Western U have a SMP?

[wiiturtledove]

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I only saw masters programs there that last 2 yrs long. Thought I heard they had a SMP this year.

 

[bwmore]

The application for the 1 year program just went online available. Its the medical masters program. However, you don't take any medical school classes. I'm thinking about applying b/c I have a glide year and its close to where I'm from. The only problem is that everything must be in by april 15 and I don't think I'll have all my LORs in by then.

 

[wiiturtledove]

Ah I see, only reason for me is my bro lives like 10 miles away. I can just live in his house for a year and save on rent.

 

[DbDan]

It is not a "true" SMP where you take med school classes against the medical school students but it is designed as an enhancement program to help get you into med school. What they do have which is nice is they have a 10 person linkage program with WesternU. The preliminary stats required for the guaranteed admission to Western are a 3.0 in the completed program and a 34 on the MCAT. Personally, I feel that their MCAT requirement is set far too high since the average for the DO school is only 28...

Regardless, I submitted my application about an hr after it went live and have spoken with the director a few times over the last month regarding the program. If you have some general questions and don't want to call them I can probably answer a few things.

 

[jslo85]

oh man 34. That's pretty steep especially for DO schools. Western does have a higher emphasis on MCAT seeing their average for their matriculating MS1s is higher than most other osteopathic schools by 1-2 pts but that's about 5-6 pts above the average.

 

[bwmore]

Hey Dbdan,

How did you indicate on the application that you were applying to the linkage program?

Also, I think the reason they require such a high mcat is because in the fall semester, one of the classes you take is a test prep course for whatever health field your interested in. So basically they make you take class to prepare for the MCAT, so they expect you to do well.

 

[DbDan]

Hey Dbdan,

How did you indicate on the application that you were applying to the linkage program?

Also, I think the reason they require such a high mcat is because in the fall semester, one of the classes you take is a test prep course for whatever health field your interested in. So basically they make you take class to prepare for the MCAT, so they expect you to do well.

You actually don't indicate on the application that you are applying for the linkage. The linkage program will be a second application that must be submitted and also a second interview. They haven't put up the linkage application yet, I suspect that it may be given after acceptance to the MSMS program.

Regardless of having to take a test prep course as part of the program a 34 is still a high score on the MCAT. There are a large majority of people who will take test prep and do not score a 34 on the real exam, me being one of them. I'm frustrated due to the fact that I got a 33 the first time and with their tentative score I'm going to have to retake as part of the program just to qualify for linkage, when my score is average for most MD schools 😡

 

[bwmore]

So, has anyone been accepted to this program yet?

 

[DbDan]

So, has anyone been accepted to this program yet?

I turned in my application Day 1 and my LORs are still being marked as not arrived (although I received confirmation that they were there a week ago). The application just opened on March 8th so I doubt anyone has actually been accepted, there MAY be an interview invite or two floating out there currently.

I also received an update about the linkage program. From the admissions counselor:

The linkage application is not yet available. As to my understanding if you are selected for an interview, you will at that time need to make mention that you are interested in our DO Linkage. You will then be provided with more information at that time.

It sounds like the exact details of the Linkage program are still being worked out since even the admissions officers for the MSMS program are unsure about the exact protocol as of yet. You may also want to stay on top of them about your provided materials since it sounds like they are a bit slow updating your status and also still a bit unorganized on the whole.

 

[Siggy]

It is not a "true" SMP where you take med school classes against the medical school students

I asked Dean Adams about this at a town hall meeting and his response was that the reason why they couldn't take classes with the medical students was because of problems with WASC accreditation.

 

[doc25398]

I asked Dean Adams about this at a town hall meeting and his response was that the reason why they couldn't take classes with the medical students was because of problems with WASC accreditation.

Has anyone heard anything back from Western yet?

 

[DbDan]

I sent them an e-mail yesterday asking about interviews for the program. They said that anyone selected for interview will be notified via e-mail or "maybe" via phone call. They offered no time table for how quickly you should hear any kind of word. I've been complete since 3/15 so almost a month now but still haven't heard anything.

They said they have interview dates set up for Monday 4/26 and Friday 4/30 with tenative dates in May as well. Hopefully we should be hearing something in the very near future, especially considering the interview dates are only a couple of weeks away.

 

[doc25398]

I sent them an e-mail yesterday asking about interviews for the program. They said that anyone selected for interview will be notified via e-mail or "maybe" via phone call. They offered no time table for how quickly you should hear any kind of word. I've been complete since 3/15 so almost a month now but still haven't heard anything.

They said they have interview dates set up for Monday 4/26 and Friday 4/30 with tenative dates in May as well. Hopefully we should be hearing something in the very near future, especially considering the interview dates are only a couple of weeks away.

Thank you so much for your fast response. I also completed my application around that time (3/20) and was concerned as I have yet to hear any news. Hopefully we hear back with good news. Best of luck to you.

 

[DbDan]

Thank you so much for your fast response. I also completed my application around that time (3/20) and was concerned as I have yet to hear any news. Hopefully we hear back with good news. Best of luck to you.

I just received a call from Jodi Olson, the program director offering me an interview. I'll be interviewing 4/30 since there is a conflict with both of my jobs on Monday and only one on Friday. 👍 Looking forward to finding out more especially their linkage program. If I could get guaranteed Western acceptance for next year I'd be ecstatic.

 

[OMMDOC]

Hey everyone, I just called and spoke to Jodi and she clarified that the required MCAT score is not 34, but 24! (That's the minimum score you have to get next January after going through their MCAT prep course this fall) I think this is a very attainable score for most people. This program looks very exciting and promising!

 

[DbDan]

Hey everyone, I just called and spoke to Jodi and she clarified that the required MCAT score is not 34, but 24! (That's the minimum score you have to get next January after going through their MCAT prep course this fall) I think this is a very attainable score for most people. This program looks very exciting and promising!

😱 Awesome! 👍 Thanks for asking again. Her e-mail to me said 34 and was a little frustrating (read infuriating) lol

 

[PunkmedGirl]

😱 Awesome! 👍 Thanks for asking again. Her e-mail to me said 34 and was a little frustrating (read infuriating) lol

But you shouldn't have to retake the MCAT right? You're score is pretty good.

 

[DbDan]

But you shouldn't have to retake the MCAT right? You're score is pretty good.

No, if you already have an MCAT score than you don't have to retake the MCAT unless you really want to. Also, when I spoke with Jodi she said that she would actually arrange for students who are in the linkage program and already have a satisfactory MCAT to have more shadowing in lieu of the MCAT prep course if they desired it.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

No, if you already have an MCAT score than you don't have to retake the MCAT unless you really want to. Also, when I spoke with Jodi she said that she would actually arrange for students who are in the linkage program and already have a satisfactory MCAT to have more shadowing in lieu of the MCAT prep course if they desired it.

Ohh ok. That's cool.

 

[DbDan]

Ohh ok. That's cool.

Agreed. I scared myself and can't sleep now because of tuition costs between SMPs and DO school With how expensive Western is people attending here for SMP + DO are looking at 47k SMP debt + 70k/yr for school = ~325k debt by the time its all said and done.... As much as I have gone back and forth about mil med to help pay for school I am thinking if I get into the linkage program it may force my hand.

 

[DbDan]

Anyone interview yesterday?? Hoping for some feedback if you've got any

 

[Cali818]

I recently applied to this program. Anyone know how competitive it is to get in this MSMS program? Also when were you invited for the Interviews?? I wonder why they extended the deadline this year.

 

[DbDan]

This is their first year doing the program so I'd assume they wanted more applications than they got by the original deadline. As for how competitive it is, I have no idea. I got my interview invite last Thursday I believe, I can't remember the date but I will be on campus tomorrow for it.

 

[Cali818]

dbDan pleaseeeeee do share your experience with the interview. How many did they invite? Do they have more spots open? How long was it? thanksssss

 

[DbDan]

So I'm at work right now but I got done with the interview a few hours ago.

There were 10 of us who interviewed today, Jodi mentioned that there was 5 interviewed before our group and currently 9 more scheduled, some others still needing to be scheduled and more filing in as today was the last day to submit. The group that interviewed today were all very nice and everyone was very supportive of one another. Overall I could see any one of them as a classmate come June and would be very happy. (I know some of you are on here! lol)

There is space for 20-25 students, 10 linkage DO spots, 2 linkage Dental spots and what looks like 5 podiatry? (I think) spots for linkage. That doesn't necessarily mean the breakdown of the class will be this though since our interviews were actually all for DO linkage.

We had an essay to write, it was a behavioral essay giving you a conflicting situation asking how you would respond. You have about an hr and internet access to write it, nothing too difficult.

We had a short campus tour, which I must say is a great campus. The new building is great and while its not an undergrad feel since it is basically an old strip mall, its definitely bigger and nicer than some DO schools which have a single building which is little more than a converted warehouse.

We then had lunch and a financial aid presentation. Lunch was good, nothing spectacular but better than I had at LECOM or Touro, some sandwiches, chips, orange/apple, a cookie and some soda. One thing I did not realize is that courses actually being on JUNE 14th. VERY early especially since I'm on a few waitlists and this is likely the very earliest I'd hear back from them. Interesting situation but nothing I can't work out with the office in the event I get accepted, we'll see.

Interview itself was fairly uneventful. Some normal questions, why medicine, why DO, experience based questions showing maturity, responsibility, etc. The interview was fairly laid back and the interviewers were very nice, not as stressful as some other interviews I've been in. They said that we should hear back in roughly 2 weeks about both the MSMS program as well as linkage.

I left with a good feeling about the school. Jodi was very nice and extremely helpful and understanding of every situation. She was very forthcoming with information and seems very excited to help everyone in the program. She said they will be issuing committee letters, helping with personal statements, school selection, etc. They seem genuinely invested in getting you into medical school, regardless of whether it is at Western or elsewhere. The faculty seemed very happy there and campus was great. Overall I was very impressed.

If I don't get linkage is it the place for me? probably not. The tuition is just too steep personally and I feel that I could better accomplish my goals by retaking courses through an extension program and keeping my job so I won't accumulate debt. I would definitely love to get a DO at Western though so who knows, maybe if I don't get linkage and go my own unstructured way I'll still somehow make it into the school. To anyone that interviewed with me today, good luck, hope you all get accepted!

 

[Cali818]

Thank you so much for such detailed explanation. I am hoping i get an interview..they are still receiving my transcripts. Let's see.

 

[dkt87]

HeyDbDan,

Do you know if this Western linkage program will only accept people with MCAT score that is higher than 24 (prior to their MSMS post-bacc program)? Therefore, they can guarantee the medical school admission for those students.

Also, if you get accepted to the linkage program, does it mean that there won't be any gap year and go directly to their medical school after finishing the MSMS program in summer of 2011?

Thanks.

 

[DbDan]

HeyDbDan,

Do you know if this Western linkage program will only accept people with MCAT score that is higher than 24 (prior to their MSMS post-bacc program)? Therefore, they can guarantee the medical school admission for those students.

Also, if you get accepted to the linkage program, does it mean that there won't be any gap year and go directly to their medical school after finishing the MSMS program in summer of 2011?

Thanks.

They were unclear on if a 24MCAT was required before matriculation to the linkage program but since there is an MCAT course expected to be taken during fall quarter, it is doubtful. It looks as though the linkage program will be based on your merits as a student however your application is submitted. They also said that you are expected to take the MCAT in January to give you enough time to apply after completion of the program if you havent' taken the MCAT yet (I guess they are assuming you are taking a gap year in this event). they also structured it this way so that if necessary, you can re-take the MCAT in april before applications open again. If your MCAT is already above 24, you may retake it in January or you can do more research, etc. to make up for the MCAT course.

If accepted to the linkage program, provided you meet the requirements of the 3.0 in the program and 24MCAT, you will be enrolled in the DO school or whatever school you were provided linkage to (2 Dentistry spots, 5 podiatry spots I believe) for the following year, no gap year required.

Another thing I forgot to mention is that you being June 14th because you are required to enroll in the ISAC program for your SMP year. This is the intensive summer anatomy course that is taken by the MS1s if they wish to begin early. You will then TA the course during your own MS1 fall quarter if you receive a certain grade.

 

[dkt87]

thanks DbDan for the thorough explanation. I really appreciate it. I'm hoping I can get my interview invitation soon.

 

[Cali818]

anyone hear back for acceptances? or interviews? They received my GRE scores just today =(...and my file is NOW complete. I wonder if they will even consider my file now since they didn't receieve everything by the due date....still hoping for the best though.

 

[sugarontea]

I received a call for an interview a few days ago. I still need to call back for more info, but Jodi won't be in until monday.

 

[DbDan]

Still no decisions thus far for those of us that interviewed already. We should hopefully be hearing back this week

 

[doc25398]

Still no decisions thus far for those of us that interviewed already. We should hopefully be hearing back this week

Ya, I had interviewed on Monday, prior to your interview, but I only remember there being 4 of us. I didn't get the other students information to ask if they had heard back yet. As of right now, I too have yet to hear anything from western. I am hoping to get some good news this week as well, for all of us that interviewed.

 

[DbDan]

Ya, I had interviewed on Monday, prior to your interview, but I only remember there being 4 of us. I didn't get the other students information to ask if they had heard back yet. As of right now, I too have yet to hear anything from western. I am hoping to get some good news this week as well, for all of us that interviewed.

We were told that they were hoping to be able to meet this past week but definitely by this week. We were told 10days-2 weeks before hearing anything and that the Monday and Friday interviews would be reviewed together. Good luck to you 👍

 

[babyboomer]

Thank you so much for such detailed explanation. I am hoping i get an interview..they are still receiving my transcripts. Let's see.

DrDan Thanks for the detail. I hope you will hear the good news soon. Im a bit confused about the application for the linkage program....is there a separate/secondary application for linkage? i thought the application and the interview are for MSMS and linkage both?

 

[DbDan]

DrDan Thanks for the detail. I hope you will hear the good news soon. Im a bit confused about the application for the linkage program....is there a separate/secondary application for linkage? i thought the application and the interview are for MSMS and linkage both?

The application for linkage as well as masters are the same. The interview is for both as well. You are interviewed by 2 members of the faculty, one of which is your supporter when they go before the med school admissions committee for linkage.

If offered an interview, you just let Jodi know you are interested in the linkage program. Originally (when it first started) they were going to require a second application and a second interview but that was changed.

 

[babyboomer]

The application for linkage as well as masters are the same. The interview is for both as well. You are interviewed by 2 members of the faculty, one of which is your supporter when they go before the med school admissions committee for linkage.

If offered an interview, you just let Jodi know you are interested in the linkage program. Originally (when it first started) they were going to require a second application and a second interview but that was changed.

Thanks DbDan.

 

[Cali818]

I just got an Email that my application is Ready for Evaluation. Anyone else this late in the process?? I wonder if they will be able to interview and accept people on time enough to start classes in June. Kind of a short notice..making me nervous if i even have a chance..
Seems like so far 14 people have been interviewed..and they are still waiting to hear back for acceptances...so let's see

 

[DbDan]

I just got an Email that my application is Ready for Evaluation. Anyone else this late in the process?? I wonder if they will be able to interview and accept people on time enough to start classes in June. Kind of a short notice..making me nervous if i even have a chance..
Seems like so far 14 people have been interviewed..and they are still waiting to hear back for acceptances...so let's see

Admissions committee met today. I just got the phone call and was accepted to both the MSMS and linkage. Now comes the tough decision of trying to figure this out with classes starting June 14th while on 2 waitlists that I won't hear back from probably until June/July...

 

[dkt87]

Hi DbDan,

Congrats on your acceptance!. I just got an interview invitation today. I was wondering if there's anything else I can prepare for the interview other than what you explained on earlier post. are the interview questions really tricky to answer?..How did you prepare yourself before the interview day? Do you know, by any chance, how many people have been accepted to the program? and what are the chances of getting into the program if we get an interview invitation?

Thanks.

 

[DbDan]

Hi DbDan,

Congrats on your acceptance!. I just got an interview invitation today. I was wondering if there's anything else I can prepare for the interview other than what you explained on earlier post. are the interview questions really tricky to answer?..How did you prepare yourself before the interview day? Do you know, by any chance, how many people have been accepted to the program? and what are the chances of getting into the program if we get an interview invitation?

Thanks.

The interview was very laid back. It seemed like they were looking more to figure out if you were a good fit for the program than trying to trick you or pressure you. The interview was very laid back, things like why do you think you are qualified, why medicine, how did you get to where you are, etc.

As for how many people have been accepted? I don't know at all. I know they can take up to 25 and they said that they likely could make room for almost all that they brought to interview. The linkage program was a different animal though and only had 10 spots, no idea how many people have been accepted to it already.

I'd say if you got the interview invitation it is likely that you are qualified and have a good chance at acceptance to the MSMS barring something catastrophic in your interview. The linkage program, like I said is something else entirely so I'm not sure what your odds are there. I don't think they are filling the 10 spots with whoever, more they are filling with those students they feel are qualified to be accepted to the DO program with just some more coursework they are familiar with.

I'm not an expert on the program by any means though and I can only speak from what I have gathered from interview day and make assumptions. Don't take my word as anything other than that

 

[chuongnn18]

Hey dkt87,

Congrat on your interview. When was your application completed?

Hi DbDan,

Congrats on your acceptance!. I just got an interview invitation today. I was wondering if there's anything else I can prepare for the interview other than what you explained on earlier post. are the interview questions really tricky to answer?..How did you prepare yourself before the interview day? Do you know, by any chance, how many people have been accepted to the program? and what are the chances of getting into the program if we get an interview invitation?

Thanks.

 

[Cali818]

Congrats! When is your interview?

 

[dkt87]

hi chuongnn18 and cali818,

Thanks. They received all my paperworks by april 28th,2010. I applied really late,too (close to deadline). SO no worries!!...who knows you might get a call from Jodi sometimes this week or next week. keep your hopes up. God is good! 👍
my interview is this coming monday. wish me luck 🙂..really want to get accepted into the program and the linkage .

Thanks again to DbDan, you've been very kind to explain everything very thoroughly 🙂

 

[doc25398]

Admissions committee met today. I just got the phone call and was accepted to both the MSMS and linkage. Now comes the tough decision of trying to figure this out with classes starting June 14th while on 2 waitlists that I won't hear back from probably until June/July...

Congratulations! I too just received my offer of acceptance, however, I was notified by Email. I am very excited, and look forward to meeting you and the others accepted to the program come June. Best of luck to all who are in the interview process now!👍

 

[chuongnn18]

I don't want to be pessimistic, but since dkt87 received his invitation for interview yesterday, and he completed his application near the deadline, it is safe to say that yesterday was the last day they sent out interview invite. I think the application process is over for those who did not receive one.

hi chuongnn18 and cali818,

Thanks. They received all my paperworks by april 28th,2010. I applied really late,too (close to deadline). SO no worries!!...who knows you might get a call from Jodi sometimes this week or next week. keep your hopes up. God is good! 👍
my interview is this coming monday. wish me luck 🙂..really want to get accepted into the program and the linkage .

Thanks again to DbDan, you've been very kind to explain everything very thoroughly 🙂

 

[DbDan]

Congratulations! I too just received my offer of acceptance, however, I was notified by Email. I am very excited, and look forward to meeting you and the others accepted to the program come June. Best of luck to all who are in the interview process now!👍

I'm still fighting back and forth with myself about whether or not I'm going to accept. I'm not exactly pleased that we only have 6 days to accept our position in the class but it also doesn't say anything about a deposit, etc. I'm confused. I think I'm going to give Jodi a call and ask if I can get an objective opinion on whether or not the program is right for me 🙁 So much money and I'm so torn.

 

[jslo85]

Congratulations by the way to all those that have received an acceptance from Western, mucho props.

As for you Dan, when you say whether the program is "right for you", I think that is pretty subjective depending on who you talk to and even for yourself as well. From a neutral third party, it's whether you would prefer to have something "concrete" in a linkage program where you simply need to achieve a certain GPA to immediately matriculate into the Fall class and whether you would be content with being a Western medical student.

The other option is for you to test the waters again in AACOMAS with which you had variable degrees of success in gaining interviews. From what I have gathered from a couple of your recent posts, all your stats have increased from GPA to clinical volunteering and LOR. Your MCAT of 33 is not only solid but you have an even score across the board which is an added plus in my mind. If you go through AACOMAS again without any formal SMP, you obviously run the risk of not being accepted anywhere, but provided you apply early and have an upgraded application in almost all regards, I can only reason from common sense, that your chances have increased substantially.

That said, it's up to you whether 80,000 or so at the very least is worth the mental comfort that your path is more or less set in stone (you will control your future by your own academic merits from here on out but the end destination is Western) or you let things go to chance through AACOMAS (you have admittedly a favorable probability).

 

[DbDan]

Congratulations by the way to all those that have received an acceptance from Western, mucho props.

As for you Dan, when you say whether the program is "right for you", I think that is pretty subjective depending on who you talk to and even for yourself as well. <snip>.

I think its time for me to get off the forums for a bit while I decide and work things out as far as my path and stop trying to give advice until I get that decision firmly planted. Thanks for the objective eval. I'm gonna sit down and work out finances and plus minuses for each.

 

[lielike]

i am really hoping to get your advice..
so, i just got an interview invitation for 24th of this month. my concern is that i live in florida and am a predental student. it wouldnt have the linkage to the dental college, but i thought the msms will be beneficial for me in many ways such as getting to know faculty and program etc.

what would you do if you were me? would you spend $~500 to travel for the interview or find other program in my state?