Module 4 - Midwestern University

Overview of Midwestern University

  • Presenter: Michael Matasek, Senior Counselor at Midwestern University

  • Specialty Programs: Veterinary Medicine, Physician Assistant (PA), Speech Pathology

Institutional Background

  • Location of Main Campus: Downers Grove, Illinois (No Veterinary Medicine program)

  • Specialized Campus for Veterinary Program: Glendale, Arizona

  • University Type: Graduate medical school

  • Student Population: Approximately 4,000 students, creating a professional yet collegiate atmosphere.

Presentation Outline

  • Admissions requirements

  • Candidate evaluation criteria

  • Summary of the veterinary program layout

  • Insights into preparation for applying to the program

Admissions Requirements

  • Application Timing: Most students apply during their junior year;

  • Bachelor's Degree: Not required, yet approximately 90% of applicants have one;

  • Experience Level: Students sometimes take a year off post-acceptance before starting the program.

VMCAs Application System

  • Definition: Veterinary Medicine Application Simplification Service (Vempass).

  • Purpose: Collects and consolidates application documents.

  • Required Documents Include: Official transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV/resume.

  • Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 overall and in science courses.

Important GPA Information

  • GPA Calculation: No grade replacement is recognized by VMCAs; retaken classes will factor both grades into the overall GPA.

  • Concern for Applicants: Ensure clarity on GPA due to potential discrepancies between undergraduate institutions and Vempass records.

Animal-Related Experience

  • Definition: Experience can include working with animals, including shelters or animal clinics.

  • Non-qualifying Experience: Personal pet ownership does not count.

  • Research Experience: Considered positively, particularly if related to veterinary science.

  • Letter of Recommendation: Two required; one must be from a veterinarian.

Program Statistics (for Class of 2025)

  • Start Date: Third week of August, with about 120 student admissions; cap generally at 130.

  • Typical GPA Stats for Admitted Students:

    • Average Overall GPA: ~3.51

    • Average Science GPA: ~3.49

  • Application Rate Increase: Approximately 150 additional applicants each year, increasing competition.

  • GRE Requirement: Not required; removed due to lack of correlation with performance in the program.

Holistic Review Process

  • Considerations Beyond GPA

    • Student backgrounds

    • Types of veterinary experience

    • Overall application strength, including interviews.

  • Average Student Age: 24, with a higher female demographic compared to males.

Prerequisite Courses

  • Pre-Requisites: Programs do not require all courses to be completed prior to application; late completions acceptable.

  • Oversight on Missing Courses: Missing many prerequisites may hinder application prospects.

Application Process

  • Application Timeline: Applications open in January with submissions starting in May.

  • Application Fees: $200 for the first application.

  • Processing Time: 4-6 weeks for document verification and GPA calculation.

Interview Process

  • Interview Timing: Typically begins in September post-application review.

  • Interview Format: Hybrid model (in-person and virtual options).

  • National Deposit Deadline: April 15th, post-acceptance.

Criteria for Acceptance Post-Interview

  • Primary Factors: GPA (heaviest weight): Academic achievement and other experience accounted for post-interview.

  • Interview Performance: Must not negatively impact acceptance, but success may depend on other criteria.

Program Structure & Curriculum Overview

  • Academic Structure: Quarter-based education; summer sessions off).

  • Clinical Rotations: Begin in third year, two tracks available (small animals or mixed species); extensive hands-on experience.

  • Simulation Training: Utilizes mannequins and standardized clients for clinical training.

  • Facilities: Large animal clinic; extensive veterinary teaching hospital with advanced technologies for hands-on learning.

Facilities and Student Life

  • Cactus Wren Hall: Opening in 2014, housing state-of-the-art facilities (cost: $180M).

  • Access Hours: General access from 6 AM to midnight, with strict access controls for enhanced security.

  • Student Organizations: Numerous student-led clubs for professional and social engagement.

Why Choose Midwestern University?

  • Modern Facilities: Programs feature updated equipment and facilities such as simulation labs and interactive classrooms.

  • Open-Door Faculty Policy: Faculty encourage student engagement and assistance whenever required.

  • Focus on One Health: Initiatives promoting collaboration between human and animal health sectors.

Contact Information

  • Presenter's Contact: Michael Matasek (details not completely provided in this transcript).