BU MAMS Fall 2009

[camaras2480]

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Harrison Court is across the street from where you will have most of your classes. There are not many GMS students in Harrison Court per se, but there are many within 10 minutes walking distance. Also, you'll find a lot of GMS students across the street in that building where you have class... in the library 🙂

Charles River is more scenic, and you will be at the undergrad campus. There is a LOT more activity there, and you will be about 10 minutes from Fenway Park and all the related activities. However, you will be dependent on the BU Shuttle to commute back and forth to class. The shuttle is free, but it is a 20-25 minute ride each way. But, staying at Charles River, you'll be within walking distance of the gym, if that is something that interests you. The gym is phenomenal.

I will be attending BU MAMS this fall and am now trying to choose between Harrison Court or the Charles River for housing. I really would like to live close to some people in this smp program and wasn't sure what the better bet for that would be or if anyone can comment on living in either of these two places? Thanks.

 

[camaras2480]

tuition is fixed rate. and take biostat, dont waive it. this program is all about the gpa. go get ur A in stat. 🙂

Would passing out of biostatistics save any money or is it $36,000 regardless?

I was thinking about taking biostatistics at a college near me this summer and trying to save some money.

 

[camaras2480]

The Estimation of Expenses show that the 9 month and 12 month tuitions are 38,000. I thought the 12 month program meant that I would be there from Sept. 1st 2009 to Sept. 1st 2010; completing the summer session in succession. Why would I have to pay this continuing education fee? Wouldn't the tuition be stated as otherwise? ... Am I missing something? haha

The CEF is designed so you dont have to pay full tuition after ur first 2 semesters. Assuming you only do thesis work following those first 2 semesters. The program, regardless of if you complete it in 1 or 2 years, requires 4 semesters of enrollment. So if you do it in one year, you do Fall, Spring, Summer 1, and Summer 2. Instead of making you pay the full like $6400 or something for both summers, they make you pay the CEF, which I believe is under $5k.

 

[camaras2480]

hey, just wanted to let u folks kno i just completed the first year of coursework here at BU GMS. if i can offer anyone any help, or answer any questions, feel free to PM me, and ill also try to follow this thread.

good luck!

 

[camaras2480]

I just got accepted and am waiting to see if i should go. It appears that the program can be finished in a year, which i am wholly ready to kill myself for, but someone said that i might not be able to register for all the courses in time in order to finish the program in one year.

You can definitely complete the program in 1 year. There is no such thing as not being able to register for all the courses in time to finish in 1 year. I am completing it in one year, and doing a lab thesis with it.

 

[camaras2480]

oops posted the same thing twice!

 

[reggie11]

hey, just wanted to let u folks kno i just completed the first year of coursework here at BU GMS. if i can offer anyone any help, or answer any questions, feel free to PM me, and ill also try to follow this thread.

good luck!

Thank you for offering your help!

For the CEF is it under 5K for both summer semesters combined or do you pay 5K each summer semester (total of 10K)?

Did you use public transportation? and if so how much a month is the cost for the T-line?


Did you find the financial aid package to be enough money to cover rent, food, and all other bills? I ask because the financial aid loans will be my only source of money?

The 55K BU gives you is for a 9 month period correct? What are we looking at if we are planning to complete the program in one year? The summer package is around 10-15K? So a total year at 70K or so?

Appreciated!

 

[camaras2480]

It is about 4.7k I think, for both semesters combined. I did not use public transportation, but you can buy a monthly pass (called a Charlie Card) from mbta.com for something like $60/month. The pass gives you unlimited access to the subway system, and the local buses. Also know there is the BU Shuttle, which operates between the two BU campuses (Medical and Charles River) from like 7am to 11pm, about every 30 minutes. This is free.

I did not receive any FA, so I would not be the best person to comment on this, so someone else please jump in. But in terms of rent, if you stay near the Med Campus, more than likely you'll be spending at least $1,000/month on rent, and anywhere from $100/week to $1,000/week on food depending on your appetite. I probably spent about 3k/week on food. (joke)

Your fall and spring semesters will be something like $20k each for tuition. That is $40k plus the $10k on rent. With books and food, yes the $55k is the September to May deal. The summer research (or even Year 2 research) while on the continuing education fee (which, again, is total of $5k). Also factor in 3 months of rent, or if you are fast, you can do it in 2 months, but most leases go thru August.

So in summary, your $70k estimate is pretty fair. I guess, for what it's worth, it could be done at about $65. Just buy food in bulk.

Thank you for offering your help!

For the CEF is it under 5K for both summer semesters combined or do you pay 5K each summer semester (total of 10K)?

Did you use public transportation? and if so how much a month is the cost for the T-line?


Did you find the financial aid package to be enough money to cover rent, food, and all other bills? I ask because the financial aid loans will be my only source of money?

The 55K BU gives you is for a 9 month period correct? What are we looking at if we are planning to complete the program in one year? The summer package is around 10-15K? So a total year at 70K or so?

Appreciated!

 

[reggie11]

So what if you decide not to do a lab thesis and do a library thesis? Is it still 70k???

I assume a lib thesis can be done in summer and be finished with.

The 70K is for 12 months staying in Boston regardless of the library or lab thesis. Most likely it would take longer for the lab thesis so more money (80-90K total if staying in boston)

I am thinking about doing my lab or library research in my hometown after the first 9 months so I would owe about 60K (55K for fall and spring and 5K for summer), saving on the horrendous cost of living in boston.

If you find rent that is cheap or get a roommate and live frugally I am sure you can knock off another 5K of the above estimates.

I don't like the fact that BU fails to give some sort of layout for the entire program. They only give you information in the packet on the fall and spring semester.

 

[Krisss17]

It is about 4.7k I think, for both semesters combined. I did not use public transportation, but you can buy a monthly pass (called a Charlie Card) from mbta.com for something like $60/month. The pass gives you unlimited access to the subway system, and the local buses. Also know there is the BU Shuttle, which operates between the two BU campuses (Medical and Charles River) from like 7am to 11pm, about every 30 minutes. This is free.

I did not receive any FA, so I would not be the best person to comment on this, so someone else please jump in. But in terms of rent, if you stay near the Med Campus, more than likely you'll be spending at least $1,000/month on rent, and anywhere from $100/week to $1,000/week on food depending on your appetite. I probably spent about 3k/week on food. (joke)

Your fall and spring semesters will be something like $20k each for tuition. That is $40k plus the $10k on rent. With books and food, yes the $55k is the September to May deal. The summer research (or even Year 2 research) while on the continuing education fee (which, again, is total of $5k). Also factor in 3 months of rent, or if you are fast, you can do it in 2 months, but most leases go thru August.

So in summary, your $70k estimate is pretty fair. I guess, for what it's worth, it could be done at about $65. Just buy food in bulk.

So how did you get by with no FA? Win the lottery?

 

[camaras2480]

I believe they've told me that they are from Boston so they were able to save on some personal expenses.

Yeah, gujuDoc funded my Masters. How kind of her, isn't it? 👍

 

[camaras2480]

hahaha not really but you can fund mine. 😀 😀 😉😉

These figures you are putting up are scaring the crap out of me. Making me realize how lucky I am to not have had a loan til now. I could justify paying 22k without a loan. Not 70k without a loan.

since you've done the program, what do people do usually if they choose to apply after the program? How do they deal with the financial burden they carry for a year if they are not taking classes? I'm confused how all this works cuz its a lot of money and I'm confused on how the funding works.

This girl is a joke. She is doing the BU SMP, living in Philly, and commuting by plane. And now she's scared about a 70k loan. *yawn

 

[sk01]

Hey guys,

I'll be entering the GMS program in the fall! I'm a 21 year old female looking for a roommate to share a 2 bedroom or 2 roommates for a 3 bedroom apt within walkable distance from the medical campus! I'm very laid back, like to go out occasionally but my studies come first so I'm sure I'll be spending most of my time studying! Please let me know if you are interested! Thanks! =)

 

[camaras2480]

by how late do you need comfirmation of who is willing to share with you and how much is rent if we split it?

Gosh, don't sound nice or anything. You sound like a lovely roomie. HOW MUCH IS TOILET PAPER IF WE SPLIT IT TELL ME NOW

At least sk01 put a cute little smiley at the end of her post

 

[julyjulyjuly]

Hey guys,

I'll be entering the GMS program in the fall! I'm a 21 year old female looking for a roommate to share a 2 bedroom or 2 roommates for a 3 bedroom apt within walkable distance from the medical campus! I'm very laid back, like to go out occasionally but my studies come first so I'm sure I'll be spending most of my time studying! Please let me know if you are interested! Thanks! =)

hey! i'm a 21 yr old female as well, and i've been debating between living alone and finding a roommate(s) for a bit now...i've been looking through that housing packet they gave us, and it looks like south end is the only really walkable neighborhood - but apparently its rare to find 3 bdrm apts? i dunno. i'm definitely v. laid back as well, but i'll admit i can't study if my environment isn't clean (a.k.a i'm a clean-anal-freak). PM me if you want to talk? 😎😎😎

 

[camaras2480]

hey! i'm a 21 yr old female as well, and i've been debating between living alone and finding a roommate(s) for a bit now...i've been looking through that housing packet they gave us, and it looks like south end is the only really walkable neighborhood - but apparently its rare to find 3 bdrm apts? i dunno. i'm definitely v. laid back as well, but i'll admit i can't study if my environment isn't clean (a.k.a i'm a clean-anal-freak). PM me if you want to talk? 😎😎😎

if you, or anyone, studies best by studying alone, it is naturally probably advisable to live alone. in my experience, at this level, there was not a lot of "study group" type thing. there are tutors, advisers, but not much beyond that. some students did "study together," but by that i mean they were simple in the same room at the library. sometimes its just easy to ask someone else something u dont understand. this is how my experience was. i kno about 10 people who will be finishing 3.7+, and this is how we all did it. i know a few kids who did study group quite often - i dont think any of them did better than like 3.2.

i know that doesnt exactly 'respond' to ur post, but i wanted to throw that out there.

south end is the only neighborhood within walking distance yes. but kenmore, fenway, the BU undergrad campus (commonwealth avenue, beacon street, even brighton), and back bay are all within walking distance of the BU shuttle. this shuttle runs like 7am to 11pm or so, every 20-30 minutes, and is free.

Post #100 !!!!!!!!! guju doc u better start posting faster, i am so catching up. WATCH OUT

not sure why im using the ninja smiley. but i have wanted to for quite some time. so there it is

 

[julyjulyjuly]

if you, or anyone, studies best by studying alone, it is naturally probably advisable to live alone. in my experience, at this level, there was not a lot of "study group" type thing. there are tutors, advisers, but not much beyond that. some students did "study together," but by that i mean they were simple in the same room at the library. sometimes its just easy to ask someone else something u dont understand. this is how my experience was. i kno about 10 people who will be finishing 3.7+, and this is how we all did it. i know a few kids who did study group quite often - i dont think any of them did better than like 3.2.

i know that doesnt exactly 'respond' to ur post, but i wanted to throw that out there.

south end is the only neighborhood within walking distance yes. but kenmore, fenway, the BU undergrad campus (commonwealth avenue, beacon street, even brighton), and back bay are all within walking distance of the BU shuttle. this shuttle runs like 7am to 11pm or so, every 20-30 minutes, and is free.

Post #100 !!!!!!!!! guju doc u better start posting faster, i am so catching up. WATCH OUT

not sure why im using the ninja smiley. but i have wanted to for quite some time. so there it is

why do you think that there was such a marked difference between the students who worked together and those who didn't? just in general...

but the 'throwing out' of that advice was much appreciated. thank you! 👍

 

[camaras2480]

why do you think that there was such a marked difference between the students who worked together and those who didn't? just in general...

but the 'throwing out' of that advice was much appreciated. thank you! 👍

well, i seemed to find that the students having the most difficulty doing well for some reason come together. this may be in the hopes of helping each other out. well yes, this works, because they are rising from C, to C+, or B- to B... not A- to A.

if you, or any student at BU, feel like ur falling behind in the med school classes, find a tutor. they are who u talk to, and they are who have the best shot at helping you, other than professor/TA/TF. unless u manage to figure out who is getting As in your class, then u could ask them too, that works usually haha.

but a bunch of students coming together, where none of them really know the material well, is not a very good plan. you do not want to be the person in a study group who keeps stopping, moving backward, to help someone along. this is a very nice notion, but this is NOT the situation you want to be in. there simply is not enough time in the day to slow down for other people. this sounds terrible, but lets be real, no one wants to jeopardize their own 4.0.

in other words, LEARNING the material as a group may lead to trouble. however, once u know ur sh**, its always nice to REVIEW the material as a group. then u can 1. reinforce ur own knowledge and 2. find out who else knows the material better than u, and 3. if ur that good, then u can help other people out, which doubly reinforces the material for u.

 

[KiwiBruin]

Hey guys,
Do you know the contact information for the program director? I can't seem to find it on the site.
Thanks in advance.

 

[camaras2480]

Hey guys,
Do you know the contact information for the program director? I can't seem to find it on the site.
Thanks in advance.

The GMS was chaired by Dr. Carl Franzblau. He is currently in the process of retiring - I believe his last official day was today. He is not exactly available to contact at this time.

What type of information are you looking for? I can try to help you, or provide you the information with who you should contact.

 

[KiwiBruin]

The GMS was chaired by Dr. Carl Franzblau. He is currently in the process of retiring - I believe his last official day was today. He is not exactly available to contact at this time.

What type of information are you looking for? I can try to help you, or provide you the information with who you should contact.

I just wanted to ask them about their application due date since on the website they say that it is open until they fill up all the spots. And maybe my chances since I won't get a MCAT score until ~7/21.

 

[KiwiBruin]

double post...

 

[hwpo]

I believe I will be declining my spot in BU MAMS because it costs more than I had expected.

I will be taking my chances with a less expensive program at UPenn and try for their linkages to RWJMS and PCOM and apply broadly to both MD and DO for fall 2010 matriculation. I do not believe I will get into MD but after 1 year but I will give it a shot.

 

[mhshah]

whos' the Dean or Department Chair Letter writer for this program?

 

[JJMountainMan]

just got an email that they want me to call them ASAP to talk about the "opportunity to potentially join our program". did anyone else get this email? I didn't think they even did phone interviews, AND I thought the class was pretty much full. Did I mention that I'm excited! yep, fingers crossed...

 

[deleted248403]

I got my acceptance yesterday, but I dont think I'll be attending

 

[bran24]

I was just accepted into BU's MAMS program yesterday, I guess I have been on the waiting list for awhile but was never notified. I'm a pre-dent but I didn't get into the OHST. I can't seem to find any statistics of pre-dents finishing the regular program, anyone know of any? I was accepted to Barry's 1yr program as well, and I'm kinda torn between the two. Any Advice? Barry would be much cheaper, offers a decent curriculum, and has had good success rates for getting students into dental schools. Does Boston make any promises? Such as interviews? Thanks for any advice.

 

[camaras2480]

I was just accepted into BU's MAMS program yesterday, I guess I have been on the waiting list for awhile but was never notified. I'm a pre-dent but I didn't get into the OHST. I can't seem to find any statistics of pre-dents finishing the regular program, anyone know of any? I was accepted to Barry's 1yr program as well, and I'm kinda torn between the two. Any Advice? Barry would be much cheaper, offers a decent curriculum, and has had good success rates for getting students into dental schools. Does Boston make any promises? Such as interviews? Thanks for any advice.

No promises. Especially not for pre-dent kids in the pre-med GMS. But I do know a couple of kids that did the pre-med GMS and got into Dental. Granted, this isn't much for statistics, but thought you should know it is definitely possible.

 

[JJMountainMan]

so, I 'probably' just got admitted into the MA in Anatomy & Neurobiology where you take pretty much the same classes with med school students as the MAMS program, but also take gross anatomy with them, which I hear is crazy hard.

Is anyone else going to this program? Think the chances of gaining admissions to an MD program are the same coming out of this program? Super excited!

 

[bran24]

My understanding is that Barry's SMP like program is very well known for dental and at least one of the 2 Fl. Dental schools knows it pretty well and that is Nova Southeastern. For dental if you didn't get in the OHST program I'd probably do Barry's esp. if its cheaper. For medical if you are not like me in a position of the fight for your life and can dish out the money for the BU program i'd go to BU. But dental wise I say go with Barry.

.

 

[camaras2480]

so, I 'probably' just got admitted into the MA in Anatomy & Neurobiology where you take pretty much the same classes with med school students as the MAMS program, but also take gross anatomy with them, which I hear is crazy hard.

Is anyone else going to this program? Think the chances of gaining admissions to an MD program are the same coming out of this program? Super excited!

I don't mean for this to sound discouraging but, although the MAAN program offers similar courses as the MAMS, it is actually generally not regarded in the same light, in the following scenario:

You are a student with a 'low' undergraduate GPA, but reasonable MCAT, and need a way to prove that you can handle med school courses. IF and only if this is the case, then you are almost 'expected' to do the MAMS, not MAAN. If you do the MAAN in this case, it almost raises a flag as to why you did not do the MAMS. I know it's not fair, because you get to take gross and MAMS does not, but hey life is tough.

However, if you are do NOT have an undergraduate GPA, then definitely go with the MAAN. This is when they DON'T want you to do MAMS. 🙂

 

[JJMountainMan]

Is MAAN another BU program or something?? if that's the case if you are going to pay that kinda money then do MAMS. its more worth it.

Here is the link to the MAAN program: http://www.bu.edu/dbin/anatneuro/programs/degree_programs/ma_degree.php

the MAMS is full or else I would still be trying for that. I still think the MAAN is a better choice then my other options so far(Scranton's brand new SMP, or Midwesterns DO SMP), and to me MAAN sounds at least as hard as the MAMS since you have to do anatomy as well right off the bat. I still think if I can ace the MAAN I've got a fighting chance of admission to an MD program.

Would I rather be in the MAMS program with all of you guys? Of course, but some of you have to decline your acceptances first...

 

[deleted248403]

I havent mailed in my decline yet, but I probably will. I got into UMDNJ, UPenn SSP and obv BU MAMS. I just cannot justify the cost of MAMS over UMDNJ, but either way I think UPenn SSP is my 1st choice

 

[DrBO]

Would I rather be in the MAMS program with all of you guys? Of course, but some of you have to decline your acceptances first...

i will be withdrawing my acceptance to BU MAMS so i can attend RF BMS. best of luck to you.

 

[camaras2480]

Here is the link to the MAAN program: http://www.bu.edu/dbin/anatneuro/programs/degree_programs/ma_degree.php

the MAMS is full or else I would still be trying for that. I still think the MAAN is a better choice then my other options so far(Scranton's brand new SMP, or Midwesterns DO SMP), and to me MAAN sounds at least as hard as the MAMS since you have to do anatomy as well right off the bat. I still think if I can ace the MAAN I've got a fighting chance of admission to an MD program.

Would I rather be in the MAMS program with all of you guys? Of course, but some of you have to decline your acceptances first...

Yeah, of your choices, MAAN is the best option imo. There is some movement in people dropping their seat (at least there was a couple days ago), so I'd regularly call the office and see what's up. Perhaps they could set up some type of transfer from MAAN to MAMS. Who knows.

 

[camaras2480]

Is MAAN another BU program or something?? if that's the case if you are going to pay that kinda money then do MAMS. its more worth it.

Yes MAAN is another BU program. The reason it is [generally] considered 2nd tier to MAMS is because if I'm not mistaken, their 32 or so credits are spread out over 2 years. The MAMS students generally complete at least 28 credits in 9 months, and then do thesis for the rest of their credit over the 2nd year. As such, the rigor of MAMS is considered more intense.

 

[JJMountainMan]

...........

 

[camaras2480]

does anyone know if accepted to the MAAN is it possible to transfer to the MAMS program? How long do you have to wait to transfer in?

I highly doubt anyone on here knows the answer to that. I'd call the MAMS program (617-638-5120) and ask directly.

 

[jboom33]

Hey guju,

just curious as to why you'd choose drexel ims over bu? is it just because of the 1 year vs. 2 year thing? i was reading some of your posts on the drexel ims forum and you seemed pretty anti-applying to it. i'm kind of in the same boat in that i got into both and am trying to make a decision (also umdnj and ucincy). it just seems like you really don't want to go to BU for some reason. aside from the extra year, what's the motivation for that?

p.s. i talked to a girl from my school who went to BU and she's doing it in 1 year. she said as long as you don't have to re/take the MCAT's you can definitely do it in 1 year. oh, and she applied before the program and didn't get great support from BU, but said they were much better than most people on here say they are about it.

 

[camaras2480]

Hey guju,

just curious as to why you'd choose drexel ims over bu? is it just because of the 1 year vs. 2 year thing? i was reading some of your posts on the drexel ims forum and you seemed pretty anti-applying to it. i'm kind of in the same boat in that i got into both and am trying to make a decision (also umdnj and ucincy). it just seems like you really don't want to go to BU for some reason. aside from the extra year, what's the motivation for that?

p.s. i talked to a girl from my school who went to BU and she's doing it in 1 year. she said as long as you don't have to re/take the MCAT's you can definitely do it in 1 year. oh, and she applied before the program and didn't get great support from BU, but said they were much better than most people on here say they are about it.

The logistics [unrelated to the actual program] work out better for guju at Drexel than BU. Also, Drexel would be significantly cheaper, if I'm not mistaken. She also would prefer to finish in one year and have strong school support for that.

Yes, BU can be done in one year, and the school support isn't exactly great for this. But depending on your adviser, there is still support, and it certainly can be done.

In general, Cincy is a strong candidate for 3rd best SMP. But BU is better established and has a higher success rate as far as I know. The Drexel program prepares candidates for getting into Drexel. BU does not exactly cater to their own MAMS students - however, the MAMS prepares candidates for schools across the country at a very high rate. I don't have the numbers on me, but if you keep a minimum 3.5 with a decent MCAT 30-35, you are in good shape.

 

[freakeenyc]

yea its definately expensive..its a problem ive been thinking about. got accepted her a month or 2? ago...the immunization records are annoying me. im missing 2 many shots😱. had to get my hep tetanus and meningitis shots the other day.

anyways heres a repost of the FB group. if any of u guys care.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=83996646002&ref=ts

 

[deleted248403]

I'll be mailing in my decline tomorrow - good luck to those on the waitlist!

 

[whatdoido]

Did any of you complete the program with one of the concentrations? I'm most interested in the Medical Nutrition path, if you have any advice.

 

[sjcp2005]

I have recently been accepted to a number of post-bacc programs including BUMAMS, RFU, waitlisted at CSU, and am still waiting to here from Columbia's MS in Nutrition Program & Gtown. I didn't here from any of these programs until this summer and was accepted into the M.S. Medical Sciences Program at UNT HSC and currently in classes in Fort Worth. The program I'm in is very good, but the only downside is that it is affiliated with a DO school. I'm trying to decide if I should continue with where I am at or take on a program at more notable schools, particulary BU.

Questions regarding BU...

What is the matriculation rate to non-Carrib MD schools?
What are these schools?
I've already filled out my AMCAS and TMDSAS applications and have been reading that the program is more successful as a two year program; is this true?
Can anyone just give me the nuts & bolts info about the program that I wouldn't already know?

Thanks...

 

[camaras2480]

Did any of you complete the program with one of the concentrations? I'm most interested in the Medical Nutrition path, if you have any advice.

Interesting course options available down that path. But in my opinion, it will be just a bit harder to nail that 4.0 with that concentration. You also will probably end up taking less medical school courses because you will have to fulfill concentration requirements instead.

 

[camaras2480]

Questions regarding BU...

1. What is the matriculation rate to non-Carrib MD schools?
2. What are these schools?
3. I've already filled out my AMCAS and TMDSAS applications and have been reading that the program is more successful as a two year program; is this true?
4. Can anyone just give me the nuts & bolts info about the program that I wouldn't already know?

Thanks...

1. something around 75-80%
2. BU SMP grads have been accepted to more or less every school in the country over the past 15 years or so
3. yes
4. i'd read thru this entire thread first, there is a lot of info. if u still have questions, ask directly - hard to give nuts and blots when there is so much to know 🙂

 

[redafro]

The logistics [unrelated to the actual program] work out better for guju at Drexel than BU. Also, Drexel would be significantly cheaper, if I'm not mistaken. She also would prefer to finish in one year and have strong school support for that.

Yes, BU can be done in one year, and the school support isn't exactly great for this. But depending on your adviser, there is still support, and it certainly can be done.

In general, Cincy is a strong candidate for 3rd best SMP. But BU is better established and has a higher success rate as far as I know. The Drexel program prepares candidates for getting into Drexel. BU does not exactly cater to their own MAMS students - however, the MAMS prepares candidates for schools across the country at a very high rate. I don't have the numbers on me, but if you keep a minimum 3.5 with a decent MCAT 30-35, you are in good shape.

You mention that achieving a solid GPA and competitive MCAT score will put someone in "good shape." Is this irrespective of someone's undergraduate GPA, to the effect that the better the ugpa the better set the individual? Of course, ugpa is 1/2 the battle in med school apps, but I'm wondering how a great MAMS GPA and solid MCAT score will fare for med schools. I guess what I am getting at is that, although it may not absolve issues of Ugpa, does it recreate the med profile of a person with newer and higher numbers (that being MAMS GPA and MCAT score)? I'm just trying to weigh programs.

 

[camaras2480]

You mention that achieving a solid GPA and competitive MCAT score will put someone in "good shape." Is this irrespective of someone's undergraduate GPA, to the effect that the better the ugpa the better set the individual? Of course, ugpa is 1/2 the battle in med school apps, but I'm wondering how a great MAMS GPA and solid MCAT score will fare for med schools. I guess what I am getting at is that, although it may not absolve issues of Ugpa, does it recreate the med profile of a person with newer and higher numbers (that being MAMS GPA and MCAT score)? I'm just trying to weigh programs.

I'm not entirely sure what exactly you are asking, but I'll try to hit the points I think you are addressing:

A solid SMP GPA is often considered to be the last ditch, desperate attempt to "fix" a low-end undergrad GPA. Of course, the higher your uGPA, the better you are - always. But with a 3.5+ in an SMP and a "strong MCAT" as you suggest ("strong MCAT" in the case of SMP students, is like a 32 at the very least), you really do fare well in the medical application world.

You are right - the SMP does not absolve issues of uGPA, but it allows a student to prove they can excel in medical school courses. It does not recreate the med profile per se - your uGPA still stands. The SMP GPA will show up in the Graduate slate on the AMCAS application.

Just know that if you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a strong SMP (3.7+) with a strong MCAT (35+) opens up a lot of doors that would not be possible without the SMP, or even with just a year of Postbac.

Also, fair warning. If you perform rather poorly (below 3.2) in an SMP, you are, in essence, proving to the world that you in fact canNOT handle medical school. Therefore, SMP programs are widely categorized as high risk, high reward.

 

[julyjulyjuly]

did anyone else get an email from harrison court apartments yesterday? i responded like 3 hours afterwards...but i don't know if thats good or bad considering how many people want to live there. NERRRVOUSSS

 

[redafro]

You are right - the SMP does not absolve issues of uGPA, but it allows a student to prove they can excel in medical school courses. It does not recreate the med profile per se - your uGPA still stands. The SMP GPA will show up in the Graduate slate on the AMCAS application.

No, you answered my question. Just as I thought. Thanks.