Advice and tips before applying in the next cycle

[Razmatazz]

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Hey everyone,

I am a Canadian student who wants to apply for DO schools in May/June or basically as early as possible in the next cycle and just wanted some advice.

I completed an undergrad in Human Biology and Psychology with an undergrad gpa of 2.44.

I am currently in the final semester of a 2 year post-bacc undergrad degree that consists of public health and science courses. My GPA in this degree is a 3.96 with a higher course volume. I have also redone 3 courses (2 chems and a stats)

Currently my cgpa is 3.05 and my sci gpa is 2.91. With my last semester, I can bring up my cgpa to the 3.1 area and my science gpa can go up to a 2.95 before the summer.

I used the advice of SDN so far to retake some courses and increase my undergrad gpa as much as possible.

My MCAT is a 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS)

I still need to shadow a DO/ MD but I was wondering what other advice any of you have for me. I will try to take 1-2 science courses during the summer to raise my science gpa to a 3.0.

My volunteer work so far includes hospitals, student groups (position ranging from year rep to vice president), some research (no papers)

I am getting pressure to apply to caribbean schools and go ASAP but I feel that its important to try for some DO schools in the states. I am not the strongest applicant so any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Razmatazz]

any takers?

i guess this may be a "what are my chances" thread

thanks

 

[Dr Yiot]

Hey everyone,

I am a Canadian student who wants to apply for DO schools in May/June or basically as early as possible in the next cycle and just wanted some advice.

I completed an undergrad in Human Biology and Psychology with an undergrad gpa of 2.44.

I am currently in the final semester of a 2 year post-bacc undergrad degree that consists of public health and science courses. My GPA in this degree is a 3.96 with a higher course volume. I have also redone 3 courses (2 chems and a stats)

Currently my cgpa is 3.05 and my sci gpa is 2.91. With my last semester, I can bring up my cgpa to the 3.1 area and my science gpa can go up to a 2.95 before the summer.

I used the advice of SDN so far to retake some courses and increase my undergrad gpa as much as possible.

My MCAT is a 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS)

I still need to shadow a DO/ MD but I was wondering what other advice any of you have for me. I will try to take 1-2 science courses during the summer to raise my science gpa to a 3.0.

My volunteer work so far includes hospitals, student groups (position ranging from year rep to vice president), some research (no papers)

I am getting pressure to apply to caribbean schools and go ASAP but I feel that its important to try for some DO schools in the states. I am not the strongest applicant so any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance!

your application is very similar to mine(exept i sit for the mcat this march). Apply broadly and you should be good to go. Make sure you have a good personal statement basically acknowledging that you were an idiot the first 4 years(hey I was 2) and that youve now seen the light. I think you should gain a US medical school acceptance no problem just make sure you have something compelling in your application like great lor's and a personal statement that would make chuck norris shed a tear. Good luck

 

[Daedra22]

1. You indicated that you were aware of this, but I can't stress it enough... apply early.

2. Do not neglect your personal statement. If you have not started thinking about it, I would recommend conceptualizing it. Reflect on how far you've come, what you've learned through your perseverance, and of course, why medicine is what you want to do. I think that my personal statement was a big factor in getting 3 interviews out of 4 applications to DO schools.

3. In choosing a doc to shadow (assuming you're in the US now, I couldn't really tell) this website is very helpful (got it from Chocolate Bear) - http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm . Also--this is completely anecdotal--I shadowed both a DO surgeon and a DO family practice doc, and the family practice doc was far more approachable and I learned a lot more. Being in a more laid-back setting, getting to talk in the halls between patients... just a better experience than the busy surgeon who I only got to speak to while he was cutting into someone.

4. Apply broadly, and as soon as you get your primary application in (AACOMAS), start working on secondaries. Almost all DO schools will immediately prompt you to send in your secondaries, and having them ready to go is extremely helpful.

5. Save money. Applications are expensive, and interview trips are even more expensive.

 

[missDO]

My advice would be not to take those summer classes. I think you have already achieved an excellent accomplishment and demonstrated your improved work ethic via your post-bacc program. This will show them that you can handle the workload, you have matured and conditioned yourself academically; you can also reiterate/cover all of this, as people mentioned above, within your personal statement. What I would do instead of classes is dedicate that time to a health care related job, volunteering, and shadowing. Use the summer to (for example, maybe get your EMT cert?) demonstrate even more your dedication to the field...especially osteopathy. Try to get tons of exposure and come out with a kickass LOR. This is my only advice...your post-bacc gpa/demonstration of your ability and your MCAT score will serve you very well. And, as mentioned, DEFINITELY apply early!! This is huge. Good luck!

 

[kpatel226]

1. You indicated that you were aware of this, but I can't stress it enough... apply early.

2. Do not neglect your personal statement. If you have not started thinking about it, I would recommend conceptualizing it. Reflect on how far you've come, what you've learned through your perseverance, and of course, why medicine is what you want to do. I think that my personal statement was a big factor in getting 3 interviews out of 4 applications to DO schools.

3. In choosing a doc to shadow (assuming you're in the US now, I couldn't really tell) this website is very helpful (got it from Chocolate Bear) - http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm . Also--this is completely anecdotal--I shadowed both a DO surgeon and a DO family practice doc, and the family practice doc was far more approachable and I learned a lot more. Being in a more laid-back setting, getting to talk in the halls between patients... just a better experience than the busy surgeon who I only got to speak to while he was cutting into someone.

4. Apply broadly, and as soon as you get your primary application in (AACOMAS), start working on secondaries. Almost all DO schools will immediately prompt you to send in your secondaries, and having them ready to go is extremely helpful.

5. Save money. Applications are expensive, and interview trips are even more expensive.

I just wanted to say I used that website for finding a DO to shadow and 2 doctors said yes to me already. Thanks, it really helped!

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Hey everyone,

I am a Canadian student who wants to apply for DO schools in May/June or basically as early as possible in the next cycle and just wanted some advice.

I completed an undergrad in Human Biology and Psychology with an undergrad gpa of 2.44.

I am currently in the final semester of a 2 year post-bacc undergrad degree that consists of public health and science courses. My GPA in this degree is a 3.96 with a higher course volume. I have also redone 3 courses (2 chems and a stats)

Currently my cgpa is 3.05 and my sci gpa is 2.91. With my last semester, I can bring up my cgpa to the 3.1 area and my science gpa can go up to a 2.95 before the summer.

I used the advice of SDN so far to retake some courses and increase my undergrad gpa as much as possible.

My MCAT is a 29Q (11PS, 7VR, 11BS)

I still need to shadow a DO/ MD but I was wondering what other advice any of you have for me. I will try to take 1-2 science courses during the summer to raise my science gpa to a 3.0.

My volunteer work so far includes hospitals, student groups (position ranging from year rep to vice president), some research (no papers)

I am getting pressure to apply to caribbean schools and go ASAP but I feel that its important to try for some DO schools in the states. I am not the strongest applicant so any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance!

I would consider LECOM, PCSOM, LMU-DCOM, PCOM, PCOM-GA, TU-COM NY, UNECOM, WVSOM and WCU-COM. I'd call the schools and explain the situation of being an international student, as well as see how they handle the Canadian GPA system. I would apply broadly and see who is interested.

 

[Razmatazz]

Thank you for the advice everyone.

I agree that applying early is crucial, especially since I am not a strong applicant. I am assuming that the LOR's need to be in for the application to be "complete"? So if I want to submit my application in May/June, I would likely need to shadow a DO before then and not during the summer?

Thank your for the website, I am currently in Toronto and there are not that many DO's here. If I can go to buffalo and shadow a DO there then that can be an option as well.

 

[Razmatazz]

My advice would be not to take those summer classes. I think you have already achieved an excellent accomplishment and demonstrated your improved work ethic via your post-bacc program. This will show them that you can handle the workload, you have matured and conditioned yourself academically; you can also reiterate/cover all of this, as people mentioned above, within your personal statement. What I would do instead of classes is dedicate that time to a health care related job, volunteering, and shadowing. Use the summer to (for example, maybe get your EMT cert?) demonstrate even more your dedication to the field...especially osteopathy. Try to get tons of exposure and come out with a kickass LOR. This is my only advice...your post-bacc gpa/demonstration of your ability and your MCAT score will serve you very well. And, as mentioned, DEFINITELY apply early!! This is huge. Good luck!

I may retake genetics in the summer while doing some more volunteer and extracurriculars in general. It would increase my science gpa by 0.1 and put me over the 3.0 science gpa mark.

 

[Everglide]

Applying is stupidly expensive. Make an estimate of how much it will cost you ($ per AACOMAS school, more $ for secondaries, travel, suit/clothing). This will easily be over 1-2k USD depending on how many schools you apply and complete and interview at.

Also it might be slightly ahead of the game but money for deposits can be outrageously high and are required to hold your seat at a school. Something worth keeping in mind.

 

[beckhunter116]

Thank you for the advice everyone.

I agree that applying early is crucial, especially since I am not a strong applicant. I am assuming that the LOR's need to be in for the application to be "complete"? So if I want to submit my application in May/June, I would likely need to shadow a DO before then and not during the summer?

Thank your for the website, I am currently in Toronto and there are not that many DO's here. If I can go to buffalo and shadow a DO there then that can be an option as well.

You send letters in with your secondary application. Once you submit your primary application is takes between 4-8 weeks to be processed. Once you are processed then like a week or so later the secondaries start coming in (can be sooner depending on the school).

 

[Razmatazz]

Thank you for the advice everyone...its really helping me out with the process.

Current dilemma:

I got accepted into Columbias epi MPH program (1.5 to 2 yrs to complete) and I am HIGHLY tempted to go.

I just dont want to apply to DO schools for the next cycle, get rejected and have a wasted year. But the MPH will take more than a year.

What does everyone think?

I was also looking into PCOMS certificate program, but I wonder if it will matter since I plan to apply as early as possible, even before I would start the certificate program (havent applied, just looking into it now).

edit: I know most people discourage an MPH saying it wont make up for a poor undergraduate GPA etc, but I have already bumped that up a significant amount (2.44 to ~3.1 cgpa, and science gpa ~2.9)

 

[antapolar]

I know it may cost a bit more, but if you are afraid of wasting a year, then go for the MPH while applying to DO. W/e if you get into Med...um...its Med, you can forgo a MPH for it. I know ppl that just quit their master half way or other programs b/c they got into Med. Its all up to you but there is no reason you have to attend an academic program for your gap year. You know you could always find other things to do such as a health/science related job. That's what I did 😀

Thank you for the advice everyone...its really helping me out with the process.

Current dilemma:

I got accepted into Columbias epi MPH program (1.5 to 2 yrs to complete) and I am HIGHLY tempted to go.

I just dont want to apply to DO schools for the next cycle, get rejected and have a wasted year. But the MPH will take more than a year.

What does everyone think?

I was also looking into PCOMS certificate program, but I wonder if it will matter since I plan to apply as early as possible, even before I would start the certificate program (havent applied, just looking into it now).

edit: I know most people discourage an MPH saying it wont make up for a poor undergraduate GPA etc, but I have already bumped that up a significant amount (2.44 to ~3.1 cgpa, and science gpa ~2.9)

 

[Razmatazz]

Hey antapolar, glad to see another Canadian here!

If I start the masters I would probably want to complete it...it will just be hard turning down a good program / school like this! I will have 2 months to decide!

Ya there are other things I could do as well!

thanks

 

[HoboCommander]

Make sure you do a good job selling yourself to the schools. Your low GPA could hurt you, but you still have your chances at US med schools with strong credentials elsewhere. Do a lot of shadowing and volunteering, get strong LORs. Write a great personal statement. Take up some hobbies, if possible raise that MCAT score. DO schools are pretty competitive these days, a lot of people I know who applied this year with excellent credentials only got into like 50% of the schools they applied to.

 

[Razmatazz]

Looking at the average stats for acceptance is a little intimidating, but as long as I meet the minimums, they will take a look at my application and then its up to like you said my EC's/hobbies, personal statement etc.

Its just tough but I did dig my self a massive hole with my undergrad gpa!

The columbia mph will be a big decision...

 

[dapdrow]

When you say apply early, how early do you mean exactly? What month would you guys suggest as the latest to apply?

(Sorry for jumping on your thread raz!)

 

[Razmatazz]

You can start the application May 1st but then it takes time for processing etc.

 

[HimeMomo]

Why is it a good thing to apply early when you have poor stats? I always heard people giving that advice, but I find it hard to comprehend. If you have lower grades than other people, wouldn't they just wait list you and rank you as newer applicants come in? Then sooner or later you will be ranked near the bottom according to your grades no matter how early or late you applied, am I right? Can someone please explain.. I am confused...

 

[drctother]

Hey,

Im also a Canadian applying this summer to US DO. Just wanted to point out that there is only 19 US DO schools that accept Canadians. Some of the ones listed above do not accept Canadians. I have looked into this pretty in depth. I am assuming you took all your pre-reqs the first 4 years? Out of those 19 that accept Canadians, 12 will accept you if you have less than a C in ANY of the pre-reqs. Just something to keep in mind. I am debating whether to retake a first year bio (got C-) and Organic Chems (B and C-).

Just something to consider. I think you GPA is fine, I got mine up to 3.2 from 2.7 and 30Q MCAT (similar to yours). From what I have heard on here when i posted, my stats are fine which means yours should be fine

OH BEST PART OF BEING CANADIAN, an A is considered a 4.0 in the states!!! Its sweet!! As opposed to 90% or higher or A+ being 4.0 here and an A only being 3.7! If it wasnt for that conversion, my GPA would only be 3.0

Gotta love the US GPA Conversion!

Looking at the average stats for acceptance is a little intimidating, but as long as I meet the minimums, they will take a look at my application and then its up to like you said my EC's/hobbies, personal statement etc.

Its just tough but I did dig my self a massive hole with my undergrad gpa!

The columbia mph will be a big decision...

 

[drctother]

Oh one more thing. How are you gonna shadow a DO in Canada? They are pretty much unheard of up here? I literally could not find one in Vancouver (where im from). This is my biggest problem because it means I cant get a reference and that is a huge problem. A lot of the DO schools require a DO reference.

Maybe people could clarify?

 

[Razmatazz]

Hey

Ya the reference is tricky for sure...You will probably have to go down to the states and shadow a DO (I am from the toronto area and there arent any DO's here that I know of)

Ya I am considering just taking a few more science courses during the summer/ year and applying instead of doing a masters of public health.

 

[drctother]

Are you going down to the states than to shadow a DO?

Im wondering what the schools would say if we (canadians) told them that there is no DO's in our area and thus cant shadow them? Do you think they would be like "well why do you wanna do DO than"?