Profile of a Successful Applicant
The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine seeks students who are academically accomplished, committed to service and well-versed in the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. In each area of evaluation, we examine your accomplishments within the context of your total life experience. Much like the way D.O.s approach their patients, we invite you to tell us your story.
Academic Performance
The average grade point for each entering class has consistently been 3.5 to 3.7, with greatest emphasis placed on the science GPA. Most important are your grades in upper level biological science classes taken during the junior and senior years or post-baccalaureate and graduate coursework.
The MCAT is required of all applicants. The average for recent entering classes is between 506 and 508, and the range is somewhat narrower than for the GPA.
Nonacademic Accomplishments
Service to Community
This is a heavily weighted factor in our review process. We look for students for whom service is a value. Think about the skills that are most important to a practicing osteopathic physician: problem solving, critical thinking, active listening, and teaching, motivating, and appreciating the importance of touch in communication, diagnosis and treatment. We encourage you to seek service opportunities where you can observe, develop and hone these skills. Consider nursing homes, hospice, crisis centers, persons with the need for medical assistance, tutoring/mentoring, coaching, etc.
Understanding Osteopathic Medicine
There are many resources available to learn about the osteopathic profession. The American Osteopathic Association and American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine are good places to begin. We also encourage you to shadow a D.O., attend a presentation by an osteopathic college representative, attend a webinar, spend a day or two with an osteopathic medical student, volunteer or work in a clinic where osteopathic physicians practice. We will evaluate how much initiative you’ve shown in learning about the profession and how well you understand the philosophy.
Other Factors
We are interested in military service, extracurricular activities, paid employment, sports, overseas study and travel – any experience that has added to your skills in leadership, team building and cultural competency. We cannot stress strongly enough our belief that you must be committed to and skilled in providing service to people.