Marian University (MU-COM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[WZ1]

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To play devils advocate I have seen a lot of people with 3.5+ and subpar Mcat scores accepted this cycle. So I'm pretty sure they balance each other out in the long run.

Hi Elevencents,.. I believe you. However, what I am discussing here is the relationship between MCAT score and GPA and all the other factors that go into making a determination for admissions acceptance. So, the guys with the lower GPAs that got accepted... what was their MCAT score?, what were their ECs? Is it more likely that if you have a 3.0 and an MCAT of 40 you will be accepted or if you have a GPA of 4.0 and an MCAT of 20?? (Extremes just to make my point) That is what I thinking about.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I think you might be judging things a bit too hastily. I'm a student with a relatively below average GPA and a relatively good MCAT. Unfortunately, I cannot get my GPA above a certain threshold thanks to courses that I took over 8 years ago. These courses are not offered at many colleges, so I'm stuck with the grades. However, I have kept an above average GPA for the last 3 years of full-time coursework, even though that wouldn't be the first thing to notice if you just saw an overall GPA. I also don't know where you're getting these clinical/EC hours. I think it's fairly uncommon to see someone with more than 500 hours combined of shadowing and volunteer work and doubt an ADCOM will judge the same a 21 year old with a 31 year old's job experience. If anything, being older would mean that they'd expect more from you.

I don't understand why it seems like medical schools will give preference to potential students with a higher MCAT and a lower GPA. I have seen many get acceptances with lower long standing academic performance (GPA closer to 3.0 than 4.0) but a relatively good MCAT score (28+). Many universities claim that they analyze the whole picture including GPA, MCAT, EC and interviews, but the evidence I have observed, seems to suggest otherwise. It seems like many med schools, not just Marian, will place prospective candidates on a waitlist if they have a stellar GPA and outstanding ECs but have a low to mid range MCAT score. I could be wrong.. but I know far more people accepted to many universities with higher MCAT scores and lower GPAs (low 3s) than the other way around. I would think that long standing academic performance and community engagement would present a much more accurate picture of a person's ability to commit to and thrive in a rigorous academic pursuit. I often wonder how many brilliant potential doctors never get a chance because they are not the best test takers. One could also speculate that there is some luck involved when you see a candidate with a higher than normal MCAT and a lower than normal GPA. I have also seen ECs and clinical hour claims that would be next to impossible to substantiate. If you do the math on some of these claims, you would need more than 10 years of full-time (40 hours per week or more) engagement in clinical observation to validate the claim. For candidates that are in their early to mid 20s, this is highly improbable.

Not trying to be cynical/negative here.. I just hope that those of us that work hard get a fair shot. Despite what schools tell us, it seems like the series of acceptance filters, in order of priority, in Med schools everywhere is:

MCAT Score
GPA
ECs
Interview Skills

To complicate matters even further, there exists irrefutable evidence that the threshold for acceptability of the first 2 criteria listed above is dependent upon other factors that are way beyond any candidate's control. (Applying my PC filter here) Ugh!!

Well.. what does everyone think?. I am going to keep working at improving my credentials no matter the obstacles!!

Good luck to everyone who has REALLY worked hard for a long time to get an opportunity in med school.

I don't know if a 3.0 really translates to a 20 on the MCAT.

Hi Elevencents,.. I believe you. However, what I am discussing here is the relationship between MCAT score and GPA and all the other factors that go into making a determination for admissions acceptance. So, the guys with the lower GPAs that got accepted... what was their MCAT score?, what were their ECs? Is it more likely that if you have a 3.0 and an MCAT of 40 you will be accepted or if you have a GPA of 4.0 and an MCAT of 20?? (Extremes just to make my point) That is what I thinking about.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

WZ1, I'm curious why you are posting this here in the MU-COM school specific thread? Is it in hopes to get a reply from the administration, since Marian's posts here? Take this to the general pre-med forums. You'll undoubtably get more of a response there.

And to answer your question, I believe the MCAT holds the weight that it does for a couple reasons, not that I necessarily agree that it should...nevertheless: 1--medicine is all about standardized tests. The ability to perform on a standardized test is crucial to becoming a physician. Granted the MCAT correlation with comlex/usmle scores is a weak one, it still shows an ability to put up an acceptable score in comparison to your peers on a standardized exam. 2--the MCAT is thought by some institutions to be the leveler of playing fields. Curriculum difficulty can be different between various universities thus making two students 4.0 GPAs from different schools hard to compare to one another. The MCAT is thought to be a test that shows how your cognitive abilities compare with other candidates.

On that note, I feel that Marian really does do a good job of looking at the candidate in their entirety. The current students run a full spectrum of stats, ECs, experiences etc. I even think that the MU-COM website says they place more emphasis on GPA (especially the last 120 units and prerequisite courses) and the interview than the MCAT--which makes it especially interesting you chose here to rant.

 

[WZ1]

Hi Elevencents,.. I believe you. However, what I am discussing here is the relationship between MCAT score and GPA and all the other factors that go into making a determination for admissions acceptance. So, the guys with the lower GPAs that got accepted... what was their MCAT score?, what were their ECs? Is it more likely that if you have a 3.0 and an MCAT of 40 you will be accepted or if you have a GPA of 4.0 and an MCAT of 20?? (Extremes just to make my point) That is what I thinking about.

WZ1, I'm curious why you are posting this here in the MU-COM school specific thread? Is it in hopes to get a reply from the administration, since Marian's posts here? Take this to the general pre-med forums. You'll undoubtably get more of a response there.

And to answer your question, I believe the MCAT holds the weight that it does for a couple reasons, not that I necessarily agree that it should...nevertheless: 1--medicine is all about standardized tests. The ability to perform on a standardized test is crucial to becoming a physician. Granted the MCAT correlation with comlex/usmle scores is a weak one, it still shows an ability to put up an acceptable score in comparison to your peers on a standardized exam. 2--the MCAT is thought by some institutions to be the leveler of playing fields. Curriculum difficulty can be different between various universities thus making two students 4.0 GPAs from different schools hard to compare to one another. The MCAT is thought to be a test that shows how your cognitive abilities compare with other candidates.

On that note, I feel that Marian really does do a good job of looking at the candidate in their entirety. The current students run a full spectrum of stats, ECs, experiences etc. I even think that the MU-COM website says they place more emphasis on GPA (especially the last 120 units and prerequisite courses) and the interview than the MCAT--which makes it especially interesting you chose here to rant.

Hi Mr. Kenobi,

To your first question and your latter point, I have heard especially great things about Marian. I was indeed looking to understand if Marian, as a fairly new school, would respond to my findings on what seem to be the norms for candidate assessment and if they have any differences in terms of assessing candidates. I would definitely appreciate the opportunity to earn my medical degree at any institution but especially at Marian.

Thank you for your insight on the importance of MCAT scores.. You made a few good points!! Perhaps, I will bring my thoughts and questions to a more general forum for discussion as well.

 

[WZ1]

I think you might be judging things a bit too hastily. I'm a student with a relatively below average GPA and a relatively good MCAT. Unfortunately, I cannot get my GPA above a certain threshold thanks to courses that I took over 8 years ago. These courses are not offered at many colleges, so I'm stuck with the grades. However, I have kept an above average GPA for the last 3 years of full-time coursework, even though that wouldn't be the first thing to notice if you just saw an overall GPA. I also don't know where you're getting these clinical/EC hours. I think it's fairly uncommon to see someone with more than 500 hours combined of shadowing and volunteer work and doubt an ADCOM will judge the same a 21 year old with a 31 year old's job experience. If anything, being older would mean that they'd expect more from you.


I don't know if a 3.0 really translates to a 20 on the MCAT.

Hi AlbinoHawk, As mentioned "(extremes just to make a point)"..

 

[WZ1]

I think you might be judging things a bit too hastily. I'm a student with a relatively below average GPA and a relatively good MCAT. Unfortunately, I cannot get my GPA above a certain threshold thanks to courses that I took over 8 years ago. These courses are not offered at many colleges, so I'm stuck with the grades. However, I have kept an above average GPA for the last 3 years of full-time coursework, even though that wouldn't be the first thing to notice if you just saw an overall GPA. I also don't know where you're getting these clinical/EC hours. I think it's fairly uncommon to see someone with more than 500 hours combined of shadowing and volunteer work and doubt an ADCOM will judge the same a 21 year old with a 31 year old's job experience. If anything, being older would mean that they'd expect more from you.


I don't know if a 3.0 really translates to a 20 on the MCAT.

Good point on the candidates that are returning to establish a different career and the impact to GPAs. I guess I was speaking about more of the majority of recent undergrads..

 

[InfantryToMedicine]

I do not think potential applicants should be discouraged by the MCAT discussion that just occurred. I know from experience that Marian will accept someone with a lower than average MCAT and great GPA/ EC's /Interview and that they may not even offer a ii to someone that has 30+MCAT and 3.5+GPA because of some deficiency. Marian has an good idea of the type of student they want to match with so you will not know until you put forth the effort and try.

 

[jellyfiche]

I've been reviewing the application requirements for course credits here and there is no explicit information about taking pre-requisites from a community college.

Will Marian accept credit hours from a community college?

 

[MU COM]

I've been reviewing the application requirements for course credits here and there is no explicit information about taking pre-requisites from a community college.

Will Marian accept credit hours from a community college?

Courses must be completed at a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body. Otherwise, you are encouraged to enroll in courses which will best prepare you for the rigors of medical school--and make your overall application competitive.

Admissions

 

[MU COM]

WZ1, I'm curious why you are posting this here in the MU-COM school specific thread? Is it in hopes to get a reply from the administration, since Marian's posts here? Take this to the general pre-med forums. You'll undoubtably get more of a response there.

And to answer your question, I believe the MCAT holds the weight that it does for a couple reasons, not that I necessarily agree that it should...nevertheless: 1--medicine is all about standardized tests. The ability to perform on a standardized test is crucial to becoming a physician. Granted the MCAT correlation with comlex/usmle scores is a weak one, it still shows an ability to put up an acceptable score in comparison to your peers on a standardized exam. 2--the MCAT is thought by some institutions to be the leveler of playing fields. Curriculum difficulty can be different between various universities thus making two students 4.0 GPAs from different schools hard to compare to one another. The MCAT is thought to be a test that shows how your cognitive abilities compare with other candidates.

On that note, I feel that Marian really does do a good job of looking at the candidate in their entirety. The current students run a full spectrum of stats, ECs, experiences etc. I even think that the MU-COM website says they place more emphasis on GPA (especially the last 120 units and prerequisite courses) and the interview than the MCAT--which makes it especially interesting you chose here to rant.

Regarding this discussion, MU-COM affirms the following statement from our school profile in the AACOM CIB:

"MU-COM attracts the best and brightest students each year. Each admitted COM student reflects the diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests and backgrounds valued by MU-COM. They also demonstrate academic excellence. A bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission. The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on a number of criteria, ranging from academic records and test scores to commitment toward osteopathic medicine and service."

Simply, MU-COM seeks to enroll the most highly admissible class possible. Our process is holistic and consistent with our mission and vision.

MU-COM

 

[futdoc1923]

Can't wait to hear back from people that have been accepted. How many students will be in this year's class?

 

[futdoc1923]

I'm assuming the snow storm delayed this weeks adcom meeting?

 

[MU COM]

I'm assuming the snow storm delayed this weeks adcom meeting?

It did not. The committee met and rendered final decisions.

Admissions

 

[futdoc1923]

Anxiously waiting for the news! Thanks!

 

[MU COM]

Anxiously waiting for the news! Thanks!

Decisions have been released already.

 

[futdoc1923]

What dates were reviewed? Are decisions emailed or posted on application portal? Thanks.

 

[MU COM]

What dates were reviewed? Are decisions emailed or posted on application portal? Thanks.

The admissions committee reviewed applicants who interviewed before the holiday break. Decisions about invitations for interviews are going out today; this is for applications complete before 12/21.

Admissions

 

[MU COM]

What dates were reviewed? Are decisions emailed or posted on application portal? Thanks.

decisions are emailed

 

[futdoc1923]

As always, I appreciate the strong support and communication from MU-COM!

 

[HoosierHysteria]

Can't wait to hear back from people that have been accepted. How many students will be in this year's class?

On my interview day they informed us that there are 150 spots for matriculation, and they are allowed an additional 8% by the powers that be. So take the square root of 71, and carry the 2 for a grand total of 162 possible spots. They do not have to fill those last 12 spots; however, I believe they did last cycle.

Looking forward to May for some big alternate list movement!
Best of luck,

GO COLTS!!

 

[BK Blaxta]

Correct.

Your application has been screened already. We asked for more grades so you will not hear until we receive a revised application from AACOMAS with your fall grades and a newly verified GPA. Accordingly, please send a transcript to AACOMAS as soon as possible.

Admissions

I just submitted my fall grades yesterday. I hope I hear from you guys soon. 🙂 Would I receive an e mail notification soon?

 

[WZ1]

Regarding this discussion, MU-COM affirms the following statement from our school profile in the AACOM CIB:

"MU-COM attracts the best and brightest students each year. Each admitted COM student reflects the diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests and backgrounds valued by MU-COM. They also demonstrate academic excellence. A bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission. The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on a number of criteria, ranging from academic records and test scores to commitment toward osteopathic medicine and service."

Simply, MU-COM seeks to enroll the most highly admissible class possible. Our process is holistic and consistent with our mission and vision.

MU-COM

Thank you

 

[Hvilledoc]

As always, I appreciate the strong support and communication from MU-COM!

I agree! Out of all the schools MU-COM has been very good at keeping us informed not only through this forum but via email. I am very appreciative of it. 👍

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I've been reviewing the application requirements for course credits here and there is no explicit information about taking pre-requisites from a community college.

Will Marian accept credit hours from a community college?

I took a year's worth of pre-reqs from a community college and was accepted; it was never even brought up. So, yes, they'll accept them 🙂

 

[RockDoc28]

After lots of internal debating and agonizing over the schools that accepted me I sent in my seat deposit to only MUCOM-- deep down I always knew it'd be here 🙂. Can't wait to start!

(Also can't wait to maybe finally meet Kenobi, Buddy and DrMeows in person haha!)

 

[Mr Kenobi]

After lots of internal debating and agonizing over the schools that accepted me I sent in my seat deposit to only MUCOM-- deep down I always knew it'd be here 🙂. Can't wait to start!

(Also can't wait to maybe finally meet Kenobi, Buddy and DrMeows in person haha!)

Welcome to the club! I know how tough that "which school" decision can be...congrats!

 

[ChineseKid]

Looks like quite a few SDNers in the class 😛

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Very, very impressed by this school. Not only do they treat you in an excellent way, but they actually communicate as much as its possible without making the system inefficient. They are strong on tradition (holistic approach, catholic mission, etc), yet I'm impressed at their willingness and encouragement to use technology. Life moves forward and they understand that. And from an academic point of view, they have an excellent plan and I feel 100% confident their clinical education will be top notch. Their GPA/MCAT averages are through the roof too. This school will join the ranks of schools like WesternU and CCOM in no time. It's definitely worth applying for anyone that's still on the fence.

 

[jellyfiche]

Very, very impressed by this school. Not only do they treat you in an excellent way, but they actually communicate as much as its possible without making the system inefficient. They are strong on tradition (holistic approach, catholic mission, etc), yet I'm impressed at their willingness and encouragement to use technology. Life moves forward and they understand that. And from an academic point of view, they have an excellent plan and I feel 100% confident their clinical education will be top notch. Their GPA/MCAT averages are through the roof too. This school will join the ranks of schools like WesternU and CCOM in no time. It's definitely worth applying for anyone that's still on the fence.

I'd agree with that too - their level of correspondence both through email and their forums is really amazing.

 

[DrMeows]

After lots of internal debating and agonizing over the schools that accepted me I sent in my seat deposit to only MUCOM-- deep down I always knew it'd be here 🙂. Can't wait to start!

(Also can't wait to maybe finally meet Kenobi, Buddy and DrMeows in person haha!)

Congrats on making a choice! Welcome 🙂 🙂

 

[jellyfiche]

When is a good time to consider looking at housing for the upcoming year?

 

[Safari21]

Can someone please enlighten me about the residency process. Would I be able to match in any state or only those that are affiliated with MUCOM?

 

[Mr Kenobi]

When is a good time to consider looking at housing for the upcoming year?

Depends what kind of housing you are interested in...buying a house, renting a house, on campus or off campus apartment etc.

Can someone please enlighten me about the residency process. Would I be able to match in any state or only those that are affiliated with MUCOM?

Any student from any US medical school can apply to a residency program in any state. For further info click here.

 

[MU COM]

When is a good time to consider looking at housing for the upcoming year?

It depends on your own personal situation. Admitted students will receive recommendations in the portal starting in February/March.

Admissions

 

[Mr Kenobi]

 

[ChineseKid]

looking forward to that ride when I get there in a few months!

 

[HoosierHysteria]

Wish I would have had a Ton-Ton to warm up in while walking in and out of work today! Nine below zero seems like reasonable conditions on Hoth, though...

 

[D.O.doc]

Rejected pre-interview on 1/6. Was complete 1/3. MCAT 23. GPA 3.89.

 

[HoosierHysteria]

Rejected pre-interview on 1/6. Was complete 1/3. MCAT 23. GPA 3.89.

Keep your head up!! You have another 6 months to improve your application! 😉

 

[docbubbs]

I heard that Marian intends to build a new apartment complex right by the school. Is this true? if so, when will this be complete?

Is there adequate parking available for all the students who commute via car? I noticed parking right by the med school on the day of my interview, but the lot was small and they were restricting it to those of us interviewing. I saw a campus map and see a few parking lots, but is this enough for 162 more students (and possibly cars)?

Also, I noticed that the new student center will be complete by Fall 2014. Where on campus is it located? Is this more a space for undergraduates or med students? Will this help solve the problem of the need for expanded availability of group and individual study spaces? The site says only 3 additional group study areas. How is Marian going to accommodate first years needing study space too? Current students giving tours indicated that rooms are full as is and that they expect a much bigger problem next year.

Thanks!

 

[BuddyTheElf]

I heard that Marian intends to build a new apartment complex right by the school. Is this true? if so, when will this be complete?

Is there adequate parking available for all the students who commute via car? I noticed parking right by the med school on the day of my interview, but the lot was small and they were restricting it to those of us interviewing. I saw a campus map and see a few parking lots, but is this enough for 162 more students (and possibly cars)?

Also, I noticed that the new student center will be complete by Fall 2014. Where on campus is it located? Is this more a space for undergraduates or med students? Will this help solve the problem of the need for expanded availability of group and individual study spaces? The site says only 3 additional group study areas. How is Marian going to accommodate first years needing study space too? Current students giving tours indicated that rooms are full as is and that they expect a much bigger problem next year.

Thanks!

Can't comment on the apartment building. Parking is not going to be the best. There's plenty of close parking now, but it'll be tough next year. This was addressed with the Dean at Dean's Hour and he just responded saying parking lots are very expensive... So take what you will from that. Studying space is also an issue. The new student center will help but not with individual quiet spaces. Those are pretty hard to come by. I assume this is an issue at other schools too. Learn to study in groups or at home was my solution. Sorry these aren't more optimistic responses! Don't want to be misleading.

 

[MU COM]

I heard that Marian intends to build a new apartment complex right by the school. Is this true? if so, when will this be complete?

Is there adequate parking available for all the students who commute via car? I noticed parking right by the med school on the day of my interview, but the lot was small and they were restricting it to those of us interviewing. I saw a campus map and see a few parking lots, but is this enough for 162 more students (and possibly cars)?

Also, I noticed that the new student center will be complete by Fall 2014. Where on campus is it located? Is this more a space for undergraduates or med students? Will this help solve the problem of the need for expanded availability of group and individual study spaces? The site says only 3 additional group study areas. How is Marian going to accommodate first years needing study space too? Current students giving tours indicated that rooms are full as is and that they expect a much bigger problem next year.

Thanks!

There will be a decision about new on-campus graduate housing in about a month. There are enough parking spaces for 1st and 2nd year students; plans are to add another lot, though, to ease the situation. Unfortunately, I don't think we will ever have enough study space to satisfy the demand.

Admissions

 

[bravoom413]

I was wondering how many positions are still open for the 2014 year? How many students per interview session are generally accepted? Thanks!

 

[MU COM]

I was wondering how many positions are still open for the 2014 year? How many students per interview session are generally accepted? Thanks!

As posted earlier, MU-COM does not comment on the current application cycle while it is ongoing. Simply, if we are interviewing, there are seats open in our class.

Admissions

 

[shinytofu]

I sent my updated transcript to AACOMAS ; will admissions know that my file was updated when they check (this week?). I received email confirmation that fall grades were verified last Friday, but isn't actually updated on the AACOMAs site yet.

I mailed in my transcripts on Dec 20th, hoping to get to MU before Jan 2nd and didn't realize verification would take so long. Does admissions have a (rough) date planned for the next batch of interview decisions?

 

[MU COM]

I sent my updated transcript to AACOMAS ; will admissions know that my file was updated when they check (this week?). I received email confirmation that fall grades were verified last Friday, but isn't actually updated on the AACOMAs site yet.

I mailed in my transcripts on Dec 20th, hoping to get to MU before Jan 2nd and didn't realize verification would take so long. Does admissions have a (rough) date planned for the next batch of interview decisions?

We will receive your revised application after AACOMAS verifies your grades. We receive a batch of new and revised applications once a week--typically on Wednesday or Thursday.

Every two weeks, we review a batch of applications on hold for an interview decision; files are reviewed in date order.

Admissions

 

[shinytofu]

Thank you for the timeline of events, very much appreciated!

 

[docbubbs]

Admissions[/quote]

Can't comment on the apartment building. Parking is not going to be the best. There's plenty of close parking now, but it'll be tough next year. This was addressed with the Dean at Dean's Hour and he just responded saying parking lots are very expensive... So take what you will from that. Studying space is also an issue. The new student center will help but not with individual quiet spaces. Those are pretty hard to come by. I assume this is an issue at other schools too. Learn to study in groups or at home was my solution. Sorry these aren't more optimistic responses! Don't want to be misleading.

There will be a decision about new on-campus graduate housing in about a month. There are enough parking spaces for 1st and 2nd year students; plans are to add another lot, though, to ease the situation. Unfortunately, I don't think we will ever have enough study space to satisfy the demand.

Admissions

Thank you for the responses! I was told during my interview that the lecture halls are open for individual studying after lectures end. Is this true? I know other schools also do this. Some schools let students pick a spot where they sit during lecture and then they study in the same spot after hours and are able to leave their text books, study materials, blankets, snacks, etc. in that spot for the whole semester. Is that something that is done at Marian? Is the library open for group and individual study, or is that more of an undergrad space?

 

[BuddyTheElf]

Thank you for the responses! I was told during my interview that the lecture halls are open for individual studying after lectures end. Is this true? I know other schools also do this. Some schools let students pick a spot where they sit during lecture and then they study in the same spot after hours and are able to leave their text books, study materials, blankets, snacks, etc. in that spot for the whole semester. Is that something that is done at Marian? Is the library open for group and individual study, or is that more of an undergrad space?

Yes, the lecture halls are available to study in when there's no lecture. But I wouldn't want to leave anything anywhere (things can get stolen). And the library can be used to study in but generally it's more used by the undergrads. There are only 2 individual study rooms in the library, as well.

 

[PH190]

I'm a little worried because I got an ii Dec. 13th but didn't get an email...I just checked my status online and saw my invite! I scheduled my interview for Mar. 14th because it's the earliest open. I'm worried that it might be too late?? Anyone else have this problem?