I realize that there are tons of forums for the other Tulane MS programs but there is not one with sufficient information on their micro & immunology program. I was recently accepted and received some info from the program director and wanted to share it to help anyone applying to postbac programs.
The program is new (~5 years) and is VERY comparable to their other MS programs like anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, cell & mol bio. It piggybacks off the structure and objectives of these already established programs. Similar to all their other programs the main goals is to enhance the applicant's resume for health professional schools. It will not change your ugpa you will be provided a (hopefully) shiny new grad gpa. They have minimal data on their students due to the age of the program but I was told the number was ~70% who applied were accepted to med school their first time with others still applying in their gap year.
Whether or not is is a "true" SMP is subjective. The host school is an MD school, it has relatively high success rates and classes are taught by SOM faculty. Still a new program so it's hard to tell. However it is clear that it is not a traditional masters that would not be viewed as representative of a challenging med curriculum. The program director stated that there are 3 classes (advanced immunology, medical micro, and medical biochemistry) that are designed to mock med classes and in fact go into more detail than their med school counter parts. Yes you read that right, more detail, take it with a grain of salt. Classes are taught in the SOM by their faculty. You will receive a masters and have the opportunity to complete a thesis track by generating a review paper or a non-thesis by just taking more credits (30 vs. 26). You will be paired with an advisor and faculty mentor and have the opportunity for clinical advisement, shadowing, research, ect.. A committee letter will also be provided upon request that will emphasize the difficulty of the program to demonstrate your potential to succeed in med school...if you do well.
***As a side note I was told that the MS in pharmacology will no longer be taking their pharm class with M2 students due to some rearrangement in Tulane's SOM.***
Overall it seems like a great program and I plan on attending Fall 2018. Tulane has a respectable record with their postbac success and I would argue this will be no different. Apply to this program if you are interested in micro and immunology. If you like anatomy or biochemistry more, then apply to those instead. They all share the same objectives but you'll be learning about something you actually enjoy.
Like all SMP-styled programs you are taking a risk and it should be noted that while doing well will definitely help you, doing poorly will likely be the end of your medical career. Don't start thinking "I'll just do really good and I'll get into every program I want!". I have a 3.2gpa 2.9sgpa 510 MCAT and will likely be taking a semester or two of DIY postbac as well. There is no easy way in if you need gpa repair. Make a solid plan, put in the work, prove yourself, network with faculty, never stop doing ECs and do your best. No program will ultimately determine your merit, it is your responsibility to take advantage of every opportunity that a school and community have to offer.
Hope this helps!!!
The program is new (~5 years) and is VERY comparable to their other MS programs like anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, cell & mol bio. It piggybacks off the structure and objectives of these already established programs. Similar to all their other programs the main goals is to enhance the applicant's resume for health professional schools. It will not change your ugpa you will be provided a (hopefully) shiny new grad gpa. They have minimal data on their students due to the age of the program but I was told the number was ~70% who applied were accepted to med school their first time with others still applying in their gap year.
Whether or not is is a "true" SMP is subjective. The host school is an MD school, it has relatively high success rates and classes are taught by SOM faculty. Still a new program so it's hard to tell. However it is clear that it is not a traditional masters that would not be viewed as representative of a challenging med curriculum. The program director stated that there are 3 classes (advanced immunology, medical micro, and medical biochemistry) that are designed to mock med classes and in fact go into more detail than their med school counter parts. Yes you read that right, more detail, take it with a grain of salt. Classes are taught in the SOM by their faculty. You will receive a masters and have the opportunity to complete a thesis track by generating a review paper or a non-thesis by just taking more credits (30 vs. 26). You will be paired with an advisor and faculty mentor and have the opportunity for clinical advisement, shadowing, research, ect.. A committee letter will also be provided upon request that will emphasize the difficulty of the program to demonstrate your potential to succeed in med school...if you do well.
***As a side note I was told that the MS in pharmacology will no longer be taking their pharm class with M2 students due to some rearrangement in Tulane's SOM.***
Overall it seems like a great program and I plan on attending Fall 2018. Tulane has a respectable record with their postbac success and I would argue this will be no different. Apply to this program if you are interested in micro and immunology. If you like anatomy or biochemistry more, then apply to those instead. They all share the same objectives but you'll be learning about something you actually enjoy.
Like all SMP-styled programs you are taking a risk and it should be noted that while doing well will definitely help you, doing poorly will likely be the end of your medical career. Don't start thinking "I'll just do really good and I'll get into every program I want!". I have a 3.2gpa 2.9sgpa 510 MCAT and will likely be taking a semester or two of DIY postbac as well. There is no easy way in if you need gpa repair. Make a solid plan, put in the work, prove yourself, network with faculty, never stop doing ECs and do your best. No program will ultimately determine your merit, it is your responsibility to take advantage of every opportunity that a school and community have to offer.
Hope this helps!!!
Last edited:
