October 25th, 2016

Dr. Ruger Assistant Dean, Admissions College of Osteopathic Medicine and 2nd year med student Chantelle Washington

Chantelle’s day-

Self-study 8-10, Class 10-12, worked in prosection lab 12-2:15, 3 patient care skills check off, at 5 review, HBC meeting.

About MSU COM:

·  MSU COM # 1 in the country

·  Locations: EL, Macomb, Detroit (years 1 and 2) and 30 hospitals (years 3 and 4).

·  You want to choose the med school that fits you

·  MSU COM first med school to go to Cuba, Chantelle is going with 20 med students in December. Can also go to Peru, Malawi. Helps with exposure to different cultures.

·  COMmunity

Application process:

·  COM vs Allopathic programs have different application processes.

·  AACOMAS- common app for osteopathic med school

·  Secondary application- more specific to college to see if you're a good fit, will get screened for potential interview and decision is made based on interview.

·  APPLY EARLY

To be competitive:

·  Major in anything- want to see upper level bio classes (anatomy, biochem (required), genetics)

·  Average science GPA- 3.6

·  Average MCAT- 506; used as predictor for board exams (at least 125 in each section)

·  Studying for MCAT- most effective way to study is to take a lot of practice tests and time yourself.

·  Passions- “want students with a heart of service”

·  Volunteering/working

·  Be unique

·  Personal statement says what your application doesn’t; it’s where you stand out.

·  Letters of recommendation (talk to professors and take an interest in their personal life/research)

Osteopathic medical scholars program:

·  For high schoolers and freshmen

·  Have to take OST 401 and maintain science GPA of 3.5: don’t have to take MCAT and get preference in admission into MSU COM

Questions:

How many people are accepted: class size=300 and expand by ~20 for Canadians (200 in EL, 50 in Detroit, 50 in Macomb)

6,000 applicants, 80% of med students are Michigan residents.

4x as many out of state applicants than in state

Application process is scenario based (communication skills, teamwork, cultural competence)

Log your community service hours

Shadowing students to get a feel for the classes and schedules

Jobs during medical school through MSU COM are the most flexible.

Contact info:
Chantelle Washington OMS II-

Dr. Katherine Ruger-