Hello!
I am interested in applying for the SMDEP program for the 2017 cycle. I’ve heard that different programs put a different amount of emphasis on who they accept based on qualifications. I know that some threads have talked about what their sites specifically looked for in an applicant, such as some programs put a heavy weight on being minority and such. I am not a minority, but I do come from a very rural community, am economically disadvantaged, and have an interest in serving in a rural community.
I was wondering which programs would be the best to apply for with these characteristics in mind. It would be helpful for me to be able to apply to the programs that I would have the best chance of getting accepted into.
Thanks for all of your help!
Same here! What places are you planning to apply?
You can apply to anywhere! No one really knows how each location picks their candidates. I would say you should check individual locations to see which one appeals you. I did SMDEP 2015. I was interested in all the locations but one of the ways I picked which to apply to was proximity. I wanted somewhere close. You can also look at the schedules of each location. Each location has a different schedule for their participants. Some sites have more shadowing hours than others. Some site reimburse transportation fee some don’t. I believe sites like Yale, Duke, and Columbia are more difficult to enter. Because more people are applying there. You can apply to 3 locations. To increase to chances don’t apply to three competitive ones. Make sure you have a “safe” location. Trust me many people apply for this program. I believe each site has about 60 premeds and 20 pre dentals. Lastly, make sure to apply EARLY!!!