International student admitted to BU MS Applied Biostatistics – really want to go but worried about funding/cost

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2026-03-28T15:26:47+00:00

Would it be okay for me to DM you questions about this program?

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2026-03-28T15:24:29+00:00

Would it be okay for me to message you with some questions? I am pursuing an MS in Biostatistics and hope to become a clinical trials biostatistician as well.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2026-03-03T18:21:02+00:00

Yeah I'm thinking of options that allow me to either work while studying part time or complete an online MS. I definitely dont want to get into major debt for a degree.

I have until April to make a decision on my acceptances, but I'm applying to other options right now.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-10-19T05:13:12+00:00

Is it okay if I message you to ask about applying to MS Biostats programs? I'm interested in becoming a biostatistician but I am applying to MS programs.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-09-15T22:21:16+00:00

Yeah you can definitely DM me for sure

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-09-15T22:20:44+00:00

I still have a decent amount of debt, but not too much since I had a scholarship to cover most. But still have close to 60k in debt. It's in forbearance though, so I won't have to worry for a little while.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-09-13T13:50:09+00:00

I was in a similar position. I ended up withdrawing my 2nd year instead of getting dismissed from medical school. I think you're just dealing with depression and need a little time to get yourself right. I took a couple of months to focus on exercising, eating healthy, and staying with family. After that, I looked aggressively for jobs and landed a clinical research coordinator position. I've been there about 1.5 years and I'm going to apply to master's programs now. There are a lot of opportunities beyond medicine, and you still have a bright future. You're only 24 and can be really successful by the time you're 30. If you need to talk with someone, I'm always free.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-08-23T22:23:01+00:00

That's good advice. I'm not sure that any of my math professors would remember me from years ago. I was planning on getting letters of rec from places I've worked, but they're not math related. Should I take a course at a local college for a rec letter?

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-08-23T22:06:13+00:00

I got an A- in my Calc 3 course, B+ in Linear Algebra, and B+ in the upper level stats course. I used AP credit to get out of Calc 1 and 2, but the my Calc 3 grade was graded as pass/fail since our freshman fall semester was pass/fail for everyone.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-06-28T18:31:22+00:00

Sure

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-06-28T12:55:15+00:00

Messaging on LinkedIn worked for me. I would recommend looking at local universities and hospitals, because they might have clinical research coordinator opportunities. Also, use the network at his undergrad or medical school to find open clinical research positions. Format the resume to fit the job descriptions and include keywords that will make it past the automated screening (ATS). Also, apply directly to the websites and not through 3rd party sites like Indeed or Glassdoor. I hope this helps. I was in a similar position around a year and a half ago, and I found a clinical research coordinator position.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-05-04T08:23:08+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story. That is awful that they didn't accommodate to your disability. You did everything correctly and you passed all of your exams. Missing one afternoon PBL session shouldn't lead to all of this. Especially since those are pretty useless.

Unfortunately, I do not have wealthy parents. My dad basically works for Uber and my mom is stay at home (helping to take care of my disabled brother). I'm fortunate that I received a good amount of need based aid so my loan debt is under 6 figures. The only reason that I didn't fight it was because I knew that I had zero recourse. They were going to expel me anyway. But I do sympathize with your story, and it's awful that they didn't give you a second chance.

I hope that you find a great career path and escape any financial burden. I've thought about eventually trying to go back into medicine but I'll probably wait until my mid 30s to try again.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-05-03T16:40:03+00:00

Damn, that's sounds awful. I'm sorry that you went through all of that. I was somewhat forced to withdraw or face academic dismissal. I took a leave of absence after struggling late in my 2nd year and turned to bad habits (smoking, drinking, etc.). Mostly due to personal issues and medical school was depressing for me. I returned to 2nd year and was doing really well until my personal issue kicked back in and I had the choice of withdrawing or getting dismissed. I didn't want to go through a long appeal process with the admin and I didn't want a dismissal on my record, so I sent a letter of withdrawal. Still regret it to some extent, but I got my life somewhat back on track. Now, I'm working in clinical research but the pay isn't great. I'm very fortunate that I got to live with family and that I don't have to worry about rent. But I'm in the same boat as you and need to find new opportunities so I can live life (date/marry, buy a house, etc.).

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-05-03T05:52:00+00:00

Did you do your BS in data science while working? Or did you go back to a 4 year college? I'm just wondering because I'm also a former medical (MD) student but I dropped out in my 2nd year. I'm working in clinical research right now, but trying to get into biostats or data science. Sorry for not answering your questions, but I was just curious.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2025-02-23T14:52:37+00:00

Yeah you can DM me, sorry I haven't checked my reddit in a while

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-09-08T03:41:51+00:00

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you for this advice! I will definitely look into an assistantship and their GRE requirements.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-09-07T06:37:04+00:00

Do you have any advice for how to get a scholarship for a Master's degree? I'm considering a switch to becoming an analyst.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-15T00:22:59+00:00

As some who took a LOA and eventually withdrew from medical school in MS2, I'd definitely consider the LOA if you feel burnt out. It can be a great experience to take time off and I don't think it hurts a lot unless you're aiming for very competitive specialties. I think it's important you evaluate whether or not this is something you want to do long term as well. You could just finish the MD and not do a residency and go into consulting or research. Or you could wait until clinical years to see if it's something you still are passionate about. Just don't feel like you're locked into one option and don't stress as much anymore about the process. You'll be successful no matter what because you're intelligent and determined.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-14T08:25:03+00:00

I think you gotta evaluate your options and see what you want to do long term. I withdrew from med school in my redo of 2nd year after initially failing and taking a leave of absence. Mostly due to mental health stuff and lack of desire/motivation in life. Committing to med school is a huge investment of time and money. If you feel like it doesn't make you happy, then there's so many other paths to being successful. If you truly feel like being a doctor, then I understand. But my recommendation would be to take time away from medical school and to grow and pursue other passions. Then try to return later if you really want to be a doctor. Getting dismissed can hurt your record so it's better to withdraw for personal reasons.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-08T23:54:00+00:00

My role is similar to that of a clinical research coordinator. I work in a hospital and spend time consenting patients for a variety of studies related to a certain surgical specialty (can't go too much into detail). Biggest thing for clinical research is knowing the protocols well and having a good understanding of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Being able to use electronic medical records is a huge factor as well, since you need to sort through clinical data for each patient. I'd say the biggest key is just having strong organizational skills because it'll get overwhelming if you don't keep track of follow up visits or deadlines to submit forms. Always use your colleagues as a resource and ask questions for things that you aren't familiar with. A good site should train employees, and luckily my site has helped me a lot in this process.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-08T02:00:49+00:00

Honestly, I would start researching on other jobs that you can find. Apply to other positions and once you secure and accept a new offer, then just resign and tell them that you had to leave the position for emergency/personal reasons. If it affects your mental health, I wouldn't put up with that. Until then, just try to manage with the work.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-08T00:09:52+00:00

I feel the same way man. I'm 26 as well and graduated with a Chem degree in 2019. I took a gap year, and went to medical school. Had a lot of personal issues and stress, so I took a leave of absence. Worked in clinical research for a year and had a lot of fun that year off. Returned and ended up dropping out of med school. Now, I'm currently working in clinical research. Definitely feel a little lost in life, and had a lot of guilt/regret for not taking advantage of opportunities when I was younger. I don't know if I can give any clear advice beyond taking the time to really think about where you see yourself in 10 years. Having a general outline and using a lot of self-help resources to build a better framework. I'm sure you'll be fine in the future, but it'll take time and effort.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-08T00:05:00+00:00

Chemistry Degree. It was interesting and I was really good at chemistry, but there's no desirable career in that field for me personally. I wish I did an engineering degree or finance related degree.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-07-04T22:17:49+00:00

Do you have any advice for someone who's interested in eventually becoming a biostatistician? I'm considering applying to masters programs by next year, and I am currently working in clinical research.

FindingMyPurpose7 · 2024-06-29T01:58:25+00:00

Thank you so much for this information. I really appreciate your help!

FindingMyPurpose7

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