2014-2015 Boston University Application Thread

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JingleChips said:
I uploaded my application update / "why BU" letter like 2 weeks ago ( interviewed in late october). I hope it wasn't too late and that they'll see it when they review my file 🙁. Anyone else upload anything recently post interview?

Waiting for January is painfully slow, itll be just slightly depressing getting rejected knowing how good of a fit BU is for me vs other schools that I'd be attending if rejected from BU.
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They'll see it don't worry. Apps are reviewed in December to make admissions decisions to be released in January. On the interview day they said "if you send us something, we will read it"
 
Any II recently? Dying of anticipation over here! (please include complete date!)
 
Those of you that sent post-interview updates, where did you send it too? I have heard differing things and would like to make the most effective decision
 
Spritsker said:
Those of you that sent post-interview updates, where did you send it too? I have heard differing things and would like to make the most effective decision
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The secondary application portal has an application updates tab on the left hand side. I would definitely use that. It seems to be their preferred way of our communicating with them.
 
How many others completed secondaries for Boston the middle of October? Any news?? I'm OOS, completed 10/16
 
KerriLynnDesigns said:
How many others completed secondaries for Boston the middle of October? Any news?? I'm OOS, completed 10/16
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:/ I completed mine early September and still have no news! (except one of those very polite but informationless emails that says they apologize for the delay and are working on my app...)
 
PopcornPrincess said:
:/ I completed mine early September and still have no news! (except one of those very polite but informationless emails that says they apologize for the delay and are working on my app...)
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In the past, SDNers referred to this as the "30-day email". Another 30 days after that email, people almost always received an interview invitation. Those who didn't get that "30-day email" were usually rejected at that time.

Last year and the year before, it became less associated with an interview, but still.... if you got the email I think it means you made it past the first round of reviews. I read on their website somewhere that of the 12K who apply, about 5000 will be rejected outright, and 7000 are screened further to determine interview.
 
PopcornPrincess said:
Thanks so much for the info! Helps me feel more optimistic 😀
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I would also think about writing them to show that you're interested. I received the "sorry it's taking so long" e-mail on 9/19, and I sent them an update letter on 10/10. I got an II on 10/17 and interviewed 11/19. Whether or not, the letter had a bearing on my II...I don't know, but I don't think it hurt.
 
Wunderbar said:
I realized soon after I had posted that. I'll take this opportunity to inquire about any MD-PhD IIs? 🙂
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haha just making sure you are aware because BU MD-PhDs dont get stipend during MD years
 
adimelon said:
haha just making sure you are aware because BU MD-PhDs dont get stipend during MD years
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Oy, did not know that, thanks.

So, their MD/PhD website says this year they're changing things up, and they'll invite you for an interview a month after you're complete. I'm also waiting to hear back from BU, so I don't know if this is a silent reject or if we're still under serious contention.
 
pluto101 said:
Oy, did not know that, thanks.

So, their MD/PhD website says this year they're changing things up, and they'll invite you for an interview a month after you're complete. I'm also waiting to hear back from BU, so I don't know if this is a silent reject or if we're still under serious contention.
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just wait it out.. BU is really aggressive when it comes to rejecting people. If they don't find you as a good fit you'll be rejected. If you haven't heard back, take that as good news
 
maccu5000 said:
In the past, SDNers referred to this as the "30-day email". Another 30 days after that email, people almost always received an interview invitation. Those who didn't get that "30-day email" were usually rejected at that time.

What exactly do these emails say? I haven't been rejected 30 days later and I submitted Oct. 16th. Should I write them a LOI pre-interview?
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Sorry--they used to come out at 30 days. Now they're coming out way after 30 days. They say something like, "Sorry we've taken so long to review your application. We have more applicants and its more competitive than ever. Sit tight." Same email for the past 5 years or so. You can search the August and Sept months of previous BU threads, especially 2010-2012.
 
Just got rejected. Complete 10/27 Good luck to everyone else and (hopefully) I will still make it to the other side! I wasn't a perfect match for this school so I am not entirely surprised...
 
Been complete since 8/1 and still nothing yet. Anyone with a similar wait?
 
I've been complete since around that time, received an interview invite around mid-November for January 30th. Boston resident. Just wanted to weigh in.

js20145 said:
Been complete since 8/1 and still nothing yet. Anyone with a similar wait?
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I want to share a story I've heard from a reliable source about the BU interview process. Please corroborate/refute as necessary. A friend interviewed there around October, and her interviewer turned out to be extremely abrasive in her line of questioning. Apparently the interviewer (female physician, she couldn't recall the name) systematically went through her ECs and made remarks along the lines of "Well that seems pointless, why did you do that?" and other arrogant put-downs. This interviewee volunteered with Global Brigades, among other outstanding things; in no way would a right-minded person construe her application sub-par. She withdrew her application immediately afterward, and cited the interviewer as the reason for her withdrawal (but has since moved on to greener pastures at Georgetown).

So I guess maybe watch out for this harlot if you're interviewing at BU?
 
The Tower said:
I want to share a story I've heard from a reliable source about the BU interview process. Please corroborate/refute as necessary. A friend interviewed there around October, and her interviewer turned out to be extremely abrasive in her line of questioning. Apparently the interviewer (female physician, she couldn't recall the name) systematically went through her ECs and made remarks along the lines of "Well that seems pointless, why did you do that?" and other arrogant put-downs. This interviewee volunteered with Global Brigades, among other outstanding things; in no way would a right-minded person construe her application sub-par. She withdrew her application immediately afterward, and cited the interviewer as the reason for her withdrawal (but has since moved on to greener pastures at Georgetown).

So I guess maybe watch out for this harlot if you're interviewing at BU?
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I think it just goes to show that different interviewers have different styles. My interviewer was super chill and asked me very few questions, it was the most relaxed and conversational interview I've had this cycle. Another person earlier in the thread noted his or her interviewer asked many ethical questions. It's just the luck of the draw I guess
 
Keep in mind that BU only has 1 interviewer session, so it is entirely possible that somebody might have a bad experience with a certain interviewer. Maybe she should have reported to the dean rather than construing a bad image of BU based on that factor alone. Just my 2 cents.
 
The Tower said:
I want to share a story I've heard from a reliable source about the BU interview process. Please corroborate/refute as necessary. A friend interviewed there around October, and her interviewer turned out to be extremely abrasive in her line of questioning. Apparently the interviewer (female physician, she couldn't recall the name) systematically went through her ECs and made remarks along the lines of "Well that seems pointless, why did you do that?" and other arrogant put-downs. This interviewee volunteered with Global Brigades, among other outstanding things; in no way would a right-minded person construe her application sub-par. She withdrew her application immediately afterward, and cited the interviewer as the reason for her withdrawal (but has since moved on to greener pastures at Georgetown).

So I guess maybe watch out for this harlot if you're interviewing at BU?
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Hi The Tower, thanks for the heads up on this one. I come from a different industry and am a non-traditional so I have had this type of experience before interviewing and this sounds like a stress interview for me. I'm sure your friend has an amazing application! Georgetown is quite the accomplishment!! Just wanted to add that thought, in case anyone else encounters this- from my experience the interviewer just tries to shake you and test your ability to keep your cool.

Anyhow, good luck to you and your friend with the rest of the cycle!
 
Laureatebarrel said:
Keep in mind that BU only has 1 interviewer session, so it is entirely possible that somebody might have a bad experience with a certain interviewer. Maybe she should have reported to the dean rather than construing a bad image of BU based on that factor alone. Just my 2 cents.
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I wanted discover if this was an exception rather than the norm, or if anyone here had a similar experience. After you withdraw, you are required to submit a reason for doing so through official channels. So I'm sure people who need to know, know, and that includes the dean.

PopcornPrincess said:
Hi The Tower, thanks for the heads up on this one. I come from a different industry and am a non-traditional so I have had this type of experience before interviewing and this sounds like a stress interview for me. I'm sure your friend has an amazing application! Georgetown is quite the accomplishment!! Just wanted to add that thought, in case anyone else encounters this- from my experience the interviewer just tries to shake you and test your ability to keep your cool.

Anyhow, good luck to you and your friend with the rest of the cycle!
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Good point and good luck to you as well.
 
The Tower said:
I want to share a story I've heard from a reliable source about the BU interview process. Please corroborate/refute as necessary. A friend interviewed there around October, and her interviewer turned out to be extremely abrasive in her line of questioning. Apparently the interviewer (female physician, she couldn't recall the name) systematically went through her ECs and made remarks along the lines of "Well that seems pointless, why did you do that?" and other arrogant put-downs. This interviewee volunteered with Global Brigades, among other outstanding things; in no way would a right-minded person construe her application sub-par. She withdrew her application immediately afterward, and cited the interviewer as the reason for her withdrawal (but has since moved on to greener pastures at Georgetown).

So I guess maybe watch out for this harlot if you're interviewing at BU?
Click to expand...

Laureatebarrel said:
Keep in mind that BU only has 1 interviewer session, so it is entirely possible that somebody might have a bad experience with a certain interviewer. Maybe she should have reported to the dean rather than construing a bad image of BU based on that factor alone. Just my 2 cents.
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I think that would have been a good idea. I don't know if this is new, but when I interviewed at BU this cycle (last month) the Dean told us that if, for whatever reason, we're unhappy with our interviewer and feel that their evaluation of us will not be truly representative of us as an applicant, to speak with him before the end of interview day and that he would do everything he could to rearrange another interview for us by the end of the day.
 
JingleChips said:
Last cycle the first round of acceptances came out on the 10th of January. I can't take the waiting any more !! asgkslfldjab
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Could you please share how your interview went? Thanks in advance.
 
The Tower said:
Could you please share how your interview went? Thanks in advance.
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In my experience , its almost impossible to accurately gauge how an interview went. I have had interviews where I thought I did very well (and got waitlisted), and interviews where I thought I might have dropped the ball ( and got accepted). There was only one case where I "knew" I was accepted after the interview - it went double the allowed time, the admissions office kept calling the MD to send me back downstairs for the tour and he would just hang up on them, telling me how much he was enjoying our conversation, ect.

That being said, I thought my interview went pretty well. I haven't experienced a bad interview. It was a very conversational interview with a few ethical questions thrown in. I left the interview with 0 regrets on anything I said. There was a student on my interview day who unfortunately thought he had a very unfair interview - the interviewer spent most the time asking about his family life and family dynamics. I hope he told the dean and got a second, more fair interview (as per BU's amazing interview policy). But all in all, no complaints with my interview, and BU did an amazing job of convincing me that I need to go here!
 
What do you guys think of the idea (at least with BU) that everyone's on a level playing field at the interview stage? Myth? How is the final determination made post-interview?
 
The Tower said:
How is the final determination made post-interview?
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sortinghat.jpg



EDIT: Kidding! Good Luck everyone waiting on a decision! Remember, even if you don't get an acceptance in the 1st round you are still very much considered for one in the 2nd round!
 
Is anyone sending them a fall grades update? I know Dr. Witzburg mentioned that he would like to see your fall grades if they're available, but I'm wondering if anyone's submitting them.
 
4malit said:
Is anyone sending them a fall grades update? I know Dr. Witzburg mentioned that he would like to see your fall grades if they're available, but I'm wondering if anyone's submitting them.
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I did! I uploaded my unofficial transcript on the online app and will send them an official transcript.
 
I also sent in a transcript copy

But I am wondering how they are going to evaluate all these new transcripts/grades from the first round of interviews and be able to make a decision on who to accept, defer, or reject from the first round by the first week of janurary? (Are they working that hard during the holidays?)
 
IQ2US said:
I also sent in a transcript copy

But I am wondering how they are going to evaluate all these new transcripts/grades from the first round of interviews and be able to make a decision on who to accept, defer, or reject from the first round by the first week of janurary? (Are they working that hard during the holidays?)
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Not sure, but regarding the holidays part i dont believe so since when i recently called the office the answering machine said they're closed till the 5th.
 
IQ2US said:
I also sent in a transcript copy

But I am wondering how they are going to evaluate all these new transcripts/grades from the first round of interviews and be able to make a decision on who to accept, defer, or reject from the first round by the first week of janurary? (Are they working that hard during the holidays?)
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They also mentioned during the interview that they meet during the middle of December to decide on applicants, in which case they have already decided on us (yikes, our fates could already be sealed). I don't really see how fall transcripts could possibly play a role then lol, but they did say to try and send it in if possible
 
I feel odd posing this question. I was not able to complete the application earlier (for a slew of reasons) and was wondering if there was any point doing so now. The app deadline is Jan 2 and the website says that interviews are held until mid-Feb. And so, I was not sure if it was worth the time or money (my funds are certainly running low). Is there still a chance to receive an interview invite?

Any honest guidance/insight would be really appreciated.
 
Optimistic Eh said:
I feel odd posing this question. I was not able to complete the application earlier (for a slew of reasons) and was wondering if there was any point doing so now. The app deadline is Jan 2 and the website says that interviews are held until mid-Feb. And so, I was not sure if it was worth the time or money (my funds are certainly running low). Is there still a chance to receive an interview invite?

Any honest guidance/insight would be really appreciated.
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I would say it depends on your stats. I'm not saying that stats are everything by any means, but at this point, the higher your stats, the better your chances. If your LizzyM is >74, go for it (the LizzyM of accepted students last year was ~71, I think). If not, save your funds. Anyone else?
 
Optimistic Eh said:
I feel odd posing this question. I was not able to complete the application earlier (for a slew of reasons) and was wondering if there was any point doing so now. The app deadline is Jan 2 and the website says that interviews are held until mid-Feb. And so, I was not sure if it was worth the time or money (my funds are certainly running low). Is there still a chance to receive an interview invite?

Any honest guidance/insight would be really appreciated.
Click to expand...

squidman said:
I would say it depends on your stats. I'm not saying that stats are everything by any means, but at this point, the higher your stats, the better your chances. If your LizzyM is >74, go for it (the LizzyM of accepted students last year was ~71, I think). If not, save your funds. Anyone else?
Click to expand...

Yeah, BU will look at your application just as they do anyone else's but without a solid application that includes high stats; more or less a unique background that contributes to the overall class, medicine, diversity; somewhat of a reason of waiting so long; and interest in BU and medicine, it will be hard for them to push you before other applicants. It's logistically challenging considering how many spots are available and how many well deserving and qualified applicants there are. You just have to decide if you want to.
 
IQ2US said:
Yeah, BU will
IQ2US said:
Yeah, BU will look at your application just as they do anyone else's but without a solid application that includes high stats; more or less a unique background that contributes to the overall class, medicine, diversity; somewhat of a reason of waiting so long; and interest in BU and medicine, it will be hard for them to push you before other applicants. It's logistically challenging considering how many spots are available and how many well deserving and qualified applicants there are. You just have to decide if you want to.
Click to expand...

look at your application just as they do anyone else's but without a solid application that includes high stats; more or less a unique background that contributes to the overall class, medicine, diversity; somewhat of a reason of waiting so long; and interest in BU and medicine, it will be hard for them to push you before other applicants. It's logistically challenging considering how many spots are available and how many well deserving and qualified applicants there are. You just have to decide if you want to.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your honest opinions. That is pretty much what I was thinking too (unfortunately). :S My LizzyM is around 72/73.
 
Optimistic Eh said:
I feel odd posing this question. I was not able to complete the application earlier (for a slew of reasons) and was wondering if there was any point doing so now. The app deadline is Jan 2 and the website says that interviews are held until mid-Feb. And so, I was not sure if it was worth the time or money (my funds are certainly running low). Is there still a chance to receive an interview invite?

Any honest guidance/insight would be really appreciated.
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You applied pretty late to a school with huge amount of applications (I recalled something to the number of 10k). I'm not making call, but i think if you have limited fund to apply you should prioritize elsewhere.
 
Does anyone who's already interviewed here know if they have student hosting the night before the interview?? I can't find the information anywhere on the applicant portal...
 
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