MSUCOM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what applicants need to know when preparing for an interview at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). It begins by outlining the interview format – a one-on-one, 30-minute closed-file conversation held virtually osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu – and explains how this format shapes the interview experience. The school’s mission and values are summarized, highlighting MSUCOM’s commitment to holistic, patient-centered care and community service osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Key facts about the program are covered, such as its three-campus system, large class size, focus on primary care, and extensive research and global opportunities osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The guide also discusses current healthcare policy topics relevant to MSUCOM’s context – for example, physician shortages in Michigan axios.com and rural healthcare challenges axios.com – and how understanding these issues can help applicants engage thoughtfully in interview discussions. Additionally, the non-academic qualities MSUCOM seeks (like community service and understanding of osteopathic philosophy) are reviewed with insight into how the school assesses candidates holistically osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu aacom.org. The guide describes frameworks that influence the program’s culture and expectations, such as the college’s professionalism initiative and the osteopathic tenets that underlie its training osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Common themes from past interview questions are identified – ranging from motivations for choosing osteopathic medicine to handling stress and discussing ethical issues studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net – to illustrate what topics tend to come up. Finally, a timeline of the 2025-2026 application cycle is provided, including key dates like application deadlines and interview period osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Together, these sections give applicants a well-rounded picture of MSUCOM’s interview process and priorities, helping them prepare effectively and align their approach with the program’s values.

MSUCOM uses a traditional interview format with a single interviewer rather than a multi-mini interview (MMI) or panel. Interviews are currently conducted via video conference (a practice continued through the 2024-2025 cycle) and last about 30 minutes osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The interviewer can be a faculty member, administrator, or alumni of the college osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Notably, the interview is closed-file, meaning the interviewer has not reviewed the applicant’s academic file or application beforehand osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This closed-file approach creates a more conversational, get-to-know-you style interview, where you should be prepared to discuss your background and motivations without the interviewer having prior context. In general, past candidates have found the atmosphere to be low-stress – interviewees rated the stress level around 2.5 out of 10 on average studentdoctor.net – and the tone is often friendly and evaluative rather than interrogative.

Because interviewers come in with little information about you, they may start with broad questions (such as asking about your experiences or reasons for pursuing medicine) to let you guide the conversation. This format gives you an opportunity to highlight key aspects of your application organically. There is no specific preparation beyond general interview readiness; MSUCOM advises that nothing specialized is required beforehand osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. While official post-interview acceptance rates are not published, MSUCOM’s large class size (around 300 seats per year) suggests that a significant proportion of those who interview receive acceptances. For instance, historical data from one application cycle indicated roughly two-thirds of in-state interviewees and about half of out-of-state interviewees were admitted forums.studentdoctor.net. In other words, earning an interview invitation is a strong positive step in the admissions process.

MSUCOM’s mission centers on providing "world-class, osteopathic, student-centered" medical education and research to improve community access to patient-centered care osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. In essence, the college aims to produce physicians who are skilled in science and medicine while also emphasizing the “art of caring” and the “power of touch” osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu – phrases from its vision statement that reflect the osteopathic philosophy of holistic care and hands-on healing. MSUCOM’s values include fostering a welcoming, inclusive culture and a collaborative community dedicated to compassionate care osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. The school has undertaken initiatives like “Creating COMmunity” and the Common Ground Framework to uphold professional conduct and positive cultural change, indicating that respect, integrity, and teamwork are highly prized in the college environment osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. For an applicant, understanding this mission and value system is important: it means MSUCOM will likely appreciate candidates who demonstrate a commitment to caring for underserved communities, a holistic outlook on patient care, and an alignment with osteopathic principles. In interviews, you may not be asked directly to recite the mission, but your awareness of these guiding ideals can come through in how you discuss your goals and experiences.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine was established in 1969 and holds the distinction of being the first osteopathic medical school to be part of a major university osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Today, the program is one of the largest DO programs in the country. Since 2009, MSUCOM has matriculated roughly 300 students each year, divided across three campus sites: the main MSU campus in East Lansing, as well as a site at the Detroit Medical Center in Detroit and another at Macomb University Center in Clinton Township osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Students spend their first two pre-clerkship years at one of these three locations but follow the same curriculum. The college’s Statewide Campus System then provides an extensive network of affiliated hospitals (over 20 across Michigan) where students complete clinical rotations and where many MSUCOM graduates continue into residency osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This broad training system is a hallmark of MSUCOM and ensures exposure to diverse patient populations – urban, suburban, and rural – which aligns with the school’s goal of producing physicians for all communities in Michigan.

Beyond its size and structure, MSUCOM is known for an emphasis on primary care and serving the state’s needs. In 2024, over 46% of MSUCOM graduates entered primary care residencies, and 76% of graduates chose to train in Michigan for residency osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. In fact, MSUCOM alumni make up a large portion of Michigan’s physician workforce, especially in family medicine and other high-need fields osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. At the same time, the college offers opportunities in specialties and research: it hosts the oldest and largest DO-PhD (dual-degree) program in the nation, with around 35 students working toward both their medical degree and a Ph.D. osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. MSUCOM faculty are recognized nationally for research, securing significant funding (about $37 million in NIH funding from 2019-2021) and contributing extensively to scientific publications osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Students interested in research or academia will find robust support, and even those not in the dual-degree track can engage in projects through the college’s departments and centers (such as the Applied Immunology Center) osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.

The program also distinguishes itself in global health and community service. Through MSU’s Institute for Global Health, MSUCOM offers elective rotations in countries like Guatemala, Malawi, Mexico, South Korea, and more, allowing first- and second-year students to gain international experience osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. An online Master of Science in Global Health or a Graduate Certificate is available for those who want to deepen their expertise in global medicine alongside their DO degree osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Locally, MSUCOM students run "Street Medicine" outreach initiatives in Lansing, Detroit, and Macomb, delivering care directly to homeless and underserved populations in those communities osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. These student-led clinics, supervised by faculty, are a clear reflection of MSUCOM’s community-oriented mission, giving students early experience addressing social determinants of health and practicing compassionate care outside traditional clinical settings. All of these program features – from multiple campuses and a large hospital network to research opportunities and service programs – are useful for interviewees to know. They not only illustrate what the MSUCOM experience is like, but they also provide great talking points or areas for you to ask questions during your interview.

• How are students assigned to the East Lansing, Detroit, or Macomb campus, and do they have opportunities to experience the other sites during their training?
• What research opportunities or mentorship programs are available for students, given MSUCOM’s strong focus on research and its unique DO-PhD program?
• How does MSUCOM support students who are interested in primary care or practicing in underserved areas after graduation?
• What global health electives or international experiences can MSUCOM students participate in, and how do these integrate with the medical curriculum?
• In what ways can students get involved in community service or outreach (for example, through the Street Medicine programs) while attending MSUCOM?

These are examples of informed questions that align with MSUCOM’s programs and values. Coming to your interview prepared with specific questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and helps you gather details that aren’t easily found on the website. It also turns the interview into a two-way dialogue, allowing you to learn how well MSUCOM fits your goals. By asking about things like campus assignments, research, primary care focus, global health, or community service, you show that you’ve done your homework on what makes MSUCOM unique – a subtle way to convey enthusiasm and fit without explicitly trying to impress.

Discussion of healthcare policy or current issues can arise in interviews, either through direct questions or in conversation. At MSUCOM, which serves a broad Michigan population, an awareness of regional and national health challenges can be useful. Interviewers might not expect you to be an expert on policy, but demonstrating that you are informed and thoughtful about issues affecting patients and doctors in the community can set you apart. Here are some policy and healthcare topics relevant to MSUCOM’s mission and its geographic context that applicants should be aware of:

• The primary care physician shortage and workforce distribution: Michigan, like many states, faces physician shortages, especially in primary care fields axios.com. MSUCOM’s emphasis on primary care and the fact that more than 25% of new U.S. medical graduates are from osteopathic schools osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu ties into this issue – DO graduates are increasingly integral to filling healthcare gaps.
• Healthcare access in rural and underserved areas: Nearly half of Michigan’s rural hospitals have been operating at a financial loss, threatening access to care in those communities axios.com. An interview discussion could touch on how a physician might serve in resource-limited settings or the importance of training doctors to practice in rural areas. MSUCOM’s large network of Michigan hospital partners and its history of producing physicians who stay in-state are directly relevant to addressing these challenges.
• Opioid crisis and addiction care: Michigan, like the rest of the country, continues to battle the opioid epidemic. The state has been proactive in expanding treatment access – for example, launching a new online tool to help people find substance use disorder treatment and adopting a “whole-person” approach via the Health Home program axios.com. Osteopathic physicians, with their holistic philosophy, are well-suited to approaches that integrate behavioral health, and an interviewer might explore your perspective on tackling such public health crises.
• Changes in healthcare policy and public health priorities: Being aware of current events such as healthcare legislation in Michigan can be important. For instance, Michigan has moved to safeguard reproductive health data and expand protections for patients in the wake of shifting federal policies apnews.com. Additionally, ongoing discussions about healthcare costs, insurance coverage (including Medicaid expansion in Michigan), and health equity remain pertinent. An applicant who can thoughtfully discuss how policy changes impact patient care – without veering into overly political territory – shows a mature understanding of the healthcare environment.

In preparing for your interview, it’s wise to reflect on a few of these topics. Think about how they might relate to osteopathic medicine or to your own experiences. For example, have you observed the effects of the physician shortage or volunteered in a clinic with underserved patients? Do you have an opinion on holistic approaches to pain management in the context of the opioid crisis? You don’t need to be an expert policy analyst, but familiarity with these issues and an ability to discuss them thoughtfully (if they come up or if you choose to bring them up in an answer) will demonstrate that you’re a socially conscious and informed future physician. MSUCOM’s focus on community health and service means interviewers will appreciate candidates who understand the broader context in which they will eventually practice.

Like most medical schools, MSUCOM employs a holistic review process when selecting students, meaning they look beyond GPA and MCAT scores. In fact, the admissions team explicitly evaluates several non-academic factors that align with the college’s mission osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Among these, a few stand out. First, a demonstrated exposure to or understanding of the osteopathic medical profession is important osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This could mean you have shadowed a D.O., worked with osteopathic physicians, or otherwise learned about osteopathic principles and can articulate why a D.O. approach appeals to you. Second, MSUCOM values extensive community service and volunteer work osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. A track record of service – whether in healthcare settings or in the community at large – signals that you share the school’s commitment to helping others and can contribute to its culture of outreach.

Other qualities factor into the selection as well. Leadership and professional experiences (for example, involvement in student organizations, work experience in healthcare, or significant leadership roles) fall under "professional and community service experience" and are viewed positively osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. In your application and interviews, the admissions committee will also pay attention to your “personal testimony” osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu – essentially your personal statement and how you discuss your life journey – looking for resilience, passion, and authenticity. Strong letters of evaluation are another component, as they underscore traits like teamwork, reliability, and interpersonal skills osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Overall, MSUCOM is seeking well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also "committed to service and well-versed in the philosophy of osteopathic medicine" aacom.org. They examine each applicant’s achievements in the context of their life experience and encourage applicants to share their personal story aacom.org. For interview preparation, this means you should be ready to speak about your service activities, explain what osteopathic medicine means to you, and highlight personal experiences that have shaped your desire to become an osteopathic physician. Those are the areas, beyond academics, that the school cares deeply about.

MSUCOM’s training and culture are guided by certain frameworks and standards that define what competencies a physician should possess. One key element is the integration of osteopathic principles and tenets throughout the educational process osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Osteopathic medical education has its own set of core competencies (which parallel the allopathic ACGME competencies, but with the addition of Osteopathic Principles and Practice). Although applicants aren’t expected to recite these, it’s useful to know that MSUCOM emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care, musculoskeletal medicine, and preventive health – all rooted in the osteopathic philosophy that the body is an integrated whole with self-healing capabilities. In practical terms, interviewers may appreciate when applicants show an understanding of these concepts (for example, discussing the importance of treating the whole patient or acknowledging the mind-body connection in healthcare), as it demonstrates alignment with the school’s approach.

Another framework that MSUCOM has instituted is the “Common Ground Framework for Professional Conduct,” which is part of the college’s professionalism initiative osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. This framework lays out foundational principles for how students, faculty, and staff are expected to behave and interact – promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and collaboration. The Common Ground initiative was developed alongside the college’s recent strategic planning (“Creating COMmunity”) to ensure a positive learning environment. It encourages shared leadership and the integration of osteopathic principles into daily work osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. For an interviewee, awareness of MSUCOM’s emphasis on professionalism and community can be valuable. While you might not be asked explicitly about the Common Ground Framework, you can infer that demonstrating professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork during your interview (and in your past experiences you choose to share) will resonate with these values. Essentially, MSUCOM is looking for students who will not only excel academically but also contribute positively to the learning community and eventually to the profession. Understanding these frameworks helps you appreciate the kind of physician MSUCOM aims to train – which, in turn, can help you align your interview responses with those ideals in a genuine way.

Interview questions at MSUCOM tend to cover a range of personal, motivational, and ethical topics rather than obscure clinical trivia. By reviewing feedback from previous interviewees, we can identify several common themes. Knowing these themes can help you anticipate the types of discussions you might have without memorizing answers. Below are major themes from past MSUCOM interviews, along with examples of the kinds of questions that reflect each theme:

• Motivation for osteopathic medicine and MSUCOM: Interviewers frequently ask why you are pursuing a D.O. degree and why specifically at MSUCOM studentdoctor.net. You should be ready to articulate why the osteopathic approach appeals to you and what draws you to MSUCOM’s program in particular.
• Personal background and journey: Many candidates have been asked to "tell me about yourself," including discussion of their family or the experiences that led them to medicine studentdoctor.net. This open-ended prompt is an opportunity to share your narrative – your upbringing, education, challenges overcome, and pivotal moments on your path to becoming a physician.
• Strengths, weaknesses, and qualities of a physician: It’s common to be asked about your personal strengths and weaknesses or to reflect on the key attributes of a good doctor studentdoctor.net. Be prepared with examples that illustrate your strengths and to discuss areas you are working to improve. Interviewers want to see self-awareness and a growth mindset, as well as an understanding of professional virtues (like empathy, integrity, teamwork).
• Handling stress and work-life balance: Given the rigorous nature of medical training, interviewers often inquire about how you cope with stress or what you do for fun to maintain balance studentdoctor.net. You might be asked to describe your stress-relief activities or how you plan to manage the pressure of medical school. This is to assess your resilience and whether you have healthy outlets and support systems.
• Ethical and social awareness: Some questions delve into current issues or ethical scenarios. For example, past candidates have reported being asked to discuss a social issue they are passionate about (a "soapbox" issue) and explain their stance studentdoctor.net. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked about a healthcare ethics topic or a newsworthy issue in medicine – the interviewer isn’t necessarily testing your opinion, but rather your ability to reason through complex topics respectfully and thoughtfully.
• Future goals and vision as a physician: Interviewers like to understand your long-term aspirations. You may be asked where you see yourself in 5–10 years or what kind of physician you hope to become studentdoctor.net. This is an opportunity to discuss your intended specialty interests, the populations you want to serve, or your career ambitions (while keeping in mind the broad, flexible perspective expected of a medical student).

These themes show that MSUCOM’s interview is largely about getting to know you – your motivation, character, and fit for the school – rather than drilling you on academic knowledge. When preparing, consider how your personal experiences connect to these topics. For instance, think of specific anecdotes that illustrate your interest in osteopathic medicine, times when you demonstrated leadership or compassion, examples of how you’ve balanced a heavy workload or dealt with adversity, and what you’ve learned from observing or participating in healthcare. Having a mental library of such examples will help you confidently tackle open-ended questions. Remember, since the interview is closed-file, the interviewers only learn what you tell them, so use this time to highlight the facets of yourself that align with what MSUCOM values (without feeling like you have to rehearse scripted answers).

Staying on top of the application timeline is crucial for securing an interview. MSUCOM operates on rolling admissions, so applying early can give you a significant advantage osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Below are some key dates and deadlines for the 2025-2026 application cycle that you should keep in mind:

• Early May 2025 – AACOMAS application opens: The primary application for osteopathic schools (AACOMAS) typically opens in early May (for 2025, it opens May 5) help.liaisonedu.com. It’s strongly encouraged to submit your primary application as early as possible, since MSUCOM reviews applications on a rolling basis (meaning they start offering interview spots and acceptances while the cycle is still open) osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu.
• June–July 2025 – Secondary application invitation: Once MSUCOM receives your verified AACOMAS application (which can take a few weeks after submission), they will invite you to complete a secondary application. Invitations to complete secondaries usually begin going out by July osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. It’s a good idea to submit the secondary promptly as well, as delays can push back the timeline for being considered for interview.
• September 2025 – Interviews begin: MSUCOM typically starts interviewing candidates in September osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Interviews then continue on a rolling basis through the fall and into winter. The exact end date of interviews can vary, but generally the bulk are completed by late winter or early spring. It’s beneficial to interview earlier in the cycle if possible, since seats are filled as the cycle progresses – but rest assured, MSUCOM keeps spots available for well-qualified applicants throughout the season mdadmissions.msu.edu.
• December 1, 2025 – Primary application deadline: This is the final date to submit your AACOMAS primary to MSUCOM for the 2025-2026 cycle osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. You should aim to have everything in long before this date, but if you’re applying later, keep this deadline in mind. Missing it means no consideration at all for this cycle.
• February 1, 2026 – Secondary application deadline: All MSUCOM secondary application materials must be submitted by this date osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu. Again, waiting this long is not ideal due to rolling admissions, but it is the hard cutoff. If you receive an interview invitation in the winter, be sure to schedule your interview promptly since the cycle will be nearing its end.
• Mid-July 2026 – Matriculation: MSUCOM’s academic year typically starts in July. Accepted students must be ready to begin classes by mid-July 2026 aacom.org. This earlier start date (compared to some schools that begin in August) means a quick turnaround from admission to enrollment. Keep this in mind for planning relocation, finances, or any time off you intend to take before medical school.

Throughout this timeline, remember that MSUCOM’s rolling admissions means earlier is generally better – interview slots and class seats are filled continuously. However, if you find yourself applying later in the cycle, don’t be discouraged; just ensure your materials are strong and submit everything as soon as you can. If you’re waitlisted after an interview, the timeline can extend further into late spring or early summer 2026, since movement can happen as accepted students make decisions. By knowing these key dates, you can strategically plan your application submission and be prepared for each step of the process, including the timing of interviews and final decisions.

Interviewing at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is a chance to showcase not only your qualifications but also your fit with the school’s osteopathic mission and community-focused values. In this guide, we reviewed essential aspects of preparation: understanding the interview format (a friendly one-on-one conversation where you drive the narrative) studentdoctor.net, knowing the school’s mission of holistic care and how your own values align, and being aware of the unique offerings of MSUCOM’s program that you might want to discuss. We also highlighted the broader context – from healthcare challenges in Michigan to the qualities MSUCOM looks for – so that you can walk into your interview informed about the world in which MSUCOM operates and the kind of physician the college strives to graduate. By absorbing these insights, you can approach the interview with confidence, ready to engage in an honest dialogue about your journey and aspirations. Ultimately, remember to be yourself and let your passion for osteopathic medicine shine through. MSUCOM’s interviewers genuinely want to get to know you and envision you as a future student contributing to their community. With thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the points covered in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make a positive and memorable impression.