Tulane U - One Year Masters Program in Cell and Molecular Biology

[drstyller]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone,

Just got accepted into Tulane - One Year Masters Program in Cell and Molecular Biology.

Anyone attending CMB this fall??
Or any opinion about the program who did this program??

I don't know much about the program and will be debating between UMDNJ - GSBS in Newark and Tulane.

Any inputs/thoughts will be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[anonymuz]

Hello everyone,

Just got accepted into Tulane - One Year Masters Program in Cell and Molecular Biology.

Anyone attending CMB this fall??
Or any opinion about the program who did this program??

I don't know much about the program and will be debating between UMDNJ - GSBS in Newark and Tulane.

Any inputs/thoughts will be appreciated!
Thanks!

Weird, I am in the same EXACT predicament. Same schools, same programs... Same questions..

 

[tinker322]

do you guys mind sharing your stats? i have applied to this program but have not heard anything from the school yet. i am still waitlisted for dental school...hopefully something works out in the end!!

 

[MediCynical]

I am also waiting to hear back... to those of you who got in, where are you from and what are your stats?

 

[anonymuz]

im from jersey.. applied in feb/march... got word a couple weeks ago..

3.48 gpa
19 AA / 18sci DAT's

 

[cwalsh]

Quick ques: did you guys find out via email or mail?

 

[anonymuz]

Quick ques: did you guys find out via email or mail?

tulane email then mail
umdnj mail

 

[tinker322]

Did you guys apply a long time ago? I sent in my application on March 30th but still haven't heard anything. Marnie just told me that they're still reviewing. They only have 3 people confirming to go, but many are still undecided due to being waitlisted at med/dental schools.

My stat is similar to yours. I hope I get accepted to the program 😕
gpa 3.50
DAT 19AA/18Sci

 

[drstyller]

Weird, I am in the same EXACT predicament. Same schools, same programs... Same questions..

Wow that IS weird lol.

For me, just thinking about the location of each school, I prefer UMDNJ since I'm familiar with northern NJ, but just comparing the programs themselves, I personally think Tulane is better (again, personally).

But New Orleans is really far from here, Virginia.


I applied early/mid February.
If I remember correctly, one of emails from Tulane said they wouldn't review apps til May..

My GPA was 3.0overall/3.0sci
20AA/21TS.

 

[drstyller]

Did you guys apply a long time ago? I sent in my application on March 30th but still haven't heard anything. Marnie just told me that they're still reviewing. They only have 3 people confirming to go, but many are still undecided due to being waitlisted at med/dental schools.

My stat is similar to yours. I hope I get accepted to the program 😕
gpa 3.50
DAT 19AA/18Sci

I think your stat is very good!
Is Tulane your top choice??

 

[tinker322]

Ideally I would love to get off the alternate list from Creighton, but no one is willing to give up his/her spot 🙁

But based on what I've read, I really like Tulane's program and wouldn't mind going there. I've been living all over the country so location isn't really a factor for me. 🙂

 

[drstyller]

Ideally I would love to get off the alternate list from Creighton, but no one is willing to give up his/her spot 🙁

But based on what I've read, I really like Tulane's program and wouldn't mind going there. I've been living all over the country so location isn't really a factor for me. 🙂

What have you read?
I would love to read some more about the school/program.

Best of luck with Creighton!

 

[tinker322]

I have read some of the previous year's posts about the school. I just searched for "Tulane One Year" on SDN.

Also I read the website http://tulane.edu/sse/cmb/ms.cfm

Thanks for all your encouragement!! As of now, I am still waiting...

 

[anonymuz]

**** i dont know what to do..

1.5yrs at umdnj or 1 year at tulane?

 

[drstyller]

**** i dont know what to do..

1.5yrs at umdnj or 1 year at tulane?

have you decided yet?

 

[anonymuz]

i think umdnj cause its close to home and instate. what about u

 

[bigo711]

i think the tulane program is just okay.. and new Orleans might not be the best place to study.

 

[SouthofNowhere]

I was in that program for a year. I got great marks in the program and received a masters. Unfortunately, I didn't get into any of the medical school I applied to.

The program is great in that it offers you a masters in a year, but it's not that effective in getting you into medical school as other programs that are out there. Plus New Orleans is not that great of a place to live in. The combination of Tornado alerts and hurricane warnings really sucks.

I dunno, this is just my opinion, my friend who is also in this program didn't like it either, she's planning on switching schools.

 

[admitER]

I was in that program for a year. I got great marks in the program and received a masters. Unfortunately, I didn't get into any of the medical school I applied to.

The program is great in that it offers you a masters in a year, but it's not that effective in getting you into medical school as other programs that are out there. Plus New Orleans is not that great of a place to live in. The combination of Tornado alerts and hurricane warnings really sucks.

I dunno, this is just my opinion, my friend who is also in this program didn't like it either, she's planning on switching schools.

Well, I just completed this program. I don't know about Tornado alerts... maybe southofnowhere came to LA in some crazy year... its not exactly the part of the US where tornados are prevalent.... but yeah, hurricanes can suck. It's just part of living in a costal region.

Anyway, I enjoyed the program, I'm glad I did it, and I think it will benefit me in medical school (which I am matriculating into this fall). I don't know anything about the new jersey program, but I can comment on Tulane's.

Pros:
- You will be taking medical school subject-based classes but not actually graded against the curve of medical school students. I saw that as a plus, because its introduction to a higher level of material without the insane stress of being graded against a group of people who you aren't ready to compete with (obviously, or you would be in med school already).
- There is an anatomy cadaver dissection lab, with tag exams
- You will learn a lot, but actually have a life - you will be busy and stressed, but it's not the level of med school.
- New Orleans is, in my opinion, a really cool place to have the opportunity to live for a year. There is so much culture - and yeah, it's not the most conducive to studying (many distractions) but you want to go to medical school right? There will always be distractions.
- Direction - Dr. Grisbaum, the head of the program, is pretty fantastic. He actually got his MD, decided medicine wasn't for him, and now runs this program. He loves his job, and it's obvious. He is also very knowledgeable (as he got a MD) and his mission is to make sure you really make the most educated decision - to go into medicine, which medical school to attend, etc.

Cons
- Disorginization. There were many things "in transition" this year that left some of us in the balance - this should be changed next year, they are shifting things around.

I think that about wraps it. As far as people not getting into medical school out of this program, the vast majority of my class has been accepted... you can see the actual stats here:
http://tulane.edu/sse/cmb/ms.cfm

Anyone who wants more info about this program, feel free to PM me.

 

[drstyller]

i think umdnj cause its close to home and instate. what about u

95% sure that I will go to Tulane..
I think you would be better off with UMDNJ since you are a resident..
If I were you I would go to UMDNJ too.

Good luck to you!

 

[drstyller]

Thank both of you, southofnowhere and admiter, for the input.

I've been looking for some recent grads from Tulane CMB here on SDN. and finally there you are!

I'm glad to hear from you guys.

I guess not all of you can have the same opinion about the program.

But AdmitER, your information was very useful!
Thanks again..

 

[drstyller]

Hey everyone! I was accepted to the Tulane M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology last week. I'm also waiting to hear back from Georgetown and Loyola Chicago's One-Year Master's Programs. But I like Tulane most because of the small program size (30-35 students) and reasonable tuition ($20,000 per year as opposed to Georgetown's $40,000 per year).

Anyways, I will be attending Tulane in the fall if I am not admitted from one of the two medical school wait lists that I am currently on (Indiana University and Jefferson Medical College). I spoke with Marnie Mercado yesterday and she gave me a lot of useful information. I highly suggest calling or e-mailing her because she knows a lot about the program, living situations, and campus. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about the program at Tulane.

Hi b85,
Congrats on your acceptance!!
I will see you this fall but I still hope you to get into med school!

What kind of stuff did you ask Ms. Mercado, if you don't mind sharing?
I've been meaning to call her to ask about where I should live but haven't had a chance, just emails..

I need to find a place live first...

 

[cho15]

Hey everyone! I was accepted to the Tulane M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology last week. I'm also waiting to hear back from Georgetown and Loyola Chicago's One-Year Master's Programs. But I like Tulane most because of the small program size (30-35 students) and reasonable tuition ($20,000 per year as opposed to Georgetown's $40,000 per year).

Anyways, I will be attending Tulane in the fall if I am not admitted from one of the two medical school wait lists that I am currently on (Indiana University and Jefferson Medical College). I spoke with Marnie Mercado yesterday and she gave me a lot of useful information. I highly suggest calling or e-mailing her because she knows a lot about the program, living situations, and campus. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about the program at Tulane.

I was accepted to both Tulane's MS in Bio program and Loyola's 1-year and am sitting on one waitlist at VCU. I can't decide where I should go, Tulane or Loyola. Loyola's plus is that I would be closer to home since I'm from the Chicago area, but I would like to get an MS in Bio as opposed to just an MA in Med Sciences. I'm worried about the atmosphere in New Orleans though. I'm not much of a partier. I just want to enjoy my year, do well, meet some cool people and get into med school. Any thoughts on whether or not New Orleans will cause problems with concentrating on school?

 

[swimchick]

I'm not in a grad program yet, but I was taking some undergrad classes at Tulane and I can say that New Orleans isn't that distracting. I only needed 2 weekends in the French Quarter to get it out of my system 🙂 And once it gets warmer, people tend to avoid the Quarter because it can get stinky down there.

The only time I had truly had a problem was during the last weekend of Carnival. It was loud and crowded for 4 days. Luckily, Tulane is closed for Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras.

 

[drstyller]

Hey cho15,
Congrats on your acceptance!

I might see you this fall!


b85- have you received any other mails/emails besides the acceptance letter?

 

[cho15]

Hey cho15,
Congrats on your acceptance!

I might see you this fall!


b85- have you received any other mails/emails besides the acceptance letter?

Thanks! I still can't seem to decide b/t Loyola and Tulane...
I'm still wary about Tulane being in New Orleans, being the number 15th party school, the weather and it being fairly far from home. But that MS degree and cheaper tuition is really getting me.

Also, Loyola's program is continually e-mailing me about registering for classes and the guy in charge is so thorough in responding to my e-mails, it's giving me such a good impression about the program. Tulane has been pretty silent.

I'm so conflicted...but I need to decide by the end of this week (deadline I set for myself) eeps!

 

[MediCynical]

Hey guys, need some opinions here.

I was accepted to Loyola's program a few weeks back and have been waiting to hear back from Tulane, as these were my top program choices.

The problem is that I received an e-mail from Marnie on April 30 saying "Your application is complete and will be reviewed within the month", and haven't heard a thing since.

I have tried to contact Marnie via e-mail and voicemail within the last few days, but I haven't received any response. I'm sure she's overloaded with people asking about their application status right now, but it's been over 1.5 months and I need to make my decision. To be honest, this whole lack of communication is kind of turning me off from their program.

So, should I just accept Loyola and assume I am on a wait list or will not be offered a spot in Tulane's program?

 

[tinker322]

Hey guys, need some opinions here.

I was accepted to Loyola's program a few weeks back and have been waiting to hear back from Tulane, as these were my top program choices.

The problem is that I received an e-mail from Marnie on April 30 saying "Your application is complete and will be reviewed within the month", and haven't heard a thing since.

I have tried to contact Marnie via e-mail and voicemail within the last few days, but I haven't received any response. I'm sure she's overloaded with people asking about their application status right now, but it's been over 1.5 months and I need to make my decision. To be honest, this whole lack of communication is kind of turning me off from their program.

So, should I just accept Loyola and assume I am on a wait list or will not be offered a spot in Tulane's program?

I feel the same. I have tried to contact her various times but have not heard anything from her.

I applied to the program on March 30th and still have not gotten a response. I just accepted a job offer because I don't want to lose this opportunity.

I wish the school is more organized...my boyfriend applied to Tulane med school and still has not heard a single thing from the school. Granted he was already accepted elsewhere, but he felt like he just wasted his application fee because who knows, they probably didn't even read his file.

 

[drstyller]

I did get the feeling that Tulane wasn't really organized regarding the admission.

Because when I asked them when would the orientation start for this fall, and they said they didn't know.... that just didn't make sense to me..


But on the other hand, someone who just finished the program this year told me that they are in the process of changing many things around regarding their smp program.

 

[cho15]

The fact that you are concerned about the "party school" reputation shows that you are actually a serious student. Plus, those rankings are based on undergraduate - as opposed to graduate - student opinions. I promise that, with a little will power, you will be able to remain un-distracted. Like I said earlier, it's really easy to ignore the party scene if you are serious about school. This is all coming from a person who graduated from a notorious party school. 🙂

Also, I recently spoke with the Loyola admissions office. She mentioned that they have 55 students in their program, whereas Tulane only has 30. I'm really leaning towards Tulane.

I think I finally made my decision, at the moment I think I have decided to go with Tulane (although reading about the disorganization is making my feeble decision waver, lol). One larger positive I see with the Tulane program is that they want you to apply this cycle (as opposed with Loyola suggesting you wait another year). A good 90% of the class gets accepted to Medical School and majority to allopathic schools, so I figure this would be my best bet, especially if I don't want to waste another year. That coupled with cheaper tuition and a better degree I think makes the pro's for Tulane much better than those of Loyola's.

I figure, almost everyone in the program is successful so the whole party thing is probably not an issue if you don't make it one. Thanks for all your advice guys! I still hope to get off the waitlist for med school, but if not, to all of you who have decided to attend Tulane, see you in the fall 🙂

 

[drstyller]

I think I finally made my decision, at the moment I think I have decided to go with Tulane (although reading about the disorganization is making my feeble decision waver, lol). One larger positive I see with the Tulane program is that they want you to apply this cycle (as opposed with Loyola suggesting you wait another year). A good 90% of the class gets accepted to Medical School and majority to allopathic schools, so I figure this would be my best bet, especially if I don't want to waste another year. That coupled with cheaper tuition and a better degree I think makes the pro's for Tulane much better than those of Loyola's.

I figure, almost everyone in the program is successful so the whole party thing is probably not an issue if you don't make it one. Thanks for all your advice guys! I still hope to get off the waitlist for med school, but if not, to all of you who have decided to attend Tulane, see you in the fall 🙂

Yay! Way to go Tulane
lol

Anyone thinking about where to live?
I'm thinking about the campus housing.
Think it's called Papillion or something..

 

[drstyller]

Hey all! So, I decided to commit to the M.S. program at Tulane - unless I am taken off one of the med school wait lists that I'm on right now.

As for housing, I looked into Papillon, but they are currently full. I'm looking into renting a 5-bedroom house near campus and finding four other people in the program to rent with. If anyone here is interested, send me a PM and tell me about yourself! I study a lot, but I also like to go out and have fun occasionally. I am fairly neat/organized, drama-free, a non-smoker, and OK with dogs.

I am female, but I would be willing to have male room mates as long as they have their own bedrooms and bathroom!

5-bed room?
You already got a place?
That must be a huge house..
Personally think 5 is too many.
maybe 3 or even 2...

 

[medhearter]

....................................

 

[drstyller]

You guys think its too late to apply here?

I'm afraid so.

Deadline was June 15th.

 

[medhearter]

-------------

 

[medhearter]

.........................................http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=220266945471#/group.php?gid=220266945471&ref=mf

 

[America]

I very much enjoyed Tulane's CMB program. I highly recommend it! New Orleans is amazing!

 

[swimchick]

You have to be careful with the streetcars. When they are running on time, it's a great way to get around if your destination is close enough to the line. But, things happen and the streetcar schedule often gets off track because of it.

The roads down here are terrible and parking is a problem. I don't have a car down here and I'm getting along just fine. Tulane has a weekend shuttle that will take you to do your grocery shopping.

 

[Cwc127]

When is the earliest time you can apply to Tulane's One Year Masters program? Or, if there is no set date where you can begin to apply, what would be considered an early application? January or February if you want to matriculate that fall? March?

Also, I read that the program takes between 25-35 students. Does anyone know how competitive it is to get in? I mean, do they get 700 applications for ~30 spots, or more like 100-120 applications?

 

[drstyller]

When is the earliest time you can apply to Tulane's One Year Masters program? Or, if there is no set date where you can begin to apply, what would be considered an early application? January or February if you want to matriculate that fall? March?

Also, I read that the program takes between 25-35 students. Does anyone know how competitive it is to get in? I mean, do they get 700 applications for ~30 spots, or more like 100-120 applications?

Apply as early as you can.
I don't think there is a "set date" you can start the app. process.
I applied in Feb. even though I was told that they wouldn't start reviewing the application til May.

I'm pretty sure when the time comes they will review the applications in the order they come in. FYI, I got my decision at the end of June...

I have seen some ppl applying in even in December, but Jan/Feb is early enough.

As far as how competitive it is to get into Tulane CMB.. I think it's pretty competitive. I think there are little over 30 ppl attending this year. But I honestly don't know how many ppl applied. If you call and ask them, I'm sure they will tell you the answer to your question.

Hope that helps.
Good luck.

 

[America]

Hello, congrats on becoming an M-1 and thanks for your posting on Tulane's OYMP. What parts of town would you recommend if I want minimal commute time between library, classes, Riley Center and home?
Were classes held mainly at the UPtown or Downtown campus? What are your thoughts on bringing my car from home with respect to break-ins, parking, etc? Many Thanks

Well, I just completed this program. I don't know about Tornado alerts... maybe southofnowhere came to LA in some crazy year... its not exactly the part of the US where tornados are prevalent.... but yeah, hurricanes can suck. It's just part of living in a costal region.

Anyway, I enjoyed the program, I'm glad I did it, and I think it will benefit me in medical school (which I am matriculating into this fall). I don't know anything about the new jersey program, but I can comment on Tulane's.

Pros:
- You will be taking medical school subject-based classes but not actually graded against the curve of medical school students. I saw that as a plus, because its introduction to a higher level of material without the insane stress of being graded against a group of people who you aren't ready to compete with (obviously, or you would be in med school already).
- There is an anatomy cadaver dissection lab, with tag exams
- You will learn a lot, but actually have a life - you will be busy and stressed, but it's not the level of med school.
- New Orleans is, in my opinion, a really cool place to have the opportunity to live for a year. There is so much culture - and yeah, it's not the most conducive to studying (many distractions) but you want to go to medical school right? There will always be distractions.
- Direction - Dr. Grisbaum, the head of the program, is pretty fantastic. He actually got his MD, decided medicine wasn't for him, and now runs this program. He loves his job, and it's obvious. He is also very knowledgeable (as he got a MD) and his mission is to make sure you really make the most educated decision - to go into medicine, which medical school to attend, etc.

Cons
- Disorginization. There were many things "in transition" this year that left some of us in the balance - this should be changed next year, they are shifting things around.

I think that about wraps it. As far as people not getting into medical school out of this program, the vast majority of my class has been accepted... you can see the actual stats here:
http://tulane.edu/sse/cmb/ms.cfm

Anyone who wants more info about this program, feel free to PM me.

 

[swimchick]

If classes are held on the Uptown campus, then you want to stay in the Uptown area to minimize your commute time. I think your Jeep would be fine. I've been in New Orleans for almost a year and everytime I hear of a car break-in...it's because the owner left something of significant value (GPS, iPod, purse, even loose change) in plain sight.

 

[America]

If classes are held on the Uptown campus, then you want to stay in the Uptown area to minimize your commute time. I think your Jeep would be fine. I've been in New Orleans for almost a year and everytime I hear of a car break-in...it's because the owner left something of significant value (GPS, iPod, purse, even loose change) in plain sight.

Thanks for the feedback swimchick. As I am completely new to the area, do you have any other insider tips I should consider when looking for a place or other general recommendations in transitioning to the area? Many thanks!

 

[swimchick]

Try to look for places that have off street parking.

When you get here...set aside some time to explore the city. You definitely want to make sure you are familiar with the area which is kind of difficult since we don't use N, W, E, S here...it's all in relation to the Lake Ponchartrain and the Mississippi river. Certainly made for some interesting journeys when I first got here 😀