I would agree with bionerd89's sentiments. The building itself is a bit underwhelming, but the OMM lab looked great. We also didn't get to see the anatomy lab, but the students doing our tour said it's right on par with Wayne and other IS schools. There were an abundant amound of studying areas in the building which was great to see and, realistically, you probably won't be spending too much time there outside of labs. One of my student guides estimated that maybe 25% of students went to lecture, so really, most students are streaming them either live or shortly after the lecture is complete. IMO all pre-clerkship years are about the same and this wasn't really ever going to be a deciding factor for me. Where MSUCOM blows other schools out of the water is their clerkship years with the State-wide Campus system which includes 26 core rotation sites all across MI. With ~60% of all AOA residencies located in MI, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door at many of these hospitals, which to me is much more important than a jazzy-looking building for my first two years. I will admit that the basement is a little dungeon-y though!
That study lounge is sweet! Totally forgot to mention that. I definitely plan on partaking in some "friendly" ping-pong matches!
Business-casual (if its one of the dates offered on the portal). Someone showed up in a full suit at mine, while there was another person in jeans and a button up. I suppose it varies, but I was told business-casual.
Ah congrats! Do you mind sharing if you're IS or OOS and your stats?
An advisor told me the majority of the movement happens in May so it doesn't sound like it. I was on it last yr and that's how I remember it. Are you in state or out of state?
#1... I'm trying to stay positive in thinking that the email said they wanna fill the class by February, so we still have next wk and then (I would think) most of January left to receive offers?
The EL facilities are ok. What I love is the location -- you definitely feel like you are at a university. The Macomb site was so beautiful I almost chose to go there... but then I realized how important location is. Plus I feel there are more opportunities at the EL campus since the lectures are live there and it seems there are more events. I should add, the reason the Macomb site is so great to me is the windows in all of the rooms. Fee Hall is a bit dungeon-like, but hey! It's a college campus... and it feels much nicer than even Marian in Indianapolis where I interviewed, and MU-COM's brand new! I'd say the facilities are adequate and you will be happy in EL just because it's MSU and has trees, a river, and plenty of happy students.
Boo! 🙁 Still plenty of time. The class is huge, so I think there's bound to be lots of movement until the very end. Still rooting for you.
A lot of my friends now in their 2nd or 3rd year weren't accepted until April or May. Some had been waitlisted in January. I wouldn't give up hope! Also, someone asked my one friend what her MCAT score was and she just laughed... lol That has to tell you something.
Ya stats are similar to mine as well 🙁 and i finished applying in AUGUST!
Yeah. I think it's hard to hear and believe this advice, but my PI is also a pre-med advisor and has told me countless times that things continue to move up until the bitter end of things (haha my inclination is to, pessimistically, not believe her... regardless of her years of experience). It's still early to give up hope.
Wear a button down or sweater. Do not wear a full out suit! I wouldn't even recommend wearing a tie, but definitely no tennis shoes or jeans. Also, if in doubt about what color to wear, wear navy blue. I'm actually about to email them about my tour on January 24th to see if I can bring my mom. I found it strange no one else seemed to bring anyone to the open houses I went to, but my mom came with me and everything went great and it made her happy. I'll be sure to let everyone else know what they tell me concerning bringing anyone else on the tour. The tour should include a student panel where current students talk about their experiences and give you advice. There will be a ton of opportunities to ask questions. You will see the facilities and hear from faculty members about the overall COM experience. Nothing to stress about!
I agree -- you have a fantastic application. Congratulations!
Assuming you're just finishing the first semester of your senior year, I would take the courses in your spring semester so that you're prepared to go for June if you're accepted. I'm a little confused why you would still be taking a full year of classes after your application season? I suppose this makes sense if you're a post-graduate employed full-time somewhere and a year or two doesn't make much difference.
I saw your post and did a double take. I am also taking genetics at Oakland right now. Thank goodness Dr. J doesn't look at SDN (or hopefully he doesn't). I'm really glad you said this wasn't a great experience, because I have been unimpressed and thought all online classes were like this. I live far enough away that if the snow is bad enough tomorrow, I might be able to take the final from home. If not, I'll see you tomorrow! I really hope you get offered a spot or at least an interview because based on your input here and in the class forums, I know you will blow them away!
I bombed the first semester of one of my upper science classes then 4.0d the second part the next semester and they seemed to like that improvement and then didn't care about the first class. If something was going that made you do poorly don't be afraid to tell them your excuse(s)! My 3rd time applying was when I finally said why I didn't do as well one semester and on the first MCAT (which I really should have voided) in my personal statement and then I was accepted. I did also retake the MCAT which was key for me, but an advisor will be able to tell you exactly what should get you accepted.
Lol I have been compiling the stats for a while so I thought I would show everyone else 🙂
