2015-2016 Boston University Application Thread

[Ismet]

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Space reserved for prompt.

Please PM the essays or lack thereof to me when the secondary is available and I will update this.

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[idkididk]

Top choice school. 3.56/34/BME from BU Undergrad. Good luck everyone!

 

[Chasing Never Land]

Dream school! Does anyone know how many students get financial aid that isn't loans?

 

[bluetovah]

The MSAR says <10% of BUSM matriculants are international, but my TPR med school guide says 49% are international. Anyone know anything about these stats?

 

[SallySue1202]

The MSAR says <10% of BUSM matriculants are international, but my TPR med school guide says 49% are international. Anyone know anything about these stats?

Probably best to go with the MSAR

 

[The Real SVB]

The MSAR says <10% of BUSM matriculants are international, but my TPR med school guide says 49% are international. Anyone know anything about these stats?

What do you think? Do you really think a U.S. med school would give half its spots to non-citizens? lol

 

[The Real SVB]

If my stats are slightly overqualified for BU, should I use the optional secondary essay to describe further the reasons for BU?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

If my stats are slightly overqualified for BU, should I use the optional secondary essay to describe further the reasons for BU?

Isn't the optional essay about specialty skills that you have? Or something left out of the rest of your app that is vital to understanding you?

 

[The Real SVB]

Isn't the optional essay about specialty skills that you have? Or something left out of the rest of your app that is vital to understanding you?

It's skills that are apparent from my primary, recs, ECs, vital to understanding me. I would put it in context and explain why it also means being in Boston is favorable.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

It's skills that are apparent from my primary, recs, ECs, vital to understanding me. I would put it in context and explain why it also means being in Boston is favorable.

Hmm, I wouldn't use it as an opportunity to do that, although that's just my opinion. I don't really understand why someone would answer that question unless they purposefully left some major aspect of their lives out of their primary app?

 

[chocoholicsoxfan]

I have a question. I was looking at this question.

Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that you think may be of particular interest to us. For example, have you lived in another country or experienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to your understanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in any area, including the fields of art, music, or sports? This is an opportunity to describe learning experiences that may not be covered in other areas of this application. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. (2000 char)

I am a dancer in a company and I spent a semester living in France, however, I described my dance company experience as one of my most meaningful and I discussed my semester abroad extensively in my personal statement. Should I talk about both of these things again for this question, or just leave it blank?

 

[The Real SVB]

Should I talk about both of these things again for this question, or just leave it blank?

Blank. They've both been addressed extensively already. The prompt is "experiences that MAY NOT be covered in other areas of this application" (emphasis added).

 

[chocoholicsoxfan]

Blank. They've both been addressed extensively already. The prompt is "experiences that MAY NOT be covered in other areas of this application" (emphasis added).

That's what I figured. My only reservation is that in my PS, I talked about study abroad in the context of why it made me want to become a doctor. I didn't really talk about the diversity/other culture aspect of it very much. Do you think that makes a difference, or do I leave it blank regardless?

 

[SallySue1202]

That's what I figured. My only reservation is that in my PS, I talked about study abroad in the context of why it made me want to become a doctor. I didn't really talk about the diversity/other culture aspect of it very much. Do you think that makes a difference, or do I leave it blank regardless?

I think you should talk about it.

 

[The Real SVB]

That's what I figured. My only reservation is that in my PS, I talked about study abroad in the context of why it made me want to become a doctor. I didn't really talk about the diversity/other culture aspect of it very much. Do you think that makes a difference, or do I leave it blank regardless?

That's a better argument to mention it then

 

[mdparrot]

Applying here for the first time

 

[winterwind_23]

Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that you think may be of particular interest to us. For example, have you lived in another country or experienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to your understanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in any area, including the fields of art, music, or sports? This is an opportunity to describe learning experiences that may not be covered in other areas of this application. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. (2000 character limit, approximately 400 words)

I have a question about the above prompt, too. I know it asks specifically about educational history, but I don't really have any unique educational experiences mentioned in the prompt. I am a non-trad, though. Do you guys think it would be acceptable to discuss my jobs and what I learned from them? I discussed them briefly in my Experiences section on my AMCAS, but I think I could go a bit more in depth. What do you guys think?

 

[Karabo]

Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that you think may be of particular interest to us. For example, have you lived in another country or experienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to your understanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in any area, including the fields of art, music, or sports? This is an opportunity to describe learning experiences that may not be covered in other areas of this application. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. (2000 character limit, approximately 400 words)

I have a question about the above prompt, too. I know it asks specifically about educational history, but I don't really have any unique educational experiences mentioned in the prompt. I am a non-trad, though. Do you guys think it would be acceptable to discuss my jobs and what I learned from them? I discussed them briefly in my Experiences section on my AMCAS, but I think I could go a bit more in depth. What do you guys think?

that seems appropriate. It doesn't ask about collegiate activities, but instead educational activities, so I don't think it had to occur in college. Based on the examples they give, it seems like they want any activities where you learned something interesting or useful

 

[Pastamahn]

Any news for secondaries?

 

[Pastamahn]

.

 

[tensticks]

"This section may be used by re-applicants who wish to highlight specific areas of their application or to outline specific changes since their last application."

Would it be appropriate to answer this question if I am a first-time applicant to Boston University but a re-applicant to medical school in general?

 

[PolarBearMD]

Sorry, but I'm confused. How do people know the prompts mentioned above? I found a discussion from last year's thread that said this was the prompt:

"We have found that for most applicants, an extra essay written expressly for Boston University adds little to the information content of the portfolio. While we no longer require an essay, some applicants feel that additional information is necessary in order to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of their strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. If you wish, use the space below to offer an essay or any other information, addressing any issue you feel is of importance. If you choose to use the space, please do not duplicate information provided elsewhere in this Supplemental Application or in material you have submitted to AMCAS.
For most applicants, no supplementary essay will be necessary and this space can be left blank."

Have people already received secondaries? If so, could you clarify exactly what the prompts are? Thank you!

 

[Pastamahn]

Sorry, but I'm confused. How do people know the prompts mentioned above? I found a discussion from last year's thread that said this was the prompt:

"We have found that for most applicants, an extra essay written expressly for Boston University adds little to the information content of the portfolio. While we no longer require an essay, some applicants feel that additional information is necessary in order to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of their strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine. If you wish, use the space below to offer an essay or any other information, addressing any issue you feel is of importance. If you choose to use the space, please do not duplicate information provided elsewhere in this Supplemental Application or in material you have submitted to AMCAS.
For most applicants, no supplementary essay will be necessary and this space can be left blank."

Have people already received secondaries? If so, could you clarify exactly what the prompts are? Thank you!

People are guessing that the prompts will be very similar to those of last year, and that was one of last year's prompts, I believe.

 

[PolarBearMD]

People are guessing that the prompts will be very similar to those of last year, and that was one of last year's prompts, I believe.

Great, thank you very much!

 

[spiderqueen]

I'm going to shake my fist at BU for a second. LORs from engineering faculty (whose courses were successfully designated as BCPM by AMCAS) do not count towards the requirement for LORs from science faculty. Out of all the schools that I've called, BU is the only one that won't accept them.

No problem, I'll just use another letter, but I'm still shaking my fist.

 

[Pastamahn]

Does anyone know off the top of their head if a letter from a PI whom I took research credit for extensively counts as a Biology professor?

 

[neonghost]

Top Choice <3
Anyone get a secondary?
They don't screen right?

 

[musicalscientists]

Received a secondary about two hours ago. Odd unless it's completely automated. That or someone is working laaaaate.


Yaaay

 

[SallySue1202]

Received a secondary about two hours ago. Odd unless it's completely automated. That or someone is working laaaaate.


Yaaay

Did the essays change?

 

[darksurg]

Can you guys please post the secondary?

 

[neonghost]

Did they just email you the link to the portal? Or did you have to go online somewhere to check?

 

[restlessdriven]

For the educational history of interest prompt, do you guys think it would be okay to expand on something that was just barely touched on in the Experiences section? I spent a week on a Native American reservation, learning about the culture and their medical needs. I did list this activity in one entry but I didn't have any space for detail aside from mentioning the trip was based on poverty and Native American issues.

 

[quicheduty]

Received a secondary about two hours ago. Odd unless it's completely automated. That or someone is working laaaaate.


Yaaay

Haha I just got one two hours ago. BU peeps work at the strangest times...
Happy 4th?

Edit: Essays appear to be the same (+same word/char count), but the portal is super glitchy for me so I can't access half the sections.

 

[Affiche]

If my stats are slightly overqualified for BU, should I use the optional secondary essay to describe further the reasons for BU?

Lol what an asshat thing to say. I've never heard a pre-med claim to be overqualified for a medical school before!

Damn. BU sends you 3 emails before you can fill out the secondary? Happy 4th! lol

 

[musicalscientists]

I think I got them all. The secondary is a bit confusing to navigate.


Did you go on to college directly after high school?*
If no, explain:

Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree?*(Post bac work is NOT considered undergraduate. If attending a post bac program prior to entering medical school, the answer is NO and should be explained.) If you took gap year(s), please use this space to explain what you have been doing prior to applying to medical school.
If no, explain: For example, attending post bac or other graduate program, working, traveling, etc.

If you have spent more than 4 years as an undergraduate, please explain below. (You may skip this question if you have graduated within 4 years.)

Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that you think may be of particular interest to us.For example, have you lived in another country or experienced a culture unlike your own, or worked in a field that contributed to your understanding of people unlike yourself? Or, have you experienced advanced training in any area, including the fields of art, music, or sports? This is an opportunity to describe learning experiences that may not be covered in other areas of this application or your AMCAS application. It is not necessary to write anything in this section. (2000 Characters)

Optional Essay:Use the space below to provide additional information you feel will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of your strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine.This should include only information NOT already included in your AMCAS or other sections of the BUSM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank.

Boston University School of Medicine / Boston Medical Center Connection:List any personal connections(s) you have at Boston University School of Medicine or Boston Medical Center. (Other than as a patient.) Most applicants leave this blank.



There is also an option to upload CV/Resumes transcript etc if needed. The space can also be used for update letters. I submitted my CV because I ALWAYS have an up to date copy with me at all times.

 

[sharkbyte]

Does BU screen before sending out secondaries?

 

[neonghost]

Does BU screen before sending out secondaries?

It says they don't...

 

[Glazedonutlove]

still haven't received secondary
Also, do the 2000 characters include spaces for the education history prompt?

 

[restlessdriven]

@Glazedonutlove, spaces are included in the count.

 

[Glazedonutlove]

@Glazedonutlove, spaces are included in the count.

so short -_-

 

[taco152]

For the optional essay, I feel like they're saying unless you REALLY got something to add save us the time and leave it blank?

 

[cactusinmyhead]

For the optional essay, I feel like they're saying unless you REALLY got something to add save us the time and leave it blank?

Yes, I left it blank last year. Got an interview.

 

[Glazedonutlove]

Yes, I left it blank last year. Got an interview.

Do you think this is the place to add any new ec's we've been working on since we submitted amcas?

 

[cactusinmyhead]

Do you think this is the place to add any new ec's we've been working on since we submitted amcas?

Yeah, if it's something significant that's actually new. I wouldn't use the space to just say "I'm still doing this and that.."

 

[taco152]

Yes, I left it blank last year. Got an interview.

Thanks for easing the anxiety I have of leaving it blank.

 

[medic86]

Lol.

Received secondary tonight around 10pm EST.

Weird.

 

[Murphy09]

Hello! First time applicant here. Just wondering if all of you that have received secondaries from BU are verified on AMCAS? Thanks!

 

[tensticks]

I haven't received a secondary yet and I've been verified since early June.

 

[taco152]

Is there was space to add the explanation for not having a committee letter? It says on they're website to do so.

 

[G.NA]

Is there was space to add the explanation for not having a committee letter? It says on they're website to do so.

usually there's a "anything else you want us to know" box?