Hi. I'm new to this thread and so I may have skipped some pages and if my questions have already been answered then I apologize. I'm an undergrad at USF and I am interested in the IMS program. So I have a couple of questions.
1) What is the max gpa that someone can have to be accepted. I know the min is 3.0 gpa & 22 MCAT score. But if someone were to say have a 3.4 (this is all hypothetical) bcpm and 30 MCAT would they still be eligible for the program?
2) How much does it cost to attend the program? I checked the website and every time I click financial aid it sends me to the medical school student website.
3) Does the IMS program factor ethnicity into their acceptance? I don't want to get in based on URM status but I'm just wondering.
4) If someone were to gain an acceptance into the USF IMS program would they be required to attend USF for Medical School? How does this work actually? Are you guaranteed admittance to the medical school or do you have to apply like everyone else? Do they mind if you were to apply to other Medical Schools?
So those are my main questions. I checked the website out and I'm really interested. Thing is since I'm a Junior (for 2008-2009 year) and technically have 3 more years (gen ed and major requirements and bad semester is causing me to graduate a semester later but I decided that I may do a post bacc so instead of graduating Fall of 2010 I decided that I'll graduate Spring of 2011 instead) I want to look at all my options first.
Edit: Oh and another question, lol, I noticed on the course curriculum that they have the classes picked out for you for the Fall Semester, Spring Semester and Summer Semester. For the Summer are those the first classes you take. If you're admitted to the program (IMS or any other SMP that USF has) when do you start? If you start in the Fall then when would you take your summer courses? Would this affect the Med Schools that you apply to?
this thread is more for students entering into the one year Master's programs at USF, but to the best of my abilities:
1. I don't know if there is a max value for gpa's or MCAT for the program. In the past I know people have reported they got in with test scores in that 27-29 range and lower. I don't know anyone in the program now so I couldn't say what kind of test scores people have. Maybe some of the people who applied to the program this year could share with you what their scores are. I would say if you have a 3.4 and a 30, don't waste your money on the IMS without giving the application cycle a shot first.
2. I believe IMS students pay full med school tuition for the program. The tuition for USF this year is a little less than 23K. Consider also that you won't be able to work to support yourself, so you'll also have to get loans to cover living. I'm taking out approximately 42k this year for tuition + living (ouch). That's a lot considering there aren't any guarantees with the program and if you get in you have to repeat everything.
3. I think the program officially does not select based on any under represented status, but I could be wrong.
4. You are not guaranteed anything with the program. From what I understand, students are going through the application process through USF and other schools at the same time as they are taking the classes. I think USF waits on the IMS students until nearly the end of the year, and then offers late interviews based on performance. I don't know if students are interviewing for actual spots, or just waitlist places. I think in the end a good number of students from IMS end up getting in, but it's in no way a guarantee. You are in the actual med school classes with the regular students, taking the same tests, etc. The only difference is you don't do any of the patient related stuff. It's a very tough program and in no way a back door into school. Classes wise, in the summer the IMS students take the pre-matriculation program, which is offered to the incoming M1 students and allows them to get a feel for how classes are taught and identify study habit weaknesses before real classes begin. In the fall, you'll start with the M1's in the molecular medicine block that begins approximately the last week of August.
I think the IMS program is a good option for students who maybe have tried multiple times and been unable to get a solid MCAT score, but have otherwise strong credentials. But, I don't think anyone would suggest doing a SMP-type program without applying at least once. Sure they can be helpful if you do well, but they'll bury you if you don't. The one year M.S. programs at USF that several of us have gone through or are about to are also options. The classes are graduate level, challenging, and very good at boosting your academic record, but not as time consuming as the med school classes. This opens up a lot more time to do other things to improve your application. Plus it's cheaper. Good luck.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7Nb2hPiQLLU&NR=1
