2012-2013 Michigan State University Application Thread

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weezynation said:
For those who have had an interview already, I noticed on the schedule for the interview day that there is a Team-Building Exercise. What exactly is this exercise? If it is supposed to be a secret, then please do not share but I am just curious. Thanks.
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It's a fun team activity. Don't sweat it. Nothing to prepare for, simply for fun! My team was awesome and I was dying of laughter the whole time. I don't want to give it away--I don't know if it's supposed to be a secret, but you shouldn't overthink it!
 
DrBtobe said:
It's a fun team activity. Don't sweat it. Nothing to prepare for, simply for fun! My team was awesome and I was dying of laughter the whole time. I don't want to give it away--I don't know if it's supposed to be a secret, but you shouldn't overthink it!
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I appreciate the feedback. I'm definitely not worried about it or trying to prepare or anything; I was just curious but if it's better to not be ruined then I'm excited to see what it's all about when I'm there. I think it says a lot about MSU for them to have something laid back like this during their interview day. Thanks again.
 
Is there no student hosting available? Didn't see anything about it on their interview page or on this thread but I've really appreciated the experiences and insight from this at other schools so would love to do it at as many schools that I'm interviewing at as possible.
 
I went ahead and withdrew from this school on Tuesday. Good luck everyone else. I was complete in late September (just look at MDapps for exact date).
 
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nychila said:
In terms of interviewing at either Grand Rapids or East Lansing:

1. Does it make a difference where an applicant interviews? Eg. Do applicants interview for that particular campus only? Is one of the campuses more research oriented, and the other more primary care oriented?

2. Is there a particular reason why applicants are invited to interview at one of the sites rather than the other?
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1. No, there is no difference in where you interview. You are not pre-assigned to either campus - you select preferences in Spring. There is no difference in curriculum at either school, they are just different feels mostly. East Lansing is on a large university campus, so it will feel much like how it did in undergrad. This comes with all the university research. There is probably more basic sciences research at East Lansing because of this, i.e. there is not an entire department for microbiology in Grand Rapids. Then again, Grand Rapids has the Van Andel institute and more hospitals than East Lansing. The hospital system for Grand Rapids is larger and supports more clinical research. This means you're likely to have more choices for this type of research in Grand Rapids. However, probably only the administration really knows how the two stack up, because the differences are imperceptible in this department, and most important, they are inconsequential. You will be fine wherever you go, and in all reality you're not likely to even want to do research. Really, the major difference is facilities and location. Grand Rapids is newer with more natural lighting. The campus is a part of a complex of medical buildings, so when you go to school it feels like you're going to work, rather than your undergrad class. Some people like that separation from undergrad, it feels more "adult". Grand Rapids is also closer to downtown, so it has a much more urban feel. Everything is really close and mostly within walking distance.

2. There is no method to being assigned an interview day in one campus or the other. They just switch off between campuses for interviews, and they assign you whichever one isn't yet full that is next.
 
Acoustic said:
1. No, there is no difference in where you interview. You are not pre-assigned to either campus - you select preferences in Spring. There is no difference in curriculum at either school, they are just different feels mostly. East Lansing is on a large university campus, so it will feel much like how it did in undergrad. This comes with all the university research. There is probably more basic sciences research at East Lansing because of this, i.e. there is not an entire department for microbiology in Grand Rapids. Then again, Grand Rapids has the Van Andel institute and more hospitals than East Lansing. The hospital system for Grand Rapids is larger and supports more clinical research. This means you're likely to have more choices for this type of research in Grand Rapids. However, probably only the administration really knows how the two stack up, because the differences are imperceptible in this department, and most important, they are inconsequential. You will be fine wherever you go, and in all reality you're not likely to even want to do research. Really, the major difference is facilities and location. Grand Rapids is newer with more natural lighting. The campus is a part of a complex of medical buildings, so when you go to school it feels like you're going to work, rather than your undergrad class. Some people like that separation from undergrad, it feels more "adult". Grand Rapids is also closer to downtown, so it has a much more urban feel. Everything is really close and mostly within walking distance.

2. There is no method to being assigned an interview day in one campus or the other. They just switch off between campuses for interviews, and they assign you whichever one isn't yet full that is next.
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Thank you, you're so much help!
 
arroyo2208 said:
Is there no student hosting available? Didn't see anything about it on their interview page or on this thread but I've really appreciated the experiences and insight from this at other schools so would love to do it at as many schools that I'm interviewing at as possible.
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Student housing is not advertised, but if you email admissions and request it, they might be able to set you up with a student.
 
From what I have gathered no one has been rejected pre-interview. It just shows the status as waiting for a preliminary review?

I was really excited about the LMU program so I am anxious to hear back. I have only been complete for two weeks. I wonder how long it is taking since completion to be reviewed.
 
jmart said:
From what I have gathered no one has been rejected pre-interview. It just shows the status as waiting for a preliminary review?

I was really excited about the LMU program so I am anxious to hear back. I have only been complete for two weeks. I wonder how long it is taking since completion to be reviewed.
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Been "under review" since mid July...
 
Decision date this week, wish you all the best of luck.
 
Is the committee meeting this week?
 
DrBtobe said:
It's a fun team activity. Don't sweat it. Nothing to prepare for, simply for fun! My team was awesome and I was dying of laughter the whole time. I don't want to give it away--I don't know if it's supposed to be a secret, but you shouldn't overthink it!
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It is supposed to be secret until you do it, so thank you for not sharing more than this 🙂
 
My application page status changed on Thursday to reflect an II (which it states was sent out by e-mail), but I haven't received anything (nothing in spam filter either). Does it normally take a few days? I suppose I will call on Monday.
 
psycam said:
My application page status changed on Thursday to reflect an II (which it states was sent out by e-mail), but I haven't received anything (nothing in spam filter either). Does it normally take a few days? I suppose I will call on Monday.
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The date of the invite listed on the status page corresponds to when I got the email- I'd give them a call as you definitely should have gotten an email!
 
1/25 at GR, which I think is the last date in January. I see that we were complete at the same time, are you assigned the same?
 
psycam said:
1/25 at GR, which I think is the last date in January. I see that we were complete at the same time, are you assigned the same?
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Cool! I'm actually the week before on the 18th in EL (I received my II about a couple weeks ago). I was kinda hoping for a GR date since that's my hometown (I now go to school in Colorado) and that would've been easiest but the 18th worked out for me since I'm actually still on winter break then. Best of luck!!
 
I got a phone call tonight! Interviewed in October. Good luck everybody!
 
Yeah sorry, I'm kind of new to this. I was in Grand Rapids 10/19.
 
tinysock said:
Yeah sorry, I'm kind of new to this. I was in Grand Rapids 10/19.
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Oh well congrats! I am now wondering has ANYONE from EL interviews heard anything. All the acceptances I am seeing seem to be GR.
 
PKAguy2202 said:
Oh well congrats! I am now wondering has ANYONE from EL interviews heard anything. All the acceptances I am seeing seem to be GR.
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I interviewed in EL and got a phone call tonight!! Could barely talk I was so geeked! Good luck to everyone waiting for a phone call.
 
lionsfan1 said:
I interviewed in EL and got a phone call tonight!! Could barely talk I was so geeked! Good luck to everyone waiting for a phone call.
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Congrats! When did you interview?
 
wowong said:
Hi,

Can anyone shed some light on this question from the section for Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved?

"What are the advantages of using a public health approach to maximize individual and population health status?"

Not too sure what it means to "maximize" a "health status."

THANKS!
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I would take it to mean decreasing morbidity and mortality among individuals and populations.
 
Yehoshua24 said:
I would take it to mean decreasing morbidity and mortality among individuals and populations.
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Agreed. Additionally, provide preventative health services such as: free birth control, HIV screening, etc.

Second, provide education on healthy living/lifestyle.
 
Disinence2 said:
Recent grad here if anyone has questions
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I would love to hear about how you and your classmates matched. Do a lot of MSU students get their first choice? Did some MSU students feel that they couldn't pursue some of the most competitive residencies as compared to a student from a top program? Any idea what Step 1 scores are like?
 
pachewisc said:
I would love to hear about how you and your classmates matched. Do a lot of MSU students get their first choice? Did some MSU students feel that they couldn't pursue some of the most competitive residencies as compared to a student from a top program? Any idea what Step 1 scores are like?
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Can't really chime in on the match, besides that students from here seem to match at very competitive places (see match lists from previous years if you really care, but this is such a personal choice that match lists don't really mean much). Step 1 scores are all over the place (i.e. from passing to 270). This is because what school you go to has little bearing on how you do on the test. Most of medical school is a very personal endeavor, you get out of it what you put into it.
 
So... I'm applying to the MD-PhD program and that means I have to get through the MD part first. I interviewed 10/26 EL and I thought I'd get news about my admission status relatively soon since there was just a committee meeting, but I called and was told that no news is good news. Apparently they didn't get to my file and may review it next meeting. I was told that once they make a decision it should be posted on your status page. Unfortunately I'm still in limbo ---> multiple interview...no news from any of them...no acceptances. I guess the good thing is I haven't been rejected.

Hope to get good news before Christmas, after the next committee meeting in December!



WTF...LOL I found this under the smilies tab ---> :flame:
 
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Disinence2 said:
Recent grad here if anyone has questions
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I'll throw out some questions, if you (or any current/past student) feel like answering any of them!

Which campus did you end up doing your clinicals, and looking back how do you feel about your training?

In the past threads, people mostly mention GR's strength in its proximity to hospitals, and EL's campus being lively (since it's part of the main campus). Other than these, are the educational opportunities indistinguishable? Is there more basic research available at EL (or clinical research at GR for instance?) Or are there other nuances to consider?

In your experiences, do you feel MSU-CHM does a good job of fulfilling its mission? Specifically, "promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved"?
 
psycam said:
I'll throw out some questions, if you (or any current/past student) feel like answering any of them!

Which campus did you end up doing your clinicals, and looking back how do you feel about your training?

In the past threads, people mostly mention GR's strength in its proximity to hospitals, and EL's campus being lively (since it's part of the main campus). Other than these, are the educational opportunities indistinguishable? Is there more basic research available at EL (or clinical research at GR for instance?) Or are there other nuances to consider?

In your experiences, do you feel MSU-CHM does a good job of fulfilling its mission? Specifically, "promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved"?
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The differences between GR & EL are mostly in environment. Most of the lectures originate from EL, but the majority of students don't attend lecture anyway (this is the same at every med school to my knowledge, unless attendance is required, which would be horrible). No one has quantified research differences, but I'd say your assessment is in line with the prevailing thought. This is because there are more basic science departments on the main campus, although there is a major research institution at GR (Van Andel). There may be more clinical research in GR. All in all, though, the differences are probably imperceptible. They certainly aren't quantifiable in a way that will impact you if you choose one or the other. There are opportunities at both.

Educational opportunities at the two are identical to my knowledge. Your education in medical school though consists of you reading, reading, and oh yes, reading some more. At least your first two years. Clinical education is what will differ between the campuses. Preclinical is probably pretty much the same wherever you go (i.e. most any school in the country). One poster on SDN made a good point about the differences between med schools, saying something like "Yale is better because they have access to Robbins Yale Edition: The Real Medicine" (Robbins is the main pathology textbook that is the basis for learning about all diseases as a 2nd year). The joke is that every school uses the same books, and the (useful) experts are in the books. Medical education will always be an individual sport - it is up to you to form your education now.

Yes, they seem to fulfill that mission. Missions are how schools separate themselves. The mission and its expression is identical between campuses. CHM is very concerned with its mission and tries to wiggle it into every place they can. Have they saved the healthcare world yet? Well that's not really the goal of a medical school. Their goal is to help shape doctors who will do this, and a school can only do so much shaping. They certainly offer numerous opportunities to excel in this area if you so desire. They don't force feed it to you if you would rather not, though. Overall, they are very much interested in their mission and how they can accomplish it. Do you have more specific questions on this line?
 
PKAguy2202 said:
Oh well congrats! I am now wondering has ANYONE from EL interviews heard anything. All the acceptances I am seeing seem to be GR.
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Did any one who were interviewed on 11/09/12 receive any call yet? Appreciate your help.
 
PKAguy2202 said:
Oh well congrats! I am now wondering has ANYONE from EL interviews heard anything. All the acceptances I am seeing seem to be GR.
Click to expand...
Did any one who were interviewed on 11/09/12 receive any call yet? Appreciate your help.
 
psycam said:
I'll throw out some questions, if you (or any current/past student) feel like answering any of them!

Which campus did you end up doing your clinicals, and looking back how do you feel about your training?

In the past threads, people mostly mention GR's strength in its proximity to hospitals, and EL's campus being lively (since it's part of the main campus). Other than these, are the educational opportunities indistinguishable? Is there more basic research available at EL (or clinical research at GR for instance?) Or are there other nuances to consider?

In your experiences, do you feel MSU-CHM does a good job of fulfilling its mission? Specifically, "promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved"?
Click to expand...

I went to Grand Rapids, and personally wouldn't go to MSU unless I was in the Grand Rapids Campus for at least clinical years. I think the grand rapids crew was more lively than the EL, but this may have changed. GR has a more young professional trendy bar scene, EL is more drunk fratboys bar scene. I would consider returning to Grand Rapids after residency, you couldn't pay me enough to live in Lansing, flint, or kalamazoo,

Yes, MSU does an amazing job of promoting the "Human" element of medicine. It took about a year and a half or residency for me to develop a cynical outlook on medicine and a healthy apathy towards the lives of the underserved. A few of my class classmates caved after only a few months. Not sure if this is a positive or a negative.
 
I've been complete for a while now, any idea of when interview invites tend to go out?
 
Gondhoraj said:
Did any one who were interviewed on 11/09/12 receive any call yet? Appreciate your help.
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I'm wondering the same thing. I haven't heard anything back as of yet and noticed that many of the October dates are still waiting/in the process of receiving callbacks.
 
Got a call last night! Interviewed 10/26.
 
FYI, the email informing you that you were placed on the alternate list is sent at around 11:00 am on the decision day. It also states that it is unlikely that you will be reviewed again until May 15th. Bummer city
 
:wtf: Seriously.... no response yet. No waitlist, rejection, acceptance.... this is craazy... I interviewed 10/26 (see post above)... I just have to keep telling myself no news is good news. I have several interviews pending for 2013 and I don't want to buy 3 X $400+ flight tickets for no reason... baaaahumbug! Guess it could be worse :beat:
 
sent an in the area email here and was put on pre interview hold... is it common to receive an II later in the season with this status?

Thanks!
 
Huskies88 said:
sent an in the area email here and was put on pre interview hold... is it common to receive an II later in the season with this status?

Thanks!
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I'm on pre-interview hold too. I guess it's nice that they got to my file and didn't reject me flat out.
 
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