questions for former MERP students

[DocSophina]

Hi,

I have a few questions about MERP. Has the grading standard change for MERP because on the letter i received back in Nov. it says that grades in merp "will be determined on a numeric basis. Students much achieve a cumulative 70 or higher to successfully complete MERP with no individual score lower than 60." Now, I read that the passing is 80. Which is true?

Also, how many students are in the MERP class in general? 30, 50? and do a good percentage make it to the island?

Do the professors assign projects or papers for you to do or is it completely based on lecture material and the 4 exams that you take?

What kind of dress is appropriate, is it business casual, no jeans?

What do students do after the 4 hours of lecture per day? I assume its lecture 8-12pm. Are there other MERP activities after those times or are the students free to go back home and study?

Thanks so much for replies in advance.

[TennisMan]

I'll try to answer all your questions...

1. The grading system while I was there (Aprill 2006-July 06), you needed to get an 70 percent overall with no individual class below 60 percent. Not sure if this has changed

2. In my class, there were about 62 of us and about 47 made it to the island. The class after me was much larger.

3. There aren't really any papers due except there was an extra credit paper in immunology/microbiology and a write up due in the clinical class. Mostly all grades are based upon exams and quizzes. They give you handouts for each lecture or chapter they are covering.

4. The dress code is enforced and is business casual. No jeans, no shorts.

5. Usually 4 hours of lecture daily, with some discussion activities in the afternoon. A handful are mandatory and are usually extra sessions with the profs. Some are optional. Usually you go home after lectures and return for afternoon activities.

6. If you go to MERP, learn as much as you can and enjoy the learning experience. Make the most out of all the courses. All of us on the island are now really appreciating our learning experience in Miami. Many of us agree that the profs in MERP are much better than the ones here on the island.

[JSB]

I was there also there in April- July 06. I agree with everything Tennisman said. The grading scale the MERP before us was 80 and above. They changed it to 70 when we got there and I didn't know that until I was already in Miami. I arrived assuming I needed an 80. Clutter said they moved it to a 70 to better resemble the grading scale on the island. So i doubt they changed it back. The class after us was 100....so you're class is two classes after us....assume over 100. Prob close to 120-150. However, I have no idea where they are putting this many people. Also, there are about 5-8 MERPers that made it to the island and failed 1st semester....so don't depend on MERP once you get here. I did get a lot out MERP, and I'm glad that I did it. Good luck