Marian University (MU-COM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

[HalfListic]

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Wouldn't it be more constructive to dialogue with MU-COM admin/leadership in person rather than passive aggresively debating its merits on an anonymous forum that is known to be followed by MU-COM?

There's plenty of valid points on here I just don't see why it's being done on here rather than directly to MU-COM personel?

I dont think MU-COM minds students talking things out here. I think we all know that they know us, and this can be a good forum to discuss ideas in a central location.

To add my thoughts, I, of course, like to have as much control over my time as possible as well. I am sure that there are a few courses where attendance should be required, but hopefully a good chunk of them will be optional (as long as the student is doing well in the class academically). Like Buddy wrote earlier, I will likely end up in most lectures, but would like the flexibility to take a couple off here and there to focus on my personal areas of need.

After looking at our proposed schedule, Im optimistic because it looks like they are providing a good amount of free time, which I hope reflects their understanding of how important personal study is.

We do have a DOctor series coming up in the next week I think...perhaps more word then?

 

[Mosonik]

I'm not sure anything anyone is saying on here qualifies as being passive aggressive. Rather, I think many students are expressing their interest in the matter, while at the same time being well aware MU-COM will read the posts. It was done non-anonymously on the Facebook group and the answer given was thought of as "vague" to many students. Ever since, I think students are too afraid to ask non-anonymously for fear of judgment or being thought of as lazy.

So there's more to the story than was apparent, as there usually is. My bad, my intent wasn't to flame anyone for the debate since I respect the purpose of SDN in that regard. I've just become annoyed by disgruntled med students using SDN as a medium to attack school policies.

Anyway, I hope your dialogue gets somewhere. I'm personally not excited about my schools required attendance policy either (no indirect guilty, just enforcement) but it is what it is and I'll roll with the punches. If I had to guess MU-COM is just trying to bark loud enough to assure the lectures aren't empty for the inaugural class as you establish a tone and culture for future ones, the "bite" will likely be minimal

 

[HalfListic]

So there's more to the story than was apparent, as there usually is. My bad, my intent wasn't to flame anyone for the debate since I respect the purpose of SDN in that regard. I've just become annoyed by disgruntled med students using SDN as a medium to attack school policies.

Anyway, I hope your dialogue gets somewhere. I'm personally not excited about my schools required attendance policy either (no indirect guilty, just enforcement) but it is what it is and I'll roll with the punches. If I had to guess MU-COM is just trying to bark loud enough to assure the lectures aren't empty for the inaugural class as you establish a tone and culture for future ones, the "bite" will likely be minimal

Its not a worry...you had a valid point to make suggest a more direct approach, in case it wasnt thought of yet.

But, being a new school, MU-COM is still developing things and I think they realize the students they've accepted are pretty dang excited to be there. They are also realize that they chose a bunch of leaders and motivated individuals, so there will be plenty of lively debate this first year, and beyond. But, things have always stayed civil and ended positively thus far, and Im sure they will continue that way

 

[BuddyTheElf]

Wouldn't it be more constructive to dialogue with MU-COM admin/leadership in person rather than passive aggresively debating its merits on an anonymous forum that is known to be followed by MU-COM?

There's plenty of valid points on here I just don't see why it's being done on here rather than directly to MU-COM personel?

I don't think anyone was being passive aggressive at all. SDN is just a great place to put your ideas out there anonymously. As DrMeows said, a lot of people have been discussing this with each other but don't want to be judged by bringing it up again. I certainly wasn't trying to be passive aggressive or disrespectful; just trying to voice concerns that a lot of students are having. I think that is exactly the point of SDN. It's also a great place to chat about thoughts/concerns because MU-COM visits it frequently and can chime in on the conversation.

Its not a worry...you had a valid point to make suggest a more direct approach, in case it wasnt thought of yet.

But, being a new school, MU-COM is still developing things and I think they realize the students they've accepted are pretty dang excited to be there. They are also realize that they chose a bunch of leaders and motivated individuals, so there will be plenty of lively debate this first year, and beyond. But, things have always stayed civil and ended positively thus far, and Im sure they will continue that way

👍

 

[weezynation]

i don't think anyone was being passive aggressive at all. Sdn is just a great place to put your ideas out there anonymously. As drmeows said, a lot of people have been discussing this with each other but don't want to be judged by bringing it up again. I certainly wasn't trying to be passive aggressive or disrespectful; just trying to voice concerns that a lot of students are having. I think that is exactly the point of sdn. It's also a great place to chat about thoughts/concerns because mu-com visits it frequently and can chime in on the conversation.



👍

+1

 

[PennyLaneDoctor]

To chime in, I also find it valuable to discuss and read different perspectives from people that may have come up with a different idea that we did not think of to help form our own ideas before jumping in going straight to the administration.

 

[foal]

Hi all, I'm currently wait listed, and was told to expect movement in May. Just hoping to get a feeler on what the future might hold.

For those of you entirely certain you will be attending, Any thoughts on the number of people like yourself?
For example: How many people were you aware of that attended the in-person events held so far, etc.

For anyone else..is there anyone else? Is there anybody planning on attending Marian only if they don't get good news from somewhere else?

I understand this may be sensitive information, so any help much appreciated!

 

[BuddyTheElf]

Hi all, I'm currently wait listed, and was told to expect movement in May. Just hoping to get a feeler on what the future might hold.

For those of you entirely certain you will be attending, Any thoughts on the number of people like yourself?
For example: How many people were you aware of that attended the in-person events held so far, etc.

For anyone else..is there anyone else? Is there anybody planning on attending Marian only if they don't get good news from somewhere else?

I understand this may be sensitive information, so any help much appreciated!

Good luck foal! Hope the waitlist moves for you!
There are quite a few students who are "for sure" attending MUCOM. Based on the Facebook page alone, quite a few people have commented that they've submitted their $2000 tuition deposit. I can't give you a number off the top of my head, sorry.

Most of the people I interacted with at the accepted program in March were decided on MUCOM. (Again, sorry I don't have a number for you). I realize this information doesn't help much as you're probably looking for more of a "what are my chances of the waitlist moving". 😉

Based on your question regarding only attending MUCOM if they don't get in anywhere else: I'm sure there are several people in this boat. However, there are a lot of students who chose MUCOM over other schools. This isn't a last resort for everyone--- far from it. Just thought you'd like to know 🙂
Good luck!

 

[HalfListic]

Hi all, I'm currently wait listed, and was told to expect movement in May. Just hoping to get a feeler on what the future might hold.

For those of you entirely certain you will be attending, Any thoughts on the number of people like yourself?
For example: How many people were you aware of that attended the in-person events held so far, etc.

For anyone else..is there anyone else? Is there anybody planning on attending Marian only if they don't get good news from somewhere else?

I understand this may be sensitive information, so any help much appreciated!

Good luck! No real way of knowing what the future will hold as there is no real precedence set, and no numbers published by the school. Obviously, there will be some movement, so at least some from the upper quartile will be accepted off the wait list.

I know there were a few people who were choosing between a few schools and I hope that its not a sensitive question for people to answer at all! Choosing a school is a very personal decision...i.e. just because someone chooses a school over another doesn't make that school objectively better than the unchosen. It means that the chosen school has something that attracts the applicant enough to want to attend there more than somewhere else. Simple as that.

As for me, I had a few acceptances that some would have chosen over a new school, but MU-COM ended up being what resonated with me the most. They have an excitement there, and in that community, that I don't believe will be found anywhere else. It resonated with me and so I chose it. I was very happy they chose me as well.

Sorry you are having to wait...hopefully the time goes by quickly and you get a positive answer. If not, don't give up.

 

[Dr Dazzle]

Good luck! No real way of knowing what the future will hold as there is no real precedence set, and no numbers published by the school. Obviously, there will be some movement, so at least some from the upper quartile will be accepted off the wait list.

I know there were a few people who were choosing between a few schools and I hope that its not a sensitive question for people to answer at all! Choosing a school is a very personal decision...i.e. just because someone chooses a school over another doesn't make that school objectively better than the unchosen. It means that the chosen school has something that attracts the applicant enough to want to attend there more than somewhere else. Simple as that.

As for me, I had a few acceptances that some would have chosen over a new school, but MU-COM ended up being what resonated with me the most. They have an excitement there, and in that community, that I don't believe will be found anywhere else. It resonated with me and so I chose it. I was very happy they chose me as well.

Sorry you are having to wait...hopefully the time goes by quickly and you get a positive answer. If not, don't give up.

Agreed. I also know quite a few people who decided not to go with MUCOM because it is a brand new school and they weren't comfortable being the first members of the class. At the end of the day it's a personal decision. I would expect there to be some movement.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Agreed. I also know quite a few people who decided not to go with MUCOM because it is a brand new school and they weren't comfortable being the first members of the class. At the end of the day it's a personal decision. I would expect there to be some movement.

Their loss 😉

 

[foal]

I do agree, and that is why I hope to go, even over other choices. I feel Marian will prove itself to be a top school under Dean Evans. 🙂

As you all know, there is a lot of preparation required for medical school, and...according to the latest, students may be called off the wait-list even after the first day of school starts.

Can someone remind me when the second deposit is due?

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Can someone remind me when the second deposit is due?

The second deposit is due May 1.

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I would expect the waitlist to start moving in May. Final deposit is due May 1st and I'm sure spots will be opening up once that deadline has passed.

Edit: I just realized I'm talking about May like it's weeks/months away. I can't believe tomorrow is May 1st already. Yikes. Countdown to August begins! 😱

 

[DrMeows]

I would expect the waitlist to start moving in May. Final deposit is due May 1st and I'm sure spots will be opening up once that deadline has passed.

Edit: I just realized I'm talking about May like it's weeks/months away. I can't believe tomorrow is May 1st already. Yikes. Countdown to August begins! 😱

I know it's so weird that May Is here now! I can't wait to see some people here start to get pulled off the waitlist 🙂 movement is coming so soon!

 

[MU COM]

We are pleased to announce that Volume 6 of the DO Series is in the portal for accepted and deposited students.

This volume is a repeat of an email sent earlier in the week to those who had not deposited. For those who had deposited, you will find the first-ever endorsed statistics about the MU-COM inaugural class.

Volume 7 will be released before May 24th.

Regards,
MU-COM Admissions

 

[Dr Dazzle]

Can any one of the deposited students please share the inaugural class statistics?

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Can any one of the deposited students please share the inaugural class statistics?

They broke it down, but the gist was 26-27 MCAT 3.5-3.6 GPAs.

 

[HalfListic]

They broke it down, but the gist was 26-27 MCAT 3.5-3.6 GPAs.

Thats right...pretty solid. Not the final numbers, but Im sure they'll stay mostly the same.

 

[Dr Dazzle]

They broke it down, but the gist was 26-27 MCAT 3.5-3.6 GPAs.

Curious to know if they used best subscores from each retake to get that 26-27 or the one time total score.

 

[GoingPro87]

Hi all - I have a potentially dumb question - does being on the 1st quartile mean that someone is in the top 25% of the waitlist or the bottom 25%? I know, it would make sense for it to mean top 25%, but statistically speaking, the first quartile, is defined as the lowest 25% of data points. I looked it up to make sure I wasn't mistaken. According to wikipedia:
"The first quartile (Q1) splits lowest 25% of data"
Anyone know for sure which one it is?

 

[HalfListic]

Curious to know if they used best subscores from each retake to get that 26-27 or the one time total score.

Don't get too caught up with stats...

I'm thinking its the one time, best test score. This is what you apply with at MU-COM, so that would make sense.

But, again, it's nice to see good stats, but you can misinterpret stats more easily than correctly utilize them. Especially on SDN 😉

**meaning, dont be discourage if your stats are a bit below, and dont be cocky if your stats are above...people have been accepted and rejected along range of stats

Hi all - I have a potentially dumb question - does being on the 1st quartile mean that someone is in the top 25% of the waitlist or the bottom 25%? I know, it would make sense for it to mean top 25%, but statistically speaking, the first quartile, is defined as the lowest 25% of data points. I looked it up to make sure I wasn't mistaken. According to wikipedia:
"The first quartile (Q1) splits lowest 25% of data"
Anyone know for sure which one it is?

When talking about a wait list, Q1 is the top.

 

[HalfListic]

whoops...

 

[HalfListic]

and my bad...

posting from a phone can be awesome

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Don't get too caught up with stats...

I'm thinking its the one time, best test score. This is what you apply with at MU-COM, so that would make sense.

But, again, it's nice to see good stats, but you can misinterpret stats more easily than correctly utilize them. Especially on SDN 😉

**meaning, dont be discourage if your stats are a bit below, and dont be cocky if your stats are above...people have been accepted and rejected along range of stats




When talking about a wait list, Q1 is the top.

HL, you are so quick...even from a phone. 😉

 

[HalfListic]

HL, you are so quick...even from a phone. 😉

Yeah, that was a pretty sloppy on that time. Had to go back and clean up/consolidate! Haha

 

[MU COM]

Curious to know if they used best subscores from each retake to get that 26-27 or the one time total score.

MU-COM does not mix and match scores ... best single test score is what was/will be reported.

MU-COM Admissions

 

[MU COM]

Hi all - I have a potentially dumb question - does being on the 1st quartile mean that someone is in the top 25% of the waitlist or the bottom 25%? I know, it would make sense for it to mean top 25%, but statistically speaking, the first quartile, is defined as the lowest 25% of data points. I looked it up to make sure I wasn't mistaken. According to wikipedia:
"The first quartile (Q1) splits lowest 25% of data"
Anyone know for sure which one it is?

1st quartile is the most competitive

MU-COM

 

[Dr Dazzle]

1st quartile is the most competitive

MU-COM

Does MUCOM have a projected date for when the opened seats will be filled?

 

[Mosonik]

Don't get too caught up with stats...

But, again, it's nice to see good stats, but you can misinterpret stats more easily than correctly utilize them. Especially on SDN 😉

**meaning, dont be discourage if your stats are a bit below, and dont be cocky if your stats are above...people have been accepted and rejected along range of stats.

Nicely said.
This is one of the most reasonable remarks I've heard on SDN for some time... I wish I could post it on the front page of each thread for future pre-osteo/allos to read.

 

[MU COM]

Does MUCOM have a projected date for when the opened seats will be filled?

Seats will be filled from the alternate list starting today until classes start.

Our practice of not communicating about the alternate list remains unchanged. Applicants will stay on the alternate list until one of three things happen: admitted, rejected, or withdrawn (by the applicant).

MU-COM Admissions

 

[GypsyHummus]

I'm really surprised that the MCAT is so low, but the GPA is so high. The must really like high GPA

 

[DrMeows]

I'm really surprised that the MCAT is so low, but the GPA is so high. The must really like high GPA

The MCAT so far is a 26.32 (stated above I know it said 26-27). I'm surprised you consider that low...

 

[hallowmann]

The MCAT so far is a 26.32 (stated above I know it said 26-27). I'm surprised you consider that low...

Thought that myself. Its right around average, which is good for a new school.

 

[weezynation]

Just for reference, I looked up the stats for a couple schools that are widely considered two of the most established/top DO schools, MSUCOM and OUCOM. MSUCOM: on the website it says their GPA is between a 3.5-3.6 and their MCAT was a 27. OUCOM: 3.59 sgpa, 3.7 non-science, 3.64 overall and their MCAT was a 27. It appears Marian has about the same gpa and a one less point average for the MCAT. Seems pretty good to me.

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I'm really surprised that the MCAT is so low, but the GPA is so high. The must really like high GPA

As others have stated... that is not a low MCAT average. Considering we're a new school I find that number to be quite respectable. It's on par with all the other DO schools.

 

[Mosonik]

Just for reference, I looked up the stats for a couple schools that are widely considered two of the most established/top DO schools, MSUCOM and OUCOM. MSUCOM: on the website it says their GPA is between a 3.5-3.6 and their MCAT was a 27. OUCOM: 3.59 sgpa, 3.7 non-science, 3.64 overall and their MCAT was a 27. It appears Marian has about the same gpa and a one less point average for the MCAT. Seems pretty good to me.

Yeah, it is very impressive actually.
I think the era of low average MCAT's for a matriculating class is nearly over... and certainly not a "new school issue". Also goes to show the caliber of applicant applying to DO programs is as competitive (statistically speaking) as its ever been.
I also have a feeling that MU being one of the few schools in an actual city has a major influence on its popularity/applicant traffic.

 

[HalfListic]

Don't get too caught up with stats...

I'm thinking its the one time, best test score. This is what you apply with at MU-COM, so that would make sense.

But, again, it's nice to see good stats, but you can misinterpret stats more easily than correctly utilize them. Especially on SDN 😉


**meaning, dont be discourage if your stats are a bit below, and dont be cocky if your stats are above...people have been accepted and rejected along range of stats


.

I'm really surprised that the MCAT is so low, but the GPA is so high. The must really like high GPA

Thanks for validating my point 😉 haha. Ok, I dont want to bash anyone specific, but I think this is a point that is missed on the regular.


People have a tough time interpreting stats, and esp mean's. You need a lot more info to ascertain what a school "likes".

MU-COM will end up having a 26-27 MCAT average (probably 27 after the wait list is pulled from, since thats how lists are normally ranked and pulled from) and GPA of 3.5-3.6. But, they'll have these stats, not because they chose the students with the best numbers possible and waited to see who stuck around.

Instead, a school will set out parameters before the interview season. They will set minimums and they will set projected averages. DO schools have similar stats because they have similar goals for what kind of Dr's they would like to produce. (I dont think I need to go further, but hopefully that point isnt missed...)

So, again, its great to see good numbers, but they could have easily been a few points higher if that were the goal. I guarantee there were some high MCAT scores that were rejected and some low MCAT scores that were accepted, just like at every school. But, like most schools (and maybe even a bit more here) MU-COM set parameters and then selected, from that pool of candidates, who they thought would be the best students and physicians for their program and community.

So, thats my interpretation of the big picture. Numbers are good, but individual results will vary. Everyone close to MU-COM already knew that there would be quality numbers, but there are much more impressive things going on at MU-COM. Just wait and see...the students, faculty and community are more than excited and motivated and the resources and curriculum are premier. I expect a lot of big things to come out of MU-COM in the years to come.


**If nothing else, just look at the drinking fountains! haha:

 

[GypsyHummus]

**If nothing else, just look at the drinking fountains! haha:

Those are boss drinking fountains. Like no joke.

I had thought the MCAT averages for DO schools were around the 29 region.

I would be interested to know if MUCOM places a high emphasis on a certain subsection of MCAT. Does anyone know?

 

[GypsyHummus]

Also, for those of you that applied to this school and have a pretty good feel from the ADCOMs, what would you say "Danger Zone" GPA and MCAT scores are? Like with these scores, it would be hard to have an interview to redeem yourself?

I understand it depends on the application, but I would like to know if anyone has a feel for it.

 

[DrMeows]

Those are boss drinking fountains. Like no joke.

I had thought the MCAT averages for DO schools were around the 29 region.

I would be interested to know if MUCOM places a high emphasis on a certain subsection of MCAT. Does anyone know?

I think the average matriculant MCAT for DO schools last year was a 26.5 (obviously varies depending on school), but Marian is right there with the average. As far as emphasis on what section, I'd be interested to know that too. I think they do like >8 in BS though because I have a friend who is waitlisted currently because of having less than that on the BS section.

 

[HalfListic]

I would say that all medical schools favor the biological sciences section of the MCAT, at least slightly.

As far as minimums, MUCOM has them listed on their website. As for a feel, you should have at least a 24-25 MCAT and a 3.2-3.3 GPA. If you are lowish, with one, hopefully you are stronger with the other...

but, again, numbers are tough to predict from.

 

[SteinmetzMD]

I'm from Indianapolis, good luck to all you guys coming here. It can be boring at times, but the people are nice and you'll all be too busy studying anyway to have a social life 👍

 

[touchpause13]

Those are really impressive stats IMO. At the beginning of the cycle, MU-COM stated that they wanted to be right around the averages for DO and they have accomplished that. 👍

 

[hallowmann]

I think the average matriculant MCAT for DO schools last year was a 26.5 (obviously varies depending on school), but Marian is right there with the average...

That's right about the MCAT average. Its been around there for a couple years now, and has been steadily increasing over the last several years/decades.

I would say that all medical schools favor the biological sciences section of the MCAT, at least slightly.

As far as minimums, MUCOM has them listed on their website. As for a feel, you should have at least a 24-25 MCAT and a 3.2-3.3 GPA. If you are lowish, with one, hopefully you are stronger with the other...

but, again, numbers are tough to predict from.

For the minimums, I believe they specifically look at the last 120 credits, because I was nowhere near that cutoff, but if you look at my last 120 credits they were definitely above it. I had ~3.8 for the last 70 credits alone. I am of course on the alternate list, most likely because of the GPA though.

 

[weezynation]

I'm from Indianapolis, good luck to all you guys coming here. It can be boring at times, but the people are nice and you'll all be too busy studying anyway to have a social life 👍

It's interesting hearing this coming from someone who is from Indiana. I am very excited about the prospect of attending Marian and getting to vibe with a new city, but I feel the "big city" label is somewhat misleading. I've only been to Indy 4 times so my experience is somewhat limited, but even though it is a large city, it appears to have a small town feel. I'm sure this is subjective considering I've lived numerous east coast major metropolitan cities and NYC is my favorite city. So anything compared to these cities would be considered small cities, but I'm just curious if my assessment of Indy having a small town feel is true or have I just not been exposed to the big city life that Indy has to offer?

 

[SteinmetzMD]

It's interesting hearing this coming from someone who is from Indiana. I am very excited about the prospect of attending Marian and getting to vibe with a new city, but I feel the "big city" label is somewhat misleading. I've only been to Indy 4 times so my experience is somewhat limited, but even though it is a large city, it appears to have a small town feel. I'm sure this is subjective considering I've lived numerous east coast major metropolitan cities and NYC is my favorite city. So anything compared to these cities would be considered small cities, but I'm just curious if my assessment of Indy having a small town feel is true or have I just not been exposed to the big city life that Indy has to offer?

Indy DEFINTIELY has a small town feel, because its actually a pretty small city! Downtown Indy is great, but once you leave the downtown area you hit a lot of suburbs and neighborhoods. If you're used to NYC, Indy will feel tiny haha!

 

[BuddyTheElf]

It's interesting hearing this coming from someone who is from Indiana. I am very excited about the prospect of attending Marian and getting to vibe with a new city, but I feel the "big city" label is somewhat misleading. I've only been to Indy 4 times so my experience is somewhat limited, but even though it is a large city, it appears to have a small town feel. I'm sure this is subjective considering I've lived numerous east coast major metropolitan cities and NYC is my favorite city. So anything compared to these cities would be considered small cities, but I'm just curious if my assessment of Indy having a small town feel is true or have I just not been exposed to the big city life that Indy has to offer?

Indy DEFINTIELY has a small town feel, because its actually a pretty small city! Downtown Indy is great, but once you leave the downtown area you hit a lot of suburbs and neighborhoods. If you're used to NYC, Indy will feel tiny haha!

I love the feel of Indy! I've only visited a few times now but I love that it has all the draw of the city life but still feels like a smaller town. With it being the 12th largest city in the US.. I was pretty worried. I grew up in a town of 3,500 so I'm definitely not a city person. But Indianapolis doesn't feel too intimidating so I'm looking forward to exploring!

 

[HalfListic]

I love the feel of Indy! I've only visited a few times now but I love that it has all the draw of the city life but still feels like a smaller town. With it being the 12th largest city in the US.. I was pretty worried. I grew up in a town of 3,500 so I'm definitely not a city person. But Indianapolis doesn't feel too intimidating so I'm looking forward to exploring!

Yeah, I've really liked Indy so far too. Its a smaller city than some, but still has just about everything the big cities have; Sports, Eating, Arts, Zoo, etc...and its very manageable. And then you have some of the hot points like Broad Ripple, that I guess has some good night life and Carmel/Fischer's that has upscale shopping and family events.

 

[Dr Dazzle]

I think the average matriculant MCAT for DO schools last year was a 26.5 (obviously varies depending on school), but Marian is right there with the average. As far as emphasis on what section, I'd be interested to know that too. I think they do like >8 in BS though because I have a friend who is waitlisted currently because of having less than that on the BS section.

What quartile was your friend ranked?