Rosalind Franklin MSBS vs. Tufts MSBS. Please help!

[medicalkid]

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I was recently accepted to Tufts MSBS program as well as RFU's MSBS (I was also accepted to Drexel IMS but decided against it. Am I an idiot for doing that?). I need advice to make my final selection. Some background:

uGPA: 2.9 (I know)
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.6 -- Harvard Extension School
MCAT: 290 -- Repeated on 6/21, awaiting grades
undergrad as an engineer, worked in the field for a bit, currently a Research Assistant in Boston, have conducted research, and I think I have great LOR's. lot's of shadowing and volunteering.

I repeated my MCAT on 6/21, and immediately had somewhat of an emotional/mental breakdown after the exam. Needless to say, it rocked my confidence.

I know both schools have been discussed independently, but I need to do a side by side comparison keeping in mind which program will better serve my need. Here are some of the pro's and con's of each, I would really love your input to make my final decision.

Tufts Pros: Located in Boston (which is where I'm currently located). Small program. I here it's becoming highly regarded quickly. Gives you a better shot at all medical schools, not just theirs. M.S. conferred upon completion. Top ranked medical school. Can potentially lead to awesome connections with great professors, doctors, working in Lab's at some of the top hospitals in the country.

Tufts Cons: Not a strong linkage with their own medical school. Guaranteed interview isnt until the year after the program finishes.

RFU Pros: Guaranteed interview with CMS. Apparently strong linkage with Chicago Medical School for entrance next Fall; HUGE plus. M.S. conferred upon completion. More focused on grad school grades rather than under grad grades (not sure how Tufts does this)

RFU Con: Location -- kind of tired of moving, but I'll do what I have to in order to get into medical school. Apparently recently went through some trouble with retaining their accreditation, so may not be the most prestigious program. Sounds like it isn't a highly regarded program and many medical schools, other than CMS, don't look favorably upon it.

I know this is a lot of info but I tried to be concise. Basically what it "Boyles" down to is I'm $h!t scared after I repeated my exam and I'm wondering if I should go to a program with a stronger linkage to increase my chances of ever getting into a U.S. Allopathic school. I know where you go for an SMP can potentially dictate where you spend the next 5 years of your life, and I'm not too keen on moving to Chicago considering all my family is in NYC. I believe Boston is the medical mecca, and I think I will be happier here, which will make me a better student. Please help me oh wise ones.

 

[Adnap]

From what I've observed, Tufts and BU will still place heavy emphasis on your undergraduate GPA and your MCAT score. They're going to consider your SMP grades, but it's only one part of your application. And like you said, they really want you to wait until after you finish your SMP to apply.

Rosalind Franklin, however, will place a lot more emphasis on your performance in the program. Therefore, if you do well, you'll most likely get into the school. You'll also most likely start medical school right after you finish the BMS program.

With a low uGPA and an okay post-bacc GPA, it might be worthwhile to consider what would give you the highest chance of getting into medical school. From the way I see it, Tufts is high risk and Rosalind Franklin is still a risk, but a much lower risk.

 

[medicalkid]

From what I've observed, Tufts and BU will still place heavy emphasis on your undergraduate GPA and your MCAT score. They're going to consider your SMP grades, but it's only one part of your application. And like you said, they really want you to wait until after you finish your SMP to apply.

Rosalind Franklin, however, will place a lot more emphasis on your performance in the program. Therefore, if you do well, you'll most likely get into the school. You'll also most likely start medical school right after you finish the BMS program.

With a low uGPA and an okay post-bacc GPA, it might be worthwhile to consider what would give you the highest chance of getting into medical school. From the way I see it, Tufts is high risk and Rosalind Franklin is still a risk, but a much lower risk.

Thanks for the input! I definitely think they'll both increase my chances of getting into medical school, I was just under the impression that Tuft's would give me a better chance to get into a good state school in NY ( or any other Tier 1 or 2 medical school) at the cost of waiting another year. Do you agree with this or think I'm misguided? Of course I want to go to medical school, but I also want a good education with top notch facilities and opportunities. Where one goes to Medical School is attached to them for the rest of their lives, and will play some role in where they get residencies and types of residencies. My current aim is Pediatric Plastic Surgery, so I definitely want to get into a good school and do well there (and please try to refrain from flaming, I understand I have a poor academic history, I'm also a workaholic with untapped potential and the right motivations). Thus, I don't want to go medical school to just "become a doctor" but really get involved and do much more. Still polling for responses. Thanks!

 

[Adnap]

Thanks for the input! I definitely think they'll both increase my chances of getting into medical school, I was just under the impression that Tuft's would give me a better chance to get into a good state school in NY ( or any other Tier 1 or 2 medical school) at the cost of waiting another year. Do you agree with this or think I'm misguided? Of course I want to go to medical school, but I also want a good education with top notch facilities and opportunities. Where one goes to Medical School is attached to them for the rest of their lives, and will play some role in where they get residencies and types of residencies. My current aim is Pediatric Plastic Surgery, so I definitely want to get into a good school and do well there (and please try to refrain from flaming, I understand I have a poor academic history, I'm also a workaholic with untapped potential and the right motivations). Thus, I don't want to go medical school to just "become a doctor" but really get involved and do much more. Still polling for responses. Thanks!

Hmm, I think it might help people if you list your overall GPA and BCPM GPA that includes both your undergrad and postbacc classes.

A lot of students who attend Tufts/BU/Georgetown and get into better schools usually have pretty decent GPAs already. We're talking about 3.4+ and a 32+ MCAT. If your numbers are close to that, then maybe the risk at Tufts is worth taking assuming you get a 3.6+ in your SMP. Then again, NY does have a lot of state schools so maybe your case is different.

If your numbers are hovering closer to 3.1 and a 29 MCAT, then it's important to think very very hard about what you want to do. I think the averages at RFU are a little higher than that.

Most important thing to do now is just work really hard in medical school wherever you end up. If you want to get really involved, then by all means do that. You don't have to go to a top notch medical school to get involved.

Of course, both schools will help increase your chances assuming you do very well in their program. It's just a matter of how much risk you want to take.

 

[nuggyrush]

I was recently accepted to Tufts MSBS program as well as RFU's MSBS (I was also accepted to Drexel IMS but decided against it. Am I an idiot for doing that?). I need advice to make my final selection. Some background:

uGPA: 2.9 (I know)
Post-Bacc GPA: 3.6 -- Harvard Extension School
MCAT: 290 -- Repeated on 6/21, awaiting grades
undergrad as an engineer, worked in the field for a bit, currently a Research Assistant in Boston, have conducted research, and I think I have great LOR's. lot's of shadowing and volunteering.

I repeated my MCAT on 6/21, and immediately had somewhat of an emotional/mental breakdown after the exam. Needless to say, it rocked my confidence.

I know both schools have been discussed independently, but I need to do a side by side comparison keeping in mind which program will better serve my need. Here are some of the pro's and con's of each, I would really love your input to make my final decision.

Tufts Pros: Located in Boston (which is where I'm currently located). Small program. I here it's becoming highly regarded quickly. Gives you a better shot at all medical schools, not just theirs. M.S. conferred upon completion. Top ranked medical school. Can potentially lead to awesome connections with great professors, doctors, working in Lab's at some of the top hospitals in the country.

Tufts Cons: Not a strong linkage with their own medical school. Guaranteed interview isnt until the year after the program finishes.

RFU Pros: Guaranteed interview with CMS. Apparently strong linkage with Chicago Medical School for entrance next Fall; HUGE plus. M.S. conferred upon completion. More focused on grad school grades rather than under grad grades (not sure how Tufts does this)

RFU Con: Location -- kind of tired of moving, but I'll do what I have to in order to get into medical school. Apparently recently went through some trouble with retaining their accreditation, so may not be the most prestigious program. Sounds like it isn't a highly regarded program and many medical schools, other than CMS, don't look favorably upon it.

I know this is a lot of info but I tried to be concise. Basically what it "Boyles" down to is I'm $h!t scared after I repeated my exam and I'm wondering if I should go to a program with a stronger linkage to increase my chances of ever getting into a U.S. Allopathic school. I know where you go for an SMP can potentially dictate where you spend the next 5 years of your life, and I'm not too keen on moving to Chicago considering all my family is in NYC. I believe Boston is the medical mecca, and I think I will be happier here, which will make me a better student. Please help me oh wise ones.

OP, may I ask what happened when you finished the post-bac from Harvard? Did you choose not to apply to med school?

I am also in the decision-making boat as you (however, I'm choosing between RFU and GeorgeSquared). From the looks of this year's stats, GeorgeSquared doesn't have a strong linkage to Georgetown medical school. I think all post-bacs really do is help you to get into medical school....so I think you should choose the one that you think will help you get there the most.

 

[medicalkid]

OP, may I ask what happened when you finished the post-bac from Harvard? Did you choose not to apply to med school?

I am also in the decision-making boat as you (however, I'm choosing between RFU and GeorgeSquared). From the looks of this year's stats, GeorgeSquared doesn't have a strong linkage to Georgetown medical school. I think all post-bacs really do is help you to get into medical school....so I think you should choose the one that you think will help you get there the most.

Hey, So i finished my Post-Bacc in may of 2011. I did it in a compressed manner, 1 year to wrap it up. After May, I started studying for my MCAT and obtained a job as a research assistant, and continued to take upper division science classes. So it took almost an entire year to prepare for the MCAT, and I did that while working. Just recently, I applied to all my SMP's and right now applying to Med School. Trying to do it all simultaneously and it seems to be working out well

So are you suggesting I should do the RFU program? What are you thinking about doing? I guess with your logic you should be doing RFU as well since it gives you the greatest chances of getting into med school. But then again, maybe you're not in a hole like I am, since my uGPA is pure crap.

Adnap, I'm finding all my calculated numbers so I'll reply to your post soon!

Thanks, you guys ROCK!

 

[medicalkid]

Hmm, I think it might help people if you list your overall GPA and BCPM GPA that includes both your undergrad and postbacc classes.

A lot of students who attend Tufts/BU/Georgetown and get into better schools usually have pretty decent GPAs already. We're talking about 3.4+ and a 32+ MCAT. If your numbers are close to that, then maybe the risk at Tufts is worth taking assuming you get a 3.6+ in your SMP. Then again, NY does have a lot of state schools so maybe your case is different.

If your numbers are hovering closer to 3.1 and a 29 MCAT, then it's important to think very very hard about what you want to do. I think the averages at RFU are a little higher than that.

Most important thing to do now is just work really hard in medical school wherever you end up. If you want to get really involved, then by all means do that. You don't have to go to a top notch medical school to get involved.

Of course, both schools will help increase your chances assuming you do very well in their program. It's just a matter of how much risk you want to take.

Hey Adnap. Couldn't actually find my calculated numbers. It could have gotten lost during my move because I just switched apartments a month ago. I had to recalculate. The numbers are:

sGPA: 3.4 (with postbacc and ugrad)
uGPA: 2.98 (overall)

I'm beginning to think either way I flip the coin on my last MCAT (if I did extraordinarily well as my pMCAT's would lead me to believe, or I bombed it) it might be safer for me to go to RFU considering I have a stronger chance of matriculating into CMS. Also, I know the numbers at RFU tend to run little higher on average but that's why they call it an average and from my understanding if you do well in the masters program, it's pretty much an automatic in. Thoughts? I actually got accepted to VCU as well, but was unsure about their linkage. I haven't declined as yet. Do you think I should be reconsidering them? I eliminated them from the finals because it didn't seem worth it for just a "certificate."

I think you're right on the money about the GT/BU/Tufts scene. I've seen many people on here and know someone personally, that finished these programs and still can't get into U.S. allopathic schools. I'm really beginning to think my best chance is RFU.

Input from anyone else?

 

[DoctaSleepy]

Hey Adnap. Couldn't actually find my calculated numbers. It could have gotten lost during my move because I just switched apartments a month ago. I had to recalculate. The numbers are:

sGPA: 3.4 (with postbacc and ugrad)
uGPA: 2.98 (overall)

I'm beginning to think either way I flip the coin on my last MCAT (if I did extraordinarily well as my pMCAT's would lead me to believe, or I bombed it) it might be safer for me to go to RFU considering I have a stronger chance of matriculating into CMS. Also, I know the numbers at RFU tend to run little higher on average but that's why they call it an average and from my understanding if you do well in the masters program, it's pretty much an automatic in. Thoughts? I actually got accepted to VCU as well, but was unsure about their linkage. I haven't declined as yet. Do you think I should be reconsidering them? I eliminated them from the finals because it didn't seem worth it for just a "certificate."

I think you're right on the money about the GT/BU/Tufts scene. I've seen many people on here and know someone personally, that finished these programs and still can't get into U.S. allopathic schools. I'm really beginning to think my best chance is RFU.

Input from anyone else?

Given your numbers, your best bet is to find a program in which they'd overlook your undergrad numbers and funnel you directly into their (or any) med school.



In your situation: RFU > VCU > Tufts

RFU is a difficult program, but if you get As and Bs, you're as good as in. Your MCAT and any other GPAs are ignored completely. Unofficially, folks say that a 3.0 in the program gets you a seat at CMS. A good number of people were accepted to CMS this year with straight Bs in BMS. The consensus is: once you're accepted into this program, your record is virtually a clean slate and everything depends on your performance in the program alone.

VCU guarantees an interview with a 3.5 in their program and a 28 on the MCAT. If you get straight As in the program (and have the 28 or higher), you're as good as in. Ugrad GPA (science and overall) are virtually forgiven. However, if you get any Bs (especially in Physio), it leaves room for your ugrad GPA and other parts of your application to enter the discussion. This is why there is a sizable number of guaranteed interviews granted, but not necessarily acceptances.

In your case, Tufts would be a giant gamble.

 

[Adnap]

Hey Adnap. Couldn't actually find my calculated numbers. It could have gotten lost during my move because I just switched apartments a month ago. I had to recalculate. The numbers are:

sGPA: 3.4 (with postbacc and ugrad)
uGPA: 2.98 (overall)

I'm beginning to think either way I flip the coin on my last MCAT (if I did extraordinarily well as my pMCAT's would lead me to believe, or I bombed it) it might be safer for me to go to RFU considering I have a stronger chance of matriculating into CMS. Also, I know the numbers at RFU tend to run little higher on average but that's why they call it an average and from my understanding if you do well in the masters program, it's pretty much an automatic in. Thoughts? I actually got accepted to VCU as well, but was unsure about their linkage. I haven't declined as yet. Do you think I should be reconsidering them? I eliminated them from the finals because it didn't seem worth it for just a "certificate."

I think you're right on the money about the GT/BU/Tufts scene. I've seen many people on here and know someone personally, that finished these programs and still can't get into U.S. allopathic schools. I'm really beginning to think my best chance is RFU.

Input from anyone else?

I'll have to agree with DoctaSleepy. I think with a sub-3.0 GPA, RFU is your best chance. I know someone who finished the Tufts program and did not get into medical school even after waiting to finish the program before applying. Of course, that's just one case. Many people have had success after the Tufts program.

Of course, the decision is ultimately yours. It depends on how much of a gamble you're willing to take. With higher risk, you get a chance of higher return and a higher chance of failure. Also, my advice is only based on what I've read and not what I've experienced so I would talk to a lot more people before making a decision. I'm going to be starting a SMP program this Fall also so I'm in a similar situation as you haha.

 

[almonds25]

I'll have to agree with DoctaSleepy. I think with a sub-3.0 GPA, RFU is your best chance. I know someone who finished the Tufts program and did not get into medical school even after waiting to finish the program before applying. Of course, that's just one case. Many people have had success after the Tufts program.

Of course, the decision is ultimately yours. It depends on how much of a gamble you're willing to take. With higher risk, you get a chance of higher return and a higher chance of failure. Also, my advice is only based on what I've read and not what I've experienced so I would talk to a lot more people before making a decision. I'm going to be starting a SMP program this Fall also so I'm in a similar situation as you haha.

Yeah, I agree also. I'm actually wait listed both at Tufts and RFU so Im happy with any school that gives me a spot. From what I've researched, RFU has a higher linkage, but Tufts is a better known school and more reputable.

If you're willing to take the risk to increase your chances to go to a NY state school, then go for Tufts -- afterall, they do give automatic interviews to the top 25% (and from reading the Tufts MBS forum, some people who have finished the program said it might even be closer to 50%). But if you just want to attend any med school and don't mind living in Chicago for 5 years, then I'd suggest RFU. Im pretty sure if you bust your ***** in any program, get really good grades, and show adcoms that you can thrive in a medical school setting, I think you'll be fine in either school. <Sigh!> I wish I had choices like yours to make. Goodluck!!!

 

[medicalkid]

I'll have to agree with DoctaSleepy. I think with a sub-3.0 GPA, RFU is your best chance. I know someone who finished the Tufts program and did not get into medical school even after waiting to finish the program before applying. Of course, that's just one case. Many people have had success after the Tufts program.

Of course, the decision is ultimately yours. It depends on how much of a gamble you're willing to take. With higher risk, you get a chance of higher return and a higher chance of failure. Also, my advice is only based on what I've read and not what I've experienced so I would talk to a lot more people before making a decision. I'm going to be starting a SMP program this Fall also so I'm in a similar situation as you haha.

Given your numbers, your best bet is to find a program in which they'd overlook your undergrad numbers and funnel you directly into their (or any) med school.



In your situation: RFU > VCU > Tufts

RFU is a difficult program, but if you get As and Bs, you're as good as in. Your MCAT and any other GPAs are ignored completely. Unofficially, folks say that a 3.0 in the program gets you a seat at CMS. A good number of people were accepted to CMS this year with straight Bs in BMS. The consensus is: once you're accepted into this program, your record is virtually a clean slate and everything depends on your performance in the program alone.

VCU guarantees an interview with a 3.5 in their program and a 28 on the MCAT. If you get straight As in the program (and have the 28 or higher), you're as good as in. Ugrad GPA (science and overall) are virtually forgiven. However, if you get any Bs (especially in Physio), it leaves room for your ugrad GPA and other parts of your application to enter the discussion. This is why there is a sizable number of guaranteed interviews granted, but not necessarily acceptances.

In your case, Tufts would be a giant gamble.

Yeah, I agree also. I'm actually wait listed both at Tufts and RFU so Im happy with any school that gives me a spot. From what I've researched, RFU has a higher linkage, but Tufts is a better known school and more reputable.

If you're willing to take the risk to increase your chances to go to a NY state school, then go for Tufts -- afterall, they do give automatic interviews to the top 25% (and from reading the Tufts MBS forum, some people who have finished the program said it might even be closer to 50%). But if you just want to attend any med school and don't mind living in Chicago for 5 years, then I'd suggest RFU. Im pretty sure if you bust your ***** in any program, get really good grades, and show adcoms that you can thrive in a medical school setting, I think you'll be fine in either school. <Sigh!> I wish I had choices like yours to make. Goodluck!!!

Well, it seems as if the choice is clear. I'll be accepting my offer from RFU and turning down the others as much as it hurts to do so. You all are right. Tufts, although a great program, isn't the best program that fits my needs. It is a huge gamble. It would be almost silly of me to not go to RFU at this point.

Thanks for all your input, I seriously couldn't have made this decision without you guys!