2012-2013 Boston University Application Thread

[iave9963]

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Don't be nervous! My interview was pretty much just a conversation, although we touched a little bit on health care reform, both in Massachusetts (Romneycare) and the US in general (Obamacare). And although I wasn't asked any, I have heard that ethical questions are more common at BU, so prepare yourself by having a look through this in the days preceding your interview:

http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/index.html

I think most interviewers (at BU and in general) really just want to have a conversation with you to make sure you're a nice person. 🙂

Thank you for the advice, just don't want to blow my chance here due to the fact I was so nervous. Will definitely read up on medical ethics 🙂

 

[eefen]

For what it's worth, my interview here was also VERY much a conversation. I actually didn't have any real ethical questions, but we did briefly talk about health policy. Most of the interview was just about my application and "why BU." If you haven't, definitely checkout the interview feedback section. If you want an idea of how my entire day went (n=1) and some more info on the school, check out my blog in my sig. Good luck!

 

[jujudino]

My interview was very conversational as well... However, at the end I had a really really tough ethical scenario! Other than that, it was pretty good I think!

 

[Corriefangirl]

Interview Invite!!!!!! complete 9/17. there are three interviews days left in January

 

[alisvolatpropri]

Me too. There's hope...

 

[AnonymousHeart]

stats? (for those who recently received ii's) - also, when were you complete? Thanks!

 

[Corriefangirl]

stats? (for those who recently received ii's) - also, when were you complete? Thanks!

I pm'd you 🙂

 

[langnese]

Interview Invite here as well (got email late last week). Complete August 28th so I thought they had forgotten about me.

 

[Toofison]

Rejected today. Good luck to everyone else still in the running!

 

[MedPR]

For some reason I'm really nervous/stressed about this interview... So much so that just seeing this thread on the front page gets me worked up.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[iave9963]

for some reason i'm really nervous/stressed about this interview... So much so that just seeing this thread on the front page gets me worked up.

Sent from my sgh-t999 using sdn mobile

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000

 

[2017Cycle]

For some reason I'm really nervous/stressed about this interview... So much so that just seeing this thread on the front page gets me worked up.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

The interview was by far the most stress free one I have had, just be ready for a long day, keep the conversation going, and engage the Dean in the morning to start everything off on the right foot and you will do great!

 

[MedPR]

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000

Glad I'm not the only one 👍

The interview was by far the most stress free one I have had, just be ready for a long day, keep the conversation going, and engage the Dean in the morning to start everything off on the right foot and you will do great!

I think a big chunk of it is traveling to and from Boston. Especially the part where my return flight is at 6pm and I may not make it in time.

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[eDITN]

Glad I'm not the only one 👍


I think a big chunk of it is traveling to and from Boston. Especially the part where my return flight is at 6pm and I may not make it in time.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

You should be totally fine making your flight. The required content for the day ends just after 3PM (maybe 3:15). That should give you plenty of time to get to Logan.
Good luck!

 

[GreyEarl]

Glad I'm not the only one 👍







I think a big chunk of it is traveling to and from Boston. Especially the part where my return flight is at 6pm and I may not make it in time.

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My day ended at 2:15.

 

[NCPremed]

For some reason I'm really nervous/stressed about this interview... So much so that just seeing this thread on the front page gets me worked up.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Over the last two cycles, I've had the privilege to interview 10 times. Boston University's interview is no different in terms of stress level. There is maybe a slightly higher chance that they'll ask you an ethical question, but that's somewhat easy to prepare for, so don't sweat it! Also bear in mind, if you truly feel like your interview didn't go well, you can request a second interview by talking to the dean of admissions. Good luck!

 

[MedPR]

You should be totally fine making your flight. The required content for the day ends just after 3PM (maybe 3:15). That should give you plenty of time to get to Logan.
Good luck!

My day ended at 2:15.

Over the last two cycles, I've had the privilege to interview 10 times. Boston University's interview is no different in terms of stress level. There is maybe a slightly higher chance that they'll ask you an ethical question, but that's somewhat easy to prepare for, so don't sweat it! Also bear in mind, if you truly feel like your interview didn't go well, you can request a second interview by talking to the dean of admissions. Good luck!

Thanks guys. Everyone thinks SDN is complete evil but there are definitely a lot of nice people around 👍

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Geebeejay]

One of the new Attendings I work with went to med school, trained and worked for BU for many years, and only confirmed how amazing it is and how good of a match it would be for me the other day. Also, he's an excellent doctor. And I still haven't heard from them yet :/ . Still hoping for some love!

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Thanks guys. Everyone thinks SDN is complete evil but there are definitely a lot of nice people around 👍

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Except for that one MedBr imposter...

 

[MedPR]

One of the new Attendings I work with went to med school, trained and worked for BU for many years, and only confirmed how amazing it is and how good of a match it would be for me the other day. Also, he's an excellent doctor. And I still haven't heard from them yet :/ . Still hoping for some love!

Yea, my excitement about BU is also adding to my anxiety about the interview. I keep tryign to tell myself that it's way too expensive to attend even if I do get accepted. Not sure I'll be able to talk myself out of it if it works out though.

 

[giants25]

BU really is an amazing school. I think you'd be hard pressed not to enjoy your day here.

 

[Ryan1514]

Interview Invite yesterday afternoon; OOS 3.4 31 mcat; complete 10/17
Next available date is January 16th, kind of a bummer, but I hear they are not rolling admissions, can someone confirm this?

 

[eagle34]

Interview Invite yesterday afternoon; OOS 3.4 31 mcat; complete 10/17
Next available date is January 16th, kind of a bummer, but I hear they are not rolling admissions, can someone confirm this?

They admit twice a year - january and march. Most of the class is admitted in march while most in january get waitlisted until march decision and only a minoroty of the class is accepted in january .

 

[MedPR]

Is there a Target/Walmart or something similar near the MSR? I want to give my student host a gift card of some sort, but I want to make sure the store I get it from has a location near BUSM.

 

[follicle]

Is there a Target/Walmart or something similar near the MSR? I want to give my student host a gift card of some sort, but I want to make sure the store I get it from has a location near BUSM.

There is a Starbucks nearby.

 

[2017Cycle]

Is there a Target/Walmart or something similar near the MSR? I want to give my student host a gift card of some sort, but I want to make sure the store I get it from has a location near BUSM.

There is a shopping plaza about 1 mile down Mass Ave. (Food Store, Home Depot, Target, etc.) I would take a cab down or look at possibly a bus but it is doable.

 

[Geebeejay]

Is there a Target/Walmart or something similar near the MSR? I want to give my student host a gift card of some sort, but I want to make sure the store I get it from has a location near BUSM.

You can buy a gift at the prudential center which is down the street...there's also a sorta shopping center in the other direction. Or you could just take him out to eat, I'm sure he/she would appreciate a free dinner.

 

[MedPR]

There is a Starbucks nearby.

There is a shopping plaza about 1 mile down Mass Ave. (Food Store, Home Depot, Target, etc.) I would take a cab down or look at possibly a bus but it is doable.

Great, thank you both!

You can buy a gift at the prudential center which is down the street...there's also a sorta shopping center in the other direction. Or you could just take him out to eat, I'm sure he/she would appreciate a free dinner.

Yea I planned on this as well as leaving a thank you card + gift card out when I leave in the morning.

 

[MzzQT]

For some reason I'm really nervous/stressed about this interview... So much so that just seeing this thread on the front page gets me worked up.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Hey guys. Second year here. Just letting you all know, interviewers usually have an ethical question ready JUST IN CASE there is extra time. I remember my interview being SUPER casual and conversational. We had a great connection and the conversation never dried up. I also came with a ton of questions (most interviewers are clinicians so don't ask them about curriculum/lectures/etc. Ask them about work/life balance, their job, their research if they're doing some, etc etc.) Think about it, if your conversation is flowing well and you have a lot of questions, they wouldn't want to break the flow or not answer your questions to ask you an ethical question! 😀 And again, if you feel like your interview did not go as planned, PLEASE take advantage and go to the Admissions office and ask for another one! Dean Witzburg really tries to emphasize that it's in your best interest to do so. That would mean two people get to express their opinions about you to the admissions committee, and hopefully the second person got a better sense of who you really are.

Anyway, those are just my suggestions. Good luck everyone!

And MedPR, I think you were supposed to stay with me before Sandy changed your plans. Glad you found another host for your new interview date!

 

[MzzQT]

Great, thank you both!



Yea I planned on this as well as leaving a thank you card + gift card out when I leave in the morning.

Oh, and if you are trying to think of what gift cards to get, a lot of students go to the Dunkin we have in the hospital (takes gift cards). A handful of students don't drink coffee and are tea drinkers, so double check. We can take a bus or drive a mile to the South Bay Shopping Center which has: Stop and Shop, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshall's, TJMaxx, Famous Footwear, etc. although I don't hear many students going to any except Stop and Shop and Target. Nearby grocery stores within walking distance that students use are Shaws, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and a local Foodies Market. There is a Starbucks about 4ish blocks away from school, so only get them that card if they live near it. There are very few chain restaurants in Boston. Most are local/mom and pop restaurants, so don't bother with Panera or something like that.

Moral of the story: Dunkin (if they drink coffee), Target or AmEx gift card are your best bet. Not necessary but very much appreciated! (I did the same thing when I interviewed.)

 

[iave9963]

Hey guys can someone familiar with the Boston area tell me the fast/cheapest way to get from the medical school to the airport? My flight leaves at 6:40 P.M, so I will be leaving straight from the medical school at 3. Any info would be helpful. Gracias 🙂

 

[MedPR]

Hey guys. Second year here. Just letting you all know, interviewers usually have an ethical question ready JUST IN CASE there is extra time. I remember my interview being SUPER casual and conversational. We had a great connection and the conversation never dried up. I also came with a ton of questions (most interviewers are clinicians so don't ask them about curriculum/lectures/etc. Ask them about work/life balance, their job, their research if they're doing some, etc etc.) Think about it, if your conversation is flowing well and you have a lot of questions, they wouldn't want to break the flow or not answer your questions to ask you an ethical question! 😀 And again, if you feel like your interview did not go as planned, PLEASE take advantage and go to the Admissions office and ask for another one! Dean Witzburg really tries to emphasize that it's in your best interest to do so. That would mean two people get to express their opinions about you to the admissions committee, and hopefully the second person got a better sense of who you really are.

Anyway, those are just my suggestions. Good luck everyone!

And MedPR, I think you were supposed to stay with me before Sandy changed your plans. Glad you found another host for your new interview date!

Oh, and if you are trying to think of what gift cards to get, a lot of students go to the Dunkin we have in the hospital (takes gift cards). A handful of students don't drink coffee and are tea drinkers, so double check. We can take a bus or drive a mile to the South Bay Shopping Center which has: Stop and Shop, Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshall's, TJMaxx, Famous Footwear, etc. although I don't hear many students going to any except Stop and Shop and Target. Nearby grocery stores within walking distance that students use are Shaws, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and a local Foodies Market. There is a Starbucks about 4ish blocks away from school, so only get them that card if they live near it. There are very few chain restaurants in Boston. Most are local/mom and pop restaurants, so don't bother with Panera or something like that.

Moral of the story: Dunkin (if they drink coffee), Target or AmEx gift card are your best bet. Not necessary but very much appreciated! (I did the same thing when I interviewed.)

Hey thanks for the info!

 

[Rockstar3030]

II finally!!!!

 

[chasingsummers]

II finally!!!!

congrats! when were you complete?

 

[Trauma Triad]

II as well, complete 9/14, 3.7, 36

 

[MedPR]

Interviewing next week. Any last minute tips?

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[Ryan1514]

So I was able to snag an interview on December 3rd, the admissions office is awesome!! Anyone else gonna be there!?

 

[MedPR]

So I was able to snag an interview on December 3rd, the admissions office is awesome!! Anyone else gonna be there!?

Me 🙂

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[MedPR]

From the Interview Day page.

What's the "Open Discussion with Faculty Member" like? Is the day setup where 50% of us will interview in the first hour and the other 50% will all sit together with the faculty member?

 

[Hemorrage]

Hey guys can someone familiar with the Boston area tell me the fast/cheapest way to get from the medical school to the airport? My flight leaves at 6:40 P.M, so I will be leaving straight from the medical school at 3. Any info would be helpful. Gracias 🙂

really easy. Take the #1 bus down mass ave and get off at hynes convention center which is right next to the hynes convention center T stop. Get on the T and go inbound towards government center and get off at the government center stop. This is the blue line stop connection. Get on the blue line heading towards Wonderland and get off at the stop called "Airport". From there you'll see instructions on which shuttle bus to take depending on what terminal your flight is at 🙂

 

[GreyEarl]

From the Interview Day page.

What's the "Open Discussion with Faculty Member" like? Is the day setup where 50% of us will interview in the first hour and the other 50% will all sit together with the faculty member?

Yes.

 

[MedPR]

Hey guys can someone familiar with the Boston area tell me the fast/cheapest way to get from the medical school to the airport? My flight leaves at 6:40 P.M, so I will be leaving straight from the medical school at 3. Any info would be helpful. Gracias 🙂

When are you interviewing?

really easy. Take the #1 bus down mass ave and get off at hynes convention center which is right next to the hynes convention center T stop. Get on the T and go inbound towards government center and get off at the government center stop. This is the blue line stop connection. Get on the blue line heading towards Wonderland and get off at the stop called "Airport". From there you'll see instructions on which shuttle bus to take depending on what terminal your flight is at 🙂

Sounds difficult.. I think I'll be spending the extra $30 or so for a cab.

 

[iave9963]

really easy. Take the #1 bus down mass ave and get off at hynes convention center which is right next to the hynes convention center T stop. Get on the T and go inbound towards government center and get off at the government center stop. This is the blue line stop connection. Get on the blue line heading towards Wonderland and get off at the stop called "Airport". From there you'll see instructions on which shuttle bus to take depending on what terminal your flight is at 🙂

Does sound a little difficult, but my buddy at Harvard showed me a way by just transferring from Orange line to red line to silver line (bus). Thanks for the info though. Excited about next week.

 

[Hemorrage]

Does sound a little difficult, but my buddy at Harvard showed me a way by just transferring from Orange line to red line to silver line (bus). Thanks for the info though. Excited about next week.

That works too! Just be warned though the silver line is notorious for being a pain in the ass. The method i described above might sound more complicated but its really pretty straight forward if you take a look at the MBTA map. + you won't have to deal with delays because the subway is less likely to run into any.

Edit: I re-summarized it for anyone that needs this information later.

1. From BUSM take the MBTA Bus #1 straight down mass ave until the hynes convention center stop.
2. When you get off at hynes you'll see the hynes subway (green line) stop right in front of you (literally).
3. Go inside, pay, and take any inbound train thats going towards either North Station (Goes further than government center) or Government Center.
4. Once you get to government center, get off, and follow the overhead signs to the Blue line. The Blue line goes in 2 directions, either towards Wonderland or Bowdoin. The one you want is Wonderland.
5. Get on that subway, get off at the Airport stop (3 stops from Government Center).
6. Once your at the airport subway stop, exit the subway system (follow all the other people) and you'll see shuttle buses with numbers 22, 55, etc. There will be a big sign listing terminal number and which bus to take depending on what airline your using.
7. Get on the appropriate shuttle. It will take you directly to your terminal of choice!
8. Note: you can do these instructions in reverse too if you want to head into boston.

 

[MedPR]

That works too! Just be warned though the silver line is notorious for being a pain in the ass. The method i described above might sound more complicated but its really pretty straight forward if you take a look at the MBTA map. + you won't have to deal with delays because the subway is less likely to run into any.

Edit: I re-summarized it for anyone that needs this information later.

1. From BUSM take the MBTA Bus #1 straight down mass ave until the hynes convention center stop.
2. When you get off at hynes you'll see the hynes subway (green line) stop right in front of you (literally).
3. Go inside, pay, and take any inbound train thats going towards either North Station (Goes further than government center) or Government Center.
4. Once you get to government center, get off, and follow the overhead signs to the Blue line. The Blue line goes in 2 directions, either towards Wonderland or Bowdoin. The one you want is Wonderland.
5. Get on that subway, get off at the Airport stop (3 stops from Government Center).
6. Once your at the airport subway stop, exit the subway system (follow all the other people) and you'll see shuttle buses with numbers 22, 55, etc. There will be a big sign listing terminal number and which bus to take depending on what airline your using.
7. Get on the appropriate shuttle. It will take you directly to your terminal of choice!
8. Note: you can do these instructions in reverse too if you want to head into boston.

Yup, cab it is.

Thanks anyway!

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[usandir]

$700 plane ticket. Rough.

Sir have an enjoyable flight in First Class Cabin 👍👍
I come from Toronto and it's only 500$ 😎

 

[eDITN]

That works too! Just be warned though the silver line is notorious for being a pain in the ass. The method i described above might sound more complicated but its really pretty straight forward if you take a look at the MBTA map. + you won't have to deal with delays because the subway is less likely to run into any.

Edit: I re-summarized it for anyone that needs this information later.

1. From BUSM take the MBTA Bus #1 straight down mass ave until the hynes convention center stop.
2. When you get off at hynes you'll see the hynes subway (green line) stop right in front of you (literally).
3. Go inside, pay, and take any inbound train thats going towards either North Station (Goes further than government center) or Government Center.
4. Once you get to government center, get off, and follow the overhead signs to the Blue line. The Blue line goes in 2 directions, either towards Wonderland or Bowdoin. The one you want is Wonderland.
5. Get on that subway, get off at the Airport stop (3 stops from Government Center).
6. Once your at the airport subway stop, exit the subway system (follow all the other people) and you'll see shuttle buses with numbers 22, 55, etc. There will be a big sign listing terminal number and which bus to take depending on what airline your using.
7. Get on the appropriate shuttle. It will take you directly to your terminal of choice!
8. Note: you can do these instructions in reverse too if you want to head into boston.

Alternatively, you could jump on the SL4 bus line at Washington/E Newton St (two blocks north of BUSM). Get off at Essex/Atlantic Avenue and then take the SL1 bus line from South Station to Logan.

It is incredibly easy to get to the airport via public transportation (and much cheaper than a taxi), but I would only recommend it if you aren't really in a time crunch. Otherwise, you never know how delayed things will be.

PS: The directions above sound really complicated but its really quite simple. Either route is much easier to do in real life than it seems on paper!

 

[MedPR]

Sir have an enjoyable flight in First Class Cabin 👍👍
I come from Toronto and it's only 500$ 😎

I wish man. I'm coming from the Midwest.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Geebeejay]

That works too! Just be warned though the silver line is notorious for being a pain in the ass. The method i described above might sound more complicated but its really pretty straight forward if you take a look at the MBTA map. + you won't have to deal with delays because the subway is less likely to run into any.

Edit: I re-summarized it for anyone that needs this information later.

1. From BUSM take the MBTA Bus #1 straight down mass ave until the hynes convention center stop.
2. When you get off at hynes you'll see the hynes subway (green line) stop right in front of you (literally).
3. Go inside, pay, and take any inbound train thats going towards either North Station (Goes further than government center) or Government Center.
4. Once you get to government center, get off, and follow the overhead signs to the Blue line. The Blue line goes in 2 directions, either towards Wonderland or Bowdoin. The one you want is Wonderland.
5. Get on that subway, get off at the Airport stop (3 stops from Government Center).
6. Once your at the airport subway stop, exit the subway system (follow all the other people) and you'll see shuttle buses with numbers 22, 55, etc. There will be a big sign listing terminal number and which bus to take depending on what airline your using.
7. Get on the appropriate shuttle. It will take you directly to your terminal of choice!
8. Note: you can do these instructions in reverse too if you want to head into boston.

Seems complicated, but this is actually pretty simple and a good description of how to get to the airport probably the quickest way. This will probably take you a little more than an hour, and the #1 bus/green line comes literally less than every 5 minutes during the day.

 

[giants25]

The faster route from the med school is to go up one block to Washington, take the SL4 to south station and hop on the SL1 to the airport. Going down mass ave to get onto the green line just takes longer. Plus I know personally, at rush hour you can walk faster up mass ave to the green line then the bus is able to drive through traffic that way.