2009-2010 Boston University Application Thread

[OneMCATAway]

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me neither =/

 

[crazycab]

I didn't get one either... I figure they are probably sending them out in batches, it will probably be here soon!

 

[camaras2480]

im active on the 'inside.' they are lagging behind on sending out secondaries, so no sweat.

in case anyone hasnt seen the prompt yet, they have removed the optional, 'got anything else to say?' essay with a more direct question. granted, its still optional, but it seems they are...how do i say this...a bit more inclined to looking for a response this time around.

 

[Appless]

im active on the 'inside.' they are lagging behind on sending out secondaries, so no sweat.

in case anyone hasnt seen the prompt yet, they have removed the optional, 'got anything else to say?' essay with a more direct question. granted, its still optional, but it seems they are...how do i say this...a bit more inclined to looking for a response this time around.

you mean the question about any other learning expereinces right?

Also since you active so to speak can you tell me how boston views CC classes. Based on the pre req grid it seems like they really think badly of those who took CC classes. I spent about 2 years at a CC and took about 1/2 my pre med reqs at a CC. I took a ton of upper div bio classes and got all A's and took ochem and physics at my 4 year (all As ochem Bs physics) so i figured id be fine and it would be obvious i can handle it...but the way things are worded in the pre req grid make me think otherwise...

 

[BlueElmo]

I got it. Dated 7:25 PM PST. Do they work that late?!😱

 

[Ilovewater]

Yup. I got mine at 7:19 PM. I almost feel bad for the admissions people if they have to work that late....

But anywho, is anyone else confused by the prereq grid except for me? So you list how many semesters of each subject you have taken right? So for instance...I've taken like 20 humanities/soc. behavior/lit classes over the span of 4 semesters, I just put 4 under lecture only and then 4 for the total from preferred institution right?

Also, for you guys who do not have a pre-health committee letter, how are you explaining why that won't be provided? I don't know what else to say besides my institution just doesn't have such service.

Thanks!

 

[Appless]

Yup. I got mine at 7:19 PM. I almost feel bad for the admissions people if they have to work that late....

But anywho, is anyone else confused by the prereq grid except for me? So you list how many semesters of each subject you have taken right? So for instance...I've taken like 20 humanities/soc. behavior/lit classes over the span of 4 semesters, I just put 4 under lecture only and then 4 for the total from preferred institution right?

Also, for you guys who do not have a pre-health committee letter, how are you explaining why that won't be provided? I don't know what else to say besides my institution just doesn't have such service.

Thanks!

Theres a box you can choose saying you dont have one. Then I just explained my school the university of blah blah did not have a pre medical advisory committee therefore i had no access to a committee letter...and thats all. The pre req grid is a pain but basically thats what you do. your prefered institution is the 4 year college. Its really only there for people like me who took CC classes as apparently boston looks down upon these? So in that case you would play around with the numbers a bit. As long as you didnt go to a CC or something like that just do it the way you described.

 

[Ilovewater]

Cool! Thanks Elijah. I did take some courses from CC due to schedule conflict, and my university didn't offer the classes at the time I was available. Hope they don't kick me to the curb just because of CC classes....

 

[Appless]

Cool! Thanks Elijah. I did take some courses from CC due to schedule conflict, and my university didn't offer the classes at the time I was available. Hope they don't kick me to the curb just because of CC classes....

Me too man but im not sure they look down on them, just based on their wording in the pre req grid i got that feeling, its not based on something i know. Also just another note, if you did take CC classes those are not part of your preferred institution so you would not count those as total units. Meaning that if you took 20 units of humanities, 4 of which were at your CC, then your total units for the prefered institution would be 16. Hope that clears things up! 🙂

 

[Ilovewater]

Me too man but im not sure they look down on them, just based on their wording in the pre req grid i got that feeling, its not based on something i know. Also just another note, if you did take CC classes those are not part of your preferred institution so you would not count those as total units. Meaning that if you took 20 units of humanities, 4 of which were at your CC, then your total units for the prefered institution would be 16. Hope that clears things up! 🙂

Wait...so are you entering the classes by credit hours or by the number of actual semesters?

 

[Appless]

Wait...so are you entering the classes by credit hours or by the number of actual semesters?

credit hours.

Though i just looked at the secondary again...and it seems i made a mistake it should be actual semesters...that is confusing. Regardless what i said earlier about CCs and such still holds. The numbers will just be lower.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

In the grid, are we supposed to add "Total Lecture only semesters" and "Total Lecture with Lab semesters" to get some larger number, or do we just list the total number of lecture courses? All of my science courses included lecture with lab.

Edit: Never mind...I realized that if I enter 2 under lecture only semesters and 2 under lecture and lab semesters the total changes its maximum value to four.

 

[exeunt]

" Indicate how many of the lecture-only, lecture with lab, or lab only semesters were taken at a preferred institutions"

If my lecture classes were separate from my labs, but I took them in the same semester, does that mean it's a lecture with lab semester..? Also, as a bio major, I AP'ed out of gen bio, but obviously took a lot of upper level bio classes.. however they have spots for genetics/cell bio/etc so do those also count under the biology section? In that case, would they ALL count?

Does anyone else find the prereq grid intensely confusing? lol😕

 

[TooMuchResearch]

" Indicate how many of the lecture-only, lecture with lab, or lab only semesters were taken at a preferred institutions"

If my lecture classes were separate from my labs, but I took them in the same semester, does that mean it's a lecture with lab semester..? Does anyone else find the prereq grid intensely confusing? lol😕

No, it means you took separate lecture and lab courses. Fill in the correct numbers for Total Lecture only semesters and Total Lab only semesters. Leave the Total Lecture with lab semesters column blank. Some institutions require that all labs are taken concurrently with the lecture. Use the Total Lecture with lab semesters column for that set-up. For example, my university required the lab sections, and students were not given credit for them. They usually counted for about 20% of our grade for the lecture+lab section.

 

[BlueElmo]

Why is there so many explanations on this secondary on their website. How annoying. I don't feel like sitting here reading all this gibberish.

 

[Ilovewater]

Why is there so many explanations on this secondary on their website. How annoying. I don't feel like sitting here reading all this gibberish.

Agreed. Time-consuming, annoying, mind-numbing secondary. Does letter packet count (with pre-health advisor for main contact) for the same as committee letter or will I have to explain?

 

[camaras2480]

Yeah, they are trying to like rejuvenate the secondary. Last year's was so much simpler. Needless to say, rejuvenation failed.

Keeping this in mind, the Adcom will understand varied responses - meaning, credit hours/real semester, all that stuff, they will figure it out. Just be correct, of course.

Elijah, I think you are referring to the word 'preferred' in terms of institutions? I think the safest way to answer your question about CC is that as long as you did well, there is no reason to doubt you. Earning mediocre grades at a CC, however, may raise some eyebrows.

 

[nick_carraway]

in case anyone hasnt seen the prompt yet, they have removed the optional, 'got anything else to say?' essay with a more direct question. granted, its still optional, but it seems they are...how do i say this...a bit more inclined to looking for a response this time around.

I thought the wording sounded different. Before I got this secondary, I wasn't going to write anything but you're right; this new phrasing made me want to put something.

I want to write why BU, but they seem to discourage that. Thoughts?

 

[Aggro]

I plan on using the diversity essay that so many other schools want. It seems appropriate.

 

[dw2158]

Has anyone received the secondary from BU? Apparently it's out...but I haven't gotten anything yet. 🙁

got mine yesterday.

For those who got the email for secondary, did BU have your LOR, sent through AMCAS, on file? I don't understand how a few of the schools I applied to have my application but no LOR that already have been received by AMCAS.

yeah, i don't get it either. none of my schools have my letters. granted, my committee letter STILL isn't into AMCAS 🙂mad🙂 but my others are.

 

[Homoochan]

oh man.. i still didn't get mine

 

[camaras2480]

I thought the wording sounded different. Before I got this secondary, I wasn't going to write anything but you're right; this new phrasing made me want to put something.

I want to write why BU, but they seem to discourage that. Thoughts?

They only discourage why BU if you're reasons suck haha. The diversity essay isn't a bad idea either. I would look at this essay as a second, mini personal statement, because it has to be something that grabs their attention.

 

[Appless]

They only discourage why BU if you're reasons suck haha. The diversity essay isn't a bad idea either. I would look at this essay as a second, mini personal statement, because it has to be something that grabs their attention.

So basically for the optional essay section on the secondary we have to fill it out as they care more this year? or are you talking about the learning experience essay one? basically what i would use for both of those essays is the same...if i have to fill out both its going to be hard🙁

 

[alibai3ah]

I thought the wording sounded different. Before I got this secondary, I wasn't going to write anything but you're right; this new phrasing made me want to put something.

I want to write why BU, but they seem to discourage that. Thoughts?

Yea I believe BU is big on the "don't write about why you want to go to BU" essay, b/c Dr. Witzburg (according to post from last year) says he doesn't believe students can really gauge why they want to go unless they have atleast visited the campus....i would be on the safe side and write abotu somethign else/or nothing at all.......

On a side note, 400 words to explain why you don't committee letter???

 

[camaras2480]

So basically for the optional essay section on the secondary we have to fill it out as they care more this year? or are you talking about the learning experience essay one? basically what i would use for both of those essays is the same...if i have to fill out both its going to be hard🙁

I'm a little confused on that one... which 2 essays are you using the same stuff for? I was referring to #3, the learning experience one. A "diversity essay" or "why BU" essay wouldn't really fit into #1 or #2, I think.

 

[jenandhansun]

ehhhh still no email.

 

[alibai3ah]

Does anyone know why the ! mark won't go away. I inputted 2 semesters of physics (3 quarters) and 2 semesters w/ lecture/lab (3 quarters), with the total 4. But the ! sign is still there saying I don't have enough....
Am I doing this wrong?

 

[interleukin6]

I am finished BU's secondary and was about to submit... but I viewed the pdf file of my application and noticed that my essay was cut off. I definitely did not go over the character limit, but only the first 3/4 of my essay showed up on the page. Any one else notice this problem?

 

[Appless]

I'm a little confused on that one... which 2 essays are you using the same stuff for? I was referring to #3, the learning experience one. A "diversity essay" or "why BU" essay wouldn't really fit into #1 or #2, I think.

Oh ok so the learning experience one is the one that isnt really optional? I was refering to the actual optional essay under section 6 i think it is...where it says "is there anything additional you want to add." For that one in section 6, its fine to leave blank right?


Also I just called boston about the pre req grid, i thought the info might be helpful to the rest of you. Its not bsaed on credit hours or number of semesters its the number of courses. So for example, if you took 12 bio courses you choose 12 for the grid. 3 physics courses then 3 for the grid, etc etc. hope that makes it less confusing. I feel bad for the person on the phone though, she sounded like this was her 19237890138921 call of the day haha...🙂

 

[camaras2480]

Oh ok so the learning experience one is the one that isnt really optional? I was refering to the actual optional essay under section 6 i think it is...where it says "is there anything additional you want to add." For that one in section 6, its fine to leave blank right?

Yeah the anything you want to add is quite often blank. If you have something to say along the lines of Why BU, this may be the place to write something short and sweet. Nothing ridiculous, like "oooo neidl is amazing, I want to participate in everything they do. i'll even be a test subject."

 

[Beignet87]

Oh ok so the learning experience one is the one that isnt really optional? I was refering to the actual optional essay under section 6 i think it is...where it says "is there anything additional you want to add." For that one in section 6, its fine to leave blank right?


Also I just called boston about the pre req grid, i thought the info might be helpful to the rest of you. Its not bsaed on credit hours or number of semesters its the number of courses. So for example, if you took 12 bio courses you choose 12 for the grid. 3 physics courses then 3 for the grid, etc etc. hope that makes it less confusing. I feel bad for the person on the phone though, she sounded like this was her 19237890138921 call of the day haha...🙂

That is so helpful! Thanks!

 

[wedgehead]

Has anyone received the first e-mail, but not the second e-mail with your web account and password? They said they would send it 3 hours later, but it never came...

 

[camaras2480]

Has anyone received the first e-mail, but not the second e-mail with your web account and password? They said they would send it 3 hours later, but it never came...

They decided you not to allow you to fill out a secondary.



Joke. Trying to inject some humor into this thread. Everyone is way too concerned. Relaaaax!

 

[OneMCATAway]

i havent heard anything back from BU at all..

so the later we get the secondary the longer we have the "2 week" to submit?! or is it better to get it earlier and take say 3 weeks?!

 

[nick_carraway]

Oh ok so the learning experience one is the one that isnt really optional? I was refering to the actual optional essay under section 6 i think it is...where it says "is there anything additional you want to add." For that one in section 6, its fine to leave blank right?


Also I just called boston about the pre req grid, i thought the info might be helpful to the rest of you. Its not bsaed on credit hours or number of semesters its the number of courses. So for example, if you took 12 bio courses you choose 12 for the grid. 3 physics courses then 3 for the grid, etc etc. hope that makes it less confusing. I feel bad for the person on the phone though, she sounded like this was her 19237890138921 call of the day haha...🙂

How dare you confuse me!

With the quarter system, I was content to put 2 for everything after having 3 courses (one per quarter). Is this wrong?

 

[nick_carraway]

i havent heard anything back from BU at all..

so the later we get the secondary the longer we have the "2 week" to submit?! or is it better to get it earlier and take say 3 weeks?!

Just submit it in 24 hours and problem solved. This one isn't a doosy.

 

[alibai3ah]

Elijiah, then why does it have the conversion factor for semster and quarter??? I did all my year long classes as 2?

 

[nick_carraway]

Elijiah, then why does it have the conversion factor for semster and quarter??? I did all my year long classes as 2?

Don't listen to him. Elijah's trying to get rid of the competition! Let's get him!

 

[Appless]

Don't listen to him. Elijah's trying to get rid of the competition! Let's get him!

ahha yes secretly im gunning to make sure none of you get in. Seriously though it has that conversion becuase everything must be in semester. So for example, I go to a UC thats on a quarter system. I took physics 3ABC so those combined i listed as 2 semesters. I listed my labs phys 3LB/C as 2 semesters as its greater then 1 but less then 2 by their conversions. Then below explain you are on a quarter system etc etc. I also just basically wrote i took 3 quarters of physics, ochem, 1 quarter biochem, etc etc..in the explanation box so there would be no confusion. Also it states that they dont even look at the grid for admission purposes on the secondary so i dont think its a huge deal. Just do it so it makes sense 🙂

 

[LOSAR]

does anyone know if they are asking about learning experiences in general or experiences in your undergraduate years for the last question of the secondary.

 

[nick_carraway]

ahha yes secretly im gunning to make sure none of you get in. Seriously though it has that conversion becuase everything must be in semester. So for example, I go to a UC thats on a quarter system. I took physics 3ABC so those combined i listed as 2 semesters. I listed my labs phys 3LB/C as 2 semesters as its greater then 1 but less then 2 by their conversions.

Right so what they told you on the phone was a little off. Since we took 3 classes, us quarter kids would write 2 and not 3.

I'm more confused by my preview cutting off the last bits of my essays despite plenty of characters left. And the fact that my AMCAS LOR data doesn't show up in the preview either.

 

[alibai3ah]

ahha yes secretly im gunning to make sure none of you get in. Seriously though it has that conversion becuase everything must be in semester. So for example, I go to a UC thats on a quarter system. I took physics 3ABC so those combined i listed as 2 semesters. I listed my labs phys 3LB/C as 2 semesters as its greater then 1 but less then 2 by their conversions. Then below explain you are on a quarter system etc etc. I also just basically wrote i took 3 quarters of physics, ochem, 1 quarter biochem, etc etc..in the explanation box so there would be no confusion. Also it states that they dont even look at the grid for admission purposes on the secondary so i dont think its a huge deal. Just do it so it makes sense 🙂

Yea I go to a UC too. So I did the whole 2 for Chem, Physics, and O Chem.

On a side note, the question about timeline/narrative about education experience (which could include any cultural experience abroad), I was wondering if I could talk about living abroad for 9+ years? But the fact that it says educational experience makes me think my experience won't count? Granted I went to school there but I was young.

 

[OneMCATAway]

where is my secondary?! 😕

 

[FML]

Yess! Finallly got this secondary 😀

 

[Appless]

Yess! Finallly got this secondary 😀

see no worries they eventually come...besides, im sure you have enough of them to do atm! I know i have like 6 to finish...been working all day🙁

 

[FML]

seriously. I'm sitting on 4 of them and a 10-page paper which is due tomo 🙁

 

[camaras2480]

Yea I go to a UC too. So I did the whole 2 for Chem, Physics, and O Chem.

On a side note, the question about timeline/narrative about education experience (which could include any cultural experience abroad), I was wondering if I could talk about living abroad for 9+ years? But the fact that it says educational experience makes me think my experience won't count? Granted I went to school there but I was young.

You did nothing education in 9+ years? I'm sure you have something you can tie in to education. Assuming you can, that's a perfectly reasonable topic to write about - just don't make it too long.

 

[camaras2480]

Just do it so it makes sense

I hate to quote someone who is secretly trying to make sure no one else gets in (lol), but like I said earlier, the adcom knows it is not the most self explanatory secondary. They'll get the idea. After all, they do have transcripts.

 

[Homoochan]

I STILL havn't gotten mine. Why is that I always get secondaries days after others???? not fair

 

[nick_carraway]

I STILL havn't gotten mine. Why is that I always get secondaries days after others???? not fair

I'm just shocked that no one else has said anything about their pre-submission preview looking messed up in the prompts and in the LOR section. Help a brother out!