Applying to DO now as Canadian Applicant - too late to apply?

[cdnmed123]

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Hi everyone! New to SDN but please let me know if I should remove my post if it isn't allowed.

I'm a Canadian applicant looking to apply to DO. I know it is very late in the game to get the ball rolling on DO applications for this cycle. I was really on the fence and I guess I'm having that post-application-submitting existential crisis. I know there are similar recent posts but I'm wondering about my chances specifically because I am a Canadian applicant, is it worth the money? I have applied to Canadian schools but if I can throw in one more application and it might be worth it, I'm happy to do so.

Here's where it gets tricky, I can only apply to MSUCOM right now (that I know of) due to the prereqs and the grades associated with the prereqs. I did 5 years of undergrad, chose to do a 5th year to boost my gpa for Canadian schools (I have in-province status in one of the provinces so doing an extra year was in my favour). The first 2 years of undergrad are literal trash, the last 3 average to a 3.8, last two are a 3.97. I have shown an upward trend but I'm not finding conclusive answers on whether this is actually looked favourably on or if it's great but not going to get me in the door. Stats are below. FWIW, applying and paying for the app fees is not an issue.

First year: 2.69
Second year: 2.36
Third year: 3.46
Fourth year: 3.97
Fifth year: 3.97
MCAT: second time taking and got a 506 (126/126/127/127)

I'm currently in a research-based thesis MSc, will finish soon and hopefully with some pubs. I think my ECs are pretty good for the Canadian schools but I'm not sure how they really stack up against all the other amazing American applicants. I did a fourth year thesis, been heavily involved in research since my second year, attended several conferences to present primary research. I've been teaching since my third year and have continued into my MSc. I have volunteer hours in a hospital in high school (do they let you go back that far?), I mentor undergraduate students in my free time, volunteer in a homeless shelter, and have several academic scholarships. This isn't everything I would talk about but I think these are the main ones. I do not have physician shadowing, its very hard to get in Canada and I have not been fortunate enough to receive shadowing experience. I recognise this will hinder me in my application.

I guess it comes down to is it worth it? Should I do it? Or should I just wait till next year? Or should I just throw my hat in already and call it on medicine? Thank you all in advance should you reply 🙂

 

[KirksvilleKrunk]

I think your stats are good for DO. Shadowing isn't that important as long as you have some kind of clinical exp that shows you've been in a hospital. I think the high school stuff won't be acceptable however. You need to apply on day 1 AACOMAS opens. I'm a 3x reapplicant and received no IVs on my second app (submitted in August). I applied day 1 on the 3rd cycle and received several interviews. I had nothing different about my application except submitting earlier. If money isn't an issue go ahead and send out apps BROADLY. I'm a DO student at a school I never thought I'd have a shot at.

 

[cdnmed123]

I think your stats are good for DO. Shadowing isn't that important as long as you have some kind of clinical exp that shows you've been in a hospital. I think the high school stuff won't be acceptable however. You need to apply on day 1 AACOMAS opens. I'm a 3x reapplicant and received no IVs on my second app (submitted in August). I applied day 1 on the 3rd cycle and received several interviews. I had nothing different about my application except submitting earlier. If money isn't an issue go ahead and send out apps BROADLY. I'm a DO student at a school I never thought I'd have a shot at.

Thanks for replying!! Money isn’t an issue but the lack of prereq grades (missing 3) is. So as far as I know, MSUCOM is the only one I can apply for (as a Canadian). If you’re saying to wait and the best thing to do is apply early af the next cycle then I’ll wait. Thank you for your advice! It was super helpful!