2014-2015 Michigan State University Application Thread

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I'm also not the strongest applicant grade wise (3.2 sGPA), but I have a strong MCAT, leadership, and extracurriculars. I was hoping someone on here would know how the admissions to the ABLE program works? Is your application just forwarded to that admission committee if you are rejected?
 
michaska said:
I'm also not the strongest applicant grade wise (3.2 sGPA), but I have a strong MCAT, leadership, and extracurriculars. I was hoping someone on here would know how the admissions to the ABLE program works? Is your application just forwarded to that admission committee if you are rejected?
Click to expand...

No, in order to be considered for the ABLE program you have to be offered an interview, and attend the interview day. From there, the committee meets and if they feel you would be a good fit, then they refer your application to the ABLE committee for a final decision. After you are notified of the decision to forward the application, the committee will come back and ask for more information from you, and you can ask about the curriculum in place. From what I understand the standard is to take Gross Anatomy with the first year med students that matriculate, as well as other med school classes, and some more upper level undergrad biology courses like neuroscience. If accepted, you will do the curriculum and if you maintain a 3.3 G.P.A then you are automatically accepted into the following years matriculating class (2016), and don't have to apply at all.


I was referred to the ABLE committee because I have a less than stellar G.P.A as well, but solid MCAT, leadership, research, etc.

They make the final decisions of those accepted in June and you are notified of the committees decision. I still have not heard back from them on what else is needed yet so I'm actually in the midst of calling to see if they actually received my application or not.

Good luck!

P.S. I forgot to mention, it is more for first generation college students, and those from medically underserved areas I do believe. I might have made that part up though but I think I do remember reading that.

P.S.S. I will copy and paste the e-mail I got of their decision and everything so you can read for yourself.


"Dear CHM Applicant:

The College of Human Medicine Committee on Admissions has carefully reviewed your entire application, including your academic record, AMCAS and Secondary Applications, interview assessments, and letters of evaluation. Upon review of your academic profile (grade point averages and MCAT scores), the Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE) postbaccalaureate program is recommended rather than direct admission. Thus, your application has been referred to the ABLE Selection Committee for review for admittance to the 2015 entering ABLE class. Students who successfully complete the ABLE program are admitted into CHM's entering class for the fall semester immediately following the completion of the ABLE program.

Unlike a traditional postbaccalaureate program, the only applicants eligible for acceptance into the ABLE program are those that attend Interview Day and are subsequently referred to ABLE by the Committee on Admissions.

The goal of the ABLE program is to build upon the student's background in the basic sciences and then strengthen that background through enrollment in selected upper-division (300-400 level) undergraduate science and medical school courses. To help assure success in these courses, ABLE students receive individualized assistance in developing academic learning strategies. For more information about the ABLE program, please visit http://MDadmissions.msu.edu/ABLE/able.php.

Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, the ABLE program director, will be sending you a request for additional materials for review purposes. Please understand that referral to the ABLE program does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Not all applicants referred to ABLE will be offered a position.

Your application with CHM is on hold while the ABLE Selection Committee reviews all of the applicants referred to the ABLE program. A final decision on your application will be made by the ABLE Review Committee in June, 2015.

If you are not interested in being considered for the ABLE program and wish to withdraw your application to CHM, please send a brief email message to [email protected].

Sincerely,

Joel Maurer, MD, FACOG
Assistant Dean for Admissions"
 
Codo91 said:
Lurker here.

Sad to say, just got the "unsuccessful applicant" email today. This is coming as a pretty big shock to me but maybe somebody can help shed some light on this gloomy day for me :/ even though you obviously cannot see my application. From my understanding, MSU CHM does not "penalize" you for applying late and looks for "holistic" applicants that resonate with their mission. Hmmm. I was not offered an interview. I have been accepted to MSUCOM and waiting to here from Wayne State. I am instate.

Complete: 11/10/14
Rejected: Pre-Interview
Michigan State University Undergraduate Degree in Social Science
cGPA: 3.68
sGPA: 3.57
Over 3.9 GPA last 4 semesters at MSU (upward trend)
MCAT: PS/VR/BS taken twice
7/25/14 - 9/9/9 - 27
9/18/14 - 11/8/10 - 29 (last day to take mcat for CHM

Played 4 years of a Division 1 varsity sport at MSU - LOR from head coach

Volunteered over 200 hours at stem cell research LAB at CHM - LOR from supervisor

I am currently in a gap year, getting clinical experience as a medical assistant at an Urgent Care (40 hrs a week) - LOR from lead physician

I also got LOR from a biology professor at MSU to fulfill requirement.

All letters were from very cool people (hint: I know they were friggen awesome)

I was not put on hold before being rejected today. What's up guys? Couldn't get an interview??
Click to expand...
Codo91 said:
Lurker here.

Sad to say, just got the "unsuccessful applicant" email today. This is coming as a pretty big shock to me but maybe somebody can help shed some light on this gloomy day for me :/ even though you obviously cannot see my application. From my understanding, MSU CHM does not "penalize" you for applying late and looks for "holistic" applicants that resonate with their mission. Hmmm. I was not offered an interview. I have been accepted to MSUCOM and waiting to here from Wayne State. I am instate.

Complete: 11/10/14
Rejected: Pre-Interview
Michigan State University Undergraduate Degree in Social Science
cGPA: 3.68
sGPA: 3.57
Over 3.9 GPA last 4 semesters at MSU (upward trend)
MCAT: PS/VR/BS taken twice
7/25/14 - 9/9/9 - 27
9/18/14 - 11/8/10 - 29 (last day to take mcat for CHM

Played 4 years of a Division 1 varsity sport at MSU - LOR from head coach

Volunteered over 200 hours at stem cell research LAB at CHM - LOR from supervisor

I am currently in a gap year, getting clinical experience as a medical assistant at an Urgent Care (40 hrs a week) - LOR from lead physician

I also got LOR from a biology professor at MSU to fulfill requirement.

All letters were from very cool people (hint: I know they were friggen awesome)

I was not put on hold before being rejected today. What's up guys? Couldn't get an interview??
Click to expand...


Hmm it's weird that they didn't even interview you. Did you show them how you resonated with their mission? Show them a commitment to undeserved populations or Michigan communities?? I know varsity sports are pretty time consuming but did you have any community service on your app??
 
Just got my II! Application complete 10/28 (took the mcat late 9/18) 3.5 sGPA 3.58cGPA, U of M graduate, mcat 35. MSU is first choice at the moment but still waiting to hear from Wayne and OUWB about interview. Hope to see some of you Feb 20th EL campus!
 
pntibbi said:
Hmm it's weird that they didn't even interview you. Did you show them how you resonated with their mission? Show them a commitment to undeserved populations or Michigan communities?? I know varsity sports are pretty time consuming but did you have any community service on your app??
Click to expand...

Right?? Haha. And oh yea you bet I did! Talked all about my dedication to underserved populations in my secondary (actually true haha). Actually my job at the urgent care is in Pontiac, MI if you know where that is - urban underserved area and we see like 15 Medicaid patients a day I take vitals giving injections and breathing treatments all that good stuff. And I did a lot of community outreach with the my team at MSU (big brothers big sisters, youth soccer clinics, etc.) I put all that stuff down haha I'm lost here man I was planning to go to chm!!
 
Codo91 said:
Right?? Haha. And oh yea you bet I did! Talked all about my dedication to underserved populations in my secondary (actually true haha). Actually my job at the urgent care is in Pontiac, MI if you know where that is - urban underserved area and we see like 15 Medicaid patients a day I take vitals giving injections and breathing treatments all that good stuff. And I did a lot of community outreach with the my team at MSU (big brothers big sisters, youth soccer clinics, etc.) I put all that stuff down haha I'm lost here man I was planning to go to chm!!
Click to expand...

Dang!! I'm at a loss for words. Maybe your too good haha!!! I would definitely get back to them and fill out that self assessment form to get some feedback. Did you apply anywhere else? Good luck with everything!
 
pntibbi said:
Dang!! I'm at a loss for words. Maybe your too good haha!!! I would definitely get back to them and fill out that self assessment form to get some feedback. Did you apply anywhere else? Good luck with everything!
Click to expand...

Hahah 🙂 I'm super jealous you got an II but you sound well deserving! Good luck to ya. I got into MSUCOM and waiting to here back from Wayne!
 
Final_stretch_med said:
No, in order to be considered for the ABLE program you have to be offered an interview, and attend the interview day. From there, the committee meets and if they feel you would be a good fit, then they refer your application to the ABLE committee for a final decision. After you are notified of the decision to forward the application, the committee will come back and ask for more information from you, and you can ask about the curriculum in place. From what I understand the standard is to take Gross Anatomy with the first year med students that matriculate, as well as other med school classes, and some more upper level undergrad biology courses like neuroscience. If accepted, you will do the curriculum and if you maintain a 3.3 G.P.A then you are automatically accepted into the following years matriculating class (2016), and don't have to apply at all.


I was referred to the ABLE committee because I have a less than stellar G.P.A as well, but solid MCAT, leadership, research, etc.

They make the final decisions of those accepted in June and you are notified of the committees decision. I still have not heard back from them on what else is needed yet so I'm actually in the midst of calling to see if they actually received my application or not.

Good luck!

P.S. I forgot to mention, it is more for first generation college students, and those from medically underserved areas I do believe. I might have made that part up though but I think I do remember reading that.

P.S.S. I will copy and paste the e-mail I got of their decision and everything so you can read for yourself.


"Dear CHM Applicant:

The College of Human Medicine Committee on Admissions has carefully reviewed your entire application, including your academic record, AMCAS and Secondary Applications, interview assessments, and letters of evaluation. Upon review of your academic profile (grade point averages and MCAT scores), the Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE) postbaccalaureate program is recommended rather than direct admission. Thus, your application has been referred to the ABLE Selection Committee for review for admittance to the 2015 entering ABLE class. Students who successfully complete the ABLE program are admitted into CHM's entering class for the fall semester immediately following the completion of the ABLE program.

Unlike a traditional postbaccalaureate program, the only applicants eligible for acceptance into the ABLE program are those that attend Interview Day and are subsequently referred to ABLE by the Committee on Admissions.

The goal of the ABLE program is to build upon the student's background in the basic sciences and then strengthen that background through enrollment in selected upper-division (300-400 level) undergraduate science and medical school courses. To help assure success in these courses, ABLE students receive individualized assistance in developing academic learning strategies. For more information about the ABLE program, please visit http://MDadmissions.msu.edu/ABLE/able.php.

Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, the ABLE program director, will be sending you a request for additional materials for review purposes. Please understand that referral to the ABLE program does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Not all applicants referred to ABLE will be offered a position.

Your application with CHM is on hold while the ABLE Selection Committee reviews all of the applicants referred to the ABLE program. A final decision on your application will be made by the ABLE Review Committee in June, 2015.

If you are not interested in being considered for the ABLE program and wish to withdraw your application to CHM, please send a brief email message to [email protected].

Sincerely,

Joel Maurer, MD, FACOG
Assistant Dean for Admissions"
Click to expand...

So did you interview with the CHM before they decided to forward your application to the ABLE program? I think I would be a good fit for that program considering my grades, I am a first generation college student, and have also worked through most of high school and my undergrad as a result of this. I'm hoping I get a chance to be considered!
 
michaska said:
So did you interview with the CHM before they decided to forward your application to the ABLE program? I think I would be a good fit for that program considering my grades, I am a first generation college student, and have also worked through most of high school and my undergrad as a result of this. I'm hoping I get a chance to be considered!
Click to expand...

I did. I interviewed November 21st in EL. I was then notified in december. From the sounds of it you would be a great candidate! I too had to work throughout high school and college to support myself and family. I guess the big thing is that it's for disadvantaged students. When I first read that I was very taken aback, more so in the sense that I wanted them to want me because they thought I had the ability to be a great physician, not because I'm considered "disadvantaged" in anyway. Although, I changed my perspective about it, and have kind of viewed it as they do think that they just want me to be as prepared as possible and know life can sometimes get in the way of an otherwise well qualified applicant.
 
Has anyone on the waitlist heard back with good news? I know people chose where they go on May 15th, but I was just wondering if the list moves before then.
 
Final_stretch_med said:
No, in order to be considered for the ABLE program you have to be offered an interview, and attend the interview day. From there, the committee meets and if they feel you would be a good fit, then they refer your application to the ABLE committee for a final decision. After you are notified of the decision to forward the application, the committee will come back and ask for more information from you, and you can ask about the curriculum in place. From what I understand the standard is to take Gross Anatomy with the first year med students that matriculate, as well as other med school classes, and some more upper level undergrad biology courses like neuroscience. If accepted, you will do the curriculum and if you maintain a 3.3 G.P.A then you are automatically accepted into the following years matriculating class (2016), and don't have to apply at all.


I was referred to the ABLE committee because I have a less than stellar G.P.A as well, but solid MCAT, leadership, research, etc.

They make the final decisions of those accepted in June and you are notified of the committees decision. I still have not heard back from them on what else is needed yet so I'm actually in the midst of calling to see if they actually received my application or not.

Good luck!

P.S. I forgot to mention, it is more for first generation college students, and those from medically underserved areas I do believe. I might have made that part up though but I think I do remember reading that.

P.S.S. I will copy and paste the e-mail I got of their decision and everything so you can read for yourself.


"Dear CHM Applicant:

The College of Human Medicine Committee on Admissions has carefully reviewed your entire application, including your academic record, AMCAS and Secondary Applications, interview assessments, and letters of evaluation. Upon review of your academic profile (grade point averages and MCAT scores), the Advanced Baccalaureate Learning Experience (ABLE) postbaccalaureate program is recommended rather than direct admission. Thus, your application has been referred to the ABLE Selection Committee for review for admittance to the 2015 entering ABLE class. Students who successfully complete the ABLE program are admitted into CHM's entering class for the fall semester immediately following the completion of the ABLE program.

Unlike a traditional postbaccalaureate program, the only applicants eligible for acceptance into the ABLE program are those that attend Interview Day and are subsequently referred to ABLE by the Committee on Admissions.

The goal of the ABLE program is to build upon the student's background in the basic sciences and then strengthen that background through enrollment in selected upper-division (300-400 level) undergraduate science and medical school courses. To help assure success in these courses, ABLE students receive individualized assistance in developing academic learning strategies. For more information about the ABLE program, please visit http://MDadmissions.msu.edu/ABLE/able.php.

Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, the ABLE program director, will be sending you a request for additional materials for review purposes. Please understand that referral to the ABLE program does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Not all applicants referred to ABLE will be offered a position.

Your application with CHM is on hold while the ABLE Selection Committee reviews all of the applicants referred to the ABLE program. A final decision on your application will be made by the ABLE Review Committee in June, 2015.

If you are not interested in being considered for the ABLE program and wish to withdraw your application to CHM, please send a brief email message to [email protected].

Sincerely,

Joel Maurer, MD, FACOG
Assistant Dean for Admissions"
Click to expand...


Thanks for this detailed post I've been wondering about how this works exactly too!
 
Codo91 said:
Thanks a lot!! I know it's really competitive but to not even get an interview is disheartening. Anybody know how to meet with somebody who can critique your app as it was reviewed by the committee without having to fill out the self-assessment guide thing? Or if we fill it out, the advisor we meet with still has our entire app to review right?
Click to expand...
I talked on the phone with Brian Ulrich for about an hour about my application last cycle. I made all the changes he suggested and I got in this year
 
Current fourth year medical student here at MSU CHM, mid-interview cycle myself for residency. Congratulations to those of you who have been accepted. To those of you still waiting or who will have to reapply, do not give up hope. I know several classmates who applied multiple times before their dreams of entering medical school became a reality and they excelled while in medical school. Not too much I can offer regarding the new curriculum beyond hearing positive rumblings from the 1st years that have participated in its development. However, I can do my best to field any questions you may have about our medical school.

A little background: I went to MSU for undergrad, and thus lived in East Lansing for 4 years. For medical school, I wanted a change of scenery, and ultimately ended up in Grand Rapids for the first 2 years. During clinical years I ended up selecting a smaller clinical campus, so you can see I have had quite a broad experience within MSU. Best of luck with the rest of the interview season and if nothing else, Go Green!
 
Hey Everyone, I have my interview next week. Any last minute advice before I head into trenches. MSU CHM is my top choice and I want to make a positive impression Thanks!
 
Be prepared for the MMI. Unlike some of the other schools I interviewed at it felt as if MSU put a lot more weight on it.
 
BradyC said:
Be prepared for the MMI. Unlike some of the other schools I interviewed at it felt as if MSU put a lot more weight on it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I have been practicing scenarios. Seems like the only way to prepare.
 
I don't think you can practice for it, enjoy yourself! It's a tad bit long, so just make sure you're awake and hydrated!
 
O364 said:
Hey Everyone, I have my interview next week. Any last minute advice before I head into trenches. MSU CHM is my top choice and I want to make a positive impression Thanks!
Click to expand...

Be yourself and be confident! Good luck
 
withdrew my II, I hope it goes to one of you guys
 
Last edited:
Has anyone accepted completed the Certiphi background screen?
 
Tradewinds said:
I have a question for all those who've interviewed so far, or for any students who are part of the process. I am interviewing tomorrow and I'm not sure of what to actually cary with me....my suit doesn't have any useable pockets for my ID and cards, and I really want to bring a small snack (protein bar) to eat before the MMI portion of the day. Will there be anywhere that I can leave these things or leave a small purse or other bag so that I don't have to carry it with me into the individual interview or the MMI?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
When I interviewed at the GR campus we had a home base kinda thing for the day where I left my things. They also had breakfast, beverages and snacks provided for you throughout the day. Don't sweat that kinda stuff--just go be awesome!
 
Tradewinds said:
I have a question for all those who've interviewed so far, or for any students who are part of the process. I am interviewing tomorrow and I'm not sure of what to actually cary with me....my suit doesn't have any useable pockets for my ID and cards, and I really want to bring a small snack (protein bar) to eat before the MMI portion of the day. Will there be anywhere that I can leave these things or leave a small purse or other bag so that I don't have to carry it with me into the individual interview or the MMI?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Trust me, food will be a non-issue for you
 
Just got the great news!....II!!!!!
Anyone else interviewing end of March?
 
Rejected pre-interview this afternoon. Good luck to everyone else still in the running! 🙂
 
Would it be a good idea to send an email if we don't hear by Friday?

Why so much silence, MSU 🙁
 
Last edited:
So I got word that I was put on pre interview hold after not hearing anything for months. They interview up into March. This is cool, even if I don't an interview this cycle I feel if I continue to work on my app and apply again in June I might get that interview.
 
Hey all, current MS4 here. I've been in Grand Rapids all 4 years and really love the city. Here are some pro-tips for those of you who get placed in GR:

Best Places to Live: Heritage Hill (cheap, walking distance from school/hospitals/downtown), Icon on Bond (really nice and walking distance from school), and Boardwalk (really nice, but not really walking distance from school)

Best Coffee: Madcap Coffee and Rowster New American Coffee

Best Places to Study: Secchia (duh), Kava House, East GR Public Library on Reeds Lake, Lantern Coffee Bar, the top floor of Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, Lyon Street Cafe, and The Sparrows

Best Places to Work Out: YMCA (Downtown) and MVP (Downtown)

Best Restaurants: Electric Cheetah, Bistro Bella Vita, Brick Road Pizza, Mangiamo, Marie Catrib's, Rose's on Reeds Lake, San Chez Tapas, Tre Cugini, and Twisted Rooster

Best Quick Food: Sami's Pita House and Uncle Cheetah's Soup Shop

Best Breakfast: Wolfgang's, San Chez Cafe, Cherie Inn and Real Food Cafe

Best Beer: Founders, HopCat, Brewery Vivant, Harmony House, and Grand Rapids Brewing Co

Fun Things To Do: Walk across the blue bridge and take awesome photos, swing dance downtown with the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS), attend a summer concert at Meijer Gardens, visit the Downtown Market, shop for produce at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, Art Prize, half-off sushi on Tuesdays at XO Sushi, cheap burger and pint night on Thursdays at Stella's, and taste wine and hard cider at Robinette's Apple Haus for 5 dollars

Living in Heritage Hill: Walk to Nantucket Bakery (great pizza and bread), Martha's Vinyard (HUGE wine and liquor selection) and Lyon Street Cafe (newly opened)

I hope you enjoy living and learning in Grand Rapids as much as I have! Cheers!
 
got an II today! according to the interview response form they sent out...they're interviewing until april! so if you haven't heard back yet don't lose hope!!
 
Does anybody know if this school accepts updates?
 
Can someone who has interviewed already help me out... I'm interviewing in March and would like tips on how to prepare for the 1 on 1 interview, what can I expect? Is it open or closed file? ... Also, I've interviewed at other MS with MMIs before and find them fun, but no 1 on 1s yet. Thank you so much for the help!
 
FootFire15 said:
Can someone who has interviewed already help me out... I'm interviewing in March and would like tips on how to prepare for the 1 on 1 interview, what can I expect? Is it open or closed file? ... Also, I've interviewed at other MS with MMIs before and find them fun, but no 1 on 1s yet. Thank you so much for the help!
Click to expand...
Can't say much about MMI, but the 1 on 1 is with a student is very chill. Know the schools mission and your application and it will be an easy conversation.
 
Just got rejected 🙁 I'm not terribly surprised but a little disheartened. I wanted to ask if I should send an email about being put into consideration for the able program or if that's frowned upon?
 
just rejected as well, oh well! Complete sometime in July. Good luck all!
 
My background check was FINALLY completed today... I submitted it on 1/19. One step closer to the official acceptance!
 
HCMVresearcher said:
My background check was FINALLY completed today... I submitted it on 1/19. One step closer to the official acceptance!
Click to expand...

It took Certiphi 1 month to process the background check or it took MSU 1 month to acknowledge it?

Side note, for those who have been accepted have y'all started the arduous process of looking at housing? I know PlayUltimate15 kindly posted a few suggestions for living in Grand Rapids earlier in the thread. Has anyone stumbled across anything promising?

Thanks!
 
beingmortal said:
It took Certiphi 1 month to process the background check or it took MSU 1 month to acknowledge it?

Side note, for those who have been accepted have y'all started the arduous process of looking at housing? I know PlayUltimate15 kindly posted a few suggestions for living in Grand Rapids earlier in the thread. Has anyone stumbled across anything promising?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
It took Certiphi that long... now I have to wait for MSU to review it.
 
Does anyone know if it is possible to still get a straight acceptance at this point or are you pretty much interviewing for a spot on the waitlist?
 
Every interview is for an acceptance, the class is filled as we move through the season so it is purposely left with some openings for the later interview dates.
 
Has anyone gotten rejected post interview? Im on the waitlist right now and it seems like everyone who interviewed got at least waitlisted if not accepted.
 
AtomicPancakez said:
Has anyone gotten rejected post interview? Im on the waitlist right now and it seems like everyone who interviewed got at least waitlisted if not accepted.
Click to expand...

MSUCHM interviews around 500 for a class of 190. Post interview rejections happen, but a fair amount will receive a waitlist offer for a comfortable pool. Movement in that waitlist will be slow until may, then very rapid. Good luck to you 🙂
 
Phantom0009 said:
Does anyone know if it is possible to still get a straight acceptance at this point or are you pretty much interviewing for a spot on the waitlist?
Click to expand...

Acceptances are rolling and occur throughout the application season.
 
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