MSU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

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Hi everyone-

Many of you are wondering about the status check thing. I went by Fee last week for some stuff and stopped by MSUCOM admissions to drop off an updated transcript. The person at the desk had a stack of applications literally 2 feet high. The current status check email that is sent to you does not necessarily reflect what they have...they probably just didn't get to it yet. Fax your MCAT score as soon as you get it, and release your score to AACOMAS too. They choose applications to review every week based on scores, NOT on the order in which they were received. This means last week, when they reviewed/sent out emails, they already decided which applications they will review tomorrw and next Tuesday.

I know most of you got that email from the director of admissions, saying don't call and ask, and it's probably not a good idea, but it's only because they have a disgusting amount of applications and they don't want to go through a thousand for one person.

Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully we will all be in the C/o 2013 😎

 

[davenp73]

Hi everyone-

Many of you are wondering about the status check thing. I went by Fee last week for some stuff and stopped by MSUCOM admissions to drop off an updated transcript. The person at the desk had a stack of applications literally 2 feet high. The current status check email that is sent to you does not necessarily reflect what they have...they probably just didn't get to it yet. Fax your MCAT score as soon as you get it, and release your score to AACOMAS too. They choose applications to review every week based on scores, NOT on the order in which they were received. This means last week, when they reviewed/sent out emails, they already decided which applications they will review tomorrw and next Tuesday.

I know most of you got that email from the director of admissions, saying don't call and ask, and it's probably not a good idea, but it's only because they have a disgusting amount of applications and they don't want to go through a thousand for one person.

Hang in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully we will all be in the C/o 2013 😎

What do you mean they review by scores? I feel like mine would have been reviewed last if they did that, becuase I was reviewed last week w. a 23.... How is that rolling admissions? interesting!

 

[Hashimbuba02]

Hey man, how did you find out you were on hold? Did they email you?

 

[speeter]

What do you mean they review by scores? I feel like mine would have been reviewed last if they did that, becuase I was reviewed last week w. a 23.... How is that rolling admissions? interesting!

My understanding of COM's process was that they take the top 20% of applications to review per week, based on scores, gpa, and volunteer hours. They review those applications in depth throughout the week. That is why it is beneficial to get your app in early. It makes it much more likely that you will be in the top 20% for a review week if your app is one of a few, not to mention you will be in the running during more review weeks.

Commence the panic-fest.

 

[Dr.D-man]

I got the acceptance packet in the mail the other day, they want a $750 non-refundable deposit! I want to send it in and get things rolling, but the non-refundable part makes me a bit apprehensive.

 

[p1acebo]

I got the acceptance packet in the mail the other day, they want a $750 non-refundable deposit! I want to send it in and get things rolling, but the non-refundable part makes me a bit apprehensive.

I guess thats why you have to decide if you want to go there for sure, I know if I got the acceptance packet I would deposit the money in a heart beat!

 

[rm2908]

I guess thats why you have to decide if you want to go there for sure, I know if I got the acceptance packet I would deposit the money in a heart beat!

Yep, me too! i'd be happy to put my name on it and give them whatever deposit they would like🙂

 

[davenp73]

Hey man, how did you find out you were on hold? Did they email you?

I received the email Wed. morning and was so excited, because I knew they send out acceptances on Wed, but it said that after reviewing my application they had decided to place me on hold for fall grades, and that I could email or fax them and I would be reviewed again after grades came in in the first week of January, so I have been studying like CRAZY!!!

 

[as8651]

Hey did anyone take their MCAT on August 26 and if so any feelings about it

 

[Revilla]

Just got the waitlist email. I'm happy because I was worried I'd get a flat-out rejection (very low MCAT, but high GPA and decent ECs). I'm retaking the MCAT in January. Anyone know if a good score on retake can move you up on the waitlist? Or is it not ranked?

 

[victory4msu]

Just got the acceptance email from MSUCOM!! So excited! Good luck to everyone applying to MSUCOM!

 

[RealDream]

Just got the acceptance email from MSUCOM!! So excited! Good luck to everyone applying to MSUCOM!

Congrulations,

How long has it been since you were complete??

 

[victory4msu]

Congrulations,

How long has it been since you were complete??

Thanks. I was complete right around Sept. 5th.

 

[jason3278]

I hand delivered my application just a few days ago.

My letters should be in very shortly. One of them is from an MD who has known me for over 10 years, and who went to CHM...so he is familiar with COM. The other letter is from an anthro prof who I've gotten to know pretty well.

I'm also getting a letter from an associate dean of COM, who I joined on a DO-Care mission. I spoke with admissions about this.

I've got an ok GPA, a so-so MCAT, Mother Theresa-esq extracurriculars, and a committed interest in osteopathic medicine.

I've also worked at quarter to half time throughout college...and I've been told they are giving greater weight to working quarter time or greater this year.

I feel like I could be right on the border...

 

[Revilla]

Just got the acceptance email from MSUCOM!! So excited! Good luck to everyone applying to MSUCOM!

Congratulations!

 

[p1acebo]

Just got the acceptance email from MSUCOM!! So excited! Good luck to everyone applying to MSUCOM!

That is great news, congratulations!

 

[davenp73]

Just got the waitlist email. I'm happy because I was worried I'd get a flat-out rejection (very low MCAT, but high GPA and decent ECs). I'm retaking the MCAT in January. Anyone know if a good score on retake can move you up on the waitlist? Or is it not ranked?

MSU COM does not accept Januray MCAT scores, because I was going to do the same thing. And I was told that if you get your grades into the office early (like December) that you will be reviewed again the first week in January, so I don't think you can get moved up, because you actually aren't waitlisted, just on hold! That's how I look at it anyway, we are in very similar situations! I hope we BOTH get in 😀

 

[Revilla]

MSU COM does not accept Januray MCAT scores, because I was going to do the same thing. And I was told that if you get your grades into the office early (like December) that you will be reviewed again the first week in January, so I don't think you can get moved up, because you actually aren't waitlisted, just on hold! That's how I look at it anyway, we are in very similar situations! I hope we BOTH get in 😀

The email actually says waitlist. The first email says it's an offer of an alternate spot for the Class of 2013 and describes how the waitlist works. There was also another email about visiting the school if I wanted. What was your email like?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us!

 

[davenp73]

The email actually says waitlist. The first email says it's an offer of an alternate spot for the Class of 2013 and describes how the waitlist works. There was also another email about visiting the school if I wanted. What was your email like?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us!

Oh sorry, I just assumed you were on hold like me....well, I got an email last wed. that was a request for Fall 2008 grades. My application is on hold until grades come in Dec. and then a decision will be made based on my grades. I wonder which is better? I mean, which gives you a better shot at acceptance? Or, like, do more people get accepted off the waitlist or after being on hold for grades?? Hm

 

[Revilla]

Oh sorry, I just assumed you were on hold like me....

Oh, no problem.

well, I got an email last wed. that was a request for Fall 2008 grades. My application is on hold until grades come in Dec. and then a decision will be made based on my grades. I wonder which is better? I mean, which gives you a better shot at acceptance? Or, like, do more people get accepted off the waitlist or after being on hold for grades?? Hm

I don't know, but hopefully we'll both get in and it won't matter. My grades are in. I have one lab left to take, but everything else is done. I'm working and studying feverishly for the January MCAT this semester, even though I know they won't accept it. They'll get the score at least and who knows if it'll make any difference as far as waitlist ranking goes.

 

[davenp73]

Oh, no problem.



I don't know, but hopefully we'll both get in and it won't matter. My grades are in. I have one lab left to take, but everything else is done. I'm working and studying feverishly for the January MCAT this semester, even though I know they won't accept it. They'll get the score at least and who knows if it'll make any difference as far as waitlist ranking goes.

Yes I hope so too! I guess I am just wondering basically what the difference is between the two, possibly just that I am not graduating until May so I am taking some upper-level science courses that they want the grades for??? I guess we'll see! When will you hear anything? Do you know? I am thankful I will know early January one way or another so I can make decisions regarding taking another MCAT, etc!

 

[RealDream]

Hey revilla, and daven

Yes revilla, i think you should study hardcore for the MCAT, i know for a fact (because every thing else is great-- i.e. volunteer work and GPA), that you would have gotten accepted by now if you did better on the MCAT. I know you will do better on the MCAT in january.


Daven, this is the order ( I'm 90 to 95 percent sure ): I remember this from my friend who is in medical school.

alternate list > waitlist > put on hold

-- the waitlist is higher then being put on hold , BBBBut if you do great in those classes, it would look great, and give you a shot at acceptance.

 

[phillybum]

Congrats to all those who've gotten the acceptance email!

I was complete on september 9th, do you think I should've heard back already?

I have many many diverse EC's which includes shadowing 2 DO's, a 3.1 undergrad GPA with a 3.4 post bac and a 26 MCAT (7 PS 10VR 9BS), I had excellent Eval letters!

Crossing my fingers!

 

[Joey7]

I was accepted to MSUCOM today... I was wondering if they follow the "traffic rules" of other DO schools and not force you to put in your deposit until December?
I'd just like to keep my options open for as long as possible
Thanks

 

[Revilla]

Yes I hope so too! I guess I am just wondering basically what the difference is between the two, possibly just that I am not graduating until May so I am taking some upper-level science courses that they want the grades for??? I guess we'll see! When will you hear anything? Do you know? I am thankful I will know early January one way or another so I can make decisions regarding taking another MCAT, etc!

I'm not sure when I'll hear anything. The email said that you can be taken off the waitlist any time between now and the end of June. What do you say we keep each others spirits up and motivate one another for the next several months?

 

[Revilla]

Hey revilla, and daven

Yes revilla, i think you should study hardcore for the MCAT, i know for a fact (because every thing else is great-- i.e. volunteer work and GPA), that you would have gotten accepted by now if you did better on the MCAT. I know you will do better on the MCAT in january.

Thanks so much! I'm confident I can do much better. Not sure what happened with the July MCAT, but I've put it behind me and I'm focusing on January with a brand new study plan I started a couple of weeks ago. My eyes are still on the goal. I appreciate your kind words! 🙂

 

[p1acebo]

Congrats to all those who've gotten the acceptance email!

I was complete on september 9th, do you think I should've heard back already?

I have many many diverse EC's which includes shadowing 2 DO's, a 3.1 undergrad GPA with a 3.4 post bac and a 26 MCAT (7 PS 10VR 9BS), I had excellent Eval letters!

Crossing my fingers!

Probably not, I was completed on 8/22 and I still have not heard back yet. I had a 3.3 GPA, 26 MCAT, extensive ec activities, great eval letters as well, but they have a lot of applications to go through and I am not sure how it works as far as who they contact and who they don't. The good news is that they meets every week so their are many opprotunities to find out where you stand.

(just keep your fingers crossed ><)

 

[as8651]

hey guys just wanted an opinion Im reapplying to msucom and didnt have to much time to bring my science gpa up. it about a 3.0. any idea how well i would have to do to on my mcat to even get looked at

 

[davenp73]

I'm not sure when I'll hear anything. The email said that you can be taken off the waitlist any time between now and the end of June. What do you say we keep each others spirits up and motivate one another for the next several months?

Definitely!

 

[jason3278]

Probably not, I was completed on 8/22 and I still have not heard back yet. I had a 3.3 GPA, 26 MCAT, extensive ec activities, great eval letters as well, but they have a lot of applications to go through and I am not sure how it works as far as who they contact and who they don't. The good news is that they meets every week so their are many opprotunities to find out where you stand.

(just keep your fingers crossed ><)

I have similar stats to both of you. Are you both in-state?

 

[davenp73]

Hey revilla, and daven

Yes revilla, i think you should study hardcore for the MCAT, i know for a fact (because every thing else is great-- i.e. volunteer work and GPA), that you would have gotten accepted by now if you did better on the MCAT. I know you will do better on the MCAT in january.


Daven, this is the order ( I'm 90 to 95 percent sure ): I remember this from my friend who is in medical school.

alternate list > waitlist > put on hold

-- the waitlist is higher then being put on hold , BBBBut if you do great in those classes, it would look great, and give you a shot at acceptance.

thanks for letting me know, Kindof a bummer, but, that is my goal! I quit my job and have been studying 30+ hours a week, so we'll see. I want to prove to them that I can do this!

 

[p1acebo]

I have similar stats to both of you. Are you both in-state?

Yes I am in-state, what is your status with your application?

 

[TheGoodGoodTime]

My understanding of COM's process was that they take the top 20% of applications to review per week, based on scores, gpa, and volunteer hours. They review those applications in depth throughout the week. That is why it is beneficial to get your app in early. It makes it much more likely that you will be in the top 20% for a review week if your app is one of a few, not to mention you will be in the running during more review weeks.

Commence the panic-fest.

Hmmm. Well I called them yesterday to ask the status of my application since I submitted materials 2-3 weeks ago, and they said that they are simply overwhelmed right now. With multiple stacks several feet deep.

My question to you is how can they operate in the manner you describe? They would have to pre-screen every application they had in order to select the top 20% for review. That seems like a lot of work. Honestly, I have no idea how they're operating, but in any case the lady was really nice and said that she'd look into "finding" my application. So if you're in a similar situation as mine, maybe call after 3 weeks to get the ball rolling. I just want some news. 3.6S and 3.6C GPA, 28R MCAT, great letters, ton of EC's both research and hospital employment. OOS.

Crossing my fingers...

 

[jason3278]

Yes I am in-state, what is your status with your application?

I have everything in except for one letter, which should be coming on Friday. They still haven't updated my status on their computer system yet though.

 

[phillybum]

Yeah I am in-state as well. For those of you guys just submitting stuff, don't expect your status check email thingy to update fast. It will take at least a week and a half to two weeks to see your status change. When I submitted everything, literally everything evals and all, it took them more than two weeks to update it on the site.

Also in regards to the reviewing the top 20%, I agree that this would be EXTREMELY time consuming and tedious, I think they just take the next application batch in line and review them and make the decisions then, that is the definition of "rolling basis," everyone should have an equal shot.

 

[TheGoodGoodTime]

Ironically they updated my application today. Maybe that phone call worked, maybe it was just a coincidence.

But now the problem is they're missing a LOR. Figures. Worst. Luck. Ever.

 

[phillybum]

haha, gotta love the comic book guy!

This process is freaking HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

 

[jason3278]

Yeah I am in-state as well. For those of you guys just submitting stuff, don't expect your status check email thingy to update fast. It will take at least a week and a half to two weeks to see your status change. When I submitted everything, literally everything evals and all, it took them more than two weeks to update it on the site.

Also in regards to the reviewing the top 20%, I agree that this would be EXTREMELY time consuming and tedious, I think they just take the next application batch in line and review them and make the decisions then, that is the definition of "rolling basis," everyone should have an equal shot.

That's good to know, considering I've been requesting status updates like 3-4 times a day.

 

[Dr.D-man]

I was accepted to MSUCOM today... I was wondering if they follow the "traffic rules" of other DO schools and not force you to put in your deposit until December?
I'd just like to keep my options open for as long as possible
Thanks

Yes, the packet you will get in the mail will give you a date. Mine was Dec 1, but I suppose it could change based on when you get accepted.

 

[p1acebo]

haha, gotta love the comic book guy!

This process is freaking HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Agreed, it is hard for me to wait too because I am so excited!!!!!!!!

 

[Born2BMD]

My question to you is how can they operate in the manner you describe? They would have to pre-screen every application they had in order to select the top 20% for review. That seems like a lot of work. Honestly, I have no idea how they're operating, but in any case the lady was really nice and said that she'd look into "finding" my application.

They really do review in the way Speeter suggested...As far as I know, apps get grouped by a number of factors including GPA, MCAT, Volunteer Hours, top 20% go to review each week, and you can stay in the top 20% and get reviewed mutiple times, as new apps come in they get considered to see if they make it into the top 20%. The earlier you are & the better you are the sooner you get into the top 20% and if you don't get a decision the first time they check you out, they will review you again with the next batch the following week. As new apps come in, if they are strong, they can make it into the top 20% ahead of some people that may have been completed for longer!

Just remember it is not all about the numbers, they really take the osteopathic philosophy seriously, they look at the whole person even when it comes to applications! So show them your very best, all the way around! If you are working while in school, make sure they know that, if you are volunteering, especially in areas outside of medicine, make sure they know that too....sometimes the best type of volunteer work comes from working outside a hospital setting...working with youth, coaching, working with elderly, hospice, nursing home, tutoring, mentoring, big brothers/big sisters, research. BE WELL ROUNDED!!! Numbers help but make sure your application shows your personality and what makes you unique! Be enthusiastic!

Congrats to those accepted! Good luck to those waitlisted and on hold, hang in there! Always send updates if you have new info that will enhance your app! For those still waiting to hear something, anything...your time will come, be patient, have faith and enjoy life as you know it cause once you get here, it will all change!

 

[davenp73]

They really do review in the way Speeter suggested...As far as I know, apps get grouped by a number of factors including GPA, MCAT, Volunteer Hours, top 20% go to review each week, and you can stay in the top 20% and get reviewed mutiple times, as new apps come in they get considered to see if they make it into the top 20%. The earlier you are & the better you are the sooner you get into the top 20% and if you don't get a decision the first time they check you out, they will review you again with the next batch the following week. As new apps come in, if they are strong, they can make it into the top 20% ahead of some people that may have been completed for longer!

Just remember it is not all about the numbers, they really take the osteopathic philosophy seriously, they look at the whole person even when it comes to applications! So show them your very best, all the way around! If you are working while in school, make sure they know that, if you are volunteering, especially in areas outside of medicine, make sure they know that too....sometimes the best type of volunteer work comes from working outside a hospital setting...working with youth, coaching, working with elderly, hospice, nursing home, tutoring, mentoring, big brothers/big sisters, research. BE WELL ROUNDED!!! Numbers help but make sure your application shows your personality and what makes you unique! Be enthusiastic!

Congrats to those accepted! Good luck to those waitlisted and on hold, hang in there! Always send updates if you have new info that will enhance your app! For those still waiting to hear something, anything...your time will come, be patient, have faith and enjoy life as you know it cause once you get here, it will all change!

I have my first round of exams this week and next. My advisor Dr. Adams (He is on the board of admissions for MSU CHM) told me to take my grades from my first exams to him and he would let the admissions office know what he expects my grades to be based on my first exams. Do you think this is a good idea? or should I just wait for the final grades in December? Thanks for the advice!

 

[Born2BMD]

I have my first round of exams this week and next. My advisor Dr. Adams (He is on the board of admissions for MSU CHM) told me to take my grades from my first exams to him and he would let the admissions office know what he expects my grades to be based on my first exams. Do you think this is a good idea? or should I just wait for the final grades in December? Thanks for the advice!

Probably can't really hurt to have your advisor project what he thinks your grades could be. At least any notification to the school keeps your file on the active side. Work really hard this semester, it just sounds to me like your MCAT scores may not be indicative of the type of student you are. They are probably keeping you on hold for grades because they like what they see outside of your MCAT score, if your grades boost your GPA that would probably be a huge plus. Good luck this semester and stay in touch with the admissions office throughout the cycle and maintain active interest~persistence is an amazing thing!

As for the differences in being on hold and waitlist, it is HUGE!!!
Hold, you've been reviewed they like a little what they see, but want to see more about you to see if it pushes you into what they are looking for!

Waitlist with an offer of acceptance for 2014, is you are right on the cusp of what they want to see in an accepted student, so you are guaranteed for next year without having to reapply and if a seat happens to open up, they will keep you in mind for this year! This means that you are basically on the go to list when seats fall through.

About the deposit....GET IT IN if you think there is any chance you want to be at MSUCOM next year!!! You blow the deposit deadline, you lose your seat! I repeat you LOSE your seat ~ it goes to that person sitting with the guarantee for next year or someone else that they had in mind, it's amazing to see the number of posts after the deposit deadline passes. Now if you are on the fence and not sure and holding out for something you think will be better, hang on to it but if your options are looking grim get it in! Would you rather blow $750 or not end up in med school next year! It happens. In the grand scheme of things, debt etc...$750 is like a drop in the pail. I know it seems like a lot now but it will be worth it knowing that if all else fails you will be headed off to orientation and a white coat ceremony come June! Then again, consider your motives for applying to MSUCOM or a DO program in general if you are holding out for what you think might be somewhere better...we all play the game to a degree, but you know what there are people desperate to get into a DO program because they are passionate about becoming a DO, you've got their spot and you're wondering if it's worth $750 out of your pocket....hmmm food for thought!

Let me just re-iterate! MSUCOM is amazing!!!! Don't squander an opportunity to come to school here! But that's just my personal opinion!

 

[Just Joshin]

As for the differences in being on hold and waitlist, it is HUGE!!!
Hold, you've been reviewed they like a little what they see, but want to see more about you to see if it pushes you into what they are looking for!

Waitlist with an offer of acceptance for 2014, is you are right on the cusp of what they want to see in an accepted student, so you are guaranteed for next year without having to reapply and if a seat happens to open up, they will keep you in mind for this year! This means that you are basically on the go to list when seats fall through.

So what if it's waitlist without an offer for 2014? I haven't heard back from MSU yet so I don't have an acceptance, rejection, hold, or waitlist, but I'm just wondering if it's possible to be waitlisted without an offer for the following year?

 

[davenp73]

Good luck this semester and stay in touch with the admissions office throughout the cycle and maintain active interest~persistence is an amazing thing!


thanks for explaining everything. What do you mean by staying in touch with the admissions office? I have had 2 advising appointments...I guess I don't want to bother them since I know how busy they are! Are there ways to do this without annoying any of the admissions reps?? lol, I know that kindof sounds silly but I honestly am curious!

 

[Born2BMD]

So what if it's waitlist without an offer for 2014? I haven't heard back from MSU yet so I don't have an acceptance, rejection, hold, or waitlist, but I'm just wondering if it's possible to be waitlisted without an offer for the following year?

Yes, there is waitlist with no offer of acceptance for the following year.

So

Waitlist with Offer > Waitlist/Alternate > Hold > Rejected

Waitlist with Offer is like we like you so much we want to make sure you can come here next year without having to reapply, as seats are turned down we will consider getting you into this year's class. (HIGH Waitlist)

Waitlist/Alternate is we like you but want to see what we can fill our class with first and as people turn down their seats we'll check you out again

Hold is we think we like what we see, but want some more information before we send you to full review. (It is possible that if you go to review you may get called in for an interview to clarify what their concerns were!)

Rejected is you weren't quite what we were looking for this year, re-evaluate your application, make some changes and improvements and try again next year!

Hope this is helpful...

As for keeping in touch with the admissions office...update them with current information as things change, this doesn't mean additional advising appointments necessarily. It means, emails to update about specific volunteer activities you have added into, new honors when grades come out, new leadership roles you take on this semester, papers you may be publishing if you are in research, (updates on grades from your advisor). Things like that. Yes the people in the admissions department are slammed and crazy busy but they are also very wonderful and will do what they can to help you get together all the info you can to present yourself as a well rounded applicant that is very motivated to catch the attention of the adcom board!

We are having class elections today and 2 of the positions include being a nonvoting member of the adcom board, once I know who is elected if I can get any info about specifics for admissions (what they are looking for, best ways to update your file, different statuses and how the process works) I can try to update you all!

Good luck!

 

[cardinal]

Was complete on 9/3 - received acceptance e-mail at MSUCOM on on 9/17. Replied to the e-mail and am awaiting my packet!!!!

 

[Franzpop]

For all those accepted for the Class of 2013 check out the faceobook group, MSUCOM Class of 2013. It's been nice getting to know soon-to-be classmates already!

For those of you in the process of earning your acceptance, hang tough this is the hardest part! It will happen for you!

 

[as8651]

CONGRATS EVERYONE THATS GETTING IN, the life of uncertainty for you guys is over

 

[rugger14]

this whole LOR thing can get pretty messy.both of my letter writers sent the letters weeks ago, but the status email says one is missing. I asked about it in an email but all they said in response was they would push back my deadline. hmm..sent another email today to find out which letter it was so it could be resent..
i assume they don't want a phone call...i guess I will just see if they respond to my email..this is pushing me back, any advice?