patients.

Anyways, since 2005 I have not had any science classes. 🙁
I have not taken MCATS, and I am terrified of taking it. I am however studying for it and plan to take both MCATs and the DATs this coming fall.

I am positive that my gpa alone is not competetive enough to get me into either school.

What do I do? What is more reasonable? Post-bacc to up my ugpa? Take classes as a continuing education student and take some upper level science classes? Go for an SMP? Try to get a Master's? Please help. I'm wasting away trying to figure out how to plan this coming year, where I can be spending precious time studying/preparing for appropriate tests and applying to schools.

Question in regards to the Boston's & UMDNJ's SMP program-- People here said that they have a program geared towards the "gonnabe" drs and the "gonnabe" dentists. Does anyone know if I can apply to both?

Please, please, help me. 😕

 

[Law2Med83]

I forgot to ask...when is the absolute latest a person can take MCATs to still apply for MD/DO schools for fall 2009? Or is it too late, and shall I wait for 2010? Help pleaseee.

 

[carbofation]

I forgot to ask...when is the absolute latest a person can take MCATs to still apply for MD/DO schools for fall 2009? Or is it too late, and shall I wait for 2010? Help pleaseee.

If the trend continues, then September is the latest you can take the MCATs for the Fall 2009 admissions cycle. The next openings after September will be in January, but those MCATs scores will go towards the Fall 2010 cycle.

 

[HawkeyePostOp]

What SMP program should I apply to have the best chance at an MD school? Thanks in advance.

(2.8 engineering, 3.8 postbac, 35 mcat)

 

[hung]

GT, BU, EVMS. there are a few others, but you need to read through the forums to decide for yourself.

 

[HawkeyePostOp]

GT, BU, EVMS. there are a few others, but you need to read through the forums to decide for yourself.

cool thanks. I just looked at them and they seem pretty decent. I can't for the life of me see what's wrong with Hopkins's program though.

 

[BlueJazz]

I wanted to find out if the AMCAS is required for a SMP application. "Braluk" says it usually is, but by the timeline he or she made had their AMCAS (summer) completed after the SMP application was submitted(sping). I aslo read that Georgetown SMP does not require it nor does it hold it against you. Whis programs require you to do the AMCAS as part of the application or hold it against you if you do not do it? I would like to start a SMP in the fall of '09. I plan on getting my AMCAS done summer of '09 and apply for med school, if that is possible? Do programs for URM differ significantly with requirements for the AMCAS?

I am currently doing a post bac in research at the National Institutes of Health. I have all prerequisites done with a 3.4 gpa, no MCAT yet(January). I think a SMP program would help me get into a top medical school if I do well, what do you think?

 

[spshl k]

Hi,

I'm reapplying to dental schools this year. I've gotten admittance to both the masters in pharmacology programs at georgetown and tulane. not sure what to pick.

gpa 3.2
science gpa 2.9
DAT 19
lots of dental clinic work
graduate college 2006

any advice which program might help me more????? thanks!

My stats are very similar to yours. The only thing is overall Gpa is 2.9 and my science is 3.4. Do georgetown or tulane require a GRE?

 

[spshl k]

I am looking at the costs for these programs and its around $35,000??

I cant afford that. Which ones are more cost effective?

Which ones start in the spring?

Thanks in advance for all who reply

 

[Fabricationary]

I'm trying to consider back-up options if I don't get into an MD/PhD program this year. I was thinking of trying to find a 1-year master's program, such as in public health (i.e. in and out quick, able to apply and matriculate in the 2010-11 MD/PhD cycle, preferably not in the hard sciences since I want to pursue a PhD in microbiology/pharmacology), but I was wondering if an SMP would be helpful for me.

I go to a top 20 university and will graduate with a BS in biochemistry and a BA in English. My institutional GPA is in the mid-3.8s range, and I have strong research, teaching, and leadership experiences. What is hurting me for MD/PhD is my MCAT (32 S), and I don't have plans to apply to more schools than I have listed on my MDapps profile b/c I'm seeking MSTPs specifically in the midwest. More comprehensive info is on my MDapps profile.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. If my current MD/PhD application cycle is unsuccessful, I would of course re-take the MCAT. I am just wondering if pursuing further schooling/earning another degree during my potential 'gap year' would make me more competitive than finding a research job for a year.

Thanks 🙂.

 

[drizzt3117]

I'm trying to consider back-up options if I don't get into an MD/PhD program this year. I was thinking of trying to find a 1-year master's program, such as in public health (i.e. in and out quick, able to apply and matriculate in the 2010-11 MD/PhD cycle, preferably not in the hard sciences since I want to pursue a PhD in microbiology/pharmacology), but I was wondering if an SMP would be helpful for me.

I go to a top 20 university and will graduate with a BS in biochemistry and a BA in English. My institutional GPA is in the mid-3.8s range, and I have strong research, teaching, and leadership experiences. What is hurting me for MD/PhD is my MCAT (32 S), and I don't have plans to apply to more schools than I have listed on my MDapps profile b/c I'm seeking MSTPs specifically in the midwest. More comprehensive info is on my MDapps profile.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. If my current MD/PhD application cycle is unsuccessful, I would of course re-take the MCAT. I am just wondering if pursuing further schooling/earning another degree during my potential 'gap year' would make me more competitive than finding a research job for a year.

Thanks 🙂.

I'd do more research instead of a MPH unless you are specifically intending to do your PhD in an area that involves public health such as infectious disease. I would definitely not do a SMP.

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

Instead of going into a SMP program how would it look if I take a bunch of high undergraduate level science classes for a year?

 

[DrMidlife]

Instead of going into a SMP program how would it look if I take a bunch of high undergraduate level science classes for a year?

Depends on your final GPAs. If you can get your cumulative overall and science GPAs over, say, 3.5 by taking more undergrad coursework, then more undergrad coursework is a better option than an SMP.

But, if that means you'd be doing more than, say, 2 more years of undergrad coursework, then an SMP is a reasonable alternative.

Or, if it's mathematically impossible for you to get your undergrad GPA over a 3.5 with more undergrad coursework, then an SMP is the only way to prove your mettle.

Finally, on either path, you have to get really great grades. By this I mean that your grades must be REALLY GREAT. In other words, GREAT GRADES.

Best of luck to you.
p.s. GRADES.

 

[slin701]

hi all,
i know this may sound like a really stupid question, but its been bothering me.. so here it goes. on the amcas part of the application under course work, there's a box to input credit hours...does this mean to put in the number of units that class was originally counted for, say 4.0 units or the GPA unit conversion..like for a B it would be 3.0...... does that make any sense?

also, im a bit worried about applying to SMPs because I know they all require at least a 3.0 GPA, but my undergrad GPA isnt quite so stellar and im at the benchmark wtih a 2.8-2.9. I still have two more quarters left and hoping I can bring it up to at least a 3.0 or close... but this also because I just decided like a quarter ago that I wanted to complete a double major for bio and psych. bio is in the proccess of being declared... should i pursue this and attempt upward trend?
and i have a lot of catch up work- volunteering at the hospital and research work for bio... i have an extensive amount of research work completed for psychology because I had originally declared that as my major as a freshman.... oh dear.. am i completely screwed?
thanks..sorry for the long weird post! 🙁

 

[Perrotfish]

1) The origional number of credit hours (4.0), not the GPA conversion (3.0)

2) Almost no SMPs require a 3.0 (only Loyola, I think). Get a high enough MCAT and you can get in with a 2.8 and above. You need a WAY above average MCAT, though.

 

[amusedtodeath24]

I am a CA resident and there doesn't seem to be any SMPs in CA according to the AAMC website. I can't afford to up and move somewhere where they do offer SMPs, but I definitely need to do something about my undergrad GPA (~3.2) before I get into any med school. What are my options? Would taking classes at UCLA Extension or at a community college count? Or should I look into a MS program? Thank you for your input...

 

[hung]

cal state la has a post bacc program to enhance your science gpa. they offer upper division undergraduate science classes. http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cach...acc&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
if you are a under represented minority or disadvantaged, you can apply to the UC's post bacc programs.
ucla has a masters in physiology program. http://www.physci.ucla.edu/graduate.php
you can wait until Western University in Pomona opens their biomedical science masters program.
these are some options to look into.

 

[jlmucci]

I am a current student at Tulane's Master in Genetics Program. It is a fantastic program and I highly recommend it for those aiming to attend medical school in the future. If anyone has any questions about my experiences thus far feel free to ask!

 

[blutie202]

Apparently..

"some Masters Programs offer an automatic medical school interview contingent upon grades as well. Again these vary from program to program."


Does anyone know which Masters Programs allow these interviews, depending on how you do w/ grades? As many as you can list, would be much appreciated. Thank you!!!