Hello everyone,

Congrats on your acceptance to BU. It feels good doesn't it??? I thought we could get to know each other more before we meet in August....Post anything and everything about urself. For us non-Bostonians, finding affordable housing is not a joke in BU...might as well find roommates atleast :)

-sk1684

I was accepted at BU, and am thrilled, but was also accepted at UMASS -- I am not quite sure what to do and would love to hear from anyone who has made the decision to go to BU what they based their decision on.

Go to UMass to save yourself about $150,000 and still get a good medical education. Go to BU if you really don't want to live in Worcester and aren't concerned about the additional debt. Even if you go to med school in Worcester, you can still do some of your 3rd and 4th years in Boston hospitals. :)

I was accepted at BU, and am thrilled, but was also accepted at UMASS -- I am not quite sure what to do and would love to hear from anyone who has made the decision to go to BU what they based their decision on.

Congratulations!! I was accepted at BU as well, and interviewed at UMass about a week and a half ago. Hopefully, I, like you, will eventually have the same dilemma. When did you interview at UMass? What is pulling you toward one school or the other? Like the previous poster said, the difference in debt is quite large. I was impressed with both schools when I interviewed. If I don't get accepted to UMass, I will happily stay in the city, and won't have a difficult to decision to make....the main pull for me for BU is the quality of clinical education, the diverse patient population (though this is true at UMass as well), and the chance to stay in Boston. I've become a real city girl. However, UMass is a great deal and a fabulous school, and it's difficult to beat that. Let us know what you decide! K

Hello everyone,

Congrats on your acceptance to BU. It feels good doesn't it??? I thought we could get to know each other more before we meet in August....Post anything and everything about urself. For us non-Bostonians, finding affordable housing is not a joke in BU...might as well find roommates atleast :)

-sk1684

Congratulations sk1684! It certainly does feel good. I feel so fortunate to have an acceptance at this early stage, especially since my MCATs were less than stellar. Where are you from? Boston is expensive, but you can find good deals if you look hard enough, and you live with roommates. Currently, I live in Watertown, and my roommate and I each pay $525. Admittedly, we have a very good deal and a good amount of space, but it is doable. You just need to go outside of the city, proper.....public transportation isn't bad, so, like I said, it's doable. The market is a bit softer than it's been in years past. Oh, one piece of advice I would offer is to use Craig's list. I know Craig's list is also available in other cities, but I've had good luck with it. You could even specify that you are hoping to live with another medical student. If nothing else, it will give you a sense for what kinds of places are available in what price-range. South End is super expensive. Look in JP, Roxbury, Watertown (though this is a little farther out), Cambridge, Somerville, etc.

Take care and keep us posted,
K

When did you interview at UMass? What is pulling you toward one school or the other? Let us know what you decide! K
GOOD LUCK with UMASS! I interviewed there in early November. Obviously Boston is much more appealing than Worcester, and I get the feeling BU has much more to offer with the school of public health right there (I am interested in international public health) and being in Boston with all sorts of research going on there anyway. Yes, the money is a huge thing pulling me to UMASS but I will make it back in the end anyway...right?

GOOD LUCK with UMASS! I interviewed there in early November. Obviously Boston is much more appealing than Worcester, and I get the feeling BU has much more to offer with the school of public health right there (I am interested in international public health) and being in Boston with all sorts of research going on there anyway. Yes, the money is a huge thing pulling me to UMASS but I will make it back in the end anyway...right?

yeah, but itll take u a while, like half ur lifetime; BU is about the fourth most expensive med school in the US. I would prob choose UMASS over BU just for the money, but i never declared my MA residence (i'm lazy). anyways, UMASS is also a GREAT school, esp. for people wanting to go into primary care. anyways, im prob ending up at BU too, since its my alma mat.

Congrats to everyone on your acceptances.

I'm doing my post-bac work at BU and just wanted to pass along some info for those looking at housing in Boston:

BU just introduced a shuttle that runs from the main campus near Allston and Brookline to the Medical Campus in the South End. For info on the shuttle: http://www.bu.edu/thebus/
Housing in the South End is pretty expensive. Now with the new shuttle, it's possible to live in Allston or Brookline and get to the Medical Campus (for free!!!!) in about 25 minutes.

I've been taking the shuttle the past couple days and it's worked out perfectly.

Also, check out http://boston.craigslist.org/ for apartments. Some friends of mine have gotten some sweet deals off this site.

Congrats to everyone on your acceptances.



BU just introduced a shuttle that runs from the main campus near Allston and Brookline to the Medical Campus in the South End. For info on the shuttle: http://www.bu.edu/thebus/
Housing in the South End is pretty expensive. Now with the new shuttle, it's possible to live in Allston or Brookline and get to the Medical Campus (for free!!!!) in about 25 minutes.

The shuttle is not a new thing, but they are expanding their schedule, I believe, which is a good thing.

The shuttle is not a new thing, but they are expanding their schedule, I believe, which is a good thing.

Yes, yes, I stand corrected. The shuttle's not new, it's the expanded service that's new. It now makes stops closer to Allston whereas before it only stopped at BU's School of Education building closer to Kenmore Sq.

Both BU and UMASS are great schools, but there are two significant differences between the two schools.

1) BU is a lot more expensive than UMASS if you are a Mass resident.
2) The vast majority of BU graduates don't go in to primary-care, while a very large percentage of UMASS graduates do.

Overall, my advice is to attend UMASS if you are positive you will be going into primary-care and are a Mass resident (this will save you a lot of money), but go to BU if you are interested in something other than primary-care. My main reason for making this suggestion is that BU has a significantly better record for graduates going into competitive specialties and doing so at top level programs (based on the two schools past match lists).

I am also deciding between BU and UMass, and I'll say this. I have been continually impressed with UMass and will likely attend there. Reason #1 is the money. Cost of living in worcester is much cheaper, I can have a car since there is plenty of parking, and I save a boatload on tuition. I will be entering residency with no debt. Further, UMass is actually outranking BU in NIH funding as there has been a HUGE recent push by UMass to become a top research school (they want accomplish that by 2009). Hence, you have the incredible new, state of the art research building, and the new trauma center that will truly allow UMass med to earn the level 1 status. The new construction as I understand will be done by the time we enter and it's going to look great and modern. The student faciliities (i.e., lounges, lecture halls, study rooms, etc) were actually better than those at BU. Plus, at BU, you've got all those other students in other programs in your classes.

I actually love BU's location. It's hospital is very nice and the campus has a pretty lawn and lots of other amenities that UMass doesn't have. But as far as quality of school goes, I think BU would be better socially, but it's not worth the money academically.

One thing about residency matches. UMass is an all around good school and is being recognized as so. you'll see it's rankings go up very soon (next few years) because of all the new research dollars they've been getting. They've opened up a new cancer research center and are doing a clinical trial of an AIDS vaccine. BU is getting the BioPark on its campus, which is pretty cool, but that's more for private companies and I don't see that translating into dollars for BU.

Residency match is about the individual more than the school. Yes, the school is important, but it's how hard you work and what you want. UMass won't shove primary care down your throat. In fact, it's primary care focus is good because you get clinical experience right away in your first year. UMass people have a great reputation for being good clinicians overall. So, don't let the primary care thing scare you. It scared me until I did more research about it. If you don't want primary care, they have all the resources and the ability to match you anywhere. Lastly, you can plan your rotations in boston if you want and get residencies there. I honestly don't think there is an appreciable difference between the two schools (BU and UMass) as far as residency directors are concerned. Maybe someone can back me up on this.

I just wanted to straighten out a few facts about funding at BU and UMASS. BU receives a substantial amout of funding more that UMASS. In fact in 2003 Boston University School of Medicine received $232,179,841 in total NIH grants, while UMASS's Med School received $95,111,542. The figures I used here can be found on the NIH website:

http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/award/rank/medttl03.htm

Also, BU ranked 13th in NIH funding in 2003 vs. UMASS's Med schools 41st. (Please note that I am citing 2003 figures, because the 2004 figure will not be ready until spring.)


New Buildings coming to BU's Medical Campus:

1) Lab for Bioterrorism Defense - this funded by a fedral grant of $122 million and will become only the 4th level IV (highest possible) biosafety lab in the country
2) Addition Biosquare Building - this a building that will house a mixture of faculty labs and biotech start-ups mostly
3) Cancer Center - a new building that currently underconstruction that will centralize all cancer related specialties into one location

New Center that just opened:

Center for Biomedical Imaging - houses a state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner that is reserved exclusively for research use

Based on this information it is clear that while UMASS is an outstanding school its capacity for research and all the benefits that go with it are significantly less than BU's. A fact that is very unlikely to change in the future.

One other point that I would like to counter is that "where you match is a reflection of the individual not the institution they come from". This is biggest bunch of crap I have ever heard. How well an individual performs is indeed very important in where they match, but the institution they came from is just as important. Just look at any schools match lists for several consecutive years and you will find definative trends in where people match. This happens for several reasons, but the most important is that once a residency takes in a graduate of particular medical school and likes what they see they are very likely to take future graduates of the same program. Hence, past match lists are one of the best indicators of how good a medical school is.


One final thought: Where you go to school will play a large part in the type and location of the residency you match into and what residency you complete will determine your career. Can you put a price tag on having the career you would like?

BU Medical Students have amazing oppurtunities to do research due to the ever-expanding facilities on the MED campus. There are more spots than there are students.

BU faculty (both science and non-science) are top notch and dedicated to teaching. I was amazed at how much i could learn over the past year.

I really enjoy the patient contact, which occurs during the first semester of the first year (they aren't lying about this). Exposure to a wide variety of cases in an urban setting.

Lots of flexibility for 4th year roations (away rotations, international, etc.)

The parking sucks, the rents in the south end are high, but if you live in allston/brighton and take the shuttle, you save $$$. Commute is about 30 min every day.

Oh, and I love going to school here, if that offers you any assistance in your decision! Good luck.

Oh, and yes, our match list is awesome. Even for primary care, there are a large amount of matches in IM to the Harvard Hospitals every year (BI, MGH, BW). I am assuming that this will continue to be the trend as the incoming classes now are academically stronger (in admissions terms anyway, which probably doesn't mean anything) than they were in the past.

I knew that BU is strong in research, but i am actually not interested in research. I am interested in primary care esp. in the international scenario...might specialize in infectious diseases, if i do decide to specialize. How is BU in primary care and such ? i mean i just don't want to end up in an atmosphere that is mostly "research like".

Oh, and yes, our match list is awesome. Even for primary care, there are a large amount of matches in IM to the Harvard Hospitals every year (BI, MGH, BW). I am assuming that this will continue to be the trend as the incoming classes now are academically stronger (in admissions terms anyway, which probably doesn't mean anything) than they were in the past.

Thanks Brainman, Good to know I had some misconceptions about BU. I still stand by my comments on residency as I've looked at a lot match lists lately and I find that most schools get a few students into each big specialty. As far as UMass goes, UMass students match regularly in the specialties, especially in Boston hospitals, largely because at all residency programs, preference is given to local people. This may be due to the ability of local schools to be able to do rotations at those hospitals as 'auditions'.

The reason I was concerned about BU's funding is because for some very odd reason (they gave us some bull**** reasons when we interviewed), they don't support their MD/PhD studetns. These students are forced to pay the full tuition (which is huge) and get very little pay. Even schools that are not MSTP designated by the NIH (Boston only has two schools with such a designation: Tufts, Harvard) waive tuition for their MD/PhD students. When I asked the scientists I worked with, they said it's likely due to simple funding issues where they just can't afford to pay their MD/PhD's. If someone could shed some light on this, that would be great.

I can talk a little about MD/PhD at BU. I am a first year MD/PhD student at BU now. Almost definitely getting the PhD in Anatomy and Neurobiology. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me for funding, but I can tell you that during your first year you get $22,500 of the tuition covered by the program and in the end the program ends up providing about 1/2 of the funding necessary for the MD. However, there are specific NIH funds that support MD/PhD students, which you can apply for and if received the MD is 100% funded with a stipend. During the PhD years you are fully funded and receive a stipend of about $26,000 a year. BU is one of the largest MD/PhD programs in the country with between 8 and 12 students participating in the program every year (BU's med school class is 155 students). Another important thing to note about BU is that it is not a MSTP. One final note about BU is why they only provide half funding. BU does this because it is able to keep double the number of students in the program by only half funding each instead of fully funding half the number of students they typically take. This is why for instance Dartmouth (another non-MSTP) takes only about 4 students a year, but fully funds them. Basically, BU decided it is better to half fund 8-12 students a year than to fully fund 4-6 (however BU sometimes offers full funding and stipend throughout to one person per class).

A little about MSTP and non-MSTP (a very important difference)

MSTP = Medical Scientist Training Program - a program developed by the NIH to increase the number of MD/PhD's by fully funding both degrees and paying a stipend throughout that is $ 20,772 (starting in 2005). These programs are outstanding, but there is one major catch that is very often over looked with these programs. Upon completion of an MSTP you are required to stay in the academic setting for at least 8 years at which time you are free to do what ever you would like to do. However, if you decide after completing the program that you are interested in going in to a private practive or going to work in industry you are screwed. The NIH will allow you to do either of the above, but you will be required to pay back everything the NIH gave you (both in funding and stipend) and a few additional fees. Point here is that MSTP is outstanding for you if you are positive that you will be staying in an academic setting, but if you are considering otherwise you should seriously consider the consquences of participating in an MSTP and not staying in academics.

Non-MSTP at BU
It is approximately half funded with stipend of about $26,000 per year during the PhD. However, upon completion of the program you are free to do what ever you would like to do (academics, private practice, or industry).

Basic Differences
Full funding, but requirement to stay in academics for 8 years
vs.
Half funding and free to do anything after


If anyone has any other specific questions please feel free to ask me. However, it is important for me to give the disclaimer that I went to BU for undergrad and stayed to do the MD/PhD, because I really enjoy being at BU. My first year at Med school had been outstanding and I really love what I am doing. Therefore, I am clearly biased, but I will try not to show this when answering questions.

PS- Sorry about all the MD/PhD talk here I know this is not what this thread was about and I would also be very happy to answer any of the questions any of the MD students have about BU.

BU is very unique in that it is the only medical school located in Boston that has a Family Practice Department. It is a department with a lot of history that still maintains some of its older ways. One of the coolest things about the department is that while rotating through as a 3rd year you actually get to make house calls to patients in the area. This a unique aspect of BU's training that I don't know of any other school that does this. It gives the students a different perspective of their patients by getting to see them in their home atmosphere. There is also a Family Medicine Interest Group that hosts a variety of talks and events relating to topics in Family Medicine and Primary Care. However, as I noted before, I would have probably chosen UMASS over BU if I was interested in Primary Care for one very simple reason money. BU is very expensive and UMASS is very inexpensive if you are a Mass resident. The unfortunate truth is that you will most likely be in some debt upon completing med school at BU (I believe the average is around $130,000 or so, give or take $10,000) and the area of medicine you go into will greatly determine your ability to pay back this debt. Unfortunately primary care is on the low end of the spectrum at around $150,000/year. Thus it would be substantially more difficult for you to pay off your loans if you are a primary care physician than an orthopedic or neurological surgeon making around $400,000/year. Basically my prior comment on attending UMASS over BU for Primary Care was entirely related to financial issues not one school having a better program. Both are great schools and produce outstanding physicians (the same can be said for nearly every US med school). However, if you are not a MASS resident or are not concerned about the financial issues I would definitely tell you to go to BU, but clearly I am biased.

Are the lectures electronically available at BU? I understand them better when i can listen/watch them at my own pace.

BU is very unique in that it is the only medical school located in Boston that has a Family Practice Department. It is a department with a lot of history that still maintains some of its older ways. One of the coolest things about the department is that while rotating through as a 3rd year you actually get to make house calls to patients in the area. This a unique aspect of BU's training that I don't know of any other school that does this. It gives the students a different perspective of their patients by getting to see them in their home atmosphere. There is also a Family Medicine Interest Group that hosts a variety of talks and events relating to topics in Family Medicine and Primary Care. However, as I noted before, I would have probably chosen UMASS over BU if I was interested in Primary Care for one very simple reason money. BU is very expensive and UMASS is very inexpensive if you are a Mass resident. The unfortunate truth is that you will most likely be in some debt upon completing med school at BU (I believe the average is around $130,000 or so, give or take $10,000) and the area of medicine you go into will greatly determine your ability to pay back this debt. Unfortunately primary care is on the low end of the spectrum at around $150,000/year. Thus it would be substantially more difficult for you to pay off your loans if you are a primary care physician than an orthopedic or neurological surgeon making around $400,000/year. Basically my prior comment on attending UMASS over BU for Primary Care was entirely related to financial issues not one school having a better program. Both are great schools and produce outstanding physicians (the same can be said for nearly every US med school). However, if you are not a MASS resident or are not concerned about the financial issues I would definitely tell you to go to BU, but clearly I am biased.

Lectures at BU are not videotaped and put online as is the case at some schools. In fact they do this on purpose to encourage attendance of classes. However the vast majority of professors use powerpoint for lectures and all powerpoint files are posted online. In fact they are posted on:

courseinfo.bu.edu

under the medical school. You may even be able to see some of the info for some courses in you take a look (try to sign on as a guest, I am not sure how this is done, but I think there are directions). Also, every class has a very extensive syllabus (typically around 300-400 pages per course) that covers the major points in the classes. To be honest you could do well in any class if you studied the syllabus and the books for any class, but I would highly suggest that you attend class the faculty are outstanding and a pleasure to be lectured by. I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any other specific questions that you may have, I am very happy to answer them.

1. When do classes start?
2. is the housing fair helpful at all? or are we better off finding our own apartments through craig's list?

I looked and tried to find the schedule for this coming year, but I don't think the school has it posted on the website yet. This year (Fall 2004) we started orientation on Sept. 1st. Most likely this coming years schedule will be about the same as last years. Here is a link to the Fall schedule for last year:

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/www/busm/osa/BUSM_I_%20Fall_04.pdf

As for housing, people approach this issue in a number of ways. Craig's list is okay, but if you use it to find housing I would highly suggest that you find a roommate(s) that are also students. It is really difficult to live with people that don't have the same demanding schedule that you have. Below is a link to the Office of Housing Resources and one to a book put together by previous students for the incoming class (its called the red book). The link to the Red BooK I put up is for last years edition, because this years has not been prepared yet. You will receive the updated Red Book during orientation. I hope this info has been helpful and please let me know if you have any other questions.

Office of Housing Resources:
http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Home.aspx?DepartmentID=375

Last Years Red Book:
http://www.bumc.bu.edu/www/busm/osa/Redbook_2004.pdf

I know there is some BU/UMass debate but what about BU vs. Tufts? Which would you choose if you were fortunate enough to get into both?

i actually got into both, but i knew i didnt want to go to tufts the day i interviewed there. facilities werent as impressive as BU's, their main hospital isnt as great as BUMC, plus, the admissions people were soooooooooo rude. did NOT like it at all........ but that may just be my personal opinion

Hello all,
Not much action on this thread lately. It seems that people tend to prefer some other school of BU. BU is shown inferior to Tufts/U Mass or other schools. I feel weird because i am delibrately choosing to come to BU despite that i did get into other schools (not in Boston). BU is my top choice so far because of location, diversity, public health opportunities at BU, Harvard and Tufts, and the solid clinical training. Am i the only one who feels this way? Is there anyone who is absolutely sure that BU is for them?

i don't know about Tufts admissions people, but BU's sure aren't the most friendly either! I don't know why they are cranky? are they not paid/treated well? Current med students' thoughts on this would be helpful.

i actually got into both, but i knew i didnt want to go to tufts the day i interviewed there. facilities werent as impressive as BU's, their main hospital isnt as great as BUMC, plus, the admissions people were soooooooooo rude. did NOT like it at all........ but that may just be my personal opinion

anyone know if BU has a second look day?

anyone know if BU has a second look day?

Yes, I think they do - sometime during the weekend of April 9th, if I'm not mistakin' (which, unfortunately, is entirely possible). :p

Hey all,

Anyone of you luck accepted folk know when the second round of letters go out? Thanks! :)

I was accepted to BU and am still waiting to hear from Tufts and UMass. I will not go to UMass, but must decide between Tufts and BU. Money is not an object because the Navy is paying for all of it $$.

I would really like to hear from others about why they really want to go to BU, or better yet, why they don't want to go to BU.

I have heard that some of the classrooms and labs in the first 2 years are a little out of date, but everything I saw on the tour was brand new and beutiful. However, I am sure they are only showing you the really new stuff.

Also, I understand that they have a very large clinical network for doing rotations. Boston Medical is as good as it gets in terms of teaching hospitals. The best comparison that I have heard is that Tufts is better for the academic years, and BU is better for the clinical years. Both have great match lists.

BU does have a second look opporunity, it is April 9th. My impressions of the people at BU where not unfavorable, but I was not taken by them either. Maybe a little bit of academic snobbery, or maybe Dean Witzburg just used too many big words that I could'nt understand. However, I left my interview day pleasantly surprised and very impressed at all that BU had to offer. It looked and felt like the BU has as all the facilities and opportunities as any hospital in the country, and more than most.

Hello all,

I posted this on the "Bu" thread as well. So if you haven't read that already, BU sent me an e-mail today with information on their open house on April 9th. The workshops seem really interesting. I was wondering how many people were going? Anyone going there from Pennsylvania?? (was thinking of car pooling)

Congratulations! You've done so well in this process!!

Hello all,

I posted this on the "Bu" thread as well. So if you haven't read that already, BU sent me an e-mail today with information on their open house on April 9th. The workshops seem really interesting. I was wondering how many people were going? Anyone going there from Pennsylvania?? (was thinking of car pooling)

unless you have a parking spot waiting for you in Boston with a friend, or if you know of a spot where you can park without a neighborhood permit, i wouldn't recommend driving. It's notoriously hard to find street parking without a permit, and otherwise you'd have to park at a meter and keep running to drop quarters into it. besides, southwest flies to providence from philadelphia for super cheap right now.

parking at the school of med on weekends is actually only $5 for the whole day
and theres a lot of space available, so i say drive if u can

I think it is true that flights are also very cheap right now from Philadelphia....I feel like I saw an ad somewhere for flights for around $40 each way. Definitely might be something to look into, and save you the hassle of driving. It's a bit of a pain, but you can get to BU from the airport via public transportation.

yeah, i saw some majorly cheap flights to/from philly on travelocity
thats a mad sweet idea

BTW if anyone knows what the attire usually is at 2nd looks/open houses, please lemme know
i dont wanna be the only one showing up in sweats.

hey guys, is anyone going to the april 9th open house? i think it will be a good time to get info and see the school again... but i dont know if i feel like taking the bus all the way up from nyc. what hotels are you guys staying at? thanks. im assuming the dress code is casual??

I should be there for the Open House. I'll be flying up and staying with family in the city.

k, now that acceptances are rolling in, i think we should all start getting to know each other if we're gonna be future classmates
i'll start:
hello everybody, my name is melissa; i live in boston right now but i'm originally from PR; i graduated from BU in 2004 and have been working at BUSM for the past year. My hobbies include running, yoga, SDN, and taking long walks on the charles river esplanade. i'm 5'5, 115lbs, and my measurements are 38-26-36 (not really, but i wish).

This is going to be fun.

My name is Lars and I'm graduating from the University of Arizona (Go Cats!) in May. I've lived in Arizona all my life and as such I'm looking forward to seeing/living in a different part of the country. My degree is in Molecular and Cellular Biology, but a huge chunk of my undergrad work has been done in a multimedia production studio at the University focusing (so to speak) on photography, large format printing, and cinematography. I also listen to/play a lot of music, mostly independent, small bands (but I do like quite a bit of rock/pop-rock(s) :D)

(everybody together): "Hellloooooooooo Lars"

what bands do u like????

When does BU officially start? I can't find it on the website and I think it would be helpful to know when to be there. Thanks :) I am looking forward to meeting my new classmates!!!

i believe the last week of august is orientation and school starts the first week of september, after labor day usually

heres the calendar link:
http://www.bu.edu/reg/cal0506.htm

Hm...The bands that I like...that's a short question that has a huge answer, but I'll see what I can do.

Right now, at this very moment, I'm listening to a band from the UK (Leeds) called the Kaiser Chiefs and I'm really digging them. They've just released an LP in the U.S. called Employment. As far as what they sound like, picture four lads dressed as Franz Ferdinand who kicked The Killers in The Shins and stole their synthesizers. They then hired zombie Joe Strummer from The Clash fame to write lyrics and melodies. But other groups that are on my recently played list are Razorlight, The Shins, The Thrills, Badly Drawn Boy, The Dead Milkmen, The Twilight Singers, The Format (pre-OC fame), Frou Frou (hear them on Garden State), Iron & Wine, Johnny Cash, Less Than Jake, Ozma, Snow Patrol, and Wilco.

The local bands I like here in Tucson are called The Deludes and Calexico. I'm fairly familiar with the music scene here as I shoot publicity and gig photos for local bands putting together promotional materials or CDs.

My favorite two bands of all time (the kind of favorite where I have every album, every bootleg, etc.) are the Dave Matthews Band (their new CD is going to rock everyone's socks off) and They Might Be Giants.

I love music...I just can't get enough of it. If I'm not in class, talking to friends, or working, I'll be listening to music. But quietly of course, so as not to disturb my neighbors. :p

This is going to be fun.

My name is Lars and I'm graduating from the University of Arizona (Go Cats!) in May. I've lived in Arizona all my life and as such I'm looking forward to seeing/living in a different part of the country. My degree is in Molecular and Cellular Biology, but a huge chunk of my undergrad work has been done in a multimedia production studio at the University focusing (so to speak) on photography, large format printing, and cinematography. I also listen to/play a lot of music, mostly independent, small bands (but I do like quite a bit of rock/pop-rock(s) :D)

You're going to love Boston then. There's a pretty strong rock/punk band scene. The Middle-East (a restaurant/bar in Central Square in Cambridge) books indie/local bands on an almost weekly basis. You'll probably also love Cambridge overall (right across the river from Boston) - more independent coffee shops, fair-trade stores, indie/foreign movie theatre (is there an indie movie theatre in Boston? I was only aware of the one in Cambridge).

Of course, you'll probably also hate the winters. But that means more skiing/snowboarding :)

edit: i have The Format's CD. i watched them open for Switchfoot in Philadelphia. They're from AZ, aren't they? (I have a secret desire to own a vacation home in AZ. Oak Creek Canyon to be specific.)

Mad sweet, i think i've actually heard of kaiser chiefs; no idea where or when tho. It sounds like i would love em, since FF, killers, and the shins are among my top 5 bands (and currently on repeat in my mp3 player). i heard the iron and wine song on the garden state soundtrack and a friend recommended them but i dunno if i'd be into them. Do u have that new wilco CD? what do u think of it? I was thinking about getting it, but i read reviews that said it was nothing like their last one. my fave bands: modest mouse & the shins

edit: i have The Format's CD. i watched them open for Switchfoot in Philadelphia. They're from AZ, aren't they? (I have a secret desire to own a vacation home in AZ. Oak Creek Canyon to be specific.)

Yeah, you're talking about the Interventions and Lullabies LP right? The song "Tune Out" with that lyric, "I'll tap the break if you crack the window, the smell of smoke is making my lungs explode, the 51 is backed up and too slow..." is all about traffic jams on the east side of the Phoenix Metro Valley. They were a staple of the indie scene here and are famous for their ubiquitous presence. The last time I saw them, they were opening for Jimmy Eat World.

Also, Oak Creek Canyon is awesome, though you have to watch out for the semi-yearly floods.

Do u have that new wilco CD? what do u think of it? I was thinking about getting it, but i read reviews that said it was nothing like their last one.

I dunno if it was nothing like their last one. I dig it, but then again, Wilco is kind of new to me so I'm totally okay with any change they might have gone through from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to A Ghost Is Born. I mean, if DMB decided to go metal, I'd be pissed, but I can deal with Wilco changing it up.

so did anyone that went to the open house make up their mind yet?????
its weird that 2/3 of the people that were accepted showed up, i thought it was only gonna be like 1/4

I was really impressed with the open house and the students on Saturday....how about others??

Hi everyone,

Still very undecided about where I want to be this Fall. What did you guys think of the Open House this past Saturday and how has it affected your decision (If you weren't sure to begin with, that is)? THe Open House for me still left me very unsure. BUT, I would love to hear about other people's experiences get more perspective --particularly prospectives interested in MD/MPH.

I thought the students currently there were very honest about their experiences. Very well-rounded group of people, varied interests, hobbies, etc. They seemed happy in terms of how supportive the faculty have been. I'm not too happy about how standard the curriculum is. The 3/4th years that I talked to did complain that they felt that their basic clinical skills (pt. hx, physical diagnosis) weren't strongly emphasized during 1 and 2nd year and that there could be room for improvement to accomodate more clinical skills building before they entered rotations.

For the MPH part, the BUSM students were amazing, although I would have liked to hear more about what they did for their praticum. Again, very supportive and flexible faculty.

anyways, those are my impressions, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts, too. congrats on acceptance!

Hi everyone,

Still very undecided about where I want to be this Fall. What did you guys think of the Open House this past Saturday and how has it affected your decision (If you weren't sure to begin with, that is)? THe Open House for me still left me very unsure. BUT, I would love to hear about other people's experiences get more perspective --particularly prospectives interested in MD/MPH. THanks and congrats on the acceptance.

Curious about what your hesitations are? This is helpful to hear so that I can figure out what my own are too! I was reassured a bit that some of the reputation about BU med students being competitive may be a carry-over from when grading wasn't pass/fail.....so that made me feel a bit better. Also, it sounds like the administration has really responded to the students complaints about problems in the curriculum for the first two years....that was reassuring to me as well. And the clinical years seem to be the big draw!
Anyhow, curious to hear your thoughts.....what other schools are you looking at? If you want to share, of course...... :-)

i thought the whole thing was actually quite informative
the teachers seemed really nice and so did the students
also, did anyone see that MS1 that played for the bears; he was huuuuuuuge

I'm interested in an MD/MPH, but that doesn't particularly affect my med school decision, since you can get your MPH really anywhere you want. I attended the talk about international health, and I was impressed by how willing Dr. Sarfaty was to help people find projects.

The financial aid budget bothered me a bit. It seemed like they were trying to underestimate their cost by budgeting on a 9 month basis, which isn't realistic considering that people are going ot be signing full-year leases. I don't know why they include the full 12 months in their budget. The 9-month inclusion is likely to hurt us since it will decrease the amount of money we're eligible from the goverment (government gives us as much as the school says we need) and we'll have to make up the difference in private loans (that have higher interest rates). That and, one of the student tour leaders told me that having a car is pretty much required for third year, but that the cost of owning a car isn't factored into the financial aid budget either. He said that carpooling is difficult unless you and your ride are on the same rotation team and start/end together.

Considering how expensive the school is, I was a bit disappointed in the facilities.

I'm interested in an MD/MPH, but that doesn't particularly affect my med school decision, since you can get your MPH really anywhere you want.

I guess it depends with what you want to focus your MPH part on. I'm more interested in working with the local community, particularly the Chinatown and immigrant communities, focusing on health services delivery within these communities and learning more about access to care from their perspectives. From talking to the MPH students afterwards, there weren't too many connections or resources on getting involved in that during or even prior to the MPH year. Tufts' MD/MPH, on the other hand, seems much more comprehensive and rigorous with a large network of connections already in place (not to mention the Sharewood project). Although again, the rigorous part coincides directly med school at Tufts which might be a huge stressor. Taking a year to just focus on an MPH at BUSM seems less stressful. Again, I'm not expecting huge help from Fin Ain from either school, so it would mean that I would have to take out more loans (but Tufts would be slightly cheaper in the long-run for the joint MD/MPH program, saving at least $25K in terms of tuition and the extra year of loans I would take out for living expenses, not including the interest I would save during loan repayment).

I think for me, what I'm looking at is the networking available from the MPH program at either medical school, and I got a better feeling about that from Tufts than I did at BUSM. (I hate comparing schools like this, because they are all great institutions!)

I am also considering Einstein, in which case I would be doing an MPH at Columbia for an extra year. I have no complaints about Einstein (great faculty, great curriculum (lots of PBL, case-based learning), great outreach resources (including student-run free clinic, ECHO)) on a purely curricular level, but I do have concerns in terms of living. Namely this: the bus/subway into Manahattan/Grand Central/Penn Station TAKES FOREVER. Since I envision going back and forth between Boston and the Bronx frequently, this would be a huge waste of time. But this is a small complaint that doesn't even quite warrant a post. Again, another concern is money: it would cost a significant amount of money to do the MPH at Columbia compared to Tufts' joint degree.

I was there and I'm now 100% certain I'll be attending UMass. Nothing against BU and its faculty/students, but it just didn't do much for me.

how many of you are feeling that this money aspect will be really too much and might be thinking of other schools. I know I am. I was really suprized about the COST. I though I knew before.

How are others feeling?

thanks

how many of you are feeling that this money aspect will be really too much and might be thinking of other schools. I know I am. I was really suprized about the COST. I though I knew before.

How are others feeling?

thanks


i dont care at all; ive learned how to budget my life accordingly, and have made plans thatll save me ~ 15k per year. and personally, we're gonna be doctors, the last thing im worried about is going broke after im done w/ med school. as they've said before, ur not buying a product, ur investing in an education

how many of you are feeling that this money aspect will be really too much and might be thinking of other schools. I know I am. I was really suprized about the COST. I though I knew before.

How are others feeling?

thanks

Before I applied to med school, I had the mindset that I would be taking out an average of 50-60K in loans to finance med school and living expenses. What I'm making from my job right now won't even begin to chip away at that debt since I'm also paying off undergrad loans. I'm not shocked, just bummed --but I think most everyone with any type of debt is. I guess with a mortgage on a house or a car, you at least get to live/drive in the product. Investing in a medical school education takes a longer time to see the results. It also puts a damper on all good intentions to do "good" after residency (suck up a bad wage in order to positively affect a community), since you have that Loan hanging over you like a storm cloud. I DO care about how much I will take out in loans in that respect.

I think it would be a hard decision to give up a UMass public school tuition over a private school one like BUSM, but like others have said before, it's a matter of your priorities. I think earlier in this thread people were throwing around pros and cons of BU over UMass. Any other ideas/comments?

I think that the education of American Medical Schools is strong and the fact that some (state) schools are just cheeper then others makes the decision very easy. STATE makes the most sence.

That is what I say. With regards to UMASS in perticular I have not looked into, but you are still in the Greater Boston Area with regards to events, etc.

I'm in the same boat. Are the lectures available online so that I can listen to them at my own pace?

Does anyone remember what they said the options for parking around BU are? I know parking is limited, but are there any spots that you can rent? I think I remember one of the students saying that there were parking spots for rent, but that they were VERY difficult to get.....Just trying to figure out whether to stay in my current apartment in Watertown (pretty cheap rent), or try to move closer to the school (most apts. in the South end are much more pricey). It takes me like 20 minutes to drive to BU from my apartment, but closer to an hour using public transportation.....anyhow, just wondering if anybody remembers if spots are available for rent around the school, and if so, how much are they? Thanks!! What are other ppl thinking in terms of living arrangements....the Harrison court apartments were nice, but WAY to pricey for my budget!

Has anyone received their financial aid package from BU yet? May 15th is fast approaching...

Has anyone received their financial aid package from BU yet? May 15th is fast approaching...

Not yet. I got my app in fairly early too. Are they required to let us know by the 15th? The letter they sent said anytime between May and September.

Hi everyone...

congratulations on your BU acceptances!
there might be a chance that I'll be attending BUSM, all the way from the west coast... actually, I have a friend who will be attending Harvard graduate school, and we are trying to figure out housing possibilities together... do you guys know of any neighborhoods that are in between the two schools, and what would be the normal commute time from that neighborhood to Harvard (not medical school) and to BUSM? I had been looking into Allston... does anyone know how long it normally takes from there to get to Harvard and to BUSM, and by what mode of transporation (we'll be using public transportation)?

Thank you so much in advance for your suggestions and feedback!

Hi everyone...

congratulations on your BU acceptances!
there might be a chance that I'll be attending BUSM, all the way from the west coast... actually, I have a friend who will be attending Harvard graduate school, and we are trying to figure out housing possibilities together... do you guys know of any neighborhoods that are in between the two schools, and what would be the normal commute time from that neighborhood to Harvard (not medical school) and to BUSM? I had been looking into Allston... does anyone know how long it normally takes from there to get to Harvard and to BUSM, and by what mode of transporation (we'll be using public transportation)?

Thank you so much in advance for your suggestions and feedback!

Hi Follow,
It seems that the people posting in this thread are pretty aware of what the situation in Boston is, so they can add on to my advice too. BUSM is in kind of a weird spot in Boston, there is no subway/streetcar line (other than the "silver line", which is just a fancy name for a bus route) that has a stop any closer than a 15 minute walk. There is though, an extensive bus route (the CT routes) that stop right at the medical campus. One of the CT routes leaves from Cambridge (either Porter, Davis, or Central square; I really can't remember which). Either way, if you are set on living with your friend who will be at the main Harvard campus in Camridge, living in Cambridge (at whichever square has the bus) is really your best bet. I have a personal bias against Allston, in my eyes, it well, it sucks. My girfriend lives there now, and the green line takes absolutely forever. We both work at MGH, and even though I live an hours' drive north of the city, I will sometimes beat her to the hospital. Your potential roomate would be in hell trying to commute into Harvard. Basically, to go to BUSM it comes down to living within walking distance to the Medical campus, or riding the bus.

Hopefully some others will help you out on this too, I realize how biased I am!

Thanks very much for your input, sully!

So IF I were to commute from Cambridge to BUSM by bus, do you know how long that would take to and from?

thanks~

Thanks very much for your input, sully!

So IF I were to commute from Cambridge to BUSM by bus, do you know how long that would take to and from?

thanks~

I lived in Central Square last year (about a 10 minute walk to Harvard) and took the #1 bus to BUSM. It'd take about 20-30 minutes by bus in rush hour traffic. There's a CT1 (the express bus that only makes certain stops) that takes 15 minutes, but that only runs at certain times. The only problem I had with the bus was taking it back to Central Square when I was on campus late (past 10 pm). Sometimes I had to wait up to 30 minutes for a bus to come by, and BUSM isn't in a great neighborhood to be alone in at night as a solo female. It's pretty consistent during the days and evenings (I would even argue that it's more consistent than the green line leading to Allston).

If you live anywhere along the #1 bus line, you'll have an easy commute to BUSM. It runs down Massachusetts Ave. from Harvard Square at one end, and BUSM at the other end. Your other option is to live along the Silver Line to put you close to BUSM (but that would put your friend nowhere near Harvard).

Thanks very much for your input, sully!

So IF I were to commute from Cambridge to BUSM by bus, do you know how long that would take to and from?

thanks~


I totally agree with Sully. Avoid the Green line at all cost. Especial during rush hour. I believe the CT line leaves from Central square. Check out www.mbta.com for all the bus/subway routes. They also have decent maps. Central square is walking distance from Harvard. Your friend could also jump on the T, and bam, is at Harvard in one stop. I think it takes 30-35 min to get to BUSM by the CT bus. You can verify that at the mbta website. Another option is to live in Charlestown/Somerville somewhere near Sullivan square on the orange line. From there you can take the orange line to the Mass Ave stop which is the closest subway line to BUSM. From Sullivan square your friend can take a bus right to Harvard. I hope this helps. Post anymore questions that you might have.

Hi everyone...

congratulations on your BU acceptances!
there might be a chance that I'll be attending BUSM, all the way from the west coast... actually, I have a friend who will be attending Harvard graduate school, and we are trying to figure out housing possibilities together... do you guys know of any neighborhoods that are in between the two schools, and what would be the normal commute time from that neighborhood to Harvard (not medical school) and to BUSM? I had been looking into Allston... does anyone know how long it normally takes from there to get to Harvard and to BUSM, and by what mode of transporation (we'll be using public transportation)?

Thank you so much in advance for your suggestions and feedback!





it takes 40-50min to get to BUSM from allston if u take the green line all the way to hynes and then the CT1 down mass ave
takes 25 min if u take The B.U.S. from comm ave to BUSM
it takes 10-15 min to get to harvard (main campus) if u take the 66 bus from allston (harvard ave stop right on comm ave)



oh, and the best method of transportation in boston, by far = bike
it takes 10-15 min to get from allston to busm on a bike; prob 5 min to harvard

I lived in Central Square last year (about a 10 minute walk to Harvard) and took the #1 bus to BUSM. It'd take about 20-30 minutes by bus in rush hour traffic. There's a CT1 (the express bus that only makes certain stops) that takes 15 minutes, but that only runs at certain times. The only problem I had with the bus was taking it back to Central Square when I was on campus late (past 10 pm). Sometimes I had to wait up to 30 minutes for a bus to come by, and BUSM isn't in a great neighborhood to be alone in at night as a solo female. It's pretty consistent during the days and evenings (I would even argue that it's more consistent than the green line leading to Allston).

If you live anywhere along the #1 bus line, you'll have an easy commute to BUSM. It runs down Massachusetts Ave. from Harvard Square at one end, and BUSM at the other end. Your other option is to live along the Silver Line to put you close to BUSM (but that would put your friend nowhere near Harvard).

What neighborhoods does the silver line run through? I'm not familiar with that bus at all! I took the number 1 bus this morning from Central....I had to drop off financial aid forms....that bus takes FOREVER! I guess I am spoiled by the 71 bus that goes so quickly up Mt. Auburn to Watertown. But, Mass Avenue has a lot more traffic, obviously! Also, what neighborhoods does the BU shuttle run through.....just trying to figure out my options.....after today, I think I probably want to move a little closer than Watertown.....45 minutes to an hour is a long commute to do every day. Not the most accessible medical school around!! :-)

I totally agree with Sully. Avoid the Green line at all cost. Especial during rush hour. I believe the CT line leaves from Central square. Check out www.mbta.com for all the bus/subway routes. They also have decent maps. Central square is walking distance from Harvard. Your friend could also jump on the T, and bam, is at Harvard in one stop. I think it takes 30-35 min to get to BUSM by the CT bus. You can verify that at the mbta website. Another option is to live in Charlestown/Somerville somewhere near Sullivan square on the orange line. From there you can take the orange line to the Mass Ave stop which is the closest subway line to BUSM. From Sullivan square your friend can take a bus right to Harvard. I hope this helps. Post anymore questions that you might have.

I think the Back Bay T stop (also on the orange line) is also about a 15 minute walk from BUSM -- at least that's what someone told me at the open house....and probably a little safer to walk to/from the school than the Mass Ave stop.

I think the Back Bay T stop (also on the orange line) is also about a 15 minute walk from BUSM -- at least that's what someone told me at the open house....and probably a little safer to walk to/from the school than the Mass Ave stop.

Just so you know, the Orange line stop is pretty far from BUSM in my opinion. It's a good 15-20 minute walk down Mass Ave.

The closest public transportation stops to BUSM are the #1 bus (stops right at BUSM) and the Silver Line (E. Newton St.). The silver line drops you off 2 blocks away from school and runs relatively often and is more dependable than the #1 bus. It doesn't run that far though, from dudley square to downtown crossing. Unfortunately, BUSM is located in a spot very inconvenient to any form of public transportation. The surrounding neighborhood (South End) is also expensive.

There's a map of the subway lines here. (http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/schedules_subway.asp)


Just so you know, the silver line is an above-ground bus, but its on the subway map and is not considered a bus for some reason.

Just so you know, the Orange line stop is pretty far from BUSM in my opinion. It's a good 15-20 minute walk down Mass Ave.
ditto, plus u pass the Mass ave orange line T stop on the way to the Back bay orange line t stop (if ur coming from BUSM), so theres no point on doing that, and the walk to back bay station is at least a good 25 min, but a nice walk on sunny/warm summer days


Just so you know, the silver line is an above-ground bus, but its on the subway map and is not considered a bus for some reason.

its not considered a bus cuz it has its own bus lane, so its consistently on time (no impeding traffic) plus at one point it goes underground, and actually stops at the same level subway station as the green and orange lines; im gonna have to admit, i was all pissed off when i realized the new <echo>SILVER LINE</echo> was just a miserable bus; but its actually le sheit

wow thanks everyone for all the information!
does anyone know exactly when BUSM starts first year? that would have implications on when I have to move...

Thanks so much!

i believe orientation is the last week of august or around there, im thinking the last 3-4 days
and then school at BU always starts the tuesday after labor day, which would mean it will start sept 6th this year

Hey guys,

My roommate will be a 2nd yr at BU next year, and I am going to be graduating, so my room will be up for grabs. I am leaving Jun 1, so it will be available then, and is 790/month and it's easy to get to the Med Campus from it (20 min commute in rush hour). It is in ehe Kenmore/back bay area. If you're interested in living with a BU med student and wanna move here early summer in June, let me know. (It may be nice to move early too, because moving. Send me a PM

Question for everyone that will be attending BU this fall. Does anyone know what the next step is after sending in your letter of intent and submitting finacial aid forms? Are we just supposed to wait for our financial package. What about a tuition deposit? I assume they will contact us for that. It just would be nice to receive some sort of letter listing the next steps we are supposed to take that's all. Maybe after May 15th I guess.

Question for everyone that will be attending BU this fall. Does anyone know what the next step is after sending in your letter of intent and submitting finacial aid forms? Are we just supposed to wait for our financial package. What about a tuition deposit? I assume they will contact us for that. It just would be nice to receive some sort of letter listing the next steps we are supposed to take that's all. Maybe after May 15th I guess.


I received a letter on Saturday asking for a $500 deposit and final transcripts. Hope this helps.

I got the same letter....$500 seems like a lot for a non-refundable deposit....but I guess it's a small price to pay to hold the spot....I'm still waiting to hear from 2 schools is all....I guess in the grand scheme of things, it's not a lot of money! The deposit is due by May 15th.

Thanks guys. I called my parents and the same letter was waiting for me at their place. I guess it was poor to assume that my parents would have called me to let me know I received a letter from BU. Gee thanks mom and dad. I guess they only give me a call to let me know about the rejection letters.

has anyone else gotten their financial aid estimate from BU yet????
mine SUX, close to nothing; but another school is offerring me twice as much, does anyone know if i can negotiate the amount?

has anyone else gotten their financial aid estimate from BU yet????
mine SUX, close to nothing; but another school is offerring me twice as much, does anyone know if i can negotiate the amount?

youo probably can, but you might want to do it fast since the may 15th deadline is quickly approaching. BU handed out the finaid packages so close to the deadline. gives you very little room for maneuvering. i haven't even gotten mine yet, but I don't think BU is known to be very generous. They have the same estimated yearly budget as Jefferson does, even though Boston is significantly more expensive than Philadelphia (and tuition is about the same at both schools). It'll be tight for living in Boston.

I heard from friends who go to UMASS that BU sucks at agreements about FINAID, they feel that they are giving you a gift. Try to talk to them, but don't expect much. Cost is a big problem at BU. BIG :laugh:

yeah, nevermind about the negotiating financial aid thing, apparently they gave me the max

now, i can be an RA (resident advisor) in the undergrad BU campus, which i dont mind, since i live around that area right now anyways and i lived there for 4 yrs; it basically pays for your room + board, so i wont have to worry about rent or food for 2 yrs of med school

problem: its in one of the freshman dorms
question: does anyone think this is a bad idea???; considering its $11k i save myself per year ????

problem: its in one of the freshman dorms
question: does anyone think this is a bad idea???; considering its $11k i save myself per year ????

Welll, it's really a matter of what you believe you can handle. Personally, I had enough of college freshman and dorm drama when I was a freshman. If I were doing something less stressful such as a masters program then I would probably go for the RA position because it is a sweet deal. But I know myself and the only person I want to be responsible for during med school is me. The money is pretty great but not enough to pay for my sanity. If you feel you'd welcome the distraction of being den mother for two years then I say go for it!

Anyone else send BU the 500 clams with a bit of reluctance? I waited so long to send it I had to fedex it on Wednesday. Just arrived there today :o I think it's because the fin aid package I got from them isn't even enough to cover tuition. I'm SOL :(

yeah, nevermind about the negotiating financial aid thing, apparently they gave me the max

now, i can be an RA (resident advisor) in the undergrad BU campus, which i dont mind, since i live around that area right now anyways and i lived there for 4 yrs; it basically pays for your room + board, so i wont have to worry about rent or food for 2 yrs of med school

problem: its in one of the freshman dorms
question: does anyone think this is a bad idea???; considering its $11k i save myself per year ????

my friend's being an RA right now, and he says it's more work than you think. you have to wake up at night and take care of your kids if they're drunk or puking (and sadly, freshman parties are never scheduled around a med school exam schedule). they're loud on fridays and saturday evenings. and you're "on call" as an RA a lot which means that if anything happens at all in the building, you have to get out of bed and take care of it. however, you only have to plan one event a month which isn't too bad.

also, take a look at the dorms before you sign up for it. i visited my friend and his room is TINY. and you have to share a bathroom with the freshmen. the plus is that you save a lot of money, and the cafeteria is right downstairs so if you're snowed in, you never have to worry about food.

if you're a med student, you'll likely be an RA for the SMEDS (the undergrads in BU's 7 year med program).

my friend's being an RA right now, and he says it's more work than you think. you have to wake up at night and take care of your kids if they're drunk or puking (and sadly, freshman parties are never scheduled around a med school exam schedule). they're loud on fridays and saturday evenings. and you're "on call" as an RA a lot which means that if anything happens at all in the building, you have to get out of bed and take care of it. however, you only have to plan one event a month which isn't too bad.

also, take a look at the dorms before you sign up for it. i visited my friend and his room is TINY. and you have to share a bathroom with the freshmen. the plus is that you save a lot of money, and the cafeteria is right downstairs so if you're snowed in, you never have to worry about food.

if you're a med student, you'll likely be an RA for the SMEDS (the undergrads in BU's 7 year med program).




i actually dont have to be in my room 24/7, so taking care of them on friday/saturday nights would actually not be my responsibility unless i was on call, and i only have to be on call 15 nights per semester, and its whenever i want, i pick the dates, and if something comes up i can actually switch with someone else whenever. my room would be tiny, but i dont mind since I lived in the same dorm for 2 yrs, and in another dorm with a room the same size for another 2 yrs. personally, i wont mind LIVING there, since im used to it; theres more pros to it than cons, but is the amount of money worth it???

i actually dont have to be in my room 24/7, so taking care of them on friday/saturday nights would actually not be my responsibility unless i was on call, and i only have to be on call 15 nights per semester, and its whenever i want, i pick the dates, and if something comes up i can actually switch with someone else whenever. my room would be tiny, but i dont mind since I lived in the same dorm for 2 yrs, and in another dorm with a room the same size for another 2 yrs. personally, i wont mind LIVING there, since im used to it; theres more pros to it than cons, but is the amount of money worth it???

i withdrew from BU today so it looks like i won't be seeing you guys next fall. it was really tough (especially since i was going against majority opinion), but - i like to trust my instincts.

best of luck to you all!

I was also thinkiing about the whole RA thing, but I decided living far away from the medical campus and being forced to take the shuttle wasn't worth it for me. The $11,000 sounds really nice though. You should go for it.

Does anybody know when the private loan game begins? Do we wait to hear the financial aid office's final decision regarding the Federal Direct loans we can take out or should we start applying for private loans? And how long does it take that office to figure this out anyway? It's not like they're giving anybody a dime. What's the hold up?

Does anybody know when the private loan game begins? Do we wait to hear the financial aid office's final decision regarding the Federal Direct loans we can take out or should we start applying for private loans? And how long does it take that office to figure this out anyway? It's not like they're giving anybody a dime. What's the hold up?

I would wait until you've recieved your financial aid package from BU. Once you have that you can decide the additional funds you'd like to borrow and hit up a bank. This can all be done online these days and it doesn't take too horribly long. You could conceivably wait until July to submit a private loan app and be just fine (maybe even August but that's just too close for me).

I would wait until you've recieved your financial aid package from BU. Once you have that you can decide the additional funds you'd like to borrow and hit up a bank. This can all be done online these days and it doesn't take too horribly long. You could conceivably wait until July to submit a private loan app and be just fine (maybe even August but that's just too close for me).

Thanks Cammy1313. So I guess it is just a waiting game for me now. I have only received my preliminary award which only estimates what I will recieve in institutional loans. Which of course was a big fat zero. Have you received your final award yet? If so when? By the way I read your MDapps profile. Very nice! It should be a big help to all the new applicants.

Hello everyone. I was just wondering how great a fin aid package does BU give? Is it all in loans? Or are there grants/scholarships available? I'm not officially in the class yet, but I got an email indicating my chances of getting off waitlist is good. I would consider going to BU if the financial aid is good since it costs an arm and a leg to live in Boston. I have EFC of 0 and my parents don't make a lot, if that matters. thanks for any info!!

Hello everyone. I was just wondering how great a fin aid package does BU give? Is it all in loans? Or are there grants/scholarships available? I'm not officially in the class yet, but I got an email indicating my chances of getting off waitlist is good. I would consider going to BU if the financial aid is good since it costs an arm and a leg to live in Boston. I have EFC of 0 and my parents don't make a lot, if that matters. thanks for any info!!

my EFC was 0 as well, and my package consisted of federal loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), one institutional loan, and one grant (for $2000). it still left me approximately ~10k shy of the total cost of attending BU, which would have to be made up for with private loans. my parents are middle class.

I got my financial aid package from BU and I didn't receive ANY institutional loans or grants. Just $38,500 in Stafford loans. Anybody else that is looking at taking out private loans to cover all living costs, fees, etc. I think what really hurt me is that I've worked this past year as a research assistant (so I've made $13,000), but I live on my own (I'm 31), so that money has gone to pay for rent, etc. I haven't been able to save any. My parent are middle class, but divorced, so they are each supporting their own households, and obviously aren't supporting me! I'm just wondering if anybody else has been out of school for a significant amount of time, and finds themselves in the same spot. I'm so reluctant to take out $20K in private loans, which are known to be SO expensive. Thanks in advance for the input!

I got my financial aid package from BU and I didn't receive ANY institutional loans or grants. Just $38,500 in Stafford loans. Anybody else that is looking at taking out private loans to cover all living costs, fees, etc. I think what really hurt me is that I've worked this past year as a research assistant (so I've made $13,000), but I live on my own (I'm 31), so that money has gone to pay for rent, etc. I haven't been able to save any. My parent are middle class, but divorced, so they are each supporting their own households, and obviously aren't supporting me! I'm just wondering if anybody else has been out of school for a significant amount of time, and finds themselves in the same spot. I'm so reluctant to take out $20K in private loans, which are known to be SO expensive. Thanks in advance for the input!

Ditto. Only 38,500 in gov't loans. Except I'm also still paying off gov't and private loans from one year of BU's Masters program. Not the cheapest school around but I knew that going into it so I suppose I can't complain. I'm signed up at FastWeb which is a scholarship database. I'm hoping I can snag 1K here and there from this which isn't much but is better than nothing I suppose.

Hello everyone. I was just wondering how great a fin aid package does BU give? Is it all in loans? Or are there grants/scholarships available? I'm not officially in the class yet, but I got an email indicating my chances of getting off waitlist is good. I would consider going to BU if the financial aid is good since it costs an arm and a leg to live in Boston. I have EFC of 0 and my parents don't make a lot, if that matters. thanks for any info!!


the financial aid kind of sux to tell u the truth
the max u can get in scholarships is $7,500 per year
the itrest of it is given as "low interest loans", which are 0% interest during the 4 yrs of med school and then i believe its 5% after u graduate

the financial aid kind of sux to tell u the truth
the max u can get in scholarships is $7,500 per year
the itrest of it is given as "low interest loans", which are 0% interest during the 4 yrs of med school and then i believe its 5% after u graduate

Are you quoting interest for Stafford or private? I'm assuming Stafford....can't imagine private would be that low, but I really don't know much, and need to educate myself on all this soon!

the financial aid kind of sux to tell u the truth
the max u can get in scholarships is $7,500 per year
the itrest of it is given as "low interest loans", which are 0% interest during the 4 yrs of med school and then i believe its 5% after u graduate

The only loans that do not acrue interest during school are subsidized loans. The rest (unsubsidized and private) always acrue interest. It is repayment that begins after you graduate. Also, you can consolidate gov't loans and lock in a low interest rate when schools ends. However, private loans you are not able to consolidate and so those interest rates are always variable.

I got my financial aid package from BU and I didn't receive ANY institutional loans or grants. Just $38,500 in Stafford loans. Anybody else that is looking at taking out private loans to cover all living costs, fees, etc. I think what really hurt me is that I've worked this past year as a research assistant (so I've made $13,000), but I live on my own (I'm 31), so that money has gone to pay for rent, etc. I haven't been able to save any. My parent are middle class, but divorced, so they are each supporting their own households, and obviously aren't supporting me! I'm just wondering if anybody else has been out of school for a significant amount of time, and finds themselves in the same spot. I'm so reluctant to take out $20K in private loans, which are known to be SO expensive. Thanks in advance for the input!

very few people get by through med school without taking out private loans (obviously, people who get half-tuition scholarships are exempt from this). i've been out of school for a while now (graduated class of 2001) and im' likely taking out private loans also. if its any comfort, you're not alone in this situation.

The only loans that do not acrue interest during school are subsidized loans. The rest (unsubsidized and private) always acrue interest. It is repayment that begins after you graduate. Also, you can consolidate gov't loans and lock in a low interest rate when schools ends. However, private loans you are not able to consolidate and so those interest rates are always variable.


i meant the institutional loans that they give u, those "low interest loans" are 0% for the 4 yrs

Well, I just mailed Tufts my non-refundable deposit so it looks like I will be withdrawing from BU. It was a tough call but I let my gut lead the way. Good luck at BU everyone! Maybe I'll see you around the city!

yo fellow buees. just wanted to send a shout out. im from southern ca and im going to bu for now, pending a couple of waitlists, but excited nonetheless. where's everybody else from? anyone from ucla? anyway, congrats all, and hopefully we have an awesome class.

reviving the thread
kind of wanna get to know those who will be my future classmates
anyone currently living in boston???

I live in Boston....would love to get a group of us together!

I live in Boston....would love to get a group of us together!


i know, that would be pretty damn kewl
we should go to a pub of some sort

i know, that would be pretty damn kewl
we should go to a pub of some sort


Hey guys

I live in Boston. I'd be down with meeting you guys and getting a few drinks. Any suggestions as to when and where.

soho in brighton?

orleans in davis?

i know those are two very different options (on opposite sides of town), but i like them both....

rattlesnake is also supposed to be nice....

ive never been to soho, but its pretty close to where im at (allston)
i hear rattlesnake is ok, but that its pretty expensive
personally, im a big fan of whiskeys over by the pru (10 cent buffalo wings and $2.50 apps), plus the best whiskey sour in town
i guess wherever is easier for everyone would be great

ive never been to soho, but its pretty close to where im at (allston)
i hear rattlesnake is ok, but that its pretty expensive
personally, im a big fan of whiskeys over by the pru (10 cent buffalo wings and $2.50 apps), plus the best whiskey sour in town
i guess wherever is easier for everyone would be great

Soho sounds good. I haven't been there before so I wouldn't mind trying something new. How about sometime next week during the evening? Mon, Tues, or Thurs are good for me. My name is Rich, by the way.

I could do Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday. :-)

im good thur, fri and sat
(i get up at 6am mon-thur, so i dunno if i can make it on a tuesday or wednesday)
just lemme know which is best

im good thur, fri and sat
(i get up at 6am mon-thur, so i dunno if i can make it on a tuesday or wednesday)
just lemme know which is best

What time would you like to be in bed by on a Tuesday night? I sympathize. I would also need my sleep if I had to get up at 6am. What if we got together early in the evening, say 6:30ish? Otherwise I can do Friday but I have hockey from 7:30 to 8:30. By the time I shower and get back into the city it will be around 9:30. If you guys won't have other plans after 9:30 on Friday and want to meet then that is okay with me.

I'd probably vote for Friday, so we don't have to worry about work, but I'd definitely do other nights to, if that was best for others.

Where are you all looking for apartments? I've heard Brighton isn't too bad of a commute.....would you just take the 57 to Kenmore and then the #8 bus to BMC? I suppose you could also take the BU shuttle from Kenmore. I should have much more familiarity with the area and the bus systems, given I've lived in the area for awhile, but I'm much more familiar with Cambridge/the red line, etc.

Just seems like there aren't any easy/direct ways to get to BU, but there are a lot of different options (in terms of buses) to consider.

Any ideas? Thanks! Hope it works out for us all to get together..... :o

im def ok w/ friday at 9:30

I'd probably vote for Friday, so we don't have to worry about work, but I'd definitely do other nights to, if that was best for others.

Where are you all looking for apartments? I've heard Brighton isn't too bad of a commute.....would you just take the 57 to Kenmore and then the #8 bus to BMC? I suppose you could also take the BU shuttle from Kenmore. I should have much more familiarity with the area and the bus systems, given I've lived in the area for awhile, but I'm much more familiar with Cambridge/the red line, etc.

Just seems like there aren't any easy/direct ways to get to BU, but there are a lot of different options (in terms of buses) to consider.

Any ideas? Thanks! Hope it works out for us all to get together..... :o


Ok let's do Friday, Soho at 9:30. Everybody okay with this? I'd suggest an exact location where to meet but I am not familiar with that bar. Any suggestions?

As for apartments I just moved into a place in the South End. It is a 2 minute walk from the school. The apartment complex is called Parmelee Court . I found it through the OHR BU database. I took a chance moving into a place with total strangers, but my new roomates are dental students and the best roomeates that I could ask for. While it is true that you can commute to BU from just about anywhere using all the buses and shuttles, I think there is no substitute for just being able to roll out of bed and walk to class. I can't stand being on the public transportation schedule. Been there done that and it wasn't for me. If parking wasn't such a problem here I would have gotten a place farther away that was cheaper and driven in. But I couldn't so. the $100 difference in rent to be very close to the school was worth it to me.

k then, friday tis
i mapquested soho, heres the link:


http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&address=386+Market+St&city=brighton&state=ma&zipcode=02135



i think we should keep in touch before that day
heres my aim screenname: melimi7
im usually online, especially at work, jejejjee
so u guys can drop me an im whenever

i have a question for u guys
has anyone received their federal loans info yet?
i got the BU financial aid package, but nothing about my stafford and stuff
im starting to get worried too

i have a question for u guys
has anyone received their federal loans info yet?
i got the BU financial aid package, but nothing about my stafford and stuff
im starting to get worried too

I am also getting worried about the federal loan info. I recieved the BU Preliminary award package back in April. That was just a letter that basically said I don't qualify for any institutional loans. I haven't gotten anything in the mail since. I called the fin aid office and they told me to sit tight. The lady I spoke with told me early July.

i have a question for u guys
has anyone received their federal loans info yet?
i got the BU financial aid package, but nothing about my stafford and stuff
im starting to get worried too

I am also getting impatient. I recieved the BU Preliminary award package back in April. That was just a letter that basically said I don't qualify for any institutional loans. I haven't gotten anything in the mail since. I called the fin aid office and they told me to wait The lady I spoke with told me early July. They apparently have to take care of the upperclassmen first.

just a reminder of tonite's get-together at Soho
anyone else up for it?

Hi, everyone--

I'm wondering if the get-together at Soho ever happened! I had something come up last minute and wasn't able to attend....but, I'd love to try to arrange another get-together, if anyone's up for it.

Also, if anyone is still looking for roommates, please PM me. I have found one roommate, but we would like to find one more person to minimize our costs, while finding a place that's as close to school as possible. My roommate will be a fourth year dental student. We are looking together for 3 bedroom apartments near school for mid-late August, or September. He's 25 and I'm 31 (female).

Hope to hear from you!

Sorry you couldn't show. I'd be down for getting together again. I don't know of anyone looking for a place. I asked my roommates (3rd and 2nd year dental students) to ask some people they know. If they have any hits I'll let you know. My aim is androman16. We should chat and try to set up a time to meet. I think melimi is cool with meeting again as well.




Hi, everyone--

I'm wondering if the get-together at Soho ever happened! I had something come up last minute and wasn't able to attend....but, I'd love to try to arrange another get-together, if anyone's up for it.

Also, if anyone is still looking for roommates, please PM me. I have found one roommate, but we would like to find one more person to minimize our costs, while finding a place that's as close to school as possible. My roommate will be a fourth year dental student. We are looking together for 3 bedroom apartments near school for mid-late August, or September. He's 25 and I'm 31 (female).

Hope to hear from you!

any one else get the packet w/ the Sem 1 sched and all that crappola?
i am so going to dislike orientation, i cant believe its mandatory

so, is ANYONE here going to BU?

Sorry you couldn't show. I'd be down for getting together again. I don't know of anyone looking for a place. I asked my roommates (3rd and 2nd year dental students) to ask some people they know. If they have any hits I'll let you know. My aim is androman16. We should chat and try to set up a time to meet. I think melimi is cool with meeting again as well.

Sorry, just saw this message! I don't know why I didn't get alerted to it before.....would definitely be up for getting together.....even though it's almost time to start school! I'm still looking for a good place, if you know of anyone!! PM me, and we can set up a time for a group of us to meet, perhaps? Hope you are doing well.....doesn't it seem as though there is so much to do before school?! My main concerns are the financial aid stuff and an apartment....I'll rest easier once that gets sorted out!

hey, fellow '09ers! anyone living in harrison court? and for those of you not already in boston, when were you planning on moving to the area before orientation? can't wait to meet all you guys!

hey, fellow '09ers! anyone living in harrison court? and for those of you not already in boston, when were you planning on moving to the area before orientation? can't wait to meet all you guys!

wow.. i JUST found this BU thread haha. i'm living in harrison court :) c/o 2009. i wish it came furnished :\

wow.. i JUST found this BU thread haha. i'm living in harrison court :) c/o 2009. i wish it came furnished :\

tell me about it! i assume you're flying in from cali. i'm flying in the wk before orientation -- anyone have power tools to assemble boxed furniture? :p

tell me about it! i assume you're flying in from cali. i'm flying in the wk before orientation -- anyone have power tools to assemble boxed furniture? :p

are you from california, too? i'm coming in 2 days before orientation... luckily, with both my parents, so i can bring more suitcases AND most importantly, daddy will drive me around to buy and BUILD my furniture hahha. 1st stop is home depot or lowes for some tools cuz there's no way i'm bringing a hammer on the plane.