2009-2010 Michigan State Application Thread

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Might as well apply here. Good safety school.
 
For the essay questions, I know question 2 specifically says to NOT use something from your primary application or personal statement. Is that the case for question 1? I want to use an example from my employment that I listed on my primary app (but not in detail) for question 1. Would that be okay? Thanks!!
 
wishintobedoc said:
For the essay questions, I know question 2 specifically says to NOT use something from your primary application or personal statement. Is that the case for question 1? I want to use an example from my employment that I listed on my primary app (but not in detail) for question 1. Would that be okay? Thanks!!
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I think that should be fine. They just said not to use stuff from AMCAS for the question number 2.
 
Gargh. It really bothers me when schools have questions like "tell us something important not in your AMCAS." I specifically put all the most important things in my primary app, just because many schools don't have secondary essay questions. Some schools ONLY let you talk about stuff that's already on the primary app (e.g. UPenn). For question 2, I ended up talking about something that was only briefly mentioned in the PS. I'm still not sure about question 1 though.
 
I have been working on the first 2 essays for like a day, and they still suck in my opinion. I have the same problem, I listed the most important stuff on AMCAS lol.
 
Is anyone having issues with the third essay? I feel like if I answer it saying why I want to go there it is not exactly answering the question that they are asking because I am talking more about what they have that I am interested in not what I have that they should be interested in...any suggestions?
 
Sleight said:
Is anyone having issues with the third essay? I feel like if I answer it saying why I want to go there it is not exactly answering the question that they are asking because I am talking more about what they have that I am interested in not what I have that they should be interested in...any suggestions?
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I think if they really wanted an essay of "why MSU?", then they'd ask for it so I think you're correct in not wanting to write one of those. I am having trouble with the question myself because I feel like everything they need to know about me is already in my AMCAS application.
 
BlueElmo said:
I wrote about my personal attributes.
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like what? i mean i feel like i could say "im a strong student and im this and that and yada yada" but then i feel like i would have to back it up and then i would be reiterating everything in amcas...i wrote basically a "why MSU" bc thats what a couple of other ppl on here said they wrote about...haven't submitted yet...
 
Sleight said:
like what? i mean i feel like i could say "im a strong student and im this and that and yada yada" but then i feel like i would have to back it up and then i would be reiterating everything in amcas...i wrote basically a "why MSU" bc thats what a couple of other ppl on here said they wrote about...haven't submitted yet...
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I didn't bring up any personal anecdotes for this last one. Just what I felt were my best personal qualities. I think why MSU will work as well. It's up to you.
 
How about writing why MSU not in a "I like that you teach in X style" but in "I have these qualities that fit with MSU's mission, etc. That might work.

I was thinking of doing that or answering it like SIU's question "what qualities/characteristics do you have that would make you a good doctor"
 
red10 said:
How about writing why MSU not in a "I like that you teach in X style" but in "I have these qualities that fit with MSU's mission, etc. That might work.

I was thinking of doing that or answering it like SIU's question "what qualities/characteristics do you have that would make you a good doctor"
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that is pretty much what i wrote...basically that the mission follows my morals and etc...however i also talked about how i like their international programs too and how they fit what i want to do (but i am not applying to the underprivileged program...is that bad?)
 
Sleight said:
that is pretty much what i wrote...basically that the mission follows my morals and etc...however i also talked about how i like their international programs too and how they fit what i want to do (but i am not applying to the underprivileged program...is that bad?)
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No, applying to those programs is completely optional and they make it clear that applying/not applying will not affect your application one way or another.
 
Sleight said:
that is pretty much what i wrote...basically that the mission follows my morals and etc...however i also talked about how i like their international programs too and how they fit what i want to do (but i am not applying to the underprivileged program...is that bad?)
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i was wondering a similar question.. I know I will be talking about that in the main questions but if I also apply to those programs then it would have to say it all over again!! ahhh these secondary questions all ask the same over and over and over and overrrrrrrrrrrrrr
 
OneMCATAway said:
i was wondering a similar question.. I know I will be talking about that in the main questions but if I also apply to those programs then it would have to say it all over again!! ahhh these secondary questions all ask the same over and over and over and overrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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i know it drives me crazy...its so hard not to overlap...
 
will try to get this one out by tonight. :xf:
 
Has anyone's status update changed from "We have received your secondary application" to "Forwarded for preliminary review"? My AMCAS has been long complete and it says they sent my LOR's to MSU CHM. I paid the fee on 7/24 and submitted the secondary on 7/27, but my status still hasn't changed.

Does anyone else have any news?
 
netminder said:
Has anyone's status update changed from "We have received your secondary application" to "Forwarded for preliminary review"? My AMCAS has been long complete and it says they sent my LOR's to MSU CHM. I paid the fee on 7/24 and submitted the secondary on 7/27, but my status still hasn't changed.

Does anyone else have any news?
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Nope...nothing has changed on my page and their last disclaimer means I am going to be waiting a while before I inquire.

"The office staff is unable to project when you will receive the next status update. Please use your CHM AIS account to track your application status. Your patience is appreciated as we give individual consideration to all applications during this time. "
 
netminder said:
Has anyone's status update changed from "We have received your secondary application" to "Forwarded for preliminary review"? My AMCAS has been long complete and it says they sent my LOR's to MSU CHM. I paid the fee on 7/24 and submitted the secondary on 7/27, but my status still hasn't changed.

Does anyone else have any news?
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I submitted on 7/25 and I still haven't heard anything. The website just says that they have received my secondary.
 
For the 2nd essay I was thinking of talking about my MCAT. You know, studying, working hard, doing pretty good in the end...

But I'm wondering if it would be a bad choice for an essay most people are using on personal activities/goals. You know, it might come across like saying "i have no meaningful life experiences, I only care about academics"

Thoughts?
 
Lacipart said:
For the 2nd essay I was thinking of talking about my MCAT. You know, studying, working hard, doing pretty good in the end...

But I'm wondering if it would be a bad choice for an essay most people are using on personal activities/goals. You know, it might come across like saying "i have no meaningful life experiences, I only care about academics"

Thoughts?
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I would avoid using MCAT preparation as your primary material for the second essay--your score implies the time, care, and effort put forth. To add to my point, your MCAT score, no matter how good, is meaningless unless you matriculate into medical school, which will be the "reward." However, if you spent countless hours in a lab while trying to finish collecting data for a research project (which was a rewarding experience in itself), only to go home and study for the MCAT, then your preparation would be worth mentioning--but only in the context of some other achievement.

There has to be some significant life event in which you discovered something about yourself. Athletic achievement? Relocating to a new country? Publishing your first paper? Raising a child? Serving a tour in Iraq?
 
EckXXX said:
I would avoid using MCAT preparation as your primary material for the second essay--your score implies the time, care, and effort put forth. To add to my point, your MCAT score, no matter how good, is meaningless unless you matriculate into medical school, which will be the "reward." However, if you spent countless hours in a lab while trying to finish collecting data for a research project (which was a rewarding experience in itself), only to go home and study for the MCAT, then your preparation would be worth mentioning--but only in the context of some other achievement.

There has to be some significant life event in which you discovered something about yourself. Athletic achievement? Relocating to a new country? Publishing your first paper? Raising a child? Serving a tour in Iraq?
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Heh, thanks, for the advice. I got a pretty solid idea now.
 
BlueElmo said:
Might as well apply here. Good safety school.
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From what I understand, MSU is not a good safety. Their stats may make it seem so, but it is my understanding that they are especially concerned with finding students who fit with their mission of producing physicians to serve Michigan's underserved rural and urban populations. That being said, if you fit the mission and you have high stats, then you will probably do great there. I've had a couple of friends from Michigan be rejected post-secondary. They had great stats, great research, and clinical. I just don't think they fit in with the MSU mission. Plus, they might have come across as using the school as a safety, and they want to matriculate students who really feel at home at the school. One is at WashU; the other is at UMich.
 
hopslam said:
From what I understand, MSU is not a good safety. Their stats may make it seem so, but it is my understanding that they are especially concerned with finding students who fit with their mission of producing physicians to serve Michigan's underserved rural and urban populations. That being said, if you fit the mission and you have high stats, then you will probably do great there. I've had a couple of friends from Michigan be rejected post-secondary. They had great stats, great research, and clinical. I just don't think they fit in with the MSU mission. Plus, they might have come across as using the school as a safety, and they want to matriculate students who really feel at home at the school. One is at WashU; the other is at UMich.
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👍
 
kia ora said:
what if you buy a house in MI? (houses are cheap there...the MI economy is in the toilet). they could hardly deny you resident status when you are a property-owning taxpayer (though maybe they do?)! if I am fortunate to get into a school in MI I may do this. I did my undergraduate degree at MSU and LOVED it! it would be great to go back for an MD. :luck: to everyone applying!
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or maybe you could get a MI resident to marry you... i think you'd qualify for instate then right? 😍
 
sustentacular said:
or maybe you could get a MI resident to marry you... i think you'd qualify for instate then right? 😍
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Wanna buy my house? I'll sell it to you cheap...easy commute to all of current and future med schools in Michigan...I also have a bridge to sell...
 
Last edited:
vc7777 said:
Wanna buy my house? I'll sell it to you cheap...easy commute to all of current and future med schools in Michigan...I also have a bridge to sell...
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I may be interested in said house and bridge... I've consulted with my Nigerian business partner (a PRINCE!!) and for a few measly international money wires he has agreed to set up the transaction for us! :idea:
 
just submitted this bad boy. has anyone received a complete email yet?
 
So I have thought of two options for my second essay.

Junior year of high school I went to Japan and taught english for the summer. it was entirely volunteer. This sucks because it was from high school.

After graduating college I got a job in my hometown and moved home until I found a place I liked. This was awesome because my siblings were 10 and 6. I left for college when they were 6 and 2, so they really didn't know me as a sibling. This probably isn't a response that they are looking for...

Any ideas appreciated!!!
 
buffywannabe said:
So I have thought of two options for my second essay.

Junior year of high school I went to Japan and taught english for the summer. it was entirely volunteer. This sucks because it was from high school.

After graduating college I got a job in my hometown and moved home until I found a place I liked. This was awesome because my siblings were 10 and 6. I left for college when they were 6 and 2, so they really didn't know me as a sibling. This probably isn't a response that they are looking for...

Any ideas appreciated!!!
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to be honest...you can come up with something better than this. they want a rewarding experience not on your AMCAS. try to think harder. good luck.
 
Unfortunately I put basically everything that I have done on my AMCAS. The only thing I can really pull from are high school experiences or personal experiences. Every job I had or every activity I did minus some really minor stuff is listed.

I think the japan thing could be good because it was super intense, I didn't speak the language, it was my longest time away from home, i was responsible for children 24 hours a day.

The family thing could be good because when I left for college I really just wanted to get as far away as possible. I learned that I really appreciate my family and now spend a ton of time with them.

Other than that I can't really think of anything. You really think these are horrible topics?
 
buffywannabe said:
Unfortunately I put basically everything that I have done on my AMCAS. The only thing I can really pull from are high school experiences or personal experiences. Every job I had or every activity I did minus some really minor stuff is listed.

I think the japan thing could be good because it was super intense, I didn't speak the language, it was my longest time away from home, i was responsible for children 24 hours a day.

The family thing could be good because when I left for college I really just wanted to get as far away as possible. I learned that I really appreciate my family and now spend a ton of time with them.

Other than that I can't really think of anything. You really think these are horrible topics?
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it's up to you. for me...I received a scholarship for college from a huge organization in Houston. I am sort of like a spokeperson for them by going onto radio and television interviews to promote more students to apply for the scholarship. I have been on spanish networks as well. It is very rewarding to see that more than half of the scholarships that they give were received by minorities. The experience was very rewarding b/c I have contributed to helping local high school seniors pay for their college tuition. seeing new scholars at banquet motivates to me to continue what I have been doing.


something like this might be good. try to think of more activities that you have done.
 
RecyclingBinh said:
it's up to you. for me...I received a scholarship for college from a huge organization in Houston. I am sort of like a spokeperson for them by going onto radio and television interviews to promote more students to apply for the scholarship. I have been on spanish networks as well. It is very rewarding to see that more than half of the scholarships that they give were received by minorities. The experience was very rewarding b/c I have contributed to helping local high school seniors pay for their college tuition. seeing new scholars at banquet motivates to me to continue what I have been doing.


something like this might be good. try to think of more activities that you have done.
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That's awesome, I am super surprised you left that out of your AMCAS
 
RecyclingBinh said:
it's up to you. for me...I received a scholarship for college from a huge organization in Houston. I am sort of like a spokeperson for them by going onto radio and television interviews to promote more students to apply for the scholarship. I have been on spanish networks as well. It is very rewarding to see that more than half of the scholarships that they give were received by minorities. The experience was very rewarding b/c I have contributed to helping local high school seniors pay for their college tuition. seeing new scholars at banquet motivates to me to continue what I have been doing.


something like this might be good. try to think of more activities that you have done.
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Something like this might be good? Try great!! And this is something that not a lot of people can claim.
 
Are there any other schools out there besides Wayne and MSU that have such essay intense secondaries that are in the so-called "middle tier" range?
 
buffywannabe said:
That's awesome, I am super surprised you left that out of your AMCAS
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yeah...there were too many for me to choose. I hate how we're only limited to put 14 on there. 🙁

DRIN said:
Something like this might be good? Try great!! And this is something that not a lot of people can claim.
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Thank you for the compliment. I hope this can score me kudos points with MSU. 😀

Just to boast about the organization. They are a non-profit org. Established in the 1950's and had given over 3000+ scholarships totaling over $20 million. they have 1000's of volunteers...raise money with the help of sponsors, activities, and fundraisers.
 
buffywannabe said:
Unfortunately I put basically everything that I have done on my AMCAS. The only thing I can really pull from are high school experiences or personal experiences. Every job I had or every activity I did minus some really minor stuff is listed.

I think the japan thing could be good because it was super intense, I didn't speak the language, it was my longest time away from home, i was responsible for children 24 hours a day.

The family thing could be good because when I left for college I really just wanted to get as far away as possible. I learned that I really appreciate my family and now spend a ton of time with them.

Other than that I can't really think of anything. You really think these are horrible topics?
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Buffy - Who is to say that your stuff is not personally rewarding enough? If traveling to Japan by yourself to teach English was rewarding, then use it and let your writing show how rewarding it was. Don't ever let anyone tell you that your experience is not good enough. This "my experience is better, you should think harder" thing has to stop. I think solo travels in a completely different country and culture can be very fulfilling and to do it at such a young age when kids only care about are what movie they are going to see on Friday night shows maturity. I would use that and make it shine. Good luck!
 
teachmed27 said:
Buffy - Who is to say that your stuff is not personally rewarding enough? If traveling to Japan by yourself to teach English was rewarding, then use it and let your writing show how rewarding it was. Don't ever let anyone tell you that your experience is not good enough. This "my experience is better, you should think harder" thing has to stop. I think solo travels in a completely different country and culture can be very fulfilling and to do it at such a young age when kids only care about are what movie they are going to see on Friday night shows maturity. I would use that and make it shine. Good luck!
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Thank you! I was getting really nervous about this. I think it would be fine but am still a little nervous about bringing up high school stuff since it "doesn't count". I wasn't actually traveling alone though either. It was through a program at a nearby university. I did have to be nominated through my high school and ended up volunteering close to 900 hours while I was there. There were many times when I had to navigate trains and such alone, but most of the time I was at the camp leading children. It is probably the single coolest thing I have ever done in my life so I would love to write about it. 🙂
 
buffywannabe said:
Thank you! I was getting really nervous about this. I think it would be fine but am still a little nervous about bringing up high school stuff since it "doesn't count". I wasn't actually traveling alone though either. It was through a program at a nearby university. I did have to be nominated through my high school and ended up volunteering close to 900 hours while I was there. There were many times when I had to navigate trains and such alone, but most of the time I was at the camp leading children. It is probably the single coolest thing I have ever done in my life so I would love to write about it. 🙂
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I would definitely write about it. They don't specify when your "rewarding experience" had to occur. The folks at MSU are very friendly and I don't think they'd mind you writing about something from high school. Especially since it was significant.
 
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