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

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Hey guys,

Does MUCOM interview through December as well, considering some schools take the month off for holidays? I was sent an interview invite, but the first month available was February. I'm hoping some dates will open up before then! If anyone can get back to me, I'd truly appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
Hey guys,

Does MUCOM interview through December as well, considering some schools take the month off for holidays? I was sent an interview invite, but the first month available was February. I'm hoping some dates will open up before then! If anyone can get back to me, I'd truly appreciate it.

Thanks!


Yes, there are December interviews. MU-COM interviews every month from September to April. The first available interview slots are in late February, though. If you would like an earlier interview time, please email Bryan at [email protected] to be added to an ASAP list.

MU-COM
 
Yes, there are December interviews. MU-COM interviews every month from September to April. The first available interview slots are in late February, though. If you would like an earlier interview time, please email Bryan at [email protected] to be added to an ASAP list.

MU-COM

Still intent on only interviewing about 500 students this year?
 
Congrats bud. I hope you get in. Mind telling us when you completed your secondary?
 
Congrats bud. I hope you get in. Mind telling us when you completed your secondary?
Thank you. Marian is one of my top choices.

I sent my supplemental early october (first week) and got an e-mail saying I was incomplete because of an advisor letter, but my institution doesn't have one. They revised my application and made it officially complete the first week of November.
 
Thank you. Marian is one of my top choices.

I sent my supplemental early october (first week) and got an e-mail saying I was incomplete because of an advisor letter, but my institution doesn't have one. They revised my application and made it officially complete the first week of November.
So from first week of November, it took about 2 weeks, that is pretty good. I hope I get a response that quick. I have an interview early December. It would be nice to get a yes from here. I am an Indiana resident and live barely 65 miles from the campus. Visited the school on September 6th. I was pretty impressed. Would love to be a part of it.
 
I do like how MU-COM admissions actually monitors the SDN. As the most used resource for us meds and pre-meds it's nice to get feedback here without needing to call the school. You would be surprised on how many times I have called other colleges. So how is everyone doing. Any recent acceptances, waitlist or files not yet reviewed?
 
I think they review every Thursday and decide. They said they give a committee member 4 files to review, which I think is a good way to get to know who they are presenting. I will get my decision this week - hopefully they look at my whole application. It would be amazing to get an acceptance here.
 
Will we will be testing on iPads?
What model?
Will we be able to strike through answers, review previous questions, and highlight/underline words during exams?
Are we allowed to use scratch paper during exams?
If we prefer hard copies of books, will we still be required to buy digital copies?
How much time will we be spending in the simulation labs?
Will we be allowed to use the simulation labs outside of class time?
Is there a list of places to live?
When will the graduate dorms be ready?

Good luck Thursday everyone, especially any Colts fans (HoosierHysteria)! For those on the waitlist, stay positive and be patient. There has already been waitlist movement and are only 30 members currently in the Facebook group (take it as you will).
 
Will we will be testing on iPads? Yes
What model?
we have iPad 4 retina...was the newest model available when we started..the new iPad air and mini Retnia just came out so no idea what you'll get. maybe well hand ours down and get an upgrade 😉
Will we be able to strike through answers, review previous questions, and highlight/underline words during exams?
yes-can strike out answers, yes-can view previous questions and can also flag questions and jump around in the exam, not sure about highlight and underline words (never tried to). There was a calculator function available for some kinetics stuff and pharm questions.
Are we allowed to use scratch paper during exams?
yes, they supply this for you
If we prefer hard copies of books, will we still be required to buy digital copies?
probably
How much time will we be spending in the simulation labs?
honestly, I am a bit disappointed about this...doesnt seem like much. the nursing students have used them a few times already where we haven't been in there besides the tour during orientation. One of the physician faculty we asked about this said they could maybe see us getting a couple times in there during the first two years--somthing to do with how many people it takes to run the sim labs and the amount of time needed to be spent in there for it to be beneficial to us...hopeful we get in there more than was insinuated-ashame to have such a nice facility and not use it
Will we be allowed to use the simulation labs outside of class time?
see above

Is there a list of places to live?
Not sure about this either. Tons of apartments and housing options within a reasonable distance to the university.

When will the graduate dorms be ready?
No idea, I live off campus and am not up to date on this topic.

Attempted to answer some of your questions in the quote above ^^
 
Yes, I agree. I am praying and hoping for a good call on Thursday. This is where I want to go, where I want to be. Good luck to everyone else.
 
I think they review every Thursday and decide. They said they give a committee member 4 files to review, which I think is a good way to get to know who they are presenting. I will get my decision this week - hopefully they look at my whole application. It would be amazing to get an acceptance here.
When was your application completed?
 
Just about 12 hours for those of us waiting for news. I just pray my average mcat doesnt hurt me.... this is truly where I want to go.
 
Anyone get any IIs lately? My application's been complete since the beginning of the month. I'd love to get an opportunity at this school. My friend goes there and says it's great!
 
2nd quartile wait list... so you're saying there's chance!👍

I've seen people from last years thread getting in from the 2nd quart. I'm also inclined to believe this years waitlist may move a bit more. But yah, we will see in April.
 
Will we will be testing on iPads?
What model?
Will we be able to strike through answers, review previous questions, and highlight/underline words during exams?
Are we allowed to use scratch paper during exams?
If we prefer hard copies of books, will we still be required to buy digital copies?
How much time will we be spending in the simulation labs?
Will we be allowed to use the simulation labs outside of class time?
Is there a list of places to live?
When will the graduate dorms be ready?

Good luck Thursday everyone, especially any Colts fans (HoosierHysteria)! For those on the waitlist, stay positive and be patient. There has already been waitlist movement and are only 30 members currently in the Facebook group (take it as you will).

Reply was deleted earlier during server upgrade.

- Testing is electronic because board are electronic.
- Textbooks are also electronic; charges are mandatory for everyone regardless of personal preference.
- Students will get into the Simulation Center more in the 2nd semester--after history taking and physical examination was covered in the first semester. For example, currently, there are 4 cases and 2 OSCE in semester 2 of the first year.
- You will generally not be allowed in the Sim Center after hours due to the nature and value of the equipment.
- On- and off-campus housing options are covered in the Advantage and DO Series for admitted students.
- Final decision on new graduate housing will be made in December or January; tentative open date is fall 2015.

MU-COM
 
Attempted to answer some of your questions in the quote above ^^

Reply was deleted earlier during server upgrade.

As always, current students are encouraged to discuss their experiences and concerns directly with the faculty, staff, and administration.

Admissions
 
Congrats to all those being accepted today. Definitely a day that will change the rest of your life.

Thanks MU-COM Admissions, Dr. Meows, and BuddyTheElf for the online presence. I hope you don't mind the constant influx of questions from me. I was wondering if you can comment on the sense of camaraderie within the student body. I know that some of the best allopathic schools in the country have student houses (each class gets divided into four or five groups.. think harry potter) to encourage interactive learning, greater student participation, reduce stress, and so many more benefits for the success of the school and students alike. Do you think its something that MU-COM could pioneer for osteopathic schools? If this is not in the talks, what else is being done to build a better sense of community as the student body grows?
*sidenote.. interesting article on a new allopathic school using the system - http://wordpress.rowan.edu/deanofmedschool/2011/08/16/of-gryffindor-and-gross-anatomy/

Also, where do student groups post meeting minutes or annouce special events and such. Is it mainly through facebook, or is there an online portal/website that MU-COM allows students to maintain for public communication?
 
Oh one more question (sorry!) did any of the accepted students get a hard copy of the offer of admission mailed to them ? I thought Bryan mentioned the acceptance call but I dont remember him saying when it would arrive.
 
Great idea ^ - DO Schools do already do this however. I know it may be that they have larger class sizes though. The students I met at marian said they almost knew everyone(And I dont doubt it)
 
Oh one more question (sorry!) did any of the accepted students get a hard copy of the offer of admission mailed to them ? I thought Bryan mentioned the acceptance call but I dont remember him saying when it would arrive.

Formal letters of admission are mailed the week after the committee meets. Please allow time for mailing, obviously. ;-)

If you were admitted weeks ago and have not received your letter, please call the office at 317.955.6297. We can tell you when we mailed it to you--and send another one, if necessary.

Admissions
 
Congrats to all those being accepted today. Definitely a day that will change the rest of your life.

Thanks MU-COM Admissions, Dr. Meows, and BuddyTheElf for the online presence. I hope you don't mind the constant influx of questions from me. I was wondering if you can comment on the sense of camaraderie within the student body. I know that some of the best allopathic schools in the country have student houses (each class gets divided into four or five groups.. think harry potter) to encourage interactive learning, greater student participation, reduce stress, and so many more benefits for the success of the school and students alike. Do you think its something that MU-COM could pioneer for osteopathic schools? If this is not in the talks, what else is being done to build a better sense of community as the student body grows?
*sidenote.. interesting article on a new allopathic school using the system - http://wordpress.rowan.edu/deanofmedschool/2011/08/16/of-gryffindor-and-gross-anatomy/

Also, where do student groups post meeting minutes or annouce special events and such. Is it mainly through facebook, or is there an online portal/website that MU-COM allows students to maintain for public communication?

The harry potter "houses" thing you mentioned already exists at Osteopathic medical schools...one I can think of off the top of my head is NSU-COM that does this.

We (MU-COM students) are separated into assigned smaller groups for our clinical medicine course, but there aren't large groups like you are talking about that the school officially designated us too. Well, we are separated into a Cohort A and Cohort B...but that seems to be more for organizational purposes. We are also each assigned to a "faculty advisor" that we can consult with and a physician mentor that we are supposed to shadow(they apparently tried to match the physician mentors to students by what you said your medical interests were on your application-my interests have already changed, and probably will many more times--but you are encouraged to network and allowed to make your own connections) ...But I digress, all this still doesn't seem to fit the bill of what you are talking about here.

Communication is done through school email, Canvas (portal) which can be linked to your email and calendar and can be customized to the types of announcements you want to receive, and the FB group (more informal stuff)--it just depends on what type of announcements are being shared.
 
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Reply was deleted earlier during server upgrade.

As always, current students are encouraged to discuss their experiences and concerns directly with the faculty, staff, and administration.

Admissions
Thanks for the reply. However the previous comment concerning sim lab usage was actually discovered while addressing the issue with a physician faculty member...so I just figured it is what it is.
 
Congrats to all those being accepted today. Definitely a day that will change the rest of your life.

Thanks MU-COM Admissions, Dr. Meows, and BuddyTheElf for the online presence. I hope you don't mind the constant influx of questions from me. I was wondering if you can comment on the sense of camaraderie within the student body. I know that some of the best allopathic schools in the country have student houses (each class gets divided into four or five groups.. think harry potter) to encourage interactive learning, greater student participation, reduce stress, and so many more benefits for the success of the school and students alike. Do you think its something that MU-COM could pioneer for osteopathic schools? If this is not in the talks, what else is being done to build a better sense of community as the student body grows?
*sidenote.. interesting article on a new allopathic school using the system - http://wordpress.rowan.edu/deanofmedschool/2011/08/16/of-gryffindor-and-gross-anatomy/

Also, where do student groups post meeting minutes or annouce special events and such. Is it mainly through facebook, or is there an online portal/website that MU-COM allows students to maintain for public communication?

As far as camaraderie, everyone kind of has their clique. Most people just hang out with those who they study with. Everyone will help if you have questions about material covered which is nice. But we do have your fair share of gunners too. And Kenobi seemed to address the "house" thing you mentioned.

Thanks for the reply. However the previous comment concerning sim lab usage was actually discovered while addressing the issue with a physician faculty member...so I just figured it is what it is.

This is true...I've addressed this topic with faculty as well and my inquiry just seemed to get dismissed. Unfortunately it's not the first time that's happened.

Congratulations to all those accepted today!!!! I look forward to meeting some of you next fall 🙂
 
Volume 2 of the Advantage Series is in the portal for admitted and deposited students; it focuses on faculty achievement.

Admissions
 
Unfortunately I can only give you a somewhat negative review of the study areas. There are maybe 20 individual study rooms. They range from 4 chairs up to like 12 person rooms. Most days they are completely full of students. Some with a group of students studying and some with only 1 or 2 students in them. Also, we share the building with the nursing school and that just adds to the number of people trying to use these rooms. It is a tolerable situation this year but next year it will be difficult to find quiet study areas. We also have a few common areas with comfy chairs to study, but if you don't like being around noise or get easily distracted, those are not ideal. The med school does not have it's own library since we are a paperless school. All our books are on our iPads and we have access to a virtual library filled with books. The campus library is usually full of undergrad students so I only go there when I absolutely have to (only 2 individual study rooms over there, too). They are building an alumni center right now that should be opened next summer so that should help with having some extra study space. So it's a little frustrating to me, but some students may not have a problem with it. Depends how you prefer to study. Some students study off-campus all the time or at coffee shops. Personally, I prefer to study on campus in a study room.


Our student orgs are getting up and running now. Basically, you name a club and we have it. (SOSA, FM, Peds, volunteering, Timmy Global Health, SGA, SOMA, SAAO, etc etc). And I know there are intramural sports here, but I'm not involved in them so I can't give you a lot of detail on that. I do know that the med school has 2 flag football teams that play weekly though (vs the undergrads).

Hope this helps!!!!
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Congrats to everyone with IIs and acceptances!

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you BuddyTheElf, but I had to step away from SDN due to an illness in the family. I recently submitted my secondary and am very excited about it-- it's quickly becoming my first choice.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful response. The student clubs sound outstanding. I also appreciate your candid review of the study spaces-- if I'm fortunate enough to be granted an interview, I'll be sure to look into that issue in more depth. I like the idea of a paperless school, but I’m not familiar with it. I’m assuming that for the school to be paperless, then the electronic texts can be annotated, highlighted, and printed?

Thanks again for all of your great feedback. Good luck with your studies.
 
Congrats to everyone with IIs and acceptances!

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you BuddyTheElf, but I had to step away from SDN due to an illness in the family. I recently submitted my secondary and am very excited about it-- it's quickly becoming my first choice.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write out such a thoughtful response. The student clubs sound outstanding. I also appreciate your candid review of the study spaces-- if I'm fortunate enough to be granted an interview, I'll be sure to look into that issue in more depth. I like the idea of a paperless school, but I’m not familiar with it. I’m assuming that for the school to be paperless, then the electronic texts can be annotated, highlighted, and printed?

Thanks again for all of your great feedback. Good luck with your studies.

Yes you are able to highlight and all that on the iPads. Most of our material is covered during lecture. To be honest, I've only read maybe a chapter or two since starting because everything of importance is covered during lecture. So the paperless aspect doesn't really affect me too much. Also, we do have a computer lab where you can print off (for free at the moment) slides and notes if you prefer paper copies of everything. So that's an option for you, too. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Good luck on your apps!! 🙂
 
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Hello,

I have not seen anyone mentioning that they have been placed in 1st quartile yet - just wondering ! anyone ?

Is there a specific number of applicants that would be placed in each of the quartile ?

Also, does anyone have an idea on the chances being in each of the quartiles (as per last years statistics?) ?

Thanks
 
The harry potter "houses" thing you mentioned already exists at Osteopathic medical schools...one I can think of off the top of my head is NSU-COM that does this.

We (MU-COM students) are separated into assigned smaller groups for our clinical medicine course, but there aren't large groups like you are talking about that the school officially designated us too. Well, we are separated into a Cohort A and Cohort B...but that seems to be more for organizational purposes. We are also each assigned to a "faculty advisor" that we can consult with and a physician mentor that we are supposed to shadow(they apparently tried to match the physician mentors to students by what you said your medical interests were on your application-my interests have already changed, and probably will many more times--but you are encouraged to network and allowed to make your own connections) ...But I digress, all this still doesn't seem to fit the bill of what you are talking about here.

Communication is done through school email, Canvas (portal) which can be linked to your email and calendar and can be customized to the types of announcements you want to receive, and the FB group (more informal stuff)--it just depends on what type of announcements are being shared.

Thank you! I didn't know the house system existed in Osteopathic medical schools already. Some of my allopathic buddies whove gone to school with it say that its helped immensely. Even though MU-COM doesnt have it, they seem to have a system going with managing class size. I am interested in seeing what they'd do to encourage interaction between the first and second year students next year.
I also like the idea of a physician mentor and a faculty mentor. I wonder if some of the current student will take advantage of their mentors to work on cool research projects or clinical experiences this summer. Has there been any talk of summer opportunities? Is anyone in your class spearheading the global health program by any chance?

I had 7 IIs and I attended a handful. Now I'm really trying to make a decision on which school to put the deposit at. MU-COM is at the top so far...
 
Thank you! I didn't know the house system existed in Osteopathic medical schools already. Some of my allopathic buddies whove gone to school with it say that its helped immensely. Even though MU-COM doesnt have it, they seem to have a system going with managing class size. I am interested in seeing what they'd do to encourage interaction between the first and second year students next year.
I also like the idea of a physician mentor and a faculty mentor. I wonder if some of the current student will take advantage of their mentors to work on cool research projects or clinical experiences this summer. Has there been any talk of summer opportunities? Is anyone in your class spearheading the global health program by any chance?

I had 7 IIs and I attended a handful. Now I'm really trying to make a decision on which school to put the deposit at. MU-COM is at the top so far...

I've heard that next year they plan to pair up a 2nd year with a 1st year to help them through their first year. We haven't received any formal information about this, just hearsay at this point. Having both a faculty advisor and a physician mentor is really nice. I just spent a day in the clinic with my mentor last week-- it's nice to get clinical exposure in your first semester.
They've mentioned some research projects for next summer already. They've secured 10 research positions at Eli Lilly, doing paid research all summer. It's going to be a pretty competitive program and it's only available to MUCOM students. So that's a pretty cool opportunity for us.
And we do have different global health initiatives being started up right now. I don't have a lot of details on them but I know there are various orgs working on it.
Let us know if you have anymore questions!
 
Accepted. Got the call late Thursday from Brian. He is very informative, giving all your scores from the interview MMIs and your verbal. :happy:
 
Volume 2 of the Advantage Series is in the portal for admitted and deposited students; it focuses on faculty achievement.

Admissions

Dear MUCOM,

Are your classes graded on an A-F scale or a P/F system? If it is a P/F system, then do the students get ranked? Since I believe many residencies take into consideration both boards scores (USMLE and COMLEX) and rank. Also, if students did decide to take both board exams, does the school offer support in this decision?

Thanks! 🙂
 
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