2009-2010 Tufts Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
Members don't see this ad.
smmypnts said:
Do you think they will get the packets to us in early May? My decision may come down to money.

Also, its been a while since I interviewed and I wanted to get in touch with a current student to talk to so I can ask questions that may help me make my decision and maybe take a second tour of campus. I didn't save anyone's contact info from my interview day so I can't call up my tour guides from interview day. What is the best way to find a student who is willing to talk to me about Tufts. Are there some names/emails in the interview folder? I know Tufts doesn't have a second look but I was hoping the admissions office can hook me up with someone to talk to, so I emailed them but they haven't responded.

Also, do you think its worth it to pay the high tuition at Tufts vs going to my state school for $23,000/yr? I think Tufts is alot nicer but I'm not sure if it justifies $140,000 in extra loans. Does anyone have an opinion on this?
Click to expand...

I'm in the same predicament as far as comparing the COA between my state school and Tufts. Just hoping for a good Fin. Aid package later this month. For second look, email Emily Condon and she will get back to you with a student who can show you around for the day. I believe their spring break was last week so that may be the reason for the delay in response. But if a week or more goes by, a follow-up email may not hurt.
 
smmypnts said:
Do you think they will get the packets to us in early May? My decision may come down to money.

Also, its been a while since I interviewed and I wanted to get in touch with a current student to talk to so I can ask questions that may help me make my decision and maybe take a second tour of campus. I didn't save anyone's contact info from my interview day so I can't call up my tour guides from interview day. What is the best way to find a student who is willing to talk to me about Tufts. Are there some names/emails in the interview folder? I know Tufts doesn't have a second look but I was hoping the admissions office can hook me up with someone to talk to, so I emailed them but they haven't responded.

Also, do you think its worth it to pay the high tuition at Tufts vs going to my state school for $23,000/yr? I think Tufts is alot nicer but I'm not sure if it justifies $140,000 in extra loans. Does anyone have an opinion on this?
Click to expand...

1) Email Emily Condon, she should find you somebody you can speak with.

2) This is a tough question. Again this depends on a lot on which state school you are talking about? In my opinion, while money matters, go with what makes you happy and proud? You will be here for 4 years and so just go to the school you know you will be happy with. I don't think it's crazy to give up a state school for Tufts, but at the same time, it depends a lot on how much you liked or hated your state school? I hope that helps.
 
alibai3ah said:
2) This is a tough question. Again this depends on a lot on which state school you are talking about? In my opinion, while money matters, go with what makes you happy and proud? You will be here for 4 years and so just go to the school you know you will be happy with. I don't think it's crazy to give up a state school for Tufts, but at the same time, it depends a lot on how much you liked or hated your state school? I hope that helps.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking about SUNY Downstate. I think I would be happy there...I didn't hate Downstate, but obviously I would be happier at Tufts. Also, Tufts had a lot more resources - more research, newer facilities, hospitals all over New England, ect. It's hard to know which of these factors are important.

Just because the facilities are newer doesn't necessarily mean I will be getting a better education because of it - but it might.

I really liked the idea of being able to do one rotation in Maine and another in Western Mass and another in St. Elizabeth's, but I probably won't do my rotations in every one of the associated hospitals - and having to travel really far like to the Cape for a rotation on a daily basis can actually be a hassle.

As for the research, how strong do you think Tufts is? I have heard mixed things from people I currently work with, but my point of comparison is the research going on at Mass General Hospital where I currently work. I realize that almost no med school is going to have quite as much money or as diverse labs as MGH. And since I haven't picked a specialty yet, I don't know what kind of research will matter to me.
 
smmypnts said:
I'm thinking about SUNY Downstate. I think I would be happy there...I didn't hate Downstate, but obviously I would be happier at Tufts. Also, Tufts had a lot more resources - more research, newer facilities, hospitals all over New England, ect. It's hard to know which of these factors are important.

Just because the facilities are newer doesn't necessarily mean I will be getting a better education because of it - but it might.

I really liked the idea of being able to do one rotation in Maine and another in Western Mass and another in St. Elizabeth's, but I probably won't do my rotations in every one of the associated hospitals - and having to travel really far like to the Cape for a rotation on a daily basis can actually be a hassle.

As for the research, how strong do you think Tufts is? I have heard mixed things from people I currently work with, but my point of comparison is the research going on at Mass General Hospital where I currently work. I realize that almost no med school is going to have quite as much money or as diverse labs as MGH. And since I haven't picked a specialty yet, I don't know what kind of research will matter to me.
Click to expand...

I think Tufts is decent for research. I mean it is ranked in the 40s...which is not spectacular, but pretty good. I think Tufts will provide a lot of research opportunities, but I'm not sure if they would be THAT much more than SUNY Downstate.

I got the feeling that Tufts is big on community service, public & global health. If you are into any of the three, then Tufts is a great place for you. But if your focus is research mainly, then I'm not too sure whether either Downstate or Tufts will give you an advantage. Mass Gen is affiliated with Harvard, which of course has the most research money (out of an US medical school). It's kinda tough to compare that...

You said you didn't hate Downstate, but did you at least like it? Did you love Tufts that much more? Both will provide you similar opportunities. Both are in the East Coast and so you should have no problem matching into a decent east coast residency. If you want to leave the area, then I would recommend Tufts just b/c it has the bigger name (at least here in California). Also did you notice any differences in curriculum. Tufts is pretty integrated and advanced, with decent amount of PBL, block scheduling, 1.5 year pre clinicals, lots of abroad opportunities, etc. Not sure if SUNY has all that. What about the location? Boston vs. Brooklyn (I believe?).
 
alibai3ah said:
You said you didn't hate Downstate, but did you at least like it? Did you love Tufts that much more? Both will provide you similar opportunities. Both are in the East Coast and so you should have no problem matching into a decent east coast residency. If you want to leave the area, then I would recommend Tufts just b/c it has the bigger name (at least here in California). Also did you notice any differences in curriculum. Tufts is pretty integrated and advanced, with decent amount of PBL, block scheduling, 1.5 year pre clinicals, lots of abroad opportunities, etc. Not sure if SUNY has all that. What about the location? Boston vs. Brooklyn (I believe?).
Click to expand...

During my interview day, I really was not impressed with Downstate. The facilities and resources seemed depressed, both in the med school and the hospital. Students were not that enthusiastic. But I went back another time and was slightly more impressed then. I am trying not to make things like the appearance of the campus weigh too heavily in my decision.

I think all the schools have some PBLs and block scheduling for the most part. Tufts more so than Downstate but I think the education is fine in both places. And if I'm not mistaken, the average board scores aren't too different.

I like Boston a lot better than Brooklyn (having lived in the Boston area 6 years now) but even if Brooklyn isn't great, proximity to Manhattan (and my family who lives fairly close by) and is a plus. Tufts seems to have a pretty widespread match, but I would be fine with doing a residency in NYC area which is possible from both schools.

As for Tufts abroad opportunities, how many people take advantage of them? In general, even from private med schools it is usually hard to get funding to go abroad.

I guess the relevant question is: for all the extra stuff Tufts offers, is it worth the increase in tuition (both over comparably ranked private med schools and super cheap public schools)?
 
smmypnts said:
During my interview day, I really was not impressed with Downstate. The facilities and resources seemed depressed, both in the med school and the hospital. Students were not that enthusiastic. But I went back another time and was slightly more impressed then. I am trying not to make things like the appearance of the campus weigh too heavily in my decision.

I think all the schools have some PBLs and block scheduling for the most part. Tufts more so than Downstate but I think the education is fine in both places. And if I'm not mistaken, the average board scores aren't too different.

I like Boston a lot better than Brooklyn (having lived in the Boston area 6 years now) but even if Brooklyn isn't great, proximity to Manhattan (and my family who lives fairly close by) and is a plus. Tufts seems to have a pretty widespread match, but I would be fine with doing a residency in NYC area which is possible from both schools.

As for Tufts abroad opportunities, how many people take advantage of them? In general, even from private med schools it is usually hard to get funding to go abroad.

I guess the relevant question is: for all the extra stuff Tufts offers, is it worth the increase in tuition (both over comparably ranked private med schools and super cheap public schools)?
Click to expand...

This is a question I think only you can answer. It is a HUGE amount so I would talk it over w/ family, friends etc. and figure something out. I think whatever decision you make will be good, just go to the school you feel like you won't have regrets with....

In terms of the abroad opportunities, I would say majority of the people this year got the funding (at least according to a current person I spoke with). Lots of people go abroad between their first/second years w/ specific programs in (Africa, India, Panama). I'm sure this is a possibility at Downstate as well (I just don't know since I didn't interview there?).

If NYC is the place you want to practice, maybe SUNY Downstate would be fine. There is a big difference in costs. I would wait till the financial aid comes out to see if you can get something from Tufts (and then make your decision there). Good luck!
 
alibai3ah said:
I would wait till the financial aid comes out to see if you can get something from Tufts (and then make your decision there). Good luck!
Click to expand...

Do you know how common it is to get grants/scholarships from Tufts?
 
smmypnts said:
Do you know how common it is to get grants/scholarships from Tufts?
Click to expand...

my understanding is that it is all need-based and that there are a number of 1/4 tuition scholarships and some 1/2 tuition scholarships. Personally, I'm holding out for one of the big ones, since my 'rents are poor.
 
They have already offered scholarships to some people. Do the rest of us still have a chance? I'm going to prepare for just being accepted for loans...
 
Medgirl55 said:
They have already offered scholarships to some people. Do the rest of us still have a chance? I'm going to prepare for just being accepted for loans...
Click to expand...

Really, I doubt they would have offered them all.

What constitutes need then? Do I not stand a chance of getting $ unless my whole family makes under $30,000/yr?
 
Medgirl55 said:
They have already offered scholarships to some people. Do the rest of us still have a chance? I'm going to prepare for just being accepted for loans...
Click to expand...

some people already got their award letters?
 
i thought tufts financial aid went out in mid-april. but i'm not sure...

withdrew today. good luck to those still waiting!
 
I think we've all consistently heard that Tufts gives only need-based scholarships... but I have a merit scholarship at the other school I'm deciding between (and I won't likely qualify for the need-based since I've been working). I liked both schools a lot, but I don't think I'd be able to pass up the scholarship at the other if it came down to that...

Is it worth trying to see if they'll match it? Does anyone have experience doing so at Tufts? Who would I contact? Any thoughts welcome! Thanks!
 
FutureDrSparkle said:
I think we've all consistently heard that Tufts gives only need-based scholarships... but I have a merit scholarship at the other school I'm deciding between (and I won't likely qualify for the need-based since I've been working). I liked both schools a lot, but I don't think I'd be able to pass up the scholarship at the other if it came down to that...

Is it worth trying to see if they'll match it? Does anyone have experience doing so at Tufts? Who would I contact? Any thoughts welcome! Thanks!
Click to expand...

I wrote an email to Ms. Olsen essentially implying that I would not attend unless I get a scholarship:
"...As you know, the cost of attending a private medical school is significantly higher than that of a public medical school. With no support from my family and only a small amount of money saved up, I anticipate having to finance my education by taking out loans for the full cost of attendance each year. As I plan on pursuing a research fellowship after my residency, I realize that financial aid is an important consideration...I hope you will consider me for any scholarships you have available."

And her response was: "...It's nice to hear from you and I appreciate the difficult decision you are facing as you select the medical school of your choice. I certainly realize that your financial situation will be a factor as you consider which school you ultimately decide to attend but it should not be the only factor...If you end up with a package that consists of all or mostly loans which is typical for medical students, my advice would be to borrow the minimum of what you need versus what you want or think you'll need..."

So in summary, I don't think that you can entice them into giving you more money by waving a scholarship in their face. They are aware that many people they accept may have a scholarship or state school acceptance that would save them money. I will wait for my financial aid package before I make any decisions but if I don't get aid this year other than loans (and I will not make my decision on the hope that my aid will significantly increase next year after my income stops), then I will almost definitely turn down Tufts to go to my state school.

I really don't understand why anyone is willing to pay double to go to one school over another cheaper one, as I have been told by many physicians and residents that other than the top 2 or so med schools, where you go will not significantly influence your ability to get a good residency later.
 
I get the impression that the main reason that people withdraw from Tufts is due to the high cost and relative lack of scholarships. Does this seem accurate, and do you suppose that this will be even more pronounced this year due to the poor state of the economy?

Just curious.
 
smmypnts said:
I wrote an email to Ms. Olsen essentially implying that I would not attend unless I get a scholarship:
"...As you know, the cost of attending a private medical school is significantly higher than that of a public medical school. With no support from my family and only a small amount of money saved up, I anticipate having to finance my education by taking out loans for the full cost of attendance each year. As I plan on pursuing a research fellowship after my residency, I realize that financial aid is an important consideration...I hope you will consider me for any scholarships you have available."

And her response was: "...It's nice to hear from you and I appreciate the difficult decision you are facing as you select the medical school of your choice. I certainly realize that your financial situation will be a factor as you consider which school you ultimately decide to attend but it should not be the only factor...If you end up with a package that consists of all or mostly loans which is typical for medical students, my advice would be to borrow the minimum of what you need versus what you want or think you'll need..."

So in summary, I don't think that you can entice them into giving you more money by waving a scholarship in their face. They are aware that many people they accept may have a scholarship or state school acceptance that would save them money. I will wait for my financial aid package before I make any decisions but if I don't get aid this year other than loans (and I will not make my decision on the hope that my aid will significantly increase next year after my income stops), then I will almost definitely turn down Tufts to go to my state school.

I really don't understand why anyone is willing to pay double to go to one school over another cheaper one, as I have been told by many physicians and residents that other than the top 2 or so med schools, where you go will not significantly influence your ability to get a good residency later.
Click to expand...

Well, not too encouraging, but this is helpful. Thanks!
 
Dude Man Bro Man said:
I get the impression that the main reason that people withdraw from Tufts is due to the high cost and relative lack of scholarships. Does this seem accurate, and do you suppose that this will be even more pronounced this year due to the poor state of the economy?

Just curious.
Click to expand...

I really hope the financial aid stuff comes out soon...I'm getting anxious
 
oze said:
some people already got their award letters?
Click to expand...

No, no one has received their award letters (unless they just started sending them out), but some scholarships have been offered. My girlfriend received a 1/2 tuition scholarship 3 months ago, but it obviously had nothing to financial need since she just submitted her financial aid info a week ago. It was solely based upon her application/interview. I'm just hoping to get off of this waitlist no matter how much Tufts cost. MD and a lot of debt is better to me than no MD considering I haven't been accepted anywhere else.
 
Dude Man Bro Man said:
I get the impression that the main reason that people withdraw from Tufts is due to the high cost and relative lack of scholarships. Does this seem accurate, and do you suppose that this will be even more pronounced this year due to the poor state of the economy?

Just curious.
Click to expand...

This is definitely true. I have also heard quite a few people withdraw because a lot of the people who were accepted also tend to be accepted at the Ivy's and other higher ranked schools. Like you said though, the high cost of attendance definitely results in a lot of withdraws and quite a bit of waitlist movement. I would assume that the economy will play an even more significant role this year, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.
 
mdbound1987 said:
No, no one has received their award letters (unless they just started sending them out), but some scholarships have been offered. My girlfriend received a 1/2 tuition scholarship 3 months ago, but it obviously had nothing to financial need since she just submitted her financial aid info a week ago. It was solely based upon her application/interview. I'm just hoping to get off of this waitlist no matter how much Tufts cost. MD and a lot of debt is better to me than no MD considering I haven't been accepted anywhere else.
Click to expand...

Really? I have heard a number of times that Tufts does not give out any merit based scholarships? Maybe they got to her financial aid application fast.....or it was obvious she had a need.
 
She and I were both under the impression that they didn't either. She was extremely shocked to have received the letter offering the scholarship. It's not even possible that they could have known her financial situation though because she received the scholarship in early January after interviewing with me in early November. She just submitted her financial aid packet about one week ago due to her parents taking a little longer with their taxes. Plus, she definitely did not qualify for disadvantaged status on AMCAS...not even close.
 
mdbound1987 said:
She and I were both under the impression that they didn't either. She was extremely shocked to have received the letter offering the scholarship. It's not even possible that they could have known her financial situation though because she received the scholarship in early January after interviewing with me in early November. She just submitted her financial aid packet about one week ago due to her parents taking a little longer with their taxes. Plus, she definitely did not qualify for disadvantaged status on AMCAS...not even close.
Click to expand...

Is she accepted Traditional Track or Maine Track?
 
UncleAdam27 said:
Is she accepted Traditional Track or Maine Track?
Click to expand...

+1, I want to know too. B/c I even went on their website and it says that only NEED-BASED scholarships are handed out....

And I think from last years forums, I couldn't find any that were merit based.
 
They are definitely giving out merit-based scholarships for this year at least. I got a call a few months ago from a dean letting me know I was under consideration for one. It sounded like it was relatively new, and it was for $10,000 per year for 4 years. I'm not sure how many people will get this award, but I don't think it's need-based.

PS - I'm not on the Maine Track.
 
She is traditional track too. I assume they probably don't offer too many scholarships that are not need-based, but there are a few out there.
 
Ohhh I see. Hmm... I assume this is new b/c they probably received a private donation from a family/organization (who preferred it go to students based on merit). I think that's the only explanation since Tufts is known not to hand out much merit-based aid.
 
mdbound1987 said:
She is traditional track too. I assume they probably don't offer too many scholarships that are not need-based, but there are a few out there.
Click to expand...

For the people who have been offered merit scholarships, what is your profile like. Do you have very very high MCATs? Maybe the scholarships are reserved for people from certain counties, or from certain minority groups? Many scholarships have limiting criteria about where you live or what your heritage is, which makes them almost impossible for the majority of people to get.
 
smmypnts said:
For the people who have been offered merit scholarships, what is your profile like. Do you have very very high MCATs? Maybe the scholarships are reserved for people from certain counties, or from certain minority groups? Many scholarships have limiting criteria about where you live or what your heritage is, which makes them almost impossible for the majority of people to get.
Click to expand...

That's very possible because my girlfriend is African-American. She had a good MCAT score (dont know exact score because we try not to discuss stuff like that). I also don't know her exact gpa but it is def 3.8+ CGPA and 3.7+ SGPA. Lots of quality extracurriculars, research, shadowing, and some leadership positions.
 
TeachableMoment said:
Tufts Class of 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY9iRRNvZfs
Click to expand...

This video really exhibits one of the reasons I was so impressed with Tufts. Everyone seems so down to earth and they seem to know how to balance their study/social lives well. Obviously anyone from any med school could make a vid like this, but I think it says a lot about Tufts considering the experience I had on my interview day.
 
Hey guys, so I just called the financial aid office. They told me they are still reviewing some of the appilcations, but we can expect to receive stuff in the mail in a couple of weeks....
 
So I keep running across information saying that Tufts' 1st year physiology course is extremely difficult and has a fail rate of around 10% each year. Obviously medical school in general is difficult and if I get off the waitlist, I plan on working hard to be in the 90% who pass the class. I was just curious if anyone else has heard anything about this class being so much more difficult than the others in first year. I would ask in the medical forum, but there isn't a Tufts class page for current students.
 
mdbound1987 said:
So I keep running across information saying that Tufts' 1st year physiology course is extremely difficult and has a fail rate of around 10% each year. Obviously medical school in general is difficult and if I get off the waitlist, I plan on working hard to be in the 90% who pass the class. I was just curious if anyone else has heard anything about this class being so much more difficult than the others in first year. I would ask in the medical forum, but there isn't a Tufts class page for current students.
Click to expand...

A few students in every med school will fail a class. They let you make it up. The good thing about failing 1st year is that you can make it up during the summer. And at that point, they usually hook you up with someone who did well as a tutor. Don't worry too much about it. The 10% of students who fail may be those with special circumstances (e.g. kids to take care of at home that take away from their study time).
 
I feel less special knowing that 99% of people who don't get in get after interview get Waitlist spots......

Seems counter productive to drag us poor souls around...
 
Ian1223 said:
I called yesterday, they said it was on Thursday but we wouldnt hear anything until next week.
Click to expand...
does anyone know when we will hear the results of this week's adcom meeting? every time i get an e-mail i have a mini-heart attack.
 
I called last Monday. They said we wont hear anything about decisions until next week. Based on what I read in the forum, people offered acceptances receive phone calls (Watch out for 617 numbers!) followed by emails. From my understanding everyone who isnt offered an acceptance is put on the waitlist. Waitlist notifications are sent by email. I dont think anyone is rejected after interview.

One of the good things about having interviewed at Tufts is that of all the people they interview (over 800) they accept around 60% of them, which is really high, either upon review or after being placed on the waitlist.

I dont know what day of the week Dr. Neumeyer will be making the calls.
 
Ian1223 said:
One of the good things about having interviewed at Tufts is that of all the people they interview (over 800) they accept around 60% of them, which is really high, either upon review or after being placed on the waitlist.
Click to expand...

Can I ask where you heard this?
 
Ian1223 said:
I called last Monday. They said we wont hear anything about decisions until next week. Based on what I read in the forum, people offered acceptances receive phone calls (Watch out for 617 numbers!) followed by emails. From my understanding everyone who isnt offered an acceptance is put on the waitlist. Waitlist notifications are sent by email. I dont think anyone is rejected after interview.

One of the good things about having interviewed at Tufts is that of all the people they interview (over 800) they accept around 60% of them, which is really high, either upon review or after being placed on the waitlist.

I dont know what day of the week Dr. Neumeyer will be making the calls.
Click to expand...

1) The number actually shows up blocked
2) It's more like 50%
 
alibai3ah said:
O I got it blocked hmm.....

On a side note, has anyone heard back from financial aid or anything?
Click to expand...

nope - I'm relying on you crazy east coast kids to give me a heads up
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

wysdoc
2024-2025 Tufts
9 10 11 12 13
Replies
626
Views
218K
InquisitiveFerret
I
wysdoc
2023-2024 Tufts
13 14 15 16 17
Replies
831
Views
298K
clinicalpearl
clinicalpearl
wysdoc
2022-2023 Tufts
11 12 13 14 15
Replies
729
Views
252K
deleted1124957
D
G
2022-23 Northeast Ohio (NEOMED) thread
Replies
2
Views
2K
gabbythecat
G
wysdoc
2021-2022 Tufts
13 14 15 16 17
Replies
819
Views
302K
upwerdtrending1
U
Top