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

BU Medical Sciences
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my (non expert) opinions:

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

4. AZCOM (great school from what i've heard, i know one person who goes there and likes it a lot)
5. UMDNJ-SOM (i thought they were pretty in state heavy, like nearly 90% or something, but i could be wrong about the percentage)
6. CCOM (GREAT SCHOOL, i have about 5 friends that go here, they love it. the match lists for the past 3 yrs are available online, pretty impressive)
7. MSUCOM (in-state heavy, i believe. even if not, oos tuition is something like $60,000)
---not sure about these---

-OSU COM
-NOVA (pretty established, i would say)
-Touro CA
-Touro NV
-OUCOM (5 yr contract to stay in ohio after graduating, but i know 2 people going here and they have great things to say)
-UNECOM (favors ppl from NE states, but i think they still take a considerable number of oos-ers, also its the only med school in maine, so i'd think there would be lots of opportunities here)
-NSUCOM (is this different from nova? i'm assuming just a repeat)
-OSUCOM
---these looking into and I'm also taking any suggestions--

that's all i know of the schools. ever since joining sdn, i've gotten one important bit of advice: APPLY NOW. so i would make your decisions quickly so aacomas can get working on verifying your app.
 
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---


-NYCOM
-OSU COM
-NOVA
-Touro CA
-Touro NV
-OUCOM
-UNECOM
-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! :bow: 🙂🙂:
 
whateva07 said:
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---


-NYCOM
-OSU COM
-NOVA
-Touro CA
-Touro NV
-OUCOM
-UNECOM
-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! :bow: 🙂🙂:
Click to expand...
People post a different version of this same question every few days, and the answer is still that its mostly going to be up to you, not your school, to get yourself a good board score and the residency you want.
 
I called UMDNJ-SOM the other day. The admissions lady said that they do not show preference to in-state applicants. That percentage is misleading because as soon as you get a drivers license you're considered in-state (I think it just takes a DL, but not 100% sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong).
 
whateva07 said:
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---


-NYCOM
-OSU COM
-NOVA
-Touro CA
-Touro NV
-OUCOM
-UNECOM
-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! :bow: 🙂🙂:
Click to expand...

When comparing schools that are have similar reputations and strong rotation spots, the school you go to dosent matter. You could look for flexibility of rotations (which school gives you the most electives 3rd year). I would look into that. But it doesnt matter if you attend CCOM or NYCOM if you want to specialize for example, its matters more on you. Pick a location where you can see spending four years at and have a good chance to do your residency at.
 
how is NYCOM?

Also, if I submit my application can I also add schools later.
 
whateva07 said:
Also, if I submit my application can I also add schools later.
Click to expand...

Yes.

If you wish to add additional designations after submitting your application, the fees for applying to additional colleges are:

$50 for the first additional school
$90 for two additional schools
$125 for three additional schools
$150 for four additional schools
$175 for five additional schools
$200 for six additional schools
And $30 for each subsequent school beyond six
 
whateva07 said:
how is NYCOM?

Also, if I submit my application can I also add schools later.
Click to expand...

I loved the school, amazing rotation sites and hospital affiliations, beautiful campus. Strong matches, students seemed friendly.

There a little pricey since it is NY. I hear they have a strong instate preference. I would not apply there if you are going to only apply to 4 or 5 schools. If you list is 10 schools, i would definitely apply there

Yes you can submit more schools later.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Yes.

If you wish to add additional designations after submitting your application, the fees for applying to additional colleges are:

$50 for the first additional school
$90 for two additional schools
$125 for three additional schools
$150 for four additional schools
$175 for five additional schools
$200 for six additional schools
And $30 for each subsequent school beyond six
Click to expand...

whoaa whoa. So lets say I know of 5 schools I want to apply to for sure that would be 175, and thats when I am submitting my application, but after that it would cost me more if I add one by one. Like if I decide I want to add two schools, but I decide to add them at two different times it would cost 50 each and so 100, but if I add them together it would cost 90. Is this how this works???
 
whateva07 said:
whoaa whoa. So lets say I know of 5 schools I want to apply to for sure that would be 175, and thats when I am submitting my application, but after that it would cost me more if I add one by one. Like if I decide I want to add two schools, but I decide to add them at two different times it would cost 50 each and so 100, but if I add them together it would cost 90. Is this how this works???
Click to expand...

Actually the initial submission fees are as follows:

# of schools--$$

1--$155 6--$310
2--$190 7--$340
3--$220 8--$370
4--$250 9--$400
5--$280 10--$430

The list continues here.

Your scenario would cost $280 for the first 5, $50 for the sixth, and $50 for the seventh. This would be $380 vs. the cost for applying to them all now, which would be $340.

Yes, you're correct about the $90 vs. $100 scenario.
 
Hey guys,

Just wondering what my chances are with a 3.38~ science and cum GPA, and 28Q. I have lots of clinical and volunteer work, etc.. and stellar LOR's (they sent me copies). I submit my AACOMAS over a month ago to these schools, and they are in the in order in terms of first choice, second, third.....

1) Western
2) Touro-CA
3) Touro-NV
4) Lecom - Bradenton
5) AT Still Arizona

Is it a bad choice for me to only apply to 5 schools? Reason is because I'm really short on the wallet to be flying everywhere. Thanks!
 
doctordodo said:
Hey guys,

Just wondering what my chances are with a 3.38~ science and cum GPA, and 28Q. I have lots of clinical and volunteer work, etc.. and stellar LOR's (they sent me copies). I submit my AACOMAS over a month ago to these schools, and they are in the in order in terms of first choice, second, third.....

1) Western
2) Touro-CA
3) Touro-NV
4) Lecom - Bradenton
5) AT Still Arizona

Is it a bad choice for me to only apply to 5 schools? Reason is because I'm really short on the wallet to be flying everywhere. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Your chances seem good. I don't see anything lacking. That being said, LECOM-B requires a DO letter. Do you have one? They are also strictly PBL. ATSU-SOMA might require a DO letter too, but I'm not sure. I do know that SOMA is all about primary care. Is that for sure what you want to do?

If I were you, I'd spend a lot of time researching schools. It seems smart for you to add a few more choices. Each school will cost around $100 to apply and around $700 to interview, if you have to fly. If you get a bunch of interviews and you're strapped, be selective in attending. But if you narrow your options now, you might not be so lucky. I'd get a second (or first) job and start eating beans and rice. Then I'd pick a few more schools that fit me and get their secondaries done ASAP. 👍
 
chocolate bear, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate the input

but yeah I have a DO letter from a top surgeon in California. What I didn't know was that ATSU-SOMA was all about primary care. I actually don't want to do primary care. I was ultimately aiming for surgery but for now I'm just trying to get into school. Do you know where I can get information on what schools emphasize on what field, because I was hoping to specialize and stray away from primary care. Thanks again!
 
doctordodo said:
chocolate bear, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate the input

but yeah I have a DO letter from a top surgeon in California. What I didn't know was that ATSU-SOMA was all about primary care. I actually don't want to do primary care. I was ultimately aiming for surgery but for now I'm just trying to get into school. Do you know where I can get information on what schools emphasize on what field, because I was hoping to specialize and stray away from primary care. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Great news on the DO letter!

Check out brief summaries of the schools here. But you'll need to spend some time getting to know the schools' sites for more info about focus/mission statements. Many/most schools are interested in primary care, but SOMA is really focused on it. Read up and be careful where you apply, since money is tight (for all of us). I know PCOM graduates specialists. Check out their robotic simulation suite here.
 
I am trying to finalize my list of D.O. schools, but am unsure if I should add some more, or leave out some that are not worth applying to. Here is my current list:

Lake Erie - Bradenton(preferably) and Erie, PA
Nova Southeastern
Des Moines U
A.T. Still
PCOM
West Virginia
UMDNJ
Midwestern University

My stats are 3.67/27 and Florida resident. Thanks!
 
My stats:
MCAT 1: 23 PS 6 VR 9 BS 8
MCAT 2: 29 PS 10 VR9 BS 10
Gpa: 3.4 overall 3.1 science
Indiana Resident, and am starting 1 year masters this fall.

I've applied to
Chicago-COM
Kansas City COM
Michigan State
New York COM
Nova
Ohio COM
PCOM-philly
Touro
Univ. New England
West Virginia

What are my chances? Are there other schools I should also apply too? Are my choices long shots? Any advice/comments you can give are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Alshera said:
My stats:
MCAT 1: 23 PS 6 VR 9 BS 8
MCAT 2: 29 PS 10 VR9 BS 10
Gpa: 3.4 overall 3.1 science
Indiana Resident, and am starting 1 year masters this fall.

I've applied to
Chicago-COM
Kansas City COM
Michigan State
New York COM
Nova
Ohio COM
PCOM-philly
Touro
Univ. New England
West Virginia

What are my chances? Are there other schools I should also apply too? Are my choices long shots? Any advice/comments you can give are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

MCAT and GPA are well within the normal range...you should get some interviews for sure. None of those schools should be out of reach
 
KnuxNole said:
I am trying to finalize my list of D.O. schools, but am unsure if I should add some more, or leave out some that are not worth applying to. Here is my current list:

Lake Erie - Bradenton(preferably) and Erie, PA
Nova Southeastern
Des Moines U
A.T. Still
PCOM
West Virginia
UMDNJ
Midwestern University

My stats are 3.67/27 and Florida resident. Thanks!
Click to expand...
CCOM? WU-COM? Really depends on your preferences though 🙂
 
according to the college information booklet fact sheet on Western, they have a sci GPA cutoff of 3.5 and overall GPA cutoff of 3.5 in order to get their supplemental application. I wanted to apply to Western, but i have a 3.42 overall and sci gpa.

I've seen multiple people on here with lower than a 3.5 GPA say they are applying to Western.. is the college information booklet wrong?

check it out
http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/cib2009/2009_CIB_web.pdf
page 90
 
Last edited:
bravesfan113 said:
according to the college information booklet fact sheet on Western, they have a sci GPA cutoff of 3.5 and overall GPA cutoff of 3.5 in order to get their supplemental application. I wanted to apply to Western, but i have a 3.42 overall and sci gpa.

I've seen multiple people on here with lower than a 3.5 GPA say they are applying to Western.. is the college information booklet wrong?

check it out
http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/cib2009/2009_CIB_web.pdf
page 87
Click to expand...

Unfortunately schools and/or the CIB authors are dumb. The CIB reports cutoffs, while schools sometimes report averages here. Gotta be careful with that thing. 👎

I don't think any schools will have cutoffs above 3.25 or so. That's a rough number.
 
Last edited:
Chocolate Bear said:
Unfortunately schools or the CIB authors are dumb. The CIB reports cutoffs, while schools report their averages here. Gotta be careful with that thing. 👎

I don't think any schools will have cutoffs above 3.25 or so. That's a rough number.
Click to expand...

that's what i was thinking.. even though it sounds like a cutoff in the CIB. they seem to reaaaallly favor students from the pacific, i'm thinking it might just be a waste of money/time for me to apply there.
 
bravesfan113 said:
that's what i was thinking.. even though it sounds like a cutoff in the CIB. they seem to reaaaallly favor students from the pacific, i'm thinking it might just be a waste of money/time for me to apply there.
Click to expand...

Are you talking about the Northwest Admissions Track deterring you from applying?
 
does anyone else find it really annoying how some of the schools webpages are so vague? before i throw 100 bucks down the drain on apps/secondaries, i need to know what kind of in-state preference they have.

is there a chart (like the AAMC one) that shows number of out of state and in state applicants, along with the number of out of state and in state matriculants. i'm almost positive there isn't, and i wish there was
 
chocolate bear, i just found an old post of yours with a lot of this info. thanks 👍
 
Chocolate Bear said:
I'm taking my chances anyway. There are only a few DO schools over there, plus they have the NWT. These both increase the number of applicants from that region.
Click to expand...

i found that .pdf too. just what i needed

i can't decide if i should or not. currently, i have 15 schools on my list. i'm thinking i should eliminate about 5. secondary fees are going to add up, not to mention the cost of interviewing. and i don't want to get accepted to a school i kind of want to go to and have two weeks to give them $2,000 dollars to hold my spot.. while i am waiting to hear back from multiple schools i would much rather go to :idea: but it seems inevitable
 
bravesfan113 said:
i found that .pdf too. just what i needed

i can't decide if i should or not. currently, i have 15 schools on my list. i'm thinking i should eliminate about 5. secondary fees are going to add up, not to mention the cost of interviewing. and i don't want to get accepted to a school i kind of want to go to and have two weeks to give them $2,000 dollars to hold my spot.. while i am waiting to hear back from multiple schools i would much rather go to :idea: but it seems inevitable
Click to expand...

Daily I have these thoughts. And I can only imagine the least desirable schools having the earliest interviews and highest deposits, so they can hook you, financially. I'm trying to figure out how to beat the system. Not easy when you know the alternative is applying to very few schools and potentially getting no acceptance. That would suck.
 
I have a 3.05 CGPA and a 3.20 SGPA. I will be graduating with a degree as a Biology major and a chemistry minor.
I scored a 31 on my MCAT.

I come from a very small rural town and went to a state college in NY.
I have had to work throughout college to pay for my educations on my own.
I have worked in a hospital for 2 1/2 years as a Telemetry Technician and Nurses Aide (well over 4,000 clinical hours).
I have shadowed an Pulmonologist for approx. 50 hours.
I have observed in the OR during ortho, pulmo, plastics, cardiac, ENT, and neuro surgeries approx. 50 hours.
I am in a national Community service fraternity and a national Biology Fraternity.
I am a part of French club, biology club, and have current EMT and BLS/ACLS certifications.
I have 4 strong letters of recommendation 2 of which are extremely strong (1 from an MD and the other the Director of critical care at the hospital i work at.)

I did poorly myfirst 3 semesters in college due to family issues and medical issues of my own. My previous 60 credit hours I have a GPA of 3.56 and an upward trend over my entire college career.

any chances I get into any DO schools? 😎

I had filled this out before but I just finished two graduate level biology courses and I didn't do so well. SOO my GPA dropped a few points...Do i still have a chance?
 
nymetsfan said:
I have a 3.05 CGPA and a 3.20 SGPA. I will be graduating with a degree as a Biology major and a chemistry minor.
I scored a 31 on my MCAT.

I come from a very small rural town and went to a state college in NY.
I have had to work throughout college to pay for my educations on my own.
I have worked in a hospital for 2 1/2 years as a Telemetry Technician and Nurses Aide (well over 4,000 clinical hours).
I have shadowed an Pulmonologist for approx. 50 hours.
I have observed in the OR during ortho, pulmo, plastics, cardiac, ENT, and neuro surgeries approx. 50 hours.
I am in a national Community service fraternity and a national Biology Fraternity.
I am a part of French club, biology club, and have current EMT and BLS/ACLS certifications.
I have 4 strong letters of recommendation 2 of which are extremely strong (1 from an MD and the other the Director of critical care at the hospital i work at.)

I did poorly myfirst 3 semesters in college due to family issues and medical issues of my own. My previous 60 credit hours I have a GPA of 3.56 and an upward trend over my entire college career.

any chances I get into any DO schools? 😎

I had filled this out before but I just finished two graduate level biology courses and I didn't do so well. SOO my GPA dropped a few points...Do i still have a chance?
Click to expand...

Apply early and broadly, you will get in. I think you have a good shot at NYCOM if you are a NY state resident.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Daily I have these thoughts. And I can only imagine the least desirable schools having the earliest interviews and highest deposits, so they can hook you, financially. I'm trying to figure out how to beat the system. Not easy when you know the alternative is applying to very few schools and potentially getting no acceptance. That would suck.
Click to expand...

At least we're all in this together...if I win the lottery Ill pay for everyones deposits so they can make sure they go where they want. Ill keep you posted.
 
I actually called Western a few weeks ago wondering the same thing... an admissions advisor said I was definitely competitive with a 3.33 science GPA, a 3.61 cumulative, 3.84 non-science and 25O MCAT
 
Hey guys i was just wondering my chances of getting into the osteopathic schools that i just applied to. My cum. gpa 3.14 and my MCAT is a 28M (yeah should've prepared more for the writing section 😳). The schools i've applied to are NYCOM, LECOM, CCOM, UMDNJ-SOM, and PCOM. In terms of research, I completed 120+ hours of clinical research as a research assistant for a gastroenterologist at a hospital by my college. Any comments are welcome.
Thanks
 
Hey all. You can check my MD apps for more info. Both my GPA's are about a 3.3. My MCAT score will come back in the middle of August. I am from Ohio and here are my schools.

OUCOM
AT Still Missouri
PCOM
LECOM

I was going to add Chicago but their tuition is insane. Any others you think I should add? Thanks a lot.
 
Hi Everyone,
I am applying to Osteopathic Medical Schools for Fall 2009, I just took the MCAT on July 8th and waiting for my results but I am not sure if I did very good so I might take it again in Aug, which means I would receive my scores in Sept. Would I be applying late? When do they considered someone as a late applicant?
And approximatly what is the lowest MCAT scores that is taken?
 
Atlas80 said:
Hey all. You can check my MD apps for more info. Both my GPA's are about a 3.3. My MCAT score will come back in the middle of August. I am from Ohio and here are my schools.

OUCOM
AT Still Missouri
PCOM
LECOM

I was going to add Chicago but their tuition is insane. Any others you think I should add? Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

I would add a couple more schools, but it all depends on you mcat. I would look it into touro ca, oklahoma state which are cheaper than pcom. But you can always add schools after you get your mcat

PaSsionate2heal said:
Hi Everyone,
I am applying to Osteopathic Medical Schools for Fall 2009, I just took the MCAT on July 8th and waiting for my results but I am not sure if I did very good so I might take it again in Aug, which means I would receive my scores in Sept. Would I be applying late? When do they considered someone as a late applicant?
And approximatly what is the lowest MCAT scores that is taken?
Click to expand...

I would apply now, and just send your score after you receive it. Your not that late. I cant give you a magic number or the lowest number that a school would look at but it always beneficial to get at least around the average 25-26.
 
wont it be risky to apply not knowing what score I get on the MCAT..that is my biggest concern because I would be applying but letting them know I will send my scores as soon as they come in
 
PaSsionate2heal said:
wont it be risky to apply not knowing what score I get on the MCAT..that is my biggest concern because I would be applying but letting them know I will send my scores as soon as they come in
Click to expand...

If you think you did that badly, i would wait a week and a half for your score. Have you already registered for the next test? If you take the test again, schools would see both scores but place more emphasis on the highest score or the most recent score depending on the school.
 
a817 said:
I would add a couple more schools, but it all depends on you mcat. I would look it into touro ca, oklahoma state which are cheaper than pcom. But you can always add schools after you get your mcat
Click to expand...

Traveling across country would be...a problem.
 
Atlas80 said:
Traveling across country would be...a problem.
Click to expand...

I guess it is annoying esp for interviews🙁. I guess VCOM and DMU are not insanely far and drivable from ohio. MSU and WVSOM are close alos but have insane OOS tuition
 
i just made an mdapplicants page... check it out.
cliffnotes: 3.42 overall gpa, 3.41 science gpa, 30 O MCAT

applied to:
medical college of georgia (M.D.)
NYCOM
nova southeastern
CCOM
AZCOM
GA-PCOM
PCOM
western
touro-ca

i want to go to the best school i can get into with reasonable tuition. maybe i shouldn't have applied to touro-ca or CCOM. should i add any?
 
bravesfan113 said:
i just made an mdapplicants page... check it out.
cliffnotes: 3.42 overall gpa, 3.41 science gpa, 30 O MCAT

applied to:
medical college of georgia (M.D.)
NYCOM
nova southeastern
CCOM
AZCOM
GA-PCOM
PCOM
western
touro-ca

i want to go to the best school i can get into with reasonable tuition. maybe i shouldn't have applied to touro-ca or CCOM. should i add any?
Click to expand...

LECOM and LECOM-B may be the cheapest for OOS. Between them they have several different teaching options, too.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
LECOM and LECOM-B may be the cheapest for OOS. Between them they have several different teaching options, too.
Click to expand...

the reasons i didn't apply to these schools:
LECOM-B - i don't know if 100% PBL would suit my style of learning
LECOM - i have no idea what Erie is like. i have this picture in my head that it's like Scranton, PA from the office.

i need to look into both of these schools some more. it won't make a difference if i apply now, or apply as soon as my AACOMAS is verified, will it? wouldn't the schools receive the app at the same time. if i wait until AACOMAS is verified, it will give me a lot more time to think about it/do research
 
bravesfan113 said:
the reasons i didn't apply to these schools:
LECOM-B - i don't know if 100% PBL would suit my style of learning
LECOM - i have no idea what Erie is like. i have this picture in my head that it's like Scranton, PA from the office.

i need to look into both of these schools some more. it won't make a difference if i apply now, or apply as soon as my AACOMAS is verified, will it? wouldn't the schools receive the app at the same time. if i wait until AACOMAS is verified, it will give me a lot more time to think about it/do research
Click to expand...

PBL: You get to sit in on a real 2 hr session during an interview at LECOM-B. I know there are some good threads devoted to PBL discussion around here.

Erie: I hear mixed reviews. I can't attest, personally. You'll just have to figure out how it is there and what you're willing to live with to save on tuition.

The timeliness of your app won't be affected by adding schools soon after verification. The only difference is that you'll pay a little more this way. Check out the fee table here. It's really not that much and definitely worth the extra time you'll gain to really figure things out.
 
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