Hi
@cwx216 and
@megan1010 , so I have quite a few questions if you can answer them, and I just got accepted to the program... I'll just list them below
Do most of the students complete the program in one year? Or are more done in two years?
If you get above a certain GPA in the program/MCAT score, will you be given an interview at the BU Med school?
How difficult is it to get a stellar GPA at the program? I know it is difficult, but I just want to know if it is possible or not...
Where are all the classes located?
How are the facilities/classrooms?
Are the professors helpful? I've heard that in some special masters programs, the SMP students are just an after thought/revenue stream for the medical school since the tuition is pretty high.
For the students that don't get into the BU Med school, do they find success applying to other programs?
How much does one's MCAT score improve after the program?
Are there opportunities for TA jobs/Research/Extra curriculurs, or are you only going to be studying?
Are you taking actual medical school classes for credit?
How large are the class sizes?
For those who do not go into medical school afterwards, do they go onto dental school, or other professions where you can use a MS in Medical sciences?
Thanks!
I was accepted to the program for the fall as well, so take my information for what it's worth. I am neurotic with getting questions asked so hopefully this helps with you a bit!
Just to give you some information I have gathered review the web, talking with Dr. Offner, Facebook, and browsing SDN:
- It is most advisable to do the program in two years. You applied to the program for whatever reason, lets say low GPA. You take 3 classes in the fall, all the while working on secondaries and waiting for interview invitations. Dr. Offner would send an update of your progress in the courses, but what would it say? They did well on one exam, but...cant say much else because its only October. Plus you would be jeopardizing your grades to work on your application.
- There is no guarantee for a BU interview. However, your application is considered in a separate pool with other MAMS students. While it doesn't secure a spot, it certainly helps because they can look at your application separate from the other 5,000 they receive. BUSM knows the MAMS reputation.
- I have read of people who have received a 4.0. What i have gathered is that this program, along with any other program, medical school, or life journey, is what you put into it. So if you study enough, learn from your mistakes, and really apply yourself to the course work and learning the material, you will do well.
- I believe the classes are located on the medical campus, which is different from the BU regular campus.
- You can look
here for a list of schools that students have been accepted to. I believe the MAMS program bolsters a mid 70% acceptance rate for graduates. There is no guarantee that you would get in to a medical school program, that all depends on you and your application. The MAMS program will help if you do well, but you still have to have the EC's, shadowing, PS, interview skills, etc.
- I have read that old MCAT scores increased 3-4 points, so you can convert accordingly.
- The first semester it is highly suggested that you only commit to classes. While no one holds other activities against you, and you are an adult so you can do what you see fit, it is highly suggested to wait until second semester or second year to do extra curricular activities/research/TA. And yes, there are opportunities for research and TA if you so choose.
- There are only medical school equivalent classes, not for credit. Although the information is very similar, they are equivalent classes. There are some SMP's that you can receive credit for taking their course work (Cincinnati? GTown?) but this is not one of them. Don't get me wrong, the courses are designed to be just as rigorous. I have read that MAMS students are well prepared when they enter med school and struggle less than their peers.
- An MS in medical sciences is best for research or more schooling. Like most SMP's, this program is designed to attract students who want to pursue medical school and are deficient in either GPA or MCAT, or they just need more experience. This program isn't geared toward dental, although i have read some pre-dent students going through. Some go through DO school, others go find other jobs. Depends on what you want to do.
Again, I am starting this program in the fall, and the above is only what I have gathered in my own quest for information. I could be wrong on a few things (or everything for that matter!) but I figured I would share the information I have come across.
