MSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[Everglide]

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Hey guys, just some info for those of you that seem to be wondering.
I'm in c/o 2013 and we had a class meeting this week.

So far, ~250 offers of acceptance have been given out.
Of those, there are just over 120 PAID deposits. So, quite a few offers have been given out, but there are still over 150 spots that do not have deposits down for them. Just so you all know, there's still lots of hope!! (ALSO! there's at least half the spots still available at ALL campuses, so don't feel rushed to make decisions!! Check them all out!)

For the person about fall grades, they are waiting to make a decision about you until your fall grades come in. So send them in ASAP and they will review your application @ the very first meeting when they come back from x-mas break. So you will have a decision in the middle-ish of January.

Any other questions or clarifications needed, feel free to PM me or post on here, I check it when I'm bored and don't want to study! =)

Thank you. Good luck with your finals haha. Is this Wednesday the last day they are meeting this year or is it next Wednesday?

 

[BlueJaysFan]

Hey everyone,
Just a quick question. I have recently been verified by Acomas and was debating applying MSU COM. I am OOS(Canadian actually) 26 MCAT (6 in verbal) and a 3.95 GPA. Is it worth it for me to apply to MSU or is it too late?

Thanks

 

[g5chand]

Hey everyone,
Just a quick question. I have recently been verified by Acomas and was debating applying MSU COM. I am OOS(Canadian actually) 26 MCAT (6 in verbal) and a 3.95 GPA. Is it worth it for me to apply to MSU or is it too late?

Thanks

One of my friends at MSUCOM had about the same stats as you from USAFA and applied around this time last year. He was accepted in April.

 

[reapplicant5]

Hey everyone,
Just a quick question. I have recently been verified by Acomas and was debating applying MSU COM. I am OOS(Canadian actually) 26 MCAT (6 in verbal) and a 3.95 GPA. Is it worth it for me to apply to MSU or is it too late?

Thanks

They said that they review complete files until early next year. So your chances probably are as good as mine, whose application was complete only last week.

MSU seems to have one of the earlier deadlines to send in your primary AACOMAS application. Hopefully that deadline has not passed for you.

 

[Spider29er]

Hey everyone,
Just a quick question. I have recently been verified by Acomas and was debating applying MSU COM. I am OOS(Canadian actually) 26 MCAT (6 in verbal) and a 3.95 GPA. Is it worth it for me to apply to MSU or is it too late?

Thanks

DO it!!! Go Canada....(although a Blue Jays fan, Hmmm)

 

[Lewist02]

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.

I know this post is late (I was just browsing through) but I had lunch last April with a member of MSU's ADCOM (although with the MD school). This question about GPA standardization was raised and she responded that MSU does standardize GPAs by using a modifier. She gave an example for Harvard..and said that it would have a 1.6 and that 1.6 would be multiplied by the Harvard applicant's normal GPA. She said our school would be around a 1.3, and compared it to a state school close by to us (I went to school in PA) and said they would be close to a 0. I'm not sure what MSU's modifier would be, but she assured us that Michigan does look at where you went to school and factors it in.

 

[katwaa]

I just got my acceptance e-mail!! SO EXCITED!! I'm thinking about choosing the Macomb campus. Does anyone have any input on the pros and cons of each campus?

 

[Everglide]

Good luck to everyone else, keep your hopes up and don't accept/anticipate rejection. The class is only half full according to previous posts.

~3.35 Sci&Non-sci (upward trend, had 4.00 last two semesters. Also did terrible in biochem before last two semesters)
~29R (~P9-V10-B10)
~1500 total volunteer hours
~3000 total paid work
3 years research, no pubs
~1000 hours various ECs, premed clubs, sports, etc..


Thank you again to everyone for all the help and info!

 

[momanddoc]

I just got my acceptance e-mail!! SO EXCITED!! I'm thinking about choosing the Macomb campus. Does anyone have any input on the pros and cons of each campus?

Just got the acceptance offer today via email!!!

Good luck to everyone else, keep your hopes up and don't accept/anticipate rejection. The class is only half full according to previous posts.

Complete Tuesday 12/1
Accepted Wedneday 12/9
IS (MSU Undergrad c/o 2005)
~3.35 Sci&Non-sci (upward trend, had 4.00 last two semesters. Also did terrible in biochem before last two semesters)
29R (P9-V10-B10)
~1500 total volunteer hours
~3000 total paid work
3 years research, no pubs
~1000 hours various ECs, premed clubs, sports, etc..


Thank you again to everyone for all the help and info!

Congratulations!!!!!! Such a great feeling isn't it!!!!!!!👍👍😀

 

[momanddoc]

I just got my acceptance e-mail!! SO EXCITED!! I'm thinking about choosing the Macomb campus. Does anyone have any input on the pros and cons of each campus?

I would also like to hear about the pros and cons of the different campuses. I have two young children and am concerned about the DMC campus being right in downtown Detroit but I noticed the MACOMB campus is more on the outskirts so I was thinking about that one. But East Lansing is closest to where my in-laws live so that one's really appealing too. Also, does anyone know if any campus is likely to fill up faster than the others? I really want to get my paperwork in, but frankly I probably won't have the money to do so until mid-January so I am a little concerned that I won't get my top choice.

 

[Everglide]

I would also like to hear about the pros and cons of the different campuses. I have two young children and am concerned about the DMC campus being right in downtown Detroit but I noticed the MACOMB campus is more on the outskirts so I was thinking about that one. But East Lansing is closest to where my in-laws live so that one's really appealing too. Also, does anyone know if any campus is likely to fill up faster than the others? I really want to get my paperwork in, but frankly I probably won't have the money to do so until mid-January so I am a little concerned that I won't get my top choice.

According to friends who matriculated extremely late into the cycle, they had to attend one of the satellites because the East Lansing site filled first.

Detroit is not a nice place to live but if you choose the DMC campus there are plenty of nice areas to live in (I don't think any student actually lives in Detroit). Royal Oak is a common living area for those who choose the DMC campus.

They all definitely have their pros and cons. I'm personally set on East Lansing but I'm bias having went there for undergrad.

 

[p1acebo]

According to friends who matriculated extremely late into the cycle, they had to attend one of the satellites because the East Lansing site filled first.

Detroit is not a nice place to live but if you choose the DMC campus there are plenty of nice areas to live in (I don't think any student actually lives in Detroit). Royal Oak is a common living area for those who choose the DMC campus.

They all definitely have their pros and cons. I'm personally set on East Lansing but I'm bias having went there for undergrad.

Actually that is false, there are students that live in Detroit and have told me only good things about there experiences. I suggest exploring options on your own to see what would work best for you.

 

[medschoolicome]

I was wondering if a lot of you all that have been accepted are from out of state...I am from...North Carolina/Virginia, and I've paid my deposit with the full intention of attending. Anyone in my position- ie) fresh out of college, 21 years old, moving half way across the country? I feel like it's going to be a pretty interesting experience.

I am in the same boat as you, OOS, graduating in december 2009! I just made a decision to attend MSUCOM and put a deposit in at the E Lansing campus. This was the only campus that I got to visit and I thought it would be more beneficial to have a bigger campus to make it feel more like "home." I would love to talk to you more about our "big move", personal message me if you would like

 

[medschoolicome]

HI! I'm from out of state, CA. I was born and raised in CA and am super stoked to move across the country to MI! I know there isn't going to be many of us OOSers there, so we got to stick together 😉. What site did you choose?

I agree, us OOSers must stay together and make a new home! 🙂 I am from Colorado and excited/anxious to move to MI! I will be on the E. Lansing campus what about you?

 

[momanddoc]

I agree, us OOSers must stay together and make a new home! 🙂 I am from Colorado and excited/anxious to move to MI! I will be on the E. Lansing campus what about you?

Hey I am from Colorado too! I put my deposit down today for the East Lansing campus, but I am REALLY worried about getting it because the admissions people told me that East Lansing was filling up fast!!!!

Can you tell me how long after you put down your deposit you found out you would be at East Lansing??

 

[dr.z]

Hey I am from Colorado too! I put my deposit down today for the East Lansing campus, but I am REALLY worried about getting it because the admissions people told me that East Lansing was filling up fast!!!!

Can you tell me how long after you put down your deposit you found out you would be at East Lansing??

I think I got an email from them about a week after I sent my paper work and deposit.

 

[momanddoc]

I think I got an email from them about a week after I sent my paper work and deposit.

Thanks for the feedback - I REALLY hope there are still spots at East Lansing!

Anyone know how many spots are left and how many there are total?

 

[Everglide]

Actually that is false, there are students that live in Detroit and have told me only good things about there experiences. I suggest exploring options on your own to see what would work best for you.

This is directed more for people unfamilar with the Detroit area but I am referring to the actual downtown Detroit and not any of the metro areas.

I have never met anyone or heard of any student living in the actual city of Detroit. If they have had good experiences I would love to hear them but IMO I wouldn't want to have a family living in Detroit when there are plenty of nicer areas close by.

Anyway, do plenty of research and I'm sure you will find a variety of opinions for each site 🙂

 

[p1acebo]

This is directed more for people unfamilar with the Detroit area but I am referring to the actual downtown Detroit and not any of the metro areas.

I have never met anyone or heard of any student living in the actual city of Detroit. If they have had good experiences I would love to hear them but IMO I wouldn't want to have a family living in Detroit when there are plenty of nicer areas close by.

Anyway, do plenty of research and I'm sure you will find a variety of opinions for each site 🙂

I know the metro detroit area very well and have done enough research to know that there are a variety of students that live in the River front appartments as well as some in the Millender center (Which are both in downtown detroit and very close to campus). If you would like I could give you some contact information of students that do live in the actual city of Detroit. In regards to moving with a family, living in a sub is probably the best option due to school districts and the fact that it is easier to get an actual house.

 

[Everglide]

I know the metro detroit area very well and have done enough research to know that there are a variety of students that live in the River front appartments as well as some in the Millender center (Which are both in downtown detroit and very close to campus). If you would like I could give you some contact information of students that do live in the actual city of Detroit. In regards to moving with a family, living in a sub is probably the best option due to school districts and the fact that it is easier to get an actual house.

Yeah, I figured from reading this thread you knew a lot about the area...

I had never heard of anyone living at the River front or Millender, interesting. I don't personally have any use for the contact info though it seems like others could greatly benefit from them. 👍

 

[OsteoRock]

I've grown to hate wednesdays.

I know that ADCOM's meet on Wed. but don't actually send responses till Thu or Fri.

I got my acceptance email on Thu about 11:00 am 🙂🙂🙂

 

[g5chand]

I toured there as well and was told that we also had access to WSU weight room... maybe they misspoke?

Actually, DMC IS affiliated with ONLY the WSU rec center... That's it.

 

[g5chand]

I would also like to hear about the pros and cons of the different campuses. I have two young children and am concerned about the DMC campus being right in downtown Detroit but I noticed the MACOMB campus is more on the outskirts so I was thinking about that one. But East Lansing is closest to where my in-laws live so that one's really appealing too. Also, does anyone know if any campus is likely to fill up faster than the others? I really want to get my paperwork in, but frankly I probably won't have the money to do so until mid-January so I am a little concerned that I won't get my top choice.

I suggest against DMC if you have children unless you plan to live in the suburbs such as Royal Oak, Birmingham, etc.

 

[g5chand]

Yeah, I figured from reading this thread you knew a lot about the area...

I had never heard of anyone living at the River front or Millender, interesting. I don't personally have any use for the contact info though it seems like others could greatly benefit from them. 👍

There are LOTS of med and law students who live in Riverfront apts. Though I have never been to Millender, I've heard it to be really nice... Lots of pros and cons about living in the city, but it's the same for every where...

It all depends on what you're willing to "put up with" while living in the city of Detroit bc... It's Detroit.

 

[momanddoc]

I suggest against DMC if you have children unless you plan to live in the suburbs such as Royal Oak, Birmingham, etc.

Thanks for the feedback! I actually got my email today confirming me for the East Lansing campus!!! I am really excited!

 

[Cybii]

Actually, DMC IS affiliated with ONLY the WSU rec center... That's it.

Wait, those who attend at the DMC campus get to use the WSU rec center?

 

[rm2908]

Wait, those who attend at the DMC campus get to use the WSU rec center?

EL campus students have access to MSU's IM building..

So:
DMC gets access to WSU rec center
MUC gets membership to YMCA

 

[Cybii]

EL campus students have access to MSU's IM building..

So:
DMC gets access to WSU rec center
MUC gets membership to YMCA

Yay!!! I love working out, so I'm excited we get memberships no matter where we go. It's a great stress-reliever. Thanks for the information!

 

[Jeremy31]

i

 

[SoManyQ]

accepted this morning!! 🙂 hope to see you all on campus!

 

[IGotTheSinus]

Hi all,

I just received my acceptance for msu yesterday as well- very quick turnaround time, less than 2 weeks since i was complete. anyone know how much the deposit is and the timeline to pay?

 

[Spartan4210]

does anyone know how long it takes for the location choices to be sent? is it sent out in the admissions packet or is sent by email?

 

[p1acebo]

does anyone know how long it takes for the location choices to be sent? is it sent out in the admissions packet or is sent by email?

When you receive your admissions packet after you send them your address there will be a form in the packet addressing which location you would like to choose. After you mail in the packet you will receive an e-mail confirmation saying which location you were given. It shouldn't take too long to hear back.

 

[fattymangox03]

how much time do students have off from classes to prep for COMLEX? what is the pass rate (and also average score)? what about USMLE? i heard that not many students opt to take it; is that true?

thanks!

 

[Everglide]

Hi all,

I just received my acceptance for msu yesterday as well- very quick turnaround time, less than 2 weeks since i was complete. anyone know how much the deposit is and the timeline to pay?

The first deposit is $750. You will get this paperwork sometime next week along with paperwork for site preference. I don't recall the exact due date of this deposit however you will want to get it in ASAP because site preference and placement is determined by when you get your paperwork in. There is also a smaller deposit due later around April. I don't have the paperwork with me so I can't verify the dates. Basically plan 750 for now.

how much time do students have off from classes to prep for COMLEX? what is the pass rate (and also average score)? what about USMLE? i heard that not many students opt to take it; is that true?

thanks!

This is all hearsay from students and not official MSU figures, so take it for what it's worth..

I have been told a low percentage of the class takes USMLE, something around 10%. I have no idea what the average is for other schools, however I highly doubt any school keeps track or releases that.

I have also been told MSU does not release class info about COMLEX pass or score. There was a thread on SDN from 2004 that said the pass rate was 96%. Again, take it for what it's worth.

This is from the "review your school" osteopathic thread:

Board Prep: Each class vice-president is responsible for organizing a formal board-prep program where selected faculty (usually those well-liked by the students) are asked to give a 1-4 hour review on a specific topic; I personally found the micro, reproductive, GI, and heme review sessions incredibly helpful (they are also scribed by the Scribe Service and available for purchase); many in the class of 2009 felt that they amount of time we were given to prep for boards was inadequate (well, we were told that our classes would be "easier" than they ended up being) and I think many students wish they had taken an additional week to study (only about 10% of the class took the USMLE FYI); BTW, I have no idea what the class average is for boards because we are not given access to that data...

 

[davenp73]

Yay!!! I love working out, so I'm excited we get memberships no matter where we go. It's a great stress-reliever. Thanks for the information!

The IM passes at EL are given as part of the fit for life program, and they only have about 100 of them (enough for half the class). Almost our whole class skipped lecture the day the passes were handed out and waited in line to get one. If you do get one, you have to use it on average once a week or they take it away and give it to someone else who will use it. FYI, if you do not get a pass a membership to the IM building is $195 per semester and there are plenty of gyms around EL too.

 

[DOxidant]

Anybody know if MSUCOM admission office will be opened on Monday 12/21? When is the last day they work before christmas break?

 

[Royal Blue skys]

still no interview

 

[spence]

Does anyone happen to know if the committee is meeting this week (since MSU is still on winter break)?

 

[samuraiR]

is it even worth applying to MSU-COM if you're out of state? 60k+ tuition? That seems absurd, especially considering most other DO schools are 30-40k

 

[Everglide]

is it even worth applying to MSU-COM if you're out of state? 60k+ tuition? That seems absurd, especially considering most other DO schools are 30-40k

It's fairly common for MSU to offer IS tutition scholarships to OOS students. Of course, this is not guaranteed and understandably the price scares off many OOS applicants.

 

[samuraiR]

It's fairly common for MSU to offer IS tutition scholarships to OOS students. Of course, this is not guaranteed and understandably the price scares off many OOS applicants.

really now? I didnt know that. I love michigan, and have a lot of friends at MSU so I think I may consider that

 

[Everglide]

Yeah, at least that's what I have been told by OOS friends at MSU. I'm sure the admissions office would gladly answer your specific questions, they're very willing to help.

 

[momanddoc]

is it even worth applying to MSU-COM if you're out of state? 60k+ tuition? That seems absurd, especially considering most other DO schools are 30-40k

For what it's worth, I am OOS and MSUCOM was always my top choice regardless of the tuition cost. There is a reason that this is the only DO school that is ranked in the top 10 med schools for primary care - it's the best. And they only accept less than 10% of the class from OOS so it's an honor to be accepted here especially without an interview.

That said - I know it's terrifying to think about paying that kind of money for school every year and I am doing the Army HPSP so I didn't really have to consider the cost as much as most people - but as Everglide was saying I have heard that they give A LOT of scholarships to OOS students to help offset that cost of tuition. So it's a tough decision to make for sure!

The only other thing I would say is that for MSUCOM this is extremely late in the cycle so if you are considering applying, I would do it ASAP because they like to have their class filled by December if possible and also depending what campus you are interested in, I know that East Lansing is filling up FAST!

Good Luck with your decision! I know it's a tough one!!!

 

[samuraiR]

For what it's worth, I am OOS and MSUCOM was always my top choice regardless of the tuition cost. There is a reason that this is the only DO school that is ranked in the top 10 med schools for primary care - it's the best. And they only accept less than 10% of the class from OOS so it's an honor to be accepted here especially without an interview.

That said - I know it's terrifying to think about paying that kind of money for school every year and I am doing the Army HPSP so I didn't really have to consider the cost as much as most people - but as Everglide was saying I have heard that they give A LOT of scholarships to OOS students to help offset that cost of tuition. So it's a tough decision to make for sure!

The only other thing I would say is that for MSUCOM this is extremely late in the cycle so if you are considering applying, I would do it ASAP because they like to have their class filled by December if possible and also depending what campus you are interested in, I know that East Lansing is filling up FAST!

Good Luck with your decision! I know it's a tough one!!!

Hmm, I didnt know it was ranked that high! Wow. I am applying next cycle so I am actually extremely early lol.

 

[Everglide]

Hmm, I didnt know it was ranked that high! Wow. I am applying next cycle so I am actually extremely early lol.

lol?

Well in like 5 months you can start the "MSU-COM Discussion Thread 2010-2011" with some bits of knowledge from this thread 🙄

 

[samuraiR]

lol?

Well in like 5 months you can start the "MSU-COM Discussion Thread 2010-2011" with some bits of knowledge from this thread 🙄

i was just getting some information about the school... calm down buddy

 

[Everglide]

i was just getting some information about the school... calm down buddy

Sorry, wasn't meant to come across as an insult... I was in the same position a year ago only I was lurking on the 08-09 thread. It never hurts to get info early.

 

[momanddoc]

Hmm, I didnt know it was ranked that high! Wow. I am applying next cycle so I am actually extremely early lol.

I think it's great that you are looking into this so early!!! The only thing I wish I had known ahead of time is how long AACOMAS takes to process your application (mine took like 9 weeks) but luckily I still got in and was placed at the campus I wanted so it worked out!

About the ranking, if you look at the U.S. News rankings of top medical schools, you will see that MSUCOM is 7th this year for primary care - until you click on the name, it only says Michigan State University but then when you click it says the College of Osteopathic Medicine. It's pretty cool that it's the only DO school ranked that high (although I'm sure there are others that deserve to be ranked higher than some MD schools).

Good luck through the application process when you do start it!

 

[Insulinshock]

Hey Guys!!

Congrats to all of you that have acceptances, and good luck to those that are still waiting. I am applying the next cycle, and I just had a question as I looked forward to my last semester before applying.

In reading this thread it seems that MSUCOM very heavily weighs community service, like 1000 hours and plus. I was just wondering if I could get some input on my situation: I have a wide variety of volunteering activities, but by the time I apply I will probably have no more than 500-600 hours of actual volunteering (slightly more if I include high school). I also work about 20 hours a week because, well, I have to, and have other hobbies/ EC's.

However, my GPA is pretty high, around a 3.85, and my MCAT (which I'm taking in like 4 weeks) practice tests are coming back fairly strong, 30+. Could I get some input on what my chances would be? Should I load up big time on hours this next semester (I have open volunteering at the hospital, which means I can go in whenever I want) to have a better shot? One of my letter writers who is a DO went to MSUCOM and I would love for the chance to attend.

Thanks guys, and good luck!