Applying MD during Deferment

[ScottBatt]

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I am a college senior and I didn't get the score that I wanted on the MCAT. I was wondering, if I am accepted into DO school, would I be able to defer my acceptance and then retake my MCAT, and apply to MD schools? I'm trying to keep all my options open.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

why bother applying to DO schools if you're just going to defer to go to an MD school? waste of time and money. just wait and apply to both at the same time when you're ready.

 

[Spleenic]

I think you should pose this question to the DO schools that you apply to. Why don't you leave the seat for somebody who would actually use it?

 

[denco88]

Did you apply to DO school this year? If so, you haven't even been accepted to one yet soooo....

 

[LostAllHope]

...

 

[willen101383]

I am a college senior and I didn't get the score that I wanted on the MCAT. I was wondering, if I am accepted into DO school, would I be able to defer my acceptance and then retake my MCAT, and apply to MD schools? I'm trying to keep all my options open.

You could but youd get a 30+ on your doucheCAT. Have fun wasting 100k+ of potential salary to get your coveted MD

 

[Westonski]

You could but youd get a 30+ on your doucheCAT. Have fun wasting 100k+ of potential salary to get your coveted MD

This is a great point that few people on here seem to consider.

I'm in a similar situation as the OP. I've been advised that all aspects of my application are apparently rock-solid, except I have an average MCAT that isn't getting me much MD love. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to retake prior to applying this cycle, and I didn't want to wait to try again.

Many in my shoes would consider "taking a year" (or as many as it takes) to improve their application so that they can maybe go to a bottom-of-the-barrel allopathic college down the road. What I don't understand is why so many people are okay with avoiding the DO degree at the cost of putting off their medical education for YEARS in some cases? The first step to becoming a physician is to get into school. If you are accepted to a school, quit wasting time and years of bank trying to get into a different one that will get you to the same career.

I guess the bottom line is that time isn't of as great of value to some people as it is to me. The seemingly commonplace choice around here to take a year or two to reapply isn't appealing to me. I'd rather go to medical school.

 

[bige11]

This is a great point that few people on here seem to consider.

I'm in a similar situation as the OP. I've been advised that all aspects of my application are apparently rock-solid, except I have an average MCAT that isn't getting me much MD love. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to retake prior to applying this cycle, and I didn't want to wait to try again.

Many in my shoes would consider "taking a year" (or as many as it takes) to improve their application so that they can maybe go to a bottom-of-the-barrel allopathic college down the road. What I don't understand is why so many people are okay with avoiding the DO degree at the cost of putting off their medical education for YEARS in some cases? The first step to becoming a physician is to get into school. If you are accepted to a school, quit wasting time and years of bank trying to get into a different one that will get you to the same career.

I guess the bottom line is that time isn't of as great of value to some people as it is to me. The seemingly commonplace choice around here to take a year or two to reapply isn't appealing to me. I'd rather go to medical school.

Well said....... just to add a little, choose the school that best fits you. I am currently in DO and MD schools, and right now think that the DO school is where I will end up. All that matters is getting into the residency of your choice anyways.

 

[jinobi]

All that matters is getting into the residency of your choice anyways.

Keep in mind that being a DO will make it an uphill battle into the more competitive specialties. That fact wouldn't keep me from wasting a year to reapply for MD if I had a DO acceptance; however, it would be a different situation if I was holding MD and DO acceptances during the same cycle.

 

[Cheshyre]

You could but youd get a 30+ on your doucheCAT. Have fun wasting 100k+ of potential salary to get your coveted MD

No need to be so snarky, dude.

But yeah - it makes no sense for the OP to go DO only to jump ship a year later.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I don't think schools hand out deferments like candy. From what I understand, you'll need a damn good reason to get one approved. I'm sure the OP isn't the first person to think of or try that idea.

 

[SurgeonVirgin]

There's alot of flamig going on here so I'll just reply to Scott the OP.

So personally I applied to both Allo/Osteo. I'm now a 2nd year, getting ready for 3rd year rotations. When I applied, I wanted to be a doctor. I didn't care where/how/what.

As far as I can tell the only real animosity between DOs and MDs is on pre-medical forums. I think that's a smart way to cheat the system. Maybe not the most polite thing to do, but alot of people are looking out for themselves.

If you think your options are better with a 2nd chance at MDs than starting med school now, go for it. Keep in mind as a DO you have access to either Allo or Osteo Residencies.

Personally I wouldn't take the year off, because whether you graduate as an MD or DO, your patient will call you Doc.

 

[willen101383]

No need to be so snarky, dude.

But yeah - it makes no sense for the OP to go DO only to jump ship a year later.

Dude its incredibly disrespectful to both DOs and people who are holding their breath waiting for a spot while the OP holds a seat with no intention of using it. Its a pretty dick move if you ask me.

 

[willen101383]

I don't think schools hand out deferments like candy. From what I understand, you'll need a damn good reason to get one approved. I'm sure the OP isn't the first person to think of or try that idea.

If you look in the CIB it will tell you. I know my school (pcom pa) doesnt do deferments. 2 years ago I got into LMU DCOM and got a deferment there because I had a retinal detachment and absolutely couldnt see out of my left eye for months. So that got me a deferment...but youre going to need a pretty good excuse.

 

[rmsgolfer]

I am a college senior and I didn't get the score that I wanted on the MCAT. I was wondering, if I am accepted into DO school, would I be able to defer my acceptance and then retake my MCAT, and apply to MD schools? I'm trying to keep all my options open.

Horrible idea. If you have an acceptance to a US medical school humbly take it and move on.

 

[livedie]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a MD title, but why not apply to both programs at the same time? I do not have anything against DO's and at the end of the day we are all physicians. Unfortunately on the premed trail there is a difference that I do not understand:
1. Why for the DO application do we have to pay for our own background checks?
2. The deposits are not only high for some DO schools, but non-refundable. MD schools let you hold multiple acceptances until May, but if you are poor DO schools do not allow you to do that. They indirectly force you into an immediate decision (if you are strapped for cash).

The best thing about DO's as a premed is that the schools are more understanding of the curves that life throws at you.

 

[willen101383]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a MD title, but why not apply to both programs at the same time? I do not have anything against DO's and at the end of the day we are all physicians. Unfortunately on the premed trail there is a difference that I do not understand:
1. Why for the DO application do we have to pay for our own background checks?
2. The deposits are not only high for some DO schools, but non-refundable. MD schools let you hold multiple acceptances until May, but if you are poor DO schools do not allow you to do that. They indirectly force you into an immediate decision (if you are strapped for cash).

The best thing about DO's as a premed is that the schools are more understanding of the curves that life throws at you.

Different systems my friend. Is it really that big of a deal to shell out 100 bucks for a background check ONCE for the school you are going to? And if the deposits concern you that much, dont apply to schools with high deposits. My PCOM deposit was 200 bucks.

 

[livedie]

I understand that they are different systems... The point I was making is everybody keeps saying that there is not a difference and I was stating what I found different as a Pre-med.

Oh and yes PCOM's first deposit was 200, but isn't the second one due in April $2000? Maybe I am reading my acceptance to that school wrong. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Another thing I may be misinformed about is the non- refundable deposits. All of the MD interviews I went on claims they are refundable in May, but my DO interviews said they are not. That is the point I was making about forcing you to make a decision immediately if you are strapped for cash.

I know 100 dollars may not seem like alot to some people, but to me it is.

Different systems my friend. Is it really that big of a deal to shell out 100 bucks for a background check ONCE for the school you are going to? And if the deposits concern you that much, dont apply to schools with high deposits. My PCOM deposit was 200 bucks.

 

[Cheshyre]

Dude its incredibly disrespectful to both DOs and people who are holding their breath waiting for a spot while the OP holds a seat with no intention of using it. Its a pretty dick move if you ask me.

I wholeheartedly agree. That said, there's no reason to stoop so low yourself. If you really care about this profession, represent it well. Make it worthy of respect.

Not to be a bleeding-heart, but I feel kind of bad for people like the OP. For whatever reason (I have no idea what they might be), they're under some kind of pressure that pushes them to make poor decisions.

 

[denco88]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a MD title, but why not apply to both programs at the same time? I do not have anything against DO's and at the end of the day we are all physicians. Unfortunately on the premed trail there is a difference that I do not understand:
1. Why for the DO application do we have to pay for our own background checks?
2. The deposits are not only high for some DO schools, but non-refundable. MD schools let you hold multiple acceptances until May, but if you are poor DO schools do not allow you to do that. They indirectly force you into an immediate decision (if you are strapped for cash).

The best thing about DO's as a premed is that the schools are more understanding of the curves that life throws at you.

And OSU's deposit is 100 dollars and refundable....

 

[willen101383]

I understand that they are different systems... The point I was making is everybody keeps saying that there is not a difference and I was stating what I found different as a Pre-med.

Oh and yes PCOM's first deposit was 200, but isn't the second one due in April $2000? Maybe I am reading my acceptance to that school wrong. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Another thing I may be misinformed about is the non- refundable deposits. All of the MD interviews I went on claims they are refundable in May, but my DO interviews said they are not. That is the point I was making about forcing you to make a decision immediately if you are strapped for cash.

I know 100 dollars may not seem like alot to some people, but to me it is.

The first is 200 then you drop the 2k deposit in april. I dont really get how thats a big deal no offense. By april if you hold an acceptance(s) you should be figuring out where you are going to go. Going to/applying to med school is a big expense! I dont think anyone said DO and MD ADMISSIONS were the same...bc they clearly are not. And MD schools are much more likely to ship you all over the country for an interview and reject you than DO schools. You are more likely to get accepted post interview at a DO school.

 

[willen101383]

I wholeheartedly agree. That said, there's no reason to stoop so low yourself. If you really care about this profession, represent it well. Make it worthy of respect.

Not to be a bleeding-heart, but I feel kind of bad for people like the OP. For whatever reason (I have no idea what they might be), they're under some kind of pressure that pushes them to make poor decisions.

You are correct. I was pre exam last night when I wrote that...nuff said. And I also agree that people like the OP are totally down with making strange decisions for the sake of getting that MD. I think parental pressure plays a big role

I never even applied to a single MD program...and my father (US trained MD) never even once gave me $hit for it/looked down at me for it/etc. In fact one of his partners went to PCOM so its pretty cool having that for networking.

 

[mechanictodr]

I am a college senior and I didn't get the score that I wanted on the MCAT. I was wondering, if I am accepted into DO school, would I be able to defer my acceptance and then retake my MCAT, and apply to MD schools? I'm trying to keep all my options open.

I see nothing wrong with this. If the school gives you the option and you really want to try another round with MD it's your life and your decision. If it means that much to you that you're willing to go one more round then do it. I don't see how it could hurt you other than take up time. Enjoy the year not in school and rock that MCAT.

 

[Cheshyre]

You are correct. I was pre exam last night when I wrote that...nuff said. And I also agree that people like the OP are totally down with making strange decisions for the sake of getting that MD. I think parental pressure plays a big role

I never even applied to a single MD program...and my father (US trained MD) never even once gave me $hit for it/looked down at me for it/etc. In fact one of his partners went to PCOM so its pretty cool having that for networking.

No problem. Happens to everybody.

How'd you get exposed to DO? Did you have one as a PCP?

 

[mechanictodr]

Horrible idea. If you have an acceptance to a US medical school humbly take it and move on.

Humbly take nothing. You got in so you earned it. Like I said before, if you have a granted deferred acceptance then use it how you want. Make your own decisions. It's good to come off as humble, but you should always remember to take care of numero uno first. Just because some old farts on a admissions board decided to pick you from the group of nervous, inept, 21 yr old, "like" and "um" wielding inarticulate turds you interviewed with doesn't mean you need to take the offer this year if no one is twisting your arm.

Fact is you got in and have the chance to pock that option at no expense to anyone and you can pursue what you really want one last time with the comfort of knowing you still have plan B secure.

 

[willen101383]

No problem. Happens to everybody.

How'd you get exposed to DO? Did you have one as a PCP?

I actually had a pediatrician as a kid who was a DO...but nobody even knew that until my senior year of college. Great doc but he didnt influence that at all.

My aunt and uncle are philly natives and live pretty close to PCOM. So I always used to drive by PCOM when my family went to visit them. I worked in healthcare for like 5 years after college before I went to med school...so I just knew about DOs from speaking with them as well!

 

[livedie]

The first is 200 then you drop the 2k deposit in april. I dont really get how thats a big deal no offense. By april if you hold an acceptance(s) you should be figuring out where you are going to go. Going to/applying to med school is a big expense! I dont think anyone said DO and MD ADMISSIONS were the same...bc they clearly are not. And MD schools are much more likely to ship you all over the country for an interview and reject you than DO schools. You are more likely to get accepted post interview at a DO school.

I agree with you for the most part...I disagree about the money part. I do not want to discredit the whole profession based on my financial hang ups as a pre med. Truth be told that is the only problem I saw as a Pre-med applying to DO.


On another note I thought when you do a deferment for DO or MD you are mandated to attend that school next year.

 

[mechanictodr]

On another note I thought when you do a deferment for DO or MD you are mandated to attend that school next year.

Not true. It simply means you are accepted to the next graduating class.

 

[Econ2MD]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think part of the deferral is an agreement to not apply to other medical schools while deferring.
Also, a student who defers does not cost any net seats. the school will admit another applicant for the entering class and reserve a seat in the next year. I bet the person admitted to replace the deferring student thinks it's an okay deal.

 

[bonsaipalmtree]

I was deferred at a DO school and did not have to sign an agreement that would bar me from applying to other schools. I did have to pay the deposit money and sign an enrollment agreement, but that was no different from any student who is accepted to DO school "A" in say, September and pays the deposit and signs the agreement- only to be accepted into school "B" in December of the same year and going there instead. Make sense?

I didn't apply anywhere else, but seeing as I had basically zero contact with the school during my deferment, I betcha they wouldn't have known if I had applied to any other schools in the meantime. Moral or not, smart or not, that is my feeling.

If I had called to tell them that I would not be attending, my guess is that they would have happily taken my deposit money and given my slot to one of the 100+ people on their waitlist. Every time I called the admissions office during my deferred year, they basically had almost no clue who I was or that I was deferred.

Just my $.02

 

[Dissected]

I didn't apply anywhere else, but seeing as I had basically zero contact with the school during my deferment, I betcha they wouldn't have known if I had applied to any other schools in the meantime. Moral or not, smart or not, that is my feeling.

If I had called to tell them that I would not be attending, my guess is that they would have happily taken my deposit money and given my slot to one of the 100+ people on their waitlist. Every time I called the admissions office during my deferred year, they basically had almost no clue who I was or that I was deferred.

Just my $.02

I agree with this. I actually see nothing wrong with applying during that time off unless the school specifically asks you not to. You might not want to advertise that you were doing it... but if you were to get a deferment, and circumstances (i.e. MCAT, life experience, ..) change, why would it be so wrong to apply to some MD schools if you wanted to attend those schools more? My dream school happened to be an MD school, and you bet your butt if I was in that situation and my retake MCAT was higher, I would have applied again. That being said, I am extremely content with where I am right now.

It's not like you'd be stealing a spot at the DO school...they would just fill it with someone else who would be more than happy to take it. Looking down on someone doing this just means that you have your own insecurities about MD vs DO. Hopefully you can get over it by the time you are a professional.

Now, trying to defer JUST so you can apply to other schools...that is a stretch, and you might have a hard time convincing most schools to let you have that year off.

 

[hopeinternist]

you could but youd get a 30+ on your douchecat. Have fun wasting 100k+ of potential salary to get your coveted md

+1