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

[kratosis]

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i am a bit worried. it states on their website that in order to be competitive we need ATLEAST a 3.2cGPA as well as a 3.2sGPA...They say people below a 3.2 are "RARELY accepted." my cGPA is 3.1 health issues during 1st two years of college but my sGPA is 3.6. i have almost straight A's in my last 2 years of college in upper level science courses. i have a 23MCAT (first take) and a 27MCAT (retake)... do i have a shot at this school?

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I received the secondary but still haven't had the chance to work on it. I am wondering, is there an option to utilize my fee-waiver status to avoid the application fee? Will I be allowed to submit without paying the fee?

Thanks

 

[touchpause13]

So right now when i click on check my status, it says this: Science: Incomplete
Advisor: Incomplete
Physician: Incomplete

But I got an email from interfolio that says my letters have been delivered. Anyone else having this same issue? I would just call Marian but I'm currently overseas.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

So right now when i click on check my status, it says this: Science: Incomplete
Advisor: Incomplete
Physician: Incomplete

But I got an email from interfolio that says my letters have been delivered. Anyone else having this same issue? I would just call Marian but I'm currently overseas.

Havn't submitted my application yet, but my letters have been forwarded to the schools since the first week of June. Other schools show that they received my letters, but not Marian. I guess they are a little behind on updating their system.

 

[DOPlzthx]

So right now when i click on check my status, it says this: Science: Incomplete
Advisor: Incomplete
Physician: Incomplete

But I got an email from interfolio that says my letters have been delivered. Anyone else having this same issue? I would just call Marian but I'm currently overseas.

I'm in the same boat as you. Inter folio sent mine several days ago but it's still showing incomplete on MUCOM's website. They did say they only upload letters once a week, so maybe that is why.

 

[GypsyHummus]

i am a bit worried. it states on their website that in order to be competitive we need ATLEAST a 3.2cGPA as well as a 3.2sGPA...They say people below a 3.2 are "RARELY accepted." my cGPA is 3.1 health issues during 1st two years of college but my sGPA is 3.6. i have almost straight A's in my last 2 years of college in upper level science courses. i have a 23MCAT (first take) and a 27MCAT (retake)... do i have a shot at this school?

Can you retake classes untill you get to 3.2?

 

[touchpause13]

Will it reflect bad on you to leave the "any other information" question blank on the secondary?

no. That is more for if you had any new ECs that weren't in your primary app.

 

[3bamboo]

Released 6/27 just got confirmation from the school 7/5.

Still no secondary 🙁 I feel left out from all you high-flyers who already have your secondary submitted

 

[matt1989]

hey guys, I'm working on the app now.

I noticed that the application asks you to describe any research experience in general without really defining it. Now up to this point I have considered the answer to that question no, because I assumed they meant biomedical.

I've started to consider counting a previous completely non-medical job as research experience. My position was called a "research assistant" and it involved using excel/SPSS to analyze the results of students surveys (how happy are you with the food/dorms/profs etc.). They called it "institutional research" and I'm wondering if MUCOM if would actually care. It's in my AACOMAS, so I also don't want there to be any discrepancies if they do care.

Any thoughts?

 

[DOPlzthx]

hey guys, I'm working on the app now.

I noticed that the application asks you to describe any research experience in general without really defining it. Now up to this point I have considered the answer to that question no, because I assumed they meant biomedical.

I've started to consider counting a previous completely non-medical job as research experience. My position was called a "research assistant" and it involved using excel/SPSS to analyze the results of students surveys (how happy are you with the food/dorms/profs etc.). They called it "institutional research" and I'm wondering if MUCOM if would actually care. It's in my AACOMAS, so I also don't want there to be any discrepancies if they do care.

Any thoughts?

I would put it. It doesn't specify biomedical research, although perhaps that is what they want. But what could it hurt?

 

[DOPlzthx]

Released 6/27 just got confirmation from the school 7/5.

Still no secondary 🙁 I feel left out from all you high-flyers who already have your secondary submitted

Don't worry, it took a week and a half for me to get a secondary. Mine was released June 21st, so you will probably get one this week. 🙂

 

[matt1989]

I would put it. It doesn't specify biomedical research, although perhaps that is what they want. But what could it hurt?

I completely agree, so I decided to add it in. Something is better than nothing.

 

[WorldWiz]

Hey guys! I interviewed here last cycle and would be happy to answer any questions regarding interview day. Good luck, everyone!

My first supplemental question is "Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? (And why?)" Is Marian looking for a thorough answer to this question that shows a firm commitment to practice in Indiana, or is my answer here not as important as my answers to the other prompts? Thanks.

 

[DOPlzthx]

I just got an email from admissions (in response to one I sent last week). They are moving buildings right now and only recently began processing LOR's. In case anyone was wondering why it hasn't been updated in their status.

 

[ph7]

My first supplemental question is "Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? (And why?)" Is Marian looking for a thorough answer to this question that shows a firm commitment to practice in Indiana, or is my answer here not as important as my answers to the other prompts? Thanks.

I would think they look at this answer with as much if not more attention than the others because they are trying to fill Indiana's physician shortage so they have to make sure you would be willing to work there and not jump ship after school. Of course not everyone will stay in Indiana but it is a part of there school model.

 

[WorldWiz]

I would think they look at this answer with as much if not more attention than the others because they are trying to fill Indiana's physician shortage so they have to make sure you would be willing to work there and not jump ship after school. Of course not everyone will stay in Indiana but it is a part of there school model.

The physician shortage was the first subject that came to mind, but since pretty much the whole country has a shortage, I thought I need to discuss more than just Indiana's shortage in order to come across as sincere. Does anyone have any suggested topics? Thanks.

 

[DOPlzthx]

The physician shortage was the first subject that came to mind, but since pretty much the whole country has a shortage, I thought I need to discuss more than just Indiana's shortage in order to come across as sincere. Does anyone have any suggested topics? Thanks.

I would go with how you truly feel, and not what you think they want to hear (not saying you are doing that). When you get to your interview they will probably ask something along the same lines, and if you don't seem sincere, then that would be more unfavorable to you than not putting an "ideal" answer. Dig deep 🙂

 

[circulus vitios]

Just received a secondary. Their online portal system is really sleek and sexy.

If anyone wants the actual secondary essay questions:

Do you have experience shadowing or working with a physician (DO or MD)? [Yes/No] If so, describe the experience (name & location of hospital/clinic, name & specialty of physician, and amount of time spent shadowing). (750 chars)

Are you interested in practicing medicine in Indiana? [Yes/No] If yes, please describe your interest and reasons why. If no, please explain why not. (1250 chars)

In which area of medicine are you most interested in practicing and why? (1250 chars)

Why are you interested in attending MU-COM? (1250 chars)

Please share any other relevant information that you would like the MU-COM Admission Committee to know about you. (750 chars)

 

[touchpause13]

Anyone hear anything recently? I tried calling earlier today but went straight to voicemail

 

[ph7]

Anyone hear anything recently? I tried calling earlier today but went straight to voicemail

Nothing past the secondary. I emailed them about a week ago and still haven't heard back. Maybe they are still busy with the previous cycle??

 

[CanePreMed]

Just got the following email from Marian Admissions:

Greetings from MU-COM!

I write in regard to your application for the entering fall 2014 DO program. Specifically, I want to update you on our processing timeline. MU-COM has established the following dates for the 2014 admissions cycle:
July 17, 2013
Letter of recommendation processing starts.

September 13, 2013
Interviews start.

September 19, 2013
Admissions committee starts.

April 1, 2014
Supplemental application deadline.

April 4, 2014
Processing of application materials end.
Materials received after this date will not be processed

 

[touchpause13]

Sooo I'm thinkin iis can't start until the week of the 17th then? Or do u think they wud give iis before processing the LORs? How long does processing LOR even take?

 

[cyaneidae]

Just received a secondary. Their online portal system is really sleek and sexy.

If anyone wants the actual secondary essay questions:

I totally agree.

You forgot one question, though:

Do you have research experience? If yes, please describe. (750 characters max)

 

[Temperature101]

Essay questions are basically:

Would you stay in Indiana? Why or Why not.

Why MU-COM?

What area of medicine are you interested in?

Is there anything else you want to tell us about yourself?


Hope that helps!

That's it...

 

[3bamboo]

just recieved the secondary invite but I am unable to access the link.

I have tried two different browsers and removing the period that may change the link.

Anyone else having problems?

 

[DOPlzthx]

Just received a secondary. Their online portal system is really sleek and sexy.

If anyone wants the actual secondary essay questions:

I did give you the actual essay questions. Sorry if it wasn't perceived that way. I had to summarize them off the top of my head.

 

[circulus vitios]

I did give you the actual essay questions. Sorry if it wasn't perceived that way. I had to summarize them off the top of my head.

No, I appreciate it! I'm just really obsessive about having the exact wording. 😳

 

[MU COM]

secondary invite! although there is a glitch in either the online form or my browser because I can't actually fill it out

The browser glitch has been fixed. The supplemental is open now. Thanks for your patience.

MU-COM Admissions

 

[MU COM]

Also, serious props to them for clearly the most user friendly secondary process in terms of interface.....great design

Thanks for the compliment.

MU-COM

 

[MU COM]

I received the secondary but still haven't had the chance to work on it. I am wondering, is there an option to utilize my fee-waiver status to avoid the application fee? Will I be allowed to submit without paying the fee?

Thanks

MU-COM honors the AACOMAS fee waiver, but we verify against the official list. Please indicate such on your secondary application.

MU-COM Admissions

 

[MU COM]

Havn't submitted my application yet, but my letters have been forwarded to the schools since the first week of June. Other schools show that they received my letters, but not Marian. I guess they are a little behind on updating their system.

MU-COM will start to process letters of recommendation on July 17th. Once processing starts, the letters need to be verified (reviewed) by a staff member. This process can take 2-3 weeks depending on our volume.

Your patience is appreciated.

MU-COM

 

[DOPlzthx]

Does anyone else feel like MU-COM is a celebrity on the forum?

 

[SD3321]

For anyone who has shadowed more then one physician, are you listing all of them in the shadowing question or are you just listing one and describing the experience? I would like to list all mines and talk briefly or generally about all of them but I don't think I will have the space.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

I did the most meaningful experience.

 

[touchpause13]

Does anyone else feel like MU-COM is a celebrity on the forum?

haha absolutely

 

[MU COM]

I notice that the email says 2013 fall entering class and the countdown on the secondary deadline says March, 2013. I am sure it will be fixed tomorrow.

Hi! The deadline counter on https://apply-mu-com.marian.edu:4433/Applicant/Default.aspx says: Supplemental Application Deadline - Tuesday, April 01, 2014 5:00 PM

If you see something different, please PM me.

Thanks,
MU-COM

 

[3bamboo]

Where is the information about letters of recommendation? I am looking through the II and I haven't seen anything.

Can a pre-health committee upload them via interfolio? Also can you do committee letter + physician letter or do you have to do science + committee + physician?

 

[DOPlzthx]

Where is the information about letters of recommendation? I am looking through the II and I haven't seen anything.

Can a pre-health committee upload them via interfolio? Also can you do committee letter + physician letter or do you have to do science + committee + physician?

There was a PDF attached to my secondary email from MU-COM with the directions for the LOR's. Maybe you have one too?

I can't copy/paste because it is PDF, but it says they prefer electronic delivery (ex: Interfolio) and your AACOMAS ID MUST be included. It also says specifically do not send via USPS.

You need 3 letters: physician, science professor, pre-med advisor (or an additional science professor if you don't have an advisor).

The website explains: In the absence of a letter from a pre-med advisor or committee, we will consider the faculty letters. However, it is strongly recommended that you consider offering a biology professor's evaluation as part of the packet. Since biology is the most relevant of the sciences to medicine, assessment from a biology professor regarding your ability to handle medical school level work would be of great value.

Additionally, make sure that your application explains the absence of a pre-med advisor recommendation.

 

[WingsFan]

There was a PDF attached to my secondary email from MU-COM with the directions for the LOR's. Maybe you have one too?

I can't copy/paste because it is PDF, but it says they prefer electronic delivery (ex: Interfolio) and your AACOMAS ID MUST be included. It also says specifically do not send via USPS.

You need 3 letters: physician, science professor, pre-med advisor (or an additional science professor if you don't have an advisor).

The website explains: In the absence of a letter from a pre-med advisor or committee, we will consider the faculty letters. However, it is strongly recommended that you consider offering a biology professor’s evaluation as part of the packet. Since biology is the most relevant of the sciences to medicine, assessment from a biology professor regarding your ability to handle medical school level work would be of great value.

Additionally, make sure that your application explains the absence of a pre-med advisor recommendation.

I'm assuming they will count a genetics professor as "biology", right? And where in the application should we explain this, the "relevant information" section of the secondary? I also like how they ask if you have a pre-med advisor, and I'm forced to say yes and then explain that the advising department has a standing policy of not writing recommendations... I don't know why, it just makes me feel like I look like I'm trying to skate around the rules.

 

[DOPlzthx]

I'm assuming they will count a genetics professor as "biology", right? And where in the application should we explain this, the "relevant information" section of the secondary? I also like how they ask if you have a pre-med advisor, and I'm forced to say yes and then explain that the advising department has a standing policy of not writing recommendations... I don't know why, it just makes me feel like I look like I'm trying to skate around the rules.

I wouldn't think too much of it. If it is your department's policy, then I am sure schools have seen it from other applicants as well. I would explain it in the relevant information section. As far as the genetics professor's letter goes, I believe as long as it is as science professor, you will be fine. I had my organic professor write one of mine...

 

[binderring]

secondary submitted 7/10. OSS,

 

[Salmanilatron]

Will you be processing LOR's in the order of receiving them, or in the order of complete secondary applications?

 

[medickdb]

Will you be processing LOR's in the order of receiving them, or in the order of complete secondary applications?

I imagine they wait until your secondary is complete because it could prove a waste of effort to process the LORs if you haven't paid the fee yet indicating your full intent to apply.

 

[touchpause13]

I imagine they wait until your secondary is complete because it could prove a waste of effort to process the LORs if you haven't paid the fee yet indicating your full intent to apply.

that's what makes most logical sense to me as well but we'll see what MUCOM says

 

[MU COM]

Will you be processing LOR's in the order of receiving them, or in the order of complete secondary applications?

LORs are processed as they are received, assuming they can be matched with an AACOMAS application.

MU-COM

 

[Salmanilatron]

Thanks!

 

[Jayb82388]

For the secondary questions that were posted earlier in this thread, what is the character count or word count given for each question. Thanks!

 

[ToKingdomCome]

I believe it's 1250 char for all of them, but the last one. The last one is 750 char

 

[DrMeows]

I'm assuming they will count a genetics professor as "biology", right? And where in the application should we explain this, the "relevant information" section of the secondary? I also like how they ask if you have a pre-med advisor, and I'm forced to say yes and then explain that the advising department has a standing policy of not writing recommendations... I don't know why, it just makes me feel like I look like I'm trying to skate around the rules.

I didn't have an advisor recommendation. My reasoning was that I did not develop a good enough relationship with an advisor for an adequate recommendation, and assured them my additional science letter was a person that actually knew me (and i used the relevant information section to explain that). That being said, I start at MU-COM next month so it didn't seem to be a big issue 🙂 don't worry about it!

 

[BuddyTheElf]

For anyone who has shadowed more then one physician, are you listing all of them in the shadowing question or are you just listing one and describing the experience? I would like to list all mines and talk briefly or generally about all of them but I don't think I will have the space.

I listed all of mine (maybe 20 different docs) on the aacomas application. Then gave details about 1 or 2 in the question. In the answer I also briefly mentioned that I had shadowed extensively (there's just not enough space to talk about all of them).