2016-2017 Marshall University Application Thread

[WedgeDawg]

Why did you decide to apply to the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine? If you have strong ties to West Virginia, please describe in detail.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you want to serve or practice medicine?

If you are not presently attending school, indicate your employment or other plans for the time prior to your planned enrollment in medical school

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[h8236]

I hope to go here!!! Good luck everyone!

 

[futuresomething22]

Is there any current students here?
Must you have strong ties to West Virginia? I have ties to the East Coast but not specifically to West Virginia but am very interested in this school

 

[h8236]

Is there any current students here?
Must you have strong ties to West Virginia? I have ties to the East Coast but not specifically to West Virginia but am very interested in this school

The school does seem to place a very strong emphasis on in-state/very close OOS apps! But they certainly have some students without close ties. I visited in January!

 

[lemonscientist]

I got an acknowledgement of my application, secondary received. Bordering state applicant.

 

[bengalsfan0525]

Is there any current students here?
Must you have strong ties to West Virginia? I have ties to the East Coast but not specifically to West Virginia but am very interested in this school

It appears that you have to. I am from NJ but they sent an email saying I was ineligible to apply as I didn't have any ties to WV or the bordering states.

 

[DoctorDre2001]

It appears that you have to. I am from NJ but they sent an email saying I was ineligible to apply as I didn't have any ties to WV or the bordering states.

I am from Michigan but had a cousin just finish from marshall's forensics chemistry masters program. She spoke highly of the university, but that'd be the closest thing to any sort of tie I have to WV, is it worth it or even possible to swing that angle? I feel I already know the answer to that..

 

[bengalsfan0525]

That is a stretch. In the email they bolded and underlined a bunch of times the word "strong". I have the impression they basically want you to either live there or have lived there.

 

[lemonscientist]

Why did you decide to apply to the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine? If you have strong ties to West Virginia, please describe in detail.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you want to serve or practice medicine?

If you are not presently attending school, indicate your employment or other plans for the time prior to your planned enrollment in medical school

@WedgeDawg

 

[backpacker77]

Do you guys have any idea how long (apprx. character count) these should probably be? Not sure if I am spilling my life story out or being too passive.

 

[lemonscientist]

Do you guys have any idea how long (apprx. character count) these should probably be? Not sure if I am spilling my life story out or being too passive.

I'm erring on the side of brevity and sticking around 1000 characters per essay. The adcoms have plenty of essays to read and after asking for advice about various topics I've learned that speaking profoundly yet concisely is a skill best learned early going into medicine.

 

[h8236]

Why did you decide to apply to the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine? If you have strong ties to West Virginia, please describe in detail.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you want to serve or practice medicine?

If you are not presently attending school, indicate your employment or other plans for the time prior to your planned enrollment in medical school

@WedgeDawg

Thank you for posting these!
I hate the ties thing, but I am thankful for it. I asked Cindy, the assistant admission director or something related (she's amazing!) if doing all of my grocery shopping at the 5th ave. Kroger's in Huntington counts. (I literally can SEE Huntington from my house! I live right across the river in Ohio) It didn't seem to have much of an impact, lol!!

I am also applying for MD/PhD which probably REALLY screws my chances, considering only two are selected yearly. UG!

Keep me updated you guys- I hope to see you there!

 

[bobo23]

Does anyone know if there any substitutions or any other classes they count in the biochem requirement? I finished undergrad 4 years ago before it was a requirement for med school, and most other schools still just recommend it and not require it

 

[h8236]

Does anyone know if there any substitutions or any other classes they count in the biochem requirement? I finished undergrad 4 years ago before it was a requirement for med school, and most other schools still just recommend it and not require it

Hm... I know they are semi-flexible with the psych and soc requirements. Not sure on biochem though! 🙁
Cindy is great though- give her a call or shoot her an e-mail!

 

[tennis2233]

Do you guys know how diverse the school is? I'm a URM, OOS applicant from one of the bordering states they look at. From previous threads that I've read, it seems that the school community is very inviting. I just wanted to make sure before I submit a secondary to the school.

 

[backpacker77]

Submitted my secondary last Saturday. Just curious if anyone knows from previous cycles what the timeline is as far as finding out if you have an interview and the earliest interviews begin (IS). Just really anxious because Marshall is hands-down my first choice.

 

[backpacker77]

Do you guys know how diverse the school is? I'm a URM, OOS applicant from one of the bordering states they look at. From previous threads that I've read, it seems that the school community is very inviting. I just wanted to make sure before I submit a secondary to the school.

I can just tell you from undergrad that the community is very accepting of URM. Chances are most classes are not made up of a lot minorities, but you have to take into consideration that WV is a predominantly white state. Marshall's website sounds like it highly encourages minorities to apply though to help with that, especially after being on probation a couple of years back, so I would advise applying.

 

[tf21594]

Shooting an application over here today. border state resident

 

[evergreenmerle]

Sent my secondary in to Marshall on 6-29. WV resident. Hoping for the best! 🙂

 

[PatchAdams25]

Does anyone know how many words/characters the essays can be?

 

[it'sabeautifullife]

Do you guys know how diverse the school is? I'm a URM, OOS applicant from one of the bordering states they look at. From previous threads that I've read, it seems that the school community is very inviting. I just wanted to make sure before I submit a secondary to the school.

Hi @tennis2233, I just finished my first year here. The school community IS very inviting 🙂! Please do apply. And yes, you must be from one of the bordering states, or have strong connections to the state.

I am so happy with this school, guys. I think everyone in my class would say the same. We actually had fun this year--a big statement coming from an MS-1. If the atmosphere is important to you (supportive, collaborative, down-to-earth, friendly students, faculty, admin) I don't know if you could beat Marshall.

 

[it'sabeautifullife]

Also, in terms of getting where you want to go, this year's graduating class matched into some the most competitive programs in the country--Mayo, Hopkins, UVA, Duke...Marshall does an amazing job at helping you succeed in your chosen field. Can't say enough good things about this place.

 

[PatchAdams25]

Also, in terms of getting where you want to go, this year's graduating class matched into some the most competitive programs in the country--Mayo, Hopkins, UVA, Duke...Marshall does an amazing job at helping you succeed in your chosen field. Can't say enough good things about this place.

Hello! I am thinking about applying to Marshall... I love the small, collaborative atmosphere! I am from Ohio, although suburban area growing up, I lived in SE Ohio (Appalachia region) for 4 years in college. I have significant volunteering in the Appalachian region. Do you think this is strong enough ties to be considered a candidate??

 

[it'sabeautifullife]

Hello! I am thinking about applying to Marshall... I love the small, collaborative atmosphere! I am from Ohio, although suburban area growing up, I lived in SE Ohio (Appalachia region) for 4 years in college. I have significant volunteering in the Appalachian region. Do you think this is strong enough ties to be considered a candidate??

Definitely--you can check with Cindy Warren to be absolutely sure, but I think being from Ohio alone gives you a shot. I am from Virginia, another bordering state, with no other ties to West Virginia. Several in our class are from Ohio.

Best of luck!

 

[FMDoge2020]

Submitted my secondary last Saturday. Just curious if anyone knows from previous cycles what the timeline is as far as finding out if you have an interview and the earliest interviews begin (IS). Just really anxious because Marshall is hands-down my first choice.

"I just wanted to let you know that your application to the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is complete. We will begin interviews for WV residents in early October."

It took me about a month to get an interview invite via email last cycle.

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[evergreenmerle]

It's been pretty much exactly a month since I submitted my secondary. Has anyone received interview offers? I'm getting nervous waiting because Marshall is my top choice.

 

[FMDoge2020]

It's been pretty much exactly a month since I submitted my secondary. Has anyone received interview offers? I'm getting nervous waiting because Marshall is my top choice.

It is still early in the cycle. They gave me about a month notice for my interview so I would guess they will send the first batch of invites around mid August or early September. Hang in there!

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[evergreenmerle]

Thank you!! I'm trying to be patient, but I'm really excited about the possibility of an interview!

 

[tictac3]

hey guys, OOS applicant here! when you guys filled out the secondary and came across this question, what did you guys put?

B) Received a traffic/moving violation (i.e. speeding ticket, running a stop sign, etc.)
*This information occasionally appears on your CBC as a Misdemeanor?

I don't have a criminal record but I have gotten one speeding ticket...no court date or anything like that (was going ~10 over) and all the other schools that asked about criminal activity have not asked about speeding tickets so I was a little surprised and confused...do I really have to mark Yes and explain it below?!

 

[FMDoge2020]

hey guys, OOS applicant here! when you guys filled out the secondary and came across this question, what did you guys put?

B) Received a traffic/moving violation (i.e. speeding ticket, running a stop sign, etc.)
*This information occasionally appears on your CBC as a Misdemeanor?

I don't have a criminal record but I have gotten one speeding ticket...no court date or anything like that (was going ~10 over) and all the other schools that asked about criminal activity have not asked about speeding tickets so I was a little surprised and confused...do I really have to mark Yes and explain it below?!

I just went ahead and put my violation in. It didn't really matter much to the adcoms.

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[evergreenmerle]

hey guys, OOS applicant here! when you guys filled out the secondary and came across this question, what did you guys put?

B) Received a traffic/moving violation (i.e. speeding ticket, running a stop sign, etc.)
*This information occasionally appears on your CBC as a Misdemeanor?

I don't have a criminal record but I have gotten one speeding ticket...no court date or anything like that (was going ~10 over) and all the other schools that asked about criminal activity have not asked about speeding tickets so I was a little surprised and confused...do I really have to mark Yes and explain it below?!

I got a ticket for accidentally running a red light a couple years ago and I put it in, I think this is so they know if something pops up on your background check that it's just a traffic ticket and nothing more serious. Like it says, occasionally it may show up as a misdemeanor. I didn't have a court date either - just a ticket to pay. I doubt anyone on the adcom has a perfect record and never gotten a traffic ticket before. Not something I think they'd hold against us at all.

 

[neurons4kewl]

@YoushallpassthyMCAT Were your references already submitted when you received an interview invite? I know WVU, for example, sometimes sends IIs even if the reference letters are still pending- is this the case with Marshall as well?

 

[lolo625]

OOS from NY. how long after you guys were verified did you get your secondary app? ive been verified for a couple of weeks now

 

[FMDoge2020]

@YoushallpassthyMCAT Were your references already submitted when you received an interview invite? I know WVU, for example, sometimes sends IIs even if the reference letters are still pending- is this the case with Marshall as well?

Yes, all my stuff was submitted when I got the invite.

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[evergreenmerle]

OOS from NY. how long after you guys were verified did you get your secondary app? ive been verified for a couple of weeks now

I got mine immediately after I submitted AMCAS for verification - I had my supplemental app. completed before my AMCAS was even verified, however, I'm IS so I'm sure that has something to do with the speed on that one.

Got an email today (Sunday evening) from Marshall confirming that my application is complete (AMCAS, supplemental application, all letters and MCAT scores in) and the email said they would start interviewing IS students in early October! Good luck to everyone! 🙂

 

[lolo625]

do they screen?

 

[evergreenmerle]

do they screen?

I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Marshall gives all WV residents the secondary and it's up to you to know if you meet the minimum requirements (3.0 GPA and 498 MCAT for in-state). Perhaps they take longer on out of state applications to do more screening. Do you have ties to WV? Marshall is really big on that and may be looking to see if you do.

I do know that they only interview IS applicants for the first few months of the interview cycle (October - Novemberish). Then they start OOS in December. I was told this by Marshall admissions. Don't lose hope! They take secondary apps into November, and it's still early!

 

[lolo625]

I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Marshall gives all WV residents the secondary and it's up to you to know if you meet the minimum requirements (3.0 GPA and 498 MCAT for in-state). Perhaps they take longer on out of state applications to do more screening. Do you have ties to WV? Marshall is really big on that and may be looking to see if you do.

I do know that they only interview IS applicants for the first few months of the interview cycle (October - Novemberish). Then they start OOS in December. I was told this by Marshall admissions. Don't lose hope! They take secondary apps into November, and it's still early!

no wv ties at all but their mission statement speaks of serving rural areas and i am from a super rural area so hoping that would at least help a little bit

 

[To be MD]

no wv ties at all but their mission statement speaks of serving rural areas and i am from a super rural area so hoping that would at least help a little bit

That should help a bit. Better to be from a rural area from states that touch WV (e.g., KY, VA, TN...), but if your stats are fine and you are (1) from a rural area and (2) have shown your commitment to these areas through your work/volunteer experiences, you should have a shot.

 

[evergreenmerle]

no wv ties at all but their mission statement speaks of serving rural areas and i am from a super rural area so hoping that would at least help a little bit

You would definitely have a better shot if you've done volunteer or other work with rural areas, they do seem to kind of prefer states touching WV but I think you still have a good shot! Just don't get discouraged if you don't hear back soon. They aren't even going to start interviewing til October 🙂

 

[h8236]

How's it going everyone!?
I'm a complete disaster- I haven't even submitted my primary yet. D: But I am determined to go here!!!

 

[PatchAdams25]

I have been verified for about 2 weeks and this is the only school I havent recieved a secondary from.... Should I email the admissions?? I am an OOS but am a bordering state...

 

[backpacker77]

I have been verified for about 2 weeks and this is the only school I havent recieved a secondary from.... Should I email the admissions?? I am an OOS but am a bordering state...

You can if you like. I have heard nothing but good things about Ms. Warren. I will say though, it seems like Marshall takes it time with the admissions process so don't over-analyze it. I'm sure it will work out fine for you in the end.

 

[backpacker77]

I just went ahead and put my violation in. It didn't really matter much to the adcoms.

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Irrelevant to this previous post, but do you know approximately what this incoming class's median MCAT was with the new scoring? Just curious, it is okay if not.

 

[FMDoge2020]

Irrelevant to this previous post, but do you know approximately what this incoming class's median MCAT was with the new scoring? Just curious, it is okay if not.

When I was interviewed last year, they gave us the class profile of Class of 2018. Since they were still using the old MCAT in 2014, it didn't show any new MCAT scores.

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[neurons4kewl]

Irrelevant to this previous post, but do you know approximately what this incoming class's median MCAT was with the new scoring? Just curious, it is okay if not.

It was 501 for the 2016 incoming class (source: I go to grad school at Marshall and they told us this today)

 

[backpacker77]

It was 501 for the 2016 incoming class (source: I go to grad school at Marshall and they told us this today)

Wow thank you so much! That is some awesome information to know.

 

[Prilozack]

do they screen?

Yes

 

[Prilozack]

no wv ties at all but their mission statement speaks of serving rural areas and i am from a super rural area so hoping that would at least help a little bit

You have to be from a surrounding state or have a compelling reason/connection.

 

[neurons4kewl]

Yeah from what I understand it usually has to be a *really* compelling reason, like having a spouse or family in WV or growing up right across the Ohio river border.