Can I ask how getting an MS/MS works in terms of helping with med school? since it's a masters, will that count on the AMCAS towards cumulative GPA at all? Or do you matriculate directly into their med school program?
Hi Desklamp,
As far as the GPA concerns with AACOMAS (I've not tried AMCAS), grades get mixed in with undergraduate studies.
MSMS helps prepare students for medical school by strengthening the student and their application from many angles. For one, we start off in the summer in ISAC (Summer Intensive Anatomy) along with some of the DO students. We dissect cadavers alongside the medical students, sit in the same lectures, and take the same exams. In the fall, we begin MCBL, followed by PBS. These classes closely mimic the DO program, MCBM and PBL, respectively, and are there to prepare you for the following year in medicine. This is separate from the medical students, but the material is similar. Moreover, these classes are a source of assessment for your readiness into medical school. I've been told by MSMS 2011 (who've matriculated into WesternU's DO program) that these classes helped out a lot in medical school. Students from last year are doing well in the DO school... they are at top of the class (I've been told from other students and teachers), among other things. Also, the program provides an MCAT prep course for students who need it, so that they can take the MCAT. In addition, the program provides many unique opportunities to meet faculty members at the school and to gain shadowing/volunteering experience. Finally, students are required to work in a lab, whether it is bench work or it is work in the clinic at school.
The workload is high... outright intimidating at times. But, the reward is also equally high.
Good luck to all applicants. This program is definitely worth it. For what it has provided for me so far, it is a blessing.
Best,
Mick