UMDNJ-Newark vs BU MAMS

[jboom33]

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I was recently accepted into both of these programs and am just trying to decide which one to attend this fall. A little background on me- 3.3 gpa 2.8 sgpa at an ivy league school (psych major). low gpa was mainly due to the fact that i was also an athlete and didn't really have enough time for everything. i also have a 32P MCAT and strong EC's.

I'm originally from NY and really love the city (having a hard time letting go for a couple of years!), however, from what I've read BU MAMS is a more reputable program with a more documented history of success of getting people into med school.

I'd like to go to med school in NY since it would be cheaper for me, but the bottom line is that I want to go to med school somewhere. I'm just wondering if anyone has any info on either (or both) of these programs or if anyone has had to make this decision before and could give me some insight.

 

[jboom33]

anyone????

 

[riss1084]

im originally from NJ and was accepted to UMDNJ and BU's master's programs. I chose BU MAMS and am really happy that I did. BU MAMS is an official SMP, im not sure if UMDNJs is. Furthermore, yesterday I was speaking with a classmate who applied last yr to UMDNJ and did not get in. When he called their adcom office to ask what to do, they told him "try the BU MAMS program." so if UMDNJ adcom recommended BU MAMS over their program, I think there is your answer!!

 

[deleted248403]

I got into both as well.

I would chose UMDNJ over BU primarily for a cost. BU MAMS is a great program but I can't justify the $40k a year vs the $17k in-state cost for UMDNJ.

They are both full fledged SMPs by the way. BU MAMS may be a better program, but I don't think its better value.

 

[jboom33]

thanks for the input both of you

those are pretty much the two points I'm stuck on. I don't really want to spend too much money if I don't have to. On the other hand, if BU is really THAT much better of a program, it would probably be worth it to spend a little more to get a better outcome.

whatever, i've got a few more days to decide

 

[deleted248403]

I felt I had to do 3.7+ work in either program to have the best shot at med school. Thats true whether im paying $40k for that opportunity or $17k

 

[camaras2480]

thanks for the input both of you

those are pretty much the two points I'm stuck on. I don't really want to spend too much money if I don't have to. On the other hand, if BU is really THAT much better of a program, it would probably be worth it to spend a little more to get a better outcome.

whatever, i've got a few more days to decide

I may be too late in responding, but if you have the money to spare, go for the BU program. It is far more reputable. And what I mean by that is more Adcoms are aware of the program, and are aware that people excelling in the program are great candidates for MD.

 

[mr2trd3]

This might be late advice as well, but I actually emailed the program director at UMDNJ before applying, asking for statistics on how many graduates of their program are later accepted into medical school. His response was short, but clear. "Not many".

I will forward anyone the email, if necessary. Hopefully I haven't deleted it yet.

 

[NutCracker2021]

Could you post it in the UMDNJ thread if you do find that email..or send it me via PM and I will..thanks!

 

[mr2trd3]

Could you post it in the UMDNJ thread if you do find that email..or send it me via PM and I will..thanks!

Hey guys, sorry but I must have deleted that email after I decided that I wasn't interested in the program anymore. However, I can say that the reply was sent by Dr. B.J. Wagner and his exact reply to my request for a statistic on how many grads are accepted into medical school was, "No, I don't have any numbers for you, but not many." I'm sure that if anyone wants a direct email from Wagner himself to confirm what he said, you can email him directly asking the same question. I cannot imagine why his answer would change.

Please note, I don't mean to take away from those who have been accepted into this program. I just thought I should share with you guys.

 

[camaras2480]

Hey guys, sorry but I must have deleted that email after I decided that I wasn't interested in the program anymore. However, I can say that the reply was sent by Dr. B.J. Wagner and his exact reply to my request for a statistic on how many grads are accepted into medical school was, "No, I don't have any numbers for you, but not many." I'm sure that if anyone wants a direct email from Wagner himself to confirm what he said, you can email him directly asking the same question. I cannot imagine why his answer would change.

Please note, I don't mean to take away from those who have been accepted into this program. I just thought I should share with you guys.

Thank you for your input - it will be helpful for future candidates for sure. No problem with the deleted email.

 

[NutCracker2021]

Yeah very much appreciated. Didn't take anything away from me because I am still going to do the program..cheap tuiton, in-state, etc. It is still a relatively new program that will continue to change and improve over the coming years. So to the OP,whatever program you do choose, make sure you email dental/medical schools that you are interested in and let them know what program you've decided to do and if they are familiar with the program..see if you can get a letter from the program director that will describe the program and its purpose. (Most do provide that letter.) Good luck with your future endeavors!!

 

[camaras2480]

see if you can get a letter from the program director that will describe the program and its purpose. (Most do provide that letter.) Good luck with your future endeavors!!

Good idea, and yes Good luck!