Applying DO without DO shadowing/letter
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Just look at the requirements for the schools you want to go to and see if they require one, it's that easy.
If a school requires one, you can still apply and get a preliminary acceptance, pending you get the DO letter (I know VCOM-CC does this and some others do as well). When you do this, sometimes the school will help you find a DO to shadow.
But really, just do your research and make a few phone calls. It's not as hard as some make it out to be. You can do it!
Edit: OP, To answer your question: yes and no. Some schools are just different. I suggest calling the schools you're interested in. Getting a DO letter is VERY important though, even if the school doesn't require one.
If a school requires one, you can still apply and get a preliminary acceptance, pending you get the DO letter (I know VCOM-CC does this and some others do as well). When you do this, sometimes the school will help you find a DO to shadow.
But really, just do your research and make a few phone calls. It's not as hard as some make it out to be. You can do it!
Edit: OP, To answer your question: yes and no. Some schools are just different. I suggest calling the schools you're interested in. Getting a DO letter is VERY important though, even if the school doesn't require one.
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About half or less than half of DO schools strictly require a DO LOR, while the rest either "strongly recommend" or doesn't mind. Refer to the AACOM College Information Booklet (http://www.aacom.org/docs/default-source/cib/2015_cibfull-web.pdf?sfvrsn=8) which details all the application requirement including what LORs are required. When I was deciding which schools to apply to, I made an excel worksheet with the LORs required, mission statement and other information about each school and narrowed down to 17 schools. I would suggest doing something similar to ensure you have all the admissions requirements.
Personally, I got 4 interviews and 3 acceptances with no DO shadowing or DO LOR whatsoever. However, make sure you are able to justify your reasoning for applying to DO schools and your understanding of osteopathic philosophy beyond the typical "holistic, whole person approach" mumbo jumbo. Also, expect to receive less interviews than you would otherwise with DO LOR; I'm fairly certain I was placed on pre-interview hold by at least two schools because of the lack of DO LOR, despite above average stats.
Personally, I got 4 interviews and 3 acceptances with no DO shadowing or DO LOR whatsoever. However, make sure you are able to justify your reasoning for applying to DO schools and your understanding of osteopathic philosophy beyond the typical "holistic, whole person approach" mumbo jumbo. Also, expect to receive less interviews than you would otherwise with DO LOR; I'm fairly certain I was placed on pre-interview hold by at least two schools because of the lack of DO LOR, despite above average stats.
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Yes, but honestly it's going to be a strike against you. And without a strong why DO argument based within experience most adcoms will think poorly of you.
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Have you tried the iLearn mentor program? Honestly, there are so many DOs in the Chicago area (tons of Midwestern-CCOM alumni) that you really should be able to find one to shadow. If you come from a "DO rich" area and you don't have experience with a DO, I think that can raise some flags.
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by having a hard time, how many of these DOs have you contacted? how many times have you tried to call them? have you gone into the hospital/clinics in person to ask, bringing with you a letter in case the doc can't talk at that moment?
