**The Official Guide to Special Masters Programs**

[mw1]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Thank you, camaras. That was indeed very helpful. I guess what I'm wondering is how do I update them with an exam score (i.e. not the final grade, just the grade on an exam)? Would I mail them my exam itself? I noticed the original thread-maker mention he/she did that and it helped them get an interview.

 

[camaras2480]

There actually is no wrong way of sending an exam score, but you probably shouldn't mail them a post-it with a scribbled score

At BU, interim grades are posted online as exams are scored. This provides the option of printing out this page and mailing it to the schools. In the event there is no such page, you could always ask your professor for a short note indicating your performance on the given exam. Professors understand how important this is, particularly for SMPers, so they are often quite helpful. Worst case scenario, just type out a short note yourself, noting how you scored, and have your adviser/counselor sign it.

Thank you, camaras. That was indeed very helpful. I guess what I'm wondering is how do I update them with an exam score (i.e. not the final grade, just the grade on an exam)? Would I mail them my exam itself? I noticed the original thread-maker mention he/she did that and it helped them get an interview.

 

[camaras2480]

Sorry for the confusion. I actually applied before starting the SMP (so I applied simultaneously to SMP and Med), and I am currently reapplying (immediately following SMP coursework completion).

This can be thought of as 5 years of med school if you get in applying prior to the start of SMP. In my particular case, it will be more like a 6 year med school, except year 2 I'm not really doing anything. So: Year 1: SMP, Summer 1: Thesis, Year 2: No classes, Year 3: M1, Year 4: M2...etc.

As far as updating grades, I actually did not do it in the middle of the semester. The option was available, but I'm not sure how thrilled an Adcom would be to know I got like a B or B+ on a given exam. Furthermore, some of the classes were not letter-graded/curved until the end. As such, I often had to wait it out thru the finals period to get my A's, lol.

I hope that makes sense. It does to me, but hey, that usually isn't entirely promising

So I'm confused a bit. You said you did it in 1 year, but they kinda push the 2 year or to do it in one year but apply after you did your coursework and do the lib/lab thesis whichever you choose in summer as 2 semesters.

So then you said it can be thought of as 5 years of med school because 1 year MS and 4 years med school. But you also confirmed my notion that it often takes 2 ears.

So my question is this: did you apply while in the program or are you applying after the one year? If you applied while in the program how did you update grades if they are not willing to write the dean's letter til afterwards?

 

[camaras2480]

Ah I see. I'm going ot call the office tomorrow and ask what they think I should do. see if there are some people I can talk to and also talk to some people at my own school's (aka my ugrad school's medical school) medical school to find out what they thik. Might also email someone at UF med to ask what they think as well.

Definitely - speaking to more and more people is the best way to find out more information. But do keep in mind, it seems to me that anyone involved in an SMP (meaning the admin/faculty) tends to sell their SMP at all costs. There may even be commission for them based on number of recruits. But hey, if I get in this cycle, I can def say the SMP system works well.

 

[Tiger2Gator]

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this post, but I am hoping that someone with familiarity of the USF Molecular Medicine masters program can answer this...

I applied for the program back in March, received a confirmation that my secondary application was complete in mid-April, and have yet to hear back with a decision. The notice I received in April said a decision would be forthcoming in 6-8 weeks. It's been 9 weeks now. I have attempted to email the admissions officer who sent that notification three times and have not heard back. Has anyone received acceptances yet? Does anyone know who I should speak to?

 

[camaras2480]

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this post, but I am hoping that someone with familiarity of the USF Molecular Medicine masters program can answer this...

I applied for the program back in March, received a confirmation that my secondary application was complete in mid-April, and have yet to hear back with a decision. The notice I received in April said a decision would be forthcoming in 6-8 weeks. It's been 9 weeks now. I have attempted to email the admissions officer who sent that notification three times and have not heard back. Has anyone received acceptances yet? Does anyone know who I should speak to?

I know nothing of this program, so perhaps I shouldn't comment, right? Oh well, I couldn't help myself. Just call them up. Ask to speak to whoever is in charge of admissions/applications/or quite frankly, at this point, anything. Be nice about it, and hopefully you'll get somewhere. And by that, I mean, don't start with a YOUR NOTICE SAID I WOULD HEAR IN 6-8 WEEKS. NOW IT HAS BEEN 9.

Although people say it isn't good to bug places about your application, this isn't entirely true - particularly at the masters level. Gooood luck!

 

[Pedsbro]

This question may have already been asked, but I couldn't find it anywhere (searched for ~10 minutes).

If I am doing an SMP this coming fall and am applying to medical schools right now, how should I include the SMP in the AMCAS? Should I add it as a college attended and put that transcript is not required? If I do that, should I add in potential coursework (i.e. planned coursework, but this is pre-registration, so it may not work out as planned)? Also, how do you update the schools with the grades you receive as they come? I noticed the original thread-maker say that he/she updated their schools with exam grades - how is that done (through AMCAS, or do you contact the schools directly)? If it's through AMCAS, where do you do it?

Sorry if it's been asked and sorry for being clueless 😛 Any help you could offer would be appreciated.

I did exactly that. Put it on AMCAS as a school attended (attending), and list the classes you will be taking (be sure to mark the current/future box on each one). You can't avoid putting it on there...you're supposed to report all current/future coursework that you know you will be taking. The adcom will be fine with it...why wouldn't they be? Most adcoms now know what an SMP is, although they may not be familiar with individual programs. While you can devote a few lines (no more than a short paragraph) about your program in your personal statement, that's really not what it's for. You can give them a taste of what you'll be taking and why you're doing the SMP etc, but then save any further explanation for the interview (if they ask..). The vast majority of your statement should still be about you and why you're choosing this profession, etc etc. This is what I did...and it worked out.

As for updates, I don't know how your program works, but when I did my SMP, our program coordinator/faculty advisor would send update letters any time we wanted. Basically after every exam week, he would send an update letter for us to whatever school we asked for with our current grade in each medical course. I would think there's someone in your program's office or the faculty advisor to do that for you... But if not, you can just send a formal email or a letter directly to the adcoms with your updates. Even better, why not email the dean of admissions or someone in the adcom office at each med school you're applying to and ask them specifically how you should update them...you get your question answered and you get your name in there. Always a good thing... I too did this last year and I never had an issue...most schools told me to just email them updates on academics, employment, ECs, etc. Good luck.

 

[G1SG2]

Okay, so I'm thinking about applying to a few SMPs in case I don't get accepted anywhere this cycle. So basically, I have to wait until January before I can apply to a program, and that also gives me enough time to see where I stand in terms of a potential acceptance to an MD program?

 

[G1SG2]

Yes usually most apps open around December/January time.

Most have deadlines in spring or summer. But earlier = better. what is your stats that you feel you need to consider one?

Well, my overall GPA is 3.90, science GPA is 3.79 (AMCAS will probably calculate those differently when my app is verified). I think I have pretty solid ECs, research, lots of clinical experience, etc. I just have to do well on my 7/30 MCAT...but considering it is kinda late, this is my only shot to do well on the MCAT for this cycle. So...if I don't do that well on the MCAT, then I will probably apply to an SMP program. Does this sound like a good plan?

 

[camaras2480]

Well, my overall GPA is 3.90, science GPA is 3.79 (AMCAS will probably calculate those differently when my app is verified). I think I have pretty solid ECs, research, lots of clinical experience, etc. I just have to do well on my 7/30 MCAT...but considering it is kinda late, this is my only shot to do well on the MCAT for this cycle. So...if I don't do that well on the MCAT, then I will probably apply to an SMP program. Does this sound like a good plan?

No. lol. SMPs are designed to help candidates with low undergrad GPAs. Your best plan of action is to retake the MCAT if you are unhappy with it. In the meantime, just stay involved in science. Do some research, or community service, or EMT, or all of it haha. Don't blow 40-50k on something that really can't help you. On the flip, if you for any reason struggle in the SMP, you could prove to Adcoms you in fact canNOT handle medical school courses.

 

[Pedsbro]

Well, my overall GPA is 3.90, science GPA is 3.79 (AMCAS will probably calculate those differently when my app is verified). I think I have pretty solid ECs, research, lots of clinical experience, etc. I just have to do well on my 7/30 MCAT...but considering it is kinda late, this is my only shot to do well on the MCAT for this cycle. So...if I don't do that well on the MCAT, then I will probably apply to an SMP program. Does this sound like a good plan?

No! Wave off! You're going the wrong way! 3.9?? Are you serious man? I actually think some SMPs would REJECT you if you applied to them with a 3.9.. Could you apply to one, get in, and then get into med school if you did well?...sure. But it would be an absolute waste of time and money. Just do well on the MCAT, if you're short on ECs then get those going, and re-apply if you dont' get in this cycle. With those numbers, provided you do fine on the MCAT and have respectable ECs, and don't bomb an interview, you should get in somewhere...assuming you apply smartly (which means don't just apply to a few top-20 schools...apply very broadly and "cast a wide net").

 

[G1SG2]

No! Wave off! You're going the wrong way! 3.9?? Are you serious man? I actually think some SMPs would REJECT you if you applied to them with a 3.9.. Could you apply to one, get in, and then get into med school if you did well?...sure. But it would be an absolute waste of time and money. Just do well on the MCAT, if you're short on ECs then get those going, and re-apply if you dont' get in this cycle. With those numbers, provided you do fine on the MCAT and have respectable ECs, and don't bomb an interview, you should get in somewhere...assuming you apply smartly (which means don't just apply to a few top-20 schools...apply very broadly and "cast a wide net").

Haha, what, really?! Oh, man. Hmm, I don't think I'll bomb the MCAT, I just thought this would be a backup plan, if anything, since I don't want to do nothing while waiting to reapply if necessary. But, I see your point.

 

[Pedsbro]

Haha, what, really?! Oh, man. Hmm, I don't think I'll bomb the MCAT, I just thought this would be a backup plan, if anything, since I don't want to do nothing while waiting to reapply if necessary. But, I see your point.

If the only reason for doing it is so that you aren't doing "nothing" while re-applying, that's still a horrible idea. As someone said earlier, you're looking at 40-50K down the drain with tuition and living expenses. But the worst part is something I've stated in many of my SMP-related posts... SMPs are very high risk/high reward. If you do well, you greatly increase your chance (although there are NEVER any guarantees in this business...). But if you falter at all...even a little...you are more or less finished in a way that's probably unrecoverable. The expectations of adcoms are very high for SMP students... With your ugrad numbers, you really dont' have anything to worry about...and so why take that risk. An SMP is generally geared toward people with lower GPA's than yours...which is why I made my comment about some even rejecting you....I sure would if I were on a committee. You would be taking a spot away from someone who could really be helped by an SMP.
You want things to do in your off-year if you're reapplying? Research, volunteer, find a medically-related job of some sort, or all of the above! Find a hobby, take fun classes (pass/fail) at a CC that you never had time to take in college, ETC

 

[G1SG2]

No. lol. SMPs are designed to help candidates with low undergrad GPAs. Your best plan of action is to retake the MCAT if you are unhappy with it. In the meantime, just stay involved in science. Do some research, or community service, or EMT, or all of it haha. Don't blow 40-50k on something that really can't help you. On the flip, if you for any reason struggle in the SMP, you could prove to Adcoms you in fact canNOT handle medical school courses.

If the only reason for doing it is so that you aren't doing "nothing" while re-applying, that's still a horrible idea. As someone said earlier, you're looking at 40-50K down the drain with tuition and living expenses. But the worst part is something I've stated in many of my SMP-related posts... SMPs are very high risk/high reward. If you do well, you greatly increase your chance (although there are NEVER any guarantees in this business...). But if you falter at all...even a little...you are more or less finished in a way that's probably unrecoverable. The expectations of adcoms are very high for SMP students... With your ugrad numbers, you really dont' have anything to worry about...and so why take that risk. An SMP is generally geared toward people with lower GPA's than yours...which is why I made my comment about some even rejecting you....I sure would if I were on a committee. You would be taking a spot away from someone who could really be helped by an SMP.
You want things to do in your off-year if you're reapplying? Research, volunteer, find a medically-related job of some sort, or all of the above! Find a hobby, take fun classes (pass/fail) at a CC that you never had time to take in college, ETC

Wow, you guys are right. I don't think I'll go down this route. Thanks for the insightful feedback!

 

[G1SG2]

Pookie,

Agreed with the quoted above. Mostly SMPs used by low MCATers have been those who've taken it like 4 times or more and still not been able to raise it so it was a last resort.

With a GPA like that and a 29+ MCAT you should get in somewhere. I'm sure you'll do well. Use your practice scores to gauge your possible score range.

Thanks gujuDoc 🙂

 

[camaras2480]

Wow, you guys are right. I don't think I'll go down this route. Thanks for the insightful feedback!

No problem. But in the meantime, since you were going to spend the money anyway, and you no longer will why don't you mail me a check of 50k? Or here, since the Lakers fan here said the same thing, we'll take 25k each. Thanks! 👍

 

[G1SG2]

No problem. But in the meantime, since you were going to spend the money anyway, and you no longer will why don't you mail me a check of 50k? Or here, since the Lakers fan here said the same thing, we'll take 25k each. Thanks! 👍

Then who will pay my med school tuition?!

 

[camaras2480]

Then who will pay my med school tuition?!

how is that my problem? 😕 lol 🙂

 

[cho15]

I'm new to this thread. I've been accepted to three 1-year master's programs and am considering two of them. I was wondering if anyone has some information about which may be better and some stats for percentage of people in those programs entering medical school both at that school and others.

The 2 programs I am considering are:
- Loyola's M.A. in Medical Sciences
- Tulane's M.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology

 

[camaras2480]

I'm new to this thread. I've been accepted to three 1-year master's programs and am considering two of them. I was wondering if anyone has some information about which may be better and some stats for percentage of people in those programs entering medical school both at that school and others.

The 2 programs I am considering are:
- Loyola's M.A. in Medical Sciences
- Tulane's M.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology

I'll need some help here from other fellow SDNers, but I'll just throw this in real quick:

If the Tulane program you mentioned is the Tulane SMP, then it has a very good success rate, if your goal is to go to Tulane Medical. An average performance guarantees you an interview, and a super performance may guarantee acceptance (someone please confirm or correct this).

Unfortunately, I really have no insight about the Loyola program. Hopefully someone will post something more helpful soon 🙂

 

[Pedsbro]

I'm new to this thread. I've been accepted to three 1-year master's programs and am considering two of them. I was wondering if anyone has some information about which may be better and some stats for percentage of people in those programs entering medical school both at that school and others.

The 2 programs I am considering are:
- Loyola's M.A. in Medical Sciences
- Tulane's M.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology

Don't know much about Tulane's program, but the major downside of Loyola's program...and why I didn't go there...is because you don't get to take actual medical courses with the med students like you do at other SMPs (like Cinci, G-town, Boston, etc). If Tulane's SMP (is that one you mentioned the SMP? or is that just a regular Masters?) lets you take actual med courses with the current med students, go for that one.

 

[morgan19]

Hi,

I have a 34S MCAT and 3.1 - 3.2 gpa. Is it too late to apply for an SMP for this coming fall semester? If I still have a possibility, which ones should I apply to?

Thanks!

 

[morgan19]

BU and Tufts are definitely my top choices. I know I'm applying really late - do you think I still have a chance for Boston, since I've heard it's really competitive?

Is the Rosalind Franklin SMP worth it? It doesn't seem geared specifically for pre-meds wanting to get into medical school. It seems very broad, for people wanting to get into a variety of healthcare fields. Same as for Drexel...

 

[morgan19]

Thanks for the input. I better get on the BU and Tufts apps asap!

 

[Pedsbro]

BU and Tufts are definitely my top choices. I know I'm applying really late - do you think I still have a chance for Boston, since I've heard it's really competitive?

Is the Rosalind Franklin SMP worth it? It doesn't seem geared specifically for pre-meds wanting to get into medical school. It seems very broad, for people wanting to get into a variety of healthcare fields. Same as for Drexel...

Cincy's SMP application for this fall ended June 1st. That's usually the deadline

I have heard the same thing about RFU's SMP...it's very broad and can be looked at like a "pre-health" rather than "pre-med" SMP. It also does not have the reputation that the others have, but I won't discount it because of a few people's opinions.

RFU is like EVMS or Cincy or USF IMS in that it mostly helps people get into their own med school but not sure that its as well known as BU or Gtown.

I disagree with singling out Cincy's program and others into some group that mostly helps those get into the host medical schooll when pretty much every SMP does that haha! G-town especially... In my case, I know many people in the Cincy SMP who got accepted to other schools and decided to go there, and others (like myself) who simply decided Cincy's med school was the right fit (I mean think about it...at any SMP, you would've taken their med classes or something similar to them and you'll get to repeat it and be at an advantage if you go to that same school for your medical education...to me that's a no-brainer). So every SMP does that...

Be aware, when choosing an SMP, how important it is to you that you are getting the exact same experience as med students at that school. At Cincy, G-town, and BU that is the case.. It is NOT the case at Tuft's SMP.

From the Tuft's website:

"There are, however, important differences between the MBS curriculum and that offered to our medical students. MBS classes are smaller, allowing for more individualized instruction, and significant time and resources have been allocated to provide help with coursework and MCAT preparation."

This may seem like a subtle difference, but it's a very important one... Especially when it comes to telling adcoms next year how you did in "actual medical courses alongside med students" vs. "simulated medical courses".

Your stats are ripe for an SMP though, so it's definitely a viable option for you. Just might be too late for this year unfortunately...most deadlines have already passed, or for all intents and purposes, you may just be too late in the cycle. Definitely worth the shot though, good luck!

 

[cho15]

Don't know much about Tulane's program, but the major downside of Loyola's program...and why I didn't go there...is because you don't get to take actual medical courses with the med students like you do at other SMPs (like Cinci, G-town, Boston, etc). If Tulane's SMP (is that one you mentioned the SMP? or is that just a regular Masters?) lets you take actual med courses with the current med students, go for that one.

Neither Tulane's SMP nor Loyola's has you take classes with medical school students. I really should decide soon, but they both have equal pro's and con's for me 🙁 I need something in one program to really stand out (kind of make my decision for me i guess, lol)

Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[camaras2480]

Neither Tulane's SMP nor Loyola's has you take classes with medical school students. I really should decide soon, but they both have equal pro's and con's for me 🙁 I need something in one program to really stand out (kind of make my decision for me i guess, lol)

Anyone else have any suggestions?

There's probably less likelihood of losing your roof to a hurricane at Loyola. There's probably less likelihood of losing your car to a pile of snow at Tulane.

 

[rubyfist]

So I just finished a presentation for an international conference. Should I update the SMPs where I'm waitlisted with this info? Do they care?

 

[rubyfist]

Depends which SMPs we are talking about is my guess. I know Gtown tells you to send them updates. Tufts says the same. I'm not sure it would change the minds of EVMS though because they use a ranked w/l and the only thing that could cause you to go up on that is a higher MCAT score from what I was reading on this site. At least that's what I think. I'd update Gtown and Tufts for sure. I would ask UCincy if they take updates as well.

Thanks a lot! I'll look into it

 

[Pedsbro]

So I just finished a presentation for an international conference. Should I update the SMPs where I'm waitlisted with this info? Do they care?

Yes. I don't see how it could possibly hurt you with any SMP...it could either help or do nothing. Sounds like it's worth the risk! You never know what can put you over the edge in this process....trust me😉

 

[yellowtiger]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post in this thread. I just had a quick question.

Does anyone know of any school whose SMP deadline has not passes yet? I did not get in med school and I want to do SMP now but I am afraid the deadlines have passed. Do you know of any schools whose deadlines have not passed yet?

Thank you so much.

 

[camaras2480]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post in this thread. I just had a quick question.

Does anyone know of any school whose SMP deadline has not passes yet? I did not get in med school and I want to do SMP now but I am afraid the deadlines have passed. Do you know of any schools whose deadlines have not passed yet?

Thank you so much.

Call them up individually and ask - there's no better source. I don't think BU's deadline has passed per se, but I think their class is full... not entirely sure though.

 

[fitzs86]

I am deciding between Rosalind Franklin BMS in N. Chicago and Boston University MAMS. I have visited both and could go to either like, have a gf in Michigan, so like RFUMS's location, but I also like the city life of Boston University. Boston has a better reputation after a gap year with about 90% graduates getting in, but RFUMS offers an automatic interview for Chicago Medical School with out a gap year at about a 70% acceptance rate. My GPA is a 3.6, MCAT 25 and I dont want to take it again. I'm applying to D.O. and CMS if I choose RFUMS for 2009-2010. Does anyone have any advice on what school to attend. I NEED to figure this out ASAP.

 

[camaras2480]

I am deciding between Rosalind Franklin BMS in N. Chicago and Boston University MAMS. I have visited both and could go to either like, have a gf in Michigan, so like RFUMS's location, but I also like the city life of Boston University. Boston has a better reputation after a gap year with about 90% graduates getting in, but RFUMS offers an automatic interview for Chicago Medical School with out a gap year at about a 70% acceptance rate. My GPA is a 3.6, MCAT 25 and I dont want to take it again. I'm applying to D.O. and CMS if I choose RFUMS for 2009-2010. Does anyone have any advice on what school to attend. I NEED to figure this out ASAP.

You have a 3.6 undergrad GPA. You do not need to do an SMP, like BU. If RF is an SMP, I don't know why you are doing either of these programs - waste of money. If RF is NOT an SMP, then go for that. Either way, BU is a great program, but it is not designed for a candidate like yourself (I don't mean that in any negative sense).

 

[doctorbuddh]

Hi Guys! I have a decision to make b/w BU MAMS, RFU, NYMC, Drexel MSP, VCU, UMDNJ and possibly TUFTS. Science GPA 3.12, Cumulative 3.16, haven't taken the MCATs, 90% percentile GRE. Please help!

I am leaning toward BU, but the expense bothers me (>110K for 2 years).

 

[camaras2480]

Hi Guys! I have a decision to make b/w BU MAMS, RFU, NYMC, Drexel MSP, VCU, UMDNJ and possibly TUFTS. Science GPA 3.12, Cumulative 3.16, haven't taken the MCATs, 90% percentile GRE. Please help!

I am leaning toward BU, but the expense bothers me (>110K for 2 years).

BU is probably the most expensive of all of those. However, it also will give you the best shot at getting into a large range of allopathic schools. Some of the other ones tend to cater toward their own school. BU does not.

 

[camaras2480]

How do you get greater then 110k.

Oh yeah I forgot to comment on that. The first year costs about 60k. After that, get a low paying job while doing research, and in essence, you stay for free.

So, 110k? Seriously, stop looking at luxury apartments.

 

[raab32]

Hey everyone. Registered this sn a while ago, but I haven't posted much... been lurking every now and then.

I recently started considering SMP programs because my undergrad GPA is not very strong (because of some family problems during the first two years... luckily have an upward trend going). Anyway, this thread is awesome and I've learned so much in the past hour just reading and looking stuff up here.

My question is regarding SMPs as they affect admission to MD/PhD programs. I'm looking to apply to SMPs this coming application cycle and I would eventually like to apply to MD/Phd programs. What sort of SMPs should I be looking at? Ideally, I only want to do a program for a year and it seems that the thesis, degree-granting programs require 2 years (makes sense, considering the work that goes into a thesis). Would I be at a disadvantage if I didn't get my master's through thesis work?

I apologize for the long post, I'm just pretty confused as to what to do right now. Thanks for all your help.

 

[camaras2480]

Hey everyone. Registered this sn a while ago, but I haven't posted much... been lurking every now and then.

I recently started considering SMP programs because my undergrad GPA is not very strong (because of some family problems during the first two years... luckily have an upward trend going). Anyway, this thread is awesome and I've learned so much in the past hour just reading and looking stuff up here.

My question is regarding SMPs as they affect admission to MD/PhD programs. I'm looking to apply to SMPs this coming application cycle and I would eventually like to apply to MD/Phd programs. What sort of SMPs should I be looking at? Ideally, I only want to do a program for a year and it seems that the thesis, degree-granting programs require 2 years (makes sense, considering the work that goes into a thesis). Would I be at a disadvantage if I didn't get my master's through thesis work?

I apologize for the long post, I'm just pretty confused as to what to do right now. Thanks for all your help.

You think that was a long post? You should see some of the stuff in WAMC. lol.

It is rather difficult to overcome a lower GPA to get to an MD/PhD program. If you are shooting at an SMP, I'd go ahead with it, and then apply to both MD and MD/PhD. You probably will have a better shot at the MD itself. Then, many schools allow transfer into the MD/PhD track after you are into your first year.

A disadvantage without a second year of thesis work? No, not really. Many of the programs can be completed in one year, and particularly the schools with linkages allow you to complete in 1 year and get right in. This is how Georgetown works. Those that prepare you for med schools across the country (rather than linkages) usually require 2 years, because you apply after the first year of grades. Then, while the cycle goes on, you do your research toward the thesis. This is how Boston University works.

Note that BU can be completed in one year though, in the event you apply to med school before starting at BU, and you get in. You can definitely finish the program in like 10-11 months.

 

[drizzt3117]

Neither Tulane's SMP nor Loyola's has you take classes with medical school students. I really should decide soon, but they both have equal pro's and con's for me 🙁 I need something in one program to really stand out (kind of make my decision for me i guess, lol)

Anyone else have any suggestions?

FWIW I think the taking classes with med students thing is cool but at the same time, SMPs that don't have that component still do a really good job in getting people into med schools, even top ones.

I go to a top 25 school and three people in my class went to the Loyola MAMS, fwiw...

 

[Gilgamesh417]

Just to update some folks, I've been accepted into the U. Cincinnati, Tufts, Mt. Sinai, B.U. and Georgetown SMPs. Out of the them, I think I've selected Mt. Sinai. Good choice?

- David

 

[camaras2480]

Just to update some folks, I've been accepted into the U. Cincinnati, Tufts, Mt. Sinai, B.U. and Georgetown SMPs. Out of the them, I think I've selected Mt. Sinai. Good choice?

- David

I would rank them:

1. Georgetown (tie)
1. BU (tie)

Depends on what type of experience you are looking for.

Then,

3. Cincy
4. Tufts
5. Sinai

 

[Gilgamesh417]

I know that the regular Mt. Sinai master's degree isn't a true SMP but they offer a MedPrep option where I take the first year of courses with Mt. Sinai medical students. Does that still fail to compare to Gtown?

 

[DrMidlife]

I know that the regular Mt. Sinai master's degree isn't a true SMP but they offer a MedPrep option where I take the first year of courses with Mt. Sinai medical students. Does that still fail to compare to Gtown?

Mt. Sinai's programs don't get a lot of press in this forum because they're competitive programs for people without a lot of damage. Georgetown, by contrast, is what you do when you have too much damage to compete. You can't really compare them side by side. They open different doors for different demographics.

To get more input on how program grads from MSSM do, I'd head over to the allo forums and ask current students.

 

[Gilgamesh417]

my numbers are

3.2 GPA
35 MCATS

and i have a fair amount of clinical medicine and lab research experience. i just need a .3 bump to my GPA.

 

[camaras2480]

my numbers are

3.2 GPA
35 MCATS

and i have a fair amount of clinical medicine and lab research experience. i just need a .3 bump to my GPA.

You are the ideal SMP candidate. You also have a shot at less selective schools as is, particularly your state school unless you are from CA, TX, or MA.

Note that the SMP GPA will not raise your GPA the 0.3 you are looking for. The SMP GPA is a new GPA that will be reflected as a graduate GPA. Your uGPA will remain untouched.

 

[camaras2480]

Is cost a huge issue here? If not I'd do Gtown or Cincy since BU makes you apply after a year rather then while in the program. If cost is an issue, not sure Cincy seems like the cheapest. But like I said mt. sinai is the last choice cuz it is relatively unknown. But do what your gut tells you to do and talk to NY schools for their opinion. Maybe they think differently.

Please note that this is not true. You are free to apply prior to starting the program. You just won't get the official graduate letter until I believe February (this is why many people do wait to complete the first year before applying). You can, however, get LORs from the professors of your fall courses by December.

 

[premed88321]

Hi all!
I just recently discovered that SMPs are an option since my GPA isn't stellar and I've always wanted to go to med school, and I was wondering your thoughts on a few things.

Here are my stats:
- I go to a top Jesuit liberal arts school majoring in Psychology, Pre-Med, and BioPsych (a selective program at my school). I'm going into my senior year.
- cum GPA: 3.24 (I'm hoping to raise it to a 3.4 by graduation)
- BCMP GPA: 2.89 (although it could be a 2.91... that's one of my questions...)
- I haven't taken the MCAT, but I'm an excellent standardized test taker and my verbal score should be quite high.

There hasn't been any significant trend in my GPA and I have all B range science grades except for Gen Chem II and Orgo II that I got a C+ and C in respectively. I was quite sick for most of my sophomore year so that may have had an impact.

My ECs are great (volunteered at an ACS cancer center for 3 years, interned at a center for at-risk children, interned with a top autism research organization, student advisory council for the psych major, co-chair of a leadership group on campus, shadowed a peds cardiologist, peds oncologist, and director of occupational health, and doing individual research all next year with a capstone thesis)

So my questions are:
1) in calculating my science GPA should I include my BioPsych classes? (such as stats, physiological psych, bio of mental disorders, etc?)

2) coming from a Jesuit school does that give me any sort of advantage when applying to Gtown or Loyola?

also,

My plan is to take the MCAT in August or Sept after studying the entire summer after graduation, apply to SMP programs as soon as they open applications up in January, and then apply to medical schools once I hear back from the SMPS. (I'll be hopefuly working while all this is going on doing research or maybe get my EMT license)

Does this sound reasonable/do I sound like a good candidate?

Thanks so much!!

oh! and I'm from CT if that makes a difference

 

[dapmp91]

hey guys, I gotta quick question, I have a 3.1-3.2 GPA and have yet to take the MCAT, )at State University BS in Bio) I will be applying for the Fall 2010 SMP cycle, any thoughts in which way I should head? I have no idea, I am finishing undergrad and it will be my 5th year, I'm doing so because I faced some personal problems and have overcome them. I just need some help on what to do, my advisor at my University is pretty useless so I thought you guys would help.

 

[DrMidlife]

hey guys, I gotta quick question, I have a 3.1-3.2 GPA and have yet to take the MCAT, )at State University BS in Bio) I will be applying for the Fall 2010 SMP cycle, any thoughts in which way I should head? I have no idea, I am finishing undergrad and it will be my 5th year, I'm doing so because I faced some personal problems and have overcome them. I just need some help on what to do, my advisor at my University is pretty useless so I thought you guys would help.

1. Ace the MCAT before you apply to SMPs, which means take it by Jan '10 at the latest. Put everything you've got into a strong performance: take the test once and only once.
2. Take some more upper div science and get A's, big fat A's, before you apply to SMPs, if possible.
3. Apply to SMPs as soon as October and no later than about February, for comfort.
4. My top 3:
- EVMS
- Cincinnati
- Gtown
This would be a top 5, but I can't include Tulane because they require that you're on a med school's waitlist, and I can't include Mt. Sinai because they have a minimum 3.3 (I think).

Best of luck to you.