- Joined
- May 3, 2013
- Messages
- 21
- Reaction score
- 23
So happy for you!!!
So happy for you!!!
about 90%, yeah. It's the best SMP out there, in terms of reputation. Can't beat 40 years of rep.right on! are you set on georgetown?
Are you set on Cinci? It was my top choice, but they waitlisted me. Not gonna wait until July to hear back from them...Forget them lol.
Cinci is a great program, but even if I get off the waitlist I will do Gtown, I think. Congrats on getting in...I heard they're expecting 700-800 apps for 32 spots! Now that's ridiculous.I'm 99% set. I'm not expecting to hear good things back from Temple (haven't heard a peep since mid-Feb.), but even if I did I've gotten so excited about Cinci it would be hard to make new plans. Best of luck with the waitlist!
What is the average graduate GPA for students in this program upon graduation? For example, is it unheard of to obtain a 3.8 in the program?
Yay!!!!!!!! Congrats!Complete 3/4
Waitlisted 3/13
Got an e-mail from admissions "Please explain your grades" 3/17
Sent explanation 3/17
ACCEPTED 3/23!!!!!!!!
@Schwann Lake you were right on!
I was just accepted to GT SMP this morning. My stats were 3.21 uGPA (upward trend 3.9 last semester), 3.1 sGPA, 32 MCAT. I went to school at Penn State but moved to Houston, Texas soon after I graduated to take a full-time research job at MD Anderson. I have concerns that I was wondering if some one could address here but I will continue to look around.
Do SMP-graduates really get accepted into nation-wide MD programs?
Frankly, I've felt like none of the SMPs are truly straightforward when you ask this question. They all insure you that you definitely can get into a great medical school if you do well but then rumblings around here and a phone conversation with the dean of admissions at Cooper University Medical School have put some serious doubt into my head.
As I said, I've had a pretty strong upward trend in my GPA and I'm fairly confident that I've put some of my academic demons to rest and capable of doing very well even against medical students. Is there a scenario where I could get a 3.5+ GT SMP GPA and still not get into a medical school and have to settle for a DO school?
How important are publications?
This question might be a huge long shot to ask here but I'm going to ask anyway and see what happens. I have an incredible passion for medical research and I would ideally want to do an MD/Ph.D. MD/Ph.D program's are much more exclusive than MD programs and since I am not now competitive for regular MD, I have serious doubts I will ever do enough to become competitive for MD/Ph.D.
I guess I am really wondering whether it would be best for me to stay where I am for a year, get a primary authorship publication for sure, potentially 2 primary authorship publications and then re-apply for the SMP the next year or if this just a waste of time and I should enter the SMP asap.
fwiw @Therapy Inc , I didn't get the "accusatory" vibe from your post at all. I think it's pretty common for capable, motivated, ambitious people who prefer an MD spot to think of DO as settling. In fact, it's pretty common in pre-osteo for DO students to encourage premeds to take MD acceptances over DO ones if they're lucky enough to secure both.
I don't have any input to your actual questions, but was a little taken aback by Friendofthecupcake's answer so I wanted to make sure to respond. Best of luck with your decision
How are people not straightforward about this question? It's directly answered on the SMP website: http://smp.georgetown.edu/alumni . If you're curious about our year, we've even had recent California interviews (no, not Loma Linda - UC schools) and one of my friends just got into UNC-Chapel Hill. West, South, Midwest, East coasts - we've got them all right now.
Of course getting a 3.5+ GPA doesn't guarantee you an MD spot. Getting a 4.0 and 44 MCAT doesn't guarantee people, why would this? You'd likely receive an interview invite from Georgetown med, but if they don't like you're personality or don't think you're as good a fit as the next person, well, sorry. That doesn't mean you're "stuck going DO." By the way, not everyone who applies DO gets into DO schools - they can smell someone who doesn't like DO a mile away, and deny hundreds who won't appreciate the spot they could have had. If you're that against DO, you can easily go to a Caribbean school instead.
Frankly, I don't like your attitude. You sound very accusatory and self-assured, and I don't very much care for people who talk about "settling for DO" because that says to me that they don't understand the privilege of being a physician, or care to understand those outside of their type. People like this won't do well in the Georgetown SMP community. I hope that's just a product of your writing style but even if so, you need to think more critically before writing out things that degrade absolutely fine and respectable professionals. But, onto the next question.
It's not impossible to go MD/PhD but it is difficult. I don't think you'd be able to get much farther in the MD process without an SMP since publications wouldn't really add to the application. They would be helpful if you did go MD/PhD. If you think you can get one or two 2 primary authorship publications, maybe the first option would be good for you.
Have you considered doing PhD first? You might have an easier time getting into PhD programs, and it guarantees the research you enjoy; plus, if you still want to do MD, you'll likely be in a better position when applying since GPA doesn't mean as much and PhD = more respect.
Hope that at least begins to help.
Yikes. I didn't intend to degrade a whole group of people because I said I didn't want to settle for a DO. As far as I know, the DO schools do have easier application standards than MD schools do when you look at them on a global level. I'm sure you can find DO schools that have higher application statistics than some MD schools but I think I can fairly confidently still maintain the first statement.
Furthermore, the DO stigma still does apply for research. I don't know if it's a product of DO schools not able to help their students manage the clinical-empirical axis or just a stupid perception from medical hierarchy. It's unfortunate but real. Some schools have started DO-PhD programs but again speaking globally, the DO funding rates for RO1 grants is lower than Ph.D, MD-Ph.Ds, and MDs.
I don't think this is a necessary place to discuss the known pitfalls of going to a Caribbean school (Note: not trying to demean everyone that goes to these schools).
The fact that you can actually make a judgement on my attitude based on one post in an online forum is slightly absurd. I was asking an honest question. I'm not sure how you can make the jump of not wanting to do a DO to not doing well in the Georgetown SMP community. I apologize that you found my questions derogatory.
I really want to do translational oncology research. I want to work in a clinic and one day have my own laboratory. In order to do that, I need at least an MD. I think that you're right that I could do the Ph.D first and then do the MD and achieve my end goal but I don't think that it's the most efficient way forward.
I see that the list is published and it's impressive. However, the worry there is the known fact that SMP matriculation into medical school is not independent of previous performances. Therefore, a list of schools SMP students got into doesn't really answer the question of whether I can realistically get into those schools. For example, if all the students who got into those medical schools had a 3.5+ uGPA before entering the SMP, then it doesn't help me answer the question of whether I personally will benefit from doing the SMP.
Yeah, I'm really sorry for getting worked up. Shower helped I just felt like there were components to the first section that didn't really serve as part of asking a question so much as just putting others down. I know you didn't mean it like that, but I guess it's a good warning to be careful with phrasing. Of course, I did make some assumptions myself (immediately regretted, but what's there is there so I'm leaving it) so I'm guilty too And the preference for MD over DO makes a lot of sense research-wise, it just seemed more like an MD vs DO over MD/PhD vs DO/PhD from the ordering so I reacted more.
Ahh, I see. I didn't get that from the initial post, but it's a good question to ask. I think it's difficult for us to answer just because we don't see the data, less that we don't want to. I can tell you that there are students who have gotten into (and are currently getting into) med schools with <3.0 GPA's in the program - it's not recommended, but it happens haha. I just wish I could give you more solid numbers. I guess a lot of variables come into play with that, though, as schools may be lenient if you're e.g.-older and have been out of school for a long time, or have a disadvantaged background.
Do SMP-graduates really get accepted into nation-wide MD programs?
Frankly, I've felt like none of the SMPs are truly straightforward when you ask this question.
As I said, I've had a pretty strong upward trend in my GPA and I'm fairly confident that I've put some of my academic demons to rest and capable of doing very well even against medical students. Is there a scenario where I could get a 3.5+ GT SMP GPA and still not get into a medical school and have to settle for a DO school?
Hi, I'll add my 2 cents to this discussion, if you don't mind!
We absolutely do get into MD programs straight out of the SMP. Ivy League programs? Very rarely, if ever. State schools and mid/low-tier schools? Certainly. I imagine that we seem less-than-straightforward because there's so much uncertainty in outcome when enrolling in programs like the SMP. Our undergraduate grades prevent us from being otherwise strong applicants, and doing well in an SMP is not a guarantee of admission at Georgetown, or anywhere else. Many medical schools will simply not overlook a poor undergraduate GPA even if you do very well in the SMP, so you will need to pick your schools wisely. You only need one school to say yes, and this is the reality for many students in any SMP. The Dean of Admissions at Cooper is correct to put that sense of doubt in your head. It's a hard pill to swallow, but it's the only way that a lot of us low-GPA students will get into medical school.
This scenario is possible but unlikely if your undergrad grades are the only flaw in your application. If you have other red flags such as poorly written essays or mediocre clinical experience, this will still hurt you enough to get you rejected. Again, there are no guarantees with this SMP, but with a 3.5+ you are very likely to receive an acceptance and at least receive a Georgetown interview if (and only if) they feel that you'd be a good fit for the school.
As for your stats, I do think you're perfect for the SMP. While a first author publication would be a great addition to your application, your GPA would unfortunately get you screened out at most schools before they even see your impressive research work. Once you get your GPA up, then the extracurriculars really come into play. It sounds like you'd be a good match interest-wise for an MD/Ph.D. program but you have to get your stats up to be competitive. I have heard that some schools let you apply MD only and allow you to add the Ph.D. on after your first year. This might be something to pursue. I'm not applying that route, so I am not too familiar with these.
Also, I'm not going to comment on the MD/DO bit. The residencies are combining soon, and hopefully that puts some of the stigma to rest.
Okay, well even though our first interaction wasn't a positive one, I see no reason we can't both get over it and continue to be productive for everybody. I plan on contacting the MD-PhD program directors for UT-Houston and Georgetown tomorrow as well as some other doctors whom I work with to get their opinions and let you know of what I learn. I know that I probably represent a small subset of people in the program so this information might not be important to everyone but maybe there are others out there who want to follow this path.
I'd like to clarify my current thoughts about Georgetown SMP. I feel like it's a door (albeit one covered in spikes and flames) back onto a path that I had totally thought for almost 2 years that I irreversibly departed. It seems so far to be the best program of it's type. In less than 24 hours of really doing the research on the program, I already feel the program is better than Drexel's. I literally left work early today because the elation and subsequent panic attack that typically accompanies things of this magnitude. I'm a very weird combination of nervous, scared, excited, and happy and it's coming out as emotional soup.
I still have to judge the "should I stay at work for one more year?" question. However, I would be very afraid that if I don't accept my admission now, I won't get it next time around.
I'd like to clarify my current thoughts about Georgetown SMP. I feel like it's a door (albeit one covered in spikes and flames) back onto a path that I had totally thought for almost 2 years that I irreversibly departed. It seems so far to be the best program of it's type. In less than 24 hours of really doing the research on the program, I already feel the program is better than Drexel's. I literally left work early today because the elation and subsequent panic attack that typically accompanies things of this magnitude. I'm a very weird combination of nervous, scared, excited, and happy and it's coming out as emotional soup.
I still have to judge the "should I stay at work for one more year?" question. However, I would be very afraid that if I don't accept my admission now, I won't get it next time around.
Hi I have a question regarding this part of your post. What do you mean when you say not Loma Linda? I'm a CA resident and so Loma Linda is on my list of schools but I also haven't seen that many UCs on the Alumni page (only UCI and UCSD). Is there a reason for this? I guess my question is how successful is this program at getting students into Cali schools?If you're curious about our year, we've even had recent California interviews (no, not Loma Linda - UC schools)
Hi I have a question regarding this part of your post. What do you mean when you say not Loma Linda? I'm a CA resident and so Loma Linda is on my list of schools but I also haven't seen that many UCs on the Alumni page (only UCI and UCSD). Is there a reason for this? I guess my question is how successful is this program at getting students into Cali schools?
Loma Linda is reputed to be "low tier" whatever that means. the poster's point is that the SMP has gotten people into California schools, not just the low tier one(s).Hi I have a question regarding this part of your post. What do you mean when you say not Loma Linda? I'm a CA resident and so Loma Linda is on my list of schools but I also haven't seen that many UCs on the Alumni page (only UCI and UCSD). Is there a reason for this? I guess my question is how successful is this program at getting students into Cali schools?
not just* is more what I would mean, but I'm not sure if anyone has interviewed there from our year. I say that because people tend to not count Loma Linda as being as infamously difficult as the other California schools; so if we were to just say that we get people into California schools but only meant LL, it wouldn't really mean as much.
I can't say we're fantastic at getting people into the other UC schools consistently, but then again I don't think any other program could say that either. To my understanding, the UC schools tend to take only the very, very top applicants statwise, hence CA's title as the "biggest exporter of pre-meds."
Thank you both for the clarification!! Makes sense.Loma Linda is reputed to be "low tier" whatever that means. the poster's point is that the SMP has gotten people into California schools, not just the low tier one(s).
Does anyone have an idea of "chances" for waitlisted students? I was likely waitlisted because I do not have an MCAT score yet (May 22), but I was hoping that a waitlist isn't just their way of not denying peopl right of the bat. Any insight?
That's excellent advice, thanks for that.I applied with a GRE score, was waitlisted, and was pulled off the waitlist in July. Just keep emailing and updating them with what you're doing. Send a letter of intent. Make it clear that you belong there.
Oh so you take tests in the lecture hall online using a computer?
So you would need a computer/tablet, etc sufficient battery life?
Well, after having talks with medical admissions directors all over Texas this week, I think it's becoming more and more clear that the Georgetown SMP is probably my best move forward. I wouldn't say I'm confirmed decision yet but definitely a heavy lean. I got to talk to a girl who took the program and was accepted into Ohio State University but ended up going to Temple. I think that generally speaks for the national draw of the program.
I will admit that I remain skeptical of whether or not the post-bacc can help bridge the gap from where I'm at to where I need to be. The choice to attend this program is not an easy one - mostly because of the astronomical price. However, it looks like if there is any opportunity anywhere this is either the best one or top 3.
I still wait to hear back from Temple ACMS but I'm not even totally sure I'd go there even with the guaranteed admission.
Ah, I'm really debating whether to chose Georgetown over EVMS right now I'm completely torn. Personally, I would like to go to Georgetown because I actually enjoy being challenged and also because the program has a great reputation and I think I would have a better chance of getting into med school in my state. But I just realized that the cost of attendance jumped up to almost 80k which is ridiculous! EVMS is around 15k cheaper but its also not as well known and most students end up attending EVMS after. My parents have been doing some research on their own and are trying to convince me to choose EVMS because its #42 on the US New list of top med schools for primary care vs. Georgetown being at #84. So much to think about and such little time to decide. For those current students that might have applied to both programs or know info on both, I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice or reasons as to why Georgetown would be better than EVMS so that I can convince not only myself but also my parents! haha
I am leaning towards Georgetown over other programs despite the HEFTY price tag for this reason only..the chance to come back home and pay IS tuition.You're right that GU SMP gives you a better shot at getting back home - how much would your state school be? 15k cheaper for one year is good, but if your state's schools are even cheaper over 4 years, you may actually save more money.
From the data I've looked at and the posts I've read on these forums (and I've read QUITE A LOT), the above SMPs mentioned do increase your chances of getting in elsewhere, but Georgetown's SMP is better at opening up doors, simply by the fact that it has been around for 40 years and is nationally known. The other programs have great reputations as well, but much less so.Do "feeder" programs like Drexel IMS, NYMC AMP and EVMS med masters not do much to increase chances at schools other than their host schools?
I am leaning towards Georgetown over other programs despite the HEFTY price tag for this reason only..the chance to come back home and pay IS tuition.
Are you still waiting to hear back from schools or just doing some final soul searching? I just got the official acceptance this morning and it looks like I have to make a decision before April 15.From the data I've looked at and the posts I've read on these forums (and I've read QUITE A LOT), the above SMPs mentioned do increase your chances of getting in elsewhere, but Georgetown's SMP is better at opening up doors, simply by the fact that it has been around for 40 years and is nationally known. The other programs have great reputations as well, but much less so.
If I choose Georgetown, I will do so for the same reasons you are.
A point of consideration for those deciding between SMP programs. Please take this as one man's opinion.
Your goal should be to get into medical school and become a physician. Don't ever let this slip as your top priority. Choosing between medical schools is a luxury and not one that is often afforded to prospective, current, or former SMP students (regardless of program). Your guiding factor in the decision making process should ONLY be which SMP will best position you to get into ONE medical school. If that's your state school back home, great. If that's the medical school where you an enrolled as a SMP student, great. Make a personal evaluation of your application, do the research, ask the right people the right questions, and act accordingly.