Tulane MS Pharm vs. BU MAMS

[debeer22]

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Hey guys,

I am deciding between Tulane's masters in pharmacology versus BU Masters in Medical Science post-bacc program and am on the fence for both.

I know there have been a few threads devoted to both schools, but they seem dated and I'm sure things have changed at least a bit.. I'm in the proccess of applying to allopathic schools and want to hopefully matriculate Fall 2013. My undergraduate GPA is a 3.35 with a 29P MCAT. I will be applying "broadly" and know I'm probably on the lower end of admittance. I know the BUMAMS program is encouraged to be completed in 2 years so that may be to my disadvantage if I attempt to complete it in just one year?

Would a 29P/3.35 be too low for consideration to Tulane even after exceptional performance in their SMP?

If anyone, maybe grads, from both programs could give their opinions on what they think the best route would be I would be extremely appreciative.

 

[alexrgross]

Hey guys,

I am deciding between Tulane's masters in pharmacology versus BU Masters in Medical Science post-bacc program and am on the fence for both.

I know there have been a few threads devoted to both schools, but they seem dated and I'm sure things have changed at least a bit.. I'm in the proccess of applying to allopathic schools and want to hopefully matriculate Fall 2013. My undergraduate GPA is a 3.35 with a 29P MCAT. I will be applying "broadly" and know I'm probably on the lower end of admittance. I know the BUMAMS program is encouraged to be completed in 2 years so that may be to my disadvantage if I attempt to complete it in just one year?

Would a 29P/3.35 be too low for consideration to Tulane even after exceptional performance in their SMP?

If anyone, maybe grads, from both programs could give their opinions on what they think the best route would be I would be extremely appreciative.

Tulane did accept at least one person from their SMP, and you probably know that.

BU MAMS is more prestigious, this is significant. The thesis would be a little hard to get done in one year, along with the curriculum. But if you have some ground that is broken on a research already, that is a moot point.

Tulane looks good by name in the classes are good on transcripts, and if you have a pharmacology type background that is your best chance. No thesis, maybe you would have time to re-take the MCAT, too.

Since your GPA is already fairly decent, I suggest Tulane so you do not risk the BU rush-to-finish situation. The extra prestige is not worth a lower GPA, and did you consider applying to enter 2014?

 

[debeer22]

Tulane did accept at least one person from their SMP, and you probably know that.

BU MAMS is more prestigious, this is significant. The thesis would be a little hard to get done in one year, along with the curriculum. But if you have some ground that is broken on a research already, that is a moot point.

Tulane looks good by name in the classes are good on transcripts, and if you have a pharmacology type background that is your best chance. No thesis, maybe you would have time to re-take the MCAT, too.

Since your GPA is already fairly decent, I suggest Tulane so you do not risk the BU rush-to-finish situation. The extra prestige is not worth a lower GPA, and did you consider applying to enter 2014?

Will I most likely have to retake my MCAT? If so, maybe 2 years would be a good route but I'm still undecided. I was a 29P (7VR, 11BS, 11PS)... How bad does that VR look in considering candidates?

I really don't want to retake it so if I could scrape by with a good performance at Tulane to boost my GPA, do you think I would have a shot at applying this cycle?

 

[alexrgross]

Not a good chance as you sit now, but a chance nonetheless.

If you have a solid EC background, with absolutely no weaknesses then you will get some interviews. APply broadly.

I understand how you feel about the MCAT re-take. And going through a year of post-bacc will amount to about as much as a re-take. RE-taking is a faster way to accomplish this.

There is a good chance you will not get accepted this cycle, so here is a question: if you go to tulane, what will you do in 2013-2014? Might be that MAMS is good since that fills the GAP year, although just meeting with Tulane researchers a few months ago I found bioengineering and neuroscience labs have LOTS of paid research positions available...maybe suss this out on your own with pharmacology labs?

 

[debeer22]

That is how I feel as well... It seems the verdict is to retake the MCAT after the first year of coursework for both schools as there have been a decent mean increase in scores.

My question now is, if I do decide to apply this cycle and don't get any interviews/acceptances, how bad does applying for a second time look?

 

[akwizeguy]

I finished the pharm program in 09 and now a rising 2nd year med student at Tulane. I think the consensus is that you need a 30+ to be considered for Tulane Med. Things have changed in the program since I took it, so you may want to try to contact some other kids who finished it more recently.

 

[alexrgross]

That is how I feel as well... It seems the verdict is to retake the MCAT after the first year of coursework for both schools as there have been a decent mean increase in scores.

My question now is, if I do decide to apply this cycle and don't get any interviews/acceptances, how bad does applying for a second time look?

That is fine since you will have had about 30 credits, and whatever else you do, between this years app and next years.