Michigan State University (MSUCOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

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Does MSUCOM download the letters or rec on a specific day? like one day a week? or just a bunch each day. Any insights? its my last thing before being complete! thanks!!
 
I also had 2 questions:
1) Pretty much all of my LOR are from last years cycle, though none of them or the authors were ever seen by MSUCOM since they required those eval forms. Is anyone else using letters from last year if reapplying?

2) I'm also waiting on this one prof right now and so far he's not responding to any of my emails even though we've already met about it and he enthusiastically agreed to write me one. It's killing me because I have 5 LOR just sitting in Interfolio waiting to be sent so I can become complete but I'd like at least one from this past years worth of experience.

Any opinions? If it doesn't matter when the letter were written, screw this prof, I'm sending in what I have. But if it does matter and people's letters aren't being really received anyway then I'll wait. What would you guys do if you were me?
 
Jayb82388 said:
Does MSUCOM download the letters or rec on a specific day? like one day a week? or just a bunch each day. Any insights? its my last thing before being complete! thanks!!
Click to expand...

Mine was sent in yesterday, showed up as received today
 
Jayb82388 said:
but then i wonder how long it will take to verify the letters and have your whole app as marked 'complete' you know?
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No clue, but I think we will def be ready by the time they start looking at apps
 
almirbhf said:
Speaking of which, do u know when that is ?
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When I spoke to the msucom staff like 3 weeks ago they told me first week of September but others on here claim it will start in August sometime
 
Hemorrage said:
When I spoke to the msucom staff like 3 weeks ago they told me first week of September but others on here claim it will start in August sometime
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Yeah I was under the impression it would be first Wednesday of September. I don't know where people got that it will start in August. If it does, I won't be disappointed lol 😛
 
According to last year's thread, acceptances come out 6 weeks from today! 😉
 
runawaycar09 said:
I also had 2 questions:
1) Pretty much all of my LOR are from last years cycle, though none of them or the authors were ever seen by MSUCOM since they required those eval forms. Is anyone else using letters from last year if reapplying?

2) I'm also waiting on this one prof right now and so far he's not responding to any of my emails even though we've already met about it and he enthusiastically agreed to write me one. It's killing me because I have 5 LOR just sitting in Interfolio waiting to be sent so I can become complete but I'd like at least one from this past years worth of experience.

Any opinions? If it doesn't matter when the letter were written, screw this prof, I'm sending in what I have. But if it does matter and people's letters aren't being really received anyway then I'll wait. What would you guys do if you were me?
Click to expand...



I used one letter from last year but asked the writer (my boss) to update it a bit for me. The second letter I switched out to one from a DO I shadowed in June. I think the general rule is to get one that will make you look really good, and as updated as possible.
 
I am working on completing my secondary. Does MSUCOM have a list of characteristics of professionalism? I have looked but I have not found one yet. I got a list from another medical school website. However, I just want to make sure that MSUCOM wants me to talk about certain professional characteristics that are important to them.

Thanks guys!
 
tinylilron said:
I am working on completing my secondary. Does MSUCOM have a list of characteristics of professionalism? I have looked but I have not found one yet. I got a list from another medical school website. However, I just want to make sure that MSUCOM wants me to talk about certain professional characteristics that are important to them.

Thanks guys!
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I found this if it helps :
What is a professional? Everyone has a different definition but overall it is a standing in the community you should be proud to achieve. At MSUCOM professional and personal responsibility are expected. Since we are all going to be doctors very soon, people have certain expectations of us. It is our duty as medical students to learn these expectations as we are groomed throughout medical training. Here are some of the expectations MSUCOM has for their medical students.



Behave in a responsible/professional manner – each student must demonstrate respect for others (peers, faculty, staff, patients, etc.), competence, compassion, personal/professional honesty, social responsibility, confidentiality, team-working, being on time, meeting deadlines and communicating in a professional manner. How a student behaves inside and outside the classroom reflects not only on the student but also on the College and the profession. These behaviors follow students their entire professional lives. This is a time of behavioral transition in your life and the behavior of a professional is now expected of you.
 
The point of these essays is for you to formulate your own idea of professionalism based off your shadowing experiences, etc. Copying ideas from online isn't a wise idea when most people are going to do that..
 
Hemorrage said:
The point of these essays is for you to formulate your own idea of professionalism based off your shadowing experiences, etc. Copying ideas from online isn't a wise idea when most people are going to do that..
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I completely agree with you. I found what I posted above the other day and since the person asked, I provided. Though originality is the best way to go, some people just need a bit of guidance, a rubric of sorts so they don't go in blind.
 
Hemorrage said:
The point of these essays is for you to formulate your own idea of professionalism based off your shadowing experiences, etc. Copying ideas from online isn't a wise idea when most people are going to do that..
Click to expand...
+1. Originality and honesty will make you stand out; not repeating the "right" answer everyone else is using.
 
dx9618 said:
I used one letter from last year but asked the writer (my boss) to update it a bit for me. The second letter I switched out to one from a DO I shadowed in June. I think the general rule is to get one that will make you look really good, and as updated as possible.
Click to expand...

Thanks for responding! I feel a little better about my decision.
 
Sent in the letters yesterday, secondary complete email received today. That escalated quickly haha
 
runawaycar09 said:
Sent in the letters yesterday, secondary complete email received today. That escalated quickly haha
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Looks like you're reapplying, as am I! I already knew my issue was my low mcat (like super low) but when I retook it increased by 4 points. Do you mind sharing your stats/qualifications last time you applied?
 
is the general consesus that in the 4 weeks of september, a large percentage of acceptances go out? seems like the trend from the previous threads...
 
dx9618 said:
Looks like you're reapplying, as am I! I already knew my issue was my low mcat (like super low) but when I retook it increased by 4 points. Do you mind sharing your stats/qualifications last time you applied?
Click to expand...

Yes I am reapplying! That's great news about your MCAT, that had to feel great. I talked to an advisor at msucom and she said my only really weak area was my science gpa (3.0). So she said to take 20 credit hours of upper 400-level post-bacc classes and get above a 3.5 to totally replace the old one. I got a 4.0 so now I'm at a 3.3 cum/4.0 sci/27
 
runawaycar09 said:
Yes I am reapplying! That's great news about your MCAT, that had to feel great. I talked to an advisor at msucom and she said my only really weak area was my science gpa (3.0). So she said to take 20 credit hours of upper 400-level post-bacc classes and get above a 3.5 to totally replace the old one. I got a 4.0 so now I'm at a 3.3 cum/4.0 sci/27
Click to expand...


Thats great! Wish you luck. I really want to go here! Its my number 1 pick.
 
runawaycar09 said:
Yes I am reapplying! That's great news about your MCAT, that had to feel great. I talked to an advisor at msucom and she said my only really weak area was my science gpa (3.0). So she said to take 20 credit hours of upper 400-level post-bacc classes and get above a 3.5 to totally replace the old one. I got a 4.0 so now I'm at a 3.3 cum/4.0 sci/27
Click to expand...

All of them have to be 400 level, or are 300 level okay too? It's kind of hard to get that many 400 level classes..and considering most 300 and 400 level classes are at the same difficulty?
 
The question on the secondary asking about how you plan to utilize your approach to leadership throughout medical school....are they wanting to know how you'll be a leader among other medical students....or are they wanting to know how you'll be a good leader in a medical setting, with a medical team ??

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
So I suppose this additional info section is a free for all... I am a non-trad. I graduated in undergrad in 2007 with a degree in Biochem. I have spend the last 5 years doing research and 1 year I was working as a waitress to pay the bills as I was unable to find a clinical research position at that time. Is this the type of thing that I should explain in the additional information section? Does anyone know of a good source that I can use to help me write about awkward situations? I feel like my financial struggles makes me uniquely sensitive and compassionate towards people with lower incomes and struggles, etc.

I see many of you are talking about your high school experiences. I was trained and certified as a life guard and medical response technician for my volunteer community ambulance. I also volunteered in organizations to help socio-economically disadvantaged minorities attain housing and job skills but this was in like 1999-2003, so long ago. Would the medical school even care?
 
tinylilron said:
So I suppose this additional info section is a free for all... I am a non-trad. I graduated in undergrad in 2007 with a degree in Biochem. I have spend the last 5 years doing research and 1 year I was working as a waitress to pay the bills as I was unable to find a clinical research position at that time. Is this the type of thing that I should explain in the additional information section? Does anyone know of a good source that I can use to help me write about awkward situations? I feel like my financial struggles makes me uniquely sensitive and compassionate towards people with lower incomes and struggles, etc.

I see many of you are talking about your high school experiences. I was trained and certified as a life guard and medical response technician for my volunteer community ambulance. I also volunteered in organizations to help socio-economically disadvantaged minorities attain housing and job skills but this was in like 1999-2003, so long ago. Would the medical school even care?
Click to expand...
Yes, if they were volunteer positions.
 
I had a dismally low MCAT score, one section is below there screening. My gpas are both 3.35. I'm a non trad and literally have thousands of EC/work experiences/shadowing hours.

Should I retake in September or scrap it until next year?

MSUCOM is my number 1 school. Just was going through some personal stuff that affected my studying. Such is life.

I'm a female URM and MI res. did my grad at MSU 🙂
 
HipChick said:
I had a dismally low MCAT score, one section is below there screening. My gpas are both 3.35. I'm a non trad and literally have thousands of EC/work experiences/shadowing hours.

Should I retake in September or scrap it until next year?

MSUCOM is my number 1 school. Just was going through some personal stuff that affected my studying. Such is life.

I'm a female URM and MI res. did my grad at MSU 🙂
Click to expand...

If you already applied this year and think you can significantly improve your score take it in September. If you are not going to improve your score significantly, I would scrap it and retake it in November (I think they may offer it then... but I need someone to confirm this) or January... UNECOM accepts January scores... I say this because if you retake your MCAT too many times and/or don't improve between MCATs it looks bad to medical schools...

I am thinking about retaking in September... I got a 27 and I would really like a 30+ to be more competitive at some schools that I am interested in... I wish they offered it in late September the last time AAMC offers it is sept 11th... :-/ I don't feel like it is enough time... but I will try... i plan to continue to study so if I dont get something good this year... I will retake early next year and get an awesome score... so my MCATs will never be an issue again... 🙂

I am also a URM... I hope it all works out for you... what are your weaknesses?
 
tinylilron said:
If you already applied this year and think you can significantly improve your score take it in September. If you are not going to improve your score significantly, I would scrap it and retake it in November (I think they may offer it then... but I need someone to confirm this) or January... UNECOM accepts January scores... I say this because if you retake your MCAT too many times and/or don't improve between MCATs it looks bad to medical schools...

I am thinking about retaking in September... I got a 27 and I would really like a 30+ to be more competitive at some schools that I am interested in... I wish they offered it in late September the last time AAMC offers it is sept 11th... :-/ I don't feel like it is enough time... but I will try... i plan to continue to study so if I dont get something good this year... I will retake early next year and get an awesome score... so my MCATs will never be an issue again... 🙂

I am also a URM... I hope it all works out for you... what are your weaknesses?
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Ill message you so not to clutter the post. Sparty on my friends!
 
I wonder how they review the "complete" applications. If they take a batch of those that were complete first and then review and accept them on that first week in september? Anyone know they process of reviewing complete application and how completing the secondary early correlates with matriculation?
 
Jayb82388 said:
I wonder how they review the "complete" applications. If they take a batch of those that were complete first and then review and accept them on that first week in september? Anyone know they process of reviewing complete application and how completing the secondary early correlates with matriculation?
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From what i understand the OOS and IS apps are separated and the OOS is reviewed first. In what order? I have no clue because apparently this year they aren't sorting based on MCAT/GPA like they did in previous years
 
Wait what
I thought oos are reviewed later than in state. Hence why oos II is later

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk 2
 
ChineseKid said:
Wait what
I thought oos are reviewed later than in state. Hence why oos II is later

Sent from my SGH-T889V using Tapatalk 2
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+1 on review of IS vs OOS. However, MSUCOM stopped doing II a few years back with the exception for individuals they are on the fence for.

So it's either an accept, wait list, or rejection.
 
I'm now in the wait too though I'm taking the MCAT in September. GPA in the 3.8s, have the normal amount of volunteer hours, went to Michigan State. This school is my top choice.

Good luck to everyone.
 
Does anybody know how MSUCOM plans on determining which applicants they will consider first? I understand it is rolling admissions, but by the time they begin (hopefully in August) they will already have a good amount of applications. So, how will they determine the order? I'm pretty sure they don't just close their eyes and choose a file to evaluate.
 
MIDOHopeful said:
Does anybody know how MSUCOM plans on determining which applicants they will consider first? I understand it is rolling admissions, but by the time they begin (hopefully in August) they will already have a good amount of applications. So, how will they determine the order? I'm pretty sure they don't just close their eyes and choose a file to evaluate.
Click to expand...

Last year their admissions staff said they have a formula that produces a score. Its based on MCAT GPA and hours of volunteer. That score determines the order your file is reviewed.
 
Yehoshua24 said:
Last year their admissions staff said they have a formula that produces a score. Its based on MCAT GPA and hours of volunteer. That score determines the order your file is reviewed.
Click to expand...

Do you know if it will be the same thing this year?

Also, are GPA, MCAT and volunteer hours each weighed the same?

I read somewhere that GPA = 40%, Volunteer = 40% and MCAT = 20%
 
MIDOHopeful said:
Do you know if it will be the same thing this year?

Also, are GPA, MCAT and volunteer hours each weighed the same?

I read somewhere that GPA = 40%, Volunteer = 40% and MCAT = 20%
Click to expand...

I really hope that is how they weigh things.
 
I'm far behind the rest of you in the process, but I have a question for someone about prerequisites:

Do you think health & wellness counts as a "behavioral science" prereq? I'm a nontrad a few years out of graduate school, so it's not very feasible to another class on at this point. I have more than enough credits in the rest of the categories. 3.77 GPA undergrad with a M.S., 25 MCAT.

Thanks all.
 
Last edited:
Elevencents said:
Deal 😉
Click to expand...
There is no "formula" or "alogrithm" this year...each application will be seen by a commitee member. So as far as who gets reviewed first? im not sure, logically it would seem those who submitted secondaries earlier...?
 
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