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Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

East Lansing, MI

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 22% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as low stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include discussing personal attributes, handling stress, motivations for pursuing osteopathic medicine, ethical scenarios, future career aspirations, and experiences with patient care. Respondents also noted questions about family background, academic preparedness, volunteer work, and reasons for choosing a specific medical school. Some interviews were structured in an MMI format with multiple rooms, indicating a scenario-based assessment, possibly under a non-disclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas to personal motivations for pursuing medicine. The interviews seemed diverse, with some respondents mentioning hypothetical scenarios involving patient care, personal challenges, and societal issues, while others focused on ethical scenarios and the principles of osteopathic medicine.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal challenges, and the differences between DOs and MDs. Some respondents mentioned scenarios involving challenging patient care decisions, while others highlighted questions about personal attributes and motivations for pursuing medicine.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had a closed file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either at a hotel or {{value2}}.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their primary and secondary applications, practicing mock interviews, reading about the school and osteopathic medicine, researching current medical topics, and reading feedback on Student Doctor Network. Suggestions included reviewing personal statements, understanding the school's history and philosophy, and being knowledgeable about osteopathic medicine.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere at the school, with a strong emphasis on community and collaboration among students and faculty. The pass/fail grading system, early clinical experience, reasonable tuition, and the school's reputation for primary care education were also highlighted as positive aspects.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the outdated facilities, unorganized or uninformative interview days, high out-of-state tuition costs, lack of enthusiasm from interviewers or tour guides, and unprofessional or unwelcoming interactions with staff. Suggestions included improving facilities, providing more structured and informative interview days, addressing tuition concerns, ensuring staff and students convey a positive image of the school, and enhancing the overall experience for prospective students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants expressed a desire for more information on interview formats, campus logistics, and curriculum specifics ahead of time, such as the lack of dissection in anatomy classes, the relaxed nature of interviews, and the year-round curriculum. They also highlighted the importance of being prepared for potential surprises during the interview process, such as the conversational style of interviews and the need for detailed parking instructions.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at MSUCOM to be relaxed and stress-free, with interviewers creating a conversational atmosphere. They appreciated the friendly environment, personalized interactions, and the sense of community among students and faculty. Some concerns were raised about the high out-of-state tuition and the lack of emphasis on certain aspects during the tour.
  • Great interview setup. Liked that it was closed file and that I had to think on the spot. Really impressed myself with my answers.
  • Go in with an open mind and stay loose.
  • Great impression on the school. Very expensive OOS tuition.
  • The people are so genuine and helpful. I am looking forward to a community where everyone works together to get better.
  • It was a low key day because I didn't do an interview. It began with a talk with financial aid which is depressing if you're from out of state...I'd be in debt by $332,000 by the end of my time there! Then you go on a tour and have lunch, followed by a talk with the assistant dean and someone from admissions who answer any and all of your questions!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should select interviewers who are more interested and enthusiastic, provide more comprehensive information such as exam pass rates and residency placement statistics.