UMass-Boston thread

[jintonic5]

---

Members do not see this ad.

how does a student become a resident ?

you ahve to qualify as a mass state resident in order to be eligible... massachusetts tends to be a lot more strict than other states in terms of eligibility reqs, i'm not sure what they are, but you should definitely try searching for htem on google or somethin.

 

[Angelanin]

Ok,

So I got accepted, I've found housing, and now I'm registering for fall classes. Does anyone know whether or not I should be receiving a student ID so I can use the web registration?

Oh, and did you guys have to turn in your health info stuff to the school? I'm reading that we do-but we don't? And does anyone know if we get school health insurance?

I apologize for all of the questions-but Ms. McSorley should really send a package or something addressing all of these things....

Ooooh-I went to check out the school and it seems as though class sizes are around 20-30. Is that true?!! I hope so [less competition].

Three more weeks before my big move from California to Boston. 😱 All this just to go to med school. Ugh. >_< It's worth it. It's worth it. It's worth it.

Anyhow, I am hoping to take Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics I. I hope to see y' all in my class!!!

Thanks for all the help!!!!
Nina

 

[Angelanin]

DID someone ask how to become a MA resident?

Well I called the governor's office and this is what they gave me:

"There is no formal requirements for establishing residency in Massachusetts but voter registration, automobile registration, driver's license, mortgage and telephone bills can be used to provide proof of residence. If you are a U.S. citizen and you become a Massachusetts resident (18 years or older), you may register to vote at your town or city hall upon establishing an address in the state."

In other words, [according to Boston City Hall]-just move there and get some sort of lease agreement from your landlord and you are set.

Now if you want to be an "in-state" resident because you're out of state and you don't want to pay twice the amount-go to the Registar office and complete a "Residency Appeal Form." This form requires a lease agreement and probably some utility. I've never filled out one of these, but will be doing so on Sept. 4. Please let me know if you filled one out and what it covers.

If you need to call the registrar's office for more info:
617-287-6200

or the Boston City Hall- (617) 635-4000.

Hopes that answer your quest.

Nina

 

[jintonic5]

DID someone ask how to become a MA resident?

Well I called the governor's office and this is what they gave me:

"There is no formal requirements for establishing residency in Massachusetts but voter registration, automobile registration, driver's license, mortgage and telephone bills can be used to provide proof of residence. If you are a U.S. citizen and you become a Massachusetts resident (18 years or older), you may register to vote at your town or city hall upon establishing an address in the state."

In other words, [according to Boston City Hall]-just move there and get some sort of lease agreement from your landlord and you are set.

Now if you want to be an "in-state" resident because you're out of state and you don't want to pay twice the amount-go to the Registar office and complete a "Residency Appeal Form." This form requires a lease agreement and probably some utility. I've never filled out one of these, but will be doing so on Sept. 4. Please let me know if you filled one out and what it covers.

If you need to call the registrar's office for more info:
617-287-6200

or the Boston City Hall- (617) 635-4000.

Hopes that answer your quest.

Nina

oops-- i stand corrected 😛

 

[blankguy]

According to the UMB resisdency site, the requirements is 1 year residing Massachusetts prior to taking courses in school.
Click for the UMB residency info

You shouldn't call the state government because they are for residency for the purposes of something else. Schools determine residency requirement for tuition purposes.

Hope this helps.

 

[blankguy]

Another good course to take in Anatomy & Physiology. Unfrotunately it's one of those "introductory" courses that can get filled up fast(required for nursing students). People mention Anatomy as one of the toughest courses around.

 

[ncalcate]

Another good course to take in Anatomy & Physiology. Unfrotunately it's one of those "introductory" courses that can get filled up fast(required for nursing students). People mention Anatomy as one of the toughest courses around.

I have to agree with blankguy and say that A+P with Guimond at UMB is a great course. I just completed my first week of Gross Anatomy at dental school and I can tell you that Guimond's course will help me immensely over my next semester. While his course is not as detailed as any anatomy course you will see in med or dental school, it gives you a great introduction to the subject, and allows you to learn how to tackle anatomy. Definitely take the course if you want to help yourself in med/dental school.... my classmates who have never taken anatomy have been very lost and stressed out this week.

 

[HailToTheThielf]

Alright, Im confused! I used to live in Boston and I attended UMASS from 99-2002. I ledt when I graduated back to Texas. Im thinking about entering the post bac program at UMASS so that I can retake some courses that I got C's in. Only thing thats stopping me is the expensive tuition at UMASS for out-of-state residents. Do you think its possible to apply for an in-state application to UMASS? Since I used to live there? I dont know? Anyways, I dont know if I misread the form at UMASS, correct me if Im wrong, but it says that if you went to school in boston then left and plan to come back, you can apply as an in-state resident, if you swear that you plan to live in Massachussetts from here on out and if you still have relations or contacts with people that still live in Mass. Can anyone correct me if I am wrong. It just seems a little weird or too easy to lie so that you dont have to pay the out-of-state tuition. And if its true, then I dont understand why doesn't every out-of-state student lie so that their tuition is cheaper, hell why didnt I lie when I was up there. Could have saved thousands of dollars!

 

[Blisterpeanuts]

Hi,
Have read all the postings in this thread. I have taken general chem, orgo, and biology at Harvard extension and gotten B's and B-'s. I got a C- in spring orgo so retook it over the summer--quite challenging 7 week course and I managed only a B for a 2 semesters' equivalent.

I learned a lot. But how the heck am I going to get into medical school with a 3.00 GPA (I'm being generous with myself since I have undergraduate 3.2+ GPA).

I have only physics left. So I can either take my chances with another competitive, cutthroat course at HES, in the ring with 200 premeds from all over the country, or I could go to a more "normal" school like U-Mass where "normal" people from mostly the Boston environs go, and perhaps get more like a B+ to A-.

I've already figured out that I'm not an "A" student in the sciences. I studied Chinese literature (BA, MA) and wrote papers in college and grad school and this multiple choice test taking is killing me. I'm wondering whether it makes sense to take physics, and perhaps also biochem or other upper bio course, at U-Mass or maybe at Northeastern instead of at HES.

I'm curious as to the fellow who wanted to move to HES to be around more serious premeds. Did you find happiness, or did you find like me that you went from a being a big fish in a small pond to being a minnow in a big ocean?

As for the gal who was looking for housing for the fall--no, the neighborhoods around UMB are not the greatest, but you will find students living there. You might consider sharing a place in Cambridge near the Red Line instead and taking the subway to school; it's not too bad a commute and you will have all the fun and excitement of studentland rather than the questionable ambience of Dorchester. But, maybe Dorchester has changed in recent years so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Also can someone explain to me why the UMB website is so crappy? Why can't they just list the courses without having to know to look under BIOCHM instead of CHEM--give me a break. And no contact information for the premed program! Sorry just venting now 😉

Thanks for any advice, tough love, go-back-to-your-own-board, etc.! And good luck to everyone in the fall!
-bp

 

[Angelanin]

BP,

Here's the deal-have you taken the MCATs? If you've taken the MCATS, and Harvard extension and you still haven't gotten anywhere-you might want to consider just getting your education from UMASS [where the normal, non competitive, fishies are].

Bs and Cs-probably not scores the medical schools are looking for [sorry]. So my suggestion is YES take physics, take courses that will help you excel on the MCATS [Chem, O-chem, Biology]. STUDY STUDY STUDY and try to get a 30 plus on that test [I'm being nice-maybe you might want to set your goal on a 35 plus]. Your GPA isn't too great, so your best bet is to improve on those MCATs and have them take the place of the low science GPA. [I applied last year to med school with a GPA of a 3.1 and I got turned down-ehhhh, but that's also with a horrible horrible horrible MCAT score of the early 20s].

I'm not great at multiple choice exams either-esspecially 10-hr ones, but I know the MCATs are pass-able. Set your goals at excelling on the MCATs.

Good Luck, I hope I've answered all of your questions. 😱

From the girl who found housing in Dorchester [not so safe neighborhood]. Wished I would have gotten your post 2-wks prior.

Nina
PS: No the website is crap! Biochemistry on its own?!! It should be in the Bio section! Oh, and I can't even access the syllabus-and I'm a student!!

 

[Blisterpeanuts]

BP,

Here's the deal-have you taken the MCATs? If you've taken the MCATS, and Harvard extension and you still haven't gotten anywhere-you might want to consider just getting your education from UMASS [where the normal, non competitive, fishies are].

Bs and Cs-probably not scores the medical schools are looking for [sorry]. So my suggestion is YES take physics, take courses that will help you excel on the MCATS [Chem, O-chem, Biology]. STUDY STUDY STUDY and try to get a 30 plus on that test [I'm being nice-maybe you might want to set your goal on a 35 plus]. Your GPA isn't too great, so your best bet is to improve on those MCATs and have them take the place of the low science GPA. [I applied last year to med school with a GPA of a 3.1 and I got turned down-ehhhh, but that's also with a horrible horrible horrible MCAT score of the early 20s].

I'm not great at multiple choice exams either-esspecially 10-hr ones, but I know the MCATs are pass-able. Set your goals at excelling on the MCATs.

Good Luck, I hope I've answered all of your questions. 😱

From the girl who found housing in Dorchester [not so safe neighborhood]. Wished I would have gotten your post 2-wks prior.

Nina
PS: No the website is crap! Biochemistry on its own?!! It should be in the Bio section! Oh, and I can't even access the syllabus-and I'm a student!!

Nina,
oops sorry I didn't read this thread sooner. But you can always move next year or something, once you have gotten your bearings!

Regarding your situation--I'm glad to hear you are persisting. It's always inspiring to me to hear someone's not giving up. They say medical schools are impressed by people who don't give up but rather improve their record and reapply.

I just wish I was a few years younger so that I could feel like I had more time ahead of me to keep trying. Of course a little extra money to keep paying for all these classes would also be useful. Then again age is relative. I meet people in their mid 20s who just have to finish medical school before they turn 30, or horrors! they'll be over 30 and still in med school!!! Hah.

Anyway, no I haven't done the MCAT. All I've ever done in my life is a practice Kaplan MCAT that I did this past Saturday and got a 22. My worst score was physical science, no big surprise since haven't taken physics yet, and I got a 9 in biology. I wish my verbal of 8 were better but people say it improves with practice. Anyway so yes I have a tiny bit of confidence that I might get above a 30 on the MCAT after taking the Kaplan course and of course a semester or so of Physics.

But as you say, that may not suffice, so I'm wondering if I should retake general biology, or take biochemistry and somehow improve my gpa, or take a chance on switching schools and see if UMB is kinder to me. It's so hard to know what to do. Need to go open a Chinese fortune cookie and see what it says but chances are it'll just say something like "Hard work brings success".

Good luck!

 

[Blisterpeanuts]

Alright, Im confused! I used to live in Boston and I attended UMASS from 99-2002. I ledt when I graduated back to Texas. Im thinking about entering the post bac program at UMASS so that I can retake some courses that I got C's in. Only thing thats stopping me is the expensive tuition at UMASS for out-of-state residents. Do you think its possible to apply for an in-state application to UMASS? Since I used to live there? I dont know? Anyways, I dont know if I misread the form at UMASS, correct me if Im wrong, but it says that if you went to school in boston then left and plan to come back, you can apply as an in-state resident, if you swear that you plan to live in Massachussetts from here on out and if you still have relations or contacts with people that still live in Mass. Can anyone correct me if I am wrong. It just seems a little weird or too easy to lie so that you dont have to pay the out-of-state tuition. And if its true, then I dont understand why doesn't every out-of-state student lie so that their tuition is cheaper, hell why didnt I lie when I was up there. Could have saved thousands of dollars!

Not sure what to say except move back here and get a job for 12 months and establish your residency that way. Maybe you could audit a class during that time just to get your gears turning. I'd advise you not to lie, however. It may seem harmless to misrepresent yourself, but if the discrepancy is caught and entered into your record you may find that the university will refuse to give you a letter of recommendation, or even worse, so-and-so may know so-and-so and you will not get in somewhere. It's a small world. Honesty is the best policy. Maybe you can call the uni and ask their opinion without giving your name and just find out what it takes to establish or re-establish residency. Good luck!

 

[Angelanin]

BP,
Oh it's okay. The tiny unsafe neighborhood that I live in isn't too bad [only because it's next to the zoo and I could probably see the giraffs from my window] 😀 . But, don't worry about it-I will survive in Dorchester and perhaps I'll get better housing next year.

Ughh...yes, medical school entrance is a pain in the butt. I just spoke with my friend and she got into one of the top business schools in California with a GPA of a 2.8 . [2.8!!! And she's planning to work at Wall Street]. The woman who controls our stock market had a GPA of a 2.8. Ironic.

A 22 isn't too bad [esspecially since you haven't taken physics]. I say do it. You can definitely get a 30 plus if you study hard. And yes, do take those bio courses at UMASS [the fishies here are far kinder-I believe this because everyone here has been so nice to me]--better than sitting and reading the bio books on your own right?

As for UMASS or Harvard-consider where you would thrive better. Where do you have a better chance of raising that GPA. I don't thrive well with competition-so I picked UMASS.

As for bio course...I suggest you only take bio courses that are revelent to the MCATs. I hear that...correct me if I'm wrong...genetics, cell, immunology, and biochemistry are BIG topics on the MCATs [lots of questions on those]. So you might want to consider taking classes that cover those.

Ok-that is all. Good luck on your decision-you don't need a fortune cookie to tell you what to do-just do what you think is best for you.

Nina

 

[boomerang]

I started U Mass post-bacc program last week. It is o.k. so far but I am looking for more I guess.

Biochem- I am in this the Hagar. What does he want us to know?

Orgo- Seems o.k. so far. Discussion section today

Microbiology- O.k. Teacher a little dry but certainly do-able

Biology II- O.k. so far. Has anyone gone to the Harvard Museum yet? I would like to have someone to go with since I am just discovering Boston.

Let me know if anyone is in my classes.

Looking for a friend :0

 

[blankguy]

Biochem so far has been all Dr. Pitcher so far. I am wondering about that too. 😡

The Museum of Natural History is behind the science center(the building that is shaped like a polaroid camera behind Harvard Yard) It's on the road that runs by
the science center.

I'm curious to see what people think of the new guy Dr. Salvatore who is teaching orgo.

 

[blankguy]

For any predents at UMass-Boston, apparently a predental society or club is getting started, I saw a flyer on this on the entrance to the science building on the 2nd floor.

 

[DPPM]

Blankguy,

Dr. Salvatore so far seems very good. Very enthusiastic, explains everything clearly, and patiently listens to and answers questions from students.

 

[jintonic5]

Biochem so far has been all Dr. Pitcher so far. I am wondering about that too. 😡

i can't tell if it's hagar or the subject matter that's boring. probably both.

 

[ockhamsRzr]

Anyone have Reif for Chem 1. I'm in that class.

Ock

 

[Sundarban1]

The disparity in pricing may be the difference between Continuing Ed courses versus regular matriculant courses (regardless of whether or not those courses are on campus or at a satellite like Braintree). I DO know that the prereqs I was considering taking (bio and chem) were CE courses offered in Braintree as opposed to on campus and were $800 ea. Look at the course number and I think it may say CE if it was contEd.

Otherwise, I don't think the pricing scheme is in flux, it may be a resident versus non-res thing also.

Ock

*Dew, thanks for the advice on the math course...I'm pretty sure that my Spring will now look like:

College algebra
Honors Colloquium
Bio

Most likely pushing forward with either pre-calc or two more science pre-preqs in the summer...and then onto fall for more pre-reqs.

Hey, I thought you were doing HCP? What happened to that summer BBQ you promised?? 😡

 

[ockhamsRzr]

Hey, I thought you were doing HCP? What happened to that summer BBQ you promised?? 😡

Man, that seems like forever ago 😳

Since early Aug, I've back and forth a zillion times between UMB and HArvard, diverting to Tufts, considering PA vs. MD/DO, writing my Atlantic Bridge application and juggling life with two little boys who constantly fight over "their" Thomas trains (trains presently hidden in my bedroom closet).

ALong with my day job as a clinical research assistant, I've had to make choices I didn't really want to with regard to continuing my post-bacc studies. To make a long story shorter, UMB offered a better overall schedule for the classes I needed to take as they fit with my work schedule.

I am a little bummed not be part of the HES crew, but so far my classmates in Chem are quite a different group than my Bio class at UMB. Only about 35 of us in my lecture section and everyone is either nursing, pre-dent, premed, or otherwise an interested student. In BIO there were 160 students half of whom couldn't have cared less. So, all in all I am happy that my schedule fell into place after a lot of scrambling during august.

I will have to make good on the barbecue sometime in the spring. Best of luck to everyone!

Ock

 

[Sundarban1]

Man, that seems like forever ago 😳

Since early Aug, I've back and forth a zillion times between UMB and HArvard, diverting to Tufts, considering PA vs. MD/DO, writing my Atlantic Bridge application and juggling life with two little boys who constantly fight over "their" Thomas trains (trains presently hidden in my bedroom closet).

ALong with my day job as a clinical research assistant, I've had to make choices I didn't really want to with regard to continuing my post-bacc studies. To make a long story shorter, UMB offered a better overall schedule for the classes I needed to take as they fit with my work schedule.

I am a little bummed not be part of the HES crew, but so far my classmates in Chem are quite a different group than my Bio class at UMB. Only about 35 of us in my lecture section and everyone is either nursing, pre-dent, premed, or otherwise an interested student. In BIO there were 160 students half of whom couldn't have cared less. So, all in all I am happy that my schedule fell into place after a lot of scrambling during august.

I will have to make good on the barbecue sometime in the spring. Best of luck to everyone!

Ock

Well, sounds like you did the right thing. Best of luck!

 

[blankguy]

i can't tell if it's hagar or the subject matter that's boring. probably both.

We haven't had hagar yet. It's been Dr. Pitcher so far. If he could only clarify what we should be getting out of the lectures. 😡

 

[blankguy]

Man, that seems like forever ago 😳

Since early Aug, I've back and forth a zillion times between UMB and HArvard, diverting to Tufts, considering PA vs. MD/DO, writing my Atlantic Bridge application and juggling life with two little boys who constantly fight over "their" Thomas trains (trains presently hidden in my bedroom closet).

ALong with my day job as a clinical research assistant, I've had to make choices I didn't really want to with regard to continuing my post-bacc studies. To make a long story shorter, UMB offered a better overall schedule for the classes I needed to take as they fit with my work schedule.

I am a little bummed not be part of the HES crew, but so far my classmates in Chem are quite a different group than my Bio class at UMB. Only about 35 of us in my lecture section and everyone is either nursing, pre-dent, premed, or otherwise an interested student. In BIO there were 160 students half of whom couldn't have cared less. So, all in all I am happy that my schedule fell into place after a lot of scrambling during august.

I will have to make good on the barbecue sometime in the spring. Best of luck to everyone!

Ock

Don't get down on youself. If you can't be part of the HES crew you can always take courses from HES while doing the postbacc at UMB 😀
One of the tutors for Orgo Chem last fall took calculus at HES because she couldn't get the calculus class at UMB into her schedule. You can always take courses that you feel might be a bit weak at UMB at HES. 😀

 

[blankguy]

I have to agree with blankguy and say that A+P with Guimond at UMB is a great course. I just completed my first week of Gross Anatomy at dental school and I can tell you that Guimond's course will help me immensely over my next semester. While his course is not as detailed as any anatomy course you will see in med or dental school, it gives you a great introduction to the subject, and allows you to learn how to tackle anatomy. Definitely take the course if you want to help yourself in med/dental school.... my classmates who have never taken anatomy have been very lost and stressed out this week.

Hi Nick,
How about Biochemistry? Is it the same deal?

 

[ncalcate]

Hi Nick,
How about Biochemistry? Is it the same deal?

When I took Biochem (which was 50% Pitcher and 50% Hagar), I would say that only about half the content is relevant for medical or dental school biochemistry. This is in contrast to A+P, where 100% of the content you will encounter in med/dent school.

Pitcher focuses a lot on theory and lab techniques. Pitcher made us learn how to derive the Michaelis-Menten equation (you'll hit this with Pitcher in October) in addition to using it. Last week in biochem here in Buffalo, the prof just put up the equation and said "don't learn how to derive it; just know how to use it."

In contrast, nearly all of the stuff that Hagar covers is relevant.

But overall, biochemistry here at UB Dental is now a LOT easier for me since I took Biochem at UMB. The students who haven't taken Biochem are having to put a lot of time into it. So, if you can put up with some excess theory and derivations with Pitcher, you'll be in better shape when you hit dental or medical school. And Hagar's lectures on glycolysis/TCA/ETC/enzymes are really interesting. I enjoyed them big time (but I'm somewhat of a chemistry geek though).

Anyhow, good luck with Biochem and the rest of your courses.

 

[blankguy]

Is that for the 2 semester of Biochem or just one semester?

 

[fiddler]

Is that for the 2 semester of Biochem or just one semester?

Lucky for you this is only one semester. the second semester, Pitcher teaches lab and someone else teaches lecture.

fiddler

 

[ncalcate]

Is that for the 2 semester of Biochem or just one semester?

I only took the 1st semester of biochem. So what I wrote only applies to that first semester. I suspect the 2nd semester falls into roughly the same category. If you really want to see how much 2nd semsester might help you, you can check out the biochem portion of both the USMLE and NBDE and compare that to what will be covered in 2nd semester. In general, most med and dental schools teach students the topics covered in their respective board exams. So if it's not in the USMLE syllabus, chances are you won't see it in med school. If you dig around on the two websites (www.usmle.org and http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/natboard/content.asp) you should be able to find a comprehensive listing of the topics covered on each board exam. Hope that helps.

 

[boomerang]

We haven't had hagar yet. It's been Dr. Pitcher so far. If he could only clarify what we should be getting out of the lectures. 😡

I am not sure what Pitcher wants us to know. I will hate to get to the Michaeles-Menten equation and derving it. Why in the world do we have to know how to derive it?

Anyway, look at Exam 1 from a few years ago. Look at Exam 2 as well.
I think I will just get down the general concepts.

Our first exam is in 1 week and a few days. I figure there will be a
Buffer question, Gibbs Free Energy question, DNA sequencing question,
etc.

That is as much as I can come up with!

 

[blankguy]

That pretty much seems to be the focus Buffers, Free Energy, Entropy, Enthalpy and Genetic Sequencing. Dr.Pitcher rambled on about Genetic Sequencing.

 

[Barfalamule]

I visited UMASS Boston yesterday for the first time. It's a beautiful campus. I'll be starting in the postbacc program in Spring '06 with the usual slew of first round course: Chem I/Bio I/Phys I and maybe Calc I? Does this seem like a good load if I'm not working? Any suggestions on supplemental resources as far as books go. I also walked through the Harbor Apts. It looks like a nice place to live. Can anyone give me info on living there? It would be really convenient for me to relocate since I'm currently up in North Boston area.

Thanks for any useful advice.

 

[prav]

I visited UMASS Boston yesterday for the first time. It's a beautiful campus. I'll be starting in the postbacc program in Spring '06 with the usual slew of first round course: Chem I/Bio I/Phys I and maybe Calc I? Does this seem like a good load if I'm not working? Any suggestions on supplemental resources as far as books go. I also walked through the Harbor Apts. It looks like a nice place to live. Can anyone give me info on living there? It would be really convenient for me to relocate since I'm currently up in North Boston area.

Thanks for any useful advice.

Harbor Point is pleasant and the places are big and modern for the money. Also another place to consider is South Boston. I live there and pay low rent for a large place, and I'm literally just a 5 minute bus ride / drive around the bay to UMass Boston. In fact, I can look out across the water and see it. 🙂

 

[Bhartiben Patel]

Nc

 

[Barfalamule]

I'm starting in the Spring and I've signed up for Chem I/Physics I/Bio I and a Spanish class. Is there way to get textbook info on these classes before they start?

Classes are being taught by Sopova, Hagar, and Pitcher and Wayne. Any negative experiences with these profs.?

Thanks for all the info on Harbor Point. If all goes well, I should be relocating there in a couple of months.

 

[Bhartiben Patel]

Nc

 

[Barfalamule]

Quarterly tests are through and I have to say I'm having a great time here at Umass! Professor Sevian for Chem 103, Hagar for Bio 111, and Sopova for Physics 107. I am a bit disappointed with the Physics class and have come to the realization that I will have to do all of my learning via textbook. But Chem and Bio are great. I hope you all are having a great semester. I am now looking to take A&P and maybe BioChem or Cell Biology in the fall of '06 or to round out my premed education in Spring of '07. Any thoughts on these classes and which ones might be best suited for med school prep?


Cheers! 🙂

 

[squeakyuk]

Can you work while taking all the pre-med classes? My husband's going to be getting his master's when we first graduate so I need to work the first 2-3 years until med school.

I was originally thinking of taking the bio, org and general chem and physics in one year... though if it's necessary I'll do it in 2. Also, how should I split up taking the classes (in either the 1 year or 2 year scenario)? I have no science classes so I need them all. Which are the best for the MCAT?

And how are the classes split? For instance, is Bio111 the fall class and Bio112 the spring classes or are they a whole year course each? It just wasn't clear on the website.

And how hard is it to get in? Are there any special requirements? I have good high school grades, 1270 SAT (only took it the once), and should finish my BSc in Psychology with a 3.0 (though hopefully higher).

Thanks!

 

[blankguy]

Can you work while taking all the pre-med classes? My husband's going to be getting his master's when we first graduate so I need to work the first 2-3 years until med school.

I was originally thinking of taking the bio, org and general chem and physics in one year... though if it's necessary I'll do it in 2. Also, how should I split up taking the classes (in either the 1 year or 2 year scenario)? I have no science classes so I need them all. Which are the best for the MCAT?

And how are the classes split? For instance, is Bio111 the fall class and Bio112 the spring classes or are they a whole year course each? It just wasn't clear on the website.

And how hard is it to get in? Are there any special requirements? I have good high school grades, 1270 SAT (only took it the once), and should finish my BSc in Psychology with a 3.0 (though hopefully higher).

Thanks!

I am not quite sure what you are asking, but among the prereqs the only courses that you have to stick to fall-spring sequence is organic chemistry. The other courses have other sections that allow you to take spring-fall sequence. The only warning I have gotten is not to take Bio111-112 day sections for the fall-spring, Dr. White teaches that, eventhough he is an effective teacher he waters down the content a bit too much. You can remedy this by taking upper level biology courses, which I would recommend even without this problem.

I assume you are asking about the formal post baccon how hard it is to get in. I am not in the formal post bacc so I don't know, you should schedule an appointment with Grace McSorley.

 

[squeakyuk]

what's the difference between non-degree and degree? And do we get a certificate either way? Do we even need a certificate or is a transcript from the school enough?

I was also looking at the course schedule at UMass and noticed something about 1st meeting and 2nd meeting... if your enrolled in the class do you go to both?

Thanks!

 

[squeakyuk]

How much is each class if your a non-degree student?

I just got an email from Grace saying it's like $1338 per 4 credit class (and it's going to rise 3.4% by next fall), but this may be for a degree seeking student. I just really don't want to have to pay that much for each class especially since I need to take ALL the pre-med classes (science and math).

And do we really need a year of English?

Thanks!

 

[blankguy]

Unfortunately tuition has been increasing for the last few years. You don't have to take english since that was taken care of in your previous undergrad unless you took some obscure course that your previous school counted as english.

 

[onelov77]

Hellooooo,

Roll Call- is anyone else out there enrolling for Fall 2006?

 

[theraball]

Hi,

I'm planning to sign up for Biol 207 anatomy and physiology at UMass Boston. Would appreciate any comments or suggestions regarding this course. It's a little late and a lot of the sections are full, and they all seem to be taught by Prof. Guimond. Is he really teaching all lectures and labs or will it really be taught by TA's?

Also, am I doing something wrong or is the umb.edu website the worst designed college website ever? Try, just try, to get a listing of courses for Fall 2006. You get this weird little data entry screen where you must enter the numerical code for "Fall 2006" (fyi the code is 1610) and an amateurish database search form that appears to have been designed by a junior high school student 😕

 

[WantsThisBad]

Since many institutions on this forum have their own thread why not start one for UMass-Boston which tends to get overshadowed by BU, and Harvard in Boston.

I've been getting the impression that there are a lot of people at UMass-Boston who have done poorly at their previous institutions, or dropped out and coming back to school. Eventhough they have a certificate program for premed post-bacc overwhelming majority of people if they are not undergrads they prereqs a la carte. I am amazed at the number of people here who intend to apply to pharmacy, dental, or medical school. It just seems a bit odd that given this fact that it barely gets any mention at SDN. If you are in Boston, especially a resident of Massachusetts or soon to be classified as one take a look at this alternative. I'm not saying this to advertise UMass-Boston but so many people are unaware that there are alternatives to BU, Harvard, Tufts and Brandeis. This schools is an alternative especially given its inexpensive tuition if youa re a resident.

Anybody else here who goes to UMass-Boston?

Ya know...Im going to be transfering soon to a 4 years school from my CC, and i was looking into umass-boston (im from mass) and i couldnt find a lot of info about it. What is the science department like?

 

[ncalcate]

Hi,

I'm planning to sign up for Biol 207 anatomy and physiology at UMass Boston. Would appreciate any comments or suggestions regarding this course. It's a little late and a lot of the sections are full, and they all seem to be taught by Prof. Guimond. Is he really teaching all lectures and labs or will it really be taught by TA's?

I took 207/208 in Summer 2003. It was a great course. After taking both gross anatomy and physiology in dental school, I can tell you that every single piece of information I learned in 207/208 was relevant (and testable) in dental school. Except that in dental school (and med school too) you have to learn way more than what was covered in 207/208.

I'm not sure what it is like during the regular school year, but during the summer, Guimond did all the lectures and labs. I think during the regular year Guimond does the lectures and there are TAs doing the labs.

At any rate, I highly recommend the course, and it is a great preparation for gross anatomy in either medical or dental school.

 

[theraball]

I took 207/208 in Summer 2003. It was a great course. After taking both gross anatomy and physiology in dental school, I can tell you that every single piece of information I learned in 207/208 was relevant (and testable) in dental school. Except that in dental school (and med school too) you have to learn way more than what was covered in 207/208.

I'm not sure what it is like during the regular school year, but during the summer, Guimond did all the lectures and labs. I think during the regular year Guimond does the lectures and there are TAs doing the labs.

At any rate, I highly recommend the course, and it is a great preparation for gross anatomy in either medical or dental school.

OK thanks for the info and will file this away for the future. As for fall '06, they are completely booked up with a waiting list and the professor told me in email (very nicely) that there was no chance of getting in.

Apparently lots of premeds, pre-nursing, and other pre-health professions take A&P at UMB and the undergrads almost filled up the class even before the post-baccs were allowed to register. I've signed up for the Northeastern U. evening course and will hope for the best. I'm disappointed but will get on the ball next time.

U-Mass Boston has this glittering new Campus Center building since I was last there. Very nice place. Now if they could put a little effort into making their website useable life would be good.

 

[Jacq]

Question about class scheduling at UMB...I'm finishing my undergrad there, but I also have to work and care for my family. I've noticed that except for biology all of the other sciences/labs are scheduled during the day, is that accurate? I'm considering going to HES because their classes are at night...any thoughts? Thanks!!

 

[blankguy]

bump
anybody else from UMB?

 

[Barfalamule]

I just finished.