2012-2013 Boston University Application Thread

[eagle34]

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Would this extend your time in medical school to 5 years then?

Yes, exactly.

 

[MedPR]

Admissions says they have no dates available until January 🙁. Sucks

(I was scheduled for Monday and had to reschedule due to the hurricane)

 

[2017Cycle]

Admissions says they have no dates available until January 🙁. Sucks

(I was scheduled for Monday and had to reschedule due to the hurricane)

Wow that's a major fill-up but everything in last years thread makes interviewing early seem less important at BU and I am sure that they will consider the cancellation when they review you (especially since they were closed Monday regardless).

 

[MedPR]

Wow that's a major fill-up but everything in last years thread makes interviewing early seem less important at BU and I am sure that they will consider the cancellation when they review you (especially since they were closed Monday regardless).

Yea they're not rolling so hopefully it isn't as big of a deal. I did want to get to Boston before the winter though to hopefully avoid weather delays during travel. I guess that backfired on me, lol.

 

[ZJX90]

Yea they're not rolling so hopefully it isn't as big of a deal. I did want to get to Boston before the winter though to hopefully avoid weather delays during travel. I guess that backfired on me, lol.

? I am pretty sure BU is rolling. Their website states earliest acceptances begin in January.

 

[giants25]

It's not rolling. January and march acceptances I believe.

 

[ZJX90]

It's not rolling. January and march acceptances I believe.

Isn't that technically rolling? Since they start making decisions before everyone has interviewed.

 

[MedPR]

? I am pretty sure BU is rolling. Their website states earliest acceptances begin in January.

Yea but they do it in big batches. BU is one of very few non-rolling admissions schools.

It's not rolling. January and march acceptances I believe.

👍

 

[pranagirl]

Admissions says they have no dates available until January 🙁. Sucks

(I was scheduled for Monday and had to reschedule due to the hurricane)

Did you call admissions to reschedule? I was also supposed to have a Monday interview and sent a message through the message center but haven't heard back.

 

[MedPR]

Did you call admissions to reschedule? I was also supposed to have a Monday interview and sent a message through the message center but haven't heard back.

I called/emailed on Sunday (per the instructions on their email). They auto-rescheduled me today.

 

[NewEnglande]

I called/emailed on Sunday (per the instructions on their email). They auto-rescheduled me today.

I'm pretty blown away by their poor communication. I can't believe they didn't mass e-mail out saying there would be no interviews Monday. Especially after they said the school rarely closes in their storm e-mail.

 

[MedPR]

I'm pretty blown away by their poor communication. I can't believe they didn't mass e-mail out saying there would be no interviews Monday. Especially after they said the school rarely closes in their storm e-mail.

They said to check the phone line though.

 

[NewEnglande]

They said to check the phone line though.

But doesn't it make sense to e-mail blast everyone? They did it once before the storm, it seems within their power to do it again when the final decision was made.

 

[MedPR]

But doesn't it make sense to e-mail blast everyone? They did it once before the storm, it seems within their power to do it again when the final decision was made.

Sure it's within their power, but they likely have more important things to do than send out an email to a few people who are interviewing. My UG didn't even notify us when the school was closed, we were expected to call the hotline.

 

[NewEnglande]

Sure it's within their power, but they likely have more important things to do than send out an email to a few people who are interviewing. My UG didn't even notify us when the school was closed, we were expected to call the hotline.

You truly believe that?

 

[MedPR]

You truly believe that?

Yes. Their current students and staff are more important than a handful few prospective students.

 

[ACal]

Did anyone who has been in late July or early August get an II recently? Haven't heard from BU forever

 

[GreyEarl]

Nervous for my interview! Did anyone stay at the Comfort Inn? Was the shuttle service reliable?

Also, did anyone who interviewed have to talk about their research a lot? I *really* don't want to re-read my thesis from two years ago.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Nervous for my interview! Did anyone stay at the Comfort Inn? Was the shuttle service reliable?

Also, did anyone who interviewed have to talk about their research a lot? I *really* don't want to re-read my thesis from two years ago.

I stayed at the Best Western Roundhouse, which is a 3 minute walk from campus, and has a shuttle you pay for that will pick you up and take you to the airport. Not sure where the comfort inn is, but if it's farther away you should switch to the roundhouse.

My guy also asked me to briefly explain my research but that was it. My interview here was the worst I've experienced so far, which is not what most people say. This was the only interview that seemed like a stress interview, but Dr. Witzburg did say we would be intellectually challenged in the interview.

 

[GreyEarl]

I stayed at the Best Western Roundhouse, which is a 3 minute walk from campus, and has a shuttle you pay for that will pick you up and take you to the airport. Not sure where the comfort inn is, but if it's farther away you should switch to the roundhouse.

My guy also asked me to briefly explain my research but that was it. My interview here was the worst I've experienced so far, which is not what most people say. This was the only interview that seemed like a stress interview, but Dr. Witzburg did say we would be intellectually challenged in the interview.

Yikes! That does not sound fun. Did you have a PhD or MD interviewer? Do you know if it's typically MDs that do the interviewing?

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Yikes! That does not sound fun. Did you have a PhD or MD interviewer? Do you know if it's typically MDs that do the interviewing?

Mine was a PhD, I think they have a mix of both doing the interviews, but I think there are a lot of PhD interviewers. Everybody I know that interviewed here had the complete opposite experience as me, which is what I've had at other schools. I think I just got a weird interviewer here. They give you an opportunity to have a second interview if you feel you did poorly, but I just didn't want to be that guy. In retrospect, I kind of wish I took up the offer and interviewed with a different person

 

[GreyEarl]

Mine was a PhD, I think they have a mix of both doing the interviews, but I think there are a lot of PhD interviewers

Thanks. This is one of my top choices so I'm hoping I don't get too stressed out during the real thing. I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. If it helps, I've heard that most applicants' post-interview impressions aren't that reliable.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Thanks. This is one of my top choices so I'm hoping I don't get too stressed out during the real thing. I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. If it helps, I've heard that most applicants' post-interview impressions aren't that reliable.

They do let you interview with a different person if you feel that your interview went badly.

 

[Desp]

They're non rolling right? If I have to reschedule my interview for the spring I won't be in a worse position?

 

[Arbor Vitae]

They're non rolling right? If I have to reschedule my interview for the spring I won't be in a worse position?

You actually might be in a worse position. I think they do 2 admission dates. One in January, and the other in March. After the January date there will be fewer spots to offer, so it's in your best interest to interview before the new year.

 

[2631238]

Nervous for my interview! Did anyone stay at the Comfort Inn? Was the shuttle service reliable?

Also, did anyone who interviewed have to talk about their research a lot? I *really* don't want to re-read my thesis from two years ago.

I stayed in this hotel, and even though its only like 4 miles away, the shuttle took about 30 minutes to get to BU ( traffic is horrible in Boston) . The shuttle was very reliable in the morning but after I was done with my interview they didn't even pick me up( they said they sent the shuttle but the driver didn't see me and he just left) and I almost didn't make it to the airport. I know this hotel is more economic, but if you can, try to stay at a hotel closer to BU.

 

[follicle]

I stayed in this hotel, and even though its only like 4 miles away, the shuttle took about 30 minutes to get to BU ( traffic is horrible in Boston) . The shuttle was very reliable in the morning but after I was done with my interview they didn't even pick me up( they said they sent the shuttle but the driver didn't see me and he just left) and I almost didn't make it to the airport. I know this hotel is more economic, but if you can, try to stay at a hotel closer to BU.

Yikes, I'm going there. well I think it's too late to reschedule but I might just take a cab given your experience. Thanks!

 

[GreyEarl]

I stayed in this hotel, and even though its only like 4 miles away, the shuttle took about 30 minutes to get to BU ( traffic is horrible in Boston) . The shuttle was very reliable in the morning but after I was done with my interview they didn't even pick me up( they said they sent the shuttle but the driver didn't see me and he just left) and I almost didn't make it to the airport. I know this hotel is more economic, but if you can, try to stay at a hotel closer to BU.

Uh oh. A cab it is!

 

[2017Cycle]

They're non rolling right? If I have to reschedule my interview for the spring I won't be in a worse position?

While they are "rolling" with two acceptance dates the Dean goes into extreme detail about their decision process at the interview and describes how it does not hurt applicants to interview later in the season. The numbers are hard to explain but it seemed to make sense and it would go along with the overall "fairness" of BU being one of the most straight forward and direct schools.

 

[gocalbears2010]

I stayed at the Best Western Roundhouse, which is a 3 minute walk from campus, and has a shuttle you pay for that will pick you up and take you to the airport. Not sure where the comfort inn is, but if it's farther away you should switch to the roundhouse.

My guy also asked me to briefly explain my research but that was it. My interview here was the worst I've experienced so far, which is not what most people say. This was the only interview that seemed like a stress interview, but Dr. Witzburg did say we would be intellectually challenged in the interview.

What does "intellectually challenged" mean? Is this along the lines of challenging us with tough ethical dilemmas or something else...

thanks!

 

[haribocandy]

They let you do this? How do you know about this? I interviewed here as well, and was not too happy about my interview... :/

 

[jujudino]

They let you do this? How do you know about this? I interviewed here as well, and was not too happy about my interview... :/

They let us know during the introduction by the Dean. However, in order for you to have another interview, you have to tell them at the end of your interview day and they rearrange another interview for you in that same day.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

They let you do this? How do you know about this? I interviewed here as well, and was not too happy about my interview... :/

yea, the dean said that if you really feel like you just didn't hit it off with your interviewer then you can ask for a redo. He just kind of mentioned it in passing in that room where they had snacks and drinks at some point early on in the day. I wanted to ask, but I felt like maybe it was just supposed to be a stress interview. I left feeling kind of annoyed that I'd waisted a trip out there just because the interviewer didn't like me for some reason. Maybe it was just supposed to be like that though. It's probably worth emailing them and telling them how you feel. You never know, maybe they'll let you squeeze in on another day.

What does "intellectually challenged" mean? Is this along the lines of challenging us with tough ethical dilemmas or something else...

thanks!

In my case, I was definitely challenged with a tough ethical scenario. I also felt like my interviewer would ask me a question, then after I said one sentence and before I could fully make my point, he would interrupt me and challenge what I just said. It was weird, like he wouldn't let me explain my point and kept cutting me off and challenging the first thing I said. I can't figure out if he was testing how I would react or what.

 

[follicle]

Interviews this week are still on right? No storm issues?

 

[MedPR]

Finally found an available student host!

 

[heartshaped box]

Rejected today. App complete early October. Oh well.

 

[NCPremed]

What does "intellectually challenged" mean? Is this along the lines of challenging us with tough ethical dilemmas or something else...

thanks!

Dr. Witzburg said the same thing to us about being "intellectually challenged" during the interview., and I get the impression that BU interviewers tend to ask more ethical dilemma questions. That said, my interview was pretty typical as far as med school interviews go. It was very conversational with only a couple pointed questions, none of which were about ethics. I'm only one person though.

I came away really loving BU...Boston is great, the MPH option and curricular flexibility is great, the medical student residence is great, the students themselves are great...everything is great!! :- ) I truly hope to hear positive news in January!

 

[eagle34]

Dr. Witzburg said the same thing to us about being "intellectually challenged" during the interview., and I get the impression that BU interviewers tend to ask more ethical dilemma questions. That said, my interview was pretty typical as far as med school interviews go. It was very conversational with only a couple pointed questions, none of which were about ethics. I'm only one person though.

I came away really loving BU...Boston is great, the MPH option and curricular flexibility is great, the medical student residence is great, the students themselves are great...everything is great!! :- ) I truly hope to hear positive news in January!

I feel the same way about BU after 4.5 years there, it's just awesome!
If you have any questions about MPH program (I'm MD/MPH, concentrated in epidemiology) or about BU in general, feel free to ask!

 

[JoshuaGuit]

rejection pre-interview

 

[fourhumours]

rejection pre-interview

+1 got it last night at 730. complete late august

 

[MedPR]

$700 plane ticket. Rough.

 

[eefen]

$700 plane ticket. Rough.

Shoot. That's ridiculous. 👎

 

[Arbor Vitae]

$700 plane ticket. Rough.

what!? from where? Boston is the cheapest place I can fly to and I'm coming from California. It's only $250 for me.

 

[eefen]

That's pretty sweet. It was about $345 for me, but $700 kinda sucks. Hopefully it'll pay off for you, MedPR!

 

[ZJX90]

yea, the dean said that if you really feel like you just didn't hit it off with your interviewer then you can ask for a redo. He just kind of mentioned it in passing in that room where they had snacks and drinks at some point early on in the day. I wanted to ask, but I felt like maybe it was just supposed to be a stress interview. I left feeling kind of annoyed that I'd waisted a trip out there just because the interviewer didn't like me for some reason. Maybe it was just supposed to be like that though. It's probably worth emailing them and telling them how you feel. You never know, maybe they'll let you squeeze in on another day.

If anyone was unhappy with their interview, as in if the interviewer was antagonistic or it was a stress interview--definitely call BU!! I interviewed last Wednesday, and the dean specifically said at the beginning of the day that interviews are intended to be conversations to get to know you as a person and definitely NOT supposed to be stress interviews. He didn't just say this in passing either; it was towards the end of his morning talk and I felt like he put some emphasis on it.

 

[iave9963]

$700 plane ticket. Rough.

That sucks man, mine was $380. I'm sure it will pay off for you!

 

[GreyEarl]

Loved my interview. Hopefully they love me back.

ALSO, was not expecting to see all those cadavers. They were dissecting the face when I toured... 😱

 

[iave9963]

Loved my interview. Hopefully they love me back.

ALSO, was not expecting to see all those cadavers. They were dissecting the face when I toured... 😱

If you don't mind, could you describe your interview experience? Mine is coming up in about 2 weeks and I am feeling kind of nervous, especially about the one on one interview.

 

[NCPremed]

If you don't mind, could you describe your interview experience? Mine is coming up in about 2 weeks and I am feeling kind of nervous, especially about the one on one interview.

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. 🙂

 

[GreyEarl]

If you don't mind, could you describe your interview experience? Mine is coming up in about 2 weeks and I am feeling kind of nervous, especially about the one on one interview.

I think it depends on who your interviewer is. It was a pretty long interview (mine was 60 minutes I believe, but only scheduled to be 45) but it went by pretty fast. You'll have your interview after an opening address from the Dean that lasts about an hour. Half of the people interview at 9:15 AM, and the others interview at 10:15 AM and they have a Q&A with a faculty member while they wait to be interviewed. My biggest recommendation would be to come prepared with lots of questions, for both your interviewer and the faculty member doing the Q&A.