Boston University LEAP Program

[ghanada]

ghanada, off the top of your head, what percentage of LEAP Phase2ers lock down a research or teaching fellowship, and completely free themselves from loan-based funding?

hmmm that's a good question. Teaching fellowships are definitely near 0% (those are almost exclusively for PhDs). There are TA opportunities and lab assistant jobs available (especially lab TAs for ek127), but those are usually paid on an hourly rate and are not going to cover tuition.

RA fellowships are more possible. If I had to make a wild guess I would say maybe 5-10% of LEAPers have gotten them. BUT that number is low because most LEAPers don't TRY to get them. When I first started, like 80-90% of LEAPers were about 70% funded so none of us have really had to worry about working during school. Most of us have crammed in classes to get out as quickly as possible. My entire time at BU I took 4 classes every semester and 2 during the summer.

Now, the most common situation (besides full-time students) is that a lot of LEAPers get part-time jobs while taking classes. And quite a large number of people have found industry jobs that give them great experience and connections and also tend to offer full-time positions once graduated. So if you work part-time I would imagine that could cover part-time tuition, but you would still need extra sources of income to cover living expenses. And then an even smaller number of people work full-time and take 1 or 2 classes on the side.

[leappho2012]

For those taking summer courses at BU, I was told by Helaine that the financial aid support is $4,250 (not sure if this is based on my financial app) if you're taking at least 6 credits at BU. However, this hasn't been confirmed with me yet, since I originally applied for the Fall. Has anyone else received this kind of information or fin. aid?

The upper limit on the amount you are allowed to receive is determined by your "expected contribution", which is the important number that pops out of your SAR after filling out your FAFSA. Actually, the ultimate limit is 20.5k/yr, but the summer will not cost that much. Say your summer registration yields a $5,250 bill on your student account, and your expected contribution is 3k, then assume summer living expenses (determined by BU) are set to 2k. Then Helaine will say something like "You can take $4,250 of need-based loan."

Of course, all these numbers can vary, but that's how the process works.

Another useful bit of information is that the 20.5k yearly limit will be reset in January. That means that for summer students, who, by receiving need-based loans during summer AND fall will come close or hit that limit before Spring semester... the limit will actually be reset at that point.

Not the most ideal situation, but I think we all know that engineers aren't going to be phased out of the economy any time soon (/ever), and that the opportunities an advanced engineering degree permits are VERY likely to outweigh these costs in the long run...

[CMC_Kid]

And then an even smaller number of people work full-time and take 1 or 2 classes on the side.

That is the option I am looking at. Ghanada, do you happen to know any of these types of students? I'd like to talk to them if possible.

[ghanada]

That is the option I am looking at. Ghanada, do you happen to know any of these types of students? I'd like to talk to them if possible.

Message me your e-mail address and then I will pass it along to my friends that have done this situation are or currently doing it.

[CMC_Kid]

Message me your e-mail address and then I will pass it along to my friends that have done this situation are or currently doing it.

Awesome.

Question for calculating tuition costs on a part-time basis: about how many credits does one course typically have?

[leappho2012]

4

[leappho2012]

Question for calculating tuition costs on a part-time basis: about how many credits does one course typically have?

4

[CMC_Kid]

4

Thanks.

[csp12]

Has anyone tried applying directly into a Master program at another University, opposed to going through a program like LEAP? I know, it appears LEAP is the only program of its kind, which is why I only applied to BU and will be attending in Fall. Just curious if anyone had any experience with any other school besides BU.

Thanks.

[StaNg72]

Has anyone tried applying directly into a Master program at another University, opposed to going through a program like LEAP? I know, it appears LEAP is the only program of its kind, which is why I only applied to BU and will be attending in Fall. Just curious if anyone had any experience with any other school besides BU.

Thanks.

I didn't try applying, but I did do some e-mailing before I found LEAP. Literally every answer was, "You may be interested in our undergraduate program." -____-

Edited April 19, 2012 by StaNg72

[ghanada]

I think it depends on your background, your desired degree, and the schools you are hoping for. After completing all the Masters classes in EE I can definitely say there is NO WAY I would have done well without core engineering classes. Just having calculus, physics, diff eq, etc would not have been enough to get me through advanced technical courses. So I can see why many Masters programs would be hesitant in accepting students without any engineering experience. Now, if you are exceptional and maybe studied these things on your own, got work experience in these fields, or something similar I can see you making a decent case. And I would assume you might have a shot if you try for lower ranked programs that aren't as competitive. But besides all that, I would think at minimum you should have above a 3.5 gpa and above a 750 quant. GRE score to get into an engineering Masters. I think I have even heard of places that if you are a standout applicant and make a good case, you could come get accepted to a Masters and just spend a semester or 2 fulfilling any deficiencies.

[db1212]

Well, I haven't heard about the LEAP scholarship, and with offers from other universities, I have declined my admission. If there is anyone on the waiting list, a spot may have opened up (and maybe more LEAP funds)!

It certainly is possible attend a masters engineering program without an undergraduate degree in engineering. That being said, the admissions are very selective for students without an engineering background. I applied to LEAP because I was unsure if I would get any master's programs, but I was accepted into two engineering programs (master of science), so I would prefer to skip the additional LEAP year. In case you were wondering about my background I have a bachelors degree in Biology and a minor in mathematics, so I might have a little more science/math background than others applying to the LEAP program. I was also concerned with the amount of debt that I would have upon graduation, which seems would be rather high at BU.

I wish everyone in LEAP good luck (and those that are considering LEAP)!

[jjng]

Well, I haven't heard about the LEAP scholarship, and with offers from other universities, I have declined my admission. If there is anyone on the waiting list, a spot may have opened up (and maybe more LEAP funds)!

It certainly is possible attend a masters engineering program without an undergraduate degree in engineering. That being said, the admissions are very selective for students without an engineering background. I applied to LEAP because I was unsure if I would get any master's programs, but I was accepted into two engineering programs (master of science), so I would prefer to skip the additional LEAP year. In case you were wondering about my background I have a bachelors degree in Biology and a minor in mathematics, so I might have a little more science/math background than others applying to the LEAP program. I was also concerned with the amount of debt that I would have upon graduation, which seems would be rather high at BU.

I wish everyone in LEAP good luck (and those that are considering LEAP)!

Would you mind mentioning what program you got into at what school? Looking at other options as well

[db1212]

Would you mind mentioning what program you got into at what school? Looking at other options as well

Sure. I applied to the systems engineering programs and I was accepted at University of Maryland and Virginia Tech (I am from Virginia).

[HKLincoln]

Sure. I applied to the systems engineering programs and I was accepted at University of Maryland and Virginia Tech (I am from Virginia).

Just wondering, do you have any research or publications under your belt? I'm nervous about my lack of an engineering degree.

[CMC_Kid]

Just wondering, for how many people here is finaid going to be a deal breaker?

Edited April 24, 2012 by CMC_Kid

[v834]

Just wondering, for how many people here is finaid going to be a deal breaker?

Yeah I won't attend without it, but I think I may defer since that can change things.

[CMC_Kid]

Yeah I won't attend without it, but I think I may defer since that can change things.

I am also looking at deferment as an option, though I wasn't sure if this would even be possible. Have you already contacted someone about deferment?

[labchimp]

Hi guys,

I am attending BU LEAP in the fall for EE or CE (perhaps summer but I am completely clueless about admissions). I received a scholarship for the program as well for Phase I.

However, I have been unable to conract Helaine, as I understand she is getting fired...I am also clueless about the registration process and where to begin my progression towards attendance. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it- the office has not been responding at all and Helaine's phone just got cut off today.

Will financial aid packages be arriving anytime soon? Do we have student ID's yet? What are the deadlines for registration?

I am stressing out quit a bit over this, I applied to other master's programs in bioeng (I actually qualify for that somewhat) and disbursements were all handled pre-April 15th. So far, I have no direction at all. Could current students maybe cobble together a short guide to preparing for the program?

[CMC_Kid]

Hi guys,

I am attending BU LEAP in the fall for EE or CE (perhaps summer but I am completely clueless about admissions). I received a scholarship for the program as well for Phase I.

However, I have been unable to conract Helaine, as I understand she is getting fired...I am also clueless about the registration process and where to begin my progression towards attendance. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it- the office has not been responding at all and Helaine's phone just got cut off today.

Will financial aid packages be arriving anytime soon? Do we have student ID's yet? What are the deadlines for registration?

I am stressing out quit a bit over this, I applied to other master's programs in bioeng (I actually qualify for that somewhat) and disbursements were all handled pre-April 15th. So far, I have no direction at all. Could current students maybe cobble together a short guide to preparing for the program?

I've been trying to get a hold of them too. Who have you tried to contact? Does this help?

http://www.bu.edu/dbin/eng/directory/

Edited April 24, 2012 by CMC_Kid

[StaNg72]

Hi guys,

I am attending BU LEAP in the fall for EE or CE (perhaps summer but I am completely clueless about admissions). I received a scholarship for the program as well for Phase I.

However, I have been unable to conract Helaine, as I understand she is getting fired...I am also clueless about the registration process and where to begin my progression towards attendance. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it- the office has not been responding at all and Helaine's phone just got cut off today.

Will financial aid packages be arriving anytime soon? Do we have student ID's yet? What are the deadlines for registration?

I am stressing out quit a bit over this, I applied to other master's programs in bioeng (I actually qualify for that somewhat) and disbursements were all handled pre-April 15th. So far, I have no direction at all. Could current students maybe cobble together a short guide to preparing for the program?

I'm starting summer and was easily able to register for those courses. Helaine said she'd give me an advising code for Fall registration after I had registered for summer. Obviously, I didn't get it, so I've e-mailed Stephen Doherty about it (who's been pretty good with responding so far). I'll post if and when I get a reply.

As for IDs, if I don't receive any info on the process, I'm just going to stop by the Terrier Card office before summer classes begin.

[v834]

I am also looking at deferment as an option, though I wasn't sure if this would even be possible. Have you already contacted someone about deferment?

Yeah I spoke to Stephen Dougherty about it.

[ghanada]

Hi guys,

I am attending BU LEAP in the fall for EE or CE (perhaps summer but I am completely clueless about admissions). I received a scholarship for the program as well for Phase I.

However, I have been unable to conract Helaine, as I understand she is getting fired...I am also clueless about the registration process and where to begin my progression towards attendance. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it- the office has not been responding at all and Helaine's phone just got cut off today.

Will financial aid packages be arriving anytime soon? Do we have student ID's yet? What are the deadlines for registration?

I am stressing out quit a bit over this, I applied to other master's programs in bioeng (I actually qualify for that somewhat) and disbursements were all handled pre-April 15th. So far, I have no direction at all. Could current students maybe cobble together a short guide to preparing for the program?

So did you end up getting any bioeng masters acceptances??

You don't need to worry about stuff like financial aid, loans, ID cards, registration, etc for the fall yet. ID cards are easy, you just get it made and pick it up whenever you get to campus before classes start. If you receive financial aid then that stuff will automatically be applied to your account once you enroll for classes and get billed. You don't have to register for the fall right now, that can be done over the summer, and yes you will need a code, most likely from your adviser.

[labchimp]

Yea I got UCLA b/c of letters of rec (they overlooked my prereqs), but I really want to go into the classical engineering fields and delve into math much more, '.

I emailed Stephen, will try calling tomorrow.

Edited April 25, 2012 by labchimp

[ghanada]

Yea I got UCLA b/c of letters of rec (they overlooked my prereqs), but I really want to go into the classical engineering fields and delve into math much more, '.

I emailed Stephen, will try calling tomorrow.

oh nice! I did my undergrad at UCLA, but I got rejected from a BME PhD there (a little bitter). Doing a "classical" engineering field for my Masters at BU was the best advice and smartest move I made. I did EE at BU so if you go that route and want advice about the department, classes, profs, etc. let me know.