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What did you decide?
Bu: Mams 2012-2013
Started by mprs
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What did you decide?
Going to BU this Fall.
Good, what were some of the motivating factors in that choice?
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I believe RFU is good for getting into it's linked medical school right? Outside of that, I don't think it has too much success. The choice should be between whether you want to gamble in applying to variety of schools if you do well at BU, versus whether having 1 secure place you can go is better. BU is hard and for some even their hardest may not quite feel sufficient. So you gotta be prepared for that.
The state you are from also matters. For example, if you're from California, the odds you will go back to a UC school is close to nill from a SMP, due to the ridiculous amount of competition. In that case, you should be accept the fact that you will end up somewhere else. Very few exceptional students manage to get back into the UC system for medical school.
This is with the assumption that RFU had some kind of linkage, which I thought it did, but can't quite clearly remember.
I understand that BU is tough but at the same time I feel that if I can't do well at BU, how am I going to do at RFU? I have a lot of state schools, MD/DO, available to me and being able to go to a nicer or cheaper school would be a plus.
The only linkage that RFU has is that if you apply to any program at the school you will be guaranteed an interview. But past SDN threads reveal that 80% usually matriculate into their med school.
The only linkage that RFU has is that if you apply to any program at the school you will be guaranteed an interview. But past SDN threads reveal that 80% usually matriculate into their med school.
Hey guys,
For those of you who have completed the mams program, what did your daily class schedule look like? Where you in class all day, or usually did you finish by noon?
I wonder if there's time during the semester to squeeze in studying for mcat :/
Thanks!
For those of you who have completed the mams program, what did your daily class schedule look like? Where you in class all day, or usually did you finish by noon?
I wonder if there's time during the semester to squeeze in studying for mcat :/
Thanks!
Theres absolutely no time to fit in studying for the mcat until possibly the end of the spring semester, depending on how heavy your course load is. In the fall expect to do nothing but go to class and study. Usually we would be in class starting 9 am, maybe have an hour or two break in between and then class till 1-3ish. Afterwards you'd spend your time studying. I took my MCAT before my program started, and now when everyone else is focusing on it I have time to do other things.
Hey so I am in the same boat as you. LU's and BU's MAMS programs both sound great, BU has the "advantage" of a mandatory thesis which may look great for interviews, but I worry the program is more focused on providing a rigorous course load rather than focusing on getting students into medical school (which is honestly what we are paying for). Loyola seems to have a really great community and supportive environment with a strict emphasis on doing what you have to do to get into medical school. They give tons of options for volunteer work and supposedly options for research as well (to compensate for not having a mandatory thesis). It's been tough to decide between the two, have you decided yet?
I am curious what people usually do for the dissertation/research at BU, I plan on finishing in one year so that I can get a job during my "glide" year so I'd like to get the research done ASAP.
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Recently visited BU looking into the schools, and partly this question. As anywhere, a masters thesis would primarily be something you are experienced in researching in undergrad. For me it was psychophysics, and I found options to do a thesis project at the psychophysical or cellular level. Maybe this will be your first thesis, or research project, but BU has a BIG building across from the med school devoted to med school research with lots of opportunity in labs.
Thank you, that helps a lot!
Nevermind, I was not accepted today. Curious as to what was the problems in my app were, maybe the pool is super talented? Enjoy, everyone attending!
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May I ask what your stats (test score, gpa) were? I recently looked into applying but am not sure if I should bother...
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Here's my review of the program!
Hope it helps 🙂
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=12711307#post12711307
Thank you, that was very informative. Good luck on your admissions cycle.
Will you click on my MDapps profile, the link is to the left of this post.
Hey guys, congrats on your acceptances to BU. It's an awesome program and I hope you love it!
I'm moving out soon (in a few days) from my apt in Harrison Court (right across from school) and need to get rid of my stuff. This includes: bed+mattress, 2 desks, office chair, printer, small dining table + 5 chairs, microwave, toaster oven, (unused) utensils, 2 floor lamps, 2 storage containers w/drawers, and I'm sure there's more that I'm missing.
Please PM me if you're interested! I'll sell everything for a super cheap price (you name it) and throw in anything else you want too. Thanks! 👍
I'm moving out soon (in a few days) from my apt in Harrison Court (right across from school) and need to get rid of my stuff. This includes: bed+mattress, 2 desks, office chair, printer, small dining table + 5 chairs, microwave, toaster oven, (unused) utensils, 2 floor lamps, 2 storage containers w/drawers, and I'm sure there's more that I'm missing.
Please PM me if you're interested! I'll sell everything for a super cheap price (you name it) and throw in anything else you want too. Thanks! 👍
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Where's the best area to be looking for housing?
I really don't want to be too far from campus. i know it's pretty expensive to live closer to campus... Looking at craigslist and I am overwhelmed by the different locations. Any particular area I should zero in on?
I really don't want to be too far from campus. i know it's pretty expensive to live closer to campus... Looking at craigslist and I am overwhelmed by the different locations. Any particular area I should zero in on?
Hey all, second year MAMS student here! Just wanted to say good luck this upcoming year... be prepared for one of the hardest years of your life, especially first semester! Other fellow second years/alums were not lying that on average you may find yourself studying 10 hours a day in addition to lectures during the first semester (it eases a little during the second)... but it is well worth it! I will be helping out with orientation this year with GMSSO (student government). If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Everything in Boston is pretty much close to anywhere you want to go, especially with the T system. I live about 3-4 blocks away from the med school right on Mass Ave, and its a great location to go to class and when you have to stay late to study. However its very expensive and all the restaurants around here are expensive (though amazing most of the time too). So take it with a grain of salt. I'd recommend fenway, on the BU main campus, and then theres also brighton/allston and cambridge, but expect at least 45 minutes to an hour commute to school.
EDIT: Classes are held in the medical school. 72 East Concord Ave, Boston, MA 02118. Hope that helps!
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This is where the med school is, and where all of your classes will be:
https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf...=us&ei=c3sQUP7SBeWM6QH1n4H4Ag&ved=0CAoQ8gEwAA
https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf...=us&ei=c3sQUP7SBeWM6QH1n4H4Ag&ved=0CAoQ8gEwAA
Hey everyone, another second year checking in. Feel free to message me or post with any questions about the MAMS program.
I live in Allston, a neighborhood near the undergraduate BU campus. There is a shuttle that goes to BUSM, but as giants25 said, it takes around 45 minutes or so each way. I used that time to study each day, but I know some people can't or won't. If a commute is less of an issue than cost Allston is a good alternative to the area around BUSM. There are some places that are a little dicey (especially the streets around Stanley Ringer park), but for the most part it is mainly students... and hipsters. Lots of hipsters.
With regards to the hours you put in, you really have to learn a lot of material very well, very quickly to get an A. Unfortunately for most, this does indeed mean that most of each day throughout the entire week is devoted to class or study, especially in the first semester. Furthermore, you really don't want to come out with a low GPA - that is counter productive to the point of the program. Just be relentless about putting the work in, and try to avoid getting sick. I would drink emergen-C mixed with OJ if I felt under the weather.
Anyway, sorry to ramble on. Good luck!
I live in Allston, a neighborhood near the undergraduate BU campus. There is a shuttle that goes to BUSM, but as giants25 said, it takes around 45 minutes or so each way. I used that time to study each day, but I know some people can't or won't. If a commute is less of an issue than cost Allston is a good alternative to the area around BUSM. There are some places that are a little dicey (especially the streets around Stanley Ringer park), but for the most part it is mainly students... and hipsters. Lots of hipsters.
With regards to the hours you put in, you really have to learn a lot of material very well, very quickly to get an A. Unfortunately for most, this does indeed mean that most of each day throughout the entire week is devoted to class or study, especially in the first semester. Furthermore, you really don't want to come out with a low GPA - that is counter productive to the point of the program. Just be relentless about putting the work in, and try to avoid getting sick. I would drink emergen-C mixed with OJ if I felt under the weather.
Anyway, sorry to ramble on. Good luck!
Hey everyone, I'm curious if being a clinical lab tech would benefit me in the MAMS program.
I currently have my bachelors degree and I've been thinking if I should delay my application for a year and become a clinical lab tech and gain experience then apply for the program.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I currently have my bachelors degree and I've been thinking if I should delay my application for a year and become a clinical lab tech and gain experience then apply for the program.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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It depends. What's your gpa, mcat, grade trend, ec look like? Why did you feel like you needed this in the first place? More importantly, why are you second guessing this decision?
If you really think about it, what would this job accomplish? Sure it may add to your application but the MAMS program is all about taking med school classes the first year. Being a lab tech wouldn't directly aid you in any way. Indirectly, if you feel burnt out it would be great because you could come into this program ready to hit the ground running.
I screwed up during undergrad so my gpa is horrible and i havent taken the mcat. I planned on taking the gre for the application and mcat after the program. I felt like I needed this because of experience and the connections that I would make during an internship and working in the field. I have no lab experience other than in the classroom and I would like to do a lab thesis during my second year.
In that case, yes the job would benefit you but it would only be for the second year of the program when or if you are working on the lab thesis. Since you are working on fixing your gpa, your primary concern is to get the best grades possible in the first year of the mams program.
Sure your connections may help you get your application in the door but adcom members need to know that your gpa is not indicative of your inability to handle med school coursework. Your connections may open a few doors but it probably wouldn't open as many doors as it would by doing well in the first year of the mams program, which would provide you with a record of good performance in med classes AND a Dean's letter from the MAMS program. Also keep in mind that this letter will essentially be endorsed by BUSM adcoms since some of the professors and advisors are adcom members.
As for experience, I've seen older threads about how people did research in the lab or in the hospital doing chart reviews. I'm sure BU will provide us with training regardless of experience.
In my opinion, you would gain little value from deferring your application for the lab tech job. It sounds like you'd be running samples such as bloodwork or urine vs doing actual research. In which case, it wouldn't even help for the lab thesis. Connections won't help unless you can prove you can perform at a high level. Of course, if taking a year off will personally enrich you or provide you with life experience then it may be worth it.
I have applied to this program and am still waiting to hear back, however, medical school is not a for sure thing in my future. I also have interests in pursuing a PhD in biomedical science, or an MD/PhD. Does anyone know if there are students who go through this program in hopes to pursue a research career, or is this strictly a medical school program?
http://www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/gateway/...-successes-allopathic-non-us-medical-schools/
It looks like the majority go to med school since that is the intent of the program. Those who do otherwise are listed towards the bottom. You've got nursing, podiatry, and law in the last few years. Thankfully you can do a thesis which will probably be of more help for a PhD program. You're better off contacting the program directly since students who post success stories on here usually post about getting into medical school.
I actually have several questions. One, considering that housing is incredibly expensive around campus, is it do-able to commute everyday and still do decently well, or do you know people that have? Second question regards to having a dual masters, do you have to pay a separate tuition if for example, you want to get a Masters in Public Health? And last question, for those that opt to do a dual Masters degree, are they stretching themselves too thin? Will one risk his/her grades or hurt his/her chances of doing well in the MAMS program by doing a dual program or even a concentration? If you could also give us an insight on what to expect as far as the amount of studying time one would need to dedicate in order to get A's in the classes or how hard the professors are and such....Thanks...
Do you get paid as a TA? Are there any ways to make money around campus such as research labs and such...considering that we're paying an arm and a leg to go there lol?
Yes, Yes, and I dont think so. People who do dual degrees actually spend an extra year before applying so they can take their MPH courses. So I don't see how it would interfere.Though beware if you do a concentration or MPH, some of your electives need to be geared towards that degree. Therefore you end up taking less science courses (ie instead of taking medical immunology or pathology you would take clinical investigation)
The professors are phenomenal and always willing to help. And it varies on study time, though for myself and my friends it was anywhere from 4-5 hours a day to 10+ depending on what exams we had going on. Id say on average you will be studying close to 6 hours a day not including classes.
But the program really pays off. I've had 4x as many interviews as I had last time I applied, all on almost the first week or second week of the interview seasons for each school, and all the schools seemed to know BUs reputation for their MAMS program. I dont know if other newer SMPs would have had that same reaction.
You can get paid as a TA or a tutor. Finding a job around a research lab for your second year is very possible, its just that most places are looking for a 2 year commitment, rather than a 1 year, so you just have to search much harder. I wouldn't recommend working or doing research your first year though. Your entire goal that year is to study and it will take up all of your time.
Heya there zorro, I'm at UCLA now, finishing a biochem degree with a 3.4-3.5 (only at UCLA) by the time I'm done, with a 30R MCAT. A lot like you.
I appreciate your post, but now face a big decision on what to do next. It's disheartening to see someone like you, with a good GPA and MCAT, plus exemplary performance in a tough SMP, not get anywhere with allopathic schools. It seems like the writing is on the wall, to me.
And, I've thought about going to Boston University and doing the MAMS, then, during the second year, getting into the MBS dual degree program. Or, going to Tufts, and doing basically the same thing.
I've thought to myself, "How could any medical school in the country not want someone that has a MA/MBS, a biochem degree from UCLA, and a decent MCAT, tons of ECs and clinical experience, and as handsome as me?" Apparently, not many allopathic medical schools do.
So, I'm considering going to one of the linkage schools, like Rosalind Franklin, or East Virginia Medical School...
... or, sucking it up and becoming a DO. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but we all know that MD residencies are being limited to MDs, due to recent AMA stuff. That's my primary reason for not considering the DO option.
I'm posting this because I'm hoping that some other Californians with stats similar to ours will post, here, and possibly explain why they've been willing to take the gamble that they did with Boston University's MAMS program.
All I know is that attending an SMP without a decent linkage to its affiliated medical school is more of a gamble for Californians without a homestate advantage, and it seems like most SMPs are FULL of Californians like us. IMO, I think that we should create a sticky for Californians showing a risk vs reward chart of some kind, and a listing of best possible choices, to make things easier. There is too much at stake for us to dive into 70 thousand dollars worth of debt and no guarantees of acceptance to gamble on programs like this. I don't want to be 2 years older in basically the same place I'm at now, with a pretty decent shot at getting into a decent DO program at Western, AZCOM, or wherever else, with the baggage of student loans following me around.
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Do you pay separate tuition for the MPH if you decide to go in that route? And do you take most of your MA classes in the first year and then take MPH classes the second year? Thanks in advance.
Yes you pay separately, so its 50k each year. However I think SPH is more willing to give out money (not totally sure, in the middle of doing their financial aid paperwork).
You spend the first year doing mams stuff and then do a library thesis over the summer (you can do lab, but DEFINITELY not recommended). Second year you do your MPH coursework, practicum, and dissertation.
