BU/Tufts or UG classes???

[Yoyomama88]

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I was hoping I could get peoples opinions on which program i should choose.

Currently I have acceptances to BU MAMS, Tufts MBS, and Mcgill Undergrad.

I am happy I have some options right now, but I'm really having a hard time narrowing down my choices here. Please don't give me advice based on where you're waitlisted 🙂

Heres a quick overview of my stats

3.4 gpa, 3.3 science, grad. from a good school
Took MCAT 3 times, 31 is highest score (10,10,11), but I did a retake and did worse after the 31. This will hurt me at many medical schools, but there are also many medical schools that take your best scores ( I know b/c I called many of them)


So my GPA is borderline and my MCAT is fine at some schools, but it will DQ me at other schools.

I have applied for fall 2009 cycle and I do want to maximize my chances of getting in this year, but I also don't want to risk doing bad in any program. I would say my top concerns are 1) minimizing risk 2) Linkage opportunity 3) Location 4) Cost...

Right now, I'm really leaning towards doing undergrad at Mcgill b/c it costs 12-13 k for the year, if I get in this cycle, I could stop after one semester, I love montreal and I think I could perform the best here and have time to study for the MCAT if need be.

BU and Tufts are very expensive (40 k)...I will feel like I wasted alot of money and energy if I get in this cycle without any help from the program. I don't care about having a Masters degree because I want to be a doctor. I think there is a lot of risk here if you don't do well, and I don't know if I will have adequate time to study for the MCAT if I have to. On the other hand, they offer the chance to have a good linkage and if you do well here, it may make me solid for Med school (BUT IF I HAVE TO TAKE THE MCAT AGAIN, THEN WASN'T THE PROGRAM A WASTE?)

 

[MAK1186]

FYI Tufts offers a MCAT tutorial in their MBS program. I feel like I have heard it is taught by the Princeton Review, but I am not positive.

 

[Yoyomama88]

BU offers an mcat advisor or tutor apparently...don't know the specifics. I think the biggest factor in me deciding between Tufts and BU concerns their curriculum.

I noticed there is a lot of flexibility in the schedule at BU, i feel like this would make the program easier than for example the tufts program because that is 7 required medical classes whereas BU has only 2 requires med classes. Can anyone confirm this?

I also want to take Neuro classes, which BU offers but Tufts does not seem to offer.

 

[Vince86]

Hey, BU requires biochemistry and human physiology (and maybe biostatistics also). But i think you can maximize your chances by taking all the medical classes you can register for. Where did you hear of BU having a MCAT tutor or adviser? because i would be interested to find out more.

But for your situation, going to either tufts or bu is better than undergrad. I dont know if going to an canadian undergrad would negatively affect your application for medical school in the US. But going to BU or tufts would show you are capable of tackling the medical classes; dont be afraid of messing up in the program. These are the classes you will take in medical school, so if you cant do well in BU or tufts, then maybe you might not do well in a real medical school setting where you have even more medical classes per semester.

 

[Yoyomama88]

it's not really that im so scared i cant do well, its rather why would i take any risk if I don't have to.

The thing that would really cement my decision depends on whether or not I would have to the MCAT again after completing one of these Masters programs. If the answer is yes, then IMO its really not worth the money and effort. If the answer is No, then I think it would definitely be worth it.

If i do the undergrad and I dont get in anywhere this cycle, I will most likely have to retake the MCAT i assume. I already have a 3.4, so a year of 4.0 at mcgill ( I would take the right classes to do this well) might get me to a mid 3.5-3.6...i don't think this gpa increase will make that much of a difference, and I will be forced to retake the MCAT i believe.

 

[harrothere]

I think one of those SMP programs is your best bet. From what I've gathered the past few months is that both BU and Tufts will help your application (assuming you get above a 3.5 in them), but won't guarantee you a spot. Tufts seems more hand-holding when it comes to (re)taking the MCAT, so you'll have to decide if thats important to you. BU does appear more flexible as far as the classes you'd take. I'm kind of in the same boat when it comes to GPA (not bad enough for a SMP, not good enough to be a strong candidate). Both programs offer graduate-level courses which will set you apart from other candidates.

Looking at your MCAT situation I offer you this bit of advice: Apply to the Medical College of Wisconsin. I did a fellowship there and their medical school admissions head gave us the inside scoop on how they look at MCAT scores. That they line up all of your MCAT trials (retakes and all) and take your highest score out of each section. This should make you a solid candidate with your GPA.

Good luck!

 

[Vince86]

why would u need to retake the mcat if you got a 31 on it? how low was the retake? Taking more undergrad could be a good thing, but you would have to take some high level classes and not just take intro courses. They see if you are trying to boost your gpa with easy classes. They say if you do well above 3.5 in either program, your most likely going to medical school. Its a big risk big reward situation. Would you play it safe or "risk" it, its up to you. and i wouldnt look at it with risks... just look at every situation as a easy decision and stick with it. And since you took the mcat three times, and im assuming all within 3 years, you should not take it again..... over 3 times is the point where schools think your scores are hit or miss and is when your scores become questionable. I would chose either of the tufts or BU program. but watever your decision may be, good luck on it! im sure either way youll get into a med school.

 

[Yoyomama88]

harrothere, i know about MCW, hopefully they give me a shot. Yes, I feel like Im not ready to be taking anymore risks with my application. I took it the third time w/o knowing the score and went down alot....I had my reasons at the time.

Im going to call all the schools that take my best MCATs and see what their advice is, then I think I will finalize my decision.

 

[Yoyomama88]

I've basically decided on BU at this point. I realized that even if I get into med school w/o the help of the program, there is a chance the med credits will transfer over and I will be better prepared for my STEP exams. So I'll see ya there Vince...do you have housing?

 

[kutinpaste]

If you havent already, can you inform tufts that you are turning down their offer?😕 Im on the waiting list there.