When am I going to hear from BU MAMS?

[SaturdayDwarf]

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Hey,

I've read through the entire BU MAMS thread, and posted on it. No one seems to be biting, so I thought I'd start my own thread. I applied to BU's master's program, Natasha Hall said that they will begin reviewing applications today. Does anyone know how long it will take for me to hear back?? I'm getting a little anxious about my post-bac plans, and I would really like to figure out what I'm doing.

Also, does anyone know the acceptance rate for the BU program? I haven't applied to anything else yet (I'm still trying to recover from the time/expenses of applying to medical school!). I really hope I get in.

Lastly, is there financial aid. I saw in the previous thread that people were receiving financial aid packages, however Ms. Hall said that there was NO financial aid for this program. 🙁 Not too excited about getting so far into debt BEFORE medical school.


Thanks.

 

[River Rat]

I emailed her about it and she thinks that we should find out in about two weeks.

 

[sendwich]

from the orientation they had this year, it sounded like about 480ish people applied and there's about 160 people in the class right now. i dont know how many people they accepted but if you show "some" hope (ie okay mcats, upward trend in gpa) they'll let you in. i applied really late and so got to know natasha really well..i think she may have bumped me up in the stack (call lots=show you're interested) or else i dont know if i would've gotten in (since i applied so late)

 

[SaturdayDwarf]

Anyone know about the financial aid situation with MAMS? I was considering applying for the MAMS/MPH Dual Degree, hoping that I could get financial aid through the school of public health. But I don't know if I want to spend an extra year in school. It might be better financially to get a job during my year off and try to earn back some of the money.

 

[junebuguf]

Natasha Hall is not the person who makes admissions decisions. Its Michelle Hall who coordinates the admissions process. Natasha Hall is the secretary. You may want to call Michelle Hall directly. I applied very, very late (I wasnt accepted until after the semester had already, technically, begun) and still got in even though my gpa is under 3.0. But I have two years of 3.9 in undergrad post-bacc and a 34. I called/emailed so many times that when I finally showed up for registration the receptionist went,'So you're that guy whos been calling us so much.' So yeah, I would hit their phone lines, but dont overdo it. Once a week, twice at most, should be enough.

There are no scholarships for the program, but there is financial aid...I think, at least I remember getting a financial aid packet. They might have changed it though for the next class since demand is so high.

Also, I dont think there are 160 people in the incoming class. Medical Physio has three lab sections with around 90 people in it. Even if around 30 opt to take two semester physio, thats probably still only around 120 people tops.

 

[FlipLoob]

Actually, I recall them saying that around 160 people are in this years class during orientation. Approximately half the class take the medical physio track and the other half takes the two-semester physio track. So, way more than 30 people take the two-semester sequence.

 

[SaturdayDwarf]

Natasha Hall is not the person who makes admissions decisions. Its Michelle Hall who coordinates the admissions process. Natasha Hall is the secretary. You may want to call Michelle Hall directly.

Wow. That's confusing. I thought Natasha and Michelle Hall were the same person. Michelle wrote an email, but said to respond to Natasha's emails email address.

Tricky.

Thanks for all of the info. I will try contacting Michelle Hall about the financial aid tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[SaturdayDwarf]

Okay. Sorry to post so many questions about the program, but you guys have been a big help so far:

What is the schdule like for the MAMS program? What days/hours should I expect to be in class? Is it a semester or block schedule system?

Also, how to concentrations fit into the schedule? I see people posting what their semester schedules were like, but I don't understand when I would take the three courses for my concentration; are they just considered electives? I'm interested in the Mental Health Counseling one. Has anyone done that?

Finding out in a week! So excited 😀

 

[junebuguf]

Concentration courses are electives. BU operates med school classes on the block format, but grad school classes are semester long. So medical physio, histo (fall semester only), endo, immuno, neuro, et are blocks, whereas the graduate version of physio (two semester), histo (spring), neuro (fall) runs the entire semester.

Classes are typically scheduled so that the most popular classes dont conflict--ie, many mams students take medical physio and graduate pathology or biostats second semester, so those classes wont conflict. They are typically held between 9 am and 5 pm, depends on the class--more credits, more class/lab hours.

You can find the course schedule as well as the block schedule for first year classes at the bumc website: www.bumc.bu.edu

First/Second year class schedules (these are the block versions of the medical school courses): http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Content.aspx?DepartmentID=42&PageID=2155

Course Schedule (listing primarily grad school courses. Courses that are approved for MAMS students are hilighted, however, you can typically register for other classes by talking to the prof and getting an override)
Fall: http://cobalt.bumc.bu.edu./pdfs/fall.pdf
Spring: http://cobalt.bumc.bu.edu./pdfs/spring.pdf

 

[NRAI2001]

How many people from the program are admitted into BU med the following year?

 

[LinnyTrap]

i want to cry. i almost did. i spoke to michelle hall and she knows the decision on my app, but won't say what it is. i knew this was a good program, but i didn't know they rejected a ton of people. i feel very screwed.


🙁

 

[SaturdayDwarf]

I received a letter in the mail today (dated: 3/7, postmarked: 3/8) that the school hasn't received my LORs, transcript and MCAT scores.

The first two were sent two weeks ago. So hopefully they will get there soon (or does anyone know if their office was backed up?) I never sent my MCAT score, cause there weren't instructions on how to do it. Should I do it through AMCAS or can I just print out my scores and mail an unofficial copy?

Given that half of my application hasn't been processed by their office yet, when should I get my decision? Does anyone know if after the Monday letters are sent out is there periodic decision dates or is it rolling?

Thx.

 

[junebuguf]

You dont need to submit your MCAT directly through AAMC. I was told I could print my score out from the AAMC THx page, and they accepted that.

It takes a while for their office to get back to you, so be patient. But also check back once a week until all of your materials are received. After that, Dr. Broitman or Dr. Selwyn have to review your app, and that may take a while.

 

[junebuguf]

Something to think about for those of you who are planning to submit an AMCAS this year and have a free summer: you may want to get a head start on the MAMS program by enrolling in Endo and Immuno, which begin in a separate block by themselves in mid May. After those courses end, you can opt to complete Summer Histo (equivalent to the Fall course) or Gross Anatomy (also equivalent to the Fall Med course), which would give you 12 credits of medical school coursework before most schools even look at your AMCAS. If you do well, it will certainly help you get off some pre-interview holds that virtually all other first year SMP applicants will have to endure.

I dont think there are any pre-reqs for Endo and Immuno, and there certainly arent any for Anatomy or Histo. The program is actually very flexible, and once you receive an acceptance, there should be no reason for them to prevent you from taking a class--Fall or Spring acceptance are arbitrary terms that are more administrative than meaningful and exclusive divisions. Also, if you start this way, you should be more than able to complete the program by August of 2007, even if you opt to complete a thesis, since you would have a lighter Fall schedule, 6 weeks off over xmas (Physio/Path dont begin until early February) and be done by early May, giving you another 14 weeks over summer.

If you have the summer off, I would highly recommend looking into it.

 

[LinnyTrap]

Something to think about for those of you who are planning to submit an AMCAS this year and have a free summer: you may want to get a head start on the MAMS program by enrolling in Endo and Immuno, which begin in a separate block by themselves in mid May. After those courses end, you can opt to complete Summer Histo (equivalent to the Fall course) or Gross Anatomy (also equivalent to the Fall Med course), which would give you 12 credits of medical school coursework before most schools even look at your AMCAS. If you do well, it will certainly help you get off some pre-interview holds that virtually all other first year SMP applicants will have to endure.

I dont think there are any pre-reqs for Endo and Immuno, and there certainly arent any for Anatomy or Histo. The program is actually very flexible, and once you receive an acceptance, there should be no reason for them to prevent you from taking a class--Fall or Spring acceptance are arbitrary terms that are more administrative than meaningful and exclusive divisions. Also, if you start this way, you should be more than able to complete the program by August of 2007, even if you opt to complete a thesis, since you would have a lighter Fall schedule, 6 weeks off over xmas (Physio/Path dont begin until early February) and be done by early May, giving you another 14 weeks over summer.

If you have the summer off, I would highly recommend looking into it.

I'm planning on retaking the MCAT in August, before the MAMS really gets started (this is if i even get in). I was wondering what you thought of taking one of those classes you mentioned from a term (such as Immuno or Endo) while studying for the MCAT. just too much?

 

[chaeymaey]

I'm taking the August MCAT as well, but I want to devote all of my time to it. My problem the first time taking it was that I had too much on my plate, and I don't want that to happen this time too.

 

[junebuguf]

Med school is mostly all memorization (except for Physio), so even a 2 credit Immuno class will entail a fair bit of work. Frankly, if you're worried about the MCAT, joining early is not worth it, because you would not be able to take many classes, which is the primary benefit of doing so. You should spend all of your time studying for the MCAT.

On the other hand, if you're not doing much now, you really should be prepping for the MCAT to get it over with in April. Or at least get as much reviewing done as possible so you can take classes at BU and still be ready in August.

 

[LinnyTrap]

Yeah, I'm starting to prep now for August. I want to be a total pro.
🙂 Hopefully if I get in, I'll be able to take some classes. I think I'm going to have to take two years off, i'm just praying i get in (i just got rejected from Tufts Med today so i'm having a pretty bummer day.)

Med school is mostly all memorization (except for Physio), so even a 2 credit Immuno class will entail a fair bit of work. Frankly, if you're worried about the MCAT, joining early is not worth it, because you would not be able to take many classes, which is the primary benefit of doing so. You should spend all of your time studying for the MCAT.

On the other hand, if you're not doing much now, you really should be prepping for the MCAT to get it over with in April. Or at least get as much reviewing done as possible so you can take classes at BU and still be ready in August.

 

[Lu E Lee]

anyone receive a letter yet? i can't get to my mailbox fast enough these days....hopefully just a couple more days

 

[makoto00]

anyone receive a letter yet? i can't get to my mailbox fast enough these days....hopefully just a couple more days

I got an email today saying I got into the BU MAMS thing. Now if Georgetown will give me a word...

 

[Lu E Lee]

so are they sending acceptance emails and rejection letters in the mail? anyone else receive an email? letter?

 

[etikit]

I just got accepted today via e-mail. 3.4 GPA, 1340 GRE.

 

[Tommyk7]

I just got accepted yesterday, 3/16. Now to decide between BU and GT SMP... 😕

 

[mtam323]

I also got an email yesterday saying I got in. Now I guess we're gonna have to worry about housing. Anyone wanna be roommates?

 

[osin83]

when did all you acceptees send in all your final application paperwork by? My file was completed on March 9th ( a week ago) I hope there is still room for me... I talked to Ms. Hall at the beginning of the week and she said she was going to look at my app. the following day

What were some of your GPA + MCAT/GRE scores for those of you who got in?

 

[LGamble]

What were some of your GPA + MCAT/GRE scores for those of you who got in?[/QUOTE]

I applied in late February and I didnt hear back from them until earlier this week. I was suprised at how many postbac. programs give acceptances without interviews. whats up with that? I'll be going in with a 30P and a 3.133 from Berkeley. Not sure if i should retake the MCAT before I go (i really really really dont want to). Still waitlisted at GT, but at this point i think I would rather go to BU anyway.

 

[osin83]

MCAT and GPA for those of you who got in?

 

[osin83]

Please? So I can sleep better at night?

 

[Lu E Lee]

for those of you still waiting to hear from BU, i just got my acceptance by email today.
i can't believe after so many medical school rejections and on holds, i finally have an acceptance somewhere. its nice to have plans for the next year.
since it doesn't look like i'll be getting in anywhere else, can't wait to see you guys at bu in the fall.


don't give up hope guys, if it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone. =)

 

[chaeymaey]

for those of you still waiting to hear from BU, i just got my acceptance by email today.
i can't believe after so many medical school rejections and on holds, i finally have an acceptance somewhere. its nice to have plans for the next year.
since it doesn't look like i'll be getting in anywhere else, can't wait to see you guys at bu in the fall.


don't give up hope guys, if it can happen for me, it can happen for anyone. =)

That's exactly how I will feel once I get into an SMP. You articulated all of my desires at this point in the "post-process" stage.

 

[Archita]

Hi all,

I was hoping to get some input from veterans of this whole process...is it too late to apply to BU MAMS?

Thanks for your advice!!

 

[GWmdwannabe]

MCAT and GPA for those of you who got in?

3.45 (3.25 BCPM), 32Q

I applied back in August 2005 (to start Fall 2006), and actually got accepted for Fall 2005. Bottom line - you can apply late to this program and still get in.

I recieved my 2006 acceptance earlier this week via e-mail.