Tips for applying to MSUCOM in 2006-2007
To: All prospective applicants
Many changes have occurred since I joined the faculty and
staff at MSUCOM. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic
Medicine is continually striving to develop and maintain a student
body that represents our society at large. We are not where we
need to be, but we are not where we were. We are by no means
where we should be!
Many factors have proved instrumental in recruiting students
to MSUCOM.
1. MSUCOM has a scholarship for incoming and first year
non-Michigan residents. Applicants must apply every year of eligibility
(1st & 2nd year) and maintain a good academic standing.
More information regarding this scholarship is available at:
http://www.com.msu.edu/ss/scholarships.html
2. Another factor that has played a role in recruitment
are the support services from the Office of Multicultural Programs
and Services in the Office of Student Services. We provide programs
and services to assist MSUCOM students as well as applicants
and prospective applicants. It is our goal to assist and support
you through the medical school application process and beyond.
We provide social support and referrals to assist students and
prospective students.
http://www.com.msu.edu/ss/multicultural_services.html
3. We also assist the Student National Medical Association
(SNMA) with the coordination of the Premedical Osteopathic Informational
Seminar, typically held every November. This seminar offers prospective
students the opportunity to connect with current students, alumni,
faculty and staff. It also provides a wealth of knowledge about
the medical school application process from pre-application counseling
from the MSUCOM Admissions Office to interview prep tips from
faculty. Several students that have attended this seminar are
now MSUCOM students.
4. Every Spring semester, MSUCOM hosts our Annual Open House
in the Spring. I strongly encourage those that are interested
in learning first hand about osteopathic medicine and MSUCOM
to attend this event. It is typically on a Friday afternoon from
1-5 p.m. in March or April. It is another great opportunity to
initiate contact with MSUCOM students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Watch our website!
5. Informal mentoring program. Our students are often willing
to make themselves available as time permits to speak with prospective
applicants.
6. There are student organizations to meet various student
interests and needs.
7. Lastly, I continue to spend time developing contacts
with student groups and organizations that allowed me to speak
to students and advisors, educating them about osteopathic medicine
and the admissions process for MSUCOM. This has also yielded
results.
So much work is yet to be done. With the help of the current
students who have a strong interest in diversity, positive results
will continue to happen.
VIEW THE WEBSITE
Make time to view our website at http://www.com.msu.edu/
Learn all that you can about osteopathic medicine, MSUCOM, and
the application process. This will well prepare you for your
counseling appointment.
REQUEST PRE-APPLICATION COUNSELING
If you seek counseling as far in advance as possible, we can
help to guide you to becoming the strongest applicant possible.
We (MSUCOM Admissions Counselors) will also help you navigate
the system regarding where to go for what information and who
to talk to. We will also dispel the rumors and incorrect information
that often lead medical school applicants down a winding path.
If you are interested in pre-application counseling, please feel
free to contact me via email or phone, or contact our Admissions
Office to set up an appointment with me or one of the other admissions
staff.
http://www.com.msu.edu/admissions/index.html
APPLY EARLY APPLY EARLY APPLY EARLY
We are on a rolling admission. If you apply late, you will typically
be reviewed much later in the process. If there are problems,
you have a greater chance of taking care of it prior to our final
deadline.
PREPARE TO APPLY TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
Many applicants apply to more than one medical school. Prepare
financially for application fees, travel, lodging, food, clothing
(if necessary), etc. Decide on the number of medical schools
you will apply to. Find out beforehand, when possible, expenses
you will have during the process. If you plan, it will save you
from scrambling when you should be focusing on completing secondary
applications and preparing for interviews.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR APPLICATION
Your application is ultimately your responsibility. There are
thousands of applications to process. Make sure that your application
is processed completely. When you complete your portion of your
secondary application, please be aware that it is NOT COMPLETE
UNTIL YOUR RECOMMENDERS HAVE COMPLETED AND RETURNED THE RECOMMENDATION
FORMS. You will be able to review the status of your application
on line. If it is not complete, follow up with us immediately.
