** 2008-2009 Secondary Application Thread! **

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I mean...technically you can but they will probably throw them out. Just wait until your primary file is complete then submit secondary asap. Good idea to start working on them now though.
 
UMDNJ asks for "area of professional interest". Weird!! I was always under the impression that it wasn't a good idea to mention this to the adcom before you are admitted. I guess I always thought they wouldn't take the people who "have wanted to be a neurosurgeon their whole lives" seriously because that interest may stem from a TV show, one shadowing experience, etc...rather than a broad interest in medicine.
 
MichiganEMTInt said:
UMDNJ asks for "area of professional interest". Weird!! I was always under the impression that it wasn't a good idea to mention this to the adcom before you are admitted. I guess I always thought they wouldn't take the people who "have wanted to be a neurosurgeon their whole lives" seriously because that interest may stem from a TV show, one shadowing experience, etc...rather than a broad interest in medicine.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I hate the idea that they would roll their eyes at someone who liked the idea of something from a young age, explored it, and is now seriously pursuing it. I understand the "immaturity" argument, but I think it's great to realize and be fulfilled by your childhood dream. I mean, everyone (boys at least) wants to be a firefighter or astronaut when they're young. Do we scoff at those who are actually fighting our fires and flying to space? 😎
 
I'm going to go ask my parents if I ever expressed interest in interventional radiology before my 6th birthday 😀
 
Chocolate Bear - Yay for verification for you! I'll have an appletini for you later tonight (yes, that was my comment on mdapps)

Glad to see this thread has some info. I'm getting all the current info I have on 2ndaries together... I don't have a job right now, so plenty of time to write essays, even though I am not verified AACOMAS/AMCAS yet.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Yeah, I hate the idea that they would roll their eyes at someone who liked the idea of something from a young age, explored it, and is now seriously pursuing it. I understand the "immaturity" argument, but I think it's great to realize and be fulfilled by your childhood dream. I mean, everyone (boys at least) wants to be a firefighter or astronaut when they're young. Do we scoff at those who are actually fighting our fires and flying to space? 😎
Click to expand...

while i see your point on this, that you can be interested in something from a young age, but the reason many see immaturity in that statement is because some individuals enter medical school on the sole basis of becoming x professional. So, what happens when that person goes through medical school, then goes through the match process, only to fail to match to whatever specialty they were dead-set on? Well, generally this is how you get disgruntled primary care physicians or people that simply don't practice medicine. You shouldn't enter medical school because you want to be a neurosurgeon or the world's only facial-reconstructive-hand-ortho-plastic-robotics specialist surgeon with a fellowship in dermatology. You should enter medical school because you want to be a physician. It is great to be interested in a specialty..just don't be dead-set on it.


PlAnEjaNe
 
PlAnEjaNe said:
while i see your point on this, that you can be interested in something from a young age, but the reason many see immaturity in that statement is because some individuals enter medical school on the sole basis of becoming x professional. So, what happens when that person goes through medical school, then goes through the match process, only to fail to match to whatever specialty they were dead-set on? Well, generally this is how you get disgruntled primary care physicians or people that simply don't practice medicine. You shouldn't enter medical school because you want to be a neurosurgeon or the world's only facial-reconstructive-hand-ortho-plastic-robotics specialist surgeon with a fellowship in dermatology. You should enter medical school because you want to be a physician. It is great to be interested in a specialty..just don't be dead-set on it.


PlAnEjaNe
Click to expand...

While I agree with your statement about super-duper specialists, I think it's perfectly acceptable to want to be a neurosurgeon when you enter medical school. However, you should have a backup plan and not "stick to your guns" while in an interview, or even worse, while applying to residency/fellowships. I really think it's best to have an open mind during preceptorships/shadowing/clinicals.

While I like the idea that everyone would be happy just to "be a physician," there are major differences between all medical specialties, and I don't think a perfect match for radiology would be the best psychiatrist, even if they both have the title "physician."
 
JWLuiza said:
Chocolate Bear - Yay for verification for you! I'll have an appletini for you later tonight (yes, that was my comment on mdapps)

Glad to see this thread has some info. I'm getting all the current info I have on 2ndaries together... I don't have a job right now, so plenty of time to write essays, even though I am not verified AACOMAS/AMCAS yet.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks! Go easy on the 'tini. I better get crackin on secondaries, or else my early primary will be for nothing! Jk I'm not that worried about it.
 
from LECOMs secondary...

Explain or describe any clinical and/or health related experiences you have had, include extracurricular school and community activities.

Isn't that a redundant question? they can get all that info from the primary application. i feel like i will just be repeating myself.

And this...

Write a personal essay describing yourself and the qualities you possess which will make you a successful osteopathic physician.

Is this just another way of asking why you want to be an osteopathic physician?
 
Last edited:
ryserr21 said:
from LECOMs secondary...

Explain or describe any clinical and/or health related experiences you have had, include extracurricular school and community activities.

Isn't that a redundant question? they can get all that info from the primary application. i feel like i will just be repeating myself.

And this...

Write a personal essay describing yourself and the qualities you possess which will make you a successful osteopathic physician.

Is this just another way of asking why you want to be an osteopathic physician?
Click to expand...

Where did this come from? LECOM's site says "The LECOM Supplemental Application should only take a few minutes to complete and we encourage applicants to complete the process as soon as possible."

That second prompt doesn't sound like "a few minutes" to me...
 
Question: I will be taking the mcat late july, rest of the primary application is complete. I'm waiting to get verified. I was wondering if DO schools will send me any secondaries before they receive my mcat scores? or do they wait till they have them? Thanks
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Where did this come from? LECOM's site says "The LECOM Supplemental Application should only take a few minutes to complete and we encourage applicants to complete the process as soon as possible."

That second prompt doesn't sound like "a few minutes" to me...
Click to expand...

it's from one of stebby's links on the post on the first page of this thread.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Thanks! Yeah, I would guess they haven't changed it from last year. "A few minutes" means some yes/no questions, not essay prompts. Whatever.
Click to expand...

yea, that's what i had thought originally. however, i started thinking about/outlining those essays, just in case! plus, as someone else posted, the ideas will show up again in other secondaries, so i'm sure it will be useful!

ALSO: how long is a "short essay?" i have problems answering some of these essays well if constricted to just half a page. my responses are usually 3/4page or 1 full page. is that too much?
 
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diggintheDOs said:
yea, that's what i had thought originally. however, i started thinking about/outlining those essays, just in case! plus, as someone else posted, the ideas will show up again in other secondaries, so i'm sure it will be useful!

ALSO: how long is a "short essay?" i have problems answering some of these essays well if constricted to just half a page. my responses are usually 3/4page or 1 full page. is that too much?
Click to expand...

I am also curious about the expected length of these essays. Whats the consensus on this?

I'm lazy I guess I can search but it seems people have different thoughts on it. Wish I could hear what an adcom would expect from them.
 
I know there is no traditional secondary essay for DMU but those who choose to write the optional discription, what is the character limit?
Thanks!
 
has ANYBODY received secondaries yet? i submitted my app 6/13, which is after they received both my MCAT and transcript, but i have yet to receive any instructions on what to do next. is there anything else i need to do after hitting pay and submit?
this whole process is so nerve-racking... :scared:
 
ACGator09 said:
has ANYBODY received secondaries yet? i submitted my app 6/13, which is after they received both my MCAT and transcript, but i have yet to receive any instructions on what to do next. is there anything else i need to do after hitting pay and submit?
this whole process is so nerve-racking... :scared:
Click to expand...

You are ok. You may not receive any secondaries for a few weeks... it's about a 4 week turnaround for verification right now.

Pick up a hobby.... like alcohol....
 
hmm. Weird I'm getting more MD school love right now. LECOM was the only secondary I have been told I'll get so far. (Have 3 MD secondaries)
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Hope not, since I didn't take em! I imagine they require at least one of the SAT or ACT scores, or else you'd need to explain why it's n/a.
Click to expand...

Kirksville asks for this? I never took either one.
 
I think they'd probably be ok with it if you checked "N/A" because your undergrad institution didn't require it (?) or whatever reason.
 
MossPoh said:
hmm. Weird I'm getting more MD school love right now. LECOM was the only secondary I have been told I'll get so far. (Have 3 MD secondaries)
Click to expand...

are you sure they are screening? its probably just b/c AACOMAS is insanely slow.
 
ryserr21 said:
are you sure they are screening? its probably just b/c AACOMAS is insanely slow.
Click to expand...

I got the LECOM letter and then I got emails from USF, FIU, FSU and Miami so far. I'm sure its just a little delay and I'll end up getting something. Also, I come from an underserved county in Florida (very underserved), so that might be letting some stuff slide with me. We'll find out. I've got enough essays to write so far. Not that big of a deal. I rather just have a nice steady stream.
 
What is the consensus on the length of these essays?
 
AZCOM
Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae
Why do you believe AZCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking and why should AZCOM accept you into this year's class?

CCOM
1. Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, including the following information:
*Educational history (colleges attended and degrees earned)
*Work history
*College extracurricular activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Community activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Medically related work and volunteer experiences
*Hobbies and nonacademic interests
2. Attach a response to the following questions (500 words or fewer):
Why are you seeking a career in osteopathic medicine, and why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic education you are seeking.?

LECOM (both)
Write a personal essay describing yourself and the qualities you possess that will make you a successful osteopathic physician
Explain or describe any clinical and/or health relates experiences you have had, include extracurricular, school and community activities.

NSU-COM
Just general questions:
past employment, health-care related activities (list), which DO and MD schools you're applying to, and if you've ever matriculated into an MD or DO program.

TUCOM
Describe the personal characteristics you possess and the life experiences you have had that would contribute to your becoming an outstanding osteopathic physician. Please include information that will enable the admissions committee to understand your unique qualities.


Western U/COMP
http://www.westernu.edu/bin/admissi.../DOSUPP2010.pdf
Describe your motivation for training as an osteopathic physician. Comment specifically on your academic performance and potential for study in Osteopathic Medicine.
Describe the qualities that you possess that will make you a good osteopathic physician.
What criteria did you take into consideration in applying to WesternU/COMP?
Describe your participation in community service activities in a medically underserved or economically disadvantaged community.
 
AZCOM
Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae
Why do you believe AZCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking and why should AZCOM accept you into this year's class?

CCOM
1. Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, including the following information:
*Educational history (colleges attended and degrees earned)
*Work history
*College extracurricular activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Community activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Medically related work and volunteer experiences
*Hobbies and nonacademic interests
2. Attach a response to the following questions (500 words or fewer):
Why are you seeking a career in osteopathic medicine, and why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic education you are seeking.?

LECOM (both)
Write a personal essay describing yourself and the qualities you possess that will make you a successful osteopathic physician
Explain or describe any clinical and/or health relates experiences you have had, include extracurricular, school and community activities.

MSUCOM
Describe a personal experience or ethical challenge you have faced that has influenced the development of your character. How has this experience helped you to develop specific skills and/or abilities that are essential to practicing osteopathic medicine?

NSU-COM
Just general questions:
past employment, health-care related activities (list), which DO and MD schools you're applying to, and if you've ever matriculated into an MD or DO program.

TUCOM
Describe the personal characteristics you possess and the life experiences you have had that would contribute to your becoming an outstanding osteopathic physician. Please include information that will enable the admissions committee to understand your unique qualities.


Western U/COMP
http://www.westernu.edu/bin/admissi.../DOSUPP2010.pdf
Describe your motivation for training as an osteopathic physician. Comment specifically on your academic performance and potential for study in Osteopathic Medicine.
Describe the qualities that you possess that will make you a good osteopathic physician.
What criteria did you take into consideration in applying to WesternU/COMP?
Describe your participation in community service activities in a medically underserved or economically disadvantaged community.
 
thanks MMO and MichEMT! this is really helpful. i am really confused right now as to how the secondaries are being sent out; i submitted aacomas pretty early and have rec'd word from LECOM-B, LECOM-E, and UNECOM. but no word yet from the AT Stills 🙁 trying to be patient!
 
Ok. I'm confused. This is completely backwards for me. I got one email from LECOM telling me they'd send me the information for a secondary soon. That is it from DO schools. (I applied to 15+) I've gotten 5 MD secondaries now. Am I in some weird twilight zone?
 
MossPoh said:
Ok. I'm confused. This is completely backwards for me. I got one email from LECOM telling me they'd send me the information for a secondary soon. That is it from DO schools. (I applied to 15+) I've gotten 5 MD secondaries now. Am I in some weird twilight zone?
Click to expand...

Haha. I dunno man. ("man" is generic and I am in no way implying you are overly masculine, if you are in fact a female. In that case I sincerely apologize.)

As far as other friends of mine applying this cycle the only MD 2nds they have gotten are UC Denver, GW and MCW. I'm pretty jealous of you - I'd like to be getting MD 2nds because I'm pretty sure I'm going to get pre-2nd rejection from quite a few MDs :laugh: lets hope not though. Did you apply to MSU? Good luck-
 
MichiganEMTInt said:
Haha. I dunno man. ("man" is generic and I am in no way implying you are overly masculine, if you are in fact a female. In that case I sincerely apologize.)

As far as other friends of mine applying this cycle the only MD 2nds they have gotten are UC Denver, GW and MCW. I'm pretty jealous of you - I'd like to be getting MD 2nds because I'm pretty sure I'm going to get pre-2nd rejection from quite a few MDs :laugh: lets hope not though. Did you apply to MSU? Good luck-
Click to expand...

No MSU. I've gotten Florida schools and MCW. I am a 6'5" 240 lbs hairy dude. Man works just fine. I have it down that I am taking another mcat since my score sucked, but I'll take secondaries now too. Whatev.
 
I hope we don't play tackle football together. 5'10", 125lbs. I'd like everyone to now please post height, weight, A/S/L. Thx.
 
MichiganEMTInt said:
AZCOM
Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae
Why do you believe AZCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking and why should AZCOM accept you into this year's class?

CCOM
1. Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, including the following information:
*Educational history (colleges attended and degrees earned)
*Work history
*College extracurricular activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Community activities, honors, and leadership responsibilities
*Medically related work and volunteer experiences
*Hobbies and nonacademic interests
2. Attach a response to the following questions (500 words or fewer):
Why are you seeking a career in osteopathic medicine, and why do you believe CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic education you are seeking.?

LECOM (both)
Write a personal essay describing yourself and the qualities you possess that will make you a successful osteopathic physician
Explain or describe any clinical and/or health relates experiences you have had, include extracurricular, school and community activities.

MSUCOM
Describe a personal experience or ethical challenge you have faced that has influenced the development of your character. How has this experience helped you to develop specific skills and/or abilities that are essential to practicing osteopathic medicine?

NSU-COM
Just general questions:
past employment, health-care related activities (list), which DO and MD schools you're applying to, and if you've ever matriculated into an MD or DO program.

TUCOM
Describe the personal characteristics you possess and the life experiences you have had that would contribute to your becoming an outstanding osteopathic physician. Please include information that will enable the admissions committee to understand your unique qualities.


Western U/COMP
http://www.westernu.edu/bin/admissi.../DOSUPP2010.pdf
Describe your motivation for training as an osteopathic physician. Comment specifically on your academic performance and potential for study in Osteopathic Medicine.
Describe the qualities that you possess that will make you a good osteopathic physician.
What criteria did you take into consideration in applying to WesternU/COMP?
Describe your participation in community service activities in a medically underserved or economically disadvantaged community.
Click to expand...

Link above is broken... anyone with the correct link?
 
MichiganEMTInt said:
I hope we don't play tackle football together. 5'10", 125lbs. I'd like everyone to now please post height, weight, A/S/L. Thx.
Click to expand...

Yea. I'm the smallest I've been for a while right now. I'd probably crush you. I was kind of known for my wreckless abandonment when I hit. I never cared for offense. I just liked playing OLB
 
So...KCOM just sent me a link via email to the secondary application. They to want SAT/GRE/ACT scores (unofficial).
 
I have only received FIU (md) AND UNECOM (DO) so far. I'm not verified yet and my app has been done 31 days now since submission. My amcas I only submitted yesterday. Did get that email from LECOM
 
umean2tellme said:
I have only received FIU (md) AND UNECOM (DO) so far. I'm not verified yet and my app has been done 31 days now since submission. My amcas I only submitted yesterday. Did get that email from LECOM
Click to expand...

LECOM wasn't emailing until they had actually received your application. At least that was the case a week or two ago. Send AACOMAS an email through the SUPPORT link in the application and ask if you're verified, if you're curious. Then report back to everyone so they know if the LECOM email is still a useful milestone.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
LECOM wasn't emailing until they had actually received your application. At least that was the case a week or two ago. Send AACOMAS an email through the SUPPORT link in the application and ask if you're verified, if you're curious. Then report back to everyone so they know if the LECOM email is still a useful milestone.
Click to expand...

I just emailed AACOMAS asking if I was verified, still no DO secondaries for me.
 
redrumi said:
I just emailed AACOMAS asking if I was verified, still no DO secondaries for me.
Click to expand...

Looks like you submitted 6/1. Did you have all of your transcripts in at that time? I would wait 6 weeks after being complete and submitted before worrying. Hang in there. The only D.O. secondaries I have in hand are TCOM, ATSU-SOMA, ATSU-KCOM, and UMDNJ. I don't think you'll end up behind those who submitted earlier, since most schools don't seem to be prepared for secondaries yet. 👍
 
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