Session 580
Jennifer is the director of the Special Master’s Program (SMP) at Georgetown University. Today, she discusses the unique aspects of the Georgetown SMP and how it differs from other post-baccalaureate programs. Listen to her advice for students considering an SMP or other options to strengthen their medical school application.
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Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.
Embracing the Passion for Guiding Premed Students
Jennifer’s journey into the world of SMPs and interacting with premed students was not a straight path, but rather a serendipitous one. As a former premed student herself, Jennifer realized that the clinical aspect of medicine was not her true calling. Instead, her passion lay in teaching and research, which led her to pursue a PhD and eventually join the faculty at Georgetown University.
It was during her time as a faculty member, teaching physiology, that Jennifer discovered her affinity for working with premed students. She recognized the unique challenges they faced, having been in their shoes herself, and was driven to provide them with the support and guidance they needed to succeed.
Jennifer’s role as the assistant director and then director of the SMP program at Georgetown allowed her to leverage her personal experiences and insights to help these “monster premed students,” as she jokingly refers to them. She embraced the opportunity to work with these driven individuals, offering them a chance to prove their capabilities and showcase their potential to medical schools.
What is an SMP Program?
An SMP, or Special Master’s Program, is a unique graduate-level program designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for medical school. The core concept of an SMP is to allow students to take first-year medical school courses and be graded alongside their future medical school peers.
“The term SMP is specific to a master’s program that allows students to take medical classes and be graded against the medical students.”
The Unique Approach of Georgetown’s SMP
Georgetown University’s SMP program stands out as the first of its kind, having been established in 1975. This pioneering program was created with the goal of giving students who may have had a misstep in their undergraduate studies a chance to prove their ability to handle the rigorous medical school curriculum.
What sets Georgetown’s SMP apart is its direct integration with the medical school experience. Rather than just offering graduate-level coursework, Georgetown’s SMP students sit in on the same lectures, take the same exams, and are graded against the first-year medical students. This allows them to truly demonstrate their readiness and competitiveness for medical school admission.
Another unique aspect of Georgetown’s SMP is the special applicant pool it provides for its students. SMP participants have the opportunity to apply to Georgetown’s medical school during the year they are enrolled in the program, giving them a distinct advantage in the admissions process.
Navigating the Decision: SMP or Post-Bac?
When it comes to deciding between an SMP (Special Master’s Program) or a post-baccalaureate program, Jennifer provides the following guidance:
For students who have already completed their prerequisite courses, Jennifer generally recommends pursuing a graduate-level program, such as an SMP, rather than retaking undergraduate courses. The rationale is that if you have already demonstrated your ability to handle the prerequisite coursework, the next step is to show that you can excel at a higher level of academic rigor.
Demonstrating Your Readiness for Medical School
The key is to demonstrate your readiness for medical school. Jennifer suggests that students compare their qualifications to the profiles of successful medical school applicants, which are publicly available. This includes factors like GPA, MCAT scores, clinical experience, and more.
If a student’s qualifications are on par with successful applicants, then Jennifer advises applying to medical school directly. However, if there are areas where the student falls short, such as a lower GPA or MCAT score, then an SMP or other graduate-level program may be the better option.
Applying with Your Current Qualifications
“If you’re not in a rush, what you can always do is apply with what you have… If you’re successful, then great. If you’re not, that might tell you that you should look into some of these programs.”
Jennifer also recommends that students consider applying to medical school first, using their current qualifications. If they are not successful, that can be a clear indicator that they need to pursue additional preparation, whether through an SMP or other post-baccalaureate program.
The key is to have an honest assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, and to seek guidance from experienced advisors, like those at SMP programs, to determine the best path forward. By carefully evaluating the options, students can make an informed decision about the right program to help them achieve their medical school aspirations.
Navigating GPA Trends and Assumptions
Jennifer acknowledges that evaluating a student’s qualifications, especially when it comes to GPA, can be a complex and nuanced process. She emphasizes that simply looking at the final GPA number may not tell the full story.
Navigating GPA Trends and Assumptions
In situations where a student’s GPA may not be up to par, Jennifer advises them to consider their personal trends and growth throughout their academic journey. She explains that some students may have struggled in their early undergraduate years. But then turned things around with a strong performance in their junior and senior years.
The key is to look at the bigger picture and understand the student’s trajectory.
Jennifer suggests that these students, who have demonstrated an upward trend and significant improvement in their academics, should not be automatically disqualified based on their overall GPA.
Seeking Guidance from Post-Baccalaureate Programs
To navigate this scenario, Jennifer recommends that students reach out to postbac programs, like the one she oversees at Georgetown, for guidance. These programs can provide a more holistic review of the student’s application. They take into account the GPA trends, MCAT scores, clinical experiences, and other factors that paint a comprehensive picture of the student’s potential.
By engaging with these programs, students can receive honest feedback and advice on whether an SMP or other postbac option would be the best fit for them. The program’s advisors can help the student determine if their personal growth and demonstrated abilities are sufficient to overcome any initial academic challenges.
Advice for Students Considering an SMP After Undergraduate Postbac Work
“The thing that usually gets in people way is “outside” things… family issues, financial issues, mental health struggles. And so, if there’s this life stuff getting in your way, fix it first.”
Addressing Life Challenges First
Jennifer emphasizes that the key to success in an SMP program is addressing any life challenges or external factors that may have hindered the student’s academic performance in the past. She advises students to “fix it first” before embarking on the SMP journey.
If the student was struggling in undergrad due to personal, financial, or mental health issues, those underlying problems need to be resolved. Jennifer explains that these same challenges will continue to impact the student’s performance if they are not addressed, even in a graduate-level program.
Demonstrating Readiness Through Work and Effort
Once the student has addressed any life challenges, Jennifer believes there is no reason why they cannot excel in the medical school-level coursework of an SMP program. She states that the key is the “work and the effort” the student is willing to put in.
Jennifer suggests that students need to demonstrate their readiness through tangible evidence, such as an upward trend in their grades, a strong MCAT score, or other indicators that they have the academic abilities to handle the rigorous curriculum.
Seeking Honest Feedback and Guidance
Jennifer encourages students to seek honest feedback from the SMP program they are considering. She advises them to be upfront about their past struggles and to ask the program’s advisors if they believe the student is truly ready to succeed in the program.
Sharing the Story of Chad
I often share the story of a student named Chad as an example of the importance of addressing life challenges before pursuing a path to medical school.
During his undergraduate studies, Chad had to balance his education with the need to support his family, which resulted in him struggling academically. Despite this, Chad did not give up on his dream of becoming a physician.
He went on to pursue postbac work, hoping to strengthen his application. However, he continued to face the same challenges he had encountered in undergrad. He was still unable to achieve the level of academic success required for medical school admission. Undeterred, Chad even applied to Caribbean medical schools, only to be rejected.
At this point Chad had to make a difficult decision – was this truly the path he wanted to pursue, or did he need to make some fundamental changes in his life?
Setting Priorities First
Ultimately, Chad made the brave choice to prioritize his education. He made the hard decision, along with his spouse and family, to put their personal needs aside and focus on Chad’s studies. This meant relying on government assistance programs, such as food stamps, to support themselves while Chad dedicated himself fully to his academic pursuits.
By removing the external distractions and focusing solely on his studies, Chad was able to thrive. He went on to be accepted into medical school and is now a successful second-year general surgery resident.
Addressing Life’s Struggles
Chad’s story serves as a powerful example of the importance of addressing life challenges head-on and being willing to make difficult sacrifices in order to achieve one’s goals. I use this narrative to illustrate the key advice I provide to students – that resolving underlying issues is crucial for success in demanding programs like an SMP.
Addressing the Challenges of Balancing Responsibilities for SMP Aspirants
When a student comes to Jennifer and shares their struggles, explaining that they are a spouse, a parent, and need to work, while also wanting to pursue an SMP program, Jennifer has a very direct conversation with them. Jennifer tells them, quite frankly, that this is likely not a feasible path for them at this time. She is very upfront about this from the very beginning.
“You have to be really upfront with all of the people in your life and say, This is what I have to do to be able to do well.”
She has seen time and time again that students who try to juggle multiple responsibilities alongside the demands of an SMP program simply do not succeed.
Jennifer explains to them that the SMP year needs to be their sole focus. This is their chance to truly demonstrate what they can do in a medical school-level curriculum. And if they are trying to work, maintain a household, and care for a family, they will not be able to devote the necessary time and energy to excel in the program.
Her Advice to the Students’ Parents and Families
During her parent orientation sessions, Jennifer makes it very clear to the families of the SMP students that this is the year for their son or daughter to be “selfish.” She tells the parents that if they have relied on the student for support in the past, it’s time for that to stop. The student needs to be able to dedicate themselves fully to their studies without the burden of outside responsibilities. They are adults, and the choice is theirs. However, she strongly advises them that based on her experience, they will not be successful if they try to do it all.
Jennifer’s role is to provide honest guidance and set realistic expectations. She wants these students to succeed. And she knows that means they need to make their education the top priority, even if it means making difficult sacrifices in the short term. It’s a tough conversation, but one that is necessary to set them up for the best chance of achieving their medical school dreams.
The Role of Financial Aid in Driving Interest in SMP Programs
Availability of Financial Aid for Master’s Programs
Jennifer acknowledges that the financial aid aspect is often a significant factor in why students explore SMP programs and other master’s level options.
She explains that, unlike undergraduate-level postbac work, master’s programs like the SMP are eligible for federal financial aid in the form of loans. This availability of financial aid can be a major draw for students who are looking to further their education and strengthen their medical school application.
Jennifer notes that there is usually not a lot of other financial aid available for SMP programs, with most students relying on federal loans to cover the costs. However, she recognizes that the ability to access these loans can make a meaningful difference for students who may not have the resources to self-fund additional coursework.
Additionally, Jennifer points out that many medical schools prefer to see graduate-level work, such as an SMP, rather than a patchwork of undergraduate-level postbac courses. The structured nature of an SMP, often culminating in a master’s degree, can be viewed more favorably by admissions committees.
Balancing Financial and Academic Considerations
So while the financial aid aspect may not be the sole reason students pursue an SMP, Jennifer believes it is a significant part of the equation. The combination of loan availability and the potential advantages an SMP can offer in the medical school application process make it an attractive option for many aspiring medical students.
“There are so many ways you can get there, and there’s never one right way to get there.”
Ultimately, Jennifer acknowledges that the financial considerations are an important factor, but emphasizes that students should also carefully evaluate the academic and experiential benefits of an SMP program to ensure it aligns with their long-term goals of becoming a physician.
Jennifer’s Perspective on MCAT Requirements for SMP Applications
When it comes to the MCAT requirement for the SMP program at Georgetown, Jennifer explains that they take a unique approach.
Test-Optional Approach
She states that the Georgetown SMP program is “test-optional,” meaning they do not require applicants to submit MCAT scores as part of the application process. However, Jennifer notes that they do suggest that students have an MCAT score, as most of their SMP students are applying to medical school during the same year they are enrolled in the program.
The rationale behind this, according to Jennifer, is that the structure of the Georgetown SMP curriculum allows students to receive medical school grades throughout the program. This enables them to update medical schools they have applied to with their progress and performance in the SMP courses.
Special Consideration for Acceptance
Additionally, Jennifer explains that SMP students at Georgetown have the opportunity to be part of a special applicant pool for the Georgetown University School of Medicine during the year they are enrolled in the program. This special consideration can increase their chances of acceptance. And this is why many students choose to apply to medical school concurrently with their SMP studies.
Given this unique setup, Jennifer suggests that most Georgetown SMP students do have an MCAT score, as it can be beneficial for their medical school applications. However, she emphasizes that the program is flexible and does not require the MCAT as a strict prerequisite.
Proactive Updates to Medical Schools During the SMP Program
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of keeping medical schools updated on a student’s progress during their time in the SMP program. She acknowledges that this is an area you, as the interviewer, have discussed extensively and believe is crucial for students to understand.
Jennifer explains that the Georgetown SMP program takes a proactive approach to updating the medical schools that their students have applied to. She states that they suggest their students update the schools themselves, but the program also takes additional steps to ensure the schools receive regular progress reports.
Letter of Recommendation with Grades
The program assigns each SMP student a letter of recommendation writer, who sends a letter to the schools the student has applied to, typically in October. This letter includes the student’s first three medical school-level grades from the SMP program.
Transcript Updates
The program also sends official transcripts to the schools at designated times throughout the academic year, allowing the medical schools to see the student’s ongoing performance.
Additional Updates
Jennifer explains that the program is also willing to provide any other updates that the medical schools request, as they understand the importance of keeping the schools informed about the student’s progress.
Jennifer acknowledges that not all medical schools are receptive to updates, and some may have limited opportunities for them. However, she emphasizes that the letter of recommendation from the program is a reliable way to ensure the schools receive important information about the student’s performance.
By taking this proactive approach, the Georgetown SMP program aims to give its students the best chance of success by keeping the medical schools they have applied to informed and engaged throughout the duration of the program.
What Makes a Very Successful SMP Student
Having Life Figured Out
Jennifer emphasizes that the most successful SMP students are those who have their life circumstances and personal responsibilities in order. She explains that students who have addressed any major life challenges or distractions are better positioned to thrive in the demanding SMP environment.
Being Ready to Work
Beyond having their personal life in order, Jennifer states that successful SMP students are those who are truly ready to put in the time and effort required to excel in the program. She notes that the SMP curriculum is rigorous, and students need to be fully committed to their studies.
Limiting Distractions
Closely related to having life figured out, Jennifer explains that successful SMP students are able to minimize external distractions during their time in the program. This means being able to focus solely on their academics without the burden of significant work, family, or other commitments.
Demonstrating Readiness
While the above factors are important, Jennifer also stresses that successful SMP students need to have demonstrated their academic readiness in some tangible way. This could be through an upward trend in their undergraduate grades, a strong MCAT score, or other evidence that they can handle the medical school-level coursework.
“You gotta figure out how to take those exams.”
Final Words of Wisdom
In her final words of wisdom, Jennifer emphasizes that there is always a path forward, even for students who have faced significant academic challenges in the past.
She has seen countless examples of individuals who were told they would never get into medical school, only to prove those naysayers wrong. And they were able to demonstrate it through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to seek out the right guidance.
“There’s nothing you can’t come back from.”
Jennifer’s advice is simple yet powerful: if becoming a physician is truly your calling, then let’s make it happen. With the right mindset, a commitment to addressing any underlying issues, and the support of experienced professionals, Jennifer firmly believes that students can overcome even the most daunting obstacles on their journey to medical school and beyond.
