I have been contemplating applying to DO school for quite some time. The problem I have is that in 1995 I enrolled in Podiatry school. I failed 3 classes (the reasons which I will not get in to) and was dismissed. Since then I have been involved in clinical research and own a research company that conducts clinical drug trials. I want to apply to DO school but if the past failure will automatically disqualify me, then I do not want to waste the time and the money. I graduated college in 1993 with a 3.2 GPA. MCATs were average. Any advice on whether or not to pursue the application process?
While you should call the schools you're interested in applying to and ask them about their policies, you should keep in mind that most medical schools will not consider the application of students who have failed at another medical school. Whether this includes podiatry school is beyond me.
OK lets not be too hasty... As far as not accepting the application.. I think attending school in 1995 and failing 3 classes is far enough into the past. I do know those who failed out and did get accepted and several DO and MD schools but they argued their points well. Your MCATS need to be w/in the last 3 yrs and should be 24 or higher. GPA is fine. Did you publish? This will be to your advantage. Schools do not merely look at grades (yes you all can disagree) if you can write a personal statement demonstrating your desire to return to medicine with a "new outlook and drive to excel" you have a chance of admission. You'll also need stellar letters from your current boss. It also may help to take a community college class in a subject you did poorly on in Podiatry school anatomy for examlple. If you can get an A/B then it will show them you can do the work. I would apply to about 10-15 programs plus your in state schools as well. As far as the DO application process you can start getting application materials this year. get the info to fill it out grades etc and start your statements (you can ask AACOMAS to send you the application materials). Then May 31st of next year send in your application to AACOMAS this is the earliest date. Transcripts can be sent at this time too. Timing and determination will ensure you a seat in the class of 2006. Please don't give up Diane
man, don't sweat your podiatry grades. I graduated undergrad with a 2.25, then took a master and got 3.79. Took the MCAT 3 times 24,25,28. (I do have quite a long list of extra curricular stuff). They did ask me during interview wassup with the D's, academic probations and all. So you might wanna have your explanation ready. I'm a first year D.O. student now so if i could get in, a whole lotta people probably could too. Good Luck
