(un)Official General Post-Bacc/SMP thread for Fall 2014

[Member 238625]

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Hey everyone, I know this is extremely early seeing as how it's only September 2013 but it's never too early to start a thread about postbaccs/SMP/research programs for those looking to apply during this year for the fall of 2014.

I hope we can have this thread be something along the lines of helping each other with updates, start dates/deadlines, and any & all possible postbacc/SMP/research programs for the Fall of 2014. I have graduated a while back, and I'm currently working and doing research in a hospital, so I'm not in a student environment with counselors telling us about all the start dates.

I'll start: Here's a cool paid 10-week summer undergraduate research internship at Harvard for underrepresented students interested in research careers in genome sciences

Since I'm in CA, I'm hoping people can help out with info regarding the UC Postbacc program, as well as any & all SMP programs from the East to the West coasts. Thanks!

I'm hoping we can be helpful and look out for each other because we're all in this together 👍

 

[justalittlestar]

👍 Sounds good. Nothing wrong with starting things off early. I'm already getting things together for applications. I gotta say, I'm not sure how helpful a general thread will be considering there will probably be threads opened for each individual program for Fall 2014 applicants.

 

[Member 238625]

Doesn't necessarily have to be super specific about each school, but just a general thread where we can post about programs, start dates, deadlines, etc. We'll see just how popular it gets, who knows

 

[Ryush]

Does anyone know how great an advantage applying super early (Nov/Dec or whenever the applications are available) vs something like January? So, for example, would it be more beneficial for an applicant to apply November w/ a 2.9 or January with a 3.0?

I'm wondering because I had pretty poor grades my first two years, and have just begun an upward trend last year (although a pretty huge one). My GPA will (hopefully) go up quite a bit this semester, but I'm not sure if applying early would benefit me more or if a slightly higher gpa would.

 

[HaynesCabriolet]

.

 

[justalittlestar]

Does anyone know how great an advantage applying super early (Nov/Dec or whenever the applications are available) vs something like January? So, for example, would it be more beneficial for an applicant to apply November w/ a 2.9 or January with a 3.0?

I'm wondering because I had pretty poor grades my first two years, and have just begun an upward trend last year (although a pretty huge one). My GPA will (hopefully) go up quite a bit this semester, but I'm not sure if applying early would benefit me more or if a slightly higher gpa would.

I guess it depends on how strong your application is. Schools do allow you to update information during the application process like sending in updated grades/scores and anything that's beneficial to the program.

 

[Want2knowitall]

Hello,

I too am planning to apply for a postback, masters program. Have a poor verbal so looking for programs that would be willing to overlook it. English not a first or second language.

Thanks

 

[erure]

Hey guys I posted in WAMC forum but haven't really heard back from anyone. Do you guys think I have a shot at schools with linkages (i.e. Cincinnati, Georgetown, EVMS, RFU, Drexel, BU MAMS, etc) with a 3.0 cGPA, 2.9 sGPA and 35 MCAT? I am taking 2 classes at CC just to get LORs (nontrad) and as soon as I have my personal statement and LORs, I'll be applying. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck to all of us

 

[pyrrion89]

Hey everyone, I know this is extremely early seeing as how it's only September 2013 but it's never too early to start a thread about postbaccs/SMP/research programs for those looking to apply during this year for the fall of 2014.

I hope we can have this thread be something along the lines of helping each other with updates, start dates/deadlines, and any & all possible postbacc/SMP/research programs for the Fall of 2014. I have graduated a while back, and I'm currently working and doing research in a hospital, so I'm not in a student environment with counselors telling us about all the start dates.

I'll start: Here's a cool paid 10-week summer undergraduate research internship at Harvard for underrepresented students interested in research careers in genome sciences

Since I'm in CA, I'm hoping people can help out with info regarding the UC Postbacc program, as well as any & all SMP programs from the East to the West coasts. Thanks!

I'm hoping we can be helpful and look out for each other because we're all in this together 👍

Good luck guys! I was a scared career changer 2 years ago. Felt like a huge uphill journey. But if you work hard it will pay off more than you can imagine! I am applying to med school right now, and schools LOVE nontraditional applicants. 😍

Don't be afraid to move a little ways from where you are to go to an outside post-bacc. One thing I wish I did was move to a place that had cheap rent and a post-bacc. (I went to one in expensive San Francisco!)

 

[Hailstorm]

schools LOVE nontraditional applicants. 😍

It could be your awfully nice stats too, good work.

 

[darklabel]

It could be your awfully nice stats too, good work.

Yeah, I would say thats whats giving you most of the love.

Not saying that schools don't like non-trads, but I wouldn't go as far as saying they love them more than trads. But the life experiences and what not helps alot also.

End of the day, it can be a 20 year old or 40 year old, but you still need to show a well rounded app.

Good luck everyone

 

[deleted248403]

end of the day, it can be a 20 year old or 40 year old, but you still need to show a well rounded app.

+1

 

[ClassicJandT]

Hey guys I posted in WAMC forum but haven't really heard back from anyone. Do you guys think I have a shot at schools with linkages (i.e. Cincinnati, Georgetown, EVMS, RFU, Drexel, BU MAMS, etc) with a 3.0 cGPA, 2.9 sGPA and 35 MCAT? I am taking 2 classes at CC just to get LORs (nontrad) and as soon as I have my personal statement and LORs, I'll be applying. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck to all of us

I mean you definitely fit the mold numbers wise and you have as good of a shot as anyone. Is there a chance at pulling sgpa up over 3.0 with the 2 CC classes? I would throw an app into Temple ACMS as it's high linkage as well. Good luck! I'm getting my scores back in less than two weeks so I'm hoping to be in the same position as you soon.

 

[erure]

I mean you definitely fit the mold numbers wise and you have as good of a shot as anyone. Is there a chance at pulling sgpa up over 3.0 with the 2 CC classes? I would throw an app into Temple ACMS as it's high linkage as well. Good luck! I'm getting my scores back in less than two weeks so I'm hoping to be in the same position as you soon.

I calculated it and it's awfully close -- something like 2.98 🙁 I'm probably going to take more classes in the winter quarter too to boost up the GPA and hopefully I can pull it up to cGPA 3.1 and sGPA 3.0. The only thing is, I intend to submit my application much sooner than that since most SMPs are rolling admissions so I don't know how helpful it will be for my SMP application. But still, I will take more classes and try to boost up the GPA. Anyway thank you for the reply and good luck to you too! I hope you get the score you want!

Oh yeah. I don't think I'll be putting in an app to Temple because I think they have a GPA requirement of 3.3 V_V

edit: I just looked it up and Temple ACMS doesn't have a GPA requirement -- I thought they used to. Anyway I guess I can submit an application to them too. Thanks!

 

[Ryush]

What programs are you all applying to? I'm looking at RFU, EVMS, u cincy, Toledo, and BU MAMS right now.

 

[erure]

What programs are you all applying to? I'm looking at RFU, EVMS, u cincy, Toledo, and BU MAMS right now.

I'm looking at UC, RFU, EVMS, BU MAMS, and Temple ACMS (pretty much not worth even applying for with my low GPA but I'll take a whack at it anyway). Also thinking about Georgetown and Drexel. I think I had more on the list but I forget... 😳

 

[TonySoprano]

Erure, you have a great shot at RFU

 

[erure]

Erure, you have a great shot at RFU

Thank you! Good to know I have a shot somewhere 😳

 

[Ryush]

erure, looks like we're in similar positions. My GPA is not so great right now, but I did well last semester. I'm weighing whether I should apply now or apply immediately after this semester's grades, which should hopefully be similar to last semester's.

 

[RegisBioMedMS]

Ryush... wait until you have your fall semester grades on your transcript before you apply. January is still early enough for most programs and you'll have a better chance of admission. With a strong upward trend and a reasonable exam score, you'll stand a good chance at many schools. Also, be sure to explain briefly your grade situation and the reason for your dramatic improvement in your essay. It will help the adcoms to see that this good trend will continue in their coursework too.

 

[FormerPhysicist]

I didn't really want to start a brand new thread for these questions, so I thought I might get some opinions in the general thread. Does having multiple (say, 4) MCAT scores affect my chances at high linkage programs? I'm not too worried about getting into one, but rather about my odds of matriculation to that school after the program.

Also, would it be worth the cost to apply to Tulane's ACP with a 3.3 cGPA and 31 MCAT? I'm pretty sure I've been waitlisted at a certain school which makes me eligible to apply, but I'm not sure I'm up to their standards academically.

Edit to expand the question a little bit: I applied to the schools with SMP's that I'm interested in via AMCAS in an effort to save time on LORs and applications later in the year. I've already been rejected pre-interview from most of them. Is it worth it to do an SMP with a school if I couldn't even get an interview from them pre-SMP?

 

[erure]

I didn't really want to start a brand new thread for these questions, so I thought I might get some opinions in the general thread. Does having multiple (say, 4) MCAT scores affect my chances at high linkage programs? I'm not too worried about getting into one, but rather about my odds of matriculation to that school after the program.

Also, would it be worth the cost to apply to Tulane's ACP with a 3.3 cGPA and 31 MCAT? I'm pretty sure I've been waitlisted at a certain school which makes me eligible to apply, but I'm not sure I'm up to their standards academically.

Edit to expand the question a little bit: I applied to the schools with SMP's that I'm interested in via AMCAS in an effort to save time on LORs and applications later in the year. I've already been rejected pre-interview from most of them. Is it worth it to do an SMP with a school if I couldn't even get an interview from them pre-SMP?

I think it's still worth it to apply to an SMP even if you get rejected from their MD/DO program. Obviously they have different standards since people are taking the SMP to get themselves up to the level where they can apply and get into MD/DO programs. Also I think you should apply to Tulane as long as you qualify (have a waitlist from a med school). I'm applying to Temple ACMS and I think their average GPA for that program is a good 0.5 points higher than my GPA ._.

 

[1358]

Hi guys! I am also planning to apply to a few SMPs. Do you think I have a good chance at BU and/or Tufts? 3.39 cGPA, 3.2 sGPA, 29 MCAT. I'm planning on applying within the next week or so due to my lower stats, but I'm trying to decide if I have a reasonable chance.
Also, how in depth are you all going into the "why us" essays?

 

[justalittlestar]

Hi guys! I am also planning to apply to a few SMPs. Do you think I have a good chance at BU and/or Tufts? 3.39 cGPA, 3.2 sGPA, 29 MCAT. I'm planning on applying within the next week or so due to my lower stats, but I'm trying to decide if I have a reasonable chance.
Also, how in depth are you all going into the "why us" essays?

Some of those "why us" essays have a limit right?

I was unsure about that too but I'm thinking it's best to just keep it clear and concise.

Some programs ask for a personal statement which I'm assuming is something that would be a lot longer.

 

[jackbauer29]

Hey everyone.
I was just looking for some advice.
I'm American with a lebanese background and have done under grad in lebanon. This country isn't safe at all and some personal circumstances have affected my gpa.
I'm graduating in may with a 3.0 gpa and a 31 on my mcat.
With these stats, do you recommend a Postbacc or and SMP do increase my chances of getting accepted into medical school?

 

[darklabel]

Hey everyone.
I was just looking for some advice.
I'm American with a lebanese background and have done under grad in lebanon. This country isn't safe at all and some personal circumstances have affected my gpa.
I'm graduating in may with a 3.0 gpa and a 31 on my mcat.
With these stats, do you recommend a Postbacc or and SMP do increase my chances of getting accepted into medical school?

I believe most medical school require that you received a degree from a US or Canadian school, so you should be looking into doing a post-bacc here.

 

[ifonlyifonly]

What time frame is considered "early" vs "late" vs "on time"? My main thing is rec letters. I only recently asked profs since they were from last semester, and thus it will probably take time. Do they start reviewing your application before the letters are in, or do they wait until everything is done?

 

[justalittlestar]

What time frame is considered "early" vs "late" vs "on time"? My main thing is rec letters. I only recently asked profs since they were from last semester, and thus it will probably take time. Do they start reviewing your application before the letters are in, or do they wait until everything is done?

They don't review your app until everything is in. Yeah the rec letters can be a pain. That's why I've heard it's good to give the person you're asking an earlier deadline than when you really need the letter. Not saying you should lie but allow enough time especially if they're the type of people to drag their feet.

 

[erure]

What time frame is considered "early" vs "late" vs "on time"? My main thing is rec letters. I only recently asked profs since they were from last semester, and thus it will probably take time. Do they start reviewing your application before the letters are in, or do they wait until everything is done?

Yeah it's not reviewed until everything is turned in, which is a bummer. I am in the same situation and waiting on just one more letter from a prof. I sent him a gentle reminder email but no response. Gah.

 

[Solard]

What time frame is considered "early" vs "late" vs "on time"? My main thing is rec letters. I only recently asked profs since they were from last semester, and thus it will probably take time. Do they start reviewing your application before the letters are in, or do they wait until everything is done?

I'm interested in this too. I'm just waiting until I can pay off this semester's tuition bill and release my transcripts to schools. I think I won't get my app in until early march :/

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

Now seems to be "on time," but keep in mind that this is when people who have been rejected/waitlisted from med school are considering SMPs. The slight boost you'll get from this semester's grades (presumably) mean less the longer you wait... nurse the other parts of your application, apply ASAP, and hope for the best!

 

[yourethewurst]

I applied to probably 10-15 programs, and have only heard back from 6 so far.
One was an informal DIY program at my local state university, which I knew I'd be accepted to.
One was a 2 yr formal program at a private college in my home state, which I also knew I'd be accepted to (safety/backup.)
I received an interview from one of my frontrunner choices, and am going to interview in March.
I received an acceptance from Meredith College's post bacc
and I am waitlisted at another school.

I still have to hear from a bunch.