Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Temple University School of Medicine

Temple Med has programs with four undergrads: Duquesne University, Washington & Jefferson University, Widener University, and Temple University. The first three schools programs are called BA/MD, while the last one with Temple undergrad is called the Health Scholars Program.

The first three programs are more straight forward. You are required to maintain a 3.5 GPA and score a 30 on the MCAT. That's pretty standard. But to get into these three programs, you have do two interviews: one with the undergrad, and one with Temple Med. To me, this is a pain in the ass. For someone not from the area, this can cause great inconvenience. Also, note that Widener gives a preference to residents of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Don't apply if you're not from these states. It would be a huge waste of time.

For the Temple Health Scholars Program however, it's a little bit different. To remain in the program you have to maintain a 3.5 GPA and do another interview during your junior year. MCAT is also required, but I don't know what the required score is. This Health Scholars Program doesn't sound as safe as the BA/MD programs.

From what I heard, the location of Temple Med is a huge negative. It's located in North Philly, not exactly the safest spot in Philly. However, the quality of education at Temple Med seems to be very solid. They were on probation a few years ago but have gotten back on track.

Admission Requirements:
Duquesne University
  • Apply by November 15th
Incoming freshman with SAT scores of 1350 or higher, at one sitting, in the math and verbal sections (no single score below 600, this includes the new writing section) or a minimum composite ACT score of 31 are eligible to apply to this program in advance of matriculation. Qualified candidates will first be interviewed by the Pre-Medical Professions Program (PMPP) and then by members of the Admissions Committee from Temple School of Medicine. Students must indicate their interest in the program by checking the Duquesne Medical Scholars Program (DMSP) code on the Duquesne University Admissions application.

Washington and Jefferson University
  • Apply early in the fall.
Requirements are the same as above.

Widener University
  • Apply by December 15th
Requirements are the same as above.

  • The Scholars Program invites applications from candidates with strong high school academic records and demonstrated interest in their professional field.
  • Typically, candidates have four (4) years of high school math and science classes, a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and an SAT score of 1320 or higher (ACT of 30 or higher)
  • Have a demonstrable commitment to volunteer or service activities, at least one of which is a health-care related experience.
  • Apply by January to be considered for an interview in February.

13 comments:

  1. Update: All four years of medical school will now be at the new TUSM regional campus in Pittsburgh (to be opened in 2013). Most rotations will be at Allegheny General Hospital. This is opposed to the old program requirements of the first two years at Temple in Philly, and the second two years of clerkships in Pittsburgh. Learned this at my interview there yesterday- quite a shock! I believe it applies only to Duquesne and W & J applicants for the Medical Scholars Program.

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  2. That is interesting. Thanks for posting this.

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  3. I am a Temple BA/MD student. It is a great program. Unlike other BS/MD programs, Temple BA/MD students normally get full tuition scholarship from their undergraduate institutions, which is a big plus. However, TUSM is extremely selective. SAT or ACT test score must be close to perfect in order to get an interview at TUSM. Each undergraduate institution sends approximately eight candidates and TUSM interviews about half of them and accepts most of them. TUSM interview is quite late like in the middle of April. Accepted students get only two weeks to decide.

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    1. hi, i've been invited to interview for the temple+temple health scholars program, but im not sure if i should even spend the time and money to pay for a plane ticket to go because of safety concerns. the area around temple isn't very safe from what i've heard. any thoughts on that? thanks!

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  4. Have people been notified yet of acceptance into the duquense/temple scholars program?.

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  5. Is the Temple health scholars program considered to be an actual BS/MD program? Because I have "the official book" and the temple/temple program is not included in it.

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    1. Are you talking about the MSAR book? Hmm. Interesting. It should be in there.

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    2. The book is called "BS/MD Programs: The Complete Guide," and its the 2012 edition. It includes Temple U School of Medicine with Duquesne, Washington & Jefferson College, and Widener, but not Temple

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    3. They probably just forgot to put it in there. Here's the link to the Temple Health Scholar program: http://www.temple.edu/healthadvising/scholars.htm

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  6. So this program does guarantee a spot to Temple Medical School?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, if you meet the condition of 3.5 GPA and whatever MCAT score they require.

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  7. Can someone confirm, if we need to interview with medical school in junior year to be considered, even after meeting gpa mcat requirement? For temple health scholar program?

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