Oklahoma State University (OSU-COM) Discussion Thread 2014 - 2015

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Congrats on one of the first interviews! Are you in-state or OOS? Do you mind sharing your stats?
 
Apollo13 said:
Congrats on one of the first interviews! Are you in-state or OOS? Do you mind sharing your stats?
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Thanks! I'm IS. 28 MCAT (8 PS, 11 VR, 9 BS), 3.44 sGPA, 3.69 cGPA.
 
PinkJelli, any ideas on how strict they are in regards to eval letters? I have 6 letters, but only one of those is from a faculty member (she taught me Biochem). I graduated 5 years ago, I have a Master's degree, but in trying to reach out to ex-faculty members, I only found 1 that would write a letter because the others didn't feel like they had a relationship with me. My graduate committee was not pre-med and I took all my pre-reqs here & there while finishing my thesis. My other 5 letters are from docs that I've actually worked with. Do you think there would be grace for me on this issue?
thanks!
 
NutridocDO said:
PinkJelli, any ideas on how strict they are in regards to eval letters? I have 6 letters, but only one of those is from a faculty member (she taught me Biochem). I graduated 5 years ago, I have a Master's degree, but in trying to reach out to ex-faculty members, I only found 1 that would write a letter because the others didn't feel like they had a relationship with me. My graduate committee was not pre-med and I took all my pre-reqs here & there while finishing my thesis. My other 5 letters are from docs that I've actually worked with. Do you think there would be grace for me on this issue?
thanks!
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They are usually pretty rigid about the required letters. I would call the admin girls and talk with them. Also they get tons of stuff so I wouldn't send too many more letters than are required.
 
Are these invites an e-mail or phone call or both?
 
jmac0605 said:
Thank you! Congrats to you too. I selected Friday, October 17th.
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Great. I actually chose 10/16 and then wished I had chosen that Friday instead. I'll come on here as soon as I get out from the interview and share my thoughts and any tips I think might help. I've spoken to several people from the last couple years though, and they say it's super relaxed. There is a rubric of a handful of questions they give everyone, such as the obvious why do you want to be a doctor, and then the other ones that seem omnipresent are "How do you handle stress?" as in what do you do to manage it, and"What do you do for fun?" I hear the rest of the interview is mostly a conversation that your responses to questions determine the direction of the interview.
 
Jumanji2015 said:
Great. I actually chose 10/16 and then wished I had chosen that Friday instead. I'll come on here as soon as I get out from the interview and share my thoughts and any tips I think might help. I've spoken to several people from the last couple years though, and they say it's super relaxed. There is a rubric of a handful of questions they give everyone, such as the obvious why do you want to be a doctor, and then the other ones that seem omnipresent are "How do you handle stress?" as in what do you do to manage it, and"What do you do for fun?" I hear the rest of the interview is mostly a conversation that your responses to questions determine the direction of the interview.
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I've never heard about them having a rubric. Usually starts off with something like why DO/why OSU and then just having a conversation about the stuff on your app they can see. Totally chill interview.
 
Jumanji2015 said:
Great. I actually chose 10/16 and then wished I had chosen that Friday instead. I'll come on here as soon as I get out from the interview and share my thoughts and any tips I think might help. I've spoken to several people from the last couple years though, and they say it's super relaxed. There is a rubric of a handful of questions they give everyone, such as the obvious why do you want to be a doctor, and then the other ones that seem omnipresent are "How do you handle stress?" as in what do you do to manage it, and"What do you do for fun?" I hear the rest of the interview is mostly a conversation that your responses to questions determine the direction of the interview.
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That sounds great! I asked a couple people who are students there now if they have any advice, and so far I've just heard basically the same thing about the interview being really relaxed. One person told me to be sure and be prepared for the "Why OSU?" and Why D.O.?" questions, but that's all I've really heard to be prepared for so far.
 
My advice is to not over think it. I practiced questions, prepared answers for the 'typical' questions you mentioned and thought I had planned for everything. When my actual interview came I felt so unnatural and awkward when trying to recall what I had practiced that I was not able to be myself. All the preparing and planning killed my interview and I didn't get in. On paper, my stats were better than people I know that got in. My advice-do NOT over think this thing. If you do, you will be reapplying the following year...

Just rent a suit and go be yourself.
 
But for those who still want to know specific questions, I was asked:

1. In your opinion, what makes osteopathic medicine different from allopatric medicine?
2. I see that you have a lot of science courses on your transcript, what non-science things are you interested in?
3. What would you do if a patient told you that they were going to refuse your medical advice, even if you knew your advice was correct?
4. I see you have some research in your graduate studies, in a few sentences, sum up for me what you learned.
5. Why do you want to become a physician?
6. What would you do if your pursuit of medical school is not successful? They specifically wanted to know what I would do if I didn't get in ever, reapplying wasn't an answer.
7. What type of medicine do you want to practice and why?
8. I see you are interested in rural medicine-what rural areas are you specifically interested in and why?
9. Tell me more about your shadowing experiences.

There were other questions that came as a natural part of the conversation based on the answers I gave but after my interview these stood out as the main questions. After they were done asking their questions, they asked me if I had any questions. Have some prepared. I was told by Leslie in admissions that it is not unacceptable to bring a portfolio with you with prepared answers and questions that you can refer to and that it may actually help you by making you appear more prepared. I would spend the day or so it would take to familiarize yourself with a basic understanding of the faculty's research interests so that you can ask them about it or summer research opportunities with the school. Professors I KNOW will be giving interviews (I'm sure there will be others, but these for sure):

Dr. Kath Curtis
Dr. Randall Davis
Dr. Gerwald Kohler
Dr. Nedra Wilson

My wife expressed interest in the dual-degree Ph.D/D.O. program and was one of the last people accepted during the last admissions cycle if that means anything. I'm a M.S. student at OSU-CHS and a dual-degree is not that tough (it actually may be easier since you get to take Biomedical Foundations separate from Gross Anatomy) and would look good for a residency. As a dual-degree student, you are not one of the 100 or so they are selecting for the next class of medical students. Instead, you are one of the first 15 students they are selecting for the following years class of medical students. Just something to consider...

Good luck to you all!
 
I'm completely envious of the DO/MS students that don't have to take BMF with us.

Dr. Wilson is cool, she'd be a good interviewer to get, imo.
 
Hey guys, I'm pretty sure I know my chances at getting an interview at this school, but I wanted to get a few opinions from everyone:
1. I'm a Texas resident.
2. cGPA - 3.57, sGPA - 3.87. I took biochem 1&2, genetics, med/vet micro, biopsychology, and cell biology; all A's.
3. MCAT 24; taken a couple times because I got food poisoning the first time. This will, understandably, be my Achilles heel.
4. I've had well over 5,000 hours of working as a CNA on the resource team of my local hospital, meaning I have worked in every department at the hospital. Plus, I also work at a pediatricians office, and he's a D.O.
5. I've played saxophone for about 14 years, and, at one point, I was offered a position to record and tour with a Grammy award winning artist. I should have taken the position, but I decided going to college was a much better idea than touring the world as a 19 year old.
6. I was published in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association in 2013 for "creative short story".
7. When I turned 20, I decided to focus on my own health and lost 160 pounds, going from 310 to 150 pounds.

Numbers 5,6, and 7, although not truly meaningful to medicine, was mentioned in my primary or secondary applications for one reason or another. The MCAT score, as I stated above, will make me far less competitive - especially since I'm not from Oklahoma - but can some of the other things help bolster my application enough to receive an interview?

Thanks for any and all replies!
 
You
jbuc1081 said:
Hey guys, I'm pretty sure I know my chances at getting an interview at this school, but I wanted to get a few opinions from everyone:
1. I'm a Texas resident.
2. cGPA - 3.57, sGPA - 3.87. I took biochem 1&2, genetics, med/vet micro, biopsychology, and cell biology; all A's.
3. MCAT 24; taken a couple times because I got food poisoning the first time. This will, understandably, be my Achilles heel.
4. I've had well over 5,000 hours of working as a CNA on the resource team of my local hospital, meaning I have worked in every department at the hospital. Plus, I also work at a pediatricians office, and he's a D.O.
5. I've played saxophone for about 14 years, and, at one point, I was offered a position to record and tour with a Grammy award winning artist. I should have taken the position, but I decided going to college was a much better idea than touring the world as a 19 year old.
6. I was published in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association in 2013 for "creative short story".
7. When I turned 20, I decided to focus on my own health and lost 160 pounds, going from 310 to 150 pounds.

Numbers 5,6, and 7, although not truly meaningful to medicine, was mentioned in my primary or secondary applications for one reason or another. The MCAT score, as I stated above, will make me far less competitive - especially since I'm not from Oklahoma - but can some of the other things help bolster my application enough to receive an interview?

Thanks for any and all replies!
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Your resume is impressive , you are right , your MCAT could cause a problem specially that you have a section below 7 having said that I have a 26 and a decent background ( in-state ) and 4.0 GPA and haven't gotten an interview yet I am not sure what else they look for but I am sure they look for a holistic view on the person, one of my friends got in with an MCAT below yours and a section below 7 but she was on the waiting list through July, so there is hope but being out of state honestly its a long shot I would also apply to a few private schools since this school takes mostly instate residents , your chances are higher at a private school
 
I have two interviews at different schools, so I took that into consideration. I visited the school last March and was totally impressed with its culture, so I was hoping for an interview. However, I understood my chances were slim before even taking the MCAT because of my being from Texas. All in all, it just sucks because I worked really hard to boost my GPA from a 1.6 to the 3.57 haha; I was even homeless for one of those semesters. The life of a musician can be quite a fickle existence.
 
jbuc1081 said:
I have two interviews at different schools, so I took that into consideration. I visited the school last March and was totally impressed with its culture, so I was hoping for an interview. However, I understood my chances were slim before even taking the MCAT because of my being from Texas. All in all, it just sucks because I worked really hard to boost my GPA from a 1.6 to the 3.57 haha; I was even homeless for one of those semesters. The life of a musician can be quite a fickle existence.[/QUOTE
I hope you focused on how you overcame difficulties and raised your gpa in your personal
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I hope you focused on how you overcame these difficulties in your personal statement because it's more impressive than some one who is consistently successful and scored a high MCAT score or gpa. Again it's not unheard of that people like you get acceptances to schools like OSU I just wouldn't have high hopes for that but it's certainly possible. Good luck
 
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Does anyone know when the rejection letters/emails are sent if some one wasn't even considered for an interview?
 
jsc3094 said:
Does anyone know when the rejection letters/emails are sent if some one wasn't even considered for an interview?
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I think they notify you pretty late/after the app cycle for a rejection without interview. If you're wondering, just call and ask if they can tell you the status of your application.
 
jsc3094 said:
I tried to look but can't find your profile. Do you mind sharing again what your numbers are? Thank you.
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3.7 cGPA 3.5 sGPA 33 MCAT (12/10/11 : p/v/b). I submitted my secondary August 18.

If you look under my name when I post, it will say "MDapps" with a number after it. If you're using a phone you might need to turn it sideways so you can see it properly.
 
Anyone know if OSU-COM likes update letters/letters of intent?
 
If you're applying IS what universities are you applying from. Just curious
 
Ctrost said:
Anyone know if OSU-COM likes update letters/letters of intent?
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Inform them of meaningful updates, it doesn't need to be in letter format (a quick email would be fine). Letter of intent? I wouldn't (especially since I don't think interviews have even started), but opinions on that vary.
 
DoctorKrieger said:
Inform them of meaningful updates, it doesn't need to be in letter format (a quick email would be fine). Letter of intent? I wouldn't (especially since I don't think interviews have even started), but opinions on that vary.
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First round of interviews is this week, 15-17.
 
MS1 here. Good luck to all the students interviewing tomorrow! Of all my interviews, this one was the most laid back and relaxing. Just be yourself and it's all going to be great!

Good luck!
 
Is it worth it to apply here? I am OOS, 3.55cGPA, 3.45 sGPA, 26 MCAT (8b/p, 10v)? I do have significant ties to Oklahoma and lived in state for 4 years, but no longer hold state residency.
 
I interviewed on Thursday the 16th and it was just as described here, the most laid back interview experience I've had. The culture of the school is really unlike anything I've seen or heard of anywhere else. My interview really only consisted of four real questions: tell us about yourself, how do you handle stress, how would you improve access to healthcare, and tell us what you are most proud of accomplishing. I had a PhD named Wansley that works in behavioral sciences and also a D.O. that is in charge of OSU-COM's rural medicine program. These guys were wonderful and I left feeling really good about the experience. After the interview we were free to roam the campus until lunch. After lunch we received a guided tour by a second year student, which was great to be able to engage a current student about their experiences at the school. The day concluded with a presentation by the director of financial aid and we were out by 2pm. The said they expect to get back to us within 2 to 3 weeks. Best of luck to everyone interviewing here the rest of the cycle, you will enjoy this one.
 
Snoozer33 said:
Is it worth it to apply here? I am OOS, 3.55cGPA, 3.45 sGPA, 26 MCAT (8b/p, 10v)? I do have significant ties to Oklahoma and lived in state for 4 years, but no longer hold state residency.
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Yes. Be sure to mention your ties to the state, and if you plan to practice in OK.

Jumanji2015 said:
I interviewed on Thursday the 16th and it was just as described here, the most laid back interview experience I've had. The culture of the school is really unlike anything I've seen or heard of anywhere else. My interview really only consisted of four real questions: tell us about yourself, how do you handle stress, how would you improve access to healthcare, and tell us what you are most proud of accomplishing. I had a PhD named Wansley that works in behavioral sciences and also a D.O. that is in charge of OSU-COM's rural medicine program. These guys were wonderful and I left feeling really good about the experience. After the interview we were free to roam the campus until lunch. After lunch we received a guided tour by a second year student, which was great to be able to engage a current student about their experiences at the school. The day concluded with a presentation by the director of financial aid and we were out by 2pm. The said they expect to get back to us within 2 to 3 weeks. Best of luck to everyone interviewing here the rest of the cycle, you will enjoy this one.
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Glad you enjoyed your interview day! For many students it was the most stressful week of the semester so it's good to know you came away with a positive impression. Hope to see you here next year!
 
DoctorKrieger said:
Yes. Be sure to mention your ties to the state, and if you plan to practice in OK.



Glad you enjoyed your interview day! For many students it was the most stressful week of the semester so it's good to know you came away with a positive impression. Hope to see you here next year!
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Yes, the experience was quite special, but I received that impression when I visited this past March at the Med Xtravaganza as well. I did notice that exams were going on but no one seemed to be having a meltdown. The anatomy lab was packed when we came through on our tour. From beginning to end it was honestly a first rate experience.
 
Hello,

I was hoping for some advice on how to form my secondary responses. The prompt about not being in school and describing our present activity is rather targeted. For questions of this type, is it considered acceptable to give an appropriate synopsis and skipping a standard essay introduction and conclusion?
 
ChodeNode said:
Hello,

I was hoping for some advice on how to form my secondary responses. The prompt about not being in school and describing our present activity is rather targeted. For questions of this type, is it considered acceptable to give an appropriate synopsis and skipping a standard essay introduction and conclusion?
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I suggest just answering it as you would a short essay question on an exam. respond directly to it by stating the things you are doing in an organized way.
 
I just canceled my interview for November 5. I hope one of you gets it. Best of luck!
 
II received on 10/22/14 for 11/6/14! 30 MCAT, 3.77 cGPA, 4.0 sGPA (I forgot AACOMAS calculates differently). Currently work full time as LPN in an ER.
 
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Sorry, yes I am in state. My supplemental application was complete 10/15/14 and I received the call on 10/22/14.
 
Nurse2MD/DO said:
Sorry, yes I am in state. My supplemental application was complete 10/15/14 and I received the call on 10/22/14.
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They are quite prompt about the II once you are complete. I had the same experience, time between being complete and II was also about a week.
 
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