I’ve been bouncing back and forth between just going for it and applying versus enrolling into a master’s or special master’s program for a couple of years now. At the '09 OPM conference I made contact with a couple of admissions people (from programs that I respect) that advised me to get the master’s. Being stubborn like I tend to be on occasion, I’d recently almost convinced myself that I should just apply to med school anyway and see where the cards fall.
I should add that I’m trying to get accepted into a very narrow region geographically. Because of that reason, as well as a healthy dose of FUD, I made appointments with the very schools that I’m interested in attending for med school. I did two campus visits in the same day this past Friday. At one of the campuses I spoke with an assistant director of their special master’s program.
End result? More votes for me to get the master’s degree from both campuses. To elaborate a little, my situation is that I blew a nice upward trend so now my transcript looks more like a roller coaster.
I’m a teeny tiny bit disappointed, but realize that this is probably for the best. In the end it will only add a year to my program anyway. It’s a marathon not a race, right? I’ll be submitting an application to my top choice program this week. The school was gracious enough to count my recent visit as fulfilling the interview requirement. I’ll update once I hear how things turn out.
Anyone else do a SMP? Or are thinking about doing one?
hi nnylacire,
best of luck to you in running this “marathon” to reach the glorious end. 
i see from your signature you’re a DIY post-bacc student at a cal state? i’m also in california and was wondering if you’ve had hard times getting the classes you need (as i’ve heard that open university students have the lowest priority in enrolling). did you qualify for financial aid?
sorry for all of the questions, i really do wish you all the luck. with your mentality of taking it consistently and slowly, odds will be in your favor!
-ella
Hi Ella! Thank you!
To answer your questions: I haven’t really had much difficulty getting classes. I’m not an open university student though. I’ve been formally admitted as a second degree seeking student. Last I heard they’re no longer allowing that because of the budget issues. I got in just before they closed the door on that. I have no idea if that’s still in force though.
About financial aid: my first year I took advantage of the $10k loan you can get for one academic year (for the purposes of preparing for grad school) without being officially in a program. After that I was in a degree granting program and took student loans out until I ran out of undergrad money. This year I’m paying cash. Ouch.
Please feel free to ask anything else you’d like to know. Good luck to you!
thank you SO much nnylacire!!!
yes, i just found today by doing extensive internet searches that second degrees are becoming less available due to the budget crisis in california. sucks for us!! 
i’m actually going to look into programs where i could work towards SOMETHING. a degree, a certificate in order to qualify for financial aid… i’m workin full-time myself and realistically cannot see myself quitting until i absolutely HAVE to. my daughter and i both need the money. it doesn’t help that i actually love my current job… :).
thanks again for your answering my questions… i’ve been out of the game for almost 7 years, feel like my brain has kind of… aged and rotted, and have alot of nerves to deal with as i move forward towards medical school!
all the best,
ella
Update: I spent most of the day today completing the application to the school I visited last week. All that’s left is to click the submit button. Boy is that scary!
Ella - No problem! Anything I can do to help, just let me know. Yes, living in California does have its drawbacks in recent history. I’m hoping to jump ship soon! Be patient and forgiving with yourself. Things will work themselves out. Have faith!