Special Masters Programs

What is it?

A Special Master’s Program (SMP) is a graduate-level program designed to help students strengthen their academic credentials for medical school applications. These programs typically offer a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences or related fields and aim to demonstrate a student’s ability to handle rigorous coursework, often comparable to what is encountered in medical school. Some SMPs even allow students to take classes alongside medical students.

Key benefits of SMPs include boosting your GPA, enhancing your academic profile, and sometimes improving your odds of acceptance into affiliated medical schools. They may also provide research opportunities and foster relationships with faculty for strong letters of recommendation. However, SMPs can be costly and poor performance can hinder your application progress.

SMPs are most suitable for students whose undergraduate GPA is slightly below the average for medical schools but who demonstrate the potential to succeed academically with additional preparation.

Will SMPs help undergraduate GPAs?

No.  An undergraduate GPA and a graduate GPA are distinct and evaluated as such on applications. Regardless, a strong graduate GPA may signal to schools that a student is ready for medical school coursework. On the contrary, a low graduate GPA may signal lack of readiness. 

What about other graduate programs?

These may also serve as GPA bolsters, but they may not offer all of the support and guidance pre-med students need. These are still encouraged if the field of study is of high interest to the student, and because these programs also come to some access to advisors and financial aid.