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Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

East Lansing, MI

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 22% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.8
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 310 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 Mixed < 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as low stress.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (76%)
Negatively (13%)
No change (11%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (54%)
Good (35%)
Average (11%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at MSUCOM to be positive and stress-free, with interviewers being welcoming and engaging in conversations rather than formal questioning. Many appreciated the sense of community and the supportive atmosphere at the school, while some expressed concerns about the high out-of-state tuition and the older facilities.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • 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!
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
48 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
1.5 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
97% One-on-One
3% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
48% Open-File
52% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person

MSUCOM-COMP interviews are an average of 48 minutes, with an average of 1.5 interviews. 97% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 52% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiring about the applicant's motivation for pursuing medicine, their understanding of osteopathic medicine or the difference between DO and MD, their coping mechanisms for stress, their leadership experiences, and their views on healthcare challenges. Responses also indicated the prevalence of Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with 8 rooms and potential nondisclosure agreements due to the structured nature of the interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

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, including ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, hypothetical scenarios involving patient care, and opinions on healthcare-related issues. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) as some responses alluded to nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted unique questions such as choosing between patients for a transplant or addressing social issues in healthcare.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school and osteopathic medicine, and reading interview feedback on platforms like SDN. Many also mentioned reading the school's website, discussing with current students or physicians, and staying updated on medical topics.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

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 challenges in osteopathic medicine, personal adversity, ethical dilemmas, and the differences between DOs and MDs. Some responses mentioned MMI format and nondisclosure agreements, indicating a structured interview process with confidentiality requirements.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed with the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, where staff, faculty, and students were described as supportive and enthusiastic. They appreciated the emphasis on a nurturing environment, team work, and the pass/fail system, which created a low-stress and collaborative learning environment.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were most commonly unimpressed negatively by the older and run-down facilities, lack of engagement or enthusiasm from interviewers and tour guides, high out-of-state tuition costs, unstructured interview days, and limited exposure to important facilities. Suggestions included improving interviewer and staff attitudes, providing more engaging and informative tours, addressing facility maintenance issues, and better managing tuition costs and scheduling.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, the lack of dissection in anatomy classes, the year-round curriculum, the high cost of attendance, and the limited options for rotations. They also mentioned concerns about the campus condition, parking situations, and the need to call ahead for parking instructions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 Campus and Facilities

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?

0 = Low, 10 = High

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.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve the selection process for interviewers by choosing individuals who are genuinely interested and enthusiastic. They also recommend providing more detailed information such as pass rates, residency placement statistics, and destinations for out-of-state residencies to help applicants make informed decisions.
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
N/A

33% interviewees used N/A (N/A), with 33% using DTW (DTW) and 33% using Lansing (Lansing).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.

✈️
12% Airplane
🚗
79% Automobile
🚆
3% Train or Subway
🚲
6% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Marriott (average ranking 10/10), with some staying at Candlewood Suites (average rating 9/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
Marriott
10/10
🏨
Candlewood Suites
9/10
🏨
Quality Inn
8/10

What was the cost and time spent traveling?

Cost: Low Cost to High Cost

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are in state students.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (1%)
Faculty member (1%)
Other (1%)
Student (97%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (94%)
Neutral (6%)

All Responses

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