~2008-2009~"What Are My Chances/Where Should I Apply/What Should I Do" Thread

[Chocolate Bear]

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Would you say the MCAT makes up for the low gpa somewhat, and the EC stuff, would that help(ie my app overall would you say is a strong one or just average?)

I'm kinda lil worried here cuz I really just wanna be a doc and honestly, DO MD doesn't make a difference to me which is why unlike most of my friends up here in Canada, I seem to be the only one exploring this one and it feels lonely.

I'd say your app, excluding your GPA, is above average to somewhat strong. However, a 3.0 sciGPA is well under TCOM's average, and I'm not sure that they routinely accept students in that range. Your chances seem worse, still, as a Canadian. TCOM has average stats that resemble many MD schools (read: your sciGPA COULD keep TCOM and many MD schools from giving you a chance).

I think there is a good chance that schools that routinely accept Canadians will look at your app favorably. If you're not dead set on going to TX right now, then I'd plan on applying broadly to schools you are sure are accepting of Canadians. Check out the CIB, schools' sites, and try calling/emailing.

The fact that you're willing/desiring to move to the states has opened up the DO route to you. Hang out here, and you'll learn a lot. Don't worry about your friends.

 

[qubes]

Thanks a lot guys. Yeah I'm def applying to more schools, it's just TCOM would be the Ideal because i have at least somewhat of a social support network here(not family, but good friends at least) that I wouldn't have anywhere else in the states. Not that it would stop me from going to other places, but it's comforting considering medschool regardless of MD or DO is gonna be tough and it's nice to have good solid people I've known for a long time within an hour's drive around.

Thanks for the tips guys. Good luck to everyone and maybe I'll see some of you pretty people in a medschool of some sort!

 

[151333]

I just recently made the decision that I will also apply to DO schools. So a few questions:
- when is the latest you can submit the apps and still not be dead last?
- what scores do they expect/ other extracurriculars- do you really need to shadow a DO or is experience in a hospital setting sufficient?

I took my MCATs twice...the first time my sciences were bad with a 10 in verbal
and the second time, I got a 11 ps, 11 bs and 6 verbal

my chances?

and how many LORs do you need - committee and faculty/ other docs etc ?
Thanks

 

[RySerr21]

I just recently made the decision that I will also apply to DO schools. So a few questions:
- when is the latest you can submit the apps and still not be dead last?
- what scores do they expect/ other extracurriculars- do you really need to shadow a DO or is experience in a hospital setting sufficient?

I took my MCATs twice...the first time my sciences were bad with a 10 in verbal
and the second time, I got a 11 ps, 11 bs and 6 verbal

my chances?

and how many LORs do you need - committee and faculty/ other docs etc ?
Thanks

a lot of your questions can only be answered by looking at each individual school, since everyone does it slightly different. Most schools do not require a letter from a DO, but some do and they will state it clearly. You need to be aware of those schools if you do not have or plan on getting a letter. Check out the college information book, you can look up averages, requirements, etc.

Even tho your overall MCAT is a good score, the 6 in VR will hurt you for sure. Some schools may even have cut offs of 7 of each section, thats something else you'll need to look in to.

http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Pages/default.aspx

 

[Tourterm]

- when is the latest you can submit the apps and still not be dead last?

Just a reminder, that due to rolling admissions the application process strongly favors getting in your material early. Deadlines are important, but a better question would be, "When is the earliest you can submit applications?".

The link ryserr21 mentioned should have info regarding dates for applications, deadlines, etc.

 

[whateva07]

hey where are some DO schools with great locations. I'll take anywhere in the US if its perhaps in city kinda area...anyone!>>>???

 

[whateva07]

hey where are some DO schools with great locations. I'll take anywhere in the US if its perhaps in city kinda area...anyone!>>>???

here's my list so far...

Arizona College of Mid. University
Edward Via Virgina College
Oklahoma State University
Philadelphia College - Philadelphia
Touro University - Mare Island
Western University of Health Sciences

 

[slim78]

hey where are some DO schools with great locations. I'll take anywhere in the US if its perhaps in city kinda area...anyone!>>>???

Where do you want to live? East or West coast?

AZCOM is in a great location. Touro-NV is too (I think) but I grew up in the western US so those are my favorites.

There are a couple of NY and a couple of FL schools too if you are into the eat coast thing.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

hey where are some DO schools with great locations. I'll take anywhere in the US if its perhaps in city kinda area...anyone!>>>???

Start here. Then look into rural vs. city.

 

[whateva07]

Where do you want to live? East or West coast?

AZCOM is in a great location. Touro-NV is too (I think) but I grew up in the western US so those are my favorites.

There are a couple of NY and a couple of FL schools too if you are into the eat coast thing.

I'm up for either coast, but I do live in the east coast. Still coming to the west coast is something I would not mind, so I'm interested in both.

 

[whateva07]

So Touro-NV or Touro-CA????

I have Western Health Sciences for Cali

and any good places in NY>???

 

[davis749]

NOVA in Ft. Lauderdale sounds pretty decent to me, too. Look at the list of residencies: http://www.nova.edu/sosa/residency.html. NYCOM, AZCOM, ATSOMA, PCOM, W-COM, TOURO/MA, and CCOM are on my list.

 

[slim78]

So Touro-NV or Touro-CA????

I canceled my Touro-CA interview because I didn't want to pay that much for housing and I didn't want to commute through a bunch of traffic to get to school. But, I've never been to mare island so I don't know whether those things would have definitely even been a factor.

 

[whateva07]

what about Northeast schools? Any suggestions and any from the following group anyone have any advice on?

New Jersey

UMDNJ/SOM
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Center
One Medical Center Drive
Stratford, NJ 08084
(856) 566-6000

New York

NYCOM
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
of the New York Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 8000
Old Westbury, NY 11568
(516) 626-6947

TOUROCOM *
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 6th Floor
New York, NY 10027
212-851-1199 ext 2004
*Provisional Accreditation status

Ohio

OU-COM
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Grosvenor, Irvine Halls
Athens, OH 45701
(800) 345-1560

 

[whateva07]

NOVA in Ft. Lauderdale sounds pretty decent to me, too. Look at the list of residencies: http://www.nova.edu/sosa/residency.html. NYCOM, AZCOM, ATSOMA, PCOM, W-COM, TOURO/MA, and CCOM are on my list.

wow I dont know which residency yet, but I want to go anywhere I'm not limited and can have many choices I guess.

Also since we're on the topic of residencies. what do you guys think about DO's having their own residencies? I really like that bc that you dont have to compete with md residencies, but we still have the option of going into md residencies if we still want...so what do u guys think?

 

[davis749]

what about Northeast schools? Any suggestions and any from the following group anyone have any advice on?

New Jersey

UMDNJ/SOM
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Center
One Medical Center Drive
Stratford, NJ 08084
(856) 566-6000

New York

NYCOM
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
of the New York Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 8000
Old Westbury, NY 11568
(516) 626-6947

TOUROCOM *
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 6th Floor
New York, NY 10027
212-851-1199 ext 2004
*Provisional Accreditation status

Ohio

OU-COM
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Grosvenor, Irvine Halls
Athens, OH 45701
(800) 345-1560

From what I've read in the Princeton Review Book, those schools are more friendly to in-state (especially OU-COM). I hear in-state residency in UMDNJ-SOM only requires a license and a piece of mail, but I'm not so sure... I've seen it reported that 99% of students are in-state, but, with a lenient residency establishment, that would make sense. TOURO-NY's accreditation status is what scared me away; furthermore, I like seeing stats of graduating classes. TOURO-MA is the "youngest" school I'll be applying to. There's a great thread in the forum for current osteopathic students: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=407104. Reading the advice from matriculated students will likely be of greater value than anything I can say.

 

[Brodiewankenobi]

provisional accreditation is almost always removed after the school graduates its first class...not too much to worry about on that front.

 

[davis749]

Also since we're on the topic of residencies. what do you guys think about DO's having their own residencies? I really like that bc that you dont have to compete with md residencies, but we still have the option of going into md residencies if we still want...so what do u guys think?

I met with a couple DO's who went to NOVA a couple weeks ago; they both did DO residencies and had nothing but good things to say. Apparently they were sitting in on procedures during 3rd and 4th year rotations that MD residents were fighting for. They said the DO residencies were comparatively more applied rather than academic... much more hands-on. They also said there was less hierarchy of residents.

Keep in mind you can also apply to MD residencies.

 

[davis749]

Yeah... I just like seeing where applicants are at. I also feel more secure with my decision because it gives a little bit more time to see if the schools are only in it for money.... I could very easily obtain admission to RV-COM as a CO native, but am terrified of their for-profit status and provisional status.

 

[Dissected]

Yeah... I just like seeing where applicants are at. I also feel more secure with my decision because it gives a little bit more time to see if the schools are only in it for money.... I could very easily obtain admission to RV-COM as a CO native, but am terrified of their for-profit status and provisional status.

Provisional status will be gone by the time you graduate..but I was also curious about what the 'for profit' thing means. I have heard this thrown around but what does it actually mean about the school? maybe the wrong thread for this...but im still curious!

 

[psy]

Non profit is where they take the profit from the business and reinvest in the business so everyone gets paid on a fixed salary. For-profit is where they pocket most of the profit from the business instead of reinvesting it.

 

[davis749]

I was really excited about RV-COM. They came and spoke on my campus; the dean put on a great presentation. Hearing about the for-profit status was disheartening. From what I understand, the individuals funding the school have a relation to the owners of the Caribbean allopathic schools. That was strike two against it. Finally, a professor from my school was hired by RV-COM a year back, and already has left... that was strike three. Now I've also heard that the owners are putting up residence halls and shopping centers all around the area to bring in more profit.... I hate leaving Colorado, but I want to get an education more than I want to give away money.

Forgot to mention that you can't get federal loans until there's full accreditation.....

 

[Dissected]

Forgot to mention that you can't get federal loans until there's full accreditation.....

Wait what? I just got done talking with admissions at PNWU and they led me to believe that they offering federal loans for class of '13. . . I know they are still provisionally accredited, but their financial aid section is really detailed on their website too. Rocky Vista's website sounds similar to what you said davis, but I wonder why it is different than PNWU?? Anyone?

 

[davis749]

Wait what? I just got done talking with admissions at PNWU and they led me to believe that they offering federal loans for class of '13. . . I know they are still provisionally accredited, but their financial aid section is really detailed on their website too. Rocky Vista's website sounds similar to what you said davis, but I wonder why it is different than PNWU?? Anyone?

I'm sorry I don't know any more. I know that you can't get low interest student loans with RV-COM, so I assumed that other universities with provisional status were the same. I've looked around for a bit and can't find any information for or against that.... I'm pretty confused now.

Could it be that, because it was founded in 2005, PNWU will have a graduating class by 2013, thus will be able to have full accreditation? This still doesn't change the fact that their website's financial aid section suggests that all loans are available now...?

 

[markps]

You should be competitive for most Osteopathic schools. I would recommend doing a good amount of homework about Osteopathic medicine as the adcoms will not be partial to hearing its "my fallback to allopathic."

Thanks for the input. I'm definitely on my way to learning more and as I explore the possibility of going with a DO program, I want to be informed about it. Not only do I need to be able to express to an adcom what my interests are and how a DO school is a good fit, but I also need to know more for my sake.

 

[diggintheDOs]

I just recently made the decision that I will also apply to DO schools. So a few questions:
- when is the latest you can submit the apps and still not be dead last?
- what scores do they expect/ other extracurriculars- do you really need to shadow a DO or is experience in a hospital setting sufficient?

I took my MCATs twice...the first time my sciences were bad with a 10 in verbal
and the second time, I got a 11 ps, 11 bs and 6 verbal

my chances?

and how many LORs do you need - committee and faculty/ other docs etc ?
Thanks

i think, in your case, since you did have a great verbal score at one point, you may have a case where certain schools will overlook the below 6 cut-off. i would contact all of the schools to which you've applied and ask them. some may even look at the best score in each section, which would be awesome for you. if you figure out which schools do that, please post on this thread- i think it may be helpful for a lot of us.

 

[manxuxugly]

I have always wanted to be a physician, whether MD/DO provides the best route I will determine later. I've applied to many schools, and am pulling out my hair wondering if I should do PA as a backup..

I've taken the MCAT 3 times, 18O, 21N, and now 25Q. my gpa is roughly 3.75, with 200 hours of volunteer work in hospitals, and shadowing experience of several professions in medicine. what do you think my chances are of getting in? should I do PA as a back up (which im really having second thoughts on because of financial burdens...) 😕

thanks for your input in advance

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I have always wanted to be a physician, whether MD/DO provides the best route I will determine later. I've applied to many schools, and am pulling out my hair wondering if I should do PA as a backup..

I've taken the MCAT 3 times, 18O, 21N, and now 25Q. my gpa is roughly 3.75, with 200 hours of volunteer work in hospitals, and shadowing experience of several professions in medicine. what do you think my chances are of getting in? should I do PA as a back up (which im really having second thoughts on because of financial burdens...) 😕

thanks for your input in advance

Nice job getting your score into the mid-20s! Before that, you wouldn't have had much of a shot anywhere. Now I'd say you have a decent chance at DO schools. Do some research. Shadow some DOs. Get a LOR from one if you can. Oh and don't forget to apply YESTERDAY, cuz the clock, she's a tickin! 👍

Sure apply PA if you want. Couldn't hurt. At least it's a decently rewarding backup. I think/hope you won't need it though. You could always go Caribe for a backup. They'd most likely take you.

 

[engineeredout]

I'm not fully informed about PA schools, but from what I've heard from people don't they require a few THOUSAND hours of clinical experience for admission?

Doesn't make too much sense to be concerned about financial burdon of PA school over med school considering how much you'd be shelling out for med school plus residency salary (or lack thereof).

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I'm not fully informed about PA schools, but from what I've heard from people don't they require a few THOUSAND hours of clinical experience for admission?

Doesn't make too much sense to be concerned about financial burdon of PA school over med school considering how much you'd be shelling out for med school plus residency salary (or lack thereof).

Are you sure you're not thinking of nurse practitioner admissions requiring a few years of critical care? Nova says that "clinical experience is highly recommended."

I think the OP is concerned about the burden of having a cap around 100K salary with significant debt. However, GPs do it all the time with slightly higher incomes and debt. I don't consider it a dealbreaker for either.

 

[whateva07]

From what I've read in the Princeton Review Book, those schools are more friendly to in-state (especially OU-COM). I hear in-state residency in UMDNJ-SOM only requires a license and a piece of mail, but I'm not so sure... I've seen it reported that 99% of students are in-state, but, with a lenient residency establishment, that would make sense. TOURO-NY's accreditation status is what scared me away; furthermore, I like seeing stats of graduating classes. TOURO-MA is the "youngest" school I'll be applying to. There's a great thread in the forum for current osteopathic students: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=407104. Reading the advice from matriculated students will likely be of greater value than anything I can say.

I thought most the DO schools were private. What about VCOM? I know they are privatebut would instate make a difference???

 

[ItzaMiracle]

I'd say you have a good chance based on my experience, but you should shadow a D.O. to see what you are getting yourself into. I actually contacted the school that I was interested in and they gave me a hook up with a D.O and she actually taught at the school. I loved it. For D.O schools I don't think its to late to apply, for example I sent my Apps in at the beginning of November 2007, called to see if they recieved it and waited. My interview was in Feburary and my recommendations were in the day of my interview. There were even some people there that sent in their Jan MCAT score and updated transcripts, and this helps especially if there are improvements on your grades and scores. I recieved my acceptance in March and I will matriculate in August 🙂 My stats are 3.2gpa, 19L, lots of extra's, GREAT interview, stayied in contact with director of admissions and I'm 22 years old (traditional student), so its possible.

 

[engineeredout]

Are you sure you're not thinking of nurse practitioner admissions requiring a few years of critical care? Nova says that "clinical experience is highly recommended."

http://paprogram.mc.duke.edu/

The ranges of academic and experiential qualifications for the middle 50 percent of accepted applicants for Fall 2008 were as follows:

[FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]Months of full-time patient care experience: 12. [FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]–60.

One year full time work = 2000 hours.


They also want the GRE. Man I'd so much rather take the mcat than the GRE

 

[Dissected]

ya dude, from what Ive heard PA schools want TONS of hours. Almost requires you to take a year off and work somewhere, which many do anyways I guess...

 

[Bacchus]

Question:

Got a 7 on BS, did a retake this past Friday. 9VR/10BS/R - WS... 3.5 sci and ao. Is PCOM gonna put me on hold until it gets my second score? I know that secondaries aren't going out from them for a bit yet, but I'm getting neurotic over this.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Question:

Got a 7 on BS, did a retake this past Friday. 9VR/10BS/R - WS... 3.5 sci and ao. Is PCOM gonna put me on hold until it gets my second score? I know that secondaries aren't going out from them for a bit yet, but I'm getting neurotic over this.

Both PCOMs' secondaries are out.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

So much hearsay and N = 1 (like my previous PA response).

From the AAPA: 35% of PA students in 2007 had less than 1 or even 0 years of direct patient contact. This didn't even have to be full time. And in case you were wondering, 24% of all PA students were in the "0 years of direct patient contact" category.

 

[Dissected]

So much hearsay and N = 1 (like my previous PA response).

From the AAPA: 35% of PA students in 2007 had less than 1 or even 0 years of direct patient contact. This didn't even have to be full time. And in case you were wondering, 24% of all PA students were in the "0 years of direct patient contact" category.

nice, thanks for clearing things up. It probably just depends on the program too. I wish the professors advising us at my university would look up facts like this too. They are really into hearsay..

 

[Chocolate Bear]

nice, thanks for clearing things up. It probably just depends on the program too. I wish the professors advising us at my university would look up facts like this too. They are really into hearsay..

No problem. Damn the man and his hearsay! 😎

 

[Bacchus]

If they're out I haven't received one and I applied. Snail mail or via email? Everyone gets a secondary so this is strange.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

If they're out I haven't received one and I applied. Snail mail or via email? Everyone gets a secondary so this is strange.

Mail, yesterday. I was "released" over a month ago.

 

[quiksilver87]

What are my chances for D.O. schools? Click on my Mdapp profile in my signature.

Here is my story.
I applied to 13 MD schools last year and didn't get in...retook the MCAT this year and scored 1 pt lower on bio...Long story short, I just suck at verbal(yes, english is my primary language!).

How competitve do you think I am for D.O. schools?

 

[Bacchus]

That verbal is a cause for concern to schools, I feel.

 

[coffeeeandtea]

gah .. can't resist the anxiety attacks either. i used to be all about the pre-allopathic, but now i'm reaaaally looking at the DO schools, especially with my less than stellar GPA.. i'm barely scraping by with a 3.0 🙁 but i did score 32R on the MCAT.. think that'll kinda compensate a bit??

i'm especially looking at Touro and Western Univ of Health Sciences.. since those are in CA, and i would love love LOVE to stay in-state. UC Irvine's MD program used to be my dream but i realize that that's a little bit out of reach now unless i do a post-bacc program.... *sigh*

 

[Dissected]

gah .. can't resist the anxiety attacks either. i used to be all about the pre-allopathic, but now i'm reaaaally looking at the DO schools, especially with my less than stellar GPA.. i'm barely scraping by with a 3.0 🙁 but i did score 32R on the MCAT.. think that'll kinda compensate a bit??

i'm especially looking at Touro and Western Univ of Health Sciences.. since those are in CA, and i would love love LOVE to stay in-state. UC Irvine's MD program used to be my dream but i realize that that's a little bit out of reach now unless i do a post-bacc program.... *sigh*

3.0 is overall? what is your sGPA? your MCAT is good, at least you dont have to worry about that! How are your extra curriculars? that will weigh in a lot too, adcoms look at the whole picture

 

[coffeeeandtea]

i have a bunch of extracurriculars, although no research oriented ones. some hospital shadowing, community service, summer orientation counselor, etc. mainly because i know research just isn't my thing at all. 3.0 is my cGPA, my sGPA should be around 3.4.. i was actually doing pretty well until last fall, when i was going through some family financial issues (which meant i had to start working 20+ hours a week to help pay my rent and school fees).. *sigh* applying is so stressful..

 

[Dissected]

Im no expert...but your science GPA is pretty solid, and I think that most of the cut-offs for secondaries are at or below 3.0 (cum.) if there is one (meaning you automatically get them). a few might be higher but im not certain. I think you've got a good shot at getting to interviews at least, especially with your solid MCAT score. anyone else?

I haven't been through this process yet though so this is purely speculation 🙂

I also just looked at your MD apps and your extra curriculars seem really solid. Good stuff. I wouldn't stress out too bad man.

 

[ILikeFood]

.

 

[Dissected]

me again. I appreciate all of your advice TT but I'd like some input from others. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES (If I were to apply this year)?

study your a$$ off for that MCAT bro. gpa could be OK if you have a 26 or above I'd say, but shoot for as high as you can of course. its hard to know without your scores, I know how that is, i was going to apply to allopathic schools this year but got my scores back and then...well...not so much. good luck with it, hopefully they ask the right questions on test day!

ooh, and apply broad as well. the more you apply to, the more you increase your chances of getting in!

 

[whateva07]

Ok I need help with formulating my list of DO schools. Please check out my mdapp profile for more details about my stats/EC. My stats in brief MCAT 26Q and 3.63GPA.

1. PCOM
2. Western Health Sciences
3. VCOM
--these 3 I will apply to for sure---

4. AZCOM
5. UMDNJ-SOM
6. CCOM
7. MSUCOM
---not sure about these---

-OSU COM
-NOVA
-Touro CA
-Touro NV
-OUCOM
-UNECOM
-NSUCOM
-OSUCOM
---these looking into and I'm also taking any suggestions--


Bascially I would like schools that are more established and where students be well prepared for their Boards, and do well getting into variety of specialties

Please anyone who has knowledge about the schools I have written here, or any other schools. I am really new with figuring out which DO schools to apply to, so it would be a tremendous help! 🙂🙂: