2024-2025 Boston University

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chilly_md

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2024-2025 Boston University Secondary Essay Prompts: (Questions 1, 2, 5, 6 are REQUIRED)

  1. *Did you go on to college directly after high school? (Y/N) (if no, explain 2000 characters)
  2. *Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (Y/N) (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. (2000 characters)
  3. 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.) (2000 characters)
  4. 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. Also use this section to explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans. (2000 characters)
  5. *Core Competencies: Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. (For example, Biology: Intro Bio 101, Intro Bio lab 102, Anatomy 201, summer research in cell biology with Professor Smith; Humanities: Freshman English, History of Civilization, Philosophy 101, English writing tutor 2 semesters). Add text to explain your entries if necessary.
    • Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
    • For sciences, include both lectures and labs.
    • We will accept your school's definition of lab experience for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
    • Use your transcript and university course classifications as a guide. Courses may be listed more than once if the subject matter falls into more than one core competency.
    • Non U.S. or non-Canadian educated applicant must have completed a minimum of (2) two years of academic work at an institution accredited by and located in the U.S. or Canada, which should include study in the core competencies listed.
    • There is no right or wrong answer here. You will be contacted if the Committee on Admissions has any questions regarding your answers.
    • If you have nothing to list under a particular category, write N/A. (600 characters each)
      1. Biology:
      2. Chemistry:
      3. Physics:
      4. Mathematics:
      5. Humanities (including English)
  6. *Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment? (3000 characters)
Optional Essay: (3000 characters)
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 Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank. Yes, it's really optional.


Good luck to all applying!

Interview feedback:

www.studentdoctor.net

Boston University School of Medicine Interview Feedback

Review of Boston University School of Medicine Interview Feedback. Get the latest information, opinions of fellow students, and LizzyM and SDN Rankings.
www.studentdoctor.net www.studentdoctor.net
 
Last edited:
Remember to schedule your Casper exam.
forums.studentdoctor.net

2024-2025 list of schools and their SJTs

Updated July 2, 2024 (page updated June 11) on The AAMC PREview® Professional Readiness Exam Participating Medical Schools and MSAR reports Look at the 2023 list to see if your school(s) wanted you to take an SJT. PREview scores are automatically released to AMCAS. Examinees do not need to...
forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net
 
I read on the website that you can still submit your secondary normally without Casper scores received. Is the score needed in order for the application to be reviewed and interviews handed out? Or is it like other schools that only consider the score when handing out offers? Thank you!
 
*Required

  1. *Did you go on to college directly after high school? (Y/N)
  2. *Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (Y/N) (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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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. Also use this section to explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans.
  5. *Core Competencies: Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. (For example, Biology: Intro Bio 101, Intro Bio lab 102, Anatomy 201, summer research in cell biology with Professor Smith; Humanities: Freshman English, History of Civilization, Philosophy 101, English writing tutor 2 semesters). Add text to explain your entries if necessary.
    • Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
    • For sciences, include both lectures and labs.
    • We will accept your school's definition of lab experience for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
    • Use your transcript and university course classifications as a guide. Courses may be listed more than once if the subject matter falls into more than one core competency.
    • Non U.S. or non-Canadian educated applicant must have completed a minimum of (2) two years of academic work at an institution accredited by and located in the U.S. or Canada, which should include study in the core competencies listed.
    • There is no right or wrong answer here. You will be contacted if the Committee on Admissions has any questions regarding your answers.
    • If you have nothing to list under a particular category, write N/A.
      1. Biology:
      2. Chemistry:
      3. Physics:
      4. Mathematics:
      5. Humanities (including English)
  6. *Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment?
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 Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank. Yes, it's really optional.

@chilly_md
 
WhiteCoatHopeful said:
*Required

  1. *Did you go on to college directly after high school? (Y/N)
  2. *Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (Y/N) (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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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. Also use this section to explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans.
  5. *Core Competencies: Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. (For example, Biology: Intro Bio 101, Intro Bio lab 102, Anatomy 201, summer research in cell biology with Professor Smith; Humanities: Freshman English, History of Civilization, Philosophy 101, English writing tutor 2 semesters). Add text to explain your entries if necessary.
    • Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
    • For sciences, include both lectures and labs.
    • We will accept your school's definition of lab experience for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
    • Use your transcript and university course classifications as a guide. Courses may be listed more than once if the subject matter falls into more than one core competency.
    • Non U.S. or non-Canadian educated applicant must have completed a minimum of (2) two years of academic work at an institution accredited by and located in the U.S. or Canada, which should include study in the core competencies listed.
    • There is no right or wrong answer here. You will be contacted if the Committee on Admissions has any questions regarding your answers.
    • If you have nothing to list under a particular category, write N/A.
      1. Biology:
      2. Chemistry:
      3. Physics:
      4. Mathematics:
      5. Humanities (including English)
  6. *Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment?
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 Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank. Yes, it's really optional.

@chilly_md
Click to expand...
Hey, do you have the character counts?
 
+1 OOS secondary received. I have activated my account but does it take time to receive a link to the login?
 
dori2425 said:
+1 OOS secondary received. I have activated my account but does it take time to receive a link to the login?
Click to expand...
I got an email saying to claim my account, which I assume is the secondary, although it doesn't mention the secondary anywhere. I claimed my account, and then got an email saying it was successful, but that it may take a day for all my access to be activated. No direct link to the application, although I tried clicking the initial "claim account" link and then deleting all the stuff from the end of the URL in an attempt to get to the home page. I was able to log in, and it looks like the secondary page, but it's completely empty, no prompts or anything.
 
bigreader said:
I got an email saying to claim my account, which I assume is the secondary, although it doesn't mention the secondary anywhere. I claimed my account, and then got an email saying it was successful, but that it may take a day for all my access to be activated. No direct link to the application, although I tried clicking the initial "claim account" link and then deleting all the stuff from the end of the URL in an attempt to get to the home page. I was able to log in, and it looks like the secondary page, but it's completely empty, no prompts or anything.
Click to expand...

same thing happened to me! and i googled the portal too but it didn’t work either
 
bigreader said:
I got an email saying to claim my account, which I assume is the secondary, although it doesn't mention the secondary anywhere. I claimed my account, and then got an email saying it was successful, but that it may take a day for all my access to be activated. No direct link to the application, although I tried clicking the initial "claim account" link and then deleting all the stuff from the end of the URL in an attempt to get to the home page. I was able to log in, and it looks like the secondary page, but it's completely empty, no prompts or anything.
Click to expand...
good to know that others are also experiencing this! I thought it was an error on my end.
 
WhiteCoatHopeful said:
*Required

  1. *Did you go on to college directly after high school? (Y/N)
  2. *Are you expecting to go on to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree? (Y/N) (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.
  3. 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.)
  4. 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. Also use this section to explain any impact that COVID-19 may have had on your educational/research/volunteering or employment plans.
  5. *Core Competencies: Explain in each box below, how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area. These are broad subject areas. You should list courses, and other pertinent information. (For example, Biology: Intro Bio 101, Intro Bio lab 102, Anatomy 201, summer research in cell biology with Professor Smith; Humanities: Freshman English, History of Civilization, Philosophy 101, English writing tutor 2 semesters). Add text to explain your entries if necessary.
    • Include courses that you have completed or anticipate completing prior to matriculation.
    • For sciences, include both lectures and labs.
    • We will accept your school's definition of lab experience for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biological Sciences.
    • Use your transcript and university course classifications as a guide. Courses may be listed more than once if the subject matter falls into more than one core competency.
    • Non U.S. or non-Canadian educated applicant must have completed a minimum of (2) two years of academic work at an institution accredited by and located in the U.S. or Canada, which should include study in the core competencies listed.
    • There is no right or wrong answer here. You will be contacted if the Committee on Admissions has any questions regarding your answers.
    • If you have nothing to list under a particular category, write N/A.
      1. Biology:
      2. Chemistry:
      3. Physics:
      4. Mathematics:
      5. Humanities (including English)
  6. *Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, serving primarily people who are publicly insured, people of color, immigrants, and low-income people in the Greater Boston Area. Why are you specifically interested in beginning your medical education in this environment, and how do you feel that your previous experiences will prepare you for this unique learning environment?
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 Chobanian & Avedisian SOM Supplemental Application. Most applicants leave this blank. Yes, it's really optional.

@chilly_md
Click to expand...
char counts pls
 
notdanr said:
Same as previous years, which is:

  1. 1400 characters
  2. 1400 characters
  3. 1400 characters
  4. 2000 characters
  5. 600 characters each
  6. 3000 characters
Optional essay: 3000 characters
Click to expand...
@notdanr could you please check & see if I connected the proper character counts to the questions? Thank you!
 
bigreader said:
I got an email saying to claim my account, which I assume is the secondary, although it doesn't mention the secondary anywhere. I claimed my account, and then got an email saying it was successful, but that it may take a day for all my access to be activated. No direct link to the application, although I tried clicking the initial "claim account" link and then deleting all the stuff from the end of the URL in an attempt to get to the home page. I was able to log in, and it looks like the secondary page, but it's completely empty, no prompts or anything.
Click to expand...
Yeah i got the same thing too. Weird because I don't remember having to do this when I applied back in the 2023 cycle. they'll probably send out the actual secondary soon after claiming an account
 
bigreader said:
I got an email saying to claim my account, which I assume is the secondary, although it doesn't mention the secondary anywhere. I claimed my account, and then got an email saying it was successful, but that it may take a day for all my access to be activated. No direct link to the application, although I tried clicking the initial "claim account" link and then deleting all the stuff from the end of the URL in an attempt to get to the home page. I was able to log in, and it looks like the secondary page, but it's completely empty, no prompts or anything.
Click to expand...
pptf327 said:
same thing happened to me! and i googled the portal too but it didn’t work either
Click to expand...
robot_soup said:
same lol
Click to expand...
Did anyone figure out what was going on? I am having the same issue.
 
Mr. Macrophage said:
Do you have a Casper score sent to them? That’s probably why.
Click to expand...
I do. I actually just got my casper score back this morning, though I thought casper scores would have been sent a couple weeks ago from my exam date.
 
stew_md said:
Also just got "claim my account" email and filled it out without bein verified. submitted 6/9.
Click to expand...

It shows "Current status: Received AMCAS Download" even though I haven't been verified nor have I submitted my Casper. I only added the school onto my primary. Strange but I'll take it!
 
Last edited:
ucsdgrad said:
I submitted my primary 5/28 with BU listed and already had CASPer sent to them, but I haven't received anything from them yet
Click to expand...
Interesting, make sure to check your spam folder and if there's nothing there just expect to hear from them within the next week or so. No way to know if there is a pattern or algorithm when it comes to them sending secondaries out.
 
dori2425 said:
I got an email this morning with the login link after creating an account last night
Click to expand...

are you able to login? it’s telling me my username is not valid. i even did the whole “forgot username” just to make sure it was correct and it was.
 
stew_md said:
Interesting, make sure to check your spam folder and if there's nothing there just expect to hear from them within the next week or so. No way to know if there is a pattern or algorithm when it comes to them sending secondaries out.
Click to expand...
CycleTrack shows only 10 people have received secondaries. BU hasn't sent out its first big wave yet.
 
pptf327 said:
are you able to login? it’s telling me my username is not valid. i even did the whole “forgot username” just to make sure it was correct and it was.
Click to expand...
Yes I was able to log in! Maybe trying shooting them an email if it still doesn't work after a few days?
 
CheeesyBoi said:
Did anyone figure out what was going on? I am having the same issue.
Click to expand...
I got the real secondary email today. IT just has you claim an account first so you can log into the secondary once they send it
 
Got the real secondary. I have a minor alcohol IA that they want an official letter stating the facts from a school official, not just my AMCAS explanation. I believe that my advisor already sent a letter detailing that in the Committee packet, but not 100% sure. Does anyone know how long it takes for them to update if that letter has been received or not? I don't want this to be holding up my secondary from being completed for all that long
 
BiomedEGR777 said:
Got the real secondary. I have a minor alcohol IA that they want an official letter stating the facts from a school official, not just my AMCAS explanation. I believe that my advisor already sent a letter detailing that in the Committee packet, but not 100% sure. Does anyone know how long it takes for them to update if that letter has been received or not? I don't want this to be holding up my secondary from being completed for all that long
Click to expand...
I think your most direct way would be to ask your advisor if that letter is in the packet.
If so, update BU
 
wysdoc said:
I think your most direct way would be to ask your advisor if that letter is in the packet.
If so, update BU
Click to expand...
I wanted to but our advisor left the school in early June lol. I got a response back from BU stating that they had my IA Letter so I guess it was included and they just never updated my app status. hopefully that gets changed soon but at least they have the letter
 
I claimed my account, most recent email subject line:
Boston University: Thank you for Claiming Your Account!

Do I still have to wait for another email w/ secondary steps?
 
wysdoc said:
@notdanr could you please check & see if I connected the proper character counts to the questions? Thank you!
Click to expand...

@wysdoc

Thanks for updating and checking.
Two small corrections:

for 1. Did you go to college...
Selecting yes prompts you for a 1400 character explanation

4. Please provide a narrative...
is 2000 characters
 
notdanr said:
@wysdoc

Thanks for updating and checking.
Two small corrections:

for 1. Did you go to college...
Selecting yes prompts you for a 1400 character explanation

4. Please provide a narrative...
is 2000 characters
Click to expand...
Wouldn’t question #1 be: If no, explain??
 
medcarrot said:
I claimed my account, most recent email subject line:
Boston University: Thank you for Claiming Your Account!

Do I still have to wait for another email w/ secondary steps?
Click to expand...
Yes, they will send you a separate email after claiming your account with the link to log in and start your secondary. I got mine this morning and I claimed my account yesterday morning.
 
stew_md said:
Yes, they will send you a separate email after claiming your account with the link to log in and start your secondary. I got mine this morning and I claimed my account yesterday morning.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
In the courses section should I include AP if they apply to the category? like AP Biology
 
parmi said:
In the courses section should I include AP if they apply to the category? like AP Biology
Click to expand...
I did but I used the class I got credit for. So for AP Bio I got BIO 101-104 credit and listed those
 
For some reason, I am trying to claim my account and it wont let me. Is anyone else having this problem?
 
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