Boston University MA in Medical Science

[Singing Devil]

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thanks, that was reall helpful.. it looks like BUMC is away from any public transportation besides that #1 bus (i.e. no T).. i was checking the schedule for that bus, it comes every 20 min which can be a pain.

anyways, what do you suggest would be the best way to find a place? will probably want a studio in the S. End.. are there any websites that have listings so i have some sort of idea what to look for before just going there and looking around for vacancies?

I think you'll want to look at the OCS website (off-campus services). go to the www.bumc.bu.edu website, go to the GMS program, and look for a link to off-campus services. They have apartment listings and roommate matching services. Alternatively, try craigslist (www.craigslist.com, and look for Boston... maybe it's boston.craigslist.com).

There are several places that are only a few blocks from school and that would take you around 10 minutes to walk. Also, the silverline does stop within 2 blocks of campus, so anywhere that's on that route is relatively close, although I would avoid Roxbury (unless it's the section adjacent to the South End).

 

[Singing Devil]

Singing Devil or Tritonslo

I was hoping one of you could help me with this question. I know the MA program is 32 credits completed in 4 semesters, but can be completed in one year. What happens if you go over 32 credits, do you have to pay extra tuition? I want to take 16 credits first and second semester, then do research the second year for the thesis. While doing research I was hoping to take 1 or 2 classes in the grad school like molecular or cell biology.

If you are fulltime, tuition is set, so it doesn't matter if you take 8 or 18 credits in a semester. that's my understanding. If you are not fulltime, which will be the case if you are doing research, you have to register for I think two credits as research credits (same with library thesis). That costs the same as two courses, so you might as well take the two courses... you're not required to have the research credits, just required to be enrolled in 2 credits. And, in order to get the degree, you have to be enrolled in 4 separate semesters (2 of which can be the two summer school sessions).

 

[dimsum888]

Thanks a lot for the info.

BU has a new building on 580 commonwealth for graduate students, it looks REALLY nice, though expensive

http://www.bu.edu/orpm/

 

[Spartacus]

Yeah, the place at 580 Commonwealth is nice, but GMS students can't live there, it's only for graduate students of BU, and not grad students of the medical center. I actually spoke with them and they suggested Harrison Court as an alternative. Also, it's located on the Charles River campus, which is away from the medical campus. But it does look like a nice place.

 

[dimsum888]

hey spartacus you must be online right now

i was thinking of Harrison Court too, the studio looks nice--since I live in New York, it's not that convenient for me to go there and search for apartments. but we have plenty of time to find a good place i guess

what classes are you planning to take?

 

[Spartacus]

hey dimsum,

i'm not sure yet about classes, i'm still on the hold/waitlist, but i think i'll follow what the other gms students have posted on sdn. you should do a search on the previous posts from bu ma students, there is a lot of really good info on there. yeah, i'm in oregon so i've been checking out places online, but it's hard to get a sense of the area. i'm planning on going out there if i get accepted.

let me know if you find any cool places!

take care

 

[FirgoMD]

ANyone still waiting on acceptance into this MA program at BU? I am still waiting. Does the school accept students in the spring as well? And for any older students that have gone thru the program, do any of you know up until when can you still get accepted into the program? All this waiting is killing me....

 

[esca007]

How hard is it to get into the BU MA program? I have a 3.28 gpa but haven't not taken any standardized test yet. I'm planning to take GRE in September. Let's say I meet their average. Does anyone know what is the likelihood of getting in? Do they look at just your scores and stuff or is personal statement the most important? thanks

 

[stinkycheese]

If you do well on the GRE, you wouldn't have a problem getting in, it's mostly numbers, I believe-- but, they do prefer the MCAT, so who knows how they'll look at the GRE if there are enough other qualified applicants.

 

[TekkenDanser]

For Spartacus, cupcake_queen, and FirgoMD, I just talked to a person at the admissions office and got some answers regarding the waitlist:

1. They will be reviewing the people on the waitlist tomorrow (July 20).
2. When asked how long the waitlist is, she responded, "VERY long."
3. When asked how late admissions could possibly be, she responded "up until August."

Obviously, she gave me some pretty vague answers, and as the end of summer draws near, I am beginning to lose more hope. Does anyone know how many people BU usually admits for their MAMS program? How many off the waitlist? I wasn't provided a specific rank on the waitlist; was anyone else?

 

[stinkycheese]

I think they probably admit about 200 each year shooting for a class size of 100-120? But I am not sure... I heard that G'town got more than 750 applications this year, so I would assume BU got a similar number if not more. It's such a bad year for medical school waitlists that people are turning to the MA programs in higher numbers than usual.

Good luck...

 

[RupeshV]

hey does anyone know when classes begin for the BU program?

 

[FirgoMD]

Anybody know how to register for classes? Or obtain a BU Login ID and things of that sort?

 

[Singing Devil]

Anybody know how to register for classes? Or obtain a BU Login ID and things of that sort?

FirgoMD, you asked a similar question on the other thread and it was answered for you. They will register you for classes. I think I answered this question in an earlier post on the "For those already in the BU program" thread. You have the opportunity to register for additional or alternate classes during orientation. Orientation is the first few days before class, and is required. If you're still not in, you may not have all the info about it, but when you get in, they'll give you all the information you need regarding IDs, email, registration, etc. Trust me, registration is not a big deal... patience is a virtue.

 

[RupeshV]

Hey guys,

I just visited the school this past week and was impressed. I can't wait to start this fall and I also got a place on Westland Avenue which is like 10 min walking. See you guys soon at orientation

 

[blankguy]

who should I contact to get more information on this program? I tried to contact Wilcox but got no response.

 

[elonDO]

Just wanted to say Westland Ave. is an excellent place to live. I lived in the Parkside apartments this past year and loved it. Bus transportation to the school is great and it's not too, too far to walk on nice days. You're also close to almost anything you could want.

On a general note, I just finished my first week in medical school following this program. I can say the Medical Sciences program has prepared me greatly. While everyone else is freaking out, I'm able to relax and reinforce the stuff I really know. The program is costly, but well worth the price and hours of work.

 

[Singing Devil]

who should I contact to get more information on this program? I tried to contact Wilcox but got no response.

I'm not sure what kind of info you're looking for, but for entering students, Dr. Broitman is always the one to talk to. Susan Wilcox is more for current students/people in the application process. Dr. Franzblau is good for information about classes, chances of getting in medical school, etc.

Dr. Broitman is also one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet.

 

[jintonic5]

hey for those of you going to BU MAMS this fall, do any of you have undergrad gpas that fall under 3.0?

 

[TekkenDanser]

My undergrad GPA wasn't under 3.0, but also wasn't much above. Somehow I managed to get in. I assume that if you are around the brink, then other areas of your application will influence your eligibility. Perhaps you've already read this on their website, but in case you haven't:

Eligibility for Admission

All applicants for admission are required:

a) to have a baccalaureate degree, and to have completed the following courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics all with lab. It is strongly suggested that additional Biology courses be completed prior to beginning the program.. The majority of students accepted have a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, students with lower GPA's may be accepted if their record shows marked improvement in the upper division years of their undergraduate career

b) to submit the results of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Examination. Generally it is expected that students will have MCAT scores above 25, however, exceptions may be made as many students retake the MCAT exam at the conclusion of the program. GRE scores in the 70 percentile or higher are expected.

 

[prabhara]

Dear all:

I wanted to give an update to those who have been following this thread from its original post. From what I know, seven students in total (myself included) were admitted to BU Med's fall class. I believe around 25 were admitted from the previous GMS class. This program is definately worth the money if you do well. Make sure you work your asses off!!!

I also won't be checking this site very often as I will be starting school soon in Brooklyn. If anyone has questions or wants some advice, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Best of luck to everyone!
Derek

 

[blankguy]

hey for those of you going to BU MAMS this fall, do any of you have undergrad gpas that fall under 3.0?

Just talk to Dr.Broitman. He has dealt with a lot of sob stories like these(at least that's the impression he gave me). People say that the MA is looking for a reason to accept you if you've done well in the last few years then you stand a good chance of getting in. JUst give him a ring.

 

[acrobat]

Just talk to Dr.Broitman. He has dealt with a lot of sob stories like these(at least that's the impression he gave me). People say that the MA is looking for a reason to accept you if you've done well in the last few years then you stand a good chance of getting in. JUst give him a ring.

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Devil- are u the guy that got a 37 MCAT?

I think I read in one of the posts (I was skimming) that u don't need the GRE to apply- god i don't want to take another test.

If you do it in one year are you so busy that you will be bogged down and do poorly. It seemms like if you only had three courses you could suceed?

You get a Masters of Medical Sciences Degree at the end of it?

 

[Singing Devil]

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Devil- are u the guy that got a 37 MCAT?

I think I read in one of the posts (I was skimming) that u don't need the GRE to apply- god i don't want to take another test.

If you do it in one year are you so busy that you will be bogged down and do poorly. It seemms like if you only had three courses you could suceed?

You get a Masters of Medical Sciences Degree at the end of it?

yep, that's me.

You don't need the GRE--the MCAT is fine. Of course, you don't need the MCAT--the GRE is fine. Pick your poison.

You can do it in one year, but doing it in one year and applying to several schools and getting in to any place other than BU is virtually impossible. Most people who do it in one year and apply the same year only get in BU. Most of the BU slots that are taken by graduates, though, are from people in their second year. Also, doing a research thesis in one year is almost impossible (a library thesis is more likely).

And yes, that is the degree you get. Well, it's an M.A. IN Medical Science, not really a Masters OF Medical Science.

 

[stinkycheese]

You can do it in one year, but doing it in one year and applying to several schools and getting in to any place other than BU is virtually impossible. Most people who do it in one year and apply the same year only get in BU. Most of the BU slots that are taken by graduates, though, are from people in their second year. Also, doing a research thesis in one year is almost impossible (a library thesis is more likely).

Just wanted to give some perspective. I am doing the degree in one year (currently in the program), applied to schools this year as well, and am choosing from multiple acceptances. I am also doing a laboratory thesis. I have gotten excellent grades and have found the load to be manageable, although traveling to interviews and missing class proved to be tricky. I know of one other girl in the program who also is in to two schools at this time, I believe, and is also doing a lab thesis like me. She's also a first-year. It's not impossible and not as hard as one would think. If you want to do it, you can. Just know your limits.

PS - the schools I am choosing from do not include BU.

 

[Singing Devil]

Just wanted to give some perspective. I am doing the degree in one year (currently in the program), applied to schools this year as well, and am choosing from multiple acceptances. I am also doing a laboratory thesis. I have gotten excellent grades and have found the load to be manageable, although traveling to interviews and missing class proved to be tricky. I know of one other girl in the program who also is in to two schools at this time, I believe, and is also doing a lab thesis like me. She's also a first-year. It's not impossible and not as hard as one would think. If you want to do it, you can. Just know your limits.

PS - the schools I am choosing from do not include BU.

Well, I agree it can be done, but it is really rare-- 2 people out of 150 who are making it work, from your count. If you start in the fall, most medical schools will be choosing to interview you or not based upon either NO new grades, or only one semester's worth, and my understanding from Dr. Franzblau and others is that you have to have already been a pretty good candidate prior to the program in order to get acceptances. If your record is suspect at all, I think the two year approach is the way to go.

 

[stinkycheese]

Well, I agree it can be done, but it is really rare-- 2 people out of 150 who are making it work, from your count.

Well, I don't know everyone in the program. Out of the people I know intimately, 5 of us are applying this year and 2 already have acceptances. That's out of maybe 25 people.

If you start in the fall, most medical schools will be choosing to interview you or not based upon either NO new grades, or only one semester's worth, and my understanding from Dr. Franzblau and others is that you have to have already been a pretty good candidate prior to the program in order to get acceptances. If your record is suspect at all, I think the two year approach is the way to go.

That may be true. But I don't want people to be discouraged from applying while in the program, if that is what they want to do. If they have an okay record, some schools will hold you until your grades come out for first semester, and then interview you. That's not a bad deal and saves you a year in the process. I got lucky, I got several interview offers before the end of first semester, and I know others got some, too. It just depends on how many schools you apply to and what they are looking for. Most people in G'town's SMP are applying while in the program, and half get in. So it's not impossible to get in the same year you're doing a master's.

 

[ockhamsRzr]

I've been following this thread as I'm a Bostonian about to start the Harvard post-bacc program this summer but have become intrigued by this post about MAMS.

I checked their site and hopefully someone here can clarify one thing. The site states that the eligibility requirements for admission (in addition to the MCAT or GRE) is:

"To have a baccalaureate degree, and to have completed the following courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics all with lab."

Does that mean 4 credits of each or the standard 8 as most med school require. If the answer is 4 credits (or one class) does completing the MA program supercede most med schools requirements for needing to complete 8 credits of those same classes...?

If it's one class plus lab for each pre-req I may seriously apply insteadof doing Harvard's post-bacc program...any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

OckhamsRzr

 

[stinkycheese]

You need to have completed all pre-med req's. Your MA courses don't substitute for your pre-req's, and you won't do well in the masters without the pre-reqs. So if you only have one semester of each course, you're not eligible for the MA program.

 

[ockhamsRzr]

You need to have completed all pre-med req's. Your MA courses don't substitute for your pre-req's, and you won't do well in the masters without the pre-reqs. So if you only have one semester of each course, you're not eligible for the MA program.

That's what I thought...thanks Stinkycheese,

Ock

 

[blankguy]

Let me get this straight. If you are a sub 3.0 GPA two years is the way to go? The program suggests that people who do it in 1 yr should do it fulltime. 2 yrs is part-time???

 

[Singing Devil]

Let me get this straight. If you are a sub 3.0 GPA two years is the way to go? The program suggests that people who do it in 1 yr should do it fulltime. 2 yrs is part-time???

I would say so, although stinkycheese may disagree with me. But here's the way it works: the program's coursework takes 1 year, full-time, starting in the fall. When I, or anyone else, talks about it being two years, they mean that you devote your time in that first year to coursework, leaving the thesis (library or thesis) until you complete the first year, in the beginning of the summer the next calendar year. You then start working on the thesis, do any additional coursework you might feel necessary, and apply to medical school--thus, from the beginning of the program to beginning medical school is a full two years. Plus, if you're planning on retaking the MCAT, you take that in April or August of the second calendar year that you're in school. (August if the courseload in the spring is too much to do well on both).

I've been spending my second year doing a research thesis, for pay (which is generally hard to come by, but I've had lots of laboratory experience), tutoring in biochemistry, and applying to schools. Two interviews last fall, two coming up, and many, many schools for whom I've heard nothing. I also retook the MCAT last August, b/c I thought I'd devote last spring to doing well in my coursework (which netted me a 3.9 for the semester).

Stinkycheese will probably say it again--1 year is possible, and is done, and some people get out with a research thesis(though usually not), and sometimes get into schools other than BU(though usually not). That is the vast minority. In my opinion, if you want to get the most options for medical school, the most acceptances, and get the most out of the program, I would go for two years.

After my application to 20 schools before, with one waitlist and no acceptances and a 2.6 undergrad GPA (2.3 BCPM), I wasn't taking chances.

 

[chocotaco]

I'm really sorry if this response was posted, but as far as rec letters, can we use our MD letters?

 

[blankguy]

Thanks for the clarification. One year approach sounded a bit of a rush job. Would you people recommend that I give an extra year to do some upper level electives to apply to this program? Right now I am looking to finish up the basci premed/predent requirements with Bio II and Orgo II this spring. It means gunning for fall 2006 matriculation. The web site recommends I do take a few upper level courses. I told Broitman that I was looking for fall 2006 matriculation.
First year is primarly coursework and 2nd is research and coursework?

And how does the research portion of the program work? I have no prior research experience. I am talking primarly lab research.
If I am looking to take courses while doing research, what is a resonable courseload?

 

[Singing Devil]

I'm really sorry if this response was posted, but as far as rec letters, can we use our MD letters?

My understanding is that you can, but you should contact the Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) office to be sure.

 

[blankguy]

What do you guys make up of the enrollment of this year being 160 up from 100? Dr. Broitman made it sound as if they are taking many people because this program doesn't just prep people for medical/dental schools but it is also for people who want to go to public health, healthcare management, etc... It seems the scope of the program is expanding.

 

[stinkycheese]

I would say so, although stinkycheese may disagree with me.

For anyone with a sub-3.0 GPA, I actually agree that two years is necessary. For people with 3.3+ and 27+, though, I do believe that a strong showing first semester can be enough to get the all-important interview and perhaps, an acceptance.

Stinkycheese will probably say it again--1 year is possible, and is done, and some people get out with a research thesis(though usually not), and sometimes get into schools other than BU(though usually not).

Nah, I don't want to repeat myself 🙂

That is the vast minority.

Absolutely true.

In my opinion, if you want to get the most options for medical school, the most acceptances, and get the most out of the program, I would go for two years.

I agree here as well. I believe I would have gotten into better schools if I had applied next year, but things worked out very well for me and I am totally happy with my decisions. For people with weaker applications such as sub-3.0 or sub-27, two years is definitely the way to go.

After my application to 20 schools before, with one waitlist and no acceptances and a 2.6 undergrad GPA (2.3 BCPM), I wasn't taking chances.

Are you one of Offner's tutors? You guys are all smarties. I am sure that things will work out for you, SD. 👍 Keep us posted.

 

[acrobat]

What courses should i already have taken for the bu program (and what is it's official name?) Have good things been said about georgetown's program?
I have a 3.6 gpa undergrad and I took the mcat once and got a 30P. My stats sound descent but next year will be my thrid yr applying so i am considering doing smething like this.vMy state schools are jsut really competitive. There is really no easy fix for my app

 

[ockhamsRzr]

What courses should i already have taken for the bu program (and what is it's official name?) Have good things been said about georgetown's program?
I have a 3.6 gpa undergrad and I took the mcat once and got a 30P. My stats sound descent but next year will be my thrid yr applying so i am considering doing smething like this.vMy state schools are jsut really competitive. There is really no easy fix for my app

According to their site,you need to have taken bio, orgo, genchem and physics (8 credits of each) and they strongly suggest having taken upper level bio courses...and of course have your bacc.

The program is the BU Masters of Arts in Medical Science (MAMS)...also called GMS (Graduate MAsters Science) for the prefix of the classes you're taking.

...and I thought Texas was the easiest state in the union to get into med school from...?

Good luck,

OckhamsRzr

 

[mungbean90024]

Hi there, I am looking to apply to the BU program for MA in medical sciences and I was just wondering how competitive it is to get in. How would one go about getting this information? Thanks.

 

[elonDO]

Hi there, I am looking to apply to the BU program for MA in medical sciences and I was just wondering how competitive it is to get in. How would one go about getting this information? Thanks.

If you have some specific questions, I'd say your best bet would be to call Dr. Broitman or Dr. Franzblau. Both are administrators of the program. I would say Dr. Broitman may be of the most help for you. If you have the phone number for the GMS office you should be able to get in touch with him.

 

[blankguy]

If you have some specific questions, I'd say your best bet would be to call Dr. Broitman or Dr. Franzblau. Both are administrators of the program. I would say Dr. Broitman may be of the most help for you. If you have the phone number for the GMS office you should be able to get in touch with him.

Dr. Broitman seems to be all to familiar with people with tarnished record. Very understanding but I guess I'll have to give him another ring for this too.

 

[blankguy]

Bump! Let's keep this thread going. 👍

What score in the GRE corresponds to 70th percentile??
How difficult is it in your experience to get into this program with a sub 3.0 GPA with outstanding marks in the recent coursework?

 

[sepaul]

I have two questions:
1. Can the credits you earn in the MA program be used in the MD program at BU or must you retake those classes?

2. Do you have to pay for two yearsw of tuition or one? If one, do you have to pay for summer tuition as well?

Thanks yall,
se

 

[Singing Devil]

I have two questions:
1. Can the credits you earn in the MA program be used in the MD program at BU or must you retake those classes?

2. Do you have to pay for two yearsw of tuition or one? If one, do you have to pay for summer tuition as well?

Thanks yall,
se

I'm thinking these were already answered earlier in the thread, but maybe not. I don't feel like combing through it to find out, though there is a lot of helpful info there.

1. yes--any course you take that is a full-fledged medical school course counts as credit, provided you earned a high enough grade (which I think is a B or B+).
2. You pay for each semester you are enrolled... the program requires you to be enrolled for four semesters, the summer counting as two. If you complete your coursework within two semesters (fall and spring), then you just register for continuation credits the next two semesters, and pay the minimum tuition (couple of thousand dollars)... if you take coursework, you pay full tuition. How long you pay tuition and take coursework is up to you and to your specific thesis, but it can be as short as two semesters and as long... well, as long as you like, I suppose. If you want to know specific costs and get into the nitty gritty (i.e. if the rough figure of ~$30,000 a year is not good enough for you), then you should email or call the school or check out the website.

http://cobalt.bumc.bu.edu/current/Catalog/medsci/masters.htm

 

[sepaul]

Here is what I want from a program:
1. A good degree that indicates I can compete with MD students.
2. A thesis in a lab
3. A reasonable tuition

For this reason I am considering: State U of Buffalo, UNMDJ, and BU.

Did anyone else research these schools? The main advantage is a decreased tuition (UNMDJ is 17K I can't find tuition on Buffalo). I guess the disadvantage with BU would be the "extra" consideration BU MA students get.

Anyone else have an opinion on this?
-se

 

[jintonic5]

i know i read it somewhere but i don't remember... what's the acceptance rate again?

 

[Phil Anthropist]

sepaul--

There's a big UMDNJ thread on page two of the postbac forum (if you haven't looked at it already). Are you talking about the University of Buffalo (SUNY) School of Medicine and Biosciences programs? If so, which one? I'd say go for the UMDNJ or BU programs over Buffalo--just because the former are more established. I also don't know if Buffalo lets you take medical courses. UMDNJ and BU definitely provide that--and you're looking to prove you can compete with med students.

jintonic5--
On their webpage it's something like ~60% get into med school during the program and ~85% eventually (if I remember correctly).

 

[jintonic5]

jintonic5--
On their webpage it's something like ~60% get into med school during the program and ~85% eventually (if I remember correctly).

sorry for the confusion- i meant what's the acceptance rate to get into the BUMAMS program?

 

[Phil Anthropist]

sorry for the confusion- i meant what's the acceptance rate to get into the BUMAMS program?

Sorry! 😳

Not sure