Boston University School of Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $638,397

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for BU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Very high cost of living

Boston, MA is about 2.02x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $6,060 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. This is a strong directional flag, not a precise quote; compare it with realistic housing options before using it in your final budget.

Environment: Urban

The setting of BU offers exceptional access on both foot and bike. Students can thrive in this lively, connected neighborhood where everything from groceries to green spaces is just a short walk or ride away.

Interview Feedback

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

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Secondary Essays 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.

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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.

Boston University School of Medicine

School Overview