Hi tiffughknee. I am considering both the MSMS (Pre-professional track) and IMS programs.
1) How would you compare the two? The USF website states that IMS students take courses with MS1 students. That sounds kind if intimidating. The IMS sounds like a true SMP though. The MSMS sounds more like a mock of a MS1 curriculum ("medical school lite").
2) Has anyone that you know from the IMS- matriculated to USF or any FL medical schools (MD or DO)? Does the IMS have a formal linkage agreement with any medical schools.
3) The IMS seems to be geared towards URM students. Any idea why?
4) Can you tell me which program you recommend more? IMS or MSMS?
Thank you!
Hey! PM me for more info, but to answer these:
1. your interpretation is absolutely correct! IMS takes all classes with MS1 which is a great opportunity, but doesn't do much to boost your GPA (if that is what you need to do)
2. no one has gotten into USF, and 1 person from my class was able to matriculate during our year. There is a Memorandum of Understanding with ACOM for an interview if you have at least a 3.3 GPA (in any USF MCOM grad program) and 502+ MCAT. 1 other person from my program has been accepted so far into a(n osteopathic) medical school.
3. This is true. They pull their students from the medical school application pool who appear underrepresented for some reason or another, or who have faced significant challenges for getting into medical school. I am not precisely sure WHY this group, apart from truly wanting to help this group of students get into medical school (although not USF's medical school. completing the program does not make you more favorable to admissions unless you have a 512+ MCAT)
4. It depends upon what you are looking for in the end, because IMS is taken completely through the med school and very challenging but also great for preparation. But, MSMS still covers much of the same information, on a curve, and is more likely to boost your GPA if that is a major deficit in your application. I also believe it better prepares you for retaking the MCAT because of the classes you take
