<p>I am from California and I am applying for the bs md program from NEOUCOM. It says it prefers Ohio residents but I am a really committed, hardworking student. I have a 3.8 GPA and I also have a cousin in Kent State and we both are planning to live together and study to become doctors in Ohio. Do you think having family in Ohio will help? I really want to get into the program, and does anyone have any tips or suggestions that can give me better chances in getting into the program? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Yes, you can and I personally know two out of state students who got accepted into the program at Kent State. However it is very competitive for out of state students. The state requires that the participating schools cannot have more than 10% oos students in incoming class. Since each school has 35 slots, that limits OOS students to 3-4. In reality Kent State hardly ever accepts more than 1-2 OOS students in the program each year (I have heard that other schools, i.e., Akron and Youngstown do the same). So to get in, you have to have excellent GPA and test scores (SAT or ACT). Kent State does not prefer one over the other. So you can take both and submit the better one. Also, they do not accept SAT subject tests. So, I would say work on your SAT and ACT exams and try to do your best. Assay is also very important and needs to be original and personal. The main challenge for OOS students is to get to the interview stage. So you want to make your application very strong. Your family ties to the area may help too, so do mention it in your application, but you will still be considered an OOS student. By the way, it is now called NEOMED.</p>