Michigan State University (MSUCOM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
I was wait listed in January and I'm still waiting and hoping. All of my other 18 applications where rejected with no interviews. 🙁 I'm hopeful but planning on not getting in. I know they said about half of the wait list moves.

Do you have some kind of red flag on your application?

I am also in the stage of restudying for the MCAT and planning what classes I want to take in the fall to make me a better applicant. I was accepted to other schools, but I need to try for a school closer to home that is better for my family. This has been hard because I originally intended for this time right now to be used to finish up my master's thesis. Thesis plus full time work, family, MCAT, and taking science courses would be too much IMO.

I went to visit day back in April with my husband, and it was pretty cool. My husband also really liked the school which is huge, and he liked being able to see the other students who talked openly about what is like to be a medical student. The presenters were informative and well-spoken. The dean said that the top 20 on the WL would be offered spots for next year's class. Last year, the offers for next year's class started showing up on SDN around May 1st and everyone who got an offer for next year's class who posted on SDN did eventually get accepted into school that very summer and did not have to wait. Applicants are ranked on a scale from 1-10 at the time of when their application is reviewed by the committee. I can't remember now if 1 is good or if 10 is good. I believe that it was also mentioned that there are typically 150 applicants on the waiting list. It would be helpful to know if we are in the bottom or the top half so that we could make better decisions about how to currently spend our time. For instance if I knew that I would be accepted for next year's class, I would focus my efforts on my thesis and building up my biological sciences knowledge instead of delaying my thesis and studying for an MCAT retake since all applicants must substantially improve their application in some way.

Good luck to everyone on the WL. May the odds forever be in your favor! 😉
 
Last edited:
Do you have some kind of red flag on your application?

I am also in the stage of restudying for the MCAT and planning what classes I want to take in the fall to make me a better applicant. I was accepted to other schools, but I need to try for a school closer to home that is better for my family. This has been hard because I originally intended for this time right now to be used to finish up my master's thesis. Thesis plus full time work, family, MCAT, and taking science courses would be too much IMO.

I went to visit day back in April with my husband, and it was pretty cool. My husband also really liked the school which is huge, and he liked being able to see the other students who talked openly about what is like to be a medical student. The presenters were informative and well-spoken. The dean said that the top 20 on the WL would be offered spots for next year's class. Last year, the offers for next year's class started showing up on SDN around May 1st and everyone who got an offer for next year's class who posted on SDN did eventually get accepted into school that very fall and did not have to wait. Applicants are ranked on a scale from 1-10 at the time of when their application is reviewed by the committee. I can't remember now if 1 is good or if 10 is good. I believe that it was also mentioned that there are typically 150 applicants on the waiting list. It would be helpful to know if we are in the bottom or the top half so that we could make better decisions about how to currently spend our time. For instance if I knew that I would be accepted for next year's class, I would focus my efforts on my thesis and building up my biological sciences knowledge instead of delaying my thesis and studying for an MCAT retake since all applicants must substantially improve their application in some way.

Good luck to everyone on the WL. May the odds forever be in your favor! 😉

If you don't mind me asking, did you get placed on the WL?
 
Ah, I wish you the best of luck and hope you get in!

Hopefully in a few weeks you will be talking about starting med school.

Thank you very much! It would be a big relief for me and my husband. <3
 
Thank you very much! It would be a big relief for me and my husband. <3

I am rooting for you Study Shy 🙂

I'm on the wait list too, but was just added in April. Let's all just stay positive. There is still a reasonable chance of admission off the wait-list to MSU this cycle 🙂
 
Do you have some kind of red flag on your application?

Yes the biggest eyesore was that my BA GPA was 2.3. Since then I've done unofficial post-bac work and I 'm now two semesters into a MS in Pharmacology, all while working full time with a family. I've done well in those but it's near impossible to erase that 2.3.

I retook my MCAT first time was a 26, second was a 31. I know my MCAT is what help put me on the wait list.
 
I have been wait listed since December. My stats are 3.83cGPA, 3.71sGPA, 25MCAT. Hoping the wait list starts moving soon. I went to the East Lansing tour in April and they said that the top 20 people who don't get off the wait list for this year will automatically be accepted for the year after.
 
Last edited:
^Why didn't you retake the MCAT? with those stats you could have gotten into a lot of other DO and MD schools!
 
Yes the biggest eyesore was that my BA GPA was 2.3. Since then I've done unofficial post-bac work and I 'm now two semesters into a MS in Pharmacology, all while working full time with a family. I've done well in those but it's near impossible to erase that 2.3.

I retook my MCAT first time was a 26, second was a 31. I know my MCAT is what help put me on the wait list.

You definitely killed the MCAT. I admire your dedication. If not this year, maybe next year we will both get in? 🙂
 
I am rooting for you Study Shy 🙂

I'm on the wait list too, but was just added in April. Let's all just stay positive. There is still a reasonable chance of admission off the wait-list to MSU this cycle 🙂

I think that you have similar volunteer and patient hours compared to what I have. 🙂
 
^Why didn't you retake the MCAT? with those stats you could have gotten into a lot of other DO and MD schools!

Last year, these stats seemed like they were good enough. This year is a totally different story. 🙂
 
You definitely killed the MCAT. I admire your dedication. If not this year, maybe next year we will both get in? 🙂

Thanks. I hope so. I'm debating spending money on the next aacomas. I don't want to be a few weeks behind if I wait but I also don't want to waste money on the chance I get that last minute call.
 
Does anyone know if there is any way to qualify for in state tuition (maybe after one year or whatever) being an out of state resident? $80,000 for tuition is a hefty price.
 
Thanks. I hope so. I'm debating spending money on the next aacomas. I don't want to be a few weeks behind if I wait but I also don't want to waste money on the chance I get that last minute call.

I hear you, especially considering I would like to spend the money on something nice for my family as you would probably. I'm in the middle right now of updating AACOMAS for this upcoming cycle so I have it taken care of and can focus on the MCAT since I don't want to be late if it comes to that. It's painful to do this process again especially when out of state schools were willing to accept me (which my family situation doesn't allow me to attend currently) and I'm in limbo with our state school.

Good news is, I have found three courses already with A's that were not on my old AACOMAS (they were taken off during verification apparently according to the copies that I printed off. So two graduate courses and a science course. I can sort of see why AACOMAS took one of the grad courses off because the course name and number was very similar to another course (500 and 501, Historical Research and Historiography respectively), but they are very separate courses. Another course was ironically named "The Enlightenment." I was also missing a microbiology course which could have my fault since I have well over 200 credit hours. Can I say bling bling GPA?! Maybe other people will find good news too. 🙂
 
Does anyone know if there is any way to qualify for in state tuition (maybe after one year or whatever) being an out of state resident? $80,000 for tuition is a hefty price.

Sorry, don't think so... 🙁 From the "Financial Aid Newsletter":

Q3. I’m an out-of-state student. Will I be reconsidered as an in-state student after living in Michigan for a year?

A3. No. For more information regarding residency contract the Registrar’s Office at PH: 517/355-3300 and read information at :
http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Notices/Residency.asp
 
Sorry, don't think so... 🙁 From the "Financial Aid Newsletter":

Q3. I’m an out-of-state student. Will I be reconsidered as an in-state student after living in Michigan for a year?

A3. No. For more information regarding residency contract the Registrar’s Office at PH: 517/355-3300 and read information at :
http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Notices/Residency.asp
Wow, they really do make it hard to establish residency. Paying Michigan state income tax isn't even considered proof! haha.
 
Does anyone know if there is any way to qualify for in state tuition (maybe after one year or whatever) being an out of state resident? $80,000 for tuition is a hefty price.

As a future OOS student, I know that it is super hard to get IS tuition. The most plausible way is for you to defer for a year and work full time in Michigan .
 
As a future OOS student, I know that it is super hard to get IS tuition. The most plausible way is for you to defer for a year and work full time in Michigan .
Yep, that's my understanding. It's also important that you don't spend that year as a full-time student, since part of their residency stipulations state that your residency is "temporary" if you're a student.

It sure makes that a valuable year when you consider the ~$144,000 tuition disparity! 😱
 
As a future OOS student, I know that it is super hard to get IS tuition. The most plausible way is for you to defer for a year and work full time in Michigan .

I think it is a great school and would love to go (if accepted) but $80,000 isn't going to happen. Even working full time in Michigan for a year doesn't seem to qualify you for residency. I guess one year employment isn't temporary, so it might work and I hope it does for you! I guess it depends on how lenient they are.
 
I think it is a great school and would love to go (if accepted) but $80,000 isn't going to happen. Even working full time in Michigan for a year doesn't seem to qualify you for residency. I guess one year employment isn't temporary, so it might work and I hope it does for you! I guess it depends on how lenient they are.

Yea, working full time in Michigan for a year does qualify you for IS residency. This is what the financial adviser told me. I think you should just focus on applying and see what happens. I didn't think I would be able to attend due to the tuition but everything worked out in the end. Good Luck
 
Yea, working full time in Michigan for a year does qualify you for IS residency. This is what the financial adviser told me. I think you should just focus on applying and see what happens. I didn't think I would be able to attend due to the tuition but everything worked out in the end. Good Luck

Ok great! Congrats to you and thank you! hopefully the cycle goes well.
 
I hear you, especially considering I would like to spend the money on something nice for my family as you would probably. I'm in the middle right now of updating AACOMAS for this upcoming cycle so I have it taken care of and can focus on the MCAT since I don't want to be late if it comes to that. It's painful to do this process again especially when out of state schools were willing to accept me (which my family situation doesn't allow me to attend currently) and I'm in limbo with our state school.

Good news is, I have found three courses already with A's that were not on my old AACOMAS (they were taken off during verification apparently according to the copies that I printed off. So two graduate courses and a science course. I can sort of see why AACOMAS took one of the grad courses off because the course name and number was very similar to another course (500 and 501, Historical Research and Historiography respectively), but they are very separate courses. Another course was ironically named "The Enlightenment." I was also missing a microbiology course which could have my fault since I have well over 200 credit hours. Can I say bling bling GPA?! Maybe other people will find good news too. 🙂

you are reapplying? I thought you already had an acceptance
 
you are reapplying? I thought you already had an acceptance

A couple acceptances and a couple waitlists. Reapplying because my husband wants to keep his current job. I'm not going to worry so much about next cycle. I can't tolerate being anxious and wasting entire days hoping that I will get a phone call.
 
A couple acceptances and a couple waitlists. Reapplying because my husband wants to keep his current job. I'm not going to worry so much about next cycle. I can't tolerate being anxious and wasting entire days hoping that I will get a phone call.

Well, however it pans out for you, I wish yah the best of luck and congrats on the acceptances! Your story and situation is awesome and very inspiring to people who aren't traditional sciences majors (such as myself) and to people who took a more non traditional approach to getting in med school.
 
Well, however it pans out for you, I wish yah the best of luck and congrats on the acceptances! Your story and situation is awesome and very inspiring to people who aren't traditional sciences majors (such as myself) and to people who took a more non traditional approach to getting in med school.

That is very kind! I think that things will turn out okay in the end. It just hasn't been as quickly as I would have liked. This year, I will have a more relaxed approach to the process.

I know that I have met very awesome people on the interview trail. Every person has been truly inspiring and brings something unique to the table. It makes me feel good that future doctors are really nice and caring people! 🙂
 
That is very kind! I think that things will turn out okay in the end. It just hasn't been as quickly as I would have liked. This year, I will have a more relaxed approach to the process.

I know that I have met very awesome people on the interview trail. Every person has been truly inspiring and brings something unique to the table. It makes me feel good that future doctors are really nice and caring people! 🙂

I really hope you get into MSUCOM next year. If you do then we will be class mates =)
 
Here's an underdog story for everyone. First and foremost know that God is good! I've never posted anything on SDN before, I'm a ghostface stalker searching out profiles and stories that could relate to my own and provide some sign of hope. Here are my stats: 3.3 cGPA, 3.3 sGPA, 1st attempt at MCAT 2010 12P (v4, ps4, bs4) last attempt 2012 21O (v7, ps6, bs8)...The MCAT has been the most discouraging and disappointing thing I've faced in quite sometime. I am a non - traditional applicant, early 30s, wife, 2 kids, etc. Anyway...I applied to only 1 MD school in 2012 hoping for a spot in their post-bacc program. However, I didn't do my research and missed some of the key requirements. Fast forward to present day...well, applied again to the MD school knowing that with the 2012 MCAT score and now degree in hand, I'd be better off except, they look for an 8 in all 3 sections but a 21 min. But oh well I have faith in God and thought why tell myself No, anything is possible...Needless to say, I received a rejection almost immediately and still no contact regarding the post-bacc...I made an advising appt with an advisor down at the dmc MSUCOM campus...long story short, I was told that my MCAT score was too low and I wouldn't get in and to study and prepare to retake. Like most, I was defeated and depleted, my dream started to get further and further from me. However, with prayer and urging from some friends I submitted an app to MSUCOM in November and completed the secondary and submitted it on 12/9/14. Afterwards, crickets...except for the emails that came telling me of the status of the upcoming class as far as admission numbers...then in April unexpected, after receiving communication that the class was full, I was offered a spot on the waitlist...look at what God did! Initially told that I shouldn't apply and now offered a spot on the waitlist, told you God is good! Stalking SDN and talking to others, I started to prep for another summer of studying, while managing a family and work, and I tell you I wasn't looking forward to it at all! This morning I missed a call. I looked at it and saw a 517 area code...my stomach dropped to my feet...I listened to the message and nothing not even a hint of the purpose for the call. I immediately called back...drum roll...............I was offered admission into the incoming 2014 class! The wind was knocked out of me and a feeling I can't explain began to take over me! I want to share this with you all because we all have different paths...keep the faith and know that God has a plan for you and He will keep you so long as you remain faithful and committed! Good luck to everyone, I pray and hope you all have success!
 
Here's an underdog story for everyone. First and foremost know that God is good! I've never posted anything on SDN before, I'm a ghostface stalker searching out profiles and stories that could relate to my own and provide some sign of hope. Here are my stats: 3.3 cGPA, 3.3 sGPA, 1st attempt at MCAT 2010 12P (v4, ps4, bs4) last attempt 2012 21O (v7, ps6, bs8)...The MCAT has been the most discouraging and disappointing thing I've faced in quite sometime. I am a non - traditional applicant, early 30s, wife, 2 kids, etc. Anyway...I applied to only 1 MD school in 2012 hoping for a spot in their post-bacc program. However, I didn't do my research and missed some of the key requirements. Fast forward to present day...well, applied again to the MD school knowing that with the 2012 MCAT score and now degree in hand, I'd be better off except, they look for an 8 in all 3 sections but a 21 min. But oh well I have faith in God and thought why tell myself No, anything is possible...Needless to say, I received a rejection almost immediately and still no contact regarding the post-bacc...I made an advising appt with an advisor down at the dmc MSUCOM campus...long story short, I was told that my MCAT score was too low and I wouldn't get in and to study and prepare to retake. Like most, I was defeated and depleted, my dream started to get further and further from me. However, with prayer and urging from some friends I submitted an app to MSUCOM in November and completed the secondary and submitted it on 12/9/14. Afterwards, crickets...except for the emails that came telling me of the status of the upcoming class as far as admission numbers...then in April unexpected, after receiving communication that the class was full, I was offered a spot on the waitlist...look at what God did! Initially told that I shouldn't apply and now offered a spot on the waitlist, told you God is good! Stalking SDN and talking to others, I started to prep for another summer of studying, while managing a family and work, and I tell you I wasn't looking forward to it at all! This morning I missed a call. I looked at it and saw a 517 area code...my stomach dropped to my feet...I listened to the message and nothing not even a hint of the purpose for the call. I immediately called back...drum roll...............I was offered admission into the incoming 2014 class! The wind was knocked out of me and a feeling I can't explain began to take over me! I want to share this with you all because we all have different paths...keep the faith and know that God has a plan for you and He will keep you so long as you remain faithful and committed! Good luck to everyone, I pray and hope you all have success!

Wow.. Did you have amazing ECs? MSU admissions is so unpredictable
 
Nothing too spectacular...biochem publication, Teaching and sales experiences, a lot of volunteer hours and I've been working as an HIV test counselor almost 3 years now. But, I believe I did an excellent job telling my story and making them all significant for preparation as a DO.
 
Here's an underdog story for everyone. First and foremost know that God is good! I've never posted anything on SDN before, I'm a ghostface stalker searching out profiles and stories that could relate to my own and provide some sign of hope. Here are my stats: 3.3 cGPA, 3.3 sGPA, 1st attempt at MCAT 2010 12P (v4, ps4, bs4) last attempt 2012 21O (v7, ps6, bs8)...The MCAT has been the most discouraging and disappointing thing I've faced in quite sometime. I am a non - traditional applicant, early 30s, wife, 2 kids, etc. Anyway...I applied to only 1 MD school in 2012 hoping for a spot in their post-bacc program. However, I didn't do my research and missed some of the key requirements. Fast forward to present day...well, applied again to the MD school knowing that with the 2012 MCAT score and now degree in hand, I'd be better off except, they look for an 8 in all 3 sections but a 21 min. But oh well I have faith in God and thought why tell myself No, anything is possible...Needless to say, I received a rejection almost immediately and still no contact regarding the post-bacc...I made an advising appt with an advisor down at the dmc MSUCOM campus...long story short, I was told that my MCAT score was too low and I wouldn't get in and to study and prepare to retake. Like most, I was defeated and depleted, my dream started to get further and further from me. However, with prayer and urging from some friends I submitted an app to MSUCOM in November and completed the secondary and submitted it on 12/9/14. Afterwards, crickets...except for the emails that came telling me of the status of the upcoming class as far as admission numbers...then in April unexpected, after receiving communication that the class was full, I was offered a spot on the waitlist...look at what God did! Initially told that I shouldn't apply and now offered a spot on the waitlist, told you God is good! Stalking SDN and talking to others, I started to prep for another summer of studying, while managing a family and work, and I tell you I wasn't looking forward to it at all! This morning I missed a call. I looked at it and saw a 517 area code...my stomach dropped to my feet...I listened to the message and nothing not even a hint of the purpose for the call. I immediately called back...drum roll...............I was offered admission into the incoming 2014 class! The wind was knocked out of me and a feeling I can't explain began to take over me! I want to share this with you all because we all have different paths...keep the faith and know that God has a plan for you and He will keep you so long as you remain faithful and committed! Good luck to everyone, I pray and hope you all have success!

Congrats! It sounds like your faith has had a wonderful and reaffirming effect on your life. 🙂
 
Here's an underdog story for everyone. First and foremost know that God is good! I've never posted anything on SDN before, I'm a ghostface stalker searching out profiles and stories that could relate to my own and provide some sign of hope. Here are my stats: 3.3 cGPA, 3.3 sGPA, 1st attempt at MCAT 2010 12P (v4, ps4, bs4) last attempt 2012 21O (v7, ps6, bs8)...The MCAT has been the most discouraging and disappointing thing I've faced in quite sometime. I am a non - traditional applicant, early 30s, wife, 2 kids, etc. Anyway...I applied to only 1 MD school in 2012 hoping for a spot in their post-bacc program. However, I didn't do my research and missed some of the key requirements. Fast forward to present day...well, applied again to the MD school knowing that with the 2012 MCAT score and now degree in hand, I'd be better off except, they look for an 8 in all 3 sections but a 21 min. But oh well I have faith in God and thought why tell myself No, anything is possible...Needless to say, I received a rejection almost immediately and still no contact regarding the post-bacc...I made an advising appt with an advisor down at the dmc MSUCOM campus...long story short, I was told that my MCAT score was too low and I wouldn't get in and to study and prepare to retake. Like most, I was defeated and depleted, my dream started to get further and further from me. However, with prayer and urging from some friends I submitted an app to MSUCOM in November and completed the secondary and submitted it on 12/9/14. Afterwards, crickets...except for the emails that came telling me of the status of the upcoming class as far as admission numbers...then in April unexpected, after receiving communication that the class was full, I was offered a spot on the waitlist...look at what God did! Initially told that I shouldn't apply and now offered a spot on the waitlist, told you God is good! Stalking SDN and talking to others, I started to prep for another summer of studying, while managing a family and work, and I tell you I wasn't looking forward to it at all! This morning I missed a call. I looked at it and saw a 517 area code...my stomach dropped to my feet...I listened to the message and nothing not even a hint of the purpose for the call. I immediately called back...drum roll...............I was offered admission into the incoming 2014 class! The wind was knocked out of me and a feeling I can't explain began to take over me! I want to share this with you all because we all have different paths...keep the faith and know that God has a plan for you and He will keep you so long as you remain faithful and committed! Good luck to everyone, I pray and hope you all have success!

Wow! That's amazing! I gave up my spot last night, so I will pretend that it went to you. You are well deserving. Good luck at MSUCOM!
 
Got in on Cinco De Mayo however I wasn't waitlisted so I guess they just saw my app on the day I got in.I was a late applicant with a 2.99gpa instate with a 31 mcat. Lots of research, EC's and I teach neuroanatomy already. Waitlist is still moving though so keep up hope!
 
Got in on Cinco De Mayo however I wasn't waitlisted so I guess they just saw my app on the day I got in.I was a late applicant with a 2.99gpa instate with a 31 mcat. Lots of research, EC's and I teach neuroanatomy already. Waitlist is still moving though so keep up hope!


Are you doing DO/PhD at MSU? How come you just got in?
 
Anyone know the average amount of research the average DO/PhD has?

Are you asking about what is the average amount of research needed to be admitted into the DO/PhD or are you asking how much research a DO/PhD does?
 
I'm pretty sure I was right on the cusp of being rejected. I didn't tell them I was going to do DO/PHD but the adcom members knew that I was almost finished with my PHD so maybe that played a part but I think it was my horrid undergrad gpa. What do you mean by average research? My ex is an MD/PHD and she's on her 3rd year of research. I will be done in a year and a half. Just depends on what your data shows. Also depends on what you're studying. I was in neuroscience, which is a notoriously long degree. However there are much shorter majors.
 
Sorry I misread your question. I can't speak for other universities but I know how the program works here. Basically a professor has to accept you into his lab and have enough grants to pay for your first year of med school as well as your tuition for the phd program. So the amount of research needed is highly variable. If you have 3 months of research in the exact topic that a PI wants to study you will be in. Conversely, if you have 3 years of ballin research in something the PI isn't interested in, he/she will probably not accept you.
 
I'm pretty sure I was right on the cusp of being rejected. I didn't tell them I was going to do DO/PHD but the adcom members knew that I was almost finished with my PHD so maybe that played a part but I think it was my horrid undergrad gpa. What do you mean by average research? My ex is an MD/PHD and she's on her 3rd year of research. I will be done in a year and a half. Just depends on what your data shows. Also depends on what you're studying. I was in neuroscience, which is a notoriously long degree. However there are much shorter majors.

So you'll finish your PhD in a year and a half? So are you not starting at MSUCOM this fall? I thought you were admitted to the DO/PhD program at MSU
 
Sorry I misread your question. I can't speak for other universities but I know how the program works here. Basically a professor has to accept you into his lab and have enough grants to pay for your first year of med school as well as your tuition for the phd program. So the amount of research needed is highly variable. If you have 3 months of research in the exact topic that a PI wants to study you will be in. Conversely, if you have 3 years of ballin research in something the PI isn't interested in, he/she will probably not accept you.

I think @serenade was asking about students being admitted to the DO/PhD program at MSU which isn't the same as what you mentioned above.
 
Top