Tufts MBS vs BU MAMS

[|Cheena|]

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Hey Guys,

Just wanted to hear some feedback on your thoughts between the two! Top considerations for me

1. Do well (potential for higher GPA, easier classes (or easier time doing well, for whatever reasons)

2. Price/Tuition

3. Finish in a year--I really want to complete all the coursework in a year, do a quick thesis (the easiest/shortest one), and then retake my MCAT

4. Linkages

Also, is there anyway one could tell me what textbooks and editions are required for the classes (or PM them to me) so when I decide, I can read them the summer before to really make sure I can succeed!

 

[IlyaR]

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to hear some feedback on your thoughts between the two! Top considerations for me

1. Do well (potential for higher GPA, easier classes (or easier time doing well, for whatever reasons)

2. Price/Tuition

3. Finish in a year--I really want to complete all the coursework in a year, do a quick thesis (the easiest/shortest one), and then retake my MCAT

4. Linkages

Also, is there anyway one could tell me what textbooks and editions are required for the classes (or PM them to me) so when I decide, I can read them the summer before to really make sure I can succeed!

I'm partial since I completed Tufts MBS and matriculated into an MD school, but the program was fantastic. We do have people that finished MAMS in the program as well. It was roughly 52k plus living expenses (Boston is expensive). If you are considering the program due to a lackluster MCAT, then don't do it. SMPs are to resolve GPA deficits, and are essentially an audition for med schools. If the MCAT is the problem then spend your resources and time on that instead.

 

[|Cheena|]

It's more both. Definitely a lackluster GPA, but I figure since I'm taking so many pertinent science classes, I may as well retake the MCAT (in fact I should, in order to get a much more competitive score). Did you apply to med school before completing the program?

 

[|Cheena|]

Also, is there anyway I can get the syllabi beforehand so I can pre-order to books and read them before classes start. I am really committed to do well, and there's nothing like pre-reading and struggling there difficult concepts and doing some rote memorization before a course that enables me to do much better than I normally would! Would you recommend this strat?

 

[IlyaR]

It's more both. Definitely a lackluster GPA, but I figure since I'm taking so many pertinent science classes, I may as well retake the MCAT (in fact I should, in order to get a much more competitive score). Did you apply to med school before completing the program?

I only applied once, and after completing the program, which I highly advise. It's best to give it your best shot once, and you want all the grades to come in so AMCAS has it.

Also, is there anyway I can get the syllabi beforehand so I can pre-order to books and read them before classes start. I am really committed to do well, and there's nothing like pre-reading and struggling there difficult concepts and doing some rote memorization before a course that enables me to do much better than I normally would! Would you recommend this strat?

Personally, I didn't order a single book during MBS, and I've yet to order a book in M1 year as well. I got a 4.0 in MBS, and I spent my time on only lecture slides and recordings. Tufts gives large syllabi with a ton of info prior to starting a new class, but I found them too dense. Keep in mind this is N=1, but I think you're better off going to lectures, and really knowing them inside and out. Pre-reading was not an efficient strategy for me.

 

[|Cheena|]

Interesting! Can You PM me...I'd like to see some of the slides/content that you guys go over, so I can at least brush up on those topics

 

[RCT9617]

Hi Guys,
I wanted to ask what are my chances of getting into BU or tufts with my current stats: chem major from regular state school cGPA: 3.65 sGPA 3.4. I recently took the MCAT for the second time and got a 502. I want to retake it again for a third time but I'd like to know what my chances are of getting in rn. I've also been working as an ED scribe, tons of shadowing, and some potential clinical research lined up

 

[Axe1636]

Hi Guys,
I wanted to ask what are my chances of getting into BU or tufts with my current stats: chem major from regular state school cGPA: 3.65 sGPA 3.4. I recently took the MCAT for the second time and got a 502. I want to retake it again for a third time but I'd like to know what my chances are of getting in rn. I've also been working as an ED scribe, tons of shadowing, and some potential clinical research lined up

An SMP will be of little use to you. Save $60,000 and spend the year really preparing for your MCAT.

Dont rush it, take in next April and start reviewing content now.

 

[gigglepig]

would you recommend the MAMS program with a MCAT 512, sGPA 3.5 cGPA 3.44

 

[mydogmolly]

would you recommend the MAMS program with a MCAT 512, sGPA 3.5 cGPA 3.44

no. I would take a few postbac classes to maybe get your sGPA over a 3.5 if you're worried about it, but MAMS (or any SMP) would be a huge risk considering you have a very serviceable GPA already.

 

[•Syzygy•]

no. I would take a few postbac classes to maybe get your sGPA over a 3.5 if you're worried about it, but MAMS (or any SMP) would be a huge risk considering you have a very serviceable GPA already.

agreed, no reason to do MAMS with that GPA'

to chime in, i did BU MAMS. it is very difficult but worth it if you can keep up. you can finish the program in a year and do a thesis in the summer if you want, but know that that will be tough to do if you also have to retake the MCAT that summer.

there is no true linkage in the MAMS program, but you will get an interview if you do well enough. i don't know what the GPA cut off is for a interview, but i'd say its probably a 3.5+. i didn't do the program to get into BU though, because 1. they are stat ******, MCAT is like 517 median 2. the tuition is ridiculous. but its a very well known and established program, so i felt it was a good investment. i learned a ton.

and yes, the coursework will help immensely for the MCAT. do not retake until you are done with the year.

 

[sss1219]

there is no true linkage in the MAMS program, but you will get an interview if you do well enough. i don't know what the GPA cut off is for a guaranteed interview, but i'd say its probably a 3.5+. i didn't do the program to get into BU though, because 1. they are stat ******, MCAT is like 517 median 2. the tuition is ridiculous. but its a very well known and established program, so i felt it was a good investment. i learned a ton.

To chime in further, I just completed the first year of MAMS and did pretty well in the program (3.7+). Just got rejected from BU on Friday pre-II, lol. This was especially baffling given that I know people from the program with a lower MAMS GPA and MCAT having snagged an II. So I 100% agree with my colleague - do not do MAMS for the linkage.

EDIT: Can also confirm with my learned colleague that the program is hard af and I would not go through it if you don't need to (you don't need to)

 

[hdmed1318]

would you recommend the MAMS program with a MCAT 512, sGPA 3.5 cGPA 3.44

MAMS student here! I'd actually disagree with the above comments about avoiding the program. The average incoming gpa is pretty similar to yours - and I can say that I know MAMS students who had better stats than you, previously applied and didn't get any interviews, but after MAMS received multiple acceptances. In my experience with interviewing (I have been accepted to an MD program, too!), MAMS is seen very highly in the eyes of admissions boards. I don't know if it's the reputation or some weight of BU's name, but it is well known and well thought of. I'm very glad I did the program and know it helped other classmates get into med school. Yeah it's expensive, but I'm going to a great MD school because of it so I think it's worth every penny.

 

[hdmed1318]

Hi Guys,
I wanted to ask what are my chances of getting into BU or tufts with my current stats: chem major from regular state school cGPA: 3.65 sGPA 3.4. I recently took the MCAT for the second time and got a 502. I want to retake it again for a third time but I'd like to know what my chances are of getting in rn. I've also been working as an ED scribe, tons of shadowing, and some potential clinical research lined up

I decided to just chime in on both so here's my thoughts: I came into MAMS with pretty much the same stats as you, my highest MCAT was a 501 in 2015. I increased my score by 30% in 2017 after MAMS and was accepted to my top choice MD school this year. You 100% can get into either program with those stats, but I think for you (and the other poster!) it's SO important to keep in mind that med school apps are not just your grades!!! I am not on the top end of the MAMS gpa scale and definitely sit below the 50% mark at the school I'm attending next year, but I have years of clinical experience, multiple leadership positions, unique extracurriculars and I'm 100% a people person (now that I've been accepted I'll give myself credit and say I rocked my interviews). You need to look at everything you have and consider your weak links. For me, it was my MCAT and hot/cold transcript. So I did MAMS, showed I can managed first year medical school classes decently, improved my MCAT and highlighted my outside qualities on my application. No SMP is a ticket to ride for med school. You have to do the work and know it's only going to add to what you already have, not save you from inevitable doom. (Sorry if that's a little much...)

 

[Vito257]

Hi All,

I was wondering if any of you would recommend either program for me or heard of anyone with similar stats who got into medical school (DO or MD) after completing MAMS or MBS. I graduated from a state school with a 3.38 (BS in Biology and BS in Chemical Engineering), no MCAT score yet but I'm studying for it now, didn't think it was worth it to take it during undergrad when some schools wouldn't accept it after two years (wanted to work in my field for a few years to pay off debt and help out family). I have about 1000 hours working an EMT right now and have a few years of research with a review publication under my belt (decent shadowing as well and the job I'm probably taking is bench work supporting a phase III trial at a big name research facility).