Michigan State University (MSUCOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

BU Medical Sciences
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StudyShy said:
I know someone who I worked with last year got accepted to the Macomb campus a week before school started! 🙂
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I've talked to people with similar experiences, with two days prior being the closest. That would be a great problem to have! From a less stressful perspective, I've already seen people on SDN this year who have paid deposits and then withdrawn their seats based on multiple acceptances they received after putting their money down.
 
EODWalt said:
I've talked to people with similar experiences, with two days prior being the closest. That would be a great problem to have! From a less stressful perspective, I've already seen people on SDN this year who have paid deposits and then withdrawn their seats based on multiple acceptances they received after putting their money down.
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That is a LOT of money to just throw down for nothing isn't it though? For MSUCOM at least isn't it like 2K for the deposit? Not at all denying the validity of what you're saying, I'm positive people do it, just definitely am not that personally financially comfortable haha
 
runawaycar09 said:
That is a LOT of money to just throw down for nothing isn't it though? For MSUCOM at least isn't it like 2K for the deposit? Not at all denying the validity of what you're saying, I'm positive people do it, just definitely am not that personally financially comfortable haha
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It is a lot of money, but think of it this way. If MSUCOM is my first acceptance, I'd take it a) because it's a great school and b) because you can never count on getting more offers. Now, I live in Oregon and there are two great schools here as well. If accepted to one of them, it would save me moving my family halfway across the country, first and last months rent, security deposits, 4 yrs worth of airfare for my wife and kids to fly home and visit family, so no, $2K isn't that expensive.
 
Even if there are 150 paid deposits (half the class) that still means there is a long way to go. I know typically COM fills their class by early december but it feels different this year and the numbers agree...as there are only max 150 deposits paid so stay POSITIVE! As for the deposit the first one (due december 15ish) is 1050.00 dollars and i think their is a second deposit due in the spring of 2000=3000 total.
 
Jayb82388 said:
Even if there are 150 paid deposits (half the class) that still means there is a long way to go. I know typically COM fills their class by early december but it feels different this year and the numbers agree...as there are only max 150 deposits paid so stay POSITIVE! As for the deposit the first one (due december 15ish) is 1050.00 dollars and i think their is a second deposit due in the spring of 2000=3000 total.
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Yeah to a college kid with no dead weight to tie you down anywhere (family), that is a lot of money. I'm glad everything's relative though so that's not everyone's situation! Good news
 
Since when do they do that? I know people who have been accepted in spring (not off waitlist) and even my professor's son was accepted a couple of days before orientation.
 
shinobiz-you are correct, but that is not "typical", sure a few spots open up at the last minute but typically the class is mostly full by early december as indicated on their website.
 
Jayb82388 said:
Even if there are 150 paid deposits (half the class) that still means there is a long way to go. I know typically COM fills their class by early december but it feels different this year and the numbers agree...as there are only max 150 deposits paid so stay POSITIVE! As for the deposit the first one (due december 15ish) is 1050.00 dollars and i think their is a second deposit due in the spring of 2000=3000 total.
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I've never heard of this second deposit? I feel like it would say that there was a second deposit somewhere since I have read everything I was supposed to do before matriculating. Where did you hear about this?
 
lysine9740 said:
I've never heard of this second deposit? I feel like it would say that there was a second deposit somewhere since I have read everything I was supposed to do before matriculating. Where did you hear about this?
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I thought that the deposit was 1050 too.
 
almirbhf said:
Anyone know by chance when the next open house dates are for visiting ?
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I think that there will be an open house in the spring in Lansing, but don't quote me on it! 🙂
 
Hello all!

I have a pretty serious question because this whole re-application cycle, not hearing back, and working hard but nothing working out is really playing on my morale/self-esteem. Do any of you have back up career options if medical school does not work out? If you don't mind me asking, what are they? I decided to pursue a MS in biology to raise my science GPA, but as we all know, an MS in Biology isn't going to do much for me unless I want to be a teacher. I also worked/still work part-time as a clinical trial monitor, but I don't think I want to do that for the rest of my life. I literally can't think of anything else but medical school..... sigh.
 
yeah sorry i mis-spoke i think its just the 1050....which is great that its not more! sorry about that
 
StudyShy said:
I know someone who I worked with last year got accepted to the Macomb campus a week before school started! 🙂
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^^^ This is very true! I have someone I'm VERY close to (aka in my immediate family) who was accepted off the wait list roughly a week before orientation. Although n=1 here, it still goes to show, don't give up hope! 🙂
 
raidergoblue said:
Hello all!

I have a pretty serious question because this whole re-application cycle, not hearing back, and working hard but nothing working out is really playing on my morale/self-esteem. Do any of you have back up career options if medical school does not work out? If you don't mind me asking, what are they? I decided to pursue a MS in biology to raise my science GPA, but as we all know, an MS in Biology isn't going to do much for me unless I want to be a teacher. I also worked/still work part-time as a clinical trial monitor, but I don't think I want to do that for the rest of my life. I literally can't think of anything else but medical school..... sigh.
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I just applied to Erie's post bacc for 2014. It would guarantee acceptance if I maintain GPA >3.0 with a MCAT 23 or greater.
 
raidergoblue said:
Hello all!

I have a pretty serious question because this whole re-application cycle, not hearing back, and working hard but nothing working out is really playing on my morale/self-esteem. Do any of you have back up career options if medical school does not work out? If you don't mind me asking, what are they? I decided to pursue a MS in biology to raise my science GPA, but as we all know, an MS in Biology isn't going to do much for me unless I want to be a teacher. I also worked/still work part-time as a clinical trial monitor, but I don't think I want to do that for the rest of my life. I literally can't think of anything else but medical school..... sigh.
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Hey Raider -- good question... and something I'm trying to figure out myself. I am currently also applying for MPH programs (better for a career but not great for bettering med school chances) and a MBS program (master's in biomedical sciences; perfect for bettering med school chances but worse for a career). It's tough. I'm just trying not to take the rejections personally, because I don't want to be forever turned off by med school. I thought my 3 hard years of productive research after undergrad would help... but even with a good MCAT... not so much. Basically, let me know if you have an epiphany. 😉
 
raidergoblue said:
Hello all!

I have a pretty serious question because this whole re-application cycle, not hearing back, and working hard but nothing working out is really playing on my morale/self-esteem. Do any of you have back up career options if medical school does not work out? If you don't mind me asking, what are they? I decided to pursue a MS in biology to raise my science GPA, but as we all know, an MS in Biology isn't going to do much for me unless I want to be a teacher. I also worked/still work part-time as a clinical trial monitor, but I don't think I want to do that for the rest of my life. I literally can't think of anything else but medical school..... sigh.
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I'm very sorry for your current predicament. This whole process can be very taxing and disheartening. While I don't have alternative career plans, per say, I have plans to improve my credentials if things don't work out this year.

I'm not sure what your particular situation is, but if there's one thing I can tell you, it would be to not give up. As a first time applicant, I can't necessarily relate to what you're going through, but I think it's important to take a step back and look at how far you've come. Honestly, you should be proud of your accomplishments, as so much as even applying to medical school is a huge accomplishment in itself, let alone pursuing a masters degree in biology.

If medical school is what you truly want, then don't let that dream go. I believe that hard work and persistence pays off. At this point, I think you need to look within yourself for motivation and strength to do everything you can to give yourself the best possible chance for acceptance somewhere. After all of your hard work, you at least owe that to yourself. Send updates to schools that allow them; inquire about your application credentials at schools to which you've been rejected; maintain good grades in your MS program; find out if there's a red flag hindering your application; consider looking into a program like StudyShy mentioned, as a handful of schools offer such programs; etc. This is all under the assumption that medical school is what you want, and if that's still the case, I can't really justify recommending alternative careers. If you're having second thoughts due to a change in personal interests, then that's obviously a different story.

I hope things work out for you and I sincerely wish you the best of luck!
 
DrOneDay7 said:
I'm very sorry for your current predicament. This whole process can be very taxing and disheartening. While I don't have alternative career plans, per say, I have plans to improve my credentials if things don't work out this year.

I'm not sure what your particular situation is, but if there's one thing I can tell you, it would be to not give up. As a first time applicant, I can't necessarily relate to what you're going through, but I think it's important to take a step back and look at how far you've come. Honestly, you should be proud of your accomplishments, as so much as even applying to medical school is a huge accomplishment in itself, let alone pursuing a masters degree in biology.

If medical school is what you truly want, then don't let that dream go. I believe that hard work and persistence pays off. At this point, I think you need to look within yourself for motivation and strength to do everything you can to give yourself the best possible chance for acceptance somewhere. After all of your hard work, you at least owe that to yourself. Send updates to schools that allow them; inquire about your application credentials at schools to which you've been rejected; maintain good grades in your MS program; find out if there's a red flag hindering your application; consider looking into a program like StudyShy mentioned, as a handful of schools offer such programs; etc. This is all under the assumption that medical school is what you want, and if that's still the case, I can't really justify recommending alternative careers. If you're having second thoughts due to a change in personal interests, then that's obviously a different story.

I hope things work out for you and I sincerely wish you the best of luck!
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Thank you so much for the motivation! It indeed is a taxing process. My only predicament is that I'm 24, and if I don't get in this year, then I won't be starting medical school until i'm 26. My current boyfriend of five years is already a resident. By the time I'm done with school and residency, we will be just so far apart in our careers, and with getting married and starting a family, it will just be that much more difficult. But that doesn't mean that I can't do what I want to do.

I have a 4.0 currently with my masters (12 credits so far), a 3.5 post bacc, and a not so hot undergrad science gpa. My MCAT score is a 26, so I know I can work on that. Do you think taking the MCAT in January will help with this current application cycle (especially if I get waitlisted somewhere)?
 
raidergoblue said:
Thank you so much for the motivation! It indeed is a taxing process. My only predicament is that I'm 24, and if I don't get in this year, then I won't be starting medical school until i'm 26. My current boyfriend of five years is already a resident. By the time I'm done with school and residency, we will be just so far apart in our careers, and with getting married and starting a family, it will just be that much more difficult. But that doesn't mean that I can't do what I want to do.

I have a 4.0 currently with my masters (12 credits so far), a 3.5 post bacc, and a not so hot undergrad science gpa. My MCAT score is a 26, so I know I can work on that. Do you think taking the MCAT in January will help with this current application cycle (especially if I get waitlisted somewhere)?
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I would also say never, ever, ever give up 🙂 but as a backup plan to keep yourself busy, perhaps PA (physician assistant) school? I had looked into that a fair amount and it's more than an extremely valuable career on its own and would also greatly increase your credentials for one day going to med school. Also I shadowed a doctor who had 3 of her 5 kids while in residency, which sounded like craziness but it can be done. You can do it 🙂
 
Are there any first year or second year students on this thread who could answer a question or two?
 
I just got an ii...did anyone else get one? I didn't think they gave out ii
 
asquared89 said:
you just got one today!? What are your stats if you don't mind me asking?
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3.6 cgpa, 3.7 sgpa, 29 , OOS

Yeah I just got one today, I was pretty surprised cause I didn't think they would give out ii...I haven't heard of other people talking about their interviews so I'm not even sure what to expect
 
bionerd89 said:
3.6 cgpa, 3.7 sgpa, 29 , OOS

Yeah I just got one today, I was pretty surprised cause I didn't think they would give out ii...I haven't heard of other people talking about their interviews so I'm not even sure what to expect
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Congrats! That's awesome, when were you complete?
 
raidergoblue said:
Thank you so much for the motivation! It indeed is a taxing process. My only predicament is that I'm 24, and if I don't get in this year, then I won't be starting medical school until i'm 26. My current boyfriend of five years is already a resident. By the time I'm done with school and residency, we will be just so far apart in our careers, and with getting married and starting a family, it will just be that much more difficult. But that doesn't mean that I can't do what I want to do.

I have a 4.0 currently with my masters (12 credits so far), a 3.5 post bacc, and a not so hot undergrad science gpa. My MCAT score is a 26, so I know I can work on that. Do you think taking the MCAT in January will help with this current application cycle (especially if I get waitlisted somewhere)?
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You and I are very similar - I have a boyfriend of 7 years who I started dating in high school, and he already started his full-time, very successful career fresh out of undergrad this past spring. His field isn't related to medicine, but I can still relate to that feeling of being at totally different positions in our life and wanting to start a family soon. It's a very tough situation, but 24 is still SO young (I just turned 24, so I at least like to think I'm still young lol) and so is 26, so I don't think you should let that stop you!

It sounds like you have solid stats numbers-wise. A 3.5 post-bacc is really good and your current 4.0 in your masters program is amazing! I would try to update schools as soon as your next grades come in. In all honesty, I feel that a 26 is respectable as long as it's relatively balanced (no sub score < 8) and should be high enough for serious consideration at many D.O. schools. I scored a 26 (PS/VR/BS - 10/8/8). When you applied last year, did schools tell you your MCAT was the reason why they rejected you? If you're set on retaking and positive you can substantially improve, then retaking in January could help you out at some schools, although I know MSUCOM doesn't accept January MCATs.

It could be very possible that your undergrad gpa is holding you back more than your MCAT. If that's the case, I would guess that schools might be waiting to see if you keep up your gpa in your masters program since you've only got 12 credits under your belt so far. If I were in your position, I think I'd focus all of my efforts on maintaining my masters gpa rather than risk spreading myself too thin by studying for a MCAT retake + taking classes.

There's also a lot of other very important factors besides your numbers that can make or break you. How do your ECs look? Do you have a well-rounded list of activities (medical/non-medical volunteer work, shadowing, involvement in a club/organization, etc.)? Did you apply relatively early? How many schools have you applied to, and does your school list consist of a few new safety-schools, which tend to accept applicants with lower stats (~24 MCAT/~3.3ish gpa)?
 
I'm loving all the positive hype - a lot different from the usual SDN negativity/neuroticism that really defeats the purpose of these forums. If you ask, there are plenty of docs who have that story of perseverance and commitment. So I definitely agree, keep your head up and re-evaluate why you want to be a doctor. If those reasons light a fire in your belly, KEEP IT UP!! You can do it! As a 3x MCAT taker, it is exciting to finally be hearing back from schools even though a lot of SDNers claimed "what?! more than one MCAT?! Go home." I'm really sick of it. So that's why I love to hear people's honesty, frustration, struggles and victories. We're in this together.

The best advice I got after rejection from last year: Always always always look to improve your application!! GPA/MCAT help with that cut-off, but I had someone look over my personal statement and realize it needed some serious help. Also, look at the schools BEFORE you apply. I simply applied to six schools last year (another weakness; i cranked it up to 18 schools this year!) and kind of copy/pasted answers. Instead, look at what the schools want. What are the core characteristics they're looking for? What do they value? What experiences do they want to see?

Granted, I'm only riding on three interviews right now, but really - I want to pass on the torch that was given to me and really made me pumped to keep applying until I got in. Not to say, several peers realized they DIDNT want to do medical school through rejections and LOVE what they are doing now. But not for me. If you want it bad, dooooooooooon't stop. belieeeeeevin' (hold on to that feeeeeeeliiiiiiiin!)
 
SDN isn't totally terrible. There are a lot of great people and good advice on it. I agree. Don't give up. There are many paths to becoming a doctor. 🙂

That's interesting about the interview. I know that they do interview some, and I think that I've only heard of one person who has gone for an interview. Good luck!!!! 🙂
 
StudyShy said:
SDN isn't totally terrible. There are a lot of great people and good advice on it. I agree. Don't give up. There are many paths to becoming a doctor. 🙂

That's interesting about the interview. I know that they do interview some, and I think that I've only heard of one person who has gone for an interview. Good luck!!!! 🙂
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Thanks..I just spent so much money on hotel and flight this morning..hopefully its worth it in the end...good luck to you too..hope you get the call soon.
 
bionerd89 said:
Thanks..I just spent so much money on hotel and flight this morning..hopefully its worth it in the end...good luck to you too..hope you get the call soon.
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I think that your chances are pretty good. It is such an expensive process! That's why reapplying is such a drag, lol! What date are you going to be in Michigan?
 
Hi all,

I am having a phone advising appointment with Lorie tomorrow. Has anyone done something like that? Do you know what you can find out from them? I am basically trying to see where I stand as an applicant this year regarding my stats and my EC, do you think it is reasonable to ask them those questions?

Thank you!
 
raymond33 said:
Hi all,

I am having a phone advising appointment with Lorie tomorrow. Has anyone done something like that? Do you know what you can find out from them? I am basically trying to see where I stand as an applicant this year regarding my stats and my EC, do you think it is reasonable to ask them those questions?

Thank you!
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Those are very reasonable questions. I had a phone appointment with MSUCOM too. They were very professional, but didn't really tell me anything other than what I could of read from their website. The lady I spoke to even communicated with me for a half hour. I felt like she actually cared.
 
prowd2beloud147 said:
Those are very reasonable questions. I had a phone appointment with MSUCOM too. They were very professional, but didn't really tell me anything other than what I could of read from their website. The lady I spoke to even communicated with me for a half hour. I felt like she actually cared.
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Based on my observations of my family member's experience (M2 at MSUCOM), it's pretty amazing how much they truly do care about all of their students.
 
I also just got an interview invite. I'm schedule for this Thursday (11/21) at 9:30am. I'm curious what it'll be about, although I have a hunch it's about the fact that I never took Genetics because I just recently found out it was a requirement.

I'll let ya'll know how it goes/what the point of the interviews are for them.

My stats are: 3.4, 3.6s, 33 and I was complete 8/31, IS
 
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HabisY said:
I also just got an interview invite. I'm schedule for this Thursday (11/21) at 9:30am. I'm curious what it'll be about, although I have a hunch it's about the fact that I never took Genetics because I just recently found out it was a requirement.

I'll let ya'll know how it goes/what the point of the interviews are for them.

My stats are: 3.4, 3.6s, 34 and I was complete 8/31, IS
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Cool thanks..I'm surprised they didn't just accept you since your stats are so good...a least your lucky that your IS so you won't have to travel too far for the interview..good luck!
 
quick question...
does anyone know if the acceptance would clearly state if it was a conditional acceptance? I was worried about whether my Genetics and Cell class covered the Genetics prereq but there was no mention of conditional acceptance so should I just assume that all my prereqs are covered? or look into it some more?
thanks
 
canadian1234567 said:
quick question...
does anyone know if the acceptance would clearly state if it was a conditional acceptance? I was worried about whether my Genetics and Cell class covered the Genetics prereq but there was no mention of conditional acceptance so should I just assume that all my prereqs are covered? or look into it some more?
thanks
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So you have been accepted? Congrats! Hope there are still some Canadian spots left.
 
Just got off the phone with Lorie, Canadians should expect to hearing from them before February (from last year's trend). Other than that, didnt get much off her regarding the admission process. Lorie was very helping looking at my status and seeing if I am missing any requirement. She told me there is nothing for me to do now except to sit tight and wait sighhhh!
 
raymond33 said:
Just got off the phone with Lorie, Canadians should expect to hearing from them before February (from last year's trend). Other than that, didnt get much off her regarding the admission process. Lorie was very helping looking at my status and seeing if I am missing any requirement. She told me there is nothing for me to do now except to sit tight and wait sighhhh!
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Didn't know that they had Canadian acceptances up until Feb. last year. Interesting... I'll be sittin tight too. Thanks for the info!
 
canadian1234567 said:
quick question...
does anyone know if the acceptance would clearly state if it was a conditional acceptance? I was worried about whether my Genetics and Cell class covered the Genetics prereq but there was no mention of conditional acceptance so should I just assume that all my prereqs are covered? or look into it some more?
thanks
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Matriculation is conditional upon all prerequisite coursework, etc, completion at a satisfactory level before Classes start on day 1. Do not assume anything if there is any question as to whether or not your Genetics and Cell course meets their requirements. If the course does not meet their requirements, you have the Spring semester to get all ducks in a row.


Vaccinations, background checks, etc also must be complete before the start of classes.
 
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Is anyone else going to the tour in East Lansing this Friday? I'll be there

Anyone know what the dress code is for the tours?
 
aharddaysnight said:
So you have been accepted? Congrats! Hope there are still some Canadian spots left.
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Yea I did thanks! I'm sure there are and will be more opening up especially once may rolls around...

jjk32 said:
Matriculation is conditional upon all prerequisite coursework, etc, completion at a satisfactory level before Classes start on day 1. Do not assume anything if there is any question as to whether or not your Genetics and Cell course meets their requirements. If the course does not meet their requirements, you have the Spring semester to get all ducks in a row.


Vaccinations, background checks, etc also must be complete before the start of classes.
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Thanks I just talked to them and they said I was all completed so no worries here.
 
almostkorean said:
Is anyone else going to the tour in East Lansing this Friday? I'll be there

Anyone know what the dress code is for the tours?
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I went to the first EL tour back in Oct. I wore dress shirt, khakis, and dress shoes. That's the most dressed up I saw. People where in jeans and T shirts as well. I also saw people in shorts and T shirt. So I guess there wasn't a requirement. But since there are admissions committee people, dean of admissions, and med students. Dressing kind of nice is probably a good idea.
 
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