Official MSUCOM Class of 2012 Thread!!!

[speeter]

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Thanks! I think I am going to go on the campus visit. What do folks usually wear?

I wore a suit, but many guys wore khakis and a dress shirt/tie.

Just paid my $1000 last night. It's official!

 

[Jpc984]

After you get the packet at your visit, how much time do you have? Is it till December? Also, do you get done at 3:30 like the schedule suggests, or do you get done earlier?

 

[speeter]

After you get the packet at your visit, how much time do you have? Is it till December? Also, do you get done at 3:30 like the schedule suggests, or do you get done earlier?

The schedule was accurate. The tour is led by a student so you make of it what you want. The deadline for the first $750 is December 1. The rest is due by February.

 

[ptr2477]

I have a question on accepting the offer. I replied by email saying that I accept the offer and MSU-COM sent me the admission documents. The deadline to submit completed documents and cash is Dec 1st. My question is if I do this by Dec 1st, is that going to be the final decision? In case I want to withdraw later to go some other school, what would I do?

I am waiting on some more schools and also have an acceptance from Wayne.

Thanks.

 

[speeter]

I have a question on accepting the offer. I replied by email saying that I accept the offer and MSU-COM sent me the admission documents. The deadline to submit completed documents and cash is Dec 1st. My question is if I do this by Dec 1st, is that going to be the final decision? In case I want to withdraw later to go some other school, what would I do?

I am waiting on some more schools and also have an acceptance from Wayne.

Thanks.

You must complete the paperwork and pay $750 by Dec. 1 or your admission offer is void. If you want to withdraw after Dec 1 you lose most of your money, but you aren't legally bound.

 

[Jpc984]

...

 

[ANNADO]

hello, im officially a member of the class of 2012! glad to be a part of such a wonderful group! i will keep in touch 😉

 

[Jpc984]

Do second years give old exams to the first years? Do professors recycle questions?

 

[speeter]

Alright, I am going to commit a SDN crime. I am double posting, one in pre-osteo and one on this thread... I apologize.

I have seen the dorms at CCOM, but wanted to know more about MSU's dorms. Do a lot of COM students stay in the dorms first year? Would that be at Owen hall? Also, is it open in the summer for Anatomy?

My understanding is that the large majority of com students live in off-campus housing. Berrytree seems to be very popular. I signed a lease on an apartment in Okemos, which is about 4 miles east of campus.

 

[Andrew3117]

My understanding is that the large majority of com students live in off-campus housing. Berrytree seems to be very popular. I signed a lease on an apartment in Okemos, which is about 4 miles east of campus.

im a first year at MSUCOM...and no one lives in the dorms...no one. berrytree is fairly popular. if you want to get away from the college scene check out some of the cities around lansing such as Haslett and Okemos. let me know if you have any other questions


EDIT: and as far as old exams go...it depends on the class. for biochemistry and gentics, we have the old tests going back about three years. also, for each unit, they provide questions that are similar in difficulty and content to the real test questions. some professors will even use the exact questions from the study guide on the test...depends on the professor

 

[scowdeva]

EDIT: I answered a question by mistake that had been thoroughly addressed before my post- oopsy!

 

[Jpc984]

When filling out the MSU graduate school application, did you guys put every little job for the "activities section" or did you guys just put the big stuff?

I am so nervous about screwing up on it and getting my acceptance taken away...I even know it is just a formality!

 

[Cl 2012]

When filling out the MSU graduate school application, did you guys put every little job for the "activities section" or did you guys just put the big stuff?

I am so nervous about screwing up on it and getting my acceptance taken away...I even know it is just a formality!

Just the big ones from the past 4 years.
BTW You're in! relax! I'll see you in gross anatomy.... 😉

 

[Ferrismonk]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, but I lost this thread when it was moved here from the Pre-Osteopathic forum.

Here's my quick bio:

I grew up in Wixom, MI (East side of State), but now live in Kalamazoo, MI. I got my BS in Biology at Ferris State in 2001. GPA was around a 2.9. I did a year of Pharmacy school there but hated it (GPA around 1.8). I went and got my associate in Medical Laboratory Technology in 2003 (GPA 3.8). I took the MCAT in 2004 (almost too long ago!) and got a 29P. I think that the reason I was accepted to MSUCOM was mainly due to my non-academic pursuits. Namely my participation in professional organizations and my work experience. I've been working as a Medical Technologist for the past 5 years. I've got a wife and 1 year old son but will probably be renting a studio or something in Lansing while my wife stays in Kalamazoo, but we're still working out the details. Any other questions and you can PM me. 🙂 Nice to be joining all of you!

 

[persistentapp]

Orientation for the Class of 2012 starts at 8:00am on Monday, June 23rd. The white coat ceremony is at 1 pm on Friday, June 27th. see you all then!

 

[Biochemist]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, but I lost this thread when it was moved here from the Pre-Osteopathic forum.

Here's my quick bio:

I grew up in Wixom, MI (East side of State), but now live in Kalamazoo, MI. I got my BS in Biology at Ferris State in 2001. GPA was around a 2.9. I did a year of Pharmacy school there but hated it (GPA around 1.8). I went and got my associate in Medical Laboratory Technology in 2003 (GPA 3.8). I took the MCAT in 2004 (almost too long ago!) and got a 29P. I think that the reason I was accepted to MSUCOM was mainly due to my non-academic pursuits. Namely my participation in professional organizations and my work experience. I've been working as a Medical Technologist for the past 5 years. I've got a wife and 1 year old son but will probably be renting a studio or something in Lansing while my wife stays in Kalamazoo, but we're still working out the details. Any other questions and you can PM me. 🙂 Nice to be joining all of you!

Hey Ferrismonk, I'm also a Ferris grad (2007)! Glad to know at least two from B-Rap are representing in our class.🙂 Its funny I have friends that graduated from the med tech program at Ferris in 2004, and they work in Kalamazoo too.

 

[Jpc984]

Bumping because I keep checking for updates!

 

[Born2BMD]

Hi all, newly accepted this week, very excited as this is my first acceptance! Just trying to pull as much info as possible as quickly as possible as I don't have nearly as long as you earlier accepting individuals did in making your decisions about turning in that nice little deposit they are requesting! I'm a non-trad that will be commuting in on the regular. I live near Huron Valley Sinai Hospital ~ one of the base hospitals for the clerkship years! Any current MS's at MSUCOM can you give me a quick heads up about how the clerkship years work, do you have your choice of base hospital and if you get it are you there for the duration of your clerkship? This will make a difference in my decision making process so your help would be greatly appreciated. I am still awaiting decisions from 3 other schools including MSUCHM where I have interviewed. How MS-3 & MS-4 will work will factor largely into my final decision as I have a family who will be making a lot of sacrifices over the duration of this experience! (although it will be so worth it!!!) I am really excited about MSCOM's Class of 2012 and unless something drastically changes I will be seeing you all in June! I scheduled my visit for 1/22 any of you that have already visited how did it go? Did you get a lot of information that was helpful?

 

[Jpc984]

Hi all, newly accepted this week, very excited as this is my first acceptance! Just trying to pull as much info as possible as quickly as possible as I don't have nearly as long as you earlier accepting individuals did in making your decisions about turning in that nice little deposit they are requesting! I'm a non-trad that will be commuting in on the regular. I live near Huron Valley Sinai Hospital ~ one of the base hospitals for the clerkship years! Any current MS's at MSUCOM can you give me a quick heads up about how the clerkship years work, do you have your choice of base hospital and if you get it are you there for the duration of your clerkship? This will make a difference in my decision making process so your help would be greatly appreciated. I am still awaiting decisions from 3 other schools including MSUCHM where I have interviewed. How MS-3 & MS-4 will work will factor largely into my final decision as I have a family who will be making a lot of sacrifices over the duration of this experience! (although it will be so worth it!!!) I am really excited about MSCOM's Class of 2012 and unless something drastically changes I will be seeing you all in June! I scheduled my visit for 1/22 any of you that have already visited how did it go? Did you get a lot of information that was helpful?

Hi. I am in your class but... base hospitals are chosen via a lottery system. I do not know how long you stay there. I think there is more info on the MSU site. I will try to find it.

http://ap.com.msu.edu/clerkship/

 

[futuredo32]

Hi. I am in your class but... base hospitals are chosen via a lottery system. I do not know how long you stay there. I think there is more info on the MSU site. I will try to find it.

http://ap.com.msu.edu/clerkship/

There are a predetermined number of spots at each base hospital. If the number of students wanting to go to a specific base hospital does not exceed the number of slots, you don't go to lottery. If there are, for example, 15 spots at a base hospital, but 18 students want to go to that base hospital, it goes to lottery. If there are extenuating circumstances like you are caring for an ill relative and really need to have a particular base hospital, you can apply for special consideration and may be guaranteed a spot. But the reason really has to be pretty major and they don't consider owning a home or having kids or a spouse with a job in a specific area a good enough reason to give a student special consideration. Most people get their first choice of base hospitals, but there's always a few who are disappointed.
Hope this helped a little. Good luck in med school.

 

[Jpc984]

There are a predetermined number of spots at each base hospital. If the number of students wanting to go to a specific base hospital does not exceed the number of slots, you don't go to lottery. If there are, for example, 15 spots at a base hospital, but 18 students want to go to that base hospital, it goes to lottery. If there are extenuating circumstances like you are caring for an ill relative and really need to have a particular base hospital, you can apply for special consideration and may be guaranteed a spot. But the reason really has to be pretty major and they don't consider owning a home or having kids or a spouse with a job in a specific area a good enough reason to give a student special consideration. Most people get their first choice of base hospitals, but there's always a few who are disappointed.
Hope this helped a little. Good luck in med school.

My understanding is some hospitals are more popular depending on the year.

 

[futuredo32]

My understanding is some hospitals are more popular depending on the year.

Yep. They added new hospitals since I got a base hospital so I couldn't even try to predict what hospitals will be more popular for your class, but Ingham and Sparrow were pretty popular for at least a few years in a row, largely because some students bought houses in Lansing and East Lansing and/or their kids are in the Lansing/East Lansing school district. (that was one of the longest sentences I've ever typed.)

 

[futuredo32]

EDIT: and as far as old exams go...it depends on the class. for biochemistry and gentics, we have the old tests going back about three years. also, for each unit, they provide questions that are similar in difficulty and content to the real test questions. some professors will even use the exact questions from the study guide on the test...depends on the professor

They give practice exams for physiology and pharmacology too. Definitely do those for each exam and for the final. (At least they used to give practice exams for those)

 

[Jpc984]

They give practice exams for physiology and pharmacology too. Definitely do those for each exam and for the final. (At least they used to give practice exams for those)

If the old exams are not available, are there clubs that give old test packets if you join or pay for them?

 

[drchick331]

Regarding base hospitals, yes, there is a lottery system and it can be pretty heart wrenching when people don't get their first choice. There are usually about 8 base hospitals that are over-selected and therefore those not selected for that hospital must choose from any other hospital that has not met its maximum. The term "first choice" should be considered carefully. Many students that do not receive their "first choice" don't receive their "second choice" because that hospital is already filled or has also gone to lottery. By "second choice", you should really think "left over". This year, I think about 8 hospitals went to lottery and many students that did not get their "first choice" wanted one hospital which had only 4 openings. Therefore, these students had to enter a "second lottery" for that hospital and those not selected then were forced into a "third" and "fourth" lottery for whatever hospitals were not picked.

It is all really a game (IMHO) - you have to decide which hospital will suit you and you either take the risk of going to lottery or you pick a hospital that may not really be your number one choice, but it is a safe option that is unlikely to head to lottery...

The base hospital is used for PCAC (think ob/gyn, family, medicine, out-patient electives) and certain hospital-based rotations (think surgery, medicine, ob/gyn, anesthesiology, rads, EM). However, we get 14 weeks of selectives (a rotation you can do in any statewide-campus hospital - which is far greater than the base hospital list) and 20 weeks of electives (a rotation you can do anywhere, but usually used to "showcase" at hospitals you are most interested in for residency or to do rotations not found within the statewide campus system). Simply stated, you get the opportunity to do many rotations outside your base.

Regarding whether they will add base hospitals, it is most likely as they continue to expand their state-wide campus system. The recent announcement of a DMC (downtown Detroit) campus will likely increase the odds that a base hospital is there - there are a few students in 2009 at Sinai-Grace, but they are still working on a formal base system. The Dean has also stated previously that St. Joseph's in Ann Arbor would like students (I think this is now a statewide-campus hospital, but not yet a base).

The strength of MSUCOM's clerkship education is impressive - and I may be biased, but I think considerably stronger than that of MSUCHM. PM me with further questions. I also have a Survival Guide for Second Year at MSUCOM that I can email to any newly admitted students - it explains the lottery system, base hospital system, and curriculum quite clearly - better than I could in a single email...enjoy!😀

 

[Born2BMD]

Thank you to all those who responded. DrChick I'll send you a PM this afternoon! I am so excited to start and I am always eager to get as much info as possible so any other words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!

 

[futuredo32]

If the old exams are not available, are there clubs that give old test packets if you join or pay for them?

I don't think so. MSUCOM has students that help each other because it's pass/fail. I can't imagine being charged for an old exam. Some courses have them, some don't. Many of the first year courses have them, but not too much of the second year courses have them. But, a lot of instructors give "hints" about what will be on the exams.

 

[Jpc984]

I don't think so. MSUCOM has students that help each other because it's pass/fail. I can't imagine being charged for an old exam. Some courses have them, some don't. Many of the first year courses have them, but not too much of the second year courses have them. But, a lot of instructors give "hints" about what will be on the exams.

GOOD!

 

[Born2BMD]

Hey fellow classmates, a bunch of you that had an earlier acceptance had received an update email with some info like start date and such, would any of you be willing to share that with me....I'm in and official and will be sending in my deposit as soon as I get back from vacation...heading home for Xmas!! Thanks!! PM for email address..thanks a bunch..just trying to gather as much info as I can... I am gettin so psyched and I know June will be here before we know it!

 

[Jpc984]

Hey fellow classmates, a bunch of you that had an earlier acceptance had received an update email with some info like start date and such, would any of you be willing to share that with me....I'm in and official and will be sending in my deposit as soon as I get back from vacation...heading home for Xmas!! Thanks!! PM for email address..thanks a bunch..just trying to gather as much info as I can... I am gettin so psyched and I know June will be here before we know it!

I didn't get the update email yet... but I will see you in June. Actually, I just found my packet when I visited....

Monday, 6/23 Orientation
Tuesday, 6/24/08 Anatomy begins
Friday, 6/27 white coat ceremony at 1

 

[Biochemist]

Hey everyone who's been accepted don't forget that there are $250 due to MSUCOM by feb 1st if you plan on attending this June (if you haven't paid it with the first set of fees). I almost forgot until this week, and figured a reminder for everyone wouldn't hurt.

 

[Nuch]

Hey everyone!

I would suggest start looking for apartments if you're seriously planning (i.e. paid the deposit) on going to MSUCOM. The majority of apartments close to the school are gone... I just signed a lease at Berrytree and there's only a handful left.

Also, if you're not currently an MSU student, you probably don't want to get a DTN apartment. Most leases for DTN start in August without an option to move in earlier unless you already live in a DTN apartment. My roommate and I will be moving at the end of July because of this hassle 😡. If you want a DTN apartment, you'll have to find someone to sublease from for the earlier part of the summer.

Having said all that, a lot of apartments farther off campus tend to be cheaper and better (in looks, space, etc.). So, if you don't mind the commute in the morning and paying for the parking pass... go for it.

ONLY 6 MONTHS LEFT! 😱

 

[zoey1912]

Hello all, I just recieved an e-mail from MSUCOM and want to know if anyone else has:

"The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is pleased to offer you a place on our waiting list for admission into the Class of 2012. The completeness of your application materials and the quality of your achievements convinced the Admissions Committee that an interview would be superfluous. We would, however, be delighted to host a visit day for you, which would be your opportunity to interview us."

I just called admissions last week to ask if there are spots available for the class of 2012 and was told there are. Do I even have a shot of getting admitted? Should I go to the visit day? I've never heard of this before.

Thanks!🙂

 

[Ferrismonk]

Hello all, I just recieved an e-mail from MSUCOM and want to know if anyone else has:

"The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is pleased to offer you a place on our waiting list for admission into the Class of 2012. The completeness of your application materials and the quality of your achievements convinced the Admissions Committee that an interview would be superfluous. We would, however, be delighted to host a visit day for you, which would be your opportunity to interview us."

I just called admissions last week to ask if there are spots available for the class of 2012 and was told there are. Do I even have a shot of getting admitted? Should I go to the visit day? I've never heard of this before.

Thanks!🙂

I received a very similar letter last year when I applied. I'm not sure how much you know about MSUCOM and it's waiting list, but as far as I understand it you've been put into a pool, ranked in an order which they unfortunately won't tell you. It means they like you enough that they would like you in the class, but not enough to give you a guaranteed spot. Unless they've changed something this year, since you did not also received a sentence about a guaranteed spot for next year, you are probably in the lower half of that list. My suggestion is to meet with Kathie Shafer (the Director of Admisssions) and discuss your application. She will probably say the same thing I've said here and give you some good advice. If you REALLY want to go to MSUCOM, do whatever she says and you'll most likely be accepted next year. That's what I did. 😳

-Travis-

 

[Ferrismonk]

Does anyone here have an apartment already set up and want a roommate? I'm married and have a son, but they will be staying in Kalamazoo while I attend MSUCOM. I'll be going home every weekend to spend family time with them. So basically I'm a quiet 28-year old male who doesn't watch TV looking to share an apartment with someone. Any takers? 😀

 

[ashbrant]

I was accepted back in October and have been lurking here for a while. I'm having a tough time deciding between COM and CHM so I've enjoyed reading what everyone has to say about the program. Right now, I'm holding a spot at both schools.

Any insight into the strength of the clinical training is really appreciated. I know it's a crap shoot no matter what school you go to, you can get screwed in the lottery. Thanks to drchick331 for posting more info about the hopsitals.

 

[icemount]

Does anyone know what the expected 2012 class size will be? I'm still waiting to hear from the school, not a word yet. This is my number one choice and feeling sick to my stomach at the moment.

 

[Jpc984]

I was accepted back in October and have been lurking here for a while. I'm having a tough time deciding between COM and CHM so I've enjoyed reading what everyone has to say about the program. Right now, I'm holding a spot at both schools.

Any insight into the strength of the clinical training is really appreciated. I know it's a crap shoot no matter what school you go to, you can get screwed in the lottery. Thanks to drchick331 for posting more info about the hopsitals.

I am attending COM. I do not know too much about CHM, but for the first two years, they take similar/ same classes. I think summer anatomy will be a huge benefit. You do not have to take it in the fall with your other classes and I hear it makes the class very close. Is CHM pass fail? I think that is a benefit of COM...

Are you interested in OMM? If not, maybe CHM is the right path for you.

Nonetheless, I will see you in the summer or fall!

 

[Jpc984]

Does anyone know what the expected 2012 class size will be? I'm still waiting to hear from the school, not a word yet. This is my number one choice and feeling sick to my stomach at the moment.

probably around 205 again...

 

[icemount]

How about average number of applications and also average stats of accepted applicants?

 

[Jpc984]

How about average number of applications and also average stats of accepted applicants?

I don't know if there is any way to know that. When I went on my visit to MSU, I think they mentioned applications were significantly up from last year. If you can find last year's stats, maybe you can gauge this years.

 

[ashbrant]

Is CHM pass fail? I think that is a benefit of COM...

Are you interested in OMM? If not, maybe CHM is the right path for you.

Nonetheless, I will see you in the summer or fall!

CHM is pass/fail. The only difference in the grading might be in the percentile needed to pass.

I am interested in OMM, but I hear such mixed things about it. I am interested in obstetrics and gynecology and I've heard that OMM can be really useful during pregnancy because of the anatomical changes that occur. However, I haven't hear much about whether there is evidence to support the claims.

 

[Jpc984]

I was accepted back in October and have been lurking here for a while. I'm having a tough time deciding between COM and CHM so I've enjoyed reading what everyone has to say about the program. Right now, I'm holding a spot at both schools.

Any insight into the strength of the clinical training is really appreciated. I know it's a crap shoot no matter what school you go to, you can get screwed in the lottery. Thanks to drchick331 for posting more info about the hopsitals.

I think MSU-COM has more core hospitals to choose from (atleast they did a couple of years ago). I don't know if that is true today.

 

[Ferrismonk]

I don't know if this matters to you or not, but I was told by the COM folks that CHM tends to focus on the west side of the state and that COM tends to focus towards the east side of the state. If your base hospital location matters a lot to you, this could be part of your decision basis. That being said I'm from Kalamazoo and I know MSUCOM has a base hospital out here.

If you want my advice, I'd go with COM. They cover the same stuff at the CHM students (even sharing some classes), except that with COM you will also learn OMM. Both colleges are great at providing quality primary care physicians, but I personally think that the whole-body approach that osteopathy is known for would lean me in that direction.

 

[drchick331]

I don't know if this matters to you or not, but I was told by the COM folks that CHM tends to focus on the west side of the state and that COM tends to focus towards the east side of the state. If your base hospital location matters a lot to you, this could be part of your decision basis. That being said I'm from Kalamazoo and I know MSUCOM has a base hospital out here.

If you want my advice, I'd go with COM. They cover the same stuff at the CHM students (even sharing some classes), except that with COM you will also learn OMM. Both colleges are great at providing quality primary care physicians, but I personally think that the whole-body approach that osteopathy is known for would lean me in that direction.

Just to clarify, the closest base hospital (as of today) is in Grand Rapids at Metro Health Hospital. The Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies is NOT a base hospital - it is part of the statewide campus system (SCS) which means you can do a "selective" there but not use it for a base hospital. The class of 2010 currently has 14 weeks of selectives that can be scheduled at any hospital in the large SCS network.

Another thing to consider for those choosing between COM and CHM would be the educational curriculum teaching style. COM (particularly second year) is taught with the more traditional systems-based approach whereas CHM is taught using the problem-based learning model that emphasizes small group learning. Furthermore, CHM has recently changed its mission (or was attempting to) and is now focusing on specialty care rather than primary care (much to the dismay of many current students and faculty). Perhaps this is their attempt to derive a niche in the expanding med education world - I can only speculate. Hope that helps!

 

[scowdeva]

Ok, I'm a little confused. On the MSUCOM website, they show a huge list of schools that they say are all 'base' hospitals...some of them have asterisks next to them, and a few don't. Can somebody list the eight that you are going to be based at? I was under the impression that I could choose Genesys as my base hospital for years 3 and 4, but now I am wondering about that.

Edit: ok, now that I go back and reread the above post I see that there are 8 base hospitals that are 'overselected', not eight total. Whew. I thought I was really losing my mind there for a second. Just out of curiousity, is Genesys one of them that is usually overselected? I wouldn't think so, but who knows. My other top choice would be Beaumont. If a current student could weigh in on those I would really appreciate it!

 

[Jpc984]

Ok, I'm a little confused. On the MSUCOM website, they show a huge list of schools that they say are all 'base' hospitals...some of them have asterisks next to them, and a few don't. Can somebody list the eight that you are going to be based at? I was under the impression that I could choose Genesys as my base hospital for years 3 and 4, but now I am wondering about that.

I thought there were more than 8 base hospitals... Genesys has an asterisk next to it so I assume you can pick it as your base hospital. Remember, it is on a lottery system so, just because you like the site doesn't mean you will get it.

http://www.com.msu.edu/scs/hospitals/?source=unit3

 

[Born2BMD]

We were told yesterday @ our visit by Dr. Falls that of the 29 statewide campus system hospitals 20 of them are base hospitals. Also it was mentioned that the Class of 2012 is full just as an FYI so while they are still accepting secondaries those people along with those waitlisted are only being looked at to fill slots when they do not get the deposits at the assigned deadlines! See you all in June!

 

[scowdeva]

I thought there were more than 8 base hospitals... Genesys has an asterisk next to it so I assume you can pick it as your base hospital. Remember, it is on a lottery system so, just because you like the site doesn't mean you will get it.

http://www.com.msu.edu/scs/hospitals/?source=unit3

That's why I'm hoping that a current student can kind of weigh in on if that seems to be a popular choice or not...that is the one major pro about MSUCOM for me. If I couldn't be at that hospital (it is literally down the road from my entire family) and I got put in the UP I would be mighty cranky...

Isn't it only a lottery if more people want it than there are spots? If there are ten openings for Genesys, for example, and nine people put it as their top choice they all would get it. It's not a complete lottery in that people are just randomly placed...only when say 15 people want somewhere with 10 spots does it go to a lottery system.

 

[Whaty]

Isn't it only a lottery if more people want it than there are spots? If there are ten openings for Genesys, for example, and nine people put it as their top choice they all would get it. It's not a complete lottery in that people are just randomly placed...only when say 15 people want somewhere with 10 spots does it go to a lottery system.

You are correct it only goes to lottery if more people want it then there are spots at the base hospital. Even then your chances are good of getting what you want based on probability since there is ussually only over selection by a few spots.