MPH students who complete the 1 year program, then go into the med program, are also required to attend the DES sessions.

Hey all...

I just wanted to add my $0.02 worth now that I'm here at SGU. I was not admitted under AEP, but know a few students here that were. Steph and everyone else is absolutely correct: AEP *** IS NOT *** the same as the "alternate program" (i.e. being "decelled"). AEP students are the exact same as the rest of us; in fact, like others have stated, I don't believe that the DES reviews are required anymore (I may be wrong).

You all have to realise that these DES review sessions ARE NOT "looked down upon", nor do they have some type of "stigma" attached to them! I'm not in AEP, but I go regularly to an anatomy DES on Monday nights and Saturday afternoons (time permitting). Also, believe it or not, the Histo review on Thursday nights regularly draws ~100-150 students!!! That's around one-third to one-half of our entering class!

I know of very, very few students who don't go to at least one DES review per week. The cool thing is, there are SO MANY reviews going on all the time that you can easily find one or few that fit your shedule, if you choose to take advantage of them. Once you're here, you'll pick and choose those which fit your timeframe, your preferance as far as tutors, etc. But trust me... almost EVERYONE goes to them at some point, even if they don't go regularly.

The bottom line: anyone admitted under AEP has nothing at all to be upset about! Once you're here, you'll find yourself going to these reviews anyway, usually with greater freqeuncy than you're required to (if, in fact, you're still "required to"). Hey, nobody told me that "I had to go", but I end up going to 2-3 per week anyway!!! THEY HELP!

...Cal

Thanks alot snitzle, your post really helps. I was trying to decide whether or not to voluntarily join the AEP program or not, but after reading your post, I think its better to just go to the ones I like best. Cuz if you're in the program, your attendance is reported to the board of admissions I think.

Thanks again bud.

__________________
SGU SOM, Class of 2009
An ex-samosa technician with a big heart from Canada.

Hi all. I'm new on the board, but here goes anyways.

I was an MPH student, and I am therefore automatically enroled in the AEP program. Let's see, so far, I've attended a session on time management (helpful), a session on test taking skills (helpful), and I attend 2 review groups every week (which half of the class attends anyways). Sounds like a whole lot of time, EH?... WRONG!. I spend two hours at the reviews (which I would attend even if I wasn't in AEP cause the guy is THAT GOOD) each week, which help a lot. Being in AEP doesn't mean you are stupid (like 1/3 of the class is AEP anyways), or you are going to have labels placed upon you. If there are, they will be quickly worn off, when you work your butt off and score high on the unifieds one month into term. *ahem* Besides, if that's what you're worried about, you shouldn't care what other people think. Do your own thing, and everything will be fine. AEP is a way for them to monitor your progress more closely than the other students, and thats about it. Don't voluntarily join AEP...you can do everything that the AEP students do anyways, there would be no advantage to 'joining'. In fact, I don't think you can join, can you? It's not a 'club' of sorts. You can, however, attend ANY of the AEP seminars and reviews.
IndianBabu: in response to 'being reported to the board of admissions', once you are accepted into the school, the board of admissions no longer 'admits' you, and therefore doesn't care if you are in the AEP. In fact, the only people who care if you are in the AEP, is the Department of Educational Services (DES).
In summary, then, I'd say don't worry about AEP. They are only there to help you, especially if you need help in a particular area. Their services are great, the people are friendly, and YOU WILL NOT BE LABELED.

Regards,

Matthew M.
8)

Thanks for the info Matthew. I guess I won't be joining voluntarily then...

IndianBabu

__________________
SGU SOM, Class of 2009
An ex-samosa technician with a big heart from Canada.

Hi,

I have recently (within the past month) applied to SGU. I am really excited about the prospect of attending, but I am starting to get quite nervous.

I am graduating from the University of Chicago this spring with a 3.4GPA in my concentration (HIstory and Philosophy of the Social Study of Science and Medicine) but my premed requisite gpa is only a 2.5. Unfortunately my MCAT's were only a 23P (10V 7B 6P) so I was wondering if you have any insight in my chance. Also, I have just submitted my first manuscript for publication on the topic of financial incentives for organ donation so this should help.

If you have any words of wisdom that would be great.

Thanks,

Nervous from NJ

I think you most definitly have a shot at ST. George's, if you don't get in shoot for ROSS, AUC,SABA, USE..all of which will get you your MD.

Good Luck!

-M.

There is nothing else that you can do except wait. Chill bro. Seems you'll be fine. My GPA was much lower than yours, MUCH lower. My MCAT was higher, 31. Anyways, good luck bro.

Matthew M.

I'm an AEP student and the only requirements (to my knowledge) are:

Attend an orientation session held at the beginning of the semester.

Meet once with your DES advisor after Unified Quiz #1

Meet once with your DES advisor after Midterms

Attend one DES, or department sponsored review session per week

AEP is in itself not the most helpful thing. As you can see there are not many requirements. HOWEVER, DES is an EXCELLENT resource and AEP will introduce you to DES. Get familiar with DES and take advantage of their programs, they have helped me a lot.
I don't go to DES reviews because I prefer to be taught by the professors/clinical tutors (this is not a knock on DES reviews, as many of my friends here love them. Just personal preference). BUT, I do attend the weekly Histology review and the Bi-weekly Anatomy reviews from Dr. Brahim. It is to your advantage to go to review sessions, especially if you are a verbal learner. SGU tries to help you succeed. The classes are very difficult and the tests are hard, but they give you all the tools to succeed. I'll reiterate, USE DES and GO TO REVIEW SESSIONS. Oh, and lastly, TRUST the acceptance board. They have faith in you, that you will succeed. Thats why they accepted you. AEP or not, have a little faith that they make good choices on who they let in (or look at the attrition rate if you prefer facts) and trust yourself to work hard.

__________________
No trees have been destroyed in the transmission of this e-mail, however, a great number of electrons were greatly inconvienced.

since aep seems to be a dying program (though the mentoring/educational facilities are still there) ill unsticky this as per DrNick's good suggestion.

__________________
Steph
If you get a warning, put on yer manpants and stop whining about it.