Hey everybody, I just got accepted to Boston U MAMS today and I'm trying to decide whether to accept. So far I've been accepted to Midwestern, waitlisted at East Virginia and U Cincinatti, and still waiting to hear from Georgetown and Loyola. As of now I'm leaning towards BU over Midwestern, and still hoping for Georgetown, but not 100% sure yet. Midwestern wants an answer by 4/11, so the clock's ticking for me. Anybody know alot about BU MAMS, in terms of reputation and success rate of students getting into MD schools? Should I roll the dice and hold out for Georgetown? My stats are: GPA 3.3 MCAT 34. Any advice appreciated, thanks guys.
Boston University MAMS?
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Alright, I am by no means an expert, just a potential student who has tracked down the answers to your questions already... BTW- if you use the search function and search for boston mams you can find a lot of useful information...
But in the mean time! 85 percent of their graduates go on to a US allopathic MD school... (572 out of 661)
BU and Georgetown seem to be the best known of the SMP's... Personally I dont think you can really go wrong with either. You can make your decision on some of the extra factors such as... Do you want a program that focuses on getting you in after one year or two? Do you want to live in DC or Boston?
Just a few thoughts for you, good luck deciding!
C
cheezer
3.3 and 34 got you waitlisted at EVMS? crap, i am so screwed.
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Yeah, I pretty much agree with DrJD. BU and Gtown are pretty similar, but Gtown helps you to do it all in 1 year, while BU pushes you to do 2. I'm also considering BU, but I read a thread from a few years ago and it seems a lot of people didn't like it (the ones who applied while in the MAMS/GMS program). I'll post my new thoughts on BU in the other BU MAMS 2008 thread.
They'll both cost about the same, in terms of tuition and cost of living. Overall, GU is better, but BU will still get the job done if you want to do a 2-year path.
They'll both cost about the same, in terms of tuition and cost of living. Overall, GU is better, but BU will still get the job done if you want to do a 2-year path.
I just got off the phone with Natasha at BU and she really made me want to commit. First of all I asked her if the program can be completed in one year, and she said that its absolutely possible and that many students do it. You just have to make sure you get a jump on your thesis. She also told me that you can exempt certain classes if you made a B or higher in undergrad (such as Biostatistics) so that would free up your courseload. They admit around 30 or so students from the medical sciences program into the medical school, which is a pretty good number, round 20% i believe. Sounds pretty solid to me.
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Yeah, I was definitely thinking the same thing too. Natasha is really awesome and helpful, and answered all my questions. That was until I read this thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=119348
It is very possible to finish it in one year (I would do the same). From what I hear though, it seems they are not very helpful to those who try to finish early. Apparently Susan Wilcox is a b*tch, and she also happens to be the one who writes your update/recommendation letters. I personally tried to contact her to ask her questions by email and phone, and have yet to get a response. I called the office, and they said to talk to Natasha, and she was extremely helpful. Susan Wilcox apparently does not like students who try to finish in one year, offers them no help when they try to apply, and has made several students cry in her office by being completely rude. If you want to applying during your first year, expect to fly solo and not get much support.
It would be nice to free up the courseload, but I guess I want to prove I can handle their classes, so exempting can go both ways.
Also, the 30 medical students are not necessarily people applying the same year, it could also include those applying during their second year. It seems a majority of those getting accepted to BU Med are the ones applying in their 2nd year, while only a few might get in after the first year.
So, I guess BU has its plusses and minuses. People finishing the program have definitely gotten into great med schools, but I'm not interested in sticking around for 2 years (and paying 2 years of ridiculously high tuition and living expenses). It all depends how much time you're willing to spend. If you want to do a 2-year path, then I think BU is one hell of a solid choice, otherwise I'd stay away.
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Additionally, not everyone will be able to take medical school classes, which is something most people found out after they get there. It seems the first people who get accepted are the first ones who get to register. Depending on the schedule, it works out in such a way that about half the class can take nearly all med school courses with the med students, while the other half of the class will end up with NO classes with the med students. This essentially destroys the benefit of the SMP.
BU also increased their size up to like 150ish. A lot of these people aren't even pre-med, but will take up spots in the medical school classes that you need to take. So it's really a gamble I would not want to risk.
BU also increased their size up to like 150ish. A lot of these people aren't even pre-med, but will take up spots in the medical school classes that you need to take. So it's really a gamble I would not want to risk.
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hey there, i just finished the BU MAMS program and thought I'd clarify a few things here. its true that not everyone takes their classes with the med students, but we still learn the exact same material. also, the classes don't appear differently on our transcripts, so schools have no idea if we took them with or without med students. it doesn't really matter, since the material and testing is virtually the same. also almost all of my classmates were pre-med. additionally, i met with susan wilcox regularly and she was very helpful to me. the person that writes your letter is actually your advisor and susan wilcox's secretary. you have to fill out some essays and a bio for this, and the secretary writes your letter from what you have filled out and what your advisor's letter says. then the dean looks over everything and signs it. there are also several very helpful faculty, if you don't want to see susan.
in regards to the 1 vs. 2 yr deal, many of my classmates have gotten into excellent schools during their 2nd year. and quite a few have gotten in during their first year, even more if you are also considering DO schools. personally, i finished my coursework in one year, went home and did my lab thesis (and got paid for it!) for a semester, graduated and will be taking time off before i go to med school this coming August.
some things to consider are: will your app really improve by this June (if you are considering finishing the master's in one year)? we're talking about a significant gpa improvement here.... if not, it might be in your best interest to take the 2 years and really show that things have changed. there's really no need to rush into the next cycle; you should make sure that you have your best app ready when you do apply, and having the 4.0 in the SMP would be pretty nice in your app.
also, did you get into the Midwestern Master's program in Chicago? I believe this is a 2-yr program as well, right? I also was looking at this program, and while it is known in the Chicago area, the BU program is more well established and well known nationally.
if you are the type that needs a smaller class size, then i would wait until you hear from the other programs and then make a decision about BU. however if i were in your shoes, i would still objectively consider BU a better program than Midwestern since it is more well established and catered towards pre-meds.
anyways, if you have questions about BU, feel free to PM me. good luck
in regards to the 1 vs. 2 yr deal, many of my classmates have gotten into excellent schools during their 2nd year. and quite a few have gotten in during their first year, even more if you are also considering DO schools. personally, i finished my coursework in one year, went home and did my lab thesis (and got paid for it!) for a semester, graduated and will be taking time off before i go to med school this coming August.
some things to consider are: will your app really improve by this June (if you are considering finishing the master's in one year)? we're talking about a significant gpa improvement here.... if not, it might be in your best interest to take the 2 years and really show that things have changed. there's really no need to rush into the next cycle; you should make sure that you have your best app ready when you do apply, and having the 4.0 in the SMP would be pretty nice in your app.
also, did you get into the Midwestern Master's program in Chicago? I believe this is a 2-yr program as well, right? I also was looking at this program, and while it is known in the Chicago area, the BU program is more well established and well known nationally.
if you are the type that needs a smaller class size, then i would wait until you hear from the other programs and then make a decision about BU. however if i were in your shoes, i would still objectively consider BU a better program than Midwestern since it is more well established and catered towards pre-meds.
anyways, if you have questions about BU, feel free to PM me. good luck
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i need to clarify: I finished my coursework in one year, and then applied after. So I started BU's program in Fall 2006, took the MCAT summer 2007, did my lab thesis at home in Fall 2007, graduated from BU MAMS in Jan 2008. This fall (Fall 2008) I will be going to my state med school.
Sorry it was confusing. If you are looking to get into BU, its difficult to get in during your first year (I don't know of anyone who has), but you have much better chances during your 2nd year of the MAMS program.
Also many people want to get into med school right away, and I definitely was feeling the same way a couple years ago, but taking the 2 years to get my GPA and app together has really been well worth it. As a general rule, for those with a UG GPA of 3.3 and below, take the 2 years for the master's and it will do wonders for your app and for your MCAT. For those, with 3.4 and above, you can probably snag an interview during your first year, pending you have a 30+ MCAT, amazing activities & LORs, and a 4.0 in the first semester of MAMS. But you should note that you probably won't get that interview until February, b/c most schools will hold your app to see your grades from first semester.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
Sorry it was confusing. If you are looking to get into BU, its difficult to get in during your first year (I don't know of anyone who has), but you have much better chances during your 2nd year of the MAMS program.
Also many people want to get into med school right away, and I definitely was feeling the same way a couple years ago, but taking the 2 years to get my GPA and app together has really been well worth it. As a general rule, for those with a UG GPA of 3.3 and below, take the 2 years for the master's and it will do wonders for your app and for your MCAT. For those, with 3.4 and above, you can probably snag an interview during your first year, pending you have a 30+ MCAT, amazing activities & LORs, and a 4.0 in the first semester of MAMS. But you should note that you probably won't get that interview until February, b/c most schools will hold your app to see your grades from first semester.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
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Is it possible to get into the BU program with a gpa below 3.0 or is it rare?
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Hi everyone,
For anyone who has made a commitment to the BU program, I am looking for someone to take over the rest of my lease. PM me or email me at [email protected] if you need a place starting June.
For anyone who has made a commitment to the BU program, I am looking for someone to take over the rest of my lease. PM me or email me at [email protected] if you need a place starting June.
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Here's a description of our place:
We are looking for a female roommate to join us in our beautiful four bedroom apartment nestled in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline. Newly renovated, our home is an aesthetic place. Hardwood floors, detailed trim, professionally painted walls, built-in kitchen amenities and a stunning bathroom make our home an attractive place. Equally important is the warmth and energy of the current three roommates. Two of us are female graduate students, and all have full or part-time jobs as well. Kindness, cleanliness, and respect for each other's lifestyles make our time at home peaceful and rejuvenating. It is also a pet and smoke free home.
Rent is $900/mo, inclusive of heat, hot water, and gym facilities in the basement. Laundry is in the basement as well. We are less than a 5 minute walk to the C line, Trader Joe's, CVS, and many many restaurants in the coolidge corner are. A 30 minute commute to Boston University Medical Campus, a 10 minute commute to the Charles River campus, and connectivity via the 66 bus, the green C line on the T, and the BU shuttle make this location unbeatable.
The room available is a huge room, with two big windows letting in sunlight through the day. French doors opening into the living room. It overlooks the courtyard. The room is available on 05/17/08 since I will be moving out 5/16/2008, but if you would rather move in on the first of June that would be fine as well. Also, the current lease is until September, and if you like you could sign on for another year lease, as the current roommates will also be staying for another year.
Please email me at [email protected] for more information and more pictures, and let us know a little bit about yourself as well! Thanks!
We are looking for a female roommate to join us in our beautiful four bedroom apartment nestled in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline. Newly renovated, our home is an aesthetic place. Hardwood floors, detailed trim, professionally painted walls, built-in kitchen amenities and a stunning bathroom make our home an attractive place. Equally important is the warmth and energy of the current three roommates. Two of us are female graduate students, and all have full or part-time jobs as well. Kindness, cleanliness, and respect for each other's lifestyles make our time at home peaceful and rejuvenating. It is also a pet and smoke free home.
Rent is $900/mo, inclusive of heat, hot water, and gym facilities in the basement. Laundry is in the basement as well. We are less than a 5 minute walk to the C line, Trader Joe's, CVS, and many many restaurants in the coolidge corner are. A 30 minute commute to Boston University Medical Campus, a 10 minute commute to the Charles River campus, and connectivity via the 66 bus, the green C line on the T, and the BU shuttle make this location unbeatable.
The room available is a huge room, with two big windows letting in sunlight through the day. French doors opening into the living room. It overlooks the courtyard. The room is available on 05/17/08 since I will be moving out 5/16/2008, but if you would rather move in on the first of June that would be fine as well. Also, the current lease is until September, and if you like you could sign on for another year lease, as the current roommates will also be staying for another year.
Please email me at [email protected] for more information and more pictures, and let us know a little bit about yourself as well! Thanks!
For anyone who is in or has completed the BU SMP, I was wondering how well the support is in the admissions cycle? Also I have been accepted to the Tufts MBS in addition to BU but am having a lot of trouble deciding? I plan to apply for fall 2011 so either way I will be spending two years at the SMP; however, my ultimate goal is to get into a US allopathic school after all this. Any thoughts or advice would be very helpful.
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I am graduating from the BU medical sciences program in a few weeks. I went the standard route and finished in two years. I think the support throughout the admissions cycle has been fantastic. If you are willing to email/call/set up meetings with professors and other faculty then you will have plenty of people willing to help you. They are not going to hold your hand through the process but they will most definitely help you out. I had someone on the admissions committee read my personal statement and provide me with very honest feedback. I also did mock interviews with other faculty.
I can't speak highly enough about BU. The faculty has been excellent throughout and if you go there and work hard it will absolutely pay off.
PM me if you have more specific questions.
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Georgetown is pretty awesome, but frankly choose a program that has connections in the region you want to go to medical school. If you like the Boston area, then choose Boston's program. If you like research, then go to Hopkins or Drexel. I suppose GTown has a great rep for getting you into med school, but University of Cincinnati also is doing the same thing. I'd ask a very simple question: what do you do if you are not accepted?
Gtown's primary failing is not providing a better safety net for such students. Boston's program does have one as you can continue for another year and finish a respected masters. But then remember that 85% of students do get in, so it comes down to academics and the balance of the application.
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Pretty strong assessments for your 7th post. Choosing an SMP based on the fate of its bottom 15% is a novel approach. Drexel over others for research - that's fascinating.
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Considering Drexel will let you continue all the way up to a PhD while Gtown has no such option, I don't think that's bold.
And frankly it isn't a novel approach choosing an SMP over how many didn't make it. You want to answer the question of why didn't they get in? Is a merit issue or something beyond their control. You're spending thousands of hours studying and tens of thousands of dollars. You need to know if you put in the time and effort it will be reflected in the form of an acceptance letter.
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This is a selling point for an SMP? Would you really choose a PhD program based on it being easy to get into straight out of an SMP?
So on the one hand, you could pick an SMP based on what it offers students who don't get what they came for (med school admission, pretty soon). On the other hand, you could focus on getting what you came for. You could accept that 60% of MD apps get rejected, that you could be one of them no matter what SMP you choose, and that since any app problems other than a weak undergrad GPA are simply not addressed in an SMP, you could just let the SMP address your weak undergrad GPA instead of making it provide you with a career smorgasbord.
In other words, do you realize that an SMP with an 85% MD acceptance record is a pretty sweet advantage, when you're in a pool that only gets 40% accepted?
Nobody offers a guarantee - even the 100% schools like Goucher et al have bailout clauses for previously undetected douchebags. If you really need an SMP to get in, and you don't really want to commit to the time and money, then you might want to rethink whether med school's what you want. For every hesitant applicant there are a dozen who will do whatever it takes.
Frankly, I'm getting the impression that there are forces acting on you that should be disclosed. Are your parents breathing down your neck to make you justify doing an SMP?
Best of luck to you.
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Having the ability to get into a PhD program from one of the top grad schools in the nation that has great connections with several major pharm companies for positions paying more than 100k, seems good to me.
I really fail to see what point you are trying to make here? My entire argument is that one should choose an SMP based on the region they would like to go to medical school and then see if the SMP has some sort of fall back net in the event you can't get in. It's nice to know you can get a job paying 100k after just a few more years if you can't get into medical school. Drexel's program has a pathway to this reality.
As for the problems in a weak app, one can retake the MCATs after a strong SMP and score higher; And having an extra year of work/volunteer experience really seems to help many people. Also many SMPs give a person access to much better LOR than they may have if they went to some small unknown college. You arrogantly assume such things are totally irrelevant by saying an SMP just pads your GPA.
I disagree entirely with such an arrogant statement. Frankly an SMP provides an incredible opportunity to people on the fence to decide if medical school is for them. You get to interact with hundreds of medical students, professors, and health professionals during your 11 months and gain an appreciation for the entire process. The opportunity to go into a related field as Hopkins, BC, or Drexel offers is valuable in itself because one might like research much more than the clinical aspects.
I come from so much money there requires no justification for any academic program. I'm a mathematician and I'm having a hard time considering working in bioinformatics or becoming a physician and working in public health. I enjoy the numbers side, but also have much experience on the clinical side of things. Once again you demonstrate your profound arrogance by assuming to know me from just a few posts.
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I am aware of the actual MMS out of Drexel and I can tell it that most of the credits you take from the Georgetown SMP do not have a good hook into any of their other masters programs meaning you will likely have to take a year and a half of classes to get a masters.
Drexel honors its coursework and the MMS there isn't a shill degree. They have very deep industry connections in neighboring Pittsburgh that can and will get you a wonderful biotech job. I'm sure Gtown and Boston College do have similar connections, but frankly you have to work harder and backtrack a little to get there (also compete with all those brilliant no-docs who wanted to do research from the very start).
Also if you really want to get into medical school, then you should link two related, but different programs together that maximize your connections and exposure. I like the idea of doing Hopkins Cancer biology applying to med schools and Georgetown SMP and if rejected then going straight to Georgetown's SMP. I can't really see you getting rejected twice off of this model if you get above a 3.2 and make sure your MCATS are 30+.
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I am just now finishing up my first year of the MAMS program. One of my roommates is moving out at the end of the summer and I am looking for someone to replace him. If you are interested send me an email to [email protected] :
3 bed / 2 bath apt, 1 block from Andrew Sq. Red Line / Bus stop in South Boston. Buses typically run every half hour and it is an ~8-15 min bus ride depending on the time of the day. Or it is a 20min walk. 2 of us (Im 25/m roomate is 23/m) are staying here for another year. I will be doing my second year research thesis. The other is in the same program at Tufts working on his thesis and doing an MPH. The apt is fully furnished minus a bed and desk chair for your room. My roommate has his own bathroom, the other 2 rooms share the other. Central air, dish washer, maid service 2x a month included in rent for all non-bedroom areas. My roommate has a guinea pig in the corner of the living room. 50in HDTV in living room. $783.33/person/mo
3 bed / 2 bath apt, 1 block from Andrew Sq. Red Line / Bus stop in South Boston. Buses typically run every half hour and it is an ~8-15 min bus ride depending on the time of the day. Or it is a 20min walk. 2 of us (Im 25/m roomate is 23/m) are staying here for another year. I will be doing my second year research thesis. The other is in the same program at Tufts working on his thesis and doing an MPH. The apt is fully furnished minus a bed and desk chair for your room. My roommate has his own bathroom, the other 2 rooms share the other. Central air, dish washer, maid service 2x a month included in rent for all non-bedroom areas. My roommate has a guinea pig in the corner of the living room. 50in HDTV in living room. $783.33/person/mo
Hey guys,
I am a second year GMS student and was wondering if anyone need housing. I live in Boston University Central, Brookline which is where the BU undergraduate campus is. There is a BU shuttle stop a block away that takes you straight to the Medical campus. It's a 3bdr apartment. I'm looking for someone to move in either in June or July. Short term, long term lease, doesn't matter we can negotiate. Let me know!!
I am a second year GMS student and was wondering if anyone need housing. I live in Boston University Central, Brookline which is where the BU undergraduate campus is. There is a BU shuttle stop a block away that takes you straight to the Medical campus. It's a 3bdr apartment. I'm looking for someone to move in either in June or July. Short term, long term lease, doesn't matter we can negotiate. Let me know!!
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Considering a 3.02 UG GPA, 30M MCAT, but extensive research and papers published?
Having a real hard time deciding
Having a real hard time deciding
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How long did it take after you applied to get a response from BU about your acceptance? I just submitted mine today.
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It took me about 4-5 weeks to hear back from BU and 3 weeks to hear back from Loyola
Depends
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I recently accepted my admission to the MAMS program. I was wondering if anybody (current or past students) had any advice on housing? I'm looking for something close to campus, if possible.
