MAMS: FAQ

For general questions regarding GMS admissions requirements please see the Admissions FAQs.

Find answers to your questions about Admissions, Letters of Recommendation,  Program Information, MAMS Specialization Options and Financial Assistance below.

ADMISSIONS

MAMS SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

PROGRAM INFORMATION

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

 

ADMISSIONS

What is the deadline for applying to the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences Program?

There is no deadline for the Medical Sciences Program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis until the end of August, or until the class reaches capacity.  However, we recommend that all completed applications be received by June 1, 2013.

Do you accept students for January admission?

No, we do not accept students to the MAMS program in January.  All students begin the program in the fall semester.

What are the minimum standardized test scores for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences Program?

The minimum standardized test scores for acceptance are: an MCAT score of 25 or GRE scores in the 70th percentile. Scores lower than those listed above are considered on a case-by case basis. We strongly recommend that applicants take the MCAT prior to entry into the MAMS Program.

What is the minimum overall GPA for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences Program?

The minimum overall GPA for acceptance into the program is 3.0.

When is my application reviewed for the Medical Sciences Program?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in February upon receipt of all required credentials (letters, official transcripts, GRE and/or MCAT, resume/cv and Personal Statement) and  the application fee.

What pre-requisite science courses should be listed on the application?

Applicants are allowed to leave this section blank as our Admissions committee reviews your entire transcript.

When will I find out if I am accepted into the program?

Acceptances are offered beginning in February and continue through the program start date in August.  Written notification/Electronic email is sent when a decision is finalized.

How many students are accepted each year for the Medical Sciences Program?

Approximately 170-180 students are accepted each year.

How should I send my MCAT scores?

MCAT scores should be printed from the THx Report System and sent by mail or fax to the GMS Admissions Office.   We do not accept emailed MCAT scores.

Where should I indicate a future MCAT or GRE date?

For GRE’s under test scores there is an option to include the date of a future planned  GRE test date.

For MCATs the application does not have a defined spot to include a future test date.  Please upload an additional document that states you plan on taking the MCATs on “FUTURE DATE”.  We will then make a note in your file and wait for your test scores before a final decision is made on your application.

Can I apply to more than one graduate program at Boston University?

Yes.  Each applicant is allowed to apply to two programs offered by GMS. Please be advised that an application to a second program requires the applicant to complete a second application with a new personal statement and three different letters of recommendation appropriate for the second program and the application fee.

I have applied to BUSM.  Can my AMCAS application with test scores, letters of recommendation and verified grades be used for MAMS admission?

Students who have previously applied to Boston University School of Medicine should upload a statement with their GMS application requesting that we obtain your BUSM admissions credentials. Additionally, you should send an email with this request to Dr. Gwynneth Offner at goffner@bu.edu.  If you are accepted and choose to enroll in the program you will need to provide GMS with an official transcript from each institution attended.

What are the payment options for the application fee?

The online application fee requires a payment of $75 paid by credit card. The application fee is waived for Boston University Medical Campus Employees with proof of BU I.D. For all others, no fee waiver is offered.

Is it possible to submit all supporting documents (letters of recommendations, transcripts, and test scores) before submitting my application?

No. Applicants must apply on-line (and pay application fee) PRIOR  to having supporting documents sent to the Admissions Office.  All credentials received prior to a completed application will be destroyed.  Letters of recommendation which are mailed must be in a sealed envelope signed across the flap to be considered official.  Letters of recommendation may also be submitted online through our admissions service GEMS.

Do I need to have transcripts sent from every institution that I have attended?

Yes. Applicants are required to submit  transcripts from each institution attended however initially students may upload unofficial transcripts to their application for review.  Once a student is accepted, they will  be required to submit an official transcript from each institution attended.  Applicants who have attended an institution outside the U.S. must provide certified copies and certified English translation of the transcripts.

What is the institution code for the GRE and TOEFL report?

The institution code for the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences is 3251.

For how long are my test scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years and official score reports will not be sent from ETS for tests taken more than five years previously. TOEFL scores are valid for two years and official score reports will not be sent from the ETS service for tests taken more than two years previously. MCAT scores are valid for 5 years.

I am a Permanent Resident. Am I required to submit the International Applicant Coversheet or TOEFL Report?

The International Applicant Coversheet is not required for a Permanent Resident. A copy of your Green Card showing proof of residency should be sent to the GMS Admission’s Office. The TOEFL test is not required.

If I wish to withdraw my application from Boston University, will the application fee be refunded?

No, the application fee will not be refunded if you withdraw your application from consideration. If you have questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (617) 638-5121 or email natashah@bu.edu.

My unofficial transcripts or other supporting documents are too large to upload with the application – what should I do?

Since the online application tool has a limit on upload size, you may email large PDF files directly to Ms. Natasha Hall (tashah@bu.edu) after you submit your application online. This way the PDF can be added directly to your application.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

How many letters of recommendation are required for the MAMS program and can I submit more recommendations than are required?

We require three letters of recommendation for admission to the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. One committee letter or a letter packet sent from your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate institution may be substituted for the three letters.  One of the submitted letters must be written by a science professor. You may send more than three individual letters if appropriate.

Will you accept letters of recommendations mailed from my university’s career center or letter service?

Yes, we do accept letters of recommendations as a letter packet/committee letter from your university or college career services by hard copy (mail) or online.  When completing your online application please indicate “committee letter”  for all  3 recommenders.

(1) If submitting letter packet online  check  “paper submission” for 2 letters and “online” submission for the 3rd recommender whom will upload the committee letter. Provide the email address of the person who will be uploading your letter packet.

(2) If submitting hard copy, please check “paper submission” for all 3 recommenders  on the online application and have your pre-professional advising office mail the packet to our admissions office .

I have already applied to medical school, can I send the same letters to the MA in Medical Sciences program?

Yes.  You can have your recommendations written for medical schools sent to the Admissions office from your university or college pre-professional advising office.  A committee letter (see above) is acceptable or you may submit three individual letters.  Letters can also be sent by Interfolio to the Admissions office or uploaded to the GEMS application service.  Students who have previously applied to Boston University School of Medicine should upload a statement requesting that we obtain your admissions credentials and send an email with this request to Dr. Gwynneth Offner goffner@bu.edu

Do you have directions for how to both upload online and mail-in paper recommendations?

To submit individual letter electronically

  • List each recommender’s  name and email;  indicate online submission
  • Recommenders will receive email invitation to submit

To submit individual letter  by mail

  • List recommender’s name;  indicate paper submission
  • Provide recommender with Graduate Medical Sciences Recommender Form and ask them to submit the hard copy to the GMS Admissions office.

To submit committee letter electronically

  • List the name and email of the pre-professional advisor  submitting the committee letter for recommendation #1 ;  indicate electronic submission.
  • Write committee letter in the name space for recommender s # 2 and #3; indicate paper submission

To submit a committee letter by mail

  • List the name  of the pre-professional advisor  submitting the committee letter for recommendation #1 ; indicate paper submission
  • Write committee letter in the name space for recommender s # 2 and #3; indicate paper submission
  • Pre-professional office should mail the committee letter to our Admissions office

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Can I complete the MA in Medical Sciences Program in 12 months?

Yes, the program requires enrollment in four semesters and can be completed in 12 months by utilizing the two summer semesters. Students planning to matriculate to medical school immediately following program completion should submit their AMCAS  application PRIOR to beginning the MAMS program.  Some students do choose to complete a laboratory based thesis and complete the program in 2 years.

Should I apply to medical school prior to applying to the MAMS program?

Applicants should consult with their pre-professional office regarding the decision to apply to medical school in the summer prior to entering the program.  Students who have applied to medical school should consult with Dr. Offner early in the fall semester so that our office can best support their medical school applications.

How many students from the Medical Sciences Program matriculate into medical school?

Of the graduates who apply to a medical school, approximately 70% are admitted into medical schools in the U.S.; usually 25-30 students are accepted into Boston University School of Medicine each year. Most of the graduates who do not apply to medical school continue their careers in other medical science professions.

Do you accept international students and applications from Canadians?

Yes, both are encouraged to apply to the general MAMS degree program.  All medicl school prerequisite coursework must be taken at a 4 year US or Canadian University or College.  All international applicants should apply by June 15, 2013 the latest to allow adequate time for processing.  Information can be found at Boston University’s International Students and Scholars office. 

MAMS SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS

How do I apply for a concentration?

Students interested in pursuing a specialization in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine, Clinical Investigation or Nutrition and Metabolism do not need to apply specifically for the concentration.  Once students matriculate to the MAMS program, students will have the opportunity to take a class in the discipline, discuss these options with advisors and then declare a concentration (usually during/after the fall semester).

How do I apply for the dual degree in,

(i) M.A. in Medical Sciences/M.A. in Clinical Investigation

(ii) M.A. in Medical Sciences/ Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine

(iii)M.A. in Medical Sciences/M.P.H. Degree Program?

To apply for a dual degree you should apply only to the MAMS degree program initially.  Once accepted, applicants should contact the Director of the second program for advice or how to apply.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

What is the cost of education for the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences Program.

Please visit the 2012-2013 MAMS Tuition, Fees, & Budget Information Page for the most up to date information.  The Oral Health Sciences track has the same tuition.

If I choose to complete the program in 2 years will I pay more tuition?

To complete the program in 12 months, you must register full-time (12-18 credits) in the fall and spring semesters and for at least 2 credits in both summer sessions.  Students pay full-time tuition for the Fall/Spring semesters but only need to pay the continuing student fee (which is equivalent to 2 credits) for the 2 summer sessions.

If students opt to complete the program in 2 years,  students still only pay the continuing student fee (equivalent to 2 credits), or per credit hour for additional coursework, during the  Fall/Spring of the second year. Students  completing the program in 2 years do not need to register for either summer session.