DO for Canadians: 2011-2012

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Originally Posted by javajava

The data was for twenty ten if that helps, but ya, it seems like a majority of the marticulants are in this thread lol

I see, o ya, 2010 matriculating class, that was actually last year... the year I was in.. I'm fairly certain that the 2011 entering class will see a surge judging by this thread on SDN and premed101.

Originally Posted by mashmetoo

I see, o ya, 2010 matriculating class, that was actually last year... the year I was in.. I'm fairly certain that the 2011 entering class will see a surge judging by this thread on SDN and premed101.

Lets hope that by twenty thirteen ALL canadians will be taken in hehe

I had a question about AZCOM, do you need to put all ur money (ie-300k) in a US account at the time of ur admission? what if you have a line of credit that doesn't let you take all the money at once?

Originally Posted by mcmaster007

I had a question about AZCOM, do you need to put all ur money (ie-300k) in a US account at the time of ur admission? what if you have a line of credit that doesn't let you take all the money at once?

go back 1 or 2 pages in this thread or the other DO For Canadians. we discussed this thoroughly.

Has anybody done a course with Athabasca? If so, does AACOMAS calculate that grade you get in that course according to your home university grading scale (place where you get your degree) or Athabasca's grading scale. I am not sure which grading scale would be used and don't know if I should take a course there so any help would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by bpatient

Has anybody done a course with Athabasca? If so, does AACOMAS calculate that grade you get in that course according to your home university grading scale (place where you get your degree) or Athabasca's grading scale. I am not sure which grading scale would be used and don't know if I should take a course there so any help would be appreciated.

Hey I retook OChem II at TRU (distance ed, same idea) which is a different school than my undergrad (UBC). AACOMAS will take the grade from Athabasca (based off their grading system) and substitute it for your first lower grade (assuming you do better the 2nd time) if the # of credits are the same among courses.

If you are taking the course the first time, AACOMAS will simply take the grade Athabasca gives you. Take a course there for one reason: It will be a lot easier than any major university

Thanks alot drctother!

Originally Posted by GTP

Hello fellow Canadians. Were any of you able to get social security number while attending med school in America? I went there last week to get a non-work social security number (to open up bank accounts etc) and they said no.Was anyone successful? Please help. Thanks.

I missed this post, but when I went to Marquette, I worked on campus for a short period of time. I did get a SSN and it states can work with INS approval. I actually used it when I worked as a DDS on TN work visa.

Hi all,

I'm a first DO student, I don't come on often, but if you have any questions feel free to send me a message!

Also, if I may offer a little advice: don't let your apps swallow your year. You should have all of your stuff complete in a month or two, and after this, just follow up with schools every few weeks, and other than that, go live the rest of your life. Make a point to do something fun at every interview you go to, and try to enjoy the year. Think of something you've always wanted to do, and make an effort to do it this year. Time goes by so fast, and if you don't schedule it and just do it now, you get busy and realize you never did it.

You don't need a social security number to bank or for a driver's license or stuff like that. Pretty much everything and everyone here will ask you for it, so then you need to explain that you don't have one and they either take your passport number, or sometimes you need to take your documents somewhere so that they can visually verify your identity (for example, in setting up certain utilities). You can get a credit card-you need to find someone who will check your credit history in Canada; its a pain and takes a few weeks of hassle but I definitely got one and its all good. Your best bet to get a social security number is to work-probably easiest if you TA or tutor at your school.

As for loans, you can have $200,000 from a Canadian bank unsecured, max 250 but you need to secure it with a house if you want 250 (and most banks don't want to give you 250). $9500 per year from OSAP. To get the rest of your money, your parents will probably need to take out a reverse mortgage on the house, or something to the like. Make sure you buy life/critical illness insurance to cover your family so they aren't stuck with your debt. You need a co-signer for the 200 from the bank if you are going to school outside of Canada-they check the credit for both you and your co-signer.

Originally Posted by drctother

Hows the transition coming Muffles? I take it you are already in the US and found a place to live? Did you do all your Visa stuff yet? I was surprised at how simple it was.

How is everyone else doing with apps or with getting ready for school???

hey drctother - the transition is going pretty well. I was quite stressed about the whole "quasi visa" (I-20 and SEVIS receipt but no actual visa) so I gave myself about 2 hours for the immigration/customs proccess at the airport, but it only took 10 minutes. I got an apartment across the street from school, applied for it a few months back. Just settling in now, getting MO drivers license, buying car, getting cell phone, getting cable/internet. All the companies / departments I've dealt with have been pretty good at adapting to someone from Canada on a student visa with no SSN. Every application for anything seems to want your SSN.

How about you?

Originally Posted by GTP

I dunno. This could be state-dependent. I'm in NYC and I know that you are not. The rules may also vary from bank to bank. Give it a try. GL

I opened one with RBC while in Canada still. They have branches in the eastern US (roughly) but none in MO where I am. Doesn't really matter for me as I use debit, credit and checks (for tuition / rent - note US spelling!!) They did not require a SSN.

As an aside - I really confused the rep from GEICO the other day because she was having me spell out the VIN number on my car which had a Z in it. I of course send "zed" and she was like "what?". I clarified for her = "zee".

Originally Posted by Muffles

hey drctother - the transition is going pretty well. I was quite stressed about the whole "quasi visa" (I-20 and SEVIS receipt but no actual visa) so I gave myself about 2 hours for the immigration/customs proccess at the airport, but it only took 10 minutes. I got an apartment across the street from school, applied for it a few months back. Just settling in now, getting MO drivers license, buying car, getting cell phone, getting cable/internet. All the companies / departments I've dealt with have been pretty good at adapting to someone from Canada on a student visa with no SSN. Every application for anything seems to want your SSN.

How about you?

Do you already have a cell phone from canada??? Cuz if u do, unlock it (if its a blackberry or iphone) and go to T-Mobile. They offer an unlimited data, voice, and text plan for $50 a month that is pre-paid (so no contract). Its 60 if you have a blackberry though. Those prices include taxes. Still a much much better deal than anything in Canada. To cancel my Rogers plan, they want $600 from me. Basically I decided im not paying them a penny of it. Im sure they will send collections after me but A) im in the US and B) They cant do anything about it since I canceled my Visa, so they cant affect my credit score or force me to pay it lol. Worst comes to worst and somehow it does affect my credit score, apparently it wont be by much. My middle finger to rogers

PS, what type of cars are you looking at? Anything exciting?

Originally Posted by SuperFish

Hi all,

I'm a first DO student, I don't come on often, but if you have any questions feel free to send me a message!

Also, if I may offer a little advice: don't let your apps swallow your year. You should have all of your stuff complete in a month or two, and after this, just follow up with schools every few weeks, and other than that, go live the rest of your life. Make a point to do something fun at every interview you go to, and try to enjoy the year. Think of something you've always wanted to do, and make an effort to do it this year. Time goes by so fast, and if you don't schedule it and just do it now, you get busy and realize you never did it.

You don't need a social security number to bank or for a driver's license or stuff like that. Pretty much everything and everyone here will ask you for it, so then you need to explain that you don't have one and they either take your passport number, or sometimes you need to take your documents somewhere so that they can visually verify your identity (for example, in setting up certain utilities). You can get a credit card-you need to find someone who will check your credit history in Canada; its a pain and takes a few weeks of hassle but I definitely got one and its all good. Your best bet to get a social security number is to work-probably easiest if you TA or tutor at your school.

As for loans, you can have $200,000 from a Canadian bank unsecured, max 250 but you need to secure it with a house if you want 250 (and most banks don't want to give you 250). $9500 per year from OSAP. To get the rest of your money, your parents will probably need to take out a reverse mortgage on the house, or something to the like. Make sure you buy life/critical illness insurance to cover your family so they aren't stuck with your debt. You need a co-signer for the 200 from the bank if you are going to school outside of Canada-they check the credit for both you and your co-signer.

This is really good advice and I did all this when I went to Dental school in the US. What school do you go to?

Just in case anyone is wondering about timelines.. I submitted my app and had all documents in on 6/28 and was just verified 7/26.

I also wanted to update that WVSOM does NOT accept Canadians, unless they are green card holders. Just got an email today. So save your $50 with that school. I thought they did because it was listed on the COA website.

it's always best to stick to the regulars:

western,azcom,touroNY,kcumb,nsu, msu. and maybe unecom,dmu.

LOL awesome. But r u sure about the last part? I thought collections messed up your credit for 7 years. What if u want to come back to canada after school?

Originally Posted by drctother

Do you already have a cell phone from canada??? Cuz if u do, unlock it (if its a blackberry or iphone) and go to T-Mobile. They offer an unlimited data, voice, and text plan for $50 a month that is pre-paid (so no contract). Its 60 if you have a blackberry though. Those prices include taxes. Still a much much better deal than anything in Canada. To cancel my Rogers plan, they want $600 from me. Basically I decided im not paying them a penny of it. Im sure they will send collections after me but A) im in the US and B) They cant do anything about it since I canceled my Visa, so they cant affect my credit score or force me to pay it lol. Worst comes to worst and somehow it does affect my credit score, apparently it wont be by much. My middle finger to rogers

Originally Posted by UBCvan

it's always best to stick to the regulars:

western,azcom,touroNY,kcumb,nsu, msu. and maybe unecom,dmu.

Yeah, I have all those to + LMU DCOM. Hoping some interview invites show up soon. My MSU will be complete probably by the end of the week.

Originally Posted by drgioiadds

Yeah, I have all those to + LMU DCOM. Hoping some interview invites show up soon. My MSU will be complete probably by the end of the week.

When I applied this past cycle, LMU didnt take Canadians despite what their site said. Did this change? Did you contact the school?

No, I just got the info from the website. Oh, well - - what did they say when you told them about the website?

Originally Posted by drctother

When I applied this past cycle, LMU didnt take Canadians despite what their site said. Did this change? Did you contact the school?

I was at a conference in June and I think it was LMU that talked to. The lady manning the booth said that they didn't last year but were going to this year. I think she said it had to do with there being rural areas in Canada too which is their focus.

Hello everyone!

I need your guidance. I guess I am considered a non-trad. Canadian student looking to apply to US. DO schools within the (hopefully) next few years. But I need your help planning my strategy. In 2009, I graduated with a BSc(Honours) Environmental/Applied Science degree, with a CGPA of 3.05 (upward trend, terrible first year with 3.5-3.6 in last two years). I had always planned on applying to Naturopathic Medical school, and after spending the last 2 years at an ND clinic ( as well as working in the environmental health industry), and applying to the 2 Canadian ND schools (I was accepted to both), I decided I really did not want to go through 4 years of intense schooling, and ultimately not be a doctor with the ability to treat both holistically and allopathically. Basically, I don't want to be limited, and although I believe in what NDs do, they are VERY limited in their practice. In saying this, I want to maintain the holistic route, and so after a lot of thought it seems DO is a really good alternative for someone like me. I'm really into endocrinology/ internal medicine as a result of some of my work experience.

I recently accepted a fully funded (graduate scholarship) Masters program in health and environmental policy, and I am excited about the program, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking DO is my ultimate route. In saying this, I want to do the masters, because Im interested in it (even if it wont help me get into DO school), and I will also have the opportunity to do some interesting research and possibly work with areas like Health Canada in the summer of next yr. My GPA in my MA I am aiming for 3.8-4.0 and I know this is possible because I am a good student (just wasn't in the first two years of my undergrad).

I may be babbling on, but my question for all of you is WHAT SHOULD BE MY PLAN OF ACTION? I have a ton of really interesting ec's/ volunteer and work experience, mainly in areas of env/health field like contaminants, etc. I think my background maybe makes me a unique candidate as a DO but i'm not sure, everyone has amazing stats! At the same time, my CGPA is 3.05, too low, and I was considering going back AFTER my masters, to do a 2 year post bac program in health science. By the time I finish my masters I will be 25/26. Age is not a factor for me, I just want to follow my right path and reach my goals, but at the same time would love to get in by age 28? Maybe I'm being optimistic. What about SMPs? I heard there was one at TouroCOM that is a segway for their DO ...

So what are your suggestions on:
-What to do strategy wise?
-To do a post-bac. after my masters, or SMP?
-Where to apply as a Canadian?
-what volunteering / ec suggestions everyone has?

I know this may be a long road, but I would sincerely appreciate your honesty and assistance in this aspiration. Thank you to all !

Never mind my comment about checking out this thread on your other post as I see you have.

Do any fellow Canadians have interview invites yet? I have not. AZCOM started sending them out. Still wait listed for another few days anyway. However, I am happy that I am complete at MSU!

Not yet Mr Dentist. Even nothing from PCOM, LECOM, Touro.

Originally Posted by spoudaios

Not yet Mr Dentist. Even nothing from PCOM, LECOM, Touro.

I didn't get a secondary from LECOM and I meet the minimum cut offs. Touro is a good school, secondaries didn't come out yet. Last year a secondary invitation meant interview. I guess we will just have to be patient. I was a little surprised not to get one from AZCOM today, as I am wait listed there, but they may have not gone over all the files yet. Apparently they didn't have my new LOR which I resent by interfolio. I liked AZCOM to.

I did get a complete email from MSU and I'm excited about that school!


I don't think PCOM is that Canadian friendly so I didn't reapply this year.

You applied last year and did not get in. Now, this is making me very nervous.

Michigan looks good but super expensive. I hope for Western U but that school is likely to be very competitive.

Originally Posted by UBCvan

DO NOT apply to TCOM. As drc said, they heavily favor texans. why? because the tuition there is so so so so so cheap. it's 12K for texans and 27K for out of state. it's even cheaper than canadian MD shcools. So why should they accept out of state? let alone canadians. and also there is no history of canadians accepted there.

TCOM's non-resident quota actually comes from state policy: "As a state-supported medical school, TCOM is required to enroll 90 percent Texas residents for each entering class. Up to 10 percent of each entering class may be filled with non-residents... TCOM processes applications through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS)." (University of North Texas Health Science Center policy statement)

Originally Posted by spoudaios

You applied last year and did not get in. Now, this is making me very nervous.

Michigan looks good but super expensive. I hope for Western U but that school is likely to be very competitive.

Last year I didn't get completed until March, because I took the Jan. MCAT. My MCAT was pretty average, but its right around the Matriculation average.

MSU is giving the $20,000 scholarship to around 20 Canadians per year and its ranked as a top school for primary care. They are also familiar with Canadian's and the transcript differences in terms of credit hours. I also like there philosophy -- go to their website and search for rumour control. Its a great pdf file they put out about their DO program, as they also have an MD program.

Originally Posted by drgioiadds

Last year I didn't get completed until March, because I took the Jan. MCAT. My MCAT was pretty average, but its right around the Matriculation average.

MSU is giving the $20,000 scholarship to around 20 Canadians per year and its ranked as a top school for primary care. They are also familiar with Canadian's and the transcript differences in terms of credit hours. I also like there philosophy -- go to their website and search for rumour control. Its a great pdf file they put out about their DO program, as they also have an MD program.

does it mean that they emphasize primary care and want you to become a PCP? I'm not sure if I like the idea.

Originally Posted by UBCvan

does it mean that they emphasize primary care and want you to become a PCP? I'm not sure if I like the idea.

Read this pdf - you'll probably like the first comment. I like the last comment

http://www.com.msu.edu/admissions/RumorControl.pdf

Originally Posted by drgioiadds

Read this pdf - you'll probably like the first comment. I like the last comment

http://www.com.msu.edu/admissions/RumorControl.pdf

Really good one!

How's everyone doing??

Originally Posted by drgioiadds

How's everyone doing??

Hey, I'm doing alright, could be doing better if it weren't for this email from KCUMB:

"We have received your secondary application and all letters of recommendation but we show that you have not taken 2.0 hours Physics which are prerequisites for KCUMB. Are you currently taking or plan to take this course work? Please advise as soon as possible."

I actually have 8 hours under my belt (they think I have 6). University of Toronto just doesn't distinguish courses with lab from those without in terms of credit value. Funny thing is, AZCOM received the same application and still invited me for interview

Originally Posted by canadian18

Hey, I'm doing alright, could be doing better if it weren't for this email from KCUMB:

"We have received your secondary application and all letters of recommendation but we show that you have not taken 2.0 hours Physics which are prerequisites for KCUMB. Are you currently taking or plan to take this course work? Please advise as soon as possible."

I actually have 8 hours under my belt (they think I have 6). University of Toronto just doesn't distinguish courses with lab from those without in terms of credit value. Funny thing is, AZCOM received the same application and still invited me for interview

dude that's easy, all you have to do is explain to them the difference in Canadian credit system, and that you have the lab component. Everything will be just fine

Well I posted last week I was verified 7/26 and today received my first secondary... AZCOM . Let's get this party started....

I received secondaries from AZCOM and ATSU-KCOM today. Did anyone else apply to KCOM?

I applied to KCOM. Very friendly replies to my questions.

Hey Im curious

What is the GPA and MCAT range that typically gives an interview

Hey guys, I'm back! I started my first day at AZCOM today, highly recommend the school to anyone. Everyone here is so friendly, and everyone wants to hear about Canada from me. I spend a lot of time talking about back home lol.

Anyways, I'll try to be more active on here now. Moving down meant sporadic internet at best for over a month. And two 27 hour drives =P

Originally Posted by javajava

Hey Im curious

What is the GPA and MCAT range that typically gives an interview

Unfortunately this is hugely school specific. As a Canadian I would say 3.0+ and 28+ should get you an interview somewhere, but if you have a 3.0 you better have a 32 MCAT to be safe, or vice versa (say a 3.6 and a 28). But this is nothing more than an educated guess on my part. Someone else can chime in with better information I'm sure

Originally Posted by ziprasidone1

I received secondaries from AZCOM and ATSU-KCOM today. Did anyone else apply to KCOM?

I applied to ATSU-KCOM as well. I also rec'd their secondary yesterday.

Originally Posted by thumbz

Unfortunately this is hugely school specific. As a Canadian I would say 3.0+ and 28+ should get you an interview somewhere, but if you have a 3.0 you better have a 32 MCAT to be safe, or vice versa (say a 3.6 and a 28). But this is nothing more than an educated guess on my part. Someone else can chime in with better information I'm sure

I actually received an interview with a lower MCAT than that and was wait listed last april. However, I have not been given an interview this year and I applied "on time". (3.76, 25, second professional degree). I liked the school when I was there and everyone did seem friendly and I would have been really happy to get in there. Anyway, I did apply broadly this year and early, so i'm hoping for a few interview invites. I am complete at MSU and this is a top choice for many reasons (great school and very close to family).

verified! verified!!

ooh man, one more week to get it released.. but i kinda feel both excited and nervous, excited becuz the ball's rolling now, and nervous becuz, eeh, the DO letter is gonna still take a month or more ... =( wht if i get pre-interview rejections cuz of that? eeh..

anyways, besides that, YEAHH!! finally got verified! *phew*.. excited for those secondaries =D

Originally Posted by thumbz

Unfortunately this is hugely school specific. As a Canadian I would say 3.0+ and 28+ should get you an interview somewhere, but if you have a 3.0 you better have a 32 MCAT to be safe, or vice versa (say a 3.6 and a 28). But this is nothing more than an educated guess on my part. Someone else can chime in with better information I'm sure

I see Three point five GPA and thirty MCAT seems to be the magic numbers for DO that accepts canadians

Thanks future dr

Just received an interview at AZCOM!

Originally Posted by drgioiadds

Just received an interview at AZCOM!

Congrats! When did you submit your secondary app for AZCOM?

Originally Posted by ziprasidone1

Congrats! When did you submit your secondary app for AZCOM?

I'm not sure exactly, but it was early-mid July. I submitted AACOMAS June 1 and filled out most secondaries within a day or two of receiving them.

In case you guys are interested - 4 Canadians matriculated including me in AZCOM this year. My stats were a 3.5 and 31T for those who don't know =).

PS: I haven't met the fourth Canadian yet, there is a chance she is AZPOD. I'm hoping to meet her soon though.