Profile of a Successful MSUCOM Applicant

MSUCOM looks for students who are academically accomplished, committed to service and well versed in the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. In each area of evaluation, we examine your accomplishments within the context of your total life experience. Much like the way DOs approach their patients, we invite you to tell us your story.

Academic Performance

• GPA: the average for each entering class has consistently been 3.5. The range is fairly broad, with greatest emphasis placed on the science GPA. For those who got a slow start, we look for steady improvement. Most important are your grades in upper level science classes taken during the junior and senior years. Course work in the biological sciences and in biochemistry receives the closest scrutiny.

• MCAT: the average for each entering class has ranged from 26 to 27. Here the range is somewhat narrower than the GPA review. If you are disappointed with your scores, don’t be afraid to retake the MCAT. Success in medical school requires discipline and perseverance, so we look for individuals who keep trying to improve their performance.

• Other factors: When reviewing academic performance, we also look at everything else that’s going on in your life. Do you have economic, family or personal issues that require your time and attention? Are you an athlete, a member of the US Armed Forces, an artist, a musician, a social activist?

Nonacademic Accomplishments

• Service to Community: This is a very heavily weighted factor in our evaluation system. We look for students for whom service is a value. One of the ways we try to get at this is by asking you to include in your application a description of volunteer work you did while in high school. You must have experience in a clinical setting to be considered, but this can also be paid employment or shadowing. Ideally, we want you to have several experiences that were ongoing for a year or longer. Then we want to see variety in the types of activities you report. Think about the skills that are most important to a practicing osteopathic physician: problem solving, critical thinking, active listening, teaching, motivating, appreciating the importance of touch in communication and treatment. Then seek out service opportunities where you can develop and hone these skills. Consider nursing homes, hospice, crisis centers, programs assisting persons living with HIV/AIDS, tutoring/mentoring at risk kids, coaching, etc. If you’re having fun and learning, that’s the kind of thing we want to see.

• Understanding osteopathic medicine: If you don’t know what it is, why would you apply to an osteopathic college? Start out by reading. There’s a wealth of information on the Internet. Try www.osteohome.com and the Student Doctor Network at http://www.studentdoctor.net/index.asp When you think you have a basic understanding of the philosophy, then go out and do some active learning. Shadow a DO, attend a presentation by an osteopathic college representative, spend a day or two with an osteopathic medical student, volunteer or work in a clinic where DOs practice, ask lots of questions wherever you go. We will evaluate how much initiative you’ve shown in learning about the profession and how well you understand the philosophy.

• Recommendations: As you’re building your portfolio, look for mentors, people who can help you make further contacts and perhaps write recommendations for you. We accept only two recommendations which we ask be submitted on our evaluation forms. We do not require academic/committee recommendations nor do we ask that one of your recommendations be from an osteopathic physician. The most important consideration is that these individuals know you well. They will be asked about your understanding of osteopathic philosophy, your academic potential, your commitment to service, your communication skills and your level of maturity. You may use individuals who have supervised you in a work or volunteer experience, coaches, clergy members, etc. Set aside time to meet with each evaluator so you can look over the questions on the form together. If you’re uncomfortable about asking for such a meeting, this may not be the best evaluator for you.

• Other factors: We are interested in military service, extracurricular activities, paid employment, sports, overseas study and travel, virtually any experience that has added to your skills in leadership, team building and cultural competency. We cannot stress strongly enough our belief that you must be committed to and skilled in providing service to people.

Questions? The best advice we can offer is that you talk to one of our admissions advisors. Don’t wait until you’re ready to apply. Start early and develop an ongoing relationship with our staff. Call our office at 517-353-7740 to schedule your appointment. We’re here to help you on this journey.

Michigan State University

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Application Dates and Deadlines

Rolling Admission

 Simply stated, to the early bird goes the worm. MSUCOM employs an aggressive rolling admission process with the goal of filling the class by early December. We have eliminated our Early Decision program, as we process all applications as early as possible.

Application Service (AACOMAS)

 Begin checking their website (www.aacom.org) in April to see when they plan to open the application system. June 1 st is the official date they begin accepting applications, but they often open it up in May.

December 1 is the last day AACOMAS accepts applications for MSUCOM.

December 15 is the last day AACOMAS accepts transcripts for MSUCOM applicants.

September 1 is the last day you should be submitting your AACOMAS application if you are serious about applying to MSUCOM.

MSUCOM Supplemental Application

 All MSUCOM applicants whose grade point averages and MCAT scores are at or above our academic minimums receive a supplemental application.

You have one month to complete your application. This includes the submission of recommendations, for which we provide a form in the supplemental application. You may request an extension if you need more time.

The final deadline for submission of all supplemental application materials is in mid-February. The Admissions Committee generally reviews applications from late August through mid-March.

Application Monitoring

 Be prepared to check on your application status regularly. AACOMAS and MSUCOM provide electronic checking systems that are available to you around the clock. You work very hard to reach this stage. Don’t drop the ball now. Read and follow application instructions, spell- and grammar-check your application materials, and check frequently on your application status until you are sure it is complete.