MSUCOM Clinton Township Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Clinton Township site offers a community-based medical education closely tied to the college’s mission of holistic, patient-centered care osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Interviewees can expect a friendly, conversational one-on-one interview format (conducted virtually) where the interviewer has not reviewed their application, allowing personal qualities and experiences to shine osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The program’s curriculum and culture emphasize the osteopathic philosophy and core values such as community service, inclusivity, and the "art of caring,” which are reflected in both its selection process and educational objectives osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. With a large class spread across multiple campuses, MSUCOM provides diverse training opportunities – including a multi-site preclinical program and a statewide hospital network for clinical rotations – giving students broad exposure to various practice settings osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. A strong understanding of the school’s focus areas and awareness of relevant healthcare issues (from local challenges in Michigan to national health policy debates) will help applicants demonstrate their fit and preparedness throughout the interview.

The MSUCOM interview is a one-on-one, 30-minute conversation that remains virtual for the current cycle osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. It is designed to be low-stress and allows the interviewer to get to know you without preconceptions. Key features of this interview format include:

• Conducted via video conference as a one-on-one conversation with a faculty member, administrator, or alumni interviewer osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.
• Closed-file interview – the interviewer does not have access to your application, so they learn about you solely from what you share during the interview osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.
• Conversational and relaxed in tone. Past candidates have described it as a “low stress” experience that felt more like a casual chat than an interrogation forums.studentdoctor.net.
• Duration of approximately 30 minutes, focusing on personal motivations, experiences, and fit with the program rather than detailed academic or resume review osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.
• Post-interview outcomes: Because MSUCOM has a large incoming class, anecdotal reports suggest a strong interview performance gives a good chance of acceptance (official post-interview acceptance rates are not published) forums.studentdoctor.net. Offers are made on a rolling basis after interviews.

MSUCOM’s mission emphasizes providing "world-class, osteopathic, student-centered" medical education and research to foster community access to patient-centered care osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The college’s vision further highlights preparing physicians in the science of medicine and the art of caring, embracing the healing power of touch and an inclusive worldview open to all people osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. In practice, this means the school strives to create a culture that is welcoming and community-oriented, dedicated to compassionate care. These values of holistic care, inclusivity, and community service are woven into the program and are qualities the school appreciates in its students osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. During interviews, applicants who understand and resonate with these mission-driven values can naturally convey their fit with MSUCOM’s ethos.

Michigan State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is one program delivered across three sites: the main MSU campus in East Lansing, a Detroit Medical Center site in downtown Detroit, and the Macomb University Center in Clinton Township osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Students receive the same curriculum at each location ("one campus, three sites" philosophy), with Clinton Township offering a suburban learning environment. The Macomb University Center site is housed at Macomb Community College and sits within a 20-mile radius of seven hospitals (part of an extensive osteopathic training hub), providing easy access to clinical experiences and over 600 graduate medical education positions in the area osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Each year, around 300 students matriculate into MSUCOM split among these sites, ensuring a relatively small community feel at each campus while benefiting from the resources of a major university and its statewide partnerships osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.

MSUCOM is a community-based medical school, meaning it partners with a network of hospitals across Michigan for clinical education. Through the Statewide Campus System (SCS), third- and fourth-year students complete their core rotations at affiliated Base Hospitals around the state osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This approach gives students broad clinical exposure – for example, a Clinton Township student might do rotations at local hospitals in Southeast Michigan or other SCS hospitals, gaining experience in different communities. The program prides itself on graduating physicians who stay to serve Michigan: in 2024, over 75% of MSUCOM graduates entered residencies in Michigan (with 46% going into primary care fields) osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The college has more alumni practicing in Michigan than any other medical school, including a strong presence in critically needed primary care specialties osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. These facts illustrate MSUCOM’s significant role in the region’s healthcare training and its focus on producing well-rounded, community-oriented physicians.

Understanding these program features can help you identify insightful questions to ask during your interview. Showing interest in the specifics of MSUCOM’s program not only informs you, but also demonstrates to the interviewers that you have done your homework and are genuinely engaged with what makes their school unique. For example, you might consider asking questions such as:

• How are students assigned to one of the three campus sites (East Lansing, Detroit, or Macomb/Clinton Township), and what kind of opportunities or experiences differentiate the Clinton Township site for preclinical students?
• Could you explain how the Statewide Campus System works for clinical rotations – for instance, how do students from the Macomb (Clinton Township) campus choose or get placed at base hospitals for their 3rd and 4th year rotations?
• With so many MSUCOM graduates practicing in Michigan, what support or guidance does the program provide for students interested in primary care or serving in underserved areas of the state (and how might that shape our medical education here)?
• What research, mentorship, or extracurricular opportunities are available to students at the Clinton Township campus, and how do these integrate with the broader MSUCOM community across all sites?

Interviewers at MSUCOM may not always ask about policy, but being aware of key healthcare issues can be very useful. The following are some policy-related themes and challenges relevant to osteopathic medicine, the region (Michigan), and the broader healthcare system, which could come up in discussion or help you frame your answers:

• Primary care workforce and rural health: Michigan faces physician shortages in rural and underserved areas, making access to care a significant issue. MSUCOM’s mission alignment with community care means it is attuned to these shortages – for example, over 2,400 of its alumni practice primary care in Michigan, more than all other Michigan medical schools combined osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Discussions about how to attract physicians to underserved regions or the importance of primary care (a traditional strength of osteopathic medicine) are relevant locally and nationally.
• Opioid epidemic and public health: Like many states, Michigan has been heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. Recent analyses show the economic and social toll of opioid misuse in Michigan is substantial (with costs in the hundreds of billions) axios.com. An interviewer might not ask specifically about Michigan’s statistics, but demonstrating awareness of the opioid epidemic’s impact – and how physicians can respond through responsible prescribing, addiction treatment, and community education – aligns with being an informed future physician.
• Healthcare system reform: National debates such as the merits of universal health care, addressing high healthcare costs, or improving insurance coverage are classic topics in medical interviews. MSUCOM interviewers in the past have posed questions like “What are the biggest problems in American healthcare today?” or “What do you think about universal health care?” studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Being prepared to discuss healthcare policy issues (e.g., access to care, health disparities, preventive care incentives) in a balanced way can show that you are knowledgeable about the broader context of medicine.
• Osteopathic medicine’s evolving role: On a national level, the osteopathic profession is growing and integrating further into the healthcare system. Over 25% of U.S. medical students are enrolled in osteopathic schools now osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu, and since 2020 all graduates (D.O. and M.D.) compete in a single, unified residency match system aacom.org. This means that understanding the distinctiveness of osteopathic training (such as the use of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine) and its value in modern healthcare can be important. Interviewers might not ask about the residency merger explicitly, but they could gauge how you see the D.O. identity fitting into the changing landscape of healthcare.
• Preventive and holistic care focus: Osteopathic medicine’s philosophy of treating the whole patient and emphasizing prevention aligns with current healthcare trends aiming to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Topics like preventive medicine, mental health integration, or social determinants of health could be relevant. MSUCOM’s approach – seeking to “preserve health” first, and only then treat disease osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu – mirrors policies that encourage prevention and wellness. You should be ready to discuss how a holistic approach can benefit patients or communities, as this could connect to both the school’s values and broader health policy initiatives.

In line with its mission, MSUCOM uses a holistic admissions process, meaning the school looks beyond just grades and test scores. The admissions committee evaluates several non-academic factors that help identify applicants who embody the school’s values and potential as future osteopathic physicians. Key qualities and experiences that MSUCOM considers include:

• Exposure to osteopathic medicine: The college highly values applicants who have demonstrated interest in or understanding of the osteopathic field. This could be through shadowing D.O. physicians, working or volunteering in osteopathic clinics, or being involved in osteopathic medical organizations. Such exposure shows you are making an informed decision to pursue a D.O. degree osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.
• Service and community involvement: A track record of volunteer work, community service, or helping others in a meaningful way is important to MSUCOM’s mission of community-focused care osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Experiences like volunteering at clinics, participating in community health initiatives, or other service roles indicate that you have a commitment to serving people – a core attribute for a future physician in a patient-centered program.
• Professionalism and personal integrity: The "personal testimony" (your personal statement and secondary essays) and letters of evaluation are carefully reviewed for indications of your character osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The admissions team looks for evidence of traits like empathy, responsibility, adaptability, and teamwork. They want to see that you possess the interpersonal skills and ethical grounding to thrive in a medical environment, consistent with the school’s values of caring and collaboration.
• Leadership and extracurricular achievements: While not explicitly listed as requirements, leadership roles (such as leading a student organization, work team, or community project) and other extracurricular accomplishments can strengthen your application. These activities demonstrate initiative, time-management, and passion. MSUCOM’s holistic review “includes but is not limited to” the areas above osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu, which means unique experiences like research projects, global medical missions, or significant life challenges you’ve overcome can also positively influence the committee’s view of your readiness and fit for the program.

MSUCOM’s curriculum is aligned with several established competency frameworks to ensure graduates are well-prepared physicians. Central to these are the seven core competencies of the osteopathic profession, which the college integrates into its program-level educational objectives osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. These seven competency domains cover the key skills, knowledge, and attitudes expected of osteopathic medical graduates, ensuring training that meets both osteopathic-specific and general medical standards. In fact, MSUCOM’s competencies were informed by the American Osteopathic Association (which defined the core osteopathic competencies), the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (which oversees licensing exams), the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Interprofessional Education Collaborative osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This means that in addition to osteopathic-specific training, the school emphasizes general physician competencies and effective teamwork in healthcare. The seven AOA core competency areas are:

• Osteopathic Philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine studylib.net
• Medical Knowledge studylib.net
• Patient Care studylib.net
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills studylib.net
• Professionalism studylib.net
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement studylib.net
• Systems-Based Practice studylib.net

By structuring the curriculum around these competencies, MSUCOM ensures that students progress in all dimensions of physician development – from clinical acumen to ethical practice – consistent with national standards. Applicants might notice these competency themes reflected in the school’s curriculum description or could be indirectly referenced in interview scenarios (for example, an interpersonal skills scenario or an ethics discussion ties back to "Professionalism" or "Communication" competencies). Being aware of this framework can help you understand the school’s expectations and perhaps subtly demonstrate during your interview that you aim to excel in all of these competency areas.

Past MSUCOM interviewees have reported a variety of questions, but certain themes tend to recur. Given the closed-file, conversational nature of the interview, many questions are designed to get to know you, your motivations, and how you think about issues or scenarios. Here are some common themes from past interview questions (based on student feedback), along with examples:

• Motivation and "Why Osteopathic Medicine": Expect questions that explore why you chose the D.O. path and why MSUCOM in particular. For example, students have been asked “Why would MSUCOM want you to be part of it?” studentdoctor.net – essentially, what makes you a good fit for the school – or to explain the difference between an M.D. and a D.O. approach to medicine studentdoctor.net. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of osteopathic philosophy and your reasons for pursuing this school and profession.
• Ethical and diversity scenarios: Interviewers may present scenarios or direct questions to gauge your ethical reasoning and cultural competence. One reported question delved into personal values by asking “What is your religion?” followed by a scenario involving treating a same-sex couple studentdoctor.net – an unusual and sensitive question aimed at understanding how you would handle patients whose backgrounds or life choices differ from yours. While you might not get that exact question, you should be ready for probes into how you would deal with ethical dilemmas or work with diverse patient populations in a nonjudgmental, professional manner.
• Healthcare issues and policy views: Some interviews include questions about current issues in healthcare to assess your awareness of the broader context of medicine. Candidates have been asked things like “What are the biggest problems in American healthcare today?” studentdoctor.net or their opinion on universal healthcare coverage studentdoctor.net. These questions aren’t about having a “right” answer but about showing that you stay informed and can think critically about challenges in the healthcare system – consistent with being a socially conscious physician.
• Personal experiences and self-reflection: You should be ready to discuss stories from your own life that highlight personal qualities. Interviewers commonly ask about leadership and teamwork, for instance: “Name one experience in which you were a leader, and one in which you were not the leader,” requiring you to reflect on different roles you’ve played studentdoctor.net. They may also inquire about how you handle setbacks or plans if things don’t go as expected (one example: “If you get denied, what will you do?” studentdoctor.net). These questions let you demonstrate resilience, growth, and the ability to learn from experience.
• Personality and off-beat questions: Because the interview is conversational, it sometimes includes fun or unexpected prompts to reveal your personality. For example, an interviewer might ask a creative question like, “If you were on a deserted island and could bring three people with you (living or dead), who would they be and why? And who are three people you would not bring?” studentdoctor.net. Such questions have no wrong answer – they are meant to see your thought process, priorities, and sense of humor. The key is to be yourself and engage with the question thoughtfully.

Staying on top of deadlines is essential, especially since MSUCOM uses a rolling admissions process (meaning earlier applicants can secure interview spots and acceptances as the cycle progresses). Below are the key dates and milestones for the 2025-2026 application cycle:

• May 2025: AACOMAS (the primary application for osteopathic schools) opens for the cycle osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. It’s recommended to submit your primary application as early as possible due to rolling admissions.
• June–July 2025: MSUCOM begins receiving applications from AACOMAS in June osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu and typically starts sending out secondary application invitations by July osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Once you receive the secondary, it’s best to complete it promptly. (Secondary applications include additional essays specific to MSUCOM.)
• September 2025: Interviews begin for selected applicants osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This is also around the last acceptable MCAT date for the cycle (the college generally expects you to have taken the MCAT by September of the application year) osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Interview invitations are issued on a rolling basis, often several weeks in advance of the interview dates.
• December 1, 2025: Primary application deadline – this is the last date to submit your AACOMAS application to MSUCOM for the 2025-2026 cycle osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Note that waiting until right near the deadline is not ideal, as interview slots may fill up earlier. However, if you can’t apply early, December 1 is the cutoff.
• February 1, 2026: Secondary application deadline – if you have received a secondary from MSUCOM, you must submit it by this date for consideration osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Your letters of recommendation and other required materials should be in by this time as well. Completing the secondary (and all materials) well before this deadline is advisable to remain competitive.
• Rolling admissions and decision timeline: MSUCOM admits students on a rolling basis. This means some candidates will receive acceptances soon after interviewing, while later interviewees may compete for fewer remaining seats. Admissions offers can go out starting in the fall and continue through spring. It’s common for applicants to hear back within a few weeks after their interview, though timing can vary. (If waitlisted, final admissions decisions can occur late in the cycle.)
• July 2026: The new entering class typically begins coursework in July (MSUCOM’s academic year starts earlier in the summer) forums.studentdoctor.net. Accepted students will need to fulfill pre-matriculation requirements (such as immunizations, transcripts, deposit payments, etc.) in the spring and early summer before orientation. Keep in mind that committing to MSUCOM may involve an admission deposit (per AACOMAS traffic rules) to hold your seat by a certain date, which will be outlined in your acceptance letter.

Preparing for an MSUCOM (Clinton Township) interview means understanding both the school’s distinctive character and the practical aspects of its admissions process. By familiarizing yourself with the one-on-one interview format and reflecting on how your experiences align with the college’s mission of holistic, community-focused care, you can approach the interview with confidence. Remember to illustrate your fit through stories and insights that touch on service, teamwork, and your passion for osteopathic medicine – all of which resonate with MSUCOM’s values. Finally, being knowledgeable about the program’s structure and current healthcare topics will allow you to engage in a meaningful conversation, leaving the interviewers with a strong impression of your readiness to join the Spartan D.O. community.