Boston University LEAP Program

[ddavis05]

Hey there folks. I'm applying to the LEAP program for either the summer or fall of 2014. I wanted to know how likely is it for me to get into this program with my background. I have some good attributes and some not so good ones as well when it comes down to my academic record. I graduated from a small, private, liberal arts school in 2005 with a bachelors of science degree in Applied Mathematics and a gpa of 2.78. The good: A average for Calculus, A- for Calculus II and Digital Electronics, B Average for Applied Math/Modeling and Sim. The so-so: B- Averages for: Calculus III, Differential Equations, Optimization, Prob & Stats II.  The not so good: C+ for Prob & Stats I, C for Linear Algebra, and C- Computer Science I(Java programming). The ugly: D averages for Physics and Numerical Analysis. Furthermore, I attempted to get a Master's in Statistics after I completed my Bachelors, but couldn't stay in because my gpa was below 3.0. (I made B's and C's for both semesters.) Four years later, I took a graduate level Euclidean Geometry class and earned a B in it.

 

My past occupations includes three years as an analyst for a consultant firm and four years in education as either a math teacher or math tutor. I'm currently on a short term assignment that ends in May. For the last few years since the recession started, I've been struggling financially. I see this as an opportunity to change careers and do something for a living that sparks my interests and put me on the path to the middle-class lifestyle. I have various interests. Part of me wants to get involved in the green energy industry and join the fight for sustainable energy. Another part of me wants to get involved with hardware design and revolutionizing computer hardware and software.

 

Excuse the length of my post. I'm curious to know how early should I apply and what are my odds of getting in?   

[7sk_city]

Hello everyone

 

Has anyone still been waiting decision?

[litchfield]

Hello everyone

 

Has anyone still been waiting decision?

I am. Anticipation is killing me. 

[7sk_city]

I am. Anticipation is killing me. 

what program (field) have you applied? 

Edited May 3, 2013 by 7sk_city

[litchfield]

what program (field) have you applied? 

Mechanical Engineering. I applied at the second deadline. Not sure what their timetable is for notifying people who applied by March 15th. If accepted, I was hoping to get sarted in the summer but that looks unlikely now. Just hoping for good news!

[cinoadam]

Does anyone know what the admission statistics are like? What GRE scores and GPA combination do they look for?

[litchfield]

Just got an email saying I was admitted for the Fall in Mechanical Engineering! Very excited to study with you all!

[ddavis05]

Just got an email saying I was admitted for the Fall in Mechanical Engineering! Very excited to study with you all!

What was your gpa and gre scores? What did you get your undergraduate degree in?

[AnnaKalm]

Hi Guys! I got accepted to BU LEAP biomedical Eng. Had some questions too. Does anyone know an EK127 substitute? I saw that BestAfterBegun brought it up but wasn’t sure if there is an answer. Im trying to bug my adviser also. Saw the Fbook group and sent a request to join. Also had some questions as to when everyone out of state is moving up there, housing ect.

[7sk_city]

Hi Guys! I got accepted to BU LEAP biomedical Eng. Had some questions too. Does anyone know an EK127 substitute? I saw that BestAfterBegun brought it up but wasn’t sure if there is an answer. Im trying to bug my adviser also. Saw the Fbook group and sent a request to join. Also had some questions as to when everyone out of state is moving up there, housing ect.

hi. when you got accepted?

Edited May 13, 2013 by 7sk_city

[v834]

I submitted my application in January (I think the deadline is January or February), so I've waited quite some time.

 

Has anyone heard on finaid yet?

 

Hey CMC_Kid,  I was curious if you heard about FA yet?  If I recall correctly you were in the same boat as I was last year regarding admission but no scholarship.  I defered as well, but I pulled my application a few months ago as I decided not to attend and didn't want them wasting time processing my application ( I wouldn't make the need qualification for scholarship anyways as I earn too much money in my current job and I won't attend without financial aid, not to mention it wouldn't be the greatest career move for me...5 years ago sure, but now not so much).  I suppose I'm just curious to see if defering would have made a difference if I still qualified under the need requirement.

[The Rural Juror]

I just learned about this program and am extremely interested. I did not take calc in undergrad. Does anyone know if it's possible to fulfill the admission requirement by taking calc at, say, a community college or someplace else? Or does the calc course have to have been taken during undergrad?

[nietzscheanman]

Who is the current head of the LEAP program? A few years ago I met with Helaine but I read that she is out. I was told to email Steven Doherty but got an auto reply that he is also out. 

[StaNg72]

Who is the current head of the LEAP program? A few years ago I met with Helaine but I read that she is out. I was told to email Steven Doherty but got an auto reply that he is also out. 

 

Indeed, they are both out. At the moment, I think Isabel Tereso (mit@bu.edu) is the best contact. Also, Kirstie Miller (kimiller@bu.edu) is also a good person to contact.

[StaNg72]

Regretfully, I've been absent from this forum for a while >.< 

 

But, I'm back! If anyone has any questions about the program (there've been a lot in this forum since I've posted, I know), I'd be happy to answer them to the best of my ability and knowledge, or forward you to someone if I can't answer it.

 

I'm coming to the end of Phase I in ME, and I currently work in a research lab. 

 

Talk to y'all soon!

[cinoadam]

stang72, could you tell me how selective the program is?  What is the general gpa/gre combo you need?  What is financial aid like?

 

What was your experinece like with the coursework? Was it easy to pick up engineering even though you never took it before?

 

Is there dorming for grad students?

 

Was it hard for you to get that research position?  Do most students get a research position or an internship for the summer? 

 

Thanks a lot

[StaNg72]

stang72, could you tell me how selective the program is?  What is the general gpa/gre combo you need?  What is financial aid like?

 

What was your experinece like with the coursework? Was it easy to pick up engineering even though you never took it before?

 

Is there dorming for grad students?

 

Was it hard for you to get that research position?  Do most students get a research position or an internship for the summer? 

 

Thanks a lot

 

Hey cinoadam,

 

I don't have enough inside information to tell you accurately how selective the program is. It is my strong view, however, that if you can explain to them your strengths relevant to your background and how they can contribute to your success in LEAP, demonstrate a strong desire to learn, and meet all (or even most) of the requirements for admission, then they should happily accept you.

 

I believe gpa/gre information is on the LEAP information website and/or open house presentation. Obviously, the better those numbers are, the greater your chances. That said, it definitely does NOT mean that those are the only determining factors.

 

Financial aid for LEAP students is available, but not all who are admitted receive it. I am one of those people who did not receive it. Unfortunately, how they determine that is beyond me. If someone else on this thread knows the answer, hopefully they can provide it. The words they use are "based on merit", I believe. It's very vague, so unfortunately, it may be a question you'll have to ask the program coordinator directly.

 

As for picking up the coursework, I didn't run into much trouble. Even though my background was not engineering, math and physics were always my interests and stronger areas. If that isn't your case, then you shouldn't apply. JUST KIDDING! First of all, anything can be learned regardless of skill or background. That's kinda how that works! In engineering, everything can first be broken down into simple concepts. Indeed, every topic you study will start there; it will begin with the intuition. If the intuition isn't clear at first, there's no reason you can't say, "Hold up, back up, start again...go." Repeat. With time, you'll find that you won't be needing to do this as frequently because you'll automatically develop the intuition on your own, just by way of everyday engineering brain-training.

 

There is housing for grad students. I think most find the cost a bit too high, and therefore find places to live off-campus. There are plenty of deals very close to BU. But, if you see that grad housing is what you prefer, excellent! I think most people prefer to do grad housing as a "first place to live", just so there's something solid for the first semester or year. Then, since they're settled in the city already, they can go looking for places to live off-campus for the following semesters/years.

 

As for research, it does seem as a though a good number of LEAP-mates are involved in some research laboratory. The degree to which you are involved depends a lot on prior experience and the knowledge you hold. For example, some students may work in a research lab on a volunteer basis, immersing themselves in the environment because they just simply don't know that much yet. Others, like myself, work in a research lab, at first on a volunteer basis, but then are offered an hourly paid position. And then some are offered fully funded positions as an arena for their masters/phD. So, all those are possibilities. But, I will say that in order to get such a position, it is wise to be politely persistent. It wasn't necessarily "hard" for me to get the position, but I did have to do a lot of e-mailing and office-hour visits to get the information I needed regarding who's doing what research, who I should talk to, etc. Many of the professors teaching the Phase I courses are very knowledgeable about the goings-on of BU engineering research. If you're interested in getting involved, first of all, show them how interested you are (maybe do a bit of background research on the professor), and don't be afraid to ask questions. You're here for you!

 

Hope that helps!

 

Stan

[cinoadam]

thanks a lot for your reply!  that was very helpful

 

do a lot of LEAP students continue on to PHD?  could you tell me what phd programs LEAP students generally get into?

[StaNg72]

Unfortunately, I don't have the data to even give an educated guess as to how many go on to PhD. However, any PhD is quite a commitment, as one would expect. It's an entirely personal decision and depends on how your passion develops. After Phase I, you're exactly like all other graduate students, and like all graduate students, if you excel and have a passion for a topic, then heck, go for a PhD! There are many different PhD programs, and how those are chosen really is based on your experiences here (or at any institution for that matter).

[cinoadam]

Do you think LEAP students have a shot at getting in PHD programs at MIT, Stanford, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Berkeley, etc?

 

Edit: Do most LEAP students have a part time or even a full time job?

Edited July 13, 2013 by cinoadam

[StaNg72]

Of course! Just as much as anyone else. Let's think about the opposite of your question: does being a LEAP student prevent you from getting a PhD at any of those institutions? Well, now that just sounds silly. The knowledge and skills you have are what determine that. It's not like being in LEAP brands you in some way that tells the world what your capabilities are and aren't. If anything, it'll show them the capabilities that they otherwise would not have seen. It's all dependent upon how you apply yourself. 

 

Again, I can't say what most do because I don't have enough information to say. I do know of students having part-time jobs. I would imagine that full-time would be more difficult. The important thing is that you decide what you need to do. Each student determines what is right for him or herself. If he or she decides that working while schooling is best, that's an option, and it is no less valid than any other. How those hours vary is, again, determined by you. Do whatever you need to do!

[Loquacator]

Hey all.

 

I am planning to apply for either the Spring or Fall '14 semesters. I'm looking at LEAP after reconsidering my prior decision to go for a PhD in Philosophy. I'm done with enough coursework for an MA, leaving just the thesis and oral exam. My intention, unless told otherwise, has been to finish the thesis and oral exams for that MA this fall. Is this a reasonable plan? I had assumed it would be best for several reasons if I were able to complete the Philosophy MA before applying, but maybe there are better uses of that time. In the same vein, does anyone have any ideas for classes that I should or should not take before and during the application process, above and beyond the Calc requirement? Is it possible to take too many math classes before applying to LEAP? Also, can anybody say whether there ish a significant difference--in terms of financial aid, applicant pool size, or otherwise--between applying for the Spring versus Fall semester? I have intended to apply as close to the September 1 opening date as possible, regardless of which semester I am applying for.

 

Good luck to everyone else!

[StaNg72]

Hey all.

 

I am planning to apply for either the Spring or Fall '14 semesters. I'm looking at LEAP after reconsidering my prior decision to go for a PhD in Philosophy. I'm done with enough coursework for an MA, leaving just the thesis and oral exam. My intention, unless told otherwise, has been to finish the thesis and oral exams for that MA this fall. Is this a reasonable plan? I had assumed it would be best for several reasons if I were able to complete the Philosophy MA before applying, but maybe there are better uses of that time. In the same vein, does anyone have any ideas for classes that I should or should not take before and during the application process, above and beyond the Calc requirement? Is it possible to take too many math classes before applying to LEAP? Also, can anybody say whether there ish a significant difference--in terms of financial aid, applicant pool size, or otherwise--between applying for the Spring versus Fall semester? I have intended to apply as close to the September 1 opening date as possible, regardless of which semester I am applying for.

 

Good luck to everyone else!

 

Hey Loquacator!

 

I don't know if I can aptly answer your first question about your MA, but I think if I were you, I would finish it - after all the hard work I would have put into the field, and with so few things left to do, it'd be nice to have those extra letters after my name that will show where I've come from. I think it's an entirely personal decision. On the other hand, I think I'd also be very anxious to start the new engineering chapter of my life (as I was). Mayhaps someone else can provide some insight?

 

As for math courses beyond the calc requirement, my advice (and the advice of many current LEAP students) would be to take as many of the foundational math and physics courses as possible prior to starting LEAP. It'll save you loads of time and money. These classes include Calc II, Calc III, Differential Equations, Physics I, Physics II, and Linear Algebra. A wise thing to do would be to check out the LEAP website's "Phase I Course Requirements" section and see what your chosen field requires. Some fields don't require Physics II, for example, while others do. Some require Linear Algebra while others don't. But those (unless I've missed one, in which case someone can jump in) are the math courses you can certainly get done before coming here. As for courses more advanced and beyond those, they're probably courses that BU would prefer or require you take at our University. 

 

There is a LEAP scholarship, but it's difficult to say who gets what based on what merit. I think for the scholarship, the best time to apply for would be Fall semester. Otherwise, you can take out an unsubsidized Stafford Loan and/or a Direct Plus Loan. You can also look for external scholarships. I think traditionally the applicant pool size is bigger for the Fall semester. I don't know if numbers are equal between Fall and Spring, but it doesn't seem like it.

 

Stan

[Loquacator]

Thanks Stan!

 

You pretty accurately summed up my feelings about the MA; I want to finish it for the sense of accomplishment and to give my effort there maximum future value, but I also want to move into Engineering as much and as soon as possible. Added to that, I suspect that an abandoned MA will not look as good as a completed one, even though it's a given with LEAP that I'm starting over to some extent.

 

Can you--or can anybody else--offer any thoughts on your chosen field? I know I'm looking somewhere in the intersection of Materials, Mechanical, and Electrical, but I don't really have any context for comparison. I can go look at the faculty directory and see general research interests, but at this stage a lot of it is still a bit beyond me. Even if it weren't, it would be easier for me to visualize if I heard someone talking about it first hand. If anyone wants to speak about the concrete, day-to-day operations of his specialization, I'd love to listen. What has been your experience working/studying in your field?

[StaNg72]

Thanks Stan!

 

You pretty accurately summed up my feelings about the MA; I want to finish it for the sense of accomplishment and to give my effort there maximum future value, but I also want to move into Engineering as much and as soon as possible. Added to that, I suspect that an abandoned MA will not look as good as a completed one, even though it's a given with LEAP that I'm starting over to some extent.

 

Can you--or can anybody else--offer any thoughts on your chosen field? I know I'm looking somewhere in the intersection of Materials, Mechanical, and Electrical, but I don't really have any context for comparison. I can go look at the faculty directory and see general research interests, but at this stage a lot of it is still a bit beyond me. Even if it weren't, it would be easier for me to visualize if I heard someone talking about it first hand. If anyone wants to speak about the concrete, day-to-day operations of his specialization, I'd love to listen. What has been your experience working/studying in your field?

 

Most of us are looking somewhere in that exact intersection, haha. I certainly am! The nice thing about Phase I is that a handful of the required courses are shared among the different fields, so you get a taste of each regardless of what you department you apply to (accept maybe biomedical...). It'd be smart to see which Phase I courses correspond to a particular field and try and schedule yourself to take them as early as possible. One of the nice things about the program is that you can certainly change to another field if you decide that you're more interested in it. But, as with all programs, the earlier you figure it out, the easier it'll be on you in terms of time and money. 

 

As for how diverse your course load is once you've chosen a field, it's sort of something you'll have to work out with your advisor depending on your experiences in the program so far, what your goals are, what research (if any) you've done, what you're passionate about, etc. Nevertheless, you'll have to be declared as "Electrical" or "Mechanical" or "Materials", etc., and take all of the required courses for that field. However, once you get into the Masters program (or Phase II), you are allowed elective courses that you can then take to hone in on what you're interested in. 

Edited August 15, 2013 by StaNg72