2009-2010 Tufts Application Thread

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For those who were accepted, did anyone's online status ever change? For a short time, my online status said something about being a part of the class of 2013 but now it doesn't say anything in regards to being accepted..
 
how long is the interview season here? any chance they're still giving invites?
 
Has anyone who has been accepted around November/December received their snaill mail package yet?

I wouldn't be this worried, except it's been 7 days since they sent it and it says that I have to send the candidate reply form (w/ deposit) by the 20th.
 
I was wondering what people's thoughts were between the two schools. They seem very similar in a lot of ways, but which would you choose if you had the option?
 
Is it normal to receive the financial aid package in the mail, while on the waitlist?

My heart skipped several beats when I was told I received a large package from Tufts!

:/
 
I was wondering what people's thoughts were between the two schools. They seem very similar in a lot of ways, but which would you choose if you had the option?

I would personally choose Tufts because of their new med school facilities and awesome location.. BU unfortunately didn't impress me on these important factors.
 
I would personally choose Tufts because of their new med school facilities and awesome location.. BU unfortunately didn't impress me on these important factors.

I agree
 
i have heard that Tufts is bankrupt, but BU seems to be much more solid fianicially.

Tufts is the most expensive mned school in the country

Tufts has a better location, although the two schools are only about 1 mile apart

BU is higher ranked/more well known outside of New england.

Bottom line, both are expensive, but good schools.

I would chosen the one with the better aid.
 
i have heard that Tufts is bankrupt, but BU seems to be much more solid fianicially.
Not sure where you heard that. Tufts just completed a multi-million dollar renovation while BU is still using their old facilities.

Tufts is the most expensive mned school in the country

BU is not far behind.BU and Tufts are just roughly $4k from each other in tuition.

Tufts has a better location, although the two schools are only about 1 mile apart

True.

BU is higher ranked/more well known outside of New england.

BU ranking comes from their bioterrorism research funding. Both schools have similar reputation in the medical world and will get you where you need to go, but, in terms of public prestige, Tufts is more well-known since its undergraduate, dental and veterinary programs are highly regarded and ranked.

Bottom line, both are expensive, but good schools.
👍

I would chosen the one with the better aid.
👍

Also choose based on which one is a better fit for you in terms of curriculum, research , faculty, clinical rotations and student life.
 
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i have heard that Tufts is bankrupt, but BU seems to be much more solid fianicially.

Tufts is the most expensive mned school in the country

Tufts has a better location, although the two schools are only about 1 mile apart

BU is higher ranked/more well known outside of New england.

Bottom line, both are expensive, but good schools.

I would chosen the one with the better aid.

Just curious, where/how did you hear Tufts was bankrupt and any ideas why?
 
Just curious, where/how did you hear Tufts was bankrupt and any ideas why?

I actually heard that it was BU that was having financial trouble because the city/state can't pay the bills for the un-insured (which is kinda impt when the majority of their patients are uninsured).
 
actually tufts medical school is not in financial problems, it is the undergrad that is having trouble.
 
I am also very curious to know about the source/reliability of this info about Tufts's financial status. Although, to be fair, every university seems to be doing more poorly financially than in previous years thanks to the economy and tight funding. I work at a top-five med school/teaching hospital, and there are always rumors flying around about lack of funding/financial difficulties/cut-backs, etc, but I don't pay much attention since it's usually unsubstantiated gossiping and griping.
 
o, it is possible that it was the undergraduate has has money issues, but I think its all tied together. I heard about Tufts (although the med school was not specifically mentioned) was having money issues from a researcher there.
 
I am also very curious to know about the source/reliability of this info about Tufts's financial status. Although, to be fair, every university seems to be doing more poorly financially than in previous years thanks to the economy and tight funding. I work at a top-five med school/teaching hospital, and there are always rumors flying around about lack of funding/financial difficulties/cut-backs, etc, but I don't pay much attention since it's usually unsubstantiated gossiping and griping.


True. If Tufts undergrad is having financial problems then it's not alone. Harvard lost millions of dollars in endowment funds forcing it shut down a lot of its scholarship and other outreach programs. Med schools do tend to operate independent of their undergrad program (in most cases). Most med schools get their resources and operating budget from their hospital's budget, tuition and research funding.
 
Sorry to post again, but just wondering if any Californians had received their acceptance packet yet (ones sent out Jan 6th).

I called the ad office and they send they will resend it. But I'm just trying to gauge if it was lost in the mail or if it just takes that long to get to this side of the country.

A bit worried b/c the three day weekend is coming up and the deadline is early next week.

Thanks!
 
The packet was mailed on the 6th and I received it in SF on the 9th. If you are worried about the check not getting there in time, I'd just call their office to let them know your situation. I highly doubt they'd release your spot just because you didn't receive the packet -- it's not your fault.

Oh, and if you do find out about how strict they are with the check deadline, could you let me know? I am also worried they won't receive my check in time -- I've already mailed it but have had some bad luck with outgoing mail recently.

Thanks for letting me know. Wow in 3 days. Yea so mine got lost in the mail. I spoke with them already about my situation.

In terms of sending the check to them, did you certify it, experss or priority mail it? B/c then they give you those numbers to track the shipment. If not, I believe first class can take up to 5 or so days.

Yea this mail thing can be a little frustrating. But o well.
 
I have an MD/PhD question (just out of curiosity): Once you are accepted to the regular MD track, can you then apply for the MD/PhD program after MSI? I hear that you can do this at some schools, just wondering if Tufts allowed this? Or is it only possible to apply for MD/PhD now before the deadline (which is today, actually).
 
The packet was mailed on the 6th and I received it in SF on the 9th. If you are worried about the check not getting there in time, I'd just call their office to let them know your situation. I highly doubt they'd release your spot just because you didn't receive the packet -- it's not your fault.

Oh, and if you do find out about how strict they are with the check deadline, could you let me know? I am also worried they won't receive my check in time -- I've already mailed it but have had some bad luck with outgoing mail recently.

In terms of being strict, I do think they want it around the 20th. But I think calling for sure helps if you want too. But if you have already sent yours it should get there in time.
 
Got back from my interview at Tufts earlier today- very impressive facilities (save for the old anatomy lab that they showed us, which was in the basement of the grad building), and the curriculum is really unique.

The med students there said that feedback from the current first years is seriously being taken into consideration by the administration- 1st year students at Tufts submitted a lot of complaints about the sheer volume of material that they're required to learn in the basic sciences that don't have much relevance to 2nd year clinical work, so for the incoming class this Fall they said that there'll be relatively less material to cover (it's still a lot, but just not as insane as it used to be), and that it'll be tailored to be more integrated with clinical studies, rather than just stand-alone hardcore science.

Also, they said that the turnaround time for students interviewed this week (1/12) and (1/14) will be around the second week of February- and that the dual degree candidates for MD/MBA usually hear back much sooner following their acceptance than the MD/MPH applicants.

So I guess I'll find out by mid-Feb, then. Hoping for the best! 👍

By the way- on Tufts online interview slot selection calendar, it shows that interview spots are available from March 2nd to March 30th, so there's still a full month with a total of 7 interview days left- so best of luck to you guys as well! Hope you get invites!
 
i heard they interview til march right? how many interview days a week? also how do you know your status with them? the sec. app. site gives no information
 
I finally received a copy of the candidate reply form after something happened to the original one sent. Just wondering if we are suppose to send it to the Office of Admissions? They didn't send the complete package, so I'm not sure if it's the same address....
 
Sorry to ask again, just wondering if anyone can please tell me if we send the candidate reply form back to the admissions office address? Just want to be 100% sure. Thanks!
 
Sorry to ask again, just wondering if anyone can please tell me if we send the candidate reply form back to the admissions office address? Just want to be 100% sure. Thanks!

Yes. Along with a check for $100.
 
Tufts or Tulane for MD/MPH with a focus on global health and infectious disease? Right now I'm leaning toward Tulane, because of their MD/MPH in Tropical Medicine, but I'm not 100% because I think Tufts is the better school.

Feedback welcome.
 
Tufts or Tulane for MD/MPH with a focus on global health and infectious disease? Right now I'm leaning toward Tulane, because of their MD/MPH in Tropical Medicine, but I'm not 100% because I think Tufts is the better school.

Feedback welcome.

I've gotten into both Tufts and Tulane so I can understand your dilemma. Both are great schools. Tulane has the edge in terms of global health. It has a VERY VERY good global health program. But you shouldn't base your decisions solely on the public health programs. Were there any differences you found in the MD programs? I felt that Tulane's MD curriculum was a bit more traditional than Tufts (which you may or may not like). Tufts is ranked higher but I wouldn't say it's the "better" school.

If Tropical medicine and public health is really your thing, then go to Tulane. But I felt that Tufts had a bit more to offer at the MD aspect (plus I haven't heard back yet from the MD/MPH program at Tufts).

Good luck. Both are great schools. I loved the locations as well.

EDIT: Also Tufts facilities are brand new. And you should also take into account how the current state of New Orleans will factor into your medical school career. I felt like rebuilding was a big part of the city and the school. So it's up to you if that's something you are interested in as well or you may not like that aspect.... Something to take into account
 
Tufts or Tulane for MD/MPH with a focus on global health and infectious disease? Right now I'm leaning toward Tulane, because of their MD/MPH in Tropical Medicine, but I'm not 100% because I think Tufts is the better school.

Feedback welcome.


You have to decide if the MPH is more important than your MD. Tufts offers a great MD education with P/F basic years. Its MPH program is reputable but it seems Tulane has a better reputation. MPH is worthy pursuit if you're ultimately looking for a career in primary care or public health policy. If you want to be an anesthesiologist, radiologist, surgeon etc then I would focus more on getting a well-rounded MD education. An MPH after that would just be an icing on the cake.
 
I am trying to make a choice deciding which school to go to. I am now reviewing the coa suggested by each school. I was wondering if the suggested cost of living expenses put forth by the school are actually true to form or if they tend to run higher or lower. Also, I am married and will have a child. Does any one know if adjustments can be made to the budget and if so by how much.
 
Can anyone give me a run down of what the Maine Track interview in Portland consists of? Thanks!
 
I'm on the edge of my seat! I interviewed at Tufts on 1/7 and they said they'd contact us with a yea or nay by around the beginning of february. I'm so excited! I can't wait! They REALLY impressed me. So far I've interviewed at Tufts, BU, and Saint Louis, and Tufts was the most awesome by a WIDE margin. I also have 3 more interviews still to come, at SUNY Upstate, SUNY Downstate, and Temple, but I can't imagine liking a school any more than I liked Tufts.

Plus, I think my interviews went really well, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up and count my chickens before they hatch, but it's so difficult! It's entirely possible that they may not accept me, so I have to keep reminding myself that it's not certain that I'm going to Tufts yet. Not being too overly focused on going to Tufts is an important frame of mind to keep myself in, because in addition to not knowing if they'll accept me, I also don't want to be closed minded when I interview at other school, because maybe I will like one of them even more if I keep an open mind. Also, until I know for sure that I've been accepted to Tufts, I have to make sure that I do my best in the process of trying to get into the rest of these schools. It would totally suck if I didn't put my heart into the rest of my interviews because I liked Tufts so much, but then end up not getting into Tufts and also not getting into any of the other schools because I half-assed their interviews.

Anyway, I'm just sharing my thoughts. I'm really excited about Tufts! 😍



p.s. For those interested in tracking people's Tufts admissions process, I submitted my secondary on 10/9/09, received an invite on 12/9/09, and had my interview on 1/7/10.
 
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Tufts or Tulane for MD/MPH with a focus on global health and infectious disease? Right now I'm leaning toward Tulane, because of their MD/MPH in Tropical Medicine, but I'm not 100% because I think Tufts is the better school.

Feedback welcome.

I have spent the last three years at Tufts and have been very exposed to their MD program having gone through the SMP there and now having many friends at Tufts med currently. I will also receive an MPH from them this Spring. I will be attending Tulane for med school in the fall.

Regarding the MD program at Tufts, the curriculum is going to go through another overhaul this coming school year since the way it was organized proved to be a bit too overwhelming so the Class of 2014 will be another set of guinea pigs. But it is the same material so its not like they are dramatically restructuring it. Outside of the overhaul, you will certainly get a good pre-clinical education at Tufts. I think the teachers are for the most part very high quality. Additionally, there is always a benefit for studying medicine in Boston - it's the Mecca of health care without a doubt. As for the Tufts MPH program, I really like how the MD/MPH program is structured. There is less time and so really only the really important concepts are emphasized and not repetitive like the traditional MPH. Downsides of Tufts and Boston = very cold winters and very expensive cost of living.

I really can't say anything concrete about Tulane since I still have yet to enroll there, but I feel Tulane's facilities are superior to what Tufts offers. I'm sure the quality of the education is about the same. I also look forward to the challenge of working in health care in New Orleans. I generally get the feeling from one of my Tufts SMP classmates who is at Tulane right now that doctors are much more appreciated in New Orleans then in Boston (the Mecca of Health Care feature goes both ways). Tulane really impressed me and I am very happy with the opportunity to be able to go there. I don't have any idea how the MPH program at Tulane is like.
 
Some additional thoughts...

The MPH program at Tufts is not run at a separate school (e.g. Tufts does not have a school of public health). The MPH program is under the umbrella of the School of Medicine. Due to this and the MD schedule, MD/MPH students do not take classes with the rest of the MPH students and have their own set of courses. There are pros and cons to this. However, the global health opportunities are huge. Many MD/MPH and just-MD students travel abroad for externships and projects.

Since Tulane has a School of Public Health and they are more established, I think there will be a wider range of opportunities both community based and in terms of research. I hear that global health and tropical health opportunities are pretty huge there as well.
 
I'm on the edge of my seat! I interviewed at Tufts on 1/7 and they said they'd contact us with a yea or nay by around the beginning of february. I'm so excited! I can't wait! They REALLY impressed me. So far I've interviewed at Tufts, BU, and Saint Louis, and Tufts was the most awesome by a WIDE margin. I also have 3 more interviews still to come, at SUNY Upstate, SUNY Downstate, and Temple, but I can't imagine liking a school any more than I liked Tufts.

Plus, I think my interviews went really well, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up and count my chickens before they hatch, but it's so difficult! It's entirely possible that they may not accept me, so I have to keep reminding myself that it's not certain that I'm going to Tufts yet. Not being too overly focused on going to Tufts is an important frame of mind to keep myself in, because in addition to not knowing if they'll accept me, I also don't want to be closed minded when I interview at other school, because maybe I will like one of them even more if I keep an open mind. Also, until I know for sure that I've been accepted to Tufts, I have to make sure that I do my best in the process of trying to get into the rest of these schools. It would totally suck if I didn't put my heart into the rest of my interviews because I liked Tufts so much, but then end up not getting into Tufts and also not getting into any of the other schools because I half-assed their interviews.

Anyway, I'm just sharing my thoughts. I'm really excited about Tufts! 😍



p.s. For those interested in tracking people's Tufts admissions process, I submitted my secondary on 10/9/09, received an invite on 12/9/09, and had my interview on 1/7/10.

Yeah, it's my top choice now. I'm hearing from a lot of people that they were impressed with Tufts. Its pricey, but boy is it nice. 😎
 
anyone who has been accepted planning on making an "unofficial" second visit?
 
anyone who has been accepted planning on making an "unofficial" second visit?

Tufts is my only acceptance right now, but if I get a few more then I'll probably go to the revisits or schedule my own. I want to stay with a host but I'm a little wary about them seeing as one at Tufts completely blew me off the day before my interview...
 
Did anyone else get an email saying to make sure your online application is up to date in your "contact information, especially your mailing address." I'm not sure how to interpret this. Do they send this out to all people who interviewed at an automatic date post-interview? Or does it mean they've made a decision on my file? And more importantly, does this email suggest anything about whether they accepted or rejected me?


EDIT: Okay, the SDN thread search finally responded with search results and I see that there's basically no connection between getting that email and when your decision will be announced or what your decision is. But man, that email made my heart skip a beat!
 
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I submitted my secondary on 10/7, and I haven't heard anything from Tufts. Does this mean I'm pretty much done here? Does Tufts send out rejections preinterview or are they silent?
 
I submitted my secondary on 10/7, and I haven't heard anything from Tufts. Does this mean I'm pretty much done here? Does Tufts send out rejections preinterview or are they silent?

I don't know for a fact, but judging by the dates that people say they interviewed on in the interview feedback page, it looks like people are being interviewed through at least mid-april, so I wouldn't give up hope yet.

http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/tusm/survey/26
 
Do you think it's too late to send a letter of interest? I've been complete a long time, but would still really like the chance to interview here.
 
I don't know for a fact, but judging by the dates that people say they interviewed on in the interview feedback page, it looks like people are being interviewed through at least mid-april, so I wouldn't give up hope yet.

http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/tusm/survey/26

The Tufts website states that interviews are conducted from September to March with all applications remaining under "active consideration" until the end of February. Rejection letters are then sent out starting in March with all decisions made by April 15th.

Hope that helped. Good luck everyone. I am still waiting and hoping for an interview here as well.
 
They send that email out to everyone. Some people will get a phone call before that, some after.... But just update your address, because they will send home a letter regardless
 
tufts match list is really good.... many match at harvard, nyu, columbia, cornell affiliated hosptials
 
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