MAMS Frequently Asked Questions

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

Approximately 170-180 students enter the program each year.

I have applied to BUSM. Can you access my letters of recommendation in AMCAS to be used for MAMS admission?

For students who have previously applied to Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and would like to have their letters of recommendation transferred to their MAMS application, please add the recommender Gwynneth Offner, use mams@bu.edu as the email, and in the comments provide your AMCAS ID. You will receive an email notification once the transfer is complete, after you submit your application.

Can I submit my application if I am still waiting on test scores and letters of recommendation?

Yes. Our admissions committee does review partially completed applications, with final decisions being made once letters of recommendation, official GRE/MCAT scores, and transcripts are received.

Optional: MCAT Score Reporting

Applicants can download the MCAT score report directly from the AAMC website. The report can then be uploaded as an additional document on the GMS application portal. Please ensure that the uploaded score report includes your full name, date of birth, and AAMC verification code and ID.

What are the payment options for the application fee?

The online application fee requires a payment of $95 paid by credit card. The application fee is waived for Boston University Medical Campus Employees with proof of BU I.D.

Do I need to submit official transcripts?

Applicants are able to submit their application by uploading unofficial transcripts. Pending acceptance, applicants will then be required to submit official, final transcripts.

Please send official transcripts to:

Boston University Division of Graduate Medical Sciences L-317
Attn: James Mazarakis
72 E Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118

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

Yes. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from each  undergraduate and graduate institution attended.

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.

How do I submit my letters of recommendation?

Letters may be submitted in four ways.

1. Three letters may be submitted individually by the recommenders. Please click the “Add Recommendation” button and follow the steps to indicate the name of each person who will provide an electronic recommendation. (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
2. If you have a portfolio of recommendations in Interfolio, they can be uploaded directly to your application.
3. One committee letter or a letter packet sent from your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate institution may be substituted for the three letters. Your undergraduate institution may upload the letter directly or send it electronically to mams@bu.edu.
4. If you have previously applied to Boston University School of Medicine, your recommendation letters can be transferred to your MAMS application. Please contact Dr. Gwynneth Offner for more information.

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 MAMS program. 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.

I have already applied to medical school, can I send the same letters to the MS 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 application service. Students who have previously applied to Boston University School of Medicine should include their AMCAS information in the designated area on the application; we will then pull your BUSM application (including letters of recommendation) and use it toward your application to the MAMS program.

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?

Approximately 85% of students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are admitted into medical school. Additionally, MAMS students receive facilitated consideration for admission to BUSM and, each year, approximately 25-30 students are accepted.

Do you accept international students and applications from Canadians?

Yes, eligible students are encouraged to apply to the MAMS degree program. For admission to the program, prospective international students must have graduated from a 4 year US or Canadian college/university. International applicants should apply no later than June 15th at the latest to allow adequate time for processing. Additional information can be found at Boston University’s International students and Scholars office.

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

MAMS is a four semester program including two semesters with full-time tuition and two semesters with part time tuition (equal to 2 credits). For the latest tuition information, please visit here under “Full-time Students”.

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

No. The tuition costs and curriculum are the same for the 1 and 2 year options.