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Boston University School of Medicine

Boston, MA

Allopathic Medical Schools Public Non-Profit

🩺 School Overview

Tuition (In State): $65,890

Tuition (Out of State): $65,890

Accreditation Status: Full

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Total Enrollment: 168

Degrees: MD

Founding Year: 1848

Accreditation Year: 1942

Website: https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/

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📄 Application Information

Applications Received: N/A

Interviews Granted: N/A

Admitted: N/A

Average MCAT: 516

Average GPA: 3.69

Male: N/A

Female: N/A

Underrepresented:N/A

Interview Feedback Summary

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.

School Review Summary

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5 Most Common Secondary Essay Questions for BU


  • 1. Other – Please provide a narrative or timeline to describe any features of your educational history that may be of particular interest to us.
  • 2. Geographic Connection and Commitment – Core Competencies: Explain in each box how your coursework exemplifies knowledge competency in each subject area.
  • 3. Motivation and Fit – Why BU Chobanian & Avedisian SOM? Explain why you are specifically interested in beginning your medical education at Boston Medical Center, New England’s largest safety net hospital.
  • 4. Personal Attributes and Characteristics – OPTIONAL: Use the space below to provide additional information to give us a comprehensive understanding of your strengths as a candidate for a career in medicine.
  • 5. Other – Describe a time or situation where you have been unsuccessful or failed.

About the School

Established in 1848 as the New England Female Medical College—the first institution globally to offer medical education to women—the school merged with Boston University in 1873. In 2022, it was renamed the Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine following a significant philanthropic gift supporting scholarships, faculty endowments, and research initiatives. Located in Boston’s historic South End, the school is part of the Boston University Medical Campus, which also includes the School of Public Health and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine . Its primary teaching affiliate is Boston Medical Center, renowned for operating New England’s largest 24-hour Level I trauma center.

Curriculum

The MD curriculum at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine emphasizes the integration of foundational science, clinical medicine, and health equity. A key component is the Principles Integrating Science, Clinical Medicine, and Equity (PISCEs) course, a longitudinal program during the pre-clerkship phase that combines foundational science, pathophysiology, and disease management. The curriculum includes three foundational modules followed by eight systems-based modules (e.g., cardiovascular, neuro/psych). Students have opportunities for international health experiences and may opt for an elective research year between their second and third or third and fourth years.

Facilities

The Boston University Medical Campus offers state-of-the-art facilities supporting both education and research. Key resources include the Cellular Imaging Laboratory, Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory, Confocal Laboratory, Flow Cytometry Laboratory, High-throughput Screening Laboratory, Illumina Sequencing Laboratory, and Molecular Genetics Laboratory . The campus also houses the BioSquare Discovery & Innovation Center, providing advanced research spaces for life sciences . The Alumni Medical Library serves as the primary knowledge resource for students and faculty.

Demographics

The Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine maintains a diverse student body. The total medical school enrollment is approximately 681 students, with a gender distribution of 50% female and 50% male. Approximately 47% of students identify as minorities, and about 5% are international students . The school attracts students from across the United States and over 130 countries, reflecting its commitment to a global perspective in medical education.

SDN Insights

Our analysis of BU:

💰

Student Loan Burden: $609,162

A student taking student loans for all 4 years of medical school at BU, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $609,162. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.

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Cost of Living: Highest 102% Nationally

The cost of living at BU is among the top 102% of all medical schools. Take this into consideration when considering loan burden.

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Environment: Urban

Although walking options are limited, the location of BU is exceptionally bike-friendly. Students who prefer cycling will find it easy to commute and explore the area, even if most errands require a bike rather than a short walk.

Why no Tier Rankings?

Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.