Canadian Applicant - Quick Questions

[ArdentMed]

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Hey guys,

I'm entering first year Sciences at UBC and I've already set my sites on a DO school in the states. Now, I've a couple of quick questions which I couldn't find a (definite) answer for via searching around;

1. Does AACOMAS grade replacement policy apply if I take a course during the year and decide to re-take it again during the summer at a different (and more lenient) university over the summer so long as the course descriptions match?

2. Also, I know that the average for DO schools seems to be lingering at around a 3.5 GPA and 28 MCAT, but are there any caveats I should know of that are applicable to Canadian citizens? Are the standards higher?

3. Upon attending a DO school in the states, how difficult will it be to obtain a Visa and/or work permit? I intend to stay in the states because I'm assuming that the hoops I would have to jump through to attain a residency spot in Canada as a DO is far too odious.

4. Also, there aren't many DO's in the general Vancouver area (Canada), but there are a few osteopaths who practice muscle-skeletal manipulation. Would is be more propitious to shadow an osteopath, or would a fully licensed MD be more favourable? I'm assuming the latter is preferred.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ArdentMed]

Anyone?

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

I am unsure about the specific Canadian questions but I can suggest not to apply to regional bias schools unless your stats/file are above the "average".

As for the letter, I do know that some schools REQUIRE a DO letter and it is looked more fondly on people who do have DO letters.

According to the AACOMAS instructions, it appears that as long as the course description and credit level match it should be ok (and both should be taken at an undergrad institution). It seems this question was also already asked multiple times in the forum so you can also use those for a reference. If you wish to double check I recommend emailing AACOMAS just to be sure you are not wasting your time.

 

[lalongo]

Hey guys,

I'm entering first year Sciences at UBC and I've already set my sites on a DO school in the states. Now, I've a couple of quick questions which I couldn't find a (definite) answer for via searching around;

1. Does AACOMAS grade replacement policy apply if I take a course during the year and decide to re-take it again during the summer at a different (and more lenient) university over the summer so long as the course descriptions match?

yes, as long as the latter course has a similar course description, and is the same or more credits as the initial course. beaware though, langara is not recognized by aacomas, but somehow douglas, coquitlam, or even capilano are iirc. so definitely check on aacomas.

2. Also, I know that the average for DO schools seems to be lingering at around a 3.5 GPA and 28 MCAT, but are there any caveats I should know of that are applicable to Canadian citizens? Are the standards higher?

yes and no, depends on the school really, you are still 3 years away from applying, so lots may change (in regards to both admission requirements overall, or requirement for canadians specifically)

3. Upon attending a DO school in the states, how difficult will it be to obtain a Visa and/or work permit? I intend to stay in the states because I'm assuming that the hoops I would have to jump through to attain a residency spot in Canada as a DO is far too odious.

as long as the hospital offer a H1B visa it should be relatively smooth, a lot of schools in the west coast and northeast are familiar with the process since so many international students apply afterall.

4. Also, there aren't many DO's in the general Vancouver area (Canada), but there are a few osteopaths who practice muscle-skeletal manipulation. Would is be more propitious to shadow an osteopath, or would a fully licensed MD be more favourable? I'm assuming the latter is preferred.

theres a few DOs in vancouver, email COMSA for a list, otherwise the other option would be to go to victoria or bellingham, MD is fine as well, don't shadow an osteopath.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ArdentMed]

Thanks for the prompt reply, guys. I'll definitely take your advice into consideration.