University of Cincinnati SMP, Class of 2010

[mic2377]

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Recently had my acceptance confirmed. Anyone else on board yet?

App. complete - Mar. 16
Accepted - Apr. 5

Good luck to all, and see you there!


PM me if you are looking for a roommate....

 

[214615]

accepted a few weeks ago, planning on being there.

 

[yadave]

what are u guys's stats? and just out of curiosity: how old are u? I was wondering what the average age of people who go into SMPs is since the average age of medschool applicants and marticulates has gone up too

 

[Ohio SMP]

Wow I was wondering when someone would make a 2010 thread rather then continuing to use the old 2009 thead where all the other current applicants have been posting.

I heard that they have accepted 14 so far for the 28 spots, won't have them all filled til June which is when I guess the deadline is.

they have 10 on hold including myself and 50 on the W/L.

That is what Rob Banks sent Karen Colemen to send me when I inquired about my hold status and getting off of it.

Yeah for 2010! Let's see this list moving.

 

[yettus]

also accepted a few weeks ago and am planning on going.

gpa: 3.4
mcat: 33Q

and i'm 24 years old...i have no idea what the average age is either.

 

[liability]

3.15/33o/25

 

[Pedsbro]

Hey all, I'm a graduate of the 2007-08 SMP class at Cincy. I helped out last year's class and would be more than happy to help you all out too. Any questions you have about the program, the school, or the city, feel free to post on here or PM me. Congrats on getting in and good luck!👍


About the average age, our class was in their mid to upper 20's for the most part.

 

[kmfrank]

I just got notified that I'm on the waiting list, until they can review applicants with "stronger credentials".

Here's hoping that I get in...

3.2, 32S MCAT for reference; I'm 22.

 

[mic2377]

My stats are average. But, LOTS of EC's.

Don't give up hope, from what I heard lots of acceptances (if not at least 50%) are given out May/June.

 

[Pedsbro]

Pedsbro,

I just had to say thank you to you. You and the others like you, DrJD, Daedalus, Immunorocks, The10101, and Tyrkinase have been helpful to those who are trying to decide amongst each of your individual SMPs.

No prob👍

 

[kmfrank]

Anyone heard anything from this program yet?

I just sent in an update letter, but other than that, nothing since I was told I've been waitlisted.

Just wondering if anyone knows how many positions have been filled now.

Thanks!

 

[mic2377]

I haven't heard anything about whether all the spots are filled yet. I believe the app due date is June 1, so you should hear within 3-4 weeks after that.

They turned my app around quickly, around ~3 weeks. Again, I do believe they favor older applicants. They also seem to favor folks from certain institutions who have been successful in the program... just a hunch.

Does anyone have any idea the number of applicants they receive? It is a small program in comparison to G-town or other SMP programs.

 

[Pedsbro]

I haven't heard anything about whether all the spots are filled yet. I believe the app due date is June 1, so you should hear within 3-4 weeks after that.

They turned my app around quickly, around ~3 weeks. Again, I do believe they favor older applicants. They also seem to favor folks from certain institutions who have been successful in the program... just a hunch.

Does anyone have any idea the number of applicants they receive? It is a small program in comparison to G-town or other SMP programs.

Historically, in the 3 years of this program, this is not true at all. My year, the ages ran a fairly wide range and I think this year's class average age is younger than the previous year when I was in it. Most SMP applicants are going to be older than the average med school applicant anyway because for many, it is their 2nd or 3rd time applying...so they have more older applicants to pick from. But believe me, age is not going to be the reason you don't get in!😉

Also, they took people from colleges in the past that I have never even heard of, and they've also taken applicants who went to school in Canada. So I disagree that age and where you went to school are big enough factors to matter.

Last year, they received well over 300 applications I think, and they're probably on that same trend right now, maybe even more since their popularity and notoriety has gone up. It's a small program insofar as the class size (20-25...not sure what it is for next year). Has one heck of a success rate though...

My guess is that not all the spots are filled, because they wouldn't do that before the application deadline. If you have a competitive application, go for it. I have a review of it up on the Rate Your SMP thread...any questions about the program, just PM me.

 

[Ohio SMP]

Still drumming my fingers. Haven't heard back from them at all. I wonder what's taking them so long.

Hey out of curiosity Pedsbro, did you apply to medical school and do your interviews while you were still doing the SMP program or the summer after you started it?

 

[Pedsbro]

Still drumming my fingers. Haven't heard back from them at all. I wonder what's taking them so long.

Hey out of curiosity Pedsbro, did you apply to medical school and do your interviews while you were still doing the SMP program or the summer after you started it?

I waited until the summer after...wanted to get the majority of the program under my belt so that I had some improvements in my application to show the adcoms. Otherwise, had I applied while in the program, I would've been re-applying with the identical (and failed) AMCAS I had used during my first application. Something to think about...🙄

 

[Ohio SMP]

The acceptances are starting to pour out! 🙂

Just got an e-mail recently from Janusz saying that I've been accepted to the program.

Hang in there everyone! I think they're starting to fill their classes and handing out acceptances for the folks on the waiting list!

 

[brownies]

Congratulations Ohio SMP. Unfortunately I am still in waiting mode (for both Cinci and UT). Do you have any idea when we will hear from Toledo? And would you mind listing your stats to give us on the waitlist either some hope or some despair?

 

[Ohio SMP]

Congratulations Ohio SMP. Unfortunately I am still in waiting mode (for both Cinci and UT). Do you have any idea when we will hear from Toledo? And would you mind listing your stats to give us on the waitlist either some hope or some despair?

I called Toledo and Angela (Dr. Bennett-Clark's secretary) told me that they don't look at applications until the first week of June - so you probably won't hear back from them until mid-June at the earliest. She said that they received something like 140 applications for this year and they plan on giving out acceptances in waves. It sounded to me like they plan on accepting those with the strongest credentials first and then waiting a few weeks to see if anyone withdraws their application before accepting those on the wait list. As for my stats, they're similar to those who posted on the earlier threads (3.3-3.5 sGPA and cGPA, mid-30s MCAT on retake).

 

[brownies]

Thanks for the info I appreciate it. Will you choose Cinci for sure over Toledo or is it still up in the air?

 

[rubyfist]

For anyone who's still waiting (like me), I just emailed our friends at UC yesterday to find out my position on the waitlist. Although they told me which third i am in, they also said that they are still reviewing about 50 applications from those who just submitted their credentials. I guess that means that there will be a lot of stuff going on over the next few weeks... I hope that is sort of helpful!

 

[Ohio SMP]

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I got my acceptance here. I haven't heard of anyone else getting in yet. They must have taken people in off the waiting list. Anyone else heard from the program yet?

 

[AlexBTR]

I just heard from Janusz today confirming my acceptance. Very exciting. I'm from Louisiana, so Ohio is very unfamiliar territory to me, though. If anyone is knowledgeable about living arrangements and what is convenient for the school, any information would be much appreciated. I'll also most likely be looking for a roomate(s), so if anyone is interested please PM me.

Sounds like a lot of people were interested in stats also. I'm 22, 3.5 overall and science GPAs from LSU with a 32R.

 

[mic2377]

For living arrangements, I would recommend somewhere around the Clifton/Gaslight district. Apartments in Cincy are fairly cheap, and it shouldn't be too hard to find a place to live.

I have already found a place in that area. It is a short commute by bike, and should be walkable during the winter.

Congrats to all recent accepted folks!

 

[yettus]

Who knows for sure that they will be starting the program in August?

I know I will be there!

 

[Pedsbro]

Who knows for sure that they will be starting the program in August?

I know I will be there!

If you're really asking this, yes it does start in August. The orientation for the SMP is the same week of orientation for the 1st year medical students (Aug 10-14). It will be one of those days that week... I think it was on the Wednesday of that week when I did the SMP.

For those looking for living arrangements, the campus is located in Clifton, and the Gaslight District is literally down the street from the med campus where all of your classes are. Some areas of Clifton are shady (watch out for Ohio St. or anything near it). Others are better, especially in the immediate vicinity of the campus (i.e. Stetson Apts, Piedmont Mews, etc).

Check out: www.uptownrents.com and www.towneproperties.com

Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mt. Lookout are within 10-15 mins drive of school and very popular among students. Mt. Adams and Downtown are also very nice and pretty safe too, but more expensive on average than the other areas I mentioned. Those two are less than 10mins from school.

Stay out of Over the Rhine and Corryville, as well as East Walnut Hills and Avondale, no matter how cheap the rent is. Those are the bad neighborhoods.

Cincinnati is a major city (albeit a small one). So like you would in any such city, no matter where you are living, just be vigilant and don't walk alone at night, don't leave things in your car, etc. Rarely, things do happen around and even on campus (both the med and the undergrad campus), but 99% of them can be prevented by being smart and aware of your surroundings.

Good luck guys...see you in the med classes next year.

 

[AlexBTR]

Thanks. My situation was that I did extremely poorly my first year, no ec's, etc, so that's why I waited until this year to apply. Going back to school was my best option, and the program at Cincinnati seemed perfect (small size, classes in the med school). Can't thank y'all enough for the help on housing.

 

[mic2377]

Personally, I can't imagine doing an SMP with a 3.5. Seems like an expensive solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

I am also excited by the small class size and the general feel of the city. I think the U-Cinn program has much more to offer than the G-town program in this respect.

I am really looking forward to meeting you all during orientation!

 

[yettus]

If you're really asking this, yes it does start in August. The orientation for the SMP is the same week of orientation for the 1st year medical students (Aug 10-14). It will be one of those days that week... I think it was on the Wednesday of that week when I did the SMP.

For those looking for living arrangements, the campus is located in Clifton, and the Gaslight District is literally down the street from the med campus where all of your classes are. Some areas of Clifton are shady (watch out for Ohio St. or anything near it). Others are better, especially in the immediate vicinity of the campus (i.e. Stetson Apts, Piedmont Mews, etc).

Check out: www.uptownrents.com and www.towneproperties.com

Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mt. Lookout are within 10-15 mins drive of school and very popular among students. Mt. Adams and Downtown are also very nice and pretty safe too, but more expensive on average than the other areas I mentioned. Those two are less than 10mins from school.

Stay out of Over the Rhine and Corryville, as well as East Walnut Hills and Avondale, no matter how cheap the rent is. Those are the bad neighborhoods.

Cincinnati is a major city (albeit a small one). So like you would in any such city, no matter where you are living, just be vigilant and don't walk alone at night, don't leave things in your car, etc. Rarely, things do happen around and even on campus (both the med and the undergrad campus), but 99% of them can be prevented by being smart and aware of your surroundings.

Good luck guys...see you in the med classes next year.

ummm no...I guess my question was unclear. I am well aware that the program starts in August. I was asking...who here on SDN knows that they will be a part of the UC SMP 2010 class? Just want to know who my classmates will be.

 

[Pedsbro]

ummm no...I guess my question was unclear. I am well aware that the program starts in August. I was asking...who here on SDN knows that they will be a part of the UC SMP 2010 class? Just want to know who my classmates will be.

I see...


For the poster with a 3.5.. That is in that weird range of GPAs that could be helped by an SMP, but also might be just as much helped with a post-bac program for less money. But here's the thing...the fact you were accepted means they think it will help you and I agree, provided you do well of course. Besides, you're in, so what's done is done.

Also, are you applying while in the program? If so, you will be applying with that 3.5 until you get update letters showing your grades in the med courses after each exam, which may put you at an advantage over your classmates with lower undergrad GPAs. That's the reason I did NOT apply while in this program...my undergrad GPA was lower and I didn't want to send in AMCAS with such a lower GPA that wouldn't make many (if any) cut offs, SMP or not. But a 3.5 will definitely get you past those cut offs. Good luck!

 

[ygree001]

I was waitlisted. I sent an email withdrawing on Saturday because I had been accepted elsewhere and needed to make final plans. I got a response saying I was #1 on the waitlist and he had been about so send me an acceptance, so I would assume it is moving now. Good luck everyone.

 

[Ohio SMP]

I got an e-mail from Dr. Banks with the name of all the students in next year's SMP. Did anyone else get this? Anyone planning on looking for a roommate? Can't wait to meet some of you 🙂

 

[mic2377]

I just got the student list too. Looking forward to orientation and meeting all of you!

 

[jiggga]

How's that possible? Have they finished considering everyone?

 

[mic2377]

According to Dr. Bank's email, there are 2 positions that are still on hold. Not sure what this means. Most likely they have admitted most if not all of the students for this year, though.

 

[jiggga]

Well, that (temporarily) gives me hope. Thanks.

 

[marfs]

Hey everyone! I have lurked this message board for a long time, but never actually joined until now. But yeah, I am part of the program for next year too! Can't wait to meet everyone! I am really excited! I already have an apartment in Clifton and if anyone needs help finding a place let me know, I went and looked at a lot of places when I was there visiting friends from undergrad before I signed a lease!
Also, everyone is giving stats I see, I was a 3.58 (science GPA is a little lower, one semester with mono with a full science course load can do more damage than you would think!) and a 31 on the MCAT and I am 22!
Can't wait to meet you guys!

 

[Ohio SMP]

Well, that (temporarily) gives me hope. Thanks.

Yeah, the e-mail that Dr. Banks sent said that they still have about two spots left. It may change if people get off the waitlist at their medical school and so those people will withdraw their seat from the SMP. That being said, this year's SMP class looks very competitive, we have a few people coming from very highly ranked colleges and based on what the other people's post, it looks like most people who got accepted have very high MCAT scores and reasonably competitive GPAs, so make sure you update the SMP office if you've retaken the MCAT or did well this past semester.

 

[Pedsbro]

How's that possible? Have they finished considering everyone?

Just FYI, he sends the current list (even if it's unfinished) early so you guys can coordinate with each other about housing. My year, we had several students rooming with each other. Also, you all can learn more about each other prior to orientation. I know our year, we all met up the night before orientation. If more people are accepted later, they'll just be added to the list.

Some last minute advice: For those coming out of the area, start looking for housing soon! Undergrad, graduate, and med students are all busy looking for apartments right now. Most who have just graduated would've vacated their places by the end of June, so there should be more openings.

Don't buy any books just yet! Wait until you get the syllabus from each class and see if you need any supplemental resources. Each class will have a list of recommended books if you feel you need them, but none of your exams will test anything in a specific book. The physiology syllabus is over 1000 pages and is pretty much a text book in itself. I will suggest taking a look at the Wheater's histology atlas...lots of people found this helpful for Microanatomy. And if you buy them, buy them used or online...the bookstore, like most college bookstores, is ridiculously expensive!

I take it you all have laptops (you should). For Macbook users, a few people my year had some issues during the microanatomy exams (which are online, as are the embryology exams), so watch out and make sure it works before the exams! If you haven't bought one yet, personally I would get a PC-based laptop just for simplicity sake...it does NOT need to be a high-end one at all! Also, try to get your computer connected to the campus network ASAP before classes start on the 17th. A couple people had some unexpected trouble getting connected, and you need network access for every class.

If I think of anything else to help you guys out, I'll let you know. See you all in class in a month! Congrats to all of you...this program isn't easy to get into. It will be well worth it if you put in the required effort!

 

[marfs]

For Macbook users, a few people my year had some issues during the microanatomy exams (which are online, as are the embryology exams), so watch out and make sure it works before the exams! If you haven't bought one yet, personally I would get a PC-based laptop just for simplicity sake...it does NOT need to be a high-end one at all! Also, try to get your computer connected to the campus network ASAP before classes start on the 17th. A couple people had some unexpected trouble getting connected, and you need network access for every class.

Do you happen to know why they had issues with their macbooks? Did they just need a different browser or software plug-ins?
Also, can we access the system now before orientation? We haven't been sent any information about it, but I would like to get acquainted with the campus network if I could now.

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[Pedsbro]

Do you happen to know why they had issues with their macbooks? Did they just need a different browser or software plug-ins?
Also, can we access the system now before orientation? We haven't been sent any information about it, but I would like to get acquainted with the campus network if I could now.

Thanks for your help in advance!

I unfortunately do not know exactly what the issue was. I doubt it was as simple as using the wrong browser though. I think it had something to do with Java. It was only two people and I just know they had trouble seeing the slide images come up during the exams. It's more than likely that those issues are easily resolved by now, since this was two years ago.

I don't think you can access the network until you are registered and get a school ID and all that stuff. You have to register your computer's MAC address and download some software I think. But you will have plenty of time that week and weekend before class starts to get acquainted. Just don't wait until the first week of class to try to get connected in case there is a problem. The vast majority of people had no issues at all.

 

[marfs]

Great! Thanks!

 

[Looking Glass]

Long time lurker here. Got into Cincy SMP a few months ago. Anything up? Did everyone register for classes yet?

 

[mic2377]

Yep, I just registered for classes. 20 credits of incredible fun for the first block. Yee-haw!

For those interested in the course schedule:
1. Medical Biochem - 7 cr
2. Medical Physio - 7 cr
3. Histology - 4 cr
4. 2 seminars - 2 cr

I met with Dr. Banks this past week to discuss the program. He is very informative and willing to help students. I feel privileged to have such great faculty here.

 

[Pedsbro]

Just under 2 weeks guys! Hope you all are somewhat excited.

A few more tips I thought of and that some of you have asked about in PMs...

-Food: So this stuff will probably be covered in your orientation next Wednesday, but there are tons of places. First, there's the University Hospital (UH) cafeteria. Cheap food, but also cheaper quality. Next to the cafeteria is Mark Pi's. It's a small chinese takeout place that's very popular among students and staff. The food isn't bad at all (tastes like Panda Express), although they have a limited menu. Great break from cafeteria food. You can go across the street to Children's Hospital, which has a great cafeteria/food court. They have a Gold Star Chili, La Rosa's Pizza, and then a grill that has better tasting food than UH's cafeteria (IMO). So better food and far better selection, but you'll pay a little more at Children's... Also, in the Children's research building (the "S" building, across from med school main entrance), there's a small cafe with tasty food also (sandwiches, mini pizza, etc). Lastly, you can take the shuttle to main campus (runs every 10-15 mins outside of Eden garage) and eat at the food court or Subway there. There's also a Chipotle across the street from UH now too. Plenty of options...

-Parking: Eden garage is it really. For those living in Stetson or Piedmont Mews, lucky you! No driving to school necessary. The public transportation isn't bad...it's cheap and has stops all over the city. Unfortunately, from what I heard, they no longer offer free rides for UC students, but I'm not 100% sure on that...they might still offer discounts. If you are only going to drive in the winter (and otherwise walk or bike), then only buy a parking pass for winter quarter. OR, you can roll the dice and try to find street parking around the campus or in the nearby neighborhood (come early if you want to do that...and good luck haha).

-Get to know some med students. They can pass down any tutoring materials that you may not have access to. Other than that, you will all get the same resources as the med students. Also, you are members of the Dept of Physiology, so get to know the staff and also the PhD students. Once the med classes are over, many of your grad courses will include them.

-Ask questions in Seminar! I know some will be boring and you wish you could be catching up on studying or sleep, but I tell you this to spare you the wrath of certain people!! If anything, designate a few people for each seminar to ask something, so it's not the same individuals every time. Just show you are paying attention (do not fall asleep). Having said that, there are some seminars that were really interesting, and even relevant to what you're studying. Attendance is mandatory.

-Careers is similar. Most of the speakers are really interesting, and it's nice to learn about other health professions. Even if you know you won't go into that, it's still good to see where these professionals are coming from, since as a doctor, you will be working with them!! Attendance is mandatory.

-Some of you asked about going to class. My opinion in this respect, just like anyone else's, means almost nothing haha. It's up to you and your learning style. I would suggest you at least try going for the first couple weeks, or maybe until the first set of exams and see how you do. Histology lab is something I wouldn't miss too often, since faculty is there and can individually help you. I would NOT miss any of the clinical correlation lectures. They are taught by MDs and are very interesting, and you will be tested on them too. Gotta have some reminder about what you're doing all this for, right? Those lectures had the largest attendance...sometimes people sat on the floor.

Personally, I went to most classes, but I did skip several if I felt too far behind or just felt that I could learn the topic better on my own rather than the instructor teaching it to me. My year, we had a few who went to every class and one or two who never showed up except to the mandatory ones....but most fall somewhere in between. Keep in mind that this all refers to the medical class lectures...the small group discussions (where you are quizzed) and the graduate courses you take in the 2nd half of the year are all mandatory!

Hope that helps...

 

[xerces]

Hey Pedsbro, just wanted to say thanks to you, drjd, the others who have gotten through their smps and are helps us newbs out.

I was just wondering how good public transport was in the area around the university i.e do you have to live within walking distance of the campus if you dont have a car? They just told me I got in so I'm attempting to figure out housing right now ..

You mentioned get to know some med students, I was just wondering how competitive people were in the classes we have with med school students (i.e is there a lot of stabbing people in the back). Also I was wondering how you got to know the med students who had already taken the med school classes I'd be taking this year.

Thanks again for your help 🙂 If you dont mind me asking, where did you end up going for med school?

 

[Pedsbro]

Hey Pedsbro, just wanted to say thanks to you, drjd, the others who have gotten through their smps and are helps us newbs out.

I was just wondering how good public transport was in the area around the university i.e do you have to live within walking distance of the campus if you dont have a car? They just told me I got in so I'm attempting to figure out housing right now ..

You mentioned get to know some med students, I was just wondering how competitive people were in the classes we have with med school students (i.e is there a lot of stabbing people in the back). Also I was wondering how you got to know the med students who had already taken the med school classes I'd be taking this year.

Thanks again for your help 🙂 If you dont mind me asking, where did you end up going for med school?

The Metro system in Cincinnati is pretty good from what I hear (I've never ridden it myself though). Take a look at http://www.uc.edu/af/facilities/go_METRO.html to find out about getting a pass. They offer discounted fare cards to UC students. You do not HAVE to live within walking distance if you have a bike or you dont' mind using the bus, but you should take a look at the Metro maps of their bus lines. In the winter, a bike might not be usable, so taking the bus or carpooling will have to be arranged.

There really was no atmosphere of competition that I saw. The med students have no reason to "fear" the SMP students, because they are graded separately and SMP grades are not folded into the med class average obviously. Everyone was very helpful to us, and among yourselves, you will become a very close knit group and will help each other. Believe me, you will be the odd man out if you come in with that "typical pre med" cut-throat attitude. The reason I said get to know a few is because you can get all kinds of advice when it comes to admissions and interviewing, and also any tutoring materials that SMP students normally wouldn't have access to.
As to how... Chances are you will sit next to different ones in class each week...talk to them, tell them who you are. I didn't seek out ones who had taken the class before, although you'll meet a few former SMP students during your orientation, some of which may also be incoming med students.

I will be attending UCCOM

 

[mic2377]

I have been in Cincy since the end of July. I can state that the city is quite easy to get around and bus service is satisfactory. However, I mainly ride my bike around. Most of the streets are nice and wide, and have good bike lanes. The one problem is that UC really just doesn't have enough bike racks! Housing is still very available, and I ended up living in the Clifton area, which is a 15 min walk to campus. I don't imagine needing a car while I am here.

I have already met some of the recent SMP graduates, and everyone is very friendly, from the faculty to the students. The way the program is set up, the motivation to be cutthroat/competitive just isn't there.

Congrats on the late acceptance!

 

[Looking Glass]

-Ask questions in Seminar! I know some will be boring and you wish you could be catching up on studying or sleep, but I tell you this to spare you the wrath of certain people!! If anything, designate a few people for each seminar to ask something, so it's not the same individuals every time. Just show you are paying attention (do not fall asleep). Having said that, there are some seminars that were really interesting, and even relevant to what you're studying. Attendance is mandatory.

-Careers is similar. Most of the speakers are really interesting, and it's nice to learn about other health professions. Even if you know you won't go into that, it's still good to see where these professionals are coming from, since as a doctor, you will be working with them!! Attendance is mandatory.

-Some of you asked about going to class. My opinion in this respect, just like anyone else's, means almost nothing haha. It's up to you and your learning style. I would suggest you at least try going for the first couple weeks, or maybe until the first set of exams and see how you do. Histology lab is something I wouldn't miss too often, since faculty is there and can individually help you. I would NOT miss any of the clinical correlation lectures. They are taught by MDs and are very interesting, and you will be tested on them too. Gotta have some reminder about what you're doing all this for, right? Those lectures had the largest attendance...sometimes people sat on the floor.

Personally, I went to most classes, but I did skip several if I felt too far behind or just felt that I could learn the topic better on my own rather than the instructor teaching it to me. My year, we had a few who went to every class and one or two who never showed up except to the mandatory ones....but most fall somewhere in between. Keep in mind that this all refers to the medical class lectures...the small group discussions (where you are quizzed) and the graduate courses you take in the 2nd half of the year are all mandatory!

Hope that helps...

Sorry to bother you Pedsbro. I know that the exam attendance are mandatory no matter what. But are the seminars and career classes mandatory as well if you have interviews on the same day? I notice that the seminars and career classes occur pretty frequently. How did the people who attended the SMP manage to pull off interviewing and attending those at the same time?

 

[Pedsbro]

Sorry to bother you Pedsbro. I know that the exam attendance are mandatory no matter what. But are the seminars and career classes mandatory as well if you have interviews on the same day? I notice that the seminars and career classes occur pretty frequently. How did the people who attended the SMP manage to pull off interviewing and attending those at the same time?

Yes, the careers class and seminar are in fact mandatory. You will get your schedule during orientation and can therefore arrange your medical school interviews accordingly. Most med schools let you pick a date out of several choices, and if not, you can call and rearrange if you tell them you have a mandatory class. For the rare ones that choose not to allow you to change your date, then you'll need to talk to Dr. Banks. I'm sure he can accommodate you in that case. Exams are not changeable...do not miss them under any circumstances! I don't remember it being a problem for anyone in my SMP class

 

[mbm54]

Hey guys,

Congrats on those who were accepted! I see a lot of people had GPAs around 3.5. I have a 3.1GPA. Should I even bother applying?! Any advice would be much appreciated!