subtle1epiphany said:
Something I keep noticing, why is it that nobody on this forum seem to acknowledge MSU as a choice in their applications or when they compare schools?
S1E,
I agree with YPO; time & $$. As a fellow non-resident you know that the cost of non-resident tuition is sick; also, the relative number of non-resident matriculants is on the order of <8-10%. The ~20k non-resident scholarship (which I did not receive UGH!) had just become available to the class of 2008. The early manner in which we had to apply for this scholarship suggests that MSUCOM may indeed use this funding as a recruitment tool.
IMHO, even with MSUCOMs consistent USN&WR Primary care rankings, I feel that the AOA and MSUCOM do a marginal job of marketing;
i.e., here are a few tidbits of information that I researched prior to my interview: roughly 25% of the Osteopathic residencies are located in Michigan, MSU is a state funded school with Osteopathic, Allopathic, and Veterinary medical schools, MSUCOM has an MSTP DO/PhD with 7 graduate programs, approximately 96% of MSUCOM graduates received their top AOA match choice, and MSUCOM offers tuition reciprocity (4th year) for non-residents who choose Michigan for their residency.
Perhaps this is related to the caliber of interviewees I met along the way, but a few of the candidates, many from the Midwest mind you, did not know that MSU had an Osteopathic medical school. How one can overlook a school with such a rich tradition and fine reputation is beyond me.
Again, IMHO, it seems reasonable to expect persons interested in Osteopathic medicine, Allopathic medicine, Pharmacy, Law, what have you, research a myriad of options; weigh said options and choose a path best suited to
their needs/goals/etc. Simply through exposure, those persons who lurk or post on SDN should be more informed on the subject(s) and/or opportunities;
e.g., MSUCOM. However, based upon many of the posts that I have read of late (except, of course, those here in the Official MSUCOM Class of 2009 thread) these expectations seem to reverberate a societal trend away from personal integrity, self assurance, and accountability. Just look at the innumerable MD>DO>Caribe>DDS>PA>Dog catcher, please help me grow a backbone, I heard this about (insert inane question) any thoughts other than my own, and I can't decide what to do, help me define my character/morality, etc. threads.
*Rant over*
I'm kind of bitchy today; sorry about the random diatribe.
All in all MSUCOM has a great program. I only applied to Osteopathic programs and MSUCOM was my first choice; I welcome challenge and am humbled by the opportunities which lie ahead. BTW...59 days until anatomy begins.
All the best,
-ky
I will try contacting her about it...
