Bu mams 2010

[tay33]

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Hey guys, I am applying to SMP's. I would like to discuss whether BU will wait for my MCAT scores. I understand the deadline is 31st, but I am taking April 23rd MCAT. I won't receive my scores until May 25th. I will have everything else for the application in before then, though.

Do they continue accepting students through summer?

Thanks for your help

I think their website says they don't have a deadline for applications. They continue to accept students through summer or until the class is full. Just make sure you contact the admissions office to let them know your scores are on the way. I think in their acceptance letter they made a note about capping class size this year so obviously the sooner you get your scores in the better.

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

Thanks a lot, I just talked to Michelle and she said it is rolling until August. You're correct though, I want to get it in asap.

 

[DrFLAGATORS]

As for the personal statement questions about your qualifications and objectives for educational program; research activities; publications; independent studies...How did you guys write about this? Did you write anything from your medical school personal statement? Or, did you write a completely separate essay for each?

Also, the application asks me to list all courses in my intended area of study that have been or will be completed before enrollment. Is it talking about graduate courses at BU that I have take (I didn't go there). Or, courses from my undergrad, including foreign language courses?

Thanks for the help again. I'm glad I found these forums

 

[kaDa]

Yo do any of you guys know how often they make admission decisions? Once a month? I didn't get my last rec. letter in until Feb 24th and am curious ~when I'll hear back. Also any thoughts on how this program compares to the Tulane One Year program?

 

[camaras2480]

As for the personal statement questions about your qualifications and objectives for educational program; research activities; publications; independent studies...How did you guys write about this? Did you write anything from your medical school personal statement? Or, did you write a completely separate essay for each?

Just give a general idea of each category. Don't go crazy - no one wants to read several pages haha

Also, the application asks me to list all courses in my intended area of study that have been or will be completed before enrollment. Is it talking about graduate courses at BU that I have take (I didn't go there). Or, courses from my undergrad, including foreign language courses?

All your courses.

 

[camaras2480]

Yo do any of you guys know how often they make admission decisions? Once a month? I didn't get my last rec. letter in until Feb 24th and am curious ~when I'll hear back. Also any thoughts on how this program compares to the Tulane One Year program?

There is no regular meeting - they work on it as often as they can. If I'm not mistaken, there is ton of activity around May. No need to really worry, I know people that got accepted well into the summer each year.

I think Tulane's program is your best choice if your intention is to go to Tulane Medical. Then that program gives you an excellent chance. Also note that several BU GMS grads have been accepted to Tulane Med. Several. But overall, BU's program is far more established, far more recognized, and makes you a stronger candidate for most medical schools across the country. Yeah, the BU program is 2 years, but it is certainly reasonable to complete it in 1 year if your intention is to start Med School right away (that is, starting GMS in September 2010 and Med in August 2011).

Just my two cents! Feel free to ask any other questions!

 

[kaDa]

Thanks for the response...I should have mentioned I'm pre-dental. I called BU and was told they won't be looking at apps for the oral health sciences track until more come in...I was told there's usually 100-150 applications for ~15 spots.

 

[camaras2480]

Thanks for the response...I should have mentioned I'm pre-dental. I called BU and was told they won't be looking at apps for the oral health sciences track until more come in...I was told there's usually 100-150 applications for ~15 spots.

Yeah, that's about right. If I were to guess, you are looking at around May... good luck!

 

[Neuro1017]

Any new acceptances? This cycle seems to be off to a slow start!

 

[dispatcher]

I know the 2-yr vs. 1-yr debate about BU MAMS has been all over the place, and everyone's probably sick of talking about it. But I'd like to address one part of the debate: when, in each track, you're to apply for med school.

I'd read a post that outlined the following:
1 year track: take classes in fall/spring semseters, apply for med school, do library thesis over two summer semesters, then you're done.
2 year track: classes in fall/spring, apply for med school, thesis work/maybe more classes/whatever spread over the summer and second year.

I'm assuming this is correct. If so, what's the advantage of getting finished in 1 year? You'll still be going through the same application cycle, and will still have another year to wait.

I'm asking because: my committee rec letter will 3 years old for this year's cycle - too old to hold onto and use in next year's cycle. If I were to apply, get lucky, and get in to BU MAMS Fall 2010 I'd want to apply this June (before starting the program), complete the program in one year, then (if i get really lucky) start med school the fall of the following year (2011).
Is this possible? I know there's the caveat of med schools not being interested until they can see grades. Would that alone make my plan a complete bust?

 

[plsfoldthx]

I just sent all my stuff in April 1st. My GPA is a 3.157 cGPA and a 3.07 sGPA (BS biochem)... I took my GREs in February and got a 540V 790Q and 5.0W. I take MCATs April 23rd.

How long does it take to receive an acceptance/rejection?

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I just sent all my stuff in April 1st. My GPA is a 3.157 cGPA and a 3.07 sGPA (BS biochem)... I took my GREs in February and got a 540V 790Q and 5.0W. I take MCATs April 23rd.

How long does it take to receive an acceptance/rejection?

depends on how much the like/dislike you. i got my acceptance the day or so after submitting, but it was also much later when they aren't busy.

don't double post.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

they sent me an email i think. or was it a phone call.. can't remember. either way, they let me know - but i was cutting it way close

 

[LOSAR]

does anyone know the average stats of accepted applicants? I'm thinking of applying here simply because the program has had placed successful applicants into Canadian schools but I'm unsure if I would be accepted with my stats.

 

[klmnop]

What Canadian schools are you talking about?

 

[LOSAR]

UofT mostly.

 

[Ch1tybang]

Just got accepted after speaking with Michelle. How big is the average class size?

 

[Ch1tybang]

I thought bleargh posted this at the top of this page of the thread but it is 180 or 182 roughly. About 130-150 of those do the physio and histo as split over 2 semesters and the rest do those 2 classes with the med students. Some students end up switching into other programs if they are not doing well. that's pretty much the gist.

Thanks...as for the 1 year vs. 2 year topic, I'm leaning towards doing the 2 year track. If I do go with the 2 year path, do most students apply after the first year of the program for med school (i.e. next June ish)?
How many elective classes can you take on top of the research units?

Anyone need a roommate?

 

[BecCornell2010]

Thanks...as for the 1 year vs. 2 year topic, I'm leaning towards doing the 2 year track. If I do go with the 2 year path, do most students apply after the first year of the program for med school (i.e. next June ish)?
How many elective classes can you take on top of the research units?

Anyone need a roommate?

i might need a roommate!

 

[Ch1tybang]

So the way it works, if you do track 1 which has physio split over 2 semesters as physio a/physio b and histo a/histo b. If you do all the medical classes histo, physio, endo, immuno, and required biostats if you don't waive out and the biomed info class and biochem, well then there is no real room for electives as even though those are 26 credits split as 13 and 13 it is a lot of work.
However, if you have the time and money while doing year 2 i.e. research year, you can always take more classes then. Not everyone chooses to do histo or immuno. People sometimes don't do one or the other. SO people who do immuno may not do histo and vice versa. In track 1 most do it all. In track 2, many really choose not to do histo or immuno cuz its more packed in spring semester with 18 credits. Many of them do a grad elective, often pharm and also their biostats in fall with biochem.

Most people focus on research and applying while in second year of GMS. Some do take extra classes if they need to boost up GPA some. That's essentially the gist of it.

You rock. thanks!
What are some popular areas for students to live?

 

[plsfoldthx]

If I start BAMS in Fall of 2010, when's the earliest I can be considered for matriculation into BU Med? 2012?

 

[Crisco]

If I start BAMS in Fall of 2010, when's the earliest I can be considered for matriculation into BU Med? 2012?

Yes.
If you start fall 2010, your first year will end may 2011. You will apply Summer 2011. Then you basically wait a year (like every other med school applicant) and would matriculate 2012.

Few other random information. Don't know if it really matters:
1) All students will be required to have computers next year, and the exams for some classes will be completely personal computer based.

2) Generally 180 students are in the program

3) The number of GMS (MAMS) students that get into BU medicine varies depending on the number of seats set aside + the left over seats from accepted students who decide not to go to BU. Generally you will see 25-35 students from the GMS program going into BU medicine.

 

[Crisco]

does anyone know the average stats of accepted applicants? I'm thinking of applying here simply because the program has had placed successful applicants into Canadian schools but I'm unsure if I would be accepted with my stats.

Average stat varies a lot.

Most I would say, from personal experience, has a GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5. MCAT, it SHOULD hover around the 30-33s by the time you apply to med school. It is on average, much lower, for those who are actually applying to the program.

With that said, they look at a lot of things such as an upward trend in your GPA and other possible potentials. There are students with lower than 3.0 GPA who do get into the program as well as those with lower than 3.0 who have gotten into BU medicine.

 

[klmnop]

Yes.
If you start fall 2010, your first year will end may 2011. You will apply Summer 2011. Then you basically wait a year (like every other med school applicant) and would matriculate 2012.

Not true, you can apply to BU this summer and be considered for acceptance in Fall of 2011, though this is usually reserved for already stellar applicants... thus for the normal MAMS student, this is not a realistic option.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Bleargh,

If around please do chime in. You probably know boston areas better then me.

hard to say what people prefer. you can pretty much live anywhere in boston and be fine - it's a small city. if there were specific q's i could answer

 

[Crisco]

Not true, you can apply to BU this summer and be considered for acceptance in Fall of 2011, though this is usually reserved for already stellar applicants... thus for the normal MAMS student, this is not a realistic option.

Well in that kind of situation, it's more likely that you would've gotten in anyway or was just barely falling short. I doubt even 5 people in a given year can go this route (meaning, they go to MAMS because they're not competitive enough, but get in after 1 semester at MAMS). But yes, technically, you can try that. Honestly though, not the right program to do this. Georgetown one is MUCH better if you wanna go this route. (Enter program 2010 and matriculate to med at 2011)

 

[klmnop]

agreed, but i just wanted the readers to know its possible

 

[diva09]

Hello all,

I am very forunate enough to have to choose between three programs. I just called Ms. Michelle Hall and I was informed that I was accepted into the BU MAMS!!! I am very excited. However, what is the difference between the Tufts MBS program and the BU program? I have already paid my money to the Tufts MBS program because I had three weeks to decide.

Can people give their opinion on which program is a better choice
I applied to UMDNJ Newark MBS program because I am a Jersey resident but i think Tufts and BU may have a better program.

Thoughts anyone???

Thanks!

 

[klmnop]

Hello all,

I am very forunate enough to have to choose between three programs. I just called Ms. Michelle Hall and I was informed that I was accepted into the BU MAMS!!! I am very excited. However, what is the difference between the Tufts MBS program and the BU program? I have already paid my money to the Tufts MBS program because I had three weeks to decide.

Can people give their opinion on which program is a better choice
I applied to UMDNJ Newark MBS program because I am a Jersey resident but i think Tufts and BU may have a better program.

Thoughts anyone???

Thanks!

My opinion: I like Tufts because of A) smaller class size, B) more focused/ rigid curriculum, C) great advertised success rate and to good schools, D) they seem to offer more support for applying during the program, but this is debatable, E) the masters program can be two-years like BU, but most students complete it in one full year, D) the top 25% automatic interview after completion [with about 50% actually interviewed]

These may not be large deviations from the BU program, but when you consider they are in pretty much the same place, both have great reputations ad undergrad/grad schools, both are successful in their med-acceptance rates... that little bump is pushing me toward Tufts.

 

[diva09]

My opinion: I like Tufts because of A) smaller class size, B) more focused/ rigid curriculum, C) great advertised success rate and to good schools, D) they seem to offer more support for applying during the program, but this is debatable, E) the masters program can be two-years like BU, but most students complete it in one full year, D) the top 25% automatic interview after completion [with about 50% actually interviewed]

These may not be large deviations from the BU program, but when you consider they are in pretty much the same place, both have great reputations ad undergrad/grad schools, both are successful in their med-acceptance rates... that little bump is pushing me toward Tufts.

Hello klmnop,

Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention that I am interested in pursuing an MPH for my own personal enrichment.

Once again thank you for your opinion on the two programs. I feel like they are very similar as well.

Thanks

 

[klmnop]

So does anyone know, for Tufts and BU...to continue on to MPH from MBS or MAMS, do you have to complete the MBS/MAMS degree (either in the summer or the next year) or do you simply switch programs and use the second year to do the MPH. Not sure if that made sense.

 

[Crisco]

I believe at BU you are still part of MAMS and can use your MPH stuff to do a thesis if you want and get the dual degrees at the same time not necessarily finish one and start the other. Can ask the couple of people I know who are doing this what the story is.

From what I know, you spent your first year doing mams, then basically dedicate all of your second year to get your MPH.

 

[SpaceDoc18]

I'm applying to this program now, but honestly the two year commitment is a major turn off. Especially if they want you to write a thesis :/
I've already written a thesis for a MS (Engr)

 

[ardvaark]

Hello! I am new to this whole studentdoctor.net forum. I heard back at the beginning of this week that I have been accepted to the BU Oral Health Sciences Track program. I will be attending.

Are there any other pre-dents on here who have also heard back and plan to attend?

Now, I need to find an apartment/roommate >_< If anyone is still looking for a roommate, and would like to find an apartment, please let me know. Or, better yet, if you have found an apartment and need a roommate also let me know. I feel like this part is going to be tough considering the great amount of students living in Boston and the high cost of living there.

On that note, for those of you still waiting on decisions, best of luck! 🙂

 

[happysnail]

Hello ardvaark,
I was wondering when you submitted your application for the oral health track program? I got my "completed application" email about 2 weeks ago and am trying to predict when I might hear back them too. Also, did they interview you first?

 

[Ch1tybang]

Hello ardvaark,
I was wondering when you submitted your application for the oral health track program? I got my "completed application" email about 2 weeks ago and am trying to predict when I might hear back them too. Also, did they interview you first?

Looking for a roommate as well...Im flying out there in June/July to lock down a place.

 

[sheep88]

Looking for a roommate as well...Im flying out there in June/July to lock down a place.

I was accepted to this program in late March and am 90% sure I'll be attending (only waiting to hear back from Drexel's MD program). I am planning to visit this summer too to look for a place to live and to visit the school. I am looking for a potential roommate so let me know if you're interested! 😀

Also, I want to get more info about housing and actually visiting the school. Does anyone know if they have an open house or who would be best to contact about a visit? Thanks in advance!

Good luck to everyone still applying or waiting for a decision!

 

[desmosomes]

Currently a 1st year GMS (a.k.a. MAMS) student at BU. I got good advice on StudentDoc last year about the program, so, just returning the favor. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the program. But, please don't ask me questions that have already been answered here.

I also agree with some of the other posters in this forum about housing. It costs more to live closer to the med campus, but depending on your personality, it might be worth it. I live right across from school and it takes away a lot of stress not having to worry about traffic. Boston traffic is HORRIBLE! Especially during rush hour or on Massachusetts Ave (a.k.a. Mass Ave) where there's almost always constuction. So, yes, it might cost a bit more, but an hour commute each way from the med campus to Allston/Brighton area (near main campus) is not worth it to me. That's 2 hrs out of my day wasted, when I could be studying. Because you will be STUDYING your little butts off in this program. Not only does it save time and stress living closer, but it's more likely you'll make it to more classes. It gets COLD + snowy during the winter, and when lectures are available online and your apt is nice and cozy, you're going to be less inclined to suffer outside to get to class.

The two current popular across-the-street housing options are BU-owned Harrison Court + James Court. IMO, Harrison is kinda grimy and very poorly ventilated. James is newer, cleaner, and has a 24-hr concierge-meaning they can call you cabs, hold your packages (so they don't get stolen or sent back), and spot suspicious ppl coming into the building. Also, James has a small fitness center + allows pets, both of which are not available at Harrison. And the front desk has free coffee + tea all day! I originally almost chose Harrison because it's a LITTLE bit cheaper, but decided on James because the little difference in price was more than made up for with James' amenities. I have friends who pay $1850 and $1900 each for their own one-bdrm in Harrison, while I pay $2000 for a 1-bdrm in James. Not that big of a diff if you're already gonna fork over that much for rent. 2-bdrms in James are around $2650. You can also split your 1-bdrm (in either Harrison + James) by partitioning off part of the living room as a room. This a popular option for many students.

3rd option available starting this Fall is the new 610 Albany apts, which are supposed to be as nice as James and similar price to H + J. I think you'll have to get on the waitlist, though, since I had a friend just get a spot from being on the waitlist.

I'll try to post more later if I remember other questions I had from last year during the admissions process.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

i only agree with it 98.2%

 

[ardvaark]

Hello ardvaark,
I was wondering when you submitted your application for the oral health track program? I got my "completed application" email about 2 weeks ago and am trying to predict when I might hear back them too. Also, did they interview you first?

Hey!

I submitted my online application on January 15th and it was confirmed complete February 16th. I also was not interviewed at all. Honestly, I had not heard anything from BU until I received my acceptance packet in my mailbox. (It's a large envelope, so you'll know for sure!)
I know because they take so few students, they probably like to take their time when reviewing applicants, so if you don't hear back as soon as with other special masters programs, don't worry... BU was my first app to be submitted and last for me to hear back from.

Best of luck to you!!!!

 

[Ch1tybang]

Slightly off topic....I know there is a gym on the main campus but is that the one where most GMS students go?

 

[BecCornell2010]

Thank you for all of the help with housing! Do you know if there is a waitlist for James Court?

 

[Doctormo24]

Is there a minimum MCAT score to apply for the MAMs program?

I would love to apply but i'm thinking ( i still havent received my mcat scores) but thinking that I may score less than 20 and wondering is it worth it for me to apply?

I do plan to re-take the MCAT again.

 

[desmosomes]

Thank you for all of the help with housing! Do you know if there is a waitlist for James Court?

No waitlist that I know of at James, but I guess any place that gets filled up would have one. Only waitlist I know of for sure is the one at the 610 Albany place. And I think Harrison might have one if it gets filled, since it's BU housing.

 

[klmnop]

Is there a minimum MCAT score to apply for the MAMs program?

I would love to apply but i'm thinking ( i still havent received my mcat scores) but thinking that I may score less than 20 and wondering is it worth it for me to apply?

I do plan to re-take the MCAT again.

I don't think there's a minimum, but the avg. will be about 28-30 and I don't think it will be worth your time to apply until you can raise it to this.

 

[redsquareblack]

You can pay $180 dollars for June to June but be warned even if you get it like past June it is the same amount and also expires in June. But this is for South End Fitness center off of North Hampton street across from CVS. Its in the 4th floor of the building directly across from the cvs at the corner of Harrison and N. Hampton. And you have to pay the GMS office a check or cash but not credit card for it.

Also, there is another gym near the church off of washington street that my friend likes better.

Finally, if you live in James Court they have an in apartment building gym.

As far as the FitRec on main campus goes, yes, membership there is free. It's a pretty badass gym, though it does tend to get busy at times.

 

[Ch1tybang]

Oh its awesome, BUT..................

Its way too far when you are strapped for time. That's what I hated about it.

Yeah it seems like south end fitness is the best bet. Now I just gotta get motivated to start working out again...

 

[RogueUnicorn]

just wanted to throw out there that the figure for med school acceptances is 70%, NOT including carib.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

Hey bleargh, does that also exclude DO acceptances? just curious what you've heard.

includes DO. info from

 

[FutureOncDoc]

I was accepted back in mid-March and sent in my deposit. I'm having second thoughts now because I really just want a program that I can be done in one year. I know you can do the MAMS in one year, but I feel like i've read a lot of negative things about doing that. Are most people entering this fall doing the program in two year?