DC to DO non-traditional applicant

[PlasticBag]

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also does the EK 1001 have explanations for all answers so if i dont know how to do the problem i can backtrack?

It does. What's even better is that EK has a forum on their website where anyone can access additional explanations to problems. I was confused about certain crucial things, like "if g increases, what happens to f in this equation?" and the forum does a great job explaining things like that

 

[Goro]

When one switches careers, the fear is always there the applicant will bail on us as well.

One also needs a good explanation if there's any hint of fleeing a less-than-optimal job market.

the rationale of "I just want to add more tools to the tool box" or "I want to be able to do more" tends to ring flat with my Adcom colleagues.

Interesting, is this something that is frowned upon? Or just a rare occurrence?

 

[kalat]

I agree with what others are saying: realistically, you will not get in with a 19. I also do not think you will get in if you take it again and make a 22. If you score a 26 or above I think that gives you a good broad chance at admission on stats alone. Maybe somewhere between 22-26 for newer or more mission based schools, but these are a toss up in most cases, and they may get significantly more competitive year-over-year.

The other important thing is I think people are being too forgiving with your transition from DC to DO. Admissions committees are looking for individuals that will finish school, practice medicine, make money, pay their debts, and make the school look good by maintaining a certain level of respect and ethics. They are looking for people that have a clear goal. I think when the admissions committees start looking at your application they will question whether or not you're just collecting degrees. You haven't even started practicing yet, and you already want to switch careers!

You need to understand this is not a personal attack on your character. I think we can all understand wanting more or being unsatisfied with your situation, but you cannot deny that this creates a somewhat complicated picture of what it is you're trying to accomplish. Because of all this your reasons have to get more nuanced, and I think at that point they become more open to criticism. By no means does this mean you can't accomplish your goals, but you will have a lot of people questioning them along the way - so get good at facing that criticism.

 

[premed2113]

Even with a median MCAT score I fear OP will end up on the wait-list, unless you have a more compelling reason than you are sharing for you decision to switch

 

[BorntobeDO?]

plastic bag thanks for the advice. that was really helpful. I need to buckle down and just raise my MCAT score and try and stop figuring loop holes on how im unique. any advice on physics chem and ochem as far as studying? i am contemplating signing up for a KAPLAN review course. good idea?

If you never took one yes. I did the on-demand Kaplan and raised my score 5 points even tho I was out of school for 4+ years at the time. I definitely think you can do the same which would make you a fine DO candidate IMO. Make sure you take Sociology and Biochemistry if you haven't tho.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

When one switches careers, the fear is always there the applicant will bail on us as well.

One also needs a good explanation if there's any hint of fleeing a less-than-optimal job market.

the rationale of "I just want to add more tools to the tool box" or "I want to be able to do more" tends to ring flat with my Adcom colleagues.

Shouldn't be a worry with this kind of debt and job market.

 

[Goro]

Believe me, there are people out there who are professional students, and there are others who can't figure out what they want to do when they grow up!

Shouldn't be a worry with this kind of debt and job market.

 

[PlasticBag]

I agree with what others are saying: realistically, you will not get in with a 19. I also do not think you will get in if you take it again and make a 22. If you score a 26 or above I think that gives you a good broad chance at admission on stats alone. Maybe somewhere between 22-26 for newer or more mission based schools, but these are a toss up in most cases, and they may get significantly more competitive year-over-year.

The other important thing is I think people are being too forgiving with your transition from DC to DO. Admissions committees are looking for individuals that will finish school, practice medicine, make money, pay their debts, and make the school look good by maintaining a certain level of respect and ethics. They are looking for people that have a clear goal. I think when the admissions committees start looking at your application they will question whether or not you're just collecting degrees. You haven't even started practicing yet, and you already want to switch careers!

You need to understand this is not a personal attack on your character. I think we can all understand wanting more or being unsatisfied with your situation, but you cannot deny that this creates a somewhat complicated picture of what it is you're trying to accomplish. Because of all this your reasons have to get more nuanced, and I think at that point they become more open to criticism. By no means does this mean you can't accomplish your goals, but you will have a lot of people questioning them along the way - so get good at facing that criticism.

This is very true. I had a similar situation of "collecting degrees", i.e. just getting one degree after the next without practicing in the real world in between. It indirectly came up at one of my interviews. I would get as much non-academic experience related to chiropractic as you can. For example, although I didn't practice in my field, I was substantially involved in research and volunteering so I could demonstrate that I wasn't abandoning the field without even trying it out. I don't know, are there some free chiropractic clinics for underserved populations where you could volunteer? Being of service to others, "touching patients", working with people of different backgrounds, etc. are all characteristics and experiences that would look favorably on your med school application.

 

[abolt18]

plastic bag thanks for the advice. that was really helpful. I need to buckle down and just raise my MCAT score and try and stop figuring loop holes on how im unique. any advice on physics chem and ochem as far as studying? i am contemplating signing up for a KAPLAN review course. good idea?

Personally I loved Chad's videos for reviewing the PS material. I don't remember if he covers physics, but I took physics 1 and 2 right before the MCAT so I didn't feel a need to use other resources. Check out his videos and see if you like them. He has some free sample videos and he's a LOT less expensive than Kaplan and the likes.

http://www.coursesaver.com/videos/index.php

 

[Mad Jack]

If you can pull off a 24 you'll probably garner an admission if you apply to every school. But a 21 is not going to cut it. I'd also be wary of even going to medical school if you can't get at least a 24, as statistically you will have a seriously increased chance of failing out of medical school.

 

[costales]

i know ive taken boards already as a DC so i know what it is like, the NBCE (national board of chiropractic examiners) parts 1 2 and 3 they are 12 hours each spread out over 2 days 6 hrs per day and scored in the 98th percentile, scoring higher than MDs in my class in pathology on part 1. so i am completely confident i can at least pass the thE comlex.

I just looked at some Chiro Part 1 questions.

Cretinism is caused by? A. Hyperthyrodism, B. Hypothyrodism, C. Goiter, D. Hyperparathyrodism
Which of the following is classified as a benign neoplasm? A. Lipoma, B. Sarcoma, C. Carcinoma, D. Lymphoma & melanoma
The primary biochemical requirement for the clinical diagnosis of gout in the blood is? A. Uric acid, B. Ca, C. P, D. Alcohol
A small cystic projection from a joint capsule or tendon sheath usually on the wrist is called? A. Ganglion, B. Epidermoid cyst, C. Synovial sarcoma, D. Nodule
A pulmonary embolus most commonly originates in the? A. Upper extremity, B. Lower extremity, C. Kidney, D. Brain
etc.​

There is no comparison to the USMLE or COMLEX. Your confidence is misplaced.

 

[DocWinter]

I just looked at some Chiro Part 1 questions.

Cretinism is caused by? A. Hyperthyrodism, B. Hypothyrodism, C. Goiter, D. Hyperparathyrodism
Which of the following is classified as a benign neoplasm? A. Lipoma, B. Sarcoma, C. Carcinoma, D. Lymphoma & melanoma
The primary biochemical requirement for the clinical diagnosis of gout in the blood is? A. Uric acid, B. Ca, C. P, D. Alcohol
A small cystic projection from a joint capsule or tendon sheath usually on the wrist is called? A. Ganglion, B. Epidermoid cyst, C. Synovial sarcoma, D. Nodule
A pulmonary embolus most commonly originates in the? A. Upper extremity, B. Lower extremity, C. Kidney, D. Brain
etc.​

There is no comparison to the USMLE or COMLEX. Your confidence is misplaced.

I wish med school exams were like this...

 

[AM508]

I just looked at some Chiro Part 1 questions.

Cretinism is caused by? A. Hyperthyrodism, B. Hypothyrodism, C. Goiter, D. Hyperparathyrodism
Which of the following is classified as a benign neoplasm? A. Lipoma, B. Sarcoma, C. Carcinoma, D. Lymphoma & melanoma
The primary biochemical requirement for the clinical diagnosis of gout in the blood is? A. Uric acid, B. Ca, C. P, D. Alcohol
A small cystic projection from a joint capsule or tendon sheath usually on the wrist is called? A. Ganglion, B. Epidermoid cyst, C. Synovial sarcoma, D. Nodule
A pulmonary embolus most commonly originates in the? A. Upper extremity, B. Lower extremity, C. Kidney, D. Brain
etc.​

There is no comparison to the USMLE or COMLEX. Your confidence is misplaced.

That seems to be of similar difficulty to a paramedic exam or some of the lower undergrad bio courses.

 

[GypsyHummus]

That seems to be of similar difficulty to a paramedic exam or some of the lower undergrad bio courses.

I was about to say, seemed like my 4 credit micro class, question structure wise

 

[ddmbmom]

OP, Lots of excellent advice here and I think your ears are open. Just one more story to share in case its helpful. I have been out of school for 20 (GASP) years from undergrad. I have worked in patient care for all 20 years. Like you, I have incredible EC from 20 years (!) and outstanding LOR from the MDs I work for. I also have a "pretty" good GPA, 3.4, with a double major from a prestigious private college. I thought I could just "get thru that MCAT" and with my incredible work experience etc, get accepted to my state school. NOT. I did not take the MCAT prep as seriously as I needed to. I scored a 20. The time I did put in for studying, and the fees associated with purchasing some review books and applying are "lost". I was so disappointed in myself and have spent alot of time reading comments on these forums about how important that MCAT is. In an email conversation I had with the Dean of my state school, I asked if my background would hold more weight than the candidate just coming out of college with a 4.0 and 30 MCAT. The MDs I work for thought it would and I was convinced so as well. As much as it hurt, she explained to me "no". I must still prove that I can handle the degree of comprehending challenging science concepts on a standardized test. Of course this was not what I wanted to hear but I had to accept the challenge. So, knowing the best way I learn is to have material to study and be tested on it. So I chose to go back to school and repeat Gen Chem I and II and Bio I and II. It sucked. It was very embarrassing for me to be in class with kids less than half my age and my professors younger than me. But, day after day, I kept reminding myself of the big picture. Now I am prepping for the MCAT like its the most important thing in my life. The books I have purchased for review make much more sense and I have so much more confidence in my ability to answer the practice questions correctly. It delayed everything by a year, but I guess in the big picture its ok. I plan to work till I am in my 70s if I am blessed with good health like my parents were so here we go - gonna rock this MCAT in July!!!

 

[DavetheMD]

I just looked at some Chiro Part 1 questions.

Cretinism is caused by? A. Hyperthyrodism, B. Hypothyrodism, C. Goiter, D. Hyperparathyrodism
Which of the following is classified as a benign neoplasm? A. Lipoma, B. Sarcoma, C. Carcinoma, D. Lymphoma & melanoma
The primary biochemical requirement for the clinical diagnosis of gout in the blood is? A. Uric acid, B. Ca, C. P, D. Alcohol
A small cystic projection from a joint capsule or tendon sheath usually on the wrist is called? A. Ganglion, B. Epidermoid cyst, C. Synovial sarcoma, D. Nodule
A pulmonary embolus most commonly originates in the? A. Upper extremity, B. Lower extremity, C. Kidney, D. Brain
etc.​

There is no comparison to the USMLE or COMLEX. Your confidence is misplaced.

If the USMLE was this straightforward, everyone would be competitive for plastics. You won't see the simple regurgitation of associated concepts.

The MCAT is designed to test your ability to think critically more so than volume of information. The USMLE and COMLEX will stretch your ability to do both.

 

[Deecee2DO]

This thread is now two years old, however, I wanted to say that I was just accepted to a US medical school this past November and will be attending RowanSOM. So for all the haters saying i couldnt do it and that DO schools dont take kindly to DCs and low mcats (24/498) would keep me from my dream lol watch me! To anyone who gave me kind words of advice thank you it was appreciated.

 

[deleted480308]

This thread is now two years old, however, I wanted to say that I was just accepted to a US medical school this past November and will be attending RowanSOM. So for all the haters saying i couldnt do it and that DO schools dont take kindly to DCs and low mcats (24/498) would keep me from my dream lol watch me! To anyone who gave me kind words of advice thank you it was appreciated.

Step 1 is more cruel than the forum. Good luck op. Wish you well in the grind to come

 

[Deecee2DO]

Step 1 is more cruel than the forum. Good luck op. Wish you well in the grind to come

There will always be challenges. This isnt the end

 

[umgoblue2008]

This thread is now two years old, however, I wanted to say that I was just accepted to a US medical school this past November and will be attending RowanSOM. So for all the haters saying i couldnt do it and that DO schools dont take kindly to DCs and low mcats (24/498) would keep me from my dream lol watch me! To anyone who gave me kind words of advice thank you it was appreciated.

Congrats. To note, a 19 on the old MCAT is a ~20th percentile while 498 is a ~45th percentile. That's a good jump, and definitely a much more palatable score.

 

[de Ribas]

There will always be challenges. This isnt the end

it's just the beginning.

 

[radian313]

This thread is now two years old, however, I wanted to say that I was just accepted to a US medical school this past November and will be attending RowanSOM. So for all the haters saying i couldnt do it and that DO schools dont take kindly to DCs and low mcats (24/498) would keep me from my dream lol watch me! To anyone who gave me kind words of advice thank you it was appreciated.

I think you need to calm down and be a bit humble. I am very happy for you. Believe me. It shows you are dedicated. But part of becoming a good physician is being humble during your success. People on here mostly were looking out for you. Not telling you, you cant do it. Stats dont lie. Its hard to get into another professional program when you were already in one. Take solace in your achievement and be an example for others not as a point to win an argument.

Good luck.

 

[Deecee2DO]

I think you need to calm down and be a bit humble. I am very happy for you. Believe me. It shows you are dedicated. But part of becoming a good physician is being humble during your success. People on here mostly were looking out for you. Not telling you, you cant do it. Stats dont lie. Its hard to get into another professional program when you were already in one. Take solace in your achievement and be an example for others not as a point to win an argum

Good luck.

Not true. A lot of pessimism about how chiro is a joke and how my app wouldnt be taken well. Im quite humble im proving them wrong. I did give a shoutout to people that actualy helped me.

 

[radian313]

Relax

Yep. This. ^^^

Exactly my point. Inability to take criticism. Take it easy.

 

[de Ribas]

how chiro is a joke

like if it isn't.

 

[radian313]

Not true. A lot of pessimism about how chiro is a joke and how my app wouldnt be taken well. Im quite humble im proving them wrong. I did give a shoutout to people that actualy helped me.

"Im quite humble im proving them wrong".

As @Goro says it best, with time, folks eventually show themselves.

 

[Robin-jay]

If you can pull off a 24 you'll probably garner an admission if you apply to every school. But a 21 is not going to cut it. I'd also be wary of even going to medical school if you can't get at least a 24, as statistically you will have a seriously increased chance of failing out of medical school.

This thread is now two years old, however, I wanted to say that I was just accepted to a US medical school this past November and will be attending RowanSOM. So for all the haters saying i couldnt do it and that DO schools dont take kindly to DCs and low mcats (24/498) would keep me from my dream lol watch me! To anyone who gave me kind words of advice thank you it was appreciated.

Not true. A lot of pessimism about how chiro is a joke and how my app wouldnt be taken well. Im quite humble im proving them wrong. I did give a shoutout to people that actualy helped me.

It seems to me that the SDN posters in this thread were actually correct in their assessment of your situation. In fact, Mad Jack was 100% correct when he said you needed to retake the MCAT and earn a 24, which is what you actually did.

 

[Deecee2DO]

like if it isn't.

Youre just ignorant. Youve never been through chiro school, dont even know what a chiro curriculum looks like most likely. Have you ever actually been to an MSK based chiro that does rehab, gait diagnostics etc? probably not. DCs manipulate for the same reason DOs and PTs (theyre trying very hard to with the DPT) do and no we dont claim to cure asthma and URTIs with manipulation anymore. I would keep quiet about a profession you most likely know zero about. ive also stood up for you being pre-pod many times in the pod forums when people were trash talking pods saying they arent doctors. shame on you. Dont join the ignorance train and start bashing other professions when i know it bothers you when people bash yours and they dont have the knowledge to (youre going to be a podiatrist and i know you hate when people call pods fake doctors).

 

[de Ribas]

Youre just ignorant. Youve never been through chiro school, dont even know what a chiro curriculum looks like most likely. Have you ever actually been to an MSK based chiro that does rehab, gait diagnostics etc? probably not. DCs manipulate for the same reason DOs and PTs (theyre trying very hard to with the DPT) do and no we dont claim to cure asthma and URTIs with manipulation anymore. I would keep quiet about a profession you most likely know zero about. ive also stood up for you being pre-pod many times in the pod forums when people were trash talking pods saying they arent doctors. shame on you

I think you made a good choice going for DO. I definitely wouldn't trash that. I guess you had reasons going from DC to DO as many other DCs have. If DC is great field, most would not leave it.

I have only good impression about you going into DO field, which is great decision and hard work. But, I honestly do not think highly of DC. But it's true, I do not know much about that degree.

My sister went to RN program at local CC with a DC who has been in practice for years. There had to be something to make him go from being Chiropractic Doctor and having his office to becoming an RN.

 

[Deecee2DO]

I think you made a good choice going for DO. I definitely wouldn't trash that. I guess you had reasons going from DC to DO as many other DCs have. If DC is great field, most would not leave it.

I have only good impression about you going into DO field, which is great decision and hard work. But, I honestly do not think highly of DC. But it's true, I do not know much about that degree.

My sister went to RN program at local CC with a DC who has been in practice for years. There had to be something to make him go from being Chiropractic Doctor and having his office to becoming an RN.

I left the profession because not only do i feel limited in what i can do but i am way more interested in systemic disease than non-surgical ortho/msk. Chiro can be a great profession for those that enjoy it but i just didnt enjoy it and there are so many ignorant people that dont know our training and ability to treat non surgical MSK that its frustrating so frustrating i left. The quackery people associate with the profession also comes from old chiros who are on their way out advertising pseudoscience (I cant believe they preach this bs its disheartening they are ruining it for the profession). A lot of it all had to do with my limitations but as far as my training, the way DC curricula is set up today it is very rigorous and the first two years are nearly identical to DO and MD. MOST present day DC programs are evidence based and teach musculoskeletal medicine just like DO. times have changed. I would be very comfortable having any GOOD DC grad who graduated top in their class diagnosing any orthopedic or MSK complaint I had. Dont get me wrong there are some very ****ty chiros out there but every profession has bad apples, i think there are just more in chiro than other professions because its much easier to get into chiro school. However, not easy getting through. The bad apples most likely took them double or triple the time to get through schools barely hanging on by a thread because the schools love money haha (kind of like caribbean schools actually). If you would like to see a curriculum i can show you just for informative purposes, if not thats ok too.

 

[DO2015CA]

Not true. A lot of pessimism about how chiro is a joke and how my app wouldnt be taken well. Im quite humble im proving them wrong. I did give a shoutout to people that actualy helped me.

 

[DO2015CA]

Regardless congrats. It’s a long road but worth it.

Would be funny if you decided to specialize in OMM.

 

[Deecee2DO]

Comedian over here lol gotta laugh. I voted for Trump anyway

 

[Instatewaiter]

Pretty cocky for a re-applicant with a crap-tastic MCAT who hasn't even set foot in medical school

 

[de Ribas]

So, there was a world contest for most humble people. So, one person received a gold medal for being the most humble person in the world. But unfortunately, it was taken away very soon because he started showing it to others.

 

[DO_hopeful48]

Op, the physician I see was originally a DC, but took a path similar to yours, and DMU took very kindly to him due to his clinical experience. Keep your head up, it CAN be done

for reasons i dont have to explain referee, i have a family safenet. and the idea that DOs dont take kindly is completely false, the orthopedic surgeon i will be scrubbing up with next week is a DC as well and he tells me all the time how they loved that he was a DC when he applied and all the surgeons that he works with absolutelt LOVE DCs they love the referrals and really believe its an integral part of the medical team. its chiropractic btw not chiropracty

 

[de Ribas]

Op, the physician I see was originally a DC, but took a path similar to yours, and DMU took very kindly to him due to his clinical experience. Keep your head up, it CAN be done

obviously you didn't read the whole thread.

The orinal post was made 2 years ago. OP updated here that he is already accepted at Rowan.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

OP, I took the MCAT 5 times with no huge improvement from 2015 to 2017 (18, 487, 492, 500(unbalanced), 499(well-balanced). After graduating in 2015 with a Biology degree, I went back for a Chemistry degree (2016-2017) just so I wouldn't stay out school for too long. I honestly thought no Medical school in the US was going to accept me given how many times I had to take the MCAT to only score average. And I thought I was going to have to take the Caribbean route. But suprisingly, after applying to 35 schools (26 DOs, 8 MDs, and SGU in the Caribbean), I received a total of 10 interviews invites (8 DOs, and 1 MD, and SGU). Now, I'm very proud to say that I will be attending a DO school next year. This life is full of surprises my friend, and when all seem lost, keep your head high and fight for what you want. Giving up was never an option for me, and that's why I get to smile today. Also be humble like they told you before, and don't take anything for granted.

PS- I'm originally from Haiti, survived the 2010 earthquake there. And I've only been in the states for 6 years. cGPA and sGPA both were 3.7+, so my only problem was also the MCAT. I think English being my second language didn't help out either, but I look forward for more challenges in Medical school.

Good Luck OP.

Sent from my [device_name] using SDN mobile

 

[Deecee2DO]

OP, I took the MCAT 5 times with no huge improvement from 2015 to 2017 (18, 487, 492, 500(unbalanced), 499(well-balanced). After graduating in 2015 with a Biology degree, I went back for a Chemistry degree (2016-2017) just so I wouldn't stay out school for too long. I honestly thought no Medical school in the US was going to accept me given how many times I had to take the MCAT to only score average. And I thought I was going to have to take the Caribbean route. But suprisingly, after applying to 35 schools (26 DOs, 8 MDs, and SGU in the Caribbean), I received a total of 10 interviews invites (8 DOs, and 1 MD, and SGU). Now, I'm very proud to say that I will be attending a DO school next year. This life is full of surprises my friend, and when all seem lost, keep your head high and fight for what you want. Giving up was never an option for me, and that's why I get to smile today. Also be humble like they told you before, and don't take anything for granted.

PS- I'm originally from Haiti, survived the 2010 earthquake there. And I've only been in the states for 6 years. cGPA and sGPA both were 3.7+, so my only problem was also the MCAT. I think English being my second language didn't help out either, but I look forward for more challenges in Medical school.

Good Luck OP.

Sent from my [device_name] using SDN mobile

Congrats! Good luck to you! I wish you the best

 

[Osminog]

OP, I took the MCAT 5 times with no huge improvement from 2015 to 2017 (18, 487, 492, 500(unbalanced), 499(well-balanced). After graduating in 2015 with a Biology degree, I went back for a Chemistry degree (2016-2017) just so I wouldn't stay out school for too long. I honestly thought no Medical school in the US was going to accept me given how many times I had to take the MCAT to only score average. And I thought I was going to have to take the Caribbean route. But suprisingly, after applying to 35 schools (26 DOs, 8 MDs, and SGU in the Caribbean), I received a total of 10 interviews invites (8 DOs, and 1 MD, and SGU). Now, I'm very proud to say that I will be attending a DO school next year. This life is full of surprises my friend, and when all seem lost, keep your head high and fight for what you want. Giving up was never an option for me, and that's why I get to smile today. Also be humble like they told you before, and don't take anything for granted.

PS- I'm originally from Haiti, survived the 2010 earthquake there. And I've only been in the states for 6 years. cGPA and sGPA both were 3.7+, so my only problem was also the MCAT. I think English being my second language didn't help out either, but I look forward for more challenges in Medical school.

Good Luck OP.

Sent from my [device_name] using SDN mobile

The average MCAT for black URM matriculants at DO schools is 497, so you actually had very good shot at getting in. That's why you got so many interviews. 🙂

(I'm not saying that to take away from your accomplishment, by the way. I'm just putting things in perspective for those following this thread. I wish you nothing but the best, future doctor!)

 

[DO2015CA]

The average MCAT for black URM matriculants at DO schools is 497, so you actually had very good shot at getting in. That's why you got so many interviews. 🙂

(I'm not saying that to take away from your accomplishment, by the way. I'm just putting things in perspective for those following this thread. I wish you nothing but the best, future doctor!)

It’s not only that they are URM. Them being from Haiti and living through all that and still prospering plays a huge role. That’s my guess as to why they got the MD invite. Success story

 

[Deecee2DO]

OP, I took the MCAT 5 times with no huge improvement from 2015 to 2017 (18, 487, 492, 500(unbalanced), 499(well-balanced). After graduating in 2015 with a Biology degree, I went back for a Chemistry degree (2016-2017) just so I wouldn't stay out school for too long. I honestly thought no Medical school in the US was going to accept me given how many times I had to take the MCAT to only score average. And I thought I was going to have to take the Caribbean route. But suprisingly, after applying to 35 schools (26 DOs, 8 MDs, and SGU in the Caribbean), I received a total of 10 interviews invites (8 DOs, and 1 MD, and SGU). Now, I'm very proud to say that I will be attending a DO school next year. This life is full of surprises my friend, and when all seem lost, keep your head high and fight for what you want. Giving up was never an option for me, and that's why I get to smile today. Also be humble like they told you before, and don't take anything for granted.

PS- I'm originally from Haiti, survived the 2010 earthquake there. And I've only been in the states for 6 years. cGPA and sGPA both were 3.7+, so my only problem was also the MCAT. I think English being my second language didn't help out either, but I look forward for more challenges in Medical school.

Good Luck OP.

Sent from my [device_name] using SDN mobile

Truly a phenomenal story coming from Haiti and English as your second language. I love hearing things like this, really excited for you

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Wow thank you guys. I didn't know that. I guess that makes more sense to me now.

Sent from my [device_name] using SDN mobile

 

[Coltuna]

no we dont claim to cure asthma and URTIs with manipulation anymore.

It's funny you say this because my cousin who graduated from Palmer was literally just discussing (trying to convince me) of this at Christmas lol. Granted, she graduated 20+ years ago.

 

[Stagg737]

I think you made a good choice going for DO. I definitely wouldn't trash that. I guess you had reasons going from DC to DO as many other DCs have. If DC is great field, most would not leave it.

I have only good impression about you going into DO field, which is great decision and hard work. But, I honestly do not think highly of DC. But it's true, I do not know much about that degree.

My sister went to RN program at local CC with a DC who has been in practice for years. There had to be something to make him go from being Chiropractic Doctor and having his office to becoming an RN.

To the bolded, financial stability. Many private practices that aren't physicians struggle to stay afloat after paying for supplies and overhead, even physicians offices can struggle if not managed properly.

In my experiences, DCs vary a lot. I've met a few that are extremists and legit think subluxation will cure almost anything, some that are just trying to provide short-term pain relief and cash in on that, and a few who I think are legit and do a lot of PT referrals and attempt to counsel on lifestyle changes instead of using pseudoscience or just make money. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the claims in the field are built on weak evidence and there's far less utility than most will claim, but like many alternative medicines I think it does have it's place when practiced appropriately.

It's funny you say this because my cousin who graduated from Palmer was literally just discussing (trying to convince me) of this at Christmas lol. Granted, she graduated 20+ years ago.

Yea, they still exist. One of my college friends graduated from a DC school within the past 3 years and was trying to convince me she could treat her mom's HTN and hyperlipidemia through subluxation and that she wouldn't need to take any prescription meds if she saw a chiropractor regularly.

 

[Tozanzibarbymotorcar]

Hello,
I am a current 3rd year DC student with another full year of school ahead to complete my 4 years of Chiropractic school. I will be applying to DO schools this summer. I plan on starting DO school next fall after graduating as a DC. I received a 2.4 cGPA with BA in sociology from providence college. then i did a post-bacc premed and received a 3.9 cGPA and science GPA. chiropractic school cGPA=3.7 balancing a 105 credit hour/yr curriculum (9 classes per trimester at once), a second BS in human biology with a 3.67 GPA. MCAT=extremely poor (19). ECs=working at a gym part-time, certified tutor in physiology/biochemistry/microbiology/physical diagnosis/radiology to help give back my knowledge to the community and help students succeed and fulfill their dream to becoming a doctor (also reflects my interest in teaching-would like to teach part-time as a physician to med students) currently shadowing a DO in family medicine hoping to get at least 20 hours in before applying this june, all the while being a student intern in chiropractic school treating and managing patients all day while balancing 35 credit hrs at once. was selected 1 of 5 students at my school through a rigorous and competitive application process to be chosen for a week long internship with some of the world's premier sports medicine MDs, DOs and DCs at the world games in Italy this summer treating some of the worlds best athletes in their sport. What else should i do to enhance my chances of acceptance? do you think i have a shot at at least some low tier DO schools if i can rock my interview and write a great statement with outstanding reccs? My low MCAT score is reflective of my current status as a full time DC student who struggles with math and has been removed from the material for a while, i am just trying to get exposed to as much clinical knowledge as possible and continue to excel in science which is projected in my academic performance because i mean lets be serious the clinical and science knowledge carry significantly more weight in preparing me to be a competent physician not physics and orgo and i hope the admissions committee realizes that

Hey @Deecee2DO CONGRATS! There are a lot of people on here who have no idea what they are talking about so I always take responses with a grain of salt. DO schools have been known to accept people with 24 MCAT and good stats otherwise so I'm not sure where people were getting their numbers. Plus, ROWAN is a great school! Would you mind sharing how you improved your MCAT? I'm sure others would be happy to have some advice on that.

 

[DO2015CA]

Hey @Deecee2DO CONGRATS! There are a lot of people on here who have no idea what they are talking about so I always take responses with a grain of salt. DO schools have been known to accept people with 24 MCAT and good stats otherwise so I'm not sure where people were getting their numbers. Plus, ROWAN is a great school! Would you mind sharing how you improved your MCAT? I'm sure others would be happy to have some advice on that.

No one said that to him when he got the 24. People said that when he originally had a 19

 

[Tozanzibarbymotorcar]

No one said that to him when he got the 24. People said that when he originally had a 19

I read the earlier posts - people were telling the OP that he needed a 27+ or in the neighborhood. That is just not true - not with DO schools. You can get a 24 on the old scale and still be competitive with a higher GPA. Maybe we should just be happy for the OP and move on.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

I read the earlier posts - people were telling the OP that he needed a 27+ or in the neighborhood. That is just not true - not with DO schools. You can get a 24 on the old scale and still be competitive with a higher GPA. Maybe we should just be happy for the OP and move on.

Actually 24 is on the borderline, but I think they told him to score around 27 just to be safe considering he had a 19 at first.

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[radian313]

Seriously why is this thread still active? The guy got in. Lets just be happy for him and move on with our lives.

Its 2018 folks, maybe this is the time we need to implement that “new year, new me” crap.

Seriously, great job OP. Wish you the best.