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

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How did you end up here...Get back to the pre allo forum. 😉

MU-COM rules @Hermes2010. When you get the call, take that 3.9 and join the cool kids in Indy. 🙂

ha.. I mean, I'm probably destined for DO myself and I have no complaints... that said, if I had a choice, I'd go MD just because I feel like it makes your life a little easier.

In any event, what do you think of Indianapolis? I'm coming from CA....the thought of living in the mid west, and the ensuing culture shock, gives me panic attacks....

..decent place?
 
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ha.. I mean, I'm probably destined for DO myself and I have no complaints... that said, if I had a choice, I'd go MD just because I feel like it makes your life a little easier.

In any event, what do you think of Indianapolis? I'm coming from coastal San Diego....the thought of living in the mid west, and the ensuing culture shock, gives me panic attacks....

..decent place?

LA here..

I was in Indy for a week for my interview and then also went out with a friend who lives there now a few times. Culture shock? Yes, but it's a wonderful change. You know when people say that the Midwest is very friendly etc etc.. Well it's absolutely true, Indianapolis is no small town by any means, but everyone I met was extremely friendly. After just a short week I felt like I made some great friends and was a bit sad to leave. There's no beach and the winters are colder, but it seems like a great place to start a life.
 
ha.. I mean, I'm probably destined for DO myself and I have no complaints... that said, if I had a choice, I'd go MD just because I feel like it makes your life a little easier.

In any event, what do you think of Indianapolis? I'm coming from coastal San Diego....the thought of living in the mid west, and the ensuing culture shock, gives me panic attacks....

..decent place?

I'm sure @Mr Kenobi will chime in on this one, he's from a warmer area too. But we've finally got him acclimated to the winters and realizing that 30 degrees is actually pretty warm. We'll toughen you up in the Midwest 😉
But seriously, I love Indy. I wasn't sure about it when deciding between schools but now that I'm here I love the city. You'll get used to the winters; this year we just had a particularly crappy one.

Also, we have a surprisingly large number of students from CA, and San Diego in particular. You'll fit right in 🙂
 
In any event, what do you think of Indianapolis? I'm coming from coastal San Diego....the thought of living in the mid west, and the ensuing culture shock, gives me panic attacks....

..decent place?

Not sure why the midwest gets the wrap that it does. Yes, there are 4 real seasons. Yes, sports are a religion. I've done a lot of traveling in my days and it always strikes me as so funny how people judge places they really know nothing about. I was truly surprised with a few different regions that I interviewed in last year. Stereotypes are just that...stereotypes. People don't wear denim on denim outfits out here and I don't drive through corn fields on my way to class. If you want me to be honest, if you're already having panic attacks just thinking of living here, you might hate it...but you'd probably hate most other places too if you're truly like that. This is more a factor of your own personality. However, if you are the open minded type that realizes you only HAVE to be here a few years if you so choose and are looking for some life experience and a change of scenery, then it ain't half bad. When I was applying, these things were a priority for me. I chose to come out this way and didn't apply anywhere near home. Cost of living is way less than SD, people are nice, no traffic (by California standards), pretty much the same city amenities (I didn't even have to change my gym membership from home). Granted you will crave carne asada fries and In-N-Out burgers at least 4 days a week for the fist 6 months you are here...however, the culinary scene is pretty good in Indy. All the same big chain places and some great spots unique to the region/city as well. Pretty much any variety of food you can think of is here. Love the craft beer scene in SD? Well that's booming in Indy currently too. Nightlife, yep. Culture (museums etc), yep. Beach? Well no, but there are big nice lakes! You see where I'm going with this.

No matter where you end up for med school, you really don't have much time for "fun". I've been here almost a year and don't know my way around the city. I know how to drive to school and back to my house. --a little exaggerated, but you get the idea. Indy has enough to keep you busy when you do get a second to breath. And Chicago is a short drive away as well and is incredible. Spring break or a longer weekend and want to see something new? Well a short 1.5 hour flight and you're anywhere on the east coast. Like I said, it really depends on what type of person you are. Some people are ok living in a bubble their whole life. Some people like to travel and try new things.

But if you get a chance to visit this school, you'll see what's up😉. The program and it's opportunities are very appealing and the city that it is in has all that you'll need and more as a medical student.
 
For current MU-COMers: Do you think we could generate some sort of list of private/public scholarships that current students have gotten that help finance their education? I just want to get a better understanding of where we (future students) can reach out to. I know of the service related ones (NHSC, Army..etc)and the scholarship for IN residents. But as an OOS future student, I feel like I have no option but to take out every last penny of the cost of attendance 🙁 I called the FinAid office and they told me what I already know (service scholarships, or IN resident). I really wish MU-COM provided some form of merit-based or financial need based scholarships.

I'm not afraid of taking out loans, but I want to make sure I explore every other possibility before that. Any suggestions?
 
For current MU-COMers: Do you think we could generate some sort of list of private/public scholarships that current students have gotten that help finance their education? I just want to get a better understanding of where we (future students) can reach out to. I know of the service related ones (NHSC, Army..etc)and the scholarship for IN residents. But as an OOS future student, I feel like I have no option but to take out every last penny of the cost of attendance 🙁 I called the FinAid office and they told me what I already know (service scholarships, or IN resident). I really wish MU-COM provided some form of merit-based or financial need based scholarships.

I'm not afraid of taking out loans, but I want to make sure I explore every other possibility before that. Any suggestions?

Sure the current students can share their experiences.

Also, a list of financial aid resources will be in the next version of the DO Series (volume 3) at the end of February. Finally, reach out to Julia Ford, COM financial aid counselor, at [email protected].

Admissions
 
For current MU-COMers: Do you think we could generate some sort of list of private/public scholarships that current students have gotten that help finance their education? I just want to get a better understanding of where we (future students) can reach out to. I know of the service related ones (NHSC, Army..etc)and the scholarship for IN residents. But as an OOS future student, I feel like I have no option but to take out every last penny of the cost of attendance 🙁 I called the FinAid office and they told me what I already know (service scholarships, or IN resident). I really wish MU-COM provided some form of merit-based or financial need based scholarships.

I'm not afraid of taking out loans, but I want to make sure I explore every other possibility before that. Any suggestions?

I'm OOS and didn't want to do NHSC/Army because of all the fine print. Unfortunately at this time there really isn't much else. There are national scholarships that you can google and find, but as you can imagine there are thousands of students applying for those. I don't think I'll stick around Indy after school (want to get back closer to family), so I didn't pursue the Michiana or the Indiana scholarships for that reason. Just get used to taking out lots in loans. You'll be able to pay them off eventually. 🙂 We're all in the same boat. You don't even think about the money, you just keep taking more loans out. 'Tis the life of the med student 😉
 
Don't give up! I was first quartile once upon a time too 🙂 make sure to show marian how interested you are!
I plan to prepare a well thought out LOI this weekend and submit it early next week! How long did you wait to hear after you were placed onto the alternate list?
 
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Primary received- 11/14/13
Supplemental received- 11/18/13
Application complete- 11/23/13
Interview invite- 12/11/13
Interview- 2/08/14
Alternate List 1st quartile- 2/13/14

Stats:
Science GPA- 3.92
Non-science GPA- 3.97
cGPA- 3.95
MCAT- 24(8,8,8)
Tons of ECs/ volunteering/ shadowing/ research(publications too)

Did they give you any feedback on your interview?
 
I plan to prepare a well thought out LOI this weekend and submit it early next week! How long did you wait to hear after you were placed onto the alternate list?

For me personally it took a little less than two weeks between turning in my LOI and getting an acceptance call. I'm sure it differs based on time of the month since they only review the alternate list 1x a month, though. Good luck! 🙂
 
Are there any updates on whether which version of the ipad we will get?
Curious.
 
Did they give you any feedback on your interview?
No they didn't. I am pretty sure interview feedback is only discussed over the phone with those accepted. I do feel like I performed well in the interview. I know that doesn't mean much though.
 
For me personally it took a little less than two weeks between turning in my LOI and getting an acceptance call. I'm sure it differs based on time of the month since they only review the alternate list 1x a month, though. Good luck! 🙂
Thank you!🙂
 
Congrats!! Mind sharing your stats and when you interviewed?

In-state from a rural area. Kind of on the edge of suburbia in the Indy metropolitan.
MCAT: 33 (9V, 11PS, 13 BS)
sGPA: 3.43
cGPA: 3.47
Graduated with degree in biomedical engineering from Rose-Hulman.
ECs include designing a bowling ball for individuals with disabilities, 1000+ hours in research (cardiac and hematology/oncology with publication and abstract), and about 40 hours in shadowing.

Secondary with LORs Complete: 1/26
Interviewed 2/08 (had an opening that I took) was originally scheduled for the end of March.
 
In-state from a rural area. Kind of on the edge of suburbia in the Indy metropolitan.
MCAT: 33 (9V, 11PS, 13 BS)
sGPA: 3.43
cGPA: 3.47
Graduated with degree in biomedical engineering from Rose-Hulman.
ECs include designing a bowling ball for individuals with disabilities, 1000+ hours in research (cardiac and hematology/oncology with publication and abstract), and about 40 hours in shadowing.

Secondary with LORs Complete: 1/26
Interviewed 2/08 (had an opening that I took) was originally scheduled for the end of March.
Congrats on your acceptance! I wish I had that MCAT score 😉
 
In-state from a rural area. Kind of on the edge of suburbia in the Indy metropolitan.
MCAT: 33 (9V, 11PS, 13 BS)
sGPA: 3.43
cGPA: 3.47
Graduated with degree in biomedical engineering from Rose-Hulman.
ECs include designing a bowling ball for individuals with disabilities, 1000+ hours in research (cardiac and hematology/oncology with publication and abstract), and about 40 hours in shadowing.

Secondary with LORs Complete: 1/26
Interviewed 2/08 (had an opening that I took) was originally scheduled for the end of March.

So... Did people with non-god tier stats get in? Haha
I feel like Marian is really accepting top heavy this year. I wonder if they'll release the stats of accepted students like they did last year haha.
Kinda also interested in how full the class and waitlist are but I don't think anyone will be releasing that info.
 
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So... Did people with non-god tier stats get in? Haha
I feel like Marian is really accepting top heavy this year. I wonder if they'll release the stats of accepted students like they did last year haha.
Kinda also interested in how full the class and waitlist are but I don't think anyone will be releasing that info.

No killer stats for me at all. I was accepted today with a 24 MCAT, 3.6 cGPA and 3.6 sGPA. I don't remember much about the actual phone conversation, but they did talk a lot about the interview itself and how I did. Honestly, I have no idea what the range of scoring was or what the final best score was (I was in disbelief, to be honest), but Bryan did mention that my averages were 6 (6-7, I think) from what I recall. Not sure what it's out of total though (again, I didn't hear much because of shock). They also had a final score? I just remember mine being above 43 out of something. Hope this helps!
 
Don't give up! I was first quartile once upon a time too 🙂 make sure to show marian how interested you are!
I just received my email saying I'm ranked in the 1st quartile today. While I would have loved an acceptance, I'm pleasantly surprised I was ranked even that high against the competition! What's your advice on how to show Marian how interested we are? I seriously love this school, and don't really want to go anywhere else as I truly felt at home here!
 
Still have yet to turn in my secondary...is it worth the application fee at this point or are there simply no spots left? 3.8GPA (s and c) with a 26 MCAT, new MCAT scores coming 2/25
 
Still have yet to turn in my secondary...is it worth the application fee at this point or are there simply no spots left? 3.8GPA (s and c) with a 26 MCAT, new MCAT scores coming 2/25

MU-COM does not interview for the alternate list. As long as we are interviewing (through April), there are seats in our class of 162. You are encouraged to submit your application.

Primary application deadline is March 1.
Supplemental application deadline is April 1.
Application materials accepted until 5 PM EDT on April 4, 2014.

Admissions
 
Quick question for all who may be able to answer.

I plan to matriculate this fall (paid deposit and such) and not sure if I'm going to run into a problem with immunizations. I'm just starting my hep b vaccine today. It's a 6 month course and will be done right around the 1st week of classes. I know it says July 15th deadline for all of those forms but this will be the only thing outstanding and even then it'll be done by or on the 1st week of classes. I'm just wondering if this will put any holds on anything because I can't do anything about this one now. Unless anyone knows of a shorter series that is out there.
 
Quick question for all who may be able to answer.

I plan to matriculate this fall (paid deposit and such) and not sure if I'm going to run into a problem with immunizations. I'm just starting my hep b vaccine today. It's a 6 month course and will be done right around the 1st week of classes. I know it says July 15th deadline for all of those forms but this will be the only thing outstanding and even then it'll be done by or on the 1st week of classes. I'm just wondering if this will put any holds on anything because I can't do anything about this one now. Unless anyone knows of a shorter series that is out there.

The Hep B vaccine is a series of three shots over 6 months. MU-COM permits you to submit your immunization form after getting the 2nd Hep B shot--then you finish the series at the appropriate time and supply the Office of Student Affairs with documentation [of the third shot].

Admissions
 
Still have yet to turn in my secondary...is it worth the application fee at this point or are there simply no spots left? 3.8GPA (s and c) with a 26 MCAT, new MCAT scores coming 2/25
I don't know what the rest of your app looks like but I had similar stats, applied late and was offered 1st quartile alternate. I feel like you have a realistic chance and should apply!!! Best of luck to you!🙂
 
The Hep B vaccine is a series of three shots over 6 months. MU-COM permits you to submit your immunization form after getting the 2nd Hep B shot--then you finish the series at the appropriate time and supply the Office of Student Affairs with documentation [of the third shot].

Admissions

Thank you!!
 
Volume 3 of the DO Series is in the portal for admitted and deposited students.

Admissions
 
Admissions,

Did the committee review the alternate list today? Very anxious! 🙂
 
I'd like to know about rotations for 3rd and 4th year students, are they in big/medium/small hospitals or community based clinics?
Also, what are the residencies affiliated with MUCOM (ex: locations and specialties)
thanks
 
Admissions,
Do you give out acceptance this cycle but defer to next cycle?
Thanks
 
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