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Worldchanger36, thank you for your insight. It is greatly appreciated.
Sure thing. Just be careful with this program and what you expect it to do for you.
Worldchanger36, thank you for your insight. It is greatly appreciated.
Sure thing. Just be careful with this program and what you expect it to do for you.
So do you recommend this program for someone that does not plan on going to medical school in MS? During your cycle of applying to schools how have they viewed this program?
So do you recommend this program for someone that does not plan on going to medical school in MS? During your cycle of applying to schools how have they viewed this program?
Let me be out right here. This is a program of last resort OR a program that you can use to get into your home state school if your home state is Mississippi. Now if you gain Mississippi residence then it is possible that you could be accepted to UMMC, however this is extremely unlikely. UMMCs goal is to accept Mississippi natives those that want to stay in MS. Now there have been a few that did gain MS instate status and did get into UMMC however this is very rare and this persons were from other Southern states. Most people end up at William Carry, while some do get into there original home state school this too is rare. Those that were most successful at getting into medical school outside of MS after this program moved on to a second special masters program. Others finished the program moved home and did some post bacc work or some other graduate work and were accepted. However that majority of people give up after this program and go into other fields.
To answer your question no I would not recommend this program to ANYONE unless it is a last resort. During my cycle schools looked down upon this program stating that it requires far too much to be learned in the short time the program gives you for it to be possible that the subject is understood. ( THIS is very true) However once the program is complete some schools ( LSU, Tulane, FSU, USF, UCF, FAU and others) will look favorably on it if you are continue to better your academics by at least getting a 3.5 in the program and starting another program with more weight. It is more of a test of how bad you want it then anything else.
I advice you look into stronger programs such as ones that have there own medical school before you think about applying here.
Thanks. I have friends that are in the program now and they have nothing but positive things to say. They are dental so I just wanted to see what others in the program thought esp a medical tract individual. If you do not mind me asking, why did you stay if you do not feel like it was worth it?
I dunno. I've met several people that are graduating this semester who did VERY well in the program and have landed several interviews (some not even in their home state) and a few acceptances. I think your perspective, level of academic endurance, and how serious you take the program have a lot to do with your success. It seems that everyone who has done well (3.5+ GPA) has gotten into at least one medical school. And there is a high success rate of admission into LSU-New Orleans and some with Tulane. Just come into the program ready to work really hard. I have faith in the program and am a full believer in things will be as great as you make them to be. So don't come in with a negative attitude. I know it's hard because you've reached Plan B, C, or D and med school admissions aren't working out how you wanted them to. But be positive, work hard, and everything will work out!
Figuring that only about 25% of the people get A's in each 5 hour class (exception Reiken), those numbers seem pretty accurate and appropriate.
Well I did get the info for the MC site so I hope it is accurate.
I was actually implying that the majority of people who do well in the program essentially get into a professional program lol
Well yeah they do. However that majority seems to drop as you add in other factors and not only that 2011 was a great year for MC. If they can keep it up that would be great but I have my doubts. This cycle was not very friendly.
Why even go to an SMP if your goal is not to make A's? Isn't that the point? You have to prove that you are worthy of med school. This is your hazing. You either rise to the occasion or find a different career. I am so sick of the negativity. I fully think that admission boards can sense that negativity through an application. Worldchanger, you have a great MCAT score and you implied that you did pretty well in the program, do you think that there could be another reason you aren't getting accepted? I know I have contacted several schools in Florida and all have said that this is a suitable program for increasing GPA and proving academic prowess. Sorry if this came across harsh, it's not intended to be. But just because you aren't seeing the results you want doesn't mean that others are having the same fate.
I will be applying here for either Fall 2013 or Spring 2014. I will be applying DO as they use retakes for grades. Here is a bit about me.
Univ. of Pittsburgh
BS Natural Sciences
cGPA: 2.7 (per AACOMAS)
sGPA: 3.0 (per AACOMAS)
MCAT: 30
8 years in EMS (Paramedic)
3 years in ED setting
Trauma Education Liaison (Educate staff on aspects of Trauma in the ED)
ESI Triage Coordinator (for ED)
Worked with admin and medical staff to develop Level II Trauma center
Numerous leadership positions
Volunteer work
Non-science internship
Paramedic course instructor
Paramedic student preceptor
I don't know if I should apply to this program or maybe retake some courses and try to get everything up to a 3.0 average and then apply.
Dang it, I hit something and it erased what I put but I'll give you the quick and dirty of what I typed previously:
1) This program isn't as bad as WorldChanger36 says. I personally have done pretty well and after one semester have heard back and received a few interviews.
1a) Random anecdote, a friend of my graduated from this program recently, and when he interviewed at his school of choice, he was told that he did so well (3.75) at a tough program, that it counterbalanced his undergrad GPA and that the latter GPA would be overlooked.
2) This program isn't a last resort or a stepping stone unless you make it so. This can be your time to shine and to prove yourself worthy of the M.D. or D.M.D. because as of right now, we haven't.
3) It's not fair to judge this program on it's graduates just yet, because they have not rejected anyone who has met the listed qualifications. Last time I talked with Dr. Baldwin about this, he said this coming fall will be the first time they have to actually reject applicants because the numbers are increasing dramatically every year.
4) The SHELF may be only standardized to the state of MS, but if you do well, it's still proof that you are improving and getting ready, if not ready. I would rather go to a school that offers the SHELF than a school that doesn't because then at least you have some kind of bar to see how you did. WorldChanger36, I'm curious to know how you did on your SHELF exams?
5) In addition to doing well and showing on paper that you're ready to tackle med or dental school, the interview process is all about presenting yourself. There could be a number of factors that stop you from getting into a program. If this program was as bad as WorldChanger36 made it out to be, he wouldn't have been invited to interview at said programs.
6) The one thing I do agree with WorldChanger36 on is that this program is tough. It's not for the faint of heart or the weak of will. There will not be someone here to walk you through anything, except for the T.A.s, and unless you show up to work, you won't benefit at all. If you come here with the goal of making B's, or getting into another master's program or SMP and not getting into med school, you have already set yourself up to take longer.
7) The other things that WorldChanger36 talked about (social life, places to eat, etc.), it's all his own perspective. Yes the town of Clinton is pretty bad, but a short 20 minute drive leads you to some of the greatest food I've ever had. Char is nationally awarded for their deserts and steaks, Julep is also very delicious. La Guadalupe in Ridgeland is AMAZING Mexican food, even though the building looks run down. I feel as though WorldChanger36 is having a bad time here for whatever reason, but I for one and the general population in the graduate program are having a great time, learning a lot, and even growing as adults and students. Yes the night life is a little...small town, but in the end if you find a good group of friends, it's as fun as you want it to be. I can't speak for WorldChanger, but this place is just like any other except everything is 15-25 minutes away.
8) If you come into this program thinking it's going to suck, then it's going to suck. But if you come into this program as a way to prove to everyone and yourself that you're worthy of a spot at an MD school or a DDS/DMD school, then it's completely worth it.
9) Also...one last thing...I wouldn't put too much stake on a guy that seems to spend his entire day on a forum when he should be studying to make A's. I personally know of 3 of my best friends here who are TA's and basically the leading students here and they don't have the time to post. I only post because a personal friend of mine from home asked me some questions and to the validity of WorldChanger's responses. I thought people should hear from more than 1 person. The thread on this program has been dominated by one person who can't seem the understand the difference between than and then and basic proper grammar and I feel he has left an unfair and negatively biased opinion.
10) Also, one last thing, this program is set up for the 5 hours to kick your butt and then the other classes, with the exception of Endo/G.I., to help you buffer that out. That being said, don't take those for granted because you will still have to work. If you work hard and leave all your Netflix and Hulu stuff behind, you'll do fine, and you'll have a Friday or Saturday to relax a bit. I would say the safe bet is to go along with the plan of the graduate program. Graduate within a calendar year and stagger your classes to succeed. I don't necessarily agree with the max of 9 hours because plenty of people do much more and still make straight A's. Just set yourself up to succeed and no one can tell you how to do that except yourself. If your require any help, it would be good to ask Dr. Baldwin. He's pretty quick to respond and won't lie to you about the courses.
I hope this helps the people trying to find out more about this program. This will probably be the only post I write, but if you guys have questions, feel free to message me on here. I'm not sure if I'll be able to respond promptly or very frequently but I'll do my best as I'm taking 2 5 hours this semester.
WorldChanger36,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. I have taken the time to read through this entire thread and you seem to be a bit torn on the program. There seems to a general consensus that this program has minimal admission requirements but the work load is significant. Basically it comes across that this program gives those with moderate undergraduate deficiencies a chance to show they can handle the rigors of medical education. In fact, the program may be the only option for certain folks that could not get into other SMP.
I have taken time to investigate other SMP specifically ones associated with DO schools. I will apply to roughly five of them but there is a good chance I may not be accepted. So MC comes into play. I have spoken with Dr. Baldwin and it was his thought I would be a good candidate and should apply when ready. I would prefer a SMP with linkage but will be more than happy to attend MC if given the opportunity.
Also, my undergraduate record is spotty and I know this. But the reason for the low GPA comes from my Sophomore and Junior years during some "interesting" times. I managed to get A's and B's in my O-Chem courses as well as a few upper level biology courses. It's never been that I can't grasp the course material. I firmly believe my biggest problem was a simple one. I was completely disorganized. No skills whatsoever. Having no organization skills crushed me. Something so simple was my downfall. Now that I remedied that problem, I am making up for my earlier issues and doing well. I welcome the chance to challenge myself now. Before, I would've folded and failed out I think. But not now, not without one heck of a fight.
Thank you again for the response.
DU
I just got into the program. Where do y'all suggest I stay? I've realized the chances of staying on campus are slim for female grad students (only 10 rooms) and Clinton/Jackson isn't the best for a person to live on their own. Also, remembering we are all broke, college students and cannot spend tons on housing.
Suggestions?
I just got into the program. Where do y'all suggest I stay? I've realized the chances of staying on campus are slim for female grad students (only 10 rooms) and Clinton/Jackson isn't the best for a person to live on their own. Also, remembering we are all broke, college students and cannot spend tons on housing.
Suggestions?
I just applied to this program. Crossing my fingers.
I would like to share with you my experience:
I would like to classify myself as a graduate student who had a sub-sub-sub 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Any hope of me having the slightest chance of gaining acceptance into a medical school was nonexistent. I worked extensively throughout my undergraduate education and my grades suffered <<typical story>>. However, I knew that my undergraduate grades were no reflection of my potential. It was not that I tried and failed during undergrad…it was that I never tried at all <<again, typical>>.
Eventually, a day came where the financial support I needed to provide for my family was no longer required and I was able to pursue my dream. Yet, there was a serious issue at hand…my undergraduate academic career was horrendous. At the time I was searching for an SMP, I truly believed that no graduate school would grant me the opportunity to regain my academic credibility. However, I was wrong…Mississippi College gave me the second chance to demonstrate that I am truly capable of success. When I arrived in Clinton, MS, from day one…I poured all of me into this program. I have paired hard combination classes with the will to succeed and drive to overcome what others see as impossible. I studied 12-14 hours every single day and I never succumbed to the desire of going out and socializing (but I have still made some amazing friends here…I am not antisocial =D). So far, I have carried myself through this program with a 4.0 (which is no easy feat when taking hard combos)…and I have gained several acceptances to medical school.
The point of my story is this:
If you are student who has a poor undergrad GPA due to unfortunate circumstances or did not have the will to try, but (at this time) has the mental capacity and the WILL to be a very successful student, then this program is for you! However, it will only be good for you if you make it good for you. If you walk in here and do not give it your all… and I mean YOUR ALL… then… there goes your last chance. This program is an opportunity to redeem your academic credibility and prove that you are capable of being VERY SUCCESSFUL in medical school. I love this program and it is a blessing to have been granted this amazing opportunity…it has pushed me beyond academic limits that I thought were impossible to surpass, it has shaped who I am as student and redefined my full academic potential. If it was not for MC, I would not be going to medical school this August.
There are other variations of students with different pasts and backgrounds that have a need to attend this program…Unfortunately, I cannot speak on their behalf (i.e. a student with a poor/decent/great undergrad GPA and a poor MCAT). Although, I have seen all of these combos make it in (but with one thing in common…an amazing grad GPA…3.8+).
I have: a good MCAT/ a very poor undergrad GPA/ a stellar graduate GPA…and I will be joining a medical school class this year. If you are someone like me, make it a mission to get a 4.0 and do not settle for anything less.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or post on this forum. Best of luck!!!!
What schools did you get acceptances from ? What was your undergrad gpa? What was your mcat score? Did you complete the program in a year?
Sorry, I do not choose to disclose too much info about myself (as it will probably become very easy to reveal who I am); therefore, (at this time) I only wish to say that I was accepted to three D.O. schools. I only applied D.O. as I choose to be a D.O.
uGPA (without grade replacement): 2.4
uGPA (with retakes = AACOMAS uGPA): 2.85 << had some semesters with failed classes that required retakes in order to meet requirements for graduation>>
MCAT: 29O (one attempt before I applied to MC)
I am completing the program in 3 semesters (with no summer courses)
Again, I do wish to emphasize that I am telling my story in order to share the knowledge of what can be done by a person...and anyone. I hope I am reaching out to someone with stats similar to mine and who has the will/initiative to become a great physician!
Hope this helps
Hey everybody! I've lurked around for a bit and finally decided to join to see if anyone can help me out!
I recently got accepted (March 13th) into the MoMS here at MC.
23Q
3.4 uGPA
3.2 uGPA science
I was wondering if anyone knew how long I have to reserve my seat? I applied to other Post-Bacc programs and wanted to hear from those schools first before I made a decision. I'd contact the school, but I imagine it wouldn't be a popular question!
The deposit is refundable but you have from now until class starts really. Not sure how long you have been lurking but if you are a resident of the state of Mississippi this program gets you in however you may what to get that MCAT up to at least a 25 if you want to get into UMMC or William Carry. If you are not from MS, that 23 is going to lock you out of medical school even after you finish this program. Pay for a Kaplan course this summer and retake that MCAT the world opens up to you if you can get that score up. Be careful what you expect from this program. I will be done here in may and will be writing a full review so stay tuned for that.
Here is a little video that was recently made about the Medical Sciences program at MC. Check out the amazing gross lab.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siimw416O2w
I was about to say... your MCAT won't be the reason you're rejected lol. Congratulations on your acceptance! Just remember to make smart decisions on your class combos or you'll dig yourself into an irreparable situation quick.
Thanks! What class combos do you suggest?
Also, from personal experience, where would you suggest I check out to live? I'm making a trip over there towards the end of this month to figure my housing out, meet Dr. Baldwin, and tour the campus.