Tufts MBS 2013-2014

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Has anyone applied for housing at Posner hall and heard back yet?
 
I just applied yesterday, I was waiting on my bosses recommendation but had everything else in for a while. But reading this thread I'm worried....My cGPA is a 3.3, sGPA 3.5 and MCAT is TERRIBLE 6PS, 6V, 9BS total 21.

I have a lot of volunteering, some TAing and research experience that led to a publication and 4 manuscripts we're submitting this summer.

I explained in my essay I didn't have the money to take a prep course and when I studied on my own I couldn't get through all of the material. I'm taking a kaplan course now and retaking but all of your mcat scores seem really high and its so late now.

Are my chances as terrible?
 
Just got in! I was complete in late April. I'm pretty much set on BU MAMS already so it's pointless. I would like a tuition comparison, but their site is so hard to find information on. Oh well, hope my spot goes to one of you!
 
I know there have been a few similar posts in here, but I also have completed the program, so if anyone has questions feel free to PM me or ask here! Congrats to all those accepted!
 
JluckDDS said:
Congrats!! Did you decide on Tufts over UMDNJ? Why dis you choose Tufts? Im predental as well.
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Thanks! Did you decide between the two also?

I guess the only real benefit from talking to people in the program at UMDNJ would be that they offer dental courses and if you wanted to go to NJDS. I guess the fact that it's cheaper was nicer, too. But I feel like Tufts is more structured curriculum wise and offers better administrative support. People have said that was lacking at UMDNJ. I didn't expect to get into Tufts at all being that it was mostly premed so I'm happy I got in!
 
chicagopredent said:
Thanks! Did you decide between the two also?

I guess the only real benefit from talking to people in the program at UMDNJ would be that they offer dental courses and if you wanted to go to NJDS. I guess the fact that it's cheaper was nicer, too. But I feel like Tufts is more structured curriculum wise and offers better administrative support. People have said that was lacking at UMDNJ. I didn't expect to get into Tufts at all being that it was mostly premed so I'm happy I got in!
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I am also waiting to hear back from Tufts off waiting-list and sent my deposit to UMDNJ few months back.
Did you hear through email or snail mail?
 
JluckDDS said:
I am also waiting to hear back from Tufts off waiting-list and sent my deposit to UMDNJ few months back.
Did you hear through email or snail mail?
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They called me, left a voicemail, and then emailed me. I was at work so I had no clue until a while after they called. They told me that the decision will change online and to expect a letter that I am officially accepted.
 
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chicagopredent said:
They called me, left a voicemail, and then emailed me. I was at work so I had no clue until a while after they called. They told me that the decision will change online and to expect a letter that I am officially accepted.
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I'm waiting to hear from the wait-list as well. Do you mind sharing your stats?
 
I just got accepted to the program! Does anyone know the overall success rate of Tufts MBS graduates as far as matriculating into US allopathic schools?
 
thepintobean9 said:
I just got accepted to the program! Does anyone know the overall success rate of Tufts MBS graduates as far as matriculating into US allopathic schools?
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Your guess is as good as mine. But according to a Tufts MBS email... "an average of 87% of Tufts MBS graduates who apply to medical school are accepted, an average of 72% of students who apply to TUSM's MD program are invited for an interview, and 35% are accepted into our medical school."

Something to work of, but that includes DO schools.
 
i was just accepted into the program. applied a few weeks back. looking forward to meeting all that plan on going
 
chopstxnrice said:
Thanks! Do you have any general advice/tips for those of us starting in august?
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Okay, I'll bite:

1) Don't get distracted. It's easy to think about all the fun things could be doing and to procrastinate. Forget about what you're missing out on and focus on what you are doing. The student life is not a bad one if you embrace it. Get your coffee and a comfy chair and go to work.

2) I'd suggest studying all day Mon-Fri. Don't worry about getting X amount done in Y hours. Just plug away. If you get so tired that you are not being productive, ask yourself if you are really too tired or just bored. If you are bored, take a breather and recommit. If you are tired, you should be done for the day. By Saturday you should have a feel for how much studying you need to do over the weekend. If you're caught up, then just do some light review and relax.

3) I suggest reading the syllabus before class for understanding-- make a mental note of anything you don't understand.

4) Take notes on the powerpoint slides during class. Don't go nuts with notes-- there is no need to transcribe the lecture, this will just make more work for you if you need to spend hours organizing them. Most of what they want you to know is on the slides-- your notes should clarify the slides or highlight what the profs seem to be emphasizing (they will often flat out say what is important). If you later need wish you'd written more, you can always review that part of the lecture video.

5) After class, study almost exclusively from the slides and your lecture notes-- if its not part of the lecture it's not that important. Exception: TOB-- look at every tusk image and read the captions-- the captions often highlight the key concepts, especially if you find the captions for multiple pictures use the same phrases.

6) However you study, your first few passes over the material should be for understanding (big picture). Then learn the details-- it will be more apparent which details are important if you already have a framework. As you are studying, make a note of which concepts or details you think are most likely to forget. In the last day or so, drill these parts until you know them backwards and forwards.

7) Make sure you really learn every topic-- some exams will only have 20-30 questions for one class and missing 2-3 questions drops you 10 percentage points.

8) Treat every exam like it will be the difference between getting in to med school and not.

Hope this helps some! I had a good experience, I honestly enjoyed my year.
 
Freezing said:
Okay, I'll bite:

1) Don't get distracted. It's easy to think about all the fun things could be doing and to procrastinate. Forget about what you're missing out on and focus on what you are doing. The student life is not a bad one if you embrace it. Get your coffee and a comfy chair and go to work.

2) I'd suggest studying all day Mon-Fri. Don't worry about getting X amount done in Y hours. Just plug away. If you get so tired that you are not being productive, ask yourself if you are really too tired or just bored. If you are bored, take a breather and recommit. If you are tired, you should be done for the day. By Saturday you should have a feel for how much studying you need to do over the weekend. If you're caught up, then just do some light review and relax.

3) I suggest reading the syllabus before class for understanding-- make a mental note of anything you don't understand.

4) Take notes on the powerpoint slides during class. Don't go nuts with notes-- there is no need to transcribe the lecture, this will just make more work for you if you need to spend hours organizing them. Most of what they want you to know is on the slides-- your notes should clarify the slides or highlight what the profs seem to be emphasizing (they will often flat out say what is important). If you later need wish you'd written more, you can always review that part of the lecture video.

5) After class, study almost exclusively from the slides and your lecture notes-- if its not part of the lecture it's not that important. Exception: TOB-- look at every tusk image and read the captions-- the captions often highlight the key concepts, especially if you find the captions for multiple pictures use the same phrases.

6) However you study, your first few passes over the material should be for understanding (big picture). Then learn the details-- it will be more apparent which details are important if you already have a framework. As you are studying, make a note of which concepts or details you think are most likely to forget. In the last day or so, drill these parts until you know them backwards and forwards.

7) Make sure you really learn every topic-- some exams will only have 20-30 questions for one class and missing 2-3 questions drops you 10 percentage points.

8) Treat every exam like it will be the difference between getting in to med school and not.

Hope this helps some! I had a good experience, I honestly enjoyed my year.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the studying advice! But what about other experiences in the program? Did you work at Sharewood or another similar clinic environment, how was that? And what about how the thesis project works, was it a satisfying experience or more like extra work? Are the research projects mostly biomedical in nature or are their areas one could delve into like the humanities linking it to medicine? Did you take the MCAT prep course, did that help? And I guess the overarching question here is was it all worth it and do you feel you're better off for medical/dental school after the fact (both professionally and personally)?

Thanks in advance!
 
hurricane2011 said:
Thanks for the studying advice! But what about other experiences in the program? Did you work at Sharewood or another similar clinic environment, how was that? And what about how the thesis project works, was it a satisfying experience or more like extra work? Are the research projects mostly biomedical in nature or are their areas one could delve into like the humanities linking it to medicine? Did you take the MCAT prep course, did that help? And I guess the overarching question here is was it all worth it and do you feel you're better off for medical/dental school after the fact (both professionally and personally)?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Not trying to steal Freezing's thunder, but I'll throw in my experience here too because I'm bored. I agree with the other advice given 100%.

I didn't work at Sharewood during coursework, but a few other students did, so they can speak to that experience. However, now that I'm done (and graduated!) with the MBS program, I have been going to Sharewood weekly. I volunteer as a Sexual Health Counselor and really love the experiences I have had there. It given me an added experience I didn't have before, which has been helpful in rounding out my application.

I did a laboratory thesis, which I felt I needed to do since I didn't have any prior research experience. It was a lot of work and time to commit considering I wasn't getting paid (actually I was still paying to be there and take out loans). If you don't need extra research experience, go for the library thesis. You'll get it done much faster and likely save a bit of money. However, in the end I got hired in the lab where I did my thesis and have been working here for the last 7 months, which has kept me connected to my resources, the school, and pays well.

The thesis topics are varied, from hard sciences, to more clinical focus. You're really allowed to go where you want with it, so long as you get an advisor and approval. If there's something you're interested in and you can convince someone to back you on it, you can probably do it.

I took the MCAT review course as well. I feel that it did help, but I took it after I finished the coursework. I think a lot of people skipped out on class due to their MBS class commitments, so they might not have gotten the most out of it. But you get the online content and books and its all paid for by the program, so that's amazing.

Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it when I log in to my Sallie Mae account and see how much debt I accumulated in the past two years because of this program. However, when it comes down to it, I learned A LOT, I matured a lot, and I have way more to write about in my secondaries and applications. So major professional and personal improvement. I moved to Boston from California, so it was a major life change. I had trouble adjusting at first, but I consider Boston my home now. I am very glad I did the program.

I'm currently applying, so I have yet to speak on whether it has gotten me into school, but I feel my application is much, much better than it was when I applied my Junior year of college 3 or 4 years ago.

Best of luck! Happy to answer any other questions on here or PM.
 
degov21 said:
i was just accepted into the program. applied a few weeks back. looking forward to meeting all that plan on going
Click to expand...

for those who were just accepted recently, do you mind sharing your stats? I'm trying to gauge myself as an applicant
 
Cole9109 said:
for those who were just accepted recently, do you mind sharing your stats? I'm trying to gauge myself as an applicant
Click to expand...

Found out I got accepted on the website.

My states are:
-3.22 cGPA
-3.05 sGPA
-MCAT 36 (13PS-9VR-14BS)
-upward gpa trend during my last 2 semesters
-NO research
-100hr volunteering at nursing home
-35hr MD shadowing experience
-150hr DO shadowing experience

I submitted my application 06/11/13, according to application management system my application was completed ~ 06/21/13 . Last week I got a phone call informing me that their decisions will be made by July 10th. I was accepted July 9.
 
I'm applying to MBS programs and am looking for ideas for my essay.

What can you write to get accepted into a MBS program without saying "basically using this program to get into med school" ?

Thanks!!

& Congrats to everyone who got in 😀
 
notawonk said:
I'm applying to MBS programs and am looking for ideas for my essay.

What can you write to get accepted into a MBS program without saying "basically using this program to get into med school" ?

Thanks!!

& Congrats to everyone who got in 😀
Click to expand...

I wrote that I was using this program to get into med school. I got accepted to the MBS program. Whats wrong with the truth?
 
notawonk said:
I'm applying to MBS programs and am looking for ideas for my essay.

What can you write to get accepted into a MBS program without saying "basically using this program to get into med school" ?

Thanks!!

& Congrats to everyone who got in 😀
Click to expand...

^^What Ash Ketchum said^^

I said the same thing and it got me in. No need to sugar coat. That's why they offer the program, so you can get into MEDICAL SCHOOL! (or dental 😀)
 
Hey everyone! Congrats to all who got accepted and good luck to all those still waiting 🙂 I submitted my application on June 28th....I believe the deadline was extended until July 31st. However, I war reading the comment above and it seems decisions were made by July 10th? Was that specifically for based on when you submitted or in general? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🙂
 
I'm also wondering the same thing. Were you able to find any information on this? Thanks!

Edit: Sorry this was in response to the person asking what the stats were for applying to TUSM during the MBS year and getting accepted.
 
Thanks for the reply guys!

Just wondering, what kind of GPA/mcat scores did people have who also got accepted?
 
& last question: how long was your personal statement?

Thanks for all your responses. It's been super helpful!
 
Hey guys! If you've been accepted off of the waitlist would you mind posting your stats and say what your turn around time was? Also does anyone know the total amount of people they are accepting this fall?
 
hey for those of you still on the fence, just thought i'd post that i was a 2012-2013 MBSer who is starting med school this august (MD, bc i know some of you asking me right now), so it is possible to get in without taking a year off in between
 
I've just seen my regret letter at the application management system!
Good luck to everyone waiting & congrats for those who made it 🙂
 
hurricane2011 said:
Thanks for the studying advice! But what about other experiences in the program? Did you work at Sharewood or another similar clinic environment, how was that? And what about how the thesis project works, was it a satisfying experience or more like extra work? Are the research projects mostly biomedical in nature or are their areas one could delve into like the humanities linking it to medicine? Did you take the MCAT prep course, did that help? And I guess the overarching question here is was it all worth it and do you feel you're better off for medical/dental school after the fact (both professionally and personally)?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

--I did volunteer in the general clinic at Sharewood. Personally, I enjoyed it. It was a student run clinic, so the attendings/residents spent a lot of time on teaching and we weren't being evaluated so there was no pressure.

--I am just starting my thesis, and it is a little intimidating, but I'm interested in the subject so hopefully it will be a good experience.

--You could definitely do one involving the humanities-- I know someone who did this.

--I had a good MCAT coming in, so I didn't do the course.

--I'm just applying now, so we'll see what happens with that. But the program was overall a great experience-- I learned a ton, both about biomedical sciences and about the field of medicine. A full set of exams came about every 3 weeks and you couldn't afford to blow off one if you wanted to do well, so I really had to learn to be disciplined and consistent and treat every exam like it was the difference between making it and not.
 
Questions for any current or former students:

1) What kind of MCAT prep is offered during the program?

2) Does anyone know what the percentage of students matriculating into MD vs DO programs is?

Any info is helpful! Thank you! 🙂
 
SpringButterfly said:
I've just seen my regret letter at the application management system!
Good luck to everyone waiting & congrats for those who made it 🙂
Click to expand...
Ditto!
I was complete in early June and finally received an acceptance this week.

G'luck and may the spots go to those that are very deserving!
 
Hi! I will be applying to this program for the admission for Fall 2014, can you guys give me any tips? I have a 3.3 GPA and I'm sure it will go up this year. I haven't taken science classes yet but I will be taking chem and bio in the fall. Any advice? Do I need GRE?
 
Can anyone comment as to why they chose the Tufts MBS program over other programs? I have been accepted to BU and Tufts and am torn between which program would be best for me. I understand they will serve the same purpose if done well, just interested in why you chose or are choosing Tufts. Thank you!! Any advice, comments, or help welcomed!
 
meganp4590 said:
Can anyone comment as to why they chose the Tufts MBS program over other programs? I have been accepted to BU and Tufts and am torn between which program would be best for me. I understand they will serve the same purpose if done well, just interested in why you chose or are choosing Tufts. Thank you!! Any advice, comments, or help welcomed!
Click to expand...

Are you applying out of undergrad? Or did you already apply to med schools before applying to the post bad program?
 
futuredoc1027 said:
Are you applying out of undergrad? Or did you already apply to med schools before applying to the post bad program?
Click to expand...

I have worked for a year or so post undergrad doing clinical research, but have not yet applied to med schools.
 
SerenaYLofftus said:
Hey! I was just wondering if anyone who has completed this program could give me some more details of the class schedule? How often a week do your classes meet? Are they comprised of the entire MBS class (still pretty small!)? When are the MCAT classes offered? I'm sure all of this information will be given to me at orientation in a few weeks, but I would just like to know what my next semester will look like so I can plan accordingly as far as studying, commuting from my apartment by car versus t, and whether or not I'll have to quit my part time job (which I might do regardless to allow for better studying!) etc.

Also, did anyone from this program apply to MD/PhD programs?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

MCAT classes are offered during the spring semester (once a week?) or immediately following the program (more condensed, 4-5 days a week for a month). As for whether or not to quit your part time job - the courses are listed on the MBS page. It seems like a rather heavy courseload. Considering you're dishing out 50-60k for this program, I think it'd be wise to just give up what you'd earn from your part time job and focus on doing well in the program.
 
meganp4590 said:
Can anyone comment as to why they chose the Tufts MBS program over other programs? I have been accepted to BU and Tufts and am torn between which program would be best for me. I understand they will serve the same purpose if done well, just interested in why you chose or are choosing Tufts. Thank you!! Any advice, comments, or help welcomed!
Click to expand...

I chose Tufts (withdrew my app from BU) because they offered a committee letter and BU didn't. I also had favored Tufts based on my gut reaction.

I obviously can't speak about the BU program, but some good things about Tufts:
--Good advising and profs who are enthusiastic about teaching.
--Central location-- all T lines are easily accessible and you can walk to downtown crossing or the common. Also, at night you can leave Sackler through the hospital, and the main entrance is directly across from the T station, so no walking around by yourself in the dark.
--About 50% interviewed, 25% accepted to Tufts Med (including those who don't apply or withdraw to attend elsewhere).
--Sharewood is great clinical experience.

Hey! I was just wondering if anyone who has completed this program could give me some more details of the class schedule? How often a week do your classes meet? Are they comprised of the entire MBS class (still pretty small!)? When are the MCAT classes offered? I'm sure all of this information will be given to me at orientation in a few weeks, but I would just like to know what my next semester will look like so I can plan accordingly as far as studying, commuting from my apartment by car versus t, and whether or not I'll have to quit my part time job (which I might do regardless to allow for better studying!) etc.

Also, did anyone from this program apply to MD/PhD programs?
Click to expand...

The schedule is very unpredictable-- some days you will have one hour of class, others you will be in class basically all day. All of the classes happen between 8 am and 5 pm, and there are optional reviews most days from 5-7 pm. All classes are recorded (although occasionally technical difficulties happen), but I wouldn't recommend relying on that consistently.

MCAT classes met 1-2x per week during the spring. There is a summer course offered but I'm not sure about the schedule for that.

I worked about 10 hours per week during the program and do not regret it, but I think it is depends both on you and on the job-- I know someone else who worked and I think it hurt them significantly. I think absolutely limit to 15 hours per week (including commute time) though. An ideal situation would be if you could take the first couple weeks off (or very limited hours) and see how you feel.

I know some people who tossed around the idea of MD/PhD, but I don't think they went through with it.

Hi! I will be applying to this program for the admission for Fall 2014, can you guys give me any tips? I have a 3.3 GPA and I'm sure it will go up this year. I haven't taken science classes yet but I will be taking chem and bio in the fall. Any advice? Do I need GRE?
Click to expand...

Know what your app's weaknesses are and how the program will address them. You need either the MCAT or the GRE-- if you aren't done prereqs then the GRE might be better.
 
Hello everyone!

Congrats to those who have been accepted! I was wondering if anyone has gotten in off of the wait-list? If anyone from previous years were pulled off of the wait-list could you share when you were pulled ?

Thanks!
 
Does anyone know how to get the subsidized rates for the YMCA? I heard we were supposed to pick up a voucher, but I'm not entirely sure who or where to get it from 🙁
 
Does anyone know if you can apply to Tufts during the first year (if you plan on doing the program in a year) and be accepted for fall 2014 (eliminating the glide year)?

Edit: Just tobes2390's answer. But any other info would be much appreciated. Thank you!
 
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Oh, my... you guys are starting on the 19th! I was going to settle down and write a nice overview, but probably won't get there. We started later at the end of August last year. I'll share some things that I found important for the early part.

Studying for the First Exam(s)* (YMMV. It does vary, but I feel strongly enough to mention them)

In order of decreasing importance:
1. Watch lecture recordings at 1x speed (Genetics, Biochem) Pause often and take notes!

2. Pre-read syllabus and THEN attend lecture (I don't care how boring it is, especially Biochemistry, or how you know it all already, especially Biochem. Do it anyway)

3. Do the weekly quizzes ASAP. Behind on lectures? Do it anyway. Get humiliated and learn to not fall behind. Same for practice exams. I'd suggest just doing the ones provided on TUSK. Someone may provide you with PDF of older exams. They were ok, but ate a lot of time and even contained errors.

4. Study during the FIRST few weekends. You want to over prepare for the first exam on the chance (quite possible or else you wouldn't be here, right?) you aren't as solid as you feel.

5 or 0. Be flexible. If your studying method doesn't work, change it fast or ask for help/tips. Your TAs, tutors, staff and your classmates all can help, but you have to be proactive.

One good news is that I know the TA (95% sure) for your Biochemistry class and she is very, very, VERY good. Definitely attend her review sessions for 1st exam, which is Sept. 3rd I hear. Biochemistry is the hardest class in first semester and imo the linchpin for the entire MBS year. I highly recommend you talk with her in person to gain some info, hints, tips on what she did "early" on.

Edit: Forgot to mention 1st Genetics exam, which was a BUMMER. Don't know what to say other than to be super careful (exact words from a previous TA/MBSer, which I didn't listen to). Hopefully you get a MBS TA for that class, but if not, try asking the Biochem TA. Cell biology was a joy. Try to enjoy it. And try to get into the two electives he will offer in the spring.
 
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RubicStorm said:
Oh, my... you guys are starting on the 19th! I was going to settle down and write a nice overview, but probably won't get there. We started later at the end of August last year. I'll share some things that I found important for the early part.

Studying for the First Exam(s)* (YMMV. It does vary, but I feel strongly enough to mention them)

In order of decreasing importance:
1. Watch lecture recordings at 1x speed (Genetics, Biochem) Pause often and take notes!

2. Pre-read syllabus and THEN attend lecture (I don't care how boring it is, especially Biochemistry, or how you know it all already, especially Biochem. Do it anyway)

3. Do the weekly quizzes ASAP. Behind on lectures? Do it anyway. Get humiliated and learn to not fall behind. Same for practice exams. I'd suggest just doing the ones provided on TUSK. Someone may provide you with PDF of older exams. They were ok, but ate a lot of time and even contained errors.

4. Study during the FIRST few weekends. You want to over prepare for the first exam on the chance (quite possible or else you wouldn't be here, right?) you aren't as solid as you feel.

5 or 0. Be flexible. If your studying method doesn't work, change it fast or ask for help/tips. Your TAs, tutors, staff and your classmates all can help, but you have to be proactive.

One good news is that I know the TA (95% sure) for your Biochemistry class and she is very, very, VERY good. Definitely attend her review sessions for 1st exam, which is Sept. 3rd I hear. Biochemistry is the hardest class in first semester and imo the linchpin for the entire MBS year. I highly recommend you talk with her in person to gain some info, hints, tips on what she did "early" on.

Edit: Forgot to mention 1st Genetics exam, which was a BUMMER. Don't know what to say other than to be super careful (exact words from a previous TA/MBSer, which I didn't listen to). Hopefully you get a MBS TA for that class, but if not, try asking the Biochem TA. Cell biology was a joy. Try to enjoy it. And try to get into the two electives he will offer in the spring.
Click to expand...

I strongly agree on all points (except that I didn't use the lecture recordings unless I was unable to attend the live lecture or felt like I was really missing a big part of a lecture). Especially to over prepare for the first few exams. You cannot count on making up ground later.
 
Unfortunately, I just declined my acceptance. Fortunately, this seat will go to one of you much deserving individuals on the wait list. Best of luck!
 
Hi all,
I am interested in applying to this program, but I have to work on getting my stats up, mainly my GPA, but I am curious as to how most of you are paying from this program...its pretty costly, not to mention housing...That's my main concern with this program, any tips on how you all plan to manage grades and finances?
 
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