<p>I have to chose between BU or GWU, both 7 year medical programs. I need pros and cons of both programs. I know at BU's program, there is a spelled out curriculum you follow, as in you have a program designed for you and you just fit in your classes. As far as I understand, at GW you decide when you want to take all your premed courses, is that right? I am interested in International/Public Health opportunities on the side, so I need to know if those opportunities are available at BU b/c i know they are in DC. Please please, all and any useful and HONEST information will be helpful. How is teaching at the undergrad and med school level at both schools? Additionally, I know that GW med school was on probation a 4 years ago and on the verge of having the medical teaching ability taken away from them. Does that impact the quality of the med school? I like BU because from what I have been told is that it was a greater support system, more available resources, esp for 7 year med students. also if any students have been through either one, would you go through it again if you could. pleas give you honest opinions thank you!</p>
<p>If I were you I think I would go with the GW program. I live about 20 minutes from Boston so I am pretty familiar with BU. I know people who go there and absolutely love it but I know a lot of people who don’t like it. I’ve heard a lot of complaints about the campus being so spread out and that students there can be really competitive. Also, if you’re interested in International/Public Health then there’s definitely no better place to be than DC for anything international related. I know GW was on probation a few years ago but they never got their creditation taken away. GW actually has one of the highest residency placement rates in the country right now, I think it’s like 94% of med school graduates get their top choice for residency. I hope this helps. If you want to know anything about the Boston area, feel free to ask!</p>
<p>Oh and I’m currently trying to decide between two 8 year programs… Siena/Albany Med and St. Bonaventure/GW. I’m really torn. Any suggestions for me? Thanks!</p>
<p>I think finances should be the determining factor if there’s a significant difference in this case.</p>
<p>BU locks your major into a program one, and let’s you pick electives and requires a minor. It’s ranked 31 for the med school, which is pretty impressive, and the UG is ranked around what GWU is too. BU does tons of research and it’s location in Boston helps for applying to residencies in Boston and Providence too. No idea about the International Health opportunities, but you could probably find something in a city like Boston. And the 3.2 gpa requirement for SMED means cutthroat competition isn’t a problem.</p>
<p>As neoevolution pointed out, the undergrad rankings are comparable, but keep in mind that BU medical school is ranked 31 whereas GW medical school is 55. Even more important than the ranking is the residency match list. If you are looking to going into one of the more competitive ‘ROAD’ specialties (Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Dermatology), going to a top medical school that typically gets students into that specialty is very important.</p>
<p>BU: [Match</a> Results Student Affairs BUMC](<a href=“Student Affairs at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine”>Student Affairs at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine)
GW: [2011</a> Match Day Results | MD Programs | School of Medicine and Health Sciences | The George Washington University](<a href=“http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/2011matchdayresults]2011”>http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/2011matchdayresults)</p>
<p>Not gonna lie, both match lists look pretty impressive, so you can’t really go wrong. If you’re very interested in international health, GW is probably better simply because of location… but since I’m probably going to BU, I hope you join SMED :))</p>
<p>For those accepted to BU combined program, did you get a merit-based scholarship?</p>
<p>I got 13k a year merit and no need based from them</p>
<p>i had to make the exact same decision last year! i went with GW because at the end of the day, i want more opportunities to study what i want. i have a major outside of the natural sciences and have room in my three year plan to study abroad. the financial thing is tough, but when you consider the fact the GW tuition is fixed for all seven years, it ends up costing about the same as BU since BU you don’t get any scholarships during med school (GW extends the merit scholarship into med school). Also, GW you do not have to take the MCAT which gives you more time to focus on other goals!</p>
<p>Both are great programs!</p>
<p>Just because I know more about BU however: at BU, you can major in something else outside of the natural sciences as well. The major everyone is assigned, “Medical Science” is essentially just all of the required pre-med courses. Its 9 semesters of science courses. You also don’t have to take any math classes like the most pre-meds if you have AP Calc credit from high school. Considering you’re going to take a minimum 28 semesters of classes over the 3 years (1 summer semester, 8 during each of your 3 years, and 3 extra by overloading on classes some semesters…and more if you choose to), you have ample room to major in whatever else you like and/or study abroad during part or all of 3rd year. </p>
<p>There are several smed students each year that major in other disciplines (English, history, psychology, economics, etc) and I know several students who have done a double minor in something non-science (Spanish and psychology, for example). </p>
<p>If you are really interested in international health and such, you should also explore the MPH option at BU. If you add one year, you can get a MPH in addition to the BA and MD. I know several students who are doing this.</p>
<p>In terms of quality of medical school, I can’t comment much on GW, but I know BU generally has a better reputation (in terms of research funding, rankings, patient population, faculty, and residency match list).</p>
<p>BUSM also has a summer international health program for students between their 1st and 2nd year. You can go almost anywhere in the world and BU will provide you with funding.</p>