hi guys. congrats to all those who have been accepted into the program! i feel very fortunate to have been offered a position but am also in a dilemma. if you had to choose between GEMS, Ohio State MedPath, or a University of California (UC) postbacc program, which would you choose and why? Here are some of my thoughts:
GEMS - pros: awesome staff, camaraderie among students, intense program that will provide great preparation for med school, class size: ~30-40, considering one does well high chance of matriculating at georgetown med the next year (no glide year). cons: weather and very high cost of tuition/living.
Ohio State MedPath: pros: amazing school, incredible support system (they basically do everything in their power to help you succeed), conditional acceptance to Ohio State SOM the following fall (no glide year), 15 students in cohort, in-state tuition for med school, very affordable cost of living. cons: weather and location?
UC postbacc: pros: unbeatable city with great diversity and nice weather year-round, 10-15 students in cohort, very high success rate of getting into med school. cons: will have to take glide year and do the whole amcas, secondaries, interviews thing again after postbacc year (that's what they recommend as opposed to applying during the postbacc year so that you can show that your grades improved), no guarantees/linkages though at least 50% of the students who graduate from the program end up being accepted to one or more med schools in California. Maybe 1 yr isn't much in the long run, but I've already taken time off after college to work and don't want to waste any more time when I'd rather be in med school and studying!
Sorry for the long post but I really need some input and would appreciate your feedback. Truth be told, here's what it boils down to: Am I willing to give up a conditional acceptance to Georgetown/Ohio State to participate in the UC postbacc? Am I willing to take these chances for the hope of getting in to a CA med school? This means I'll have a take a glide year and go through the money-draining, anxiety-producing, emotional roller coaster of applying all over again (i.e. amcas, secondaries, interviews if I'm lucky enough). There are no guarantees I'll get into a medical school later or even one as great as Georgetown or Ohio State. Ultimately, I'd like to stay in CA, and if you can't tell already, the weather is a very important consideration for me. I feel like I'm at my best (academically, socially, etc.) when the weather is nice. I need a lot of natural light! But hey, beggars can't be choosers, right?
Other than the six of us that are posting back and forth, hopefully the other 21 students are friendly. On a lighter note I just booked a flight to DC for this Wednesday. I am on a mission to sign a lease. If any of you want me to let you know what is out there and that is not posted (Hidden Gems (pun intended)) let me know. 
