Didn't complete DO apps last year, will that hurt me?

[dohgrl76]

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Last cycle I applied to about 11-12 MD schools and no DO schools, and I applied pretty late (october-november). I realize how many things I did wrong just with timing and picking schools. I started to apply to DO schools last year, and I filled out and submitted the primary, but I didn't complete any of the secondaries. I was pretty happy with my year off situation, and felt that I would rather take another year off and reapply before trying DO. Well it's come to that time to start reapplying, and I'm wondering if the fact that I began the DO app but didn't finish it will look bad when I try to apply DO this year. I was thinking I could pitch it as getting a great opportunity in my research lab if I stayed an extra year, which is basically the case anyway, but I dont know if there will be a place to explain that before an interview. Thanks for any info and suggestions!

 

[dragonfly99]

I think there's a good chance that a lot of the schools won't even realize that you started to apply last year, though I'm really not sure.
Even if they do, the explanation you proposed above should be sufficient.
It would be a different situation if you had applied, interviewed, and then withdrawn your application or something.

 

[slick27]

don't mark the previous application part of the application. If you do, then they might have some red flags.

 

[dohgrl76]

don't mark the previous application part of the application. If you do, then they might have some red flags.

in the primary? will that come back to haunt me at all, if they figure out I started to apply?

 

[slick27]

in the primary? will that come back to haunt me at all, if they figure out I started to apply?

I was waitlist at a DO school. Didn't get in off the waitlist. I reapplied and they started the interview by drilling me on why I reapplied. I was kind of taken back at first. Then, I mentioned I was waitlisted and they backed off, but I think they had all these questions about why I didn't attend last year. Didn't leave me the best impression of the school, but I will still be attending.

 

[dohgrl76]

I was waitlist at a DO school. Didn't get in off the waitlist. I reapplied and they started the interview by drilling me on why I reapplied. I was kind of taken back at first. Then, I mentioned I was waitlisted and they backed off, but I think they had all these questions about why I didn't attend last year. Didn't leave me the best impression of the school, but I will still be attending.

uh oh, that doesn't sound very good. So I should probably be prepared to respond to questions like that right off the bat. I am familiar with the DO philosophy, and I actually like it, but I'm not that familiar with the DO schools themselves. Is there an MSAR equivalent for DO schools? When I was considering applying last year I was really just picking based on location, not average stats or mission statements or the curriculum. Can I also ask how you improved your application between cycles?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[slick27]

I retook the mcat improved from 28 to 29, got EMT-B, CNA, strating volunteering on my firedepartment as an EMT, and starting working full time in a nursing home as a cna. I also got a DO letter of rec.

 

[prittypistol]

I am so glad you posted this as I am in the exact same situation. I did not get in to any allopathic schools, and at the last minute filled out the primary for DO. I have only been living in chicago for the past year and a few months ago i was not ready to leave (hah- overconfident that I could get in to DO). I never filled out any secondary apps or told the schools I wasnt going to finish the application procedure.

What have YOU done to improve your application?

I dont think mine is looking that good in terms of that- i started volunteering at Comer childrens hospital but havent been in forever since ive been working full time now...

I also applied to loyola and barry university masters program that supposedly helps you get in to med school.
(only because i am super lazy and do not want to retak the mcat no matter what- even though i prob shouldve (10,10,7)

What are you giong to do?

reuse essays? have u gotten in touch with any schools yet who turned you down?

 

[slick27]

What's you gpa? if it is high, retake mcat and get an 8 in the section you got a 7 in. apply early to mcw and you'll have a good shot at getting in. they take best numbers.

 

[dohgrl76]

Hey Prittypistol, I sent you a PM. But I forgot to answer one question; I will not be reusing my essays for the personal statement, the work/activities section or the secondaries. I think these actually hurt me last time, and I'm spending a lot more time on them and looking over the SDN tips for entering work/activities.

 

[prittypistol]

What's you gpa? if it is high, retake mcat and get an 8 in the section you got a 7 in. apply early to mcw and you'll have a good shot at getting in. they take best numbers.

My gpa is 3.5/3.6

what is mcw?

 

[slick27]

medical college of wisconsin. they take best numbers on the mcat and value good gpa's.