MSUCOM Discussion thread 2007-2008

Started by mshheaddoc
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speeter said:
Hi guys. Everyone get the update email?
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I have been complete since October 11th, and I haven't heard a peep. When was the update email sent out? Was it only sent out to people who were accepted? Should I call the admissions office? And if I should what do I say? I am started to get really nervous...
 
lulubell325 said:
For those accepted or interviewed, when did you have your application finished? Mine was finished early september and I havn't heard anything. I'm wondering if I should make an appointment with admissions and just go in to talk and ask a few questions..
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I would recommend going in and meeting with admissions. It will show initiative and puts a face/personality with your application. Believe me, It helps!
 
I know that last year they had the class filled by the beginning-middle of December...I wonder if this year is the same...
 
I have noticed that not too many people speak of MSUCOM around here. I am assuming that is because most of the class is from MI. Either way, I just sent in my deposit for the school and primarily choose it due to its connection to a major state University (merely my preference). I have yet to visit the campus and I was wondering if anyone had paid MSUCOM a visit and what your reactions were. Hows the program ? etc. Even with my deposit sent, I am deliberating whether to go or not...
 
Please visit before you make your final decision. I moved to East Lansing aread a year ago when I got a job at MSU. I moved from the Minneapolis area and I had a really hard time adjusting to life in East Lansing. Even though MSU is a major state university and it is by Lansing (state capital) the area is very rural and not very metropolitian. I don't mind small towns--I am going to Kirksville afterall, but I just wanted to let you know that.

Personally, I am not much for the bar scene and that is pretty much all people do around here. I kid you not, every time I meet someone new, one of the first questions out of their mouth is "So, what's your bar?" A lot of the off campus housing that is close reflect this too. There are a lot of apartment complexes that have more parties, noise and commotion than a freshman dorm!

There is also the fact that Michigan has a very depressed economy and that spills into every facet of life. Unemployment rates are huge all over the state and because of that there is little income to the state budget, so there are new taxes and potential state "shut downs."

Also, the housing market around East Lansing is so messed up. Be prepared to make housing arrangements about 8 months to a year before you will actually live there. I kid you not, the "lease renewal weekends" for the next school year are in September most places.

This area is definately not my home and when applying I debated even applying here because I didn't think I could handle living here another 2 to 4 years. However, my family is close so that played a factor. I havent' been accepted yet, but I have pretty much decided on Kirksville.

Oh, one last thing---the auto industry basically owns the state. Therefore, public transportation everwhere is terrible. And, things are really spread out. Oh, and big one for me, the area is very biker-unfriendly. Translates to, you most likely will have to drive most places you want to go. The culture is also very drive everywhere. I was talking with a native of East Lansing about how hard it has been for me to adjust to life here. She was telling me that there is so much to do. I was like, well not close. She then started listing all of the fun outdoorsy stuff, museums and cultural stuff to do, and it was all at least an hour's drive from here. I was like...ummm...that's not close!

Please don't take this as an MSU bashing post. I really do love the state of Michigan, and wouldn't mind moving back here (although I really want to settle in Minnesota). And you can go to michigan.org to see all the really cool stuff here, I don't need to rehasht that. It's just that my persona and the East Lansing area dont' mesh at all, so I wanted to put this perspective out there to help the OOS accepted people and to really emphasize the importance of coming to see it for yourself.

Hope this helps!
 
In my opinion East Lansing is a great college town. There are few places in the Midwest that can compare to the Michigan State campus in the fall or spring.

If you choose to go there, see if they still have a grad dorm. In the 1970's Owen Hall was inexpensive, had good chow and (believe it or not) weekly maid service.

The one drawback for you is $60,000 in OOS tuition. Your total cost will be about $80,000 per year.

If you are a guy, however, you will find a campus full of good looking, fun loving women who also are pretty darn smart. ACT's are now averaging about 28. The football team is getting better as well.
 
If you are a golfer you will like the Forest Akers golf course. The basketball and hockey teams are generally first rate.🙂

If you are a gym rat take a hard look at IM and fitness facilities on campus. They may not be great.🙁
 
It always cracks me up to hear E Lansing described as 'rural'. I get that people who consider it rural have probably never been in a rural area in their LIFE (at my high school cow tipping was entertainment).

E Lansing is not rural, it is suburban. Yes, everything pretty much needs to be driven to, but the trip is usually less than 10 minutes for most anything, even with factoring in traffic times. The CATA system is pretty efficient (city buses), and a semester pass is only about $50, so cheap transportation will take you anywhere in Lansing and the surrounding suburbs. It covers the campus perfectly, with stops every 6 minutes during the school year. It is just more convienent to drive off campus, as most people who live in Michigan DO rely on a car, and have always had one. I dont think that this is unique to E Lansing- I've lived by Detroit, in Ann Arbor, and grew up in Flint, and all of these 'urban' areas of Michigan are the same!

Michigan can be a beautiful state to live in, especially in the summer and fall. However, what most people comment on here that arent from the area is the WEATHER. If you are not a Michigan person, you may want to check it out in about January or February. It gets bitter, with the lake effect winds and snow, and most everyone gets in poopy moods. It's a hard struggle through those months most years, but spring as the light at the end of the tunnel is usually worth it.

If you guys have specific questions or concerns, I would suggest you PM some of the people on here that went to MSU undergrad or are from the area. We are a pretty friendly bunch 😛
 
Vee said:
isn't the oos tuition $51k or so? 😱
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At $320,000 in debt, you'd be paying $2400 per month for 20 years (assuming 5%). That's pretty amazing, but I'm sure it is a good school.
 
Obnoxious Dad said:
If you are a golfer you will like the Forest Akers golf course. The basketball and hockey teams are generally first rate.🙂

If you are a gym rat take a hard look at IM and fitness facilities on campus. They may not be great.🙁
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IM west was redone last year and the workout area is fantastic!!! 🙂 👍
 
"If you are a golfer you will like the Forest Akers golf course"

Alright, I'm sold.
 
Jpc984 said:
I found this site online.... can someone make sense of this for me? It is also the budget they give you at the visit.

http://www.finaid.msu.edu/read/budcom.pdf

What in the world is the tuition for an OOS student. I see sites w/ ~50,000 to 60,000 a year.
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That is the official budget that they give you. The thing is, it isnt a set amount per year- it varies over the four years you attend. It also varies for in-state students. If you add up and do the math, it is about 210k for in-state for four years. For four years as an out-of-stater, it is about 330k.

If you wanted to break it down by an average, it is 52.5k IS and about 82.5k OOS per year.

Please also keep in mind that these numbers are for the total budget, not just tuition- they include every little thing you will have to spend during these years. Third year is by far the most expensive for all students, and you also take classes during the summer the first two summers so that is included as well.

If I was an out of stater, and knew I wanted to go to MSUCOM (it is an absolutely amazing school!!!!) I would try to get a deferral for a year so as to establish residency. It would save a bundle, plus you can always get a job to pay the rent and have a relaxing year before all the craziness starts!
 
Hey guys!
I just wanted to comment on how much this forum has changed over the past few months. Early on in the thread, everyone was very worried about just getting one acceptance and fulfilling their dream of becoming an osteopathic physician. Over the past few months more and more people have begun recieving acceptances and their worries have shifted from medical school acceptance to financial concerns. I too have noticed this within myself. I wanted to remind everyone of the succes of our accomplishments thus far. As "go-getters" we feel the need to immediately shift from one focus to another! Sit back and enjoy your achievements! If we learned one thing from this whole application process it is that worrying is not helpful. Things will fall into place, like they always have. Have faith, enjoy, and keep on keeping on!

Jim
 
"we learned one thing from this whole application process it is that worrying is not helpful."

Good post... but even though we have learned that worrying is not helpful, it doesn't mean we don't do it anyways!
 
Personally, I've always loved the EL and MSU, but I do agree things are spread apart. Things can be a long walk (getting from Fee hall to Harpers is going to take awhile) and access to a car is helpful, but everything else always made up for it. People are friendly and there is lots to do! There are sporting events to watch and play in year around. Concerts and plays at the Wharton Center and the Breslin. The City of East Lansing holds a Jazz festival, an art fair, and other events all summer. (not my thing, but I always thought it was fun and interesting to walk through the booths on my way to the bar) And my personal favorite tailgating in the fall. (my bold prediction, before we all graduate in 2012, the spartans will contend for the Big Ten championship and for the Rose Bowl!) I can't wait to get back to campus!!

BTW If you like to golf, Forest Akers West is good, but you have to check out Hawk Hallow. It was and may still be ranked as one of the best tri-state public courses! (but that was before I tore it apart with all my divots... lol)

little off subject: where is everyone planning on living??
 
I'm thinking of living in the dorms for the first year (yes, i know, outside the norm), and then try to get an apartment with some people 2nd year.

What about you?
 
Central Park Apartments in Okemos...I'm used to about 70 minutes of driving per day so the short 10 minute drive won't bother me.
 
I think I would probly try to live southeast of campus, as thats where most of the medical buildings are. That or in a house somewhere in EL. I hate to say it, but I liked living there during UG, so why not extend the fun out for a few more years?

All in all I'd like to live in an area that has a higher population of medical students in general, and if I can ride my bike to class from there, all the better. I was one of those crazy bikers weaving through people when I was at MSU :meanie:
 
I wouldnt touch the grad dorms with a 10 1/2 foot pole myself. Owen is not exactly a "hip" spot to be, and the dorms themselves are old and dumpy. From what I heard, almost all of the students live off campus, and there is a matching program to find people to live with if thats a route you are looking to go. You could even live with the kids that go to CHM, as they will be sharing almost of of the 1st year classes with us
 
anyone else still holding on to hope? no luck for me today... maybe next week...
 
ina1220 said:
anyone else still holding on to hope? no luck for me today... maybe next week...
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I thought I read earlier that they weren't meeting until after break. I could be making stuff up though.
 
Jpc984 said:
I thought I read earlier that they weren't meeting until after break. I could be making stuff up though.
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I read somewhere that they started meeting again Dec 4th. No word for me today either, hopefully next week!
 
FrickenhugeMD said:
I wouldnt touch the grad dorms with a 10 1/2 foot pole myself. Owen is not exactly a "hip" spot to be, and the dorms themselves are old and dumpy. From what I heard, almost all of the students live off campus, and there is a matching program to find people to live with if thats a route you are looking to go. You could even live with the kids that go to CHM, as they will be sharing almost of of the 1st year classes with us
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I agree, I have a friend that lives in Owen now and the rooms are tiny and you have to pay for your food differently there than in any other dorm on campus, plus if you want your car you have to park it way far away then walk to it. All in all, a pain. One good thing is, it is closer and I mean closER to Fee Hall. Everything on MSU's campus is a walk, but that is they way they set it up because it is based on the agricultural part of the school, so it is beautiful there in the fall spring and summer. I went to MSU for undergrad and loved it but parking is always a huge issue. I have heard that they hook up the medical students with parking, but I would highly suggest living off campus. That is my plan when I hopefully get that acceptance letter. 🙂
 
i havent heard anything either. i have been complete since about oct 21. i am getting kind of worried. maybe it is because i am currently in genetics and they are waiting to see how i do in it. who knows. hopefully the class hasnt been filled yet
 
Well, I just called to find out if they were still filling the class (mostly because I was just curious) and she told me they would be probably throughout the month. She went on about withdrawals, I had already told her I was accepted but I dont think she followed that part of the convo, and said she expects there to be turn around up until orientation.

So, I guess they aren't going to meet their self-imposed deadline of the beginning of December. Good luck to all of you that are still waiting! There are still spots to be had! :luck:
 
ina1220 said:
anyone else still holding on to hope? no luck for me today... maybe next week...
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Hi, I am also waiting to hear back from MSUCOM. Do they accept/reject applicants regularly throughout the week or is it random? From reading previous threads it seems like there is a pattern I am not aware of.
 
MicroarrayGirl said:
Hi, I am also waiting to hear back from MSUCOM. Do they accept/reject applicants regularly throughout the week or is it random? From reading previous threads it seems like there is a pattern I am not aware of.
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Committee meets Tuesdays and emails normally go out on Wednesdays!!!


Anyone know if they send "rejection" emails or if they just send letters or anything like that. Also, do they send a "our class is full and you don't qualify for our waitlist" kind of notice? Thanks!
 
As far as I know, they dont send out rejections until the class AND waitlist has been filled. They send them out in a batch, kinda like 'sorry we dont have any more room' when they have them filled up.
 
Of course they send out Rejections, it comes in the mail. I have a nice one, its still hanging in my room...:laugh: (although now I am on the wait-list, after my interview)

Every week the people that get picked to go the committee, are put in 3 piles: Accept (get an email), Wait-list(email), Reject (mail).
 
MicroarrayGirl said:
HrvatskiDoktor said:
Committee meets Tuesdays and emails normally go out on Wednesdays!!!

Thanks! I don't know if I should still hope.
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Keep the Hope! If you want it bad enough, it will happen!

So anyone planning on living in Berrytree? What's the scouting report on Central Park?

BTW I did the owen hall thing my senior year. If you don't mind being able to extend both arms and touch both walls at the same time it's pretty okay. quiet. access to the cafe, study rooms, IM across the street, and fee hall is about a five minute walk away.
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Cl 2012 said:
MicroarrayGirl said:
Keep the Hope! If you want it bad enough, it will happen!

So anyone planning on living in Berrytree? What's the scouting report on Central Park?

BTW I did the owen hall thing my senior year. If you don't mind being able to extend both arms and touch both walls at the same time it's pretty okay. quiet. access to the cafe, study rooms, IM across the street, and fee hall is about a five minute walk away.
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Im thinking of Owen for my first year... mind if I pm you with some questions?
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I was seriously considering living out in the Chandlers, I lived there before and liked it a lot for the price, but the Landings dont allow cats anymore!!!! Gah!!!!! Anyone know a nice place, out a ways but not too much, that allows pets??? I dont like Berrytree, had a friend that lived there and its dumpy for the cash, you can def live somewhere nicer for the same price. I'm considering Central Park, but I wasnt very impressed...I would looooove some suggestions!
 
When I interviewed with MSUCHM the student tour guys said that the med students can buy a parking pass to the lot over by the radiology building. This pass is also 400+ dollars.... I dont know if this includes COM students, but I hope so. Chalk that price up to MSU and its ridiculous parking nazis
 
As far as parking is concerned, you can (1) obtain a parking pass through MSU for the radiology lot, or (2) buy a pass from the Eyde company across Hagadorn. Eyde tends to be quite a bit cheaper, though slightly farther away. Either way, you have to cross the train tracks!

Regarding housing, there are many other options besides Central Park, Berry Tree and Chandler Crossings. I lived at Club Meridian - a short, 4 minute drive to campus that allows pets. Expect to pay about $725 for a one-bedroom, one-bath second floor (though I recommend third floor there). PM me if you need other info or try rent.com.
 
scowdeva said:
I was seriously considering living out in the Chandlers, I lived there before and liked it a lot for the price, but the Landings dont allow cats anymore!!!! Gah!!!!! Anyone know a nice place, out a ways but not too much, that allows pets??? I dont like Berrytree, had a friend that lived there and its dumpy for the cash, you can def live somewhere nicer for the same price. I'm considering Central Park, but I wasnt very impressed...I would looooove some suggestions!
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How far off campus do you want to be? There's Dover's Crossing and the other apartment complexes in that area.
 
Well, I did my undergrad at MSU so I'm pretty familiar with housing there...however, I am familiar with the undergrad housing, which I definitely DO NOT want to live in! I was hoping people could put some suggestions of where they live/know of people that live that are decent for price, location, and maybe pet friendly? I think this would be a good start for me, and also others that arent as familiar with housing in EL that may be attending. I'm already going to be late to sign a lease, probably wont until May, so I know my options are going to be limited. I'm trying to get a list of four places I would like to live so that when the time comes, I can just see what is still available rather than scrambling from step 1.

Also, the parking at the clinical center is seriously 400?!?! I plan on living out, most likely by Meridian Mall, so I will pretty much have to drive in (I will not do the 40 min bus ride one way thing every day!!). That sucks that its soooo expensive. I'll have to call and nag the admissions people about how much parking is to verify...
 
They said Parking was ~360 or so... but the Eydes offer Parking for i think they said half of that... and it's what, across the Street from the MSU Parking?...
 
Darktide said:
They said Parking was ~360 or so... but the Eydes offer Parking for i think they said half of that... and it's what, across the Street from the MSU Parking?...
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I think it is across the railroad tracks (which is everything, so I hear).
 
Where is the Eyde parking??? I know that's a company that owns apartments, is it at some apartment building? If it was across the street it would have to be the strip mall with Jimmy John's and the College Store- is that it??

And for people not familiar with the area, the railroad tracks are directly behind Fee Hall. No matter what, ya gotta walk across those! Thats where the undergrad parking is. Maybe I should try the parking black market on allmsu.....
 
The Eyde Company is on the east side of Hagadorn. The radiology lot that belongs to MSU is on the west side of Hagadorn. The eyde lot would be an extra 200 yard walk accross the street.
 
scowdeva said:
Where is the Eyde parking??? I know that's a company that owns apartments, is it at some apartment building? If it was across the street it would have to be the strip mall with Jimmy John's and the College Store- is that it??

And for people not familiar with the area, the railroad tracks are directly behind Fee Hall. No matter what, ya gotta walk across those! Thats where the undergrad parking is. Maybe I should try the parking black market on allmsu.....
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No from what I hear it's the parking lot behind the EYDE building. (the big commercial building on the southeast corner of Hagadorn and Service drive. Says EYDE in big block letters on top of the building.)

How much is parking in X-lot? (the undergrad parking across the train tracks) I sort of remember paying $180 to park there during the school year....
 
Cl 2012 said:
No from what I hear it's the parking lot behind the EYDE building. (the big commercial building on the southeast corner of Hagadorn and Service drive. Says EYDE in big block letters on top of the building.)

How much is parking in X-lot? (the undergrad parking across the train tracks) I sort of remember paying $180 to park there during the school year....
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Yeah, undergrad parking for a closer lot was about 200, thats why its so suprising to me that they offer the undergrads closer parking for cheaper than what they offer their med students....

I guess the trick would be to find an undergrad and buy their permit off them. Not to hard to do, considering how they are always scrounging for beer money...then you would have a closer spot (that at least gets plowed in the winter) for less than what Eyde or MSU would charge. I guess I'm kind of just appalled at how they try to screw over students they KNOW are likely commuting, and their MED students at that. Most every other school provides parking for their students, and some even do it for free! Thats a con in my book, and mostly just on principle.
 
I thought we were allowed to buy x-lot passes for the same price?? And the radiology lot was the one that was twice as much. If that isn't the case I guess I will have my undergraduate, little bro, buy one for me.... I'm sure he could use beer money....
 
Cl 2012 said:
I thought we were allowed to buy x-lot passes for the same price?? And the radiology lot was the one that was twice as much. If that isn't the case I guess I will have my undergraduate, little bro, buy one for me.... I'm sure he could use beer money....
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I still dont get why a lot that is further away would be more expensive than a closer one...but hey, what do I know?? Also, in order to buy a pass for that lot (its either 89 or 91, the one right behind Fee regardless) you HAVE to live in either Akers, McDonel, Hubbard or Holmes. I lived in McDonel when I transferred there, so I'm pretty familiar with that parking situation.

Maybe they only sell so many in that lot to med students, like first come first serve. Then the rest of the kids have to pay more for the radiology lot. IDK. If anyone finds out more about this situation, keep us posted! Ya gotta love how the parking stress is starting already...dang, I didnt realize how much I'd missed MSU til just now :laugh:
 
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