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Feel like this needs to be made since there haven't been any posts in the other threads as of late.
Anyone interested?
Anyone interested?
My stats:
Graduated 2011
cGPA 3.3, sGPA 3.5, MCAT 11V/10B/8Q = 29P (gonna retake sometime in mid 2013)
Have been working as a Research Associate since graduating and published
Getting EMT certified in a few weeks and gonna try to find a ER tech job
Volunteer experience in medical reserve corps and starting work with Camillus House
Some shadowing, gonna do a lot more in the next few months
Have been taking classes since graduation to complete some prereqs I missed (A's in orgo 2, B in biochem :-/ signed up for microbio and immunology and anatomy for next semester)
Chances??
Thanks for the reply, I forgot about logging in and checking too haha. Biochem was a let down since I messed up on one of the early exams, changed my study habits but just couldn't recover after, missed an A by two percentage points but the experience will definitely come in handy to kill Biochem in med school.I'm currently in this program with a 3.3 and 30 MCAT with a MUCH lower science GPA, so I think your chances are good. Apply as soon as you're SURE this is the route you want to go. They only give you like 2 weeks to decide.
Finished with last exams of semester today so I'll be happy to answer questions about Fall if I remember to log in. You can take all those courses to help your GPA and prepare yourself if you want, (micro, immuno are in fall and anatomy is in spring) but I'm not sure if you need to kill yourself before even getting in here. The MBS will do it for you, lol, j/k...maybe. It's probably more important to learn what you can do better, what did you do in org. vs. what you didn't/weren't able to do in biochemistry? I got a C in undergraduate Biochemistry from 5+ years ago and performed superbly in the MBS Biochemistry.
Thanks for the reply, I forgot about logging in and checking too haha. Biochem was a let down since I messed up on one of the early exams, changed my study habits but just couldn't recover after, missed an A by two percentage points but the experience will definitely come in handy to kill Biochem in med school.
As for all the classes before, I just want to be prepared even though undergrad classes can't really compare to med school, but any prior knowledge would be beneficial no? Can't afford to screw up in the MBS if that's what I end up having to do...
I didn't know they gave you two weeks to decide, thanks for that! I'll hold off from submitting my app then since I still haven't heard back from a lot of schools.
Did you apply to any other SMPs and if so what made you choose Tufts over them?
Hi RubicStorm, I know Tufts offers a MCAT prep course during the SMP year. Is this prep given during the semester? How/when during the year are students in the program expected to prepare adequately for their retake exams?
Hi!
So far I love everything about this program-size, location, curriculum, etc. I just submitted my application and am very worried!!
cGPA: 3.38
sGPA: 3.0
MCAT: 33R
What are my chances? How stiff is the competition for acceptance here compared to other SMPs?
Is taking the late April MCAT and applying after getting the grade too late? Also, I'm planning on sending a committee letter instead of three separate recommendations but my school doesn't send out the committee letter to the schools until June. So will they not even look at my application until they get the committee letter?
No word yet. Submitted my application about 5 weeks ago. Did you find out online via the status checker?Has anyone else been accepted yet?
No word yet. Submitted my application about 5 weeks ago. Did you find out online via the status checker?
Congratulations!!
Still waiting here, what was your turnaround time like? And do you mind sharing stats?
I'm currently in this program with a 3.3 and 30 MCAT with a MUCH lower science GPA, so I think your chances are good. Apply as soon as you're SURE this is the route you want to go. They only give you like 2 weeks to decide.
Finished with last exams of semester today so I'll be happy to answer questions about Fall if I remember to log in. You can take all those courses to help your GPA and prepare yourself if you want, (micro, immuno are in fall and anatomy is in spring) but I'm not sure if you need to kill yourself before even getting in here. The MBS will do it for you, lol, j/k...maybe. It's probably more important to learn what you can do better, what did you do in org. vs. what you didn't/weren't able to do in biochemistry? I got a C in undergraduate Biochemistry from 5+ years ago and performed superbly in the MBS Biochemistry.
Just checked online and found out I was accepted! Kind of apprehensive if they do only give about two weeks to decide. I'm still waiting to hear back from BU and deciding between Tufts & Georgetown. Congrats to those who were likewise accepted!
Meant to put a ? Not !
Hey everyone! I'm a Tufts MBS graduate (2011-2012) who will be happy to answer any questions you guys have about the program! Having completed it (and now preparing for med school in the Fall) I can vouch for how well the school prepares you for medical/dental school while providing a HUGE boost to your applications!
Either send me a PM or post here and I'll try to check every now and again to answer
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I have a few questions regarding the program.
1. How did you do in the program (how were your grades after completion)? How does that compare to the rest of your class?
2. Which school are you attending this fall? Is it a DO school or MD school? How many people typically get into MD schools vs DO schools (or don't get in anywhere, for that matter) from your class?
3. I assumed you didn't do a same year application, so what did you do during your year off?
4. Do you have any special tips that you may find helpful for someone applying for the 2013-2014 cycle?
Again, Thanks a bunch for your help 🙂
1. How did you do in the program (how were your grades after completion)? How does that compare to the rest of your class?
I am a slacker who coasted through college, and definitely in terms of MBS I didn't study nearly as much as others. With that said, I got around a 3.6 GPA which probably put me in the top half of the class.
The great thing about Tufts is that EVERYTHING IS CURVED! The medical students are straight Pass/Fail with no class rankings, and their "Pass" is a 65% on the tests. So what the MBS does is they set a 65% as a B- (3.0), and make 6 divisions for up to 100 (ie. a 65-71 is a B-, 71-77 B, 77-83 B+ etc.). Most averages on the tests were around 83%, so the grades are really inflated!! At the medical school interviews this year, most ADCOMS don't know this and so were "impressed" with my 3.6 thinking that we had a standard 90-100 = A etc scale!
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to answer my questions. I will definitely weigh your answers heavily when deciding where to go
2. Which school are you attending this fall? Is it a DO school or MD school? How many people typically get into MD schools vs DO schools (or don't get in anywhere, for that matter) from your class?
So my stats/application was/is "good enough" for a mid-range MD school but I have some red flags (got in trouble in undergrad, poor freshmen grades and transferred) so I applied to only DO schools. Every DO school I applied to that would accept my MCAT age (last took in 2009) offered me an interview! 31Q / 3.5 undergrad GPA (s&c) / 3.6 MBS / 4000 clinical / multiple research. Overall, I think the MBS program has an 80% acceptance rate into medical school for those who apply after they complete the program...
The top 25% of the MBS class gets an auto interview at Tufts. I'd guess you would need around a 3.75+ GPA in the program for this, but don't quote me on that.
3. I assumed you didn't do a same year application, so what did you do during your year off?
I actually did apply while in the program, though it is "discouraged" since the first part of the program almost exactly mimics what the 1st year med students are doing. Although I wasn't as studious in the program as I could be and others were, I didn't have a problem completing applications... but most med schools wanted to see my final grades before interviews, or even my first semester MBS grades which didn't come out until late December which put me behind the application game. I, obviously, didn't get in that cycle.
After you complete the didactic portion in May, you have to complete a 30-50 page research thesis. Some chose to do a lab-based research project which can take a full year while others (me) did a library/literature/clinical thesis which can be done in 3 months or you can drag it out (me) for a full year. Advantages of dragging it out is loan deferment and being able to really concentrate on med school applications/retaking MCAT as soon as classes end. Disadvantages of dragging it out is the $800+ "continuation fee" for each additional semester.
Those who completed their research quickly found jobs in the area for the next year while they applied. The great thing about being in Boston is TONS of job opportunities (Research & Clinical) that can strengthen your application. And getting to add the "M.S." after your name when applying to jobs/med schools really does open up opportunities.
4. Do you have any special tips that you may find helpful for someone applying for the 2013-2014 cycle?
My biggest problem in applying is always applying late! Even this cycle, I didn't complete secondaries to the DO schools until late December/early January... though with the MBS program under my belt it didn't prevent me from getting tons of interest from schools!
In the MBS program you will be assigned a faculty mentor, so really get to know them so they can write a great letter of rec! And don't be afraid to ask them for one in Nov/Dec while you are still in class if you are applying that cycle.
A few (4+) people got accepted to Tufts while finishing the didactic part of the MBS program, so its definitely possible (and a few others accepted in other schools)! Those accepted were getting a 3.7+ GPA in the classes so far AND WERE ACTIVE IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE SHAREWOOD CLINIC -- the Sharewood clinic is a Tuesday night student-ran free service in Malden, MA (accessible by the T). It is a HUGE HUGE HUGE volunteer experience that med schools LOVE to see and you get great clinical experience. You are paired with a med student (usually 1st/2nd years) and together a patient comes in and you do a full interview, H&P, presentation to the resident/doctor, and final creation of the SOAP note.
Hope this answers your question!
Thanks a bunch for answering my questions. It has also come to my attention that there were some issues with financial aid for SMP students. Supposedly, some masters programs begin in july-august, however, financial aid was not dispersed until September. Did you guys have to deal with this issue? Also, where are you guys living/do you have any tips on where to live and other general tips regarding housing?
I'm currently applying to a couple of SMPs and my application is currently under review. I will definitely weigh your response when deciding which program to attend. TVYM!
Thanks a bunch for answering my questions. It has also come to my attention that there were some issues with financial aid for SMP students. Supposedly, some masters programs begin in july-august, however, financial aid was not dispersed until September. Did you guys have to deal with this issue? Also, where are you guys living/do you have any tips on where to live and other general tips regarding housing?
Financial aid was came in the first week in Sept. Orientation started Aug 26 this year. So there is a slight gap, but only about a week or so. Lots of people stayed in a hostel the first week of class rather than get an apt. for August (I think it was $40-$50/night, 2 blocks from campus, and it looked nice).
I'm not the best to ask about housing, but Cambridge and Somerville seem popular along the red line. I know a few in Chinatown, which is right next to campus and less expensive, but supposedly not that safe after dark (it seems fine to me during the day). I also know some who live somewhere around Kenmore (that's their T-stop at least), but that's off the green line, which is slow. There also is Posner Hall, which also houses the lecture hall for most of your classes, but that is a true college-style dorm (single rooms).
Just got accepted and sent in my deposit! Any other students planning on doing this program next year? What are people planning on doing about living arrangements?
I was prob complete mid Feb, accepted couples days ago. Have until end of march to pay for deposit. I'm also wondering what to do for living arrangements, as it is def required to have a roommate to keep cost down! =O
Hey guys,
First of all congrats to everyone who is already accepted and who has decided on Tufts. I applied late February and got a waitlist offer this Monday. They say that there is no specific ranking for the waitlist and that they can review their waitlist up until the day before orientation on 8/15-8/16. Is anyone familiar with a waitlister getting accepted? Or has anyone else been wait listed?
I am pre-dental as well so I don't know if they would prefer pre-meds although they might since it is mainly a pre-med smp.
Congrats to all those with acceptances! Does anyone know how often the admissions committee meets and how quick of a turnaround it is since you have everything complete?
Congrats to all those with acceptances! Does anyone know how often the admissions committee meets and how quick of a turnaround it is since you have everything complete?
Just wondering when you were complete by.
I was prob complete mid Feb, accepted couples days ago. Have until end of march to pay for deposit. I'm also wondering what to do for living arrangements, as it is def required to have a roommate to keep cost down! =O
I am starting to fill out the application for this program. I have previously applied for Tufts Medical School. Does anyone know of a way to switch all the stuff I did for that application over to this one?
Just checked on line and got my acceptance 🙂 Congrats to everyone else who has heard back as well!