MSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[MSUSpartan642]

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Another wednesday passes and still no word 🙁

 

[fattymangox03]

Another wednesday passes and still no word 🙁

I've grown to hate wednesdays.

 

[EckXXX]

Another wednesday passes and still no word 🙁

I really did not think I would be waiting this long to hear back from them with any kind of news.

Are they sending out rejections now or do they wait until all the seats are full?

 

[RedDO]

Does anyone know the process that the review committee takes for looking at apps on Wednesdays? How many they review? How many they roughly accept each Wednesday? What time do the emails go out? Do rejection letters go out on Wednesdays too? I assumed I should stop checking my in-box every five minutes after noon...

Thanks!
Still Waiting...

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Does anyone know the process that the review committee takes for looking at apps on Wednesdays? How many they review? How many they roughly accept each Wednesday? What time do the emails go out? Do rejection letters go out on Wednesdays too? I assumed I should stop checking my in-box every five minutes after noon...

Thanks!
Still Waiting...

Hey RedDO, I grew up in Brighton and lived in South Lyon for a while too 🙂. They review the top 20% of the applications (Gpa, Mcat, and Volunteer hours). No clue about the rest of your questions though. Best of luck to ya though.

 

[RedDO]

Thank you!

 

[yolatengo]

Thought I would share with you guys my acceptance as an out of state applicant. I am from Binghamton Ny, and originally was planing on going to LECOM erie (had submitted my deposit already) when I got an acceptance email yesterday! So looks like I will forgo $1500 and go to MSUCOM.

 

[p1acebo]

Thought I would share with you guys my acceptance as an out of state applicant. I am from Binghamton Ny, and originally was planing on going to LECOM erie (had submitted my deposit already) when I got an acceptance email yesterday! So looks like I will forgo $1500 and go to MSUCOM.

Great! Congrats, what site are you thinking of attending?

 

[yolatengo]

Great! Congrats, what site are you thinking of attending?

I'm not sure yet. I would like to visit all of the campuses before making a decision. Anyway, after they send you an acceptance email do they send you a packet or something in the mail with more details about their school, deposit, and deadlines?

 

[p1acebo]

I'm not sure yet. I would like to visit all of the campuses before making a decision. Anyway, after they send you an acceptance email do they send you a packet or something in the mail with more details about their school, deposit, and deadlines?

Yes, you have to e-mail them your address and they will send you a packet.

 

[Peaceonearth]

Be very careful if you considering the satelite campuses. You will not have access to the same electives nor the same clinical oppurtunities! I just found out, luckily i paid my deposite without turning in my preference form.

 

[fattymangox03]

Yes, you have to e-mail them your address and they will send you a packet.

How long after your acceptance do you have until you have to send in the deposit?

 

[rm2908]

.

 

[ANATOMY101]

Just got my acceptance to class of 2014!!!!!

application was complete 9/22 accepted 9/30

Stats:
overall gpa 3.81
science gpa 3.8

MCAT 26P
V 8, PS 9, B 9

Good amount of Reserach/volunteer work/exctracurricular activities

Congrats on your acceptance!!!!
I have a 3.88 undergrad, 4.0 gpa in my Masters for anatomy and a 26MCAT and I was really hoping to hear from MSU. All of my materials have been in probably about three weeks. Would it be a good idea to call? Thanks for the help!

 

[msd848]

Could the people currently at MSUCOM.. please list the positive and negatives about EL, DMC, and Macomb?

 

[oakland]

Congrats on your acceptance!!!!
I have a 3.88 undergrad, 4.0 gpa in my Masters for anatomy and a 26MCAT and I was really hoping to hear from MSU. All of my materials have been in probably about three weeks. Would it be a good idea to call? Thanks for the help!

I would definitely call them and ask if you have been reviewed yet. Thats surprising since i hear that they review the top 20% of applicants every week. I think its still early tho so i wouldn't be worried.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Congrats on your acceptance!!!!
I have a 3.88 undergrad, 4.0 gpa in my Masters for anatomy and a 26MCAT and I was really hoping to hear from MSU. All of my materials have been in probably about three weeks. Would it be a good idea to call? Thanks for the help!

If you call let us know what they say? If they give you any information about what has happened thus far with your file. I've been complete for longer than three weeks with a 3.84 undergrad and a 25 MCAT. Pray for us tomorrow that we hear what we want to anyway right 🙄

 

[ANATOMY101]

Thanks for the advice....I will definitely let you know what they say. And prayers are going out for good news for us all!!!🙂

 

[p1acebo]

Thanks for the advice....I will definitely let you know what they say. And prayers are going out for good news for us all!!!🙂

Good luck tomorrow everyone!

 

[dr.z]

I found Facebook group for East Lansing: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=163236672580&ref=ts

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Nothing this week. Bummer. 🙁

 

[DRIN]

Nothing this week. Bummer. 🙁

How have you not gotten in here yet?

 

[fattymangox03]

Nothing this week. Bummer. 🙁

Maybe they're running a bit behind with acceptances? Your stats look great, by the way. I've been complete for about 4 weeks now... 🙁 Although, my stats are far lower than yours so I shouldn't be holding my breath if you haven't heard back yet.

I wonder how many spots are filled already?

 

[MarieMarie]

Ugh. I waited until the very end to write my essay, at which point I had the flu. But then again, if my GPA isn't too low for MSU my volunteering definitely is. Maybe my incoherent, codeine-soaked personal statement didn't make much of a difference anyway

Does anyone know if rejections are being sent out? I'd really just like to move on from the embarrassment at this point

 

[ktcorn87]

yes please. i would really like to know and just get the rejection over with! the last time i called to ask about my status over a month ago (just to check if they got everything mind you) they were not to nice to me, so i'm super scared to call again and check!

 

[MSUSpartan642]

yes please. i would really like to know and just get the rejection over with! the last time i called to ask about my status over a month ago (just to check if they got everything mind you) they were not to nice to me, so i'm super scared to call again and check!

Yeah they are absolutely no help whenever I call them to check to see if my file has even been reviewed. Welp sadly enough I guess all we can do is wait, unless someone is able to get more out of an admissions councilor.

 

[Fujian1]

Does anyone know how they factor in the competitiveness of where people do their undergrad? I see people getting acceptance letters saying they have good GPAs of 3.7, 3.8 etc. but then average MCAT scores like 25.

I have a 3.2 GPA from Michigan and a 29 MCAT with lots of research and volunteer work but still haven't heard back. The reason this kind of bothers me is because I took my physics classes at GVSU and the amount of work I had to put in to get an A there would have barely gotten me a C in one of my science classes at Michigan.

 

[EckXXX]

I have been complete since August 5th and have not heard anything yet.

My science GPA is a little low, but I really think my low volunteer hours are holding me back.

I have not received a rejection, nor have I heard of anyone getting one so far.

 

[g5chand]

Ugh. I waited until the very end to write my essay, at which point I had the flu. But then again, if my GPA isn't too low for MSU my volunteering definitely is. Maybe my incoherent, codeine-soaked personal statement didn't make much of a difference anyway

Does anyone know if rejections are being sent out? I'd really just like to move on from the embarrassment at this point

I reapplied this year. So based on last year, it took them until April to tell me I was waitlisted, and I wasnt officially denied until June. So be prepared to wait.

 

[fantasticplanet]

Volunteer hours are huge with MSUCOM. I was waitlisted last year, so I came in and talked with one of the counselors. She told me that volunteering hours were weighted something like 40% of the application. When I filled out the activities form, I didn't realize that I could add an activity for several categories and missed out on several valuable volunteering hours. I also didn't think about clubs and organizations when I was spending time to help other people. For instance, with MSU Breakdance Club, I spent a good amount of time teaching people and performing for shows and benefits. That all counts.

This time around, I didn't make any drastic change to my application. I just applied MUCH earlier and added all those missing volunteer hours. Turned my secondary in and got an acceptance two weeks later. Just something to consider for those still waiting... Stats: 27N, 3.51 sci/3.48 non-sci

 

[wishintobedoc]

Does anyone know how they factor in the competitiveness of where people do their undergrad? I see people getting acceptance letters saying they have good GPAs of 3.7, 3.8 etc. but then average MCAT scores like 25.

I have a 3.2 GPA from Michigan and a 29 MCAT with lots of research and volunteer work but still haven't heard back. The reason this kind of bothers me is because I took my physics classes at GVSU and the amount of work I had to put in to get an A there would have barely gotten me a C in one of my science classes at Michigan.

I have heard that the mcat is not weighted very heavily by MSUCOM, so even if you have a great mcat is doesn't help you that much. They are more interested in your gpa, VOLUNTEER work, and healthcare experience. I have heard some other students from private schools in Michigan say their gpa is not accurate since their institution had a more difficult curriculum. I have taken classes at a couple different colleges and I think I would do the same no matter where I went. I never let my grades slip. I did whatever I needed to get a good grade like meeting with professors or getting a tutor.

 

[FutureDrButts]

Does anyone know how they factor in the competitiveness of where people do their undergrad? I see people getting acceptance letters saying they have good GPAs of 3.7, 3.8 etc. but then average MCAT scores like 25.

I have a 3.2 GPA from Michigan and a 29 MCAT with lots of research and volunteer work but still haven't heard back. The reason this kind of bothers me is because I took my physics classes at GVSU and the amount of work I had to put in to get an A there would have barely gotten me a C in one of my science classes at Michigan.

I don't mean to be discouraging to all of you who are still waiting to here back, but I DON'T think it's taking the Admissions Office long to make decisions about students they're sure about. I wasn't complete until 10/6 and I was offered admission on 10/21 (this week). My stats are:
3.35 GPA
3.1ish science GPA
30R MCAT
thousands of combined health care employment/volunteer hours (much more MD experience than DO experience too)
zero research experience
*My personal statement/essays were pretty kickass in my opinion, so that probably helped.

And regarding where you went to school - I go to Grand Valley, so I don't think it's going to hurt you for taking physics here. I know it's no U of M, but GVSU is still a good school.
Hope you all hear back soon!

 

[Fujian1]

I don't mean to be discouraging to all of you who are still waiting to here back, but I DON'T think it's taking the Admissions Office long to make decisions about students they're sure about. I wasn't complete until 10/6 and I was offered admission on 10/21 (this week). My stats are:
3.35 GPA
3.1ish science GPA
30R MCAT
thousands of combined health care employment/volunteer hours (much more MD experience than DO experience too)
zero research experience
*My personal statement/essays were pretty kickass in my opinion, so that probably helped.

And regarding where you went to school - I go to Grand Valley, so I don't think it's going to hurt you for taking physics here. I know it's no U of M, but GVSU is still a good school.
Hope you all hear back soon!

Well what I'd like to know is to what extent do admissions give somebody 'brownie' points for going to a competitive school?

Based off my experiences taking classes at multiple schools and from what other people have told me, a B/B+ student at Michigan is more on the caliber of an A-/A student at less competitive colleges. Do they even give any consideration to this sort of thing? It seems more logical to me that schools should place more weight on MCAT scores since that's the only way to objectively compare the academic performance of students.

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Well what I'd like to know is to what extent do admissions give somebody 'brownie' points for going to a competitive school?

Based off my experiences taking classes at multiple schools and from what other people have told me, a B/B+ student at Michigan is more on the caliber of an A-/A student at less competitive colleges. Do they even give any consideration to this sort of thing? It seems more logical to me that schools should place more weight on MCAT scores since that's the only way to objectively compare the academic performance of students.

Dude face it. Your probably not going to get any "brownie" points. The admissions committees don't standardize thousands of GPA's. Your best hope is to apply to schools that put more weight on the MCAT. Best of luck to ya. Another reason not to go to Michigan though 😛

 

[yolatengo]

I don't know if this will help the conversation about stats, but i feel i should share mine considering I'm out of state:

Undergrad at Cornell University
Overall GPA 3.41
Science GPA 3.65
MCAT 27N

I graduated in 2008. Currently work in clinical research and have about 150 volunteer hours. I finished my application in early August and got my acceptance two weeks ago. Furthermore, I did three years at a community college where i completed all of my pre med requirements. I transferred credits into Cornell as a Biological science major. It seems, considering im OOS, that a reputable school does help your cause. If i applied from a less reputable school in new york i doubt i would have gotten in. But who knows. Anyway, i thought this would help. if anyone wants to know anything else about my stats or whatever feel free to ask.

Also, for those who are going to E. Lansing, which is where I think I want to go, have you considered your living situations yet?

 

[wishintobedoc]

I don't know if this will help the conversation about stats, but i feel i should share mine considering I'm out of state:

Undergrad at Cornell University
Overall GPA 3.41
Science GPA 3.65
MCAT 27N

I graduated in 2008. Currently work in clinical research and have about 150 volunteer hours. I finished my application in early August and got my acceptance two weeks ago. Furthermore, I did three years at a community college where i completed all of my pre med requirements. I transferred credits into Cornell as a Biological science major. It seems, considering im OOS, that a reputable school does help your cause. If i applied from a less reputable school in new york i doubt i would have gotten in. But who knows. Anyway, i thought this would help. if anyone wants to know anything else about my stats or whatever feel free to ask.

Also, for those who are going to E. Lansing, which is where I think I want to go, have you considered your living situations yet?

I have been looking into apartments. Does anyone know how it works out for med students at Berrytree? They have weird lease dates and it sounds like subleasing would be involved. I would rather not do that. After our second year, would we be going to our clerkship sites in May or June?

 

[FutureDrButts]

Just wondering, does anyone know how many applicants MSU-COM had last year? The AACOMAS college information book doesn't specify, nor could I find it on the MSU-COM website. Thanks!

 

[ruiner]

I have been looking into apartments. Does anyone know how it works out for med students at Berrytree? They have weird lease dates and it sounds like subleasing would be involved. I would rather not do that. After our second year, would we be going to our clerkship sites in May or June?

I'm pretty sure many CHM/COM students live in Berrytree.

 

[ruiner]

I have been looking into apartments. Does anyone know how it works out for med students at Berrytree? They have weird lease dates and it sounds like subleasing would be involved. I would rather not do that. After our second year, would we be going to our clerkship sites in May or June?

I'm pretty sure many CHM/COM students live in Berrytree.

 

[ruiner]

I have been looking into apartments. Does anyone know how it works out for med students at Berrytree? They have weird lease dates and it sounds like subleasing would be involved. I would rather not do that. After our second year, would we be going to our clerkship sites in May or June?

I'm pretty sure many CHM/COM students live in Berrytree.

 

[Cybii]

Hello,

I was wondering if any of you were placed on hold originally for your pending MCAT scores, and when you did receive your new MCAT scores, did you have to contact MSUCOM? I've sent my score to AACOMAS two and a half weeks ago, and I haven't heard from admissions. 😕 I am very tempted to maybe e-mail admissions to let them know that my new MCAT has been released?

Also, do you guys think that my application is considered "late" or has lowered chances because it's October/ almost November already? I was originally complete in August but was put in hold for my new MCAT scores.

Stats: 3.51 science, 3.8 non-science, 28O MCAT, moderate volunteer/research.

I haven't heard from any schools, so I've been in agony the past few weeks! heh Thanks for the help! 🙂

 

[KimBo]

Well what I'd like to know is to what extent do admissions give somebody 'brownie' points for going to a competitive school?

Based off my experiences taking classes at multiple schools and from what other people have told me, a B/B+ student at Michigan is more on the caliber of an A-/A student at less competitive colleges. Do they even give any consideration to this sort of thing? It seems more logical to me that schools should place more weight on MCAT scores since that's the only way to objectively compare the academic performance of students.

Fujian, I know what you mean. I too am a UofM grad, graduated 2005. I attended grad school and received a 3.9 with the same amount of work I put in at UofM. Different schools DEFINITELY have different academic environments. Unfortunately most college grads think that their program or course of study was "hard" but because they worked hard, they got good grades. People KNOW you worked hard, you graduated from an awesome university!

While there may not be any "brownie" points in life, the skills that you learned at UofM will make you successful in life. MSU will see this. They know the academic rigor at UofM. They will take it into consideration when reviewing your application. What will determine your acceptance is what you did with your acquired skills. UofM offers TONS of opportunities to get involved. What clubs were you in? Pre Med club? Did you participate in study groups? Study abroad? Did you volunteer at the hospital? Work at the hospital? Involved in Dance Marathon? Member of a sorority/fraternity - don't forget about your philanthropy!! ALL of this should be on your application.

As an acceptee to MSUCOM, my best advice is to get your material in EARLY. I applied twice. The first time I did not submit my secondary until September; I did not get in. The second time I submitted my secondary in July; I was accepted in September. Not a whole lot changed on my app., just the timing of when it was submitted. Stop putting all the emphasis on MCAT scores, gpa's, what school you went to, etc. Be organized, be driven (call!! no matter how scared you are), be EARLY! Don't accept (or anticipate) failure.

 

[Cybii]

INCORRECT-- I am a student @ a satellite campus and we have the same access to EVERYTHING!! Both electives AND clinical opportunities. Do not say things like that unless you are a current student and know that it is actually true.

I highly encourage those accepted to check out the satellite campuses and TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS at all 3!! There are positives and negatives that are unique to each campus!

Do you happen to know some of the positives/negatives for each campus?

 

[Fujian1]

Fujian, I know what you mean. I too am a UofM grad, graduated 2005. I attended grad school and received a 3.9 with the same amount of work I put in at UofM. Different schools DEFINITELY have different academic environments. Unfortunately most college grads think that their program or course of study was "hard" but because they worked hard, they got good grades. People KNOW you worked hard, you graduated from an awesome university!

While there may not be any "brownie" points in life, the skills that you learned at UofM will make you successful in life. MSU will see this. They know the academic rigor at UofM. They will take it into consideration when reviewing your application. What will determine your acceptance is what you did with your acquired skills. UofM offers TONS of opportunities to get involved. What clubs were you in? Pre Med club? Did you participate in study groups? Study abroad? Did you volunteer at the hospital? Work at the hospital? Involved in Dance Marathon? Member of a sorority/fraternity - don't forget about your philanthropy!! ALL of this should be on your application.

As an acceptee to MSUCOM, my best advice is to get your material in EARLY. I applied twice. The first time I did not submit my secondary until September; I did not get in. The second time I submitted my secondary in July; I was accepted in September. Not a whole lot changed on my app., just the timing of when it was submitted. Stop putting all the emphasis on MCAT scores, gpa's, what school you went to, etc. Be organized, be driven (call!! no matter how scared you are), be EARLY! Don't accept (or anticipate) failure.

KimBo,

Seeing your post is very relieving. In fact, almost all those extracurriculars you mentioned I have participated in. I have done Dance Marathon, alternative spring break, volunteered a lot with the Red Cross, been an Orgo study group leader, I'm in a fraternity, did research abroad for two months/lived with a host family, and I have been a research assistant in one of the labs at the med school here for a while now...Those are a lot of the big ones.

On the other hand, it's obvious that everybody applying to med school (especially MSUCOM) has lots of experience to put on their application. And of course it's not fair to say somebody with a 4.0 at any other institution could not have done the same at UofM. But being involved in all these activities makes it that much harder to get a high GPA here. Also, I am majoring in economics which is a really tough program...especially when you combine it with all the science classes.

Like you said, although Michigan requires one to work very very hard, I have benefited from more personal growth that this incredibly diverse campus offers than I would have ever imagined. Still...it's difficult not to wonder at times if I'd be better off had I forgone the 'Michigan difference.'

...But from your experience do you think all of these factors along with my extra curricular experiences will show for something?

 

[oakland]

Hello,

I was wondering if any of you were placed on hold originally for your pending MCAT scores, and when you did receive your new MCAT scores, did you have to contact MSUCOM? I've sent my score to AACOMAS two and a half weeks ago, and I haven't heard from admissions. 😕 I am very tempted to maybe e-mail admissions to let them know that my new MCAT has been released?

Also, do you guys think that my application is considered "late" or has lowered chances because it's October/ almost November already? I was originally complete in August but was put in hold for my new MCAT scores.

Stats: 3.51 science, 3.8 non-science, 28O MCAT, moderate volunteer/research.

I haven't heard from any schools, so I've been in agony the past few weeks! heh Thanks for the help! 🙂

AACOMAS takes an eternity to release anything. Call the admissions office to make sure they recieved your latest score. If they havent just fax them a copy of it and they update it right away. I got my new MCAT score and faxed it that day to the admissions office then got accepted two days later. Don't wait for AACOMAS

 

[EckXXX]

Finally got word from MSU today after being complete since early August--placed on hold for my Fall grades.

Not a huge surprise here, this is the third school to do so and it means I have a shot still. At least I feel a little more in control of the outcome, which is better than waiting every Wednesday.

Good luck to everyone today!

 

[kbrinsky1]

Just got the accepted email! I had no clue that they didn't do interviews, so I thought it was a mistake at first

 

[Cybii]

AACOMAS takes an eternity to release anything. Call the admissions office to make sure they recieved your latest score. If they havent just fax them a copy of it and they update it right away. I got my new MCAT score and faxed it that day to the admissions office then got accepted two days later. Don't wait for AACOMAS

Really great advice! I ended up emailing admissions yesterday and they told me the exact same thing, so I sent in my fax... 🙂 and yeaup:


ACCEPTED TODAY!!!! Class of 2014!!! I am so excited and happy!!!

 

[DOquest]

What is the dress code when you come to visit the campus after you have been accepted? Have people been wearing a suit or have they just been wearing dress pants and nice tops?? Any feedback would be nice!
Thanks

 

[davenp73]

Just wondering, does anyone know how many applicants MSU-COM had last year? The AACOMAS college information book doesn't specify, nor could I find it on the MSU-COM website. Thanks!

I am in the class of 2013 and we had over 3000 applications for 300 spots.