Introduction: Navigating Your Path to MSU Medicine
The Michigan State University Medical School Interview is a monumental step in your journey to becoming a physician. An invitation to interview at Michigan State University—whether you’re aiming for the College of Human Medicine (CHM) or the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM)—is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are more than just a GPA and an MCAT score. The interview is where your application comes to life, showcasing your passion, maturity, and suitability for the rigors of medical school and a career in healthcare. It’s the final, critical hurdle before an acceptance letter.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tips
Pre-Interview Guidance
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM) seeks applicants who are deeply committed to serving communities—especially those across Michigan—and who demonstrate maturity, cultural humility, and a strong grasp of the school’s innovative Shared Discovery Curriculum. Your interview will likely feel conversational, but every question is designed to uncover your readiness for a patient-centered, community-driven medical education. Expect traditional interview questions along with opportunities to discuss your background, values, and interest in practicing within Michigan.
Below are five Michigan State–specific tips to help you shine on interview day.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tip #1: Show real familiarity with the Shared Discovery Curriculum
Interviewers want to know that you’ve taken time to understand MSU’s unique curriculum. Don’t rely on generic statements like “I value early clinical exposure”—this is no longer distinctive. Instead, reference specific elements of the Shared Discovery Curriculum that align with your past experiences and future goals. Explain why these features matter to you and how they will shape the physician you hope to become.
Example: If you previously coordinated care for patients as a medical assistant, you might highlight the Early Clinical Experience (ECE) and the robust Patient Care Courses. Then explain how the structured clinical coaching model appeals to you because it mirrors the team-based patient interactions you already value.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tip #2: Thoughtfully integrate your COVID-19 insights
MSU often explores how applicants processed the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—both personally and in the context of healthcare systems. Bring in meaningful reflections, such as disparities you witnessed, mental health challenges in your community, or inequities amplified during the pandemic. This shows maturity, awareness, and readiness to engage with public health issues central to MSU’s mission.
Example: If you volunteered at a vaccine clinic, you could describe noticing lower turnout among certain neighborhoods and connecting that to barriers like transportation or mistrust. Share how those experiences deepened your interest in addressing health disparities through community-centered clinical practice.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tip #3: Be intentional when describing your personal qualities
If asked to share three words or phrases that describe you—something MSU commonly explores—make sure each reflects a different dimension of your identity. Avoid overlapping adjectives. Share stories that demonstrate these traits rather than simply listing them. This helps interviewers understand how you would contribute to the MSU CHM community.
Example: Instead of saying “hard-working, driven, and motivated,” you might say “excellent connector,” “community builder,” and “creative,” then discuss specific anecdotes—such as organizing a health fair or designing a novel patient education tool.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tip #4: Use open-ended questions to highlight diversity, resilience, or leadership
MSU’s application includes an open-ended prompt—and you may encounter a similar style of question during the interview. Treat this as an opportunity to highlight an aspect of your background not fully captured elsewhere. Whether you discuss a unique upbringing, a formative challenge, or leadership in community service, choose a story that reveals your character and aligns with MSU’s focus on serving diverse populations.
Example: If you grew up in a medically underserved region, you could share how navigating limited access to care shaped your desire to improve patient access and inspired your commitment to primary care.
Michigan State Medical School Interview Tip #5: Demonstrate your connection to—and investment in—Michigan communities
MSU CHM historically prioritizes applicants with strong ties to Michigan and a desire to serve Michigan patients. Even if you’re an out-of-state applicant, highlight your clinical experiences or volunteer work in similar settings, your knowledge of Michigan health needs, or your long-term commitment to practicing in underserved communities.
Example: If you volunteered in free clinics serving migrant farmworkers, you could discuss how this experience connects to MSU’s focus on serving Michigan’s agricultural communities and fuels your interest in continuing that work during clinical rotations in the Upper Peninsula or Flint.
Sample Michigan State Medical School Interview Questions & Themes
- Why Michigan State College of Human Medicine?
Highlight elements of the Shared Discovery Curriculum and connect them directly to your experiences and goals. - How has COVID-19 shaped your understanding of healthcare?
Bring in personal lessons as well as broader public health insights, especially those related to disparities. - Describe three words that best characterize you.
Pick distinct traits and support each with a concise story. - Tell us about a meaningful community service experience.
Emphasize work that demonstrates cultural humility and aligns with MSU’s mission to serve Michigan communities. - How would you contribute to a diverse medical school community?
Share lived experiences, perspectives, or commitments that enhance MSU’s focus on inclusion and community engagement.
Need Help With Your Michigan State Medical School Interview?
Our Cracking Med School Admissions team conducts mock interviews tailored specifically to Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. We’ll help you refine your curriculum-based answers, strengthen your Michigan-centered narratives, and practice the types of reflective questions MSU loves to ask.
Contact us to start preparing with confidence!
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Welcome to Your Ultimate Interview Prep Guide
This guide is uniquely designed to provide comprehensive, targeted preparation for both of Michigan State’s esteemed medical schools. We recognize that while both are part of the same great university in East Lansing, CHM and COM have distinct missions, philosophies, and interview processes. Navigating these differences is key to your success. Here, you’ll find everything you need to understand the formats, refine your narrative, and master the strategies required to impress the admission committees of both colleges.
Why MSU CHM and COM Interviews Demand Specialized Preparation
A generic approach to interview prep won’t suffice for Michigan State. CHM utilizes a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format designed to assess specific competencies, while COM seeks applicants who deeply understand and can articulate the principles of osteopathic medicine. Your preparation must be tailored to these specific demands. This guide will help you move beyond generic advice and focus on what truly matters to each program, ensuring you present the most professional and compelling version of yourself on interview day.
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If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.
Understanding Michigan State's Medical Schools: CHM vs. COM
Before you can excel in the interview, you must understand the institution you hope to join. While both schools are committed to training excellent physicians, they approach medical education and patient care from different, albeit complementary, perspectives. This distinction is fundamental to your preparation.
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM): The Allopathic MD Path
MSU CHM is a community-focused medical school known for its innovative “Shared Discovery Curriculum.” This model emphasizes early clinical experience, integrating students into hospital and outpatient settings from their first weeks. CHM’s mission is centered on educating physicians who can address diverse health challenges in communities across Michigan. The admission committee looks for applicants who are collaborative, adaptable, and demonstrate a strong commitment to service and teamwork. Your interview performance should reflect an understanding of this community-based, patient-centered approach.
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM): The Osteopathic DO Path
As a pioneer in osteopathic medicine, MSUCOM is dedicated to a holistic, patient-centered philosophy. The curriculum integrates the principles of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) with all other aspects of medical training. The college seeks students who not only have a strong scientific foundation but also a genuine understanding of and passion for the osteopathic approach, which emphasizes the body’s self-healing capacity and the interconnectedness of systems. Your interview for COM must clearly articulate why the DO path specifically resonates with your career goals.
Decoding the MSU Interview Formats: What to Expect
The structure of your interview day will differ significantly depending on which college has invited you. Knowing the format in advance is a critical advantage, allowing you to tailor your practice and mental preparation.
The Virtual Interview Process: Best Practices for Both Colleges
Both CHM and COM currently conduct interviews virtually. While this offers convenience, it demands a professional setup. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet and well-lit space with a neutral background, and high-quality audio and video. Dress in professional attire as you would for an in-person interview. Test your technology beforehand and close all unnecessary applications on your computer to prevent distractions. Your goal is to create a seamless experience so the focus remains on your conversation, not on technical glitches.
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (CHM) Interview Structure
CHM employs a hybrid virtual interview format that includes a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI). The day typically involves:
- A structured one-on-one interview: This 30-minute session is often with a current medical student or faculty member and is a more traditional opportunity to discuss your application and motivation.
- The MMI circuit: This consists of several short, timed stations (typically 4-6). Each station presents a different scenario designed to assess attributes like critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, and collaboration. You’ll have a couple of minutes to read a prompt before entering a virtual room to interact with an evaluator or act out a scenario.
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) Interview Structure
COM’s interview format is traditionally more focused on direct interaction. While the exact structure can vary, applicants can generally expect one or two one-on-one or two-on-one interviews with faculty, staff, or current students. The questions are designed to assess your motivation for medicine, your understanding of the osteopathic profession, and your personal attributes. Expect a blend of standard interview questions (“Why medicine?”) and scenario-based questions that probe your ethical and professional judgment.
Pre-Interview Preparation: Laying a Solid Foundation
Thorough preparation is non-negotiable. The weeks leading up to your interview should be spent building a strong foundation of knowledge, both about the school and about yourself.
Deep Dive Research: Beyond the Brochure
Go beyond the mission statement on the homepage. For CHM, investigate the Shared Discovery Curriculum in detail. Understand its components, like the Intersessions and the Learning Societies. For COM, explore their research centers, global health opportunities, and the specific ways they integrate osteopathic principles. Look up faculty whose work interests you. The more specific your knowledge, the more genuine your interest will appear. This detailed research will help you formulate insightful questions and demonstrate your commitment.
Self-Reflection and Storytelling: Crafting Your Narrative
Your application, including your Personal Statement and experience descriptions, got you the interview. Now, you need to bring it to life. Re-read your entire application and be prepared to elaborate on every experience. For each significant activity, develop a concise story that illustrates a key competency (e.g., leadership, empathy, resilience). Don’t just list what you did; reflect on what you learned and how it shaped your desire to become a physician at MSU.
Mock Interviews and Practice: Refining Your Responses
Practicing your answers out loud is crucial. Ask your university’s pre-health advising office for help or conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors. Record yourself to analyze your body language, tone, and the clarity of your responses. For CHM’s MMI, practice responding to ethical dilemmas and teamwork scenarios under time constraints. There are many free resources online with sample MMI prompts. For COM, practice articulating your “Why DO?” story in a clear and compelling way.
Mastering the Interview Day: Strategies for Success
With a solid foundation of preparation, you can focus on execution during the interview itself. Your goal is to be engaged, authentic, and professional from start to finish.
Before the Interview: Final Checks and Mental Preparation
The day before, do a final tech check. Lay out your professional attire. Get a good night’s sleep. On the morning of the interview, eat a healthy breakfast and avoid excessive caffeine. Spend a few minutes reviewing your key stories and reasons for wanting to attend MSU. Engage in a calming activity, such as deep breathing or listening to music, to manage any anxiety. Your aim is to enter the virtual interview room calm, confident, and ready to connect.
During the Interview: Engaging Effectively
First impressions matter. Greet your interviewers with a warm, genuine smile. Maintain good posture and make eye contact with the camera to simulate direct eye contact. Listen carefully to each question before you begin to answer. It’s okay to take a brief pause to gather your thoughts. Speak clearly and concisely. When interacting with faculty or a medical student, show genuine curiosity about their experience at MSU.
Asking Thoughtful Questions: Your Opportunity to Learn and Impress
The end of the interview, when you’re asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” is not a formality. It’s a final chance to demonstrate your engagement and intellect. Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions based on your deep-dive research. Avoid asking questions whose answers are easily found on the school’s website. Instead, ask about a specific program, a student’s experience in the curriculum, or the school’s culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and are seriously envisioning yourself as part of their community.
Tailored Strategies for CHM Interview Success
To be accepted into CHM, you must demonstrate your suitability for its unique educational model and community-focused mission.
Showcasing Fit for Shared Discovery Curriculum and Community Engagement
CHM’s curriculum requires students to be self-directed, adaptable learners who thrive in clinical settings from day one. In your interview, highlight experiences where you took initiative, worked effectively in an unstructured environment, or learned by doing. Connect your past community service or volunteer work to CHM’s mission of serving the people of Michigan. Express enthusiasm for early clinical immersion and your readiness to be an active participant in your own education.
Emphasizing Teamwork and Interprofessional Collaboration
Modern healthcare is a team sport. The MMI and one-on-one interview will likely probe your ability to work with others. Prepare specific examples from your past experience—whether in a lab, a hospital, or a non-medical setting—that showcase your skills as a collaborator. Discuss a time you navigated a team conflict or contributed to a group success. Show that you value the contributions of all members of a healthcare team.
Tailored Strategies for COM Interview Success
Success at the COM interview hinges on your ability to convey a genuine commitment to the principles and practice of osteopathic medicine.
Articulating Your Understanding of Osteopathic Medicine
Your “Why DO?” answer must be specific and personal. Go beyond textbook definitions. Discuss how the osteopathic philosophy aligns with your personal values and your vision for patient care. Mention specific experiences, such as shadowing a DO, that solidified your interest. Demonstrate that you see osteopathic principles not as an add-on, but as a foundational framework for practicing medicine.
Highlighting Patient-Centered Care and Communication Skills
The holistic approach of osteopathic medicine places a strong emphasis on communication and building rapport with patients. Your interview is a direct demonstration of these skills. Be an active listener, show empathy, and communicate your ideas clearly. Share experiences that highlight your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, listen to their concerns, and explain complex information in an accessible way.
Navigating Challenging Questions and Scenarios
Medical school interviews are designed to see how you think on your feet. Being prepared for difficult questions can make all the difference.
Behavioral Questions: Using the STAR Method
For questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…,” the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an invaluable tool. It provides a simple structure to ensure your answer is clear, concise, and impactful.
- Situation: Briefly set the scene.
- Task: Describe your responsibility or goal.
- Action: Detail the specific steps you took. This should be the longest part of your answer.
- Result: Explain the outcome and, most importantly, what you learned from the experience.
Situational Judgment Questions and Ethical Dilemmas
You will likely be presented with a hypothetical scenario involving an ethical or professional challenge. Interviewers aren’t looking for a single “right” answer. They want to see your thought process. Acknowledge the complexity of the situation, consider the perspectives of all involved parties, weigh different options, and justify your proposed course of action using ethical principles like patient autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
“Do you have any questions for us?”: Making Your Mark
Reiterating this point: this is a crucial part of the interview. Your questions reflect your level of interest and preparation. Asking about a medical student’s favorite part of the curriculum or a faculty member’s perspective on the school’s future direction shows you are thinking like a future member of their team.
Post-Interview Etiquette and Follow-Up
Your professional conduct doesn’t end when the video call does. Promptly send a personalized thank-you note or email to your interviewers. Reference a specific point from your conversation to make it memorable. This simple, courteous act reinforces your interest and appreciation for their time, leaving a final positive impression on the admission committee.
Conclusion
The Michigan State medical school interview is your chance to shine. For both CHM and COM, the key to success lies in deep preparation, self-reflection, and the ability to authentically communicate your passion for medicine and your specific fit with their unique program. By understanding the distinct philosophies of each college, mastering the interview formats, and crafting a compelling narrative that connects your experience to their mission, you position yourself as an ideal candidate. Trust in your preparation, be yourself, and confidently show the admission committee the outstanding physician you will become.