Aacomas

[subtle1epiphany]

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I'm currently in the application process at more than a dozen med schools but didnt even think of DO-schools. I've already been declined at 8 allopathic schools (out of 24 to which I applied late). I noticed that some of the osteopathic schools haven't stopped accepting the AACOMAS, would it be possible for me to send out the form and be in the running for the entering class of 2004? or is it just as late in the process as for allopathics.

Also, what first made me discount osteopathic schools is that a recommendation from a DO was necessary, is this true? I've heard both sides, and since I only have a recommendation from a MD, this would be important.

I would think that I'd be competitive for an osteopathic school as my LORs are great as are my ECs, my gpa is ~3.4 and my MCAT is 29. Furthermore, LECOM is right near where I want to be, the NY/PA region near the Lakes.

Any information or advice would be awesome, TIA

 

[DoctorInSpace]

Call LECOM and find out if they are still accepting applicants. Every DO school I applied to wanted a letter from a DO, so I would also ask the people at LECOM about that. I don't know their particular policy.

I'm thinking the odds are not in your favor at this point, but call and find out. I hope I'm wrong.

Good luck

 

[Adapt]

There have been a few applicants who were rejected to MD schools and now have only decided to apply DO. If this were a month ago, I would say go for it. Now you are just applying right before the deadline and I am not sure if it will get out in time.

You do not need a DO letter. Many times an MD letter will suffice, but what you do need is a clear understanding of osteopathic medicine and why you would choose DO over MD. This question is often asked in interviews.

I have similar stats to you but I applied to both MD and DO in the beginning. I think you should have done the same even if it was just a backup because now you are looking at reapplying. I would suggest you reapply in June to both MD and DO schools. With your stats, you shouldn't have a problem getting into at least a DO school. You should also try and shadow a DO so you learn more about it.

Your predicament occurs all too often. I hope that all who do apply to medical school learn that they should apply MD and DO to maximize their chances and to prevent having to apply again.

 

[subtle1epiphany]

Slickness -

Yeah, you did things the right way...wish I had come into this with my facts straight and perhaps better advice. oh well...

I would think that this type of thing would occur quite often, so I'm sure that they'll be able to assist when I call on Monday.
Although I am considering DO after having applied to MD schools and having trouble, DO schools would have been perfect for me from the start, I wish I had known about them sooner and had known that the letter was reasonably simple to get...

Thanks

 

[Willie B]

Subtle1epiphany,

Slickness it right. Unfortuantely, LECOM along with a few other school require the DO recommendation. With it being as late in the year, I would think that it would be very difficult to acquire one and get it submitted to the schools in time. If I were you I would start looking for a DO to shadow now. (It can be difficult to find one that will let you shadow him/her for a recommnedation).

 

[DrMom]

Your chances are slim, but that doesn't mean that there's no chance. It just depends on whether you can pull it all together in the next few days and whether you want to fork out the $$.

 

[subtle1epiphany]

Yeah, I'm realizing that this is a "last chance" effort. It comes down to whether I want to scramble together a primary/secondary by re-using/editing old essays and also find a DO to write a recommendation based on almost no information about my personality/motivation. (I wouldn't want to apply at the last minute to another school...) If I were in the DO's shoes, I'd be wary since it is so late and I had just met this kid...not to say that I wouldn't, but it would be kinda strange and circumspect.
To tell you the truth, I've been interested for a while, but always thought (in my naivete) that I'd do well in my own path.

I'll call the school/s tomorrow and see what they say...it's worth a try. If I end up going down this path again in June, I'll definitely apply to osteopathic schools and I'll be applying on the first day (no questions about that).

Thanks DrMom, Willie B, DoctorInSpace, and Slickness! You guys have been awesome in answering my questions!
Until tomorrow, when I have more...😀

 

[Amy B]

Do yourself a favor... wait until June and reapply. That way you will have plenty of time to read all about DO education (check out the links that are stickied at the top of the pre-DO page), find a DO to shadow or to interview you so you can get a LOR from them, and be able to write a great personal statement and essay questions that show an interest in the DO education. It will seem more planned on your part rather than a last ditch effort to apply this year due to rejections from MD schools.

Just a suggestion. As DrMom said there is still time. But in my humble opinion I think you would be better off waiting until next cycle.

Good luck on whatever you decide.