Do DO schools *really* reward reinvention?

[femmegoblue]

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Hey all,

I am currently in an SMP-like program at Wayne State Med School. Wayne, and all the in-state med schools, seem to regard this program favorably. However, I plan on applying DO in the 2016 cycle, and I was wondering if DO schools truly do reward reinvention.

I graduated from Michigan with a 3.1 and currently have a 502 MCAT (retake coming May 6th 2016). I have a 4.0 in my program currently, and will have 20 new Master's credits when I apply in June (hopefully keeping up my current GPA!)

Are there DO schools that reward reinvention more than others? Of course my first choice is MSUCOM but I would go mostly anywhere.

 

[ChrisMack390]

Bring up that MCAT a bit and you will be fine.

Bring it up a lot and you can think about MD if you are so inclined (and have ECs to match).

 

[MedicaMagus]

Yes. I know people who have been in a similar situation to yours and have gained DO acceptances. Keep doing what you're doing and you should be good to go.

 

[Goro]

ALL DO schools reward reinvention. But some are more competitive than others. Your 502 MCAT score will hurt at schools like CCOM, AZCOM, the coastal Touros and KCU. If you can get to ~508+, you'll be in much better shape. Keep rocking the MS program and you'll get plenty of love next cycle.

Hey all,

I am currently in an SMP-like program at Wayne State Med School. Wayne, and all the in-state med schools, seem to regard this program favorably. However, I plan on applying DO in the 2016 cycle, and I was wondering if DO schools truly do reward reinvention.

I graduated from Michigan with a 3.1 and currently have a 502 MCAT (retake coming May 6th 2016). I have a 4.0 in my program currently, and will have 20 new Master's credits when I apply in June (hopefully keeping up my current GPA!)

Are there DO schools that reward reinvention more than others? Of course my first choice is MSUCOM but I would go mostly anywhere.

 

[femmegoblue]

Thanks for the support, y'all!

@ChrisMack390 I do believe I have MD level EC's and a very strong, unique perspective that seems to align with a lot of the current shifts in med school to a holisitic curriculum and admissions process. I have found the major schools that reward reinvention, but do you have any off the top of your head that are good for a midwestern girl?

 

[ChrisMack390]

That's more Goro's jurisdiction, though with a 4.0 in an SMP and a 510+ I'd think you can apply pretty broadly and to a few upper-mid type of places.

I suggest focusing on the MCAT now and then posting a WAMC thread when you have a result.

 

[cafeverona]

I honestly think your MCAT will give you a lot of interviews--isn't a 502 a 27? That's really not that low, and if you go to the 27-29 thread, you'll see a lot of people with acceptances at MD schools, too. My MCAT score is lower and I was accepted at KCU--there is more to your application than your scores!

 

[edgerock24]

OP's MCAT isn't really a problem for most DO programs (exclude AZCOM, CCOM, Touro-CA/NY).

 

[Goro]

I forgot to mention in my first post that acing a SMP and MCAT does buy love from MD schools that reward reinvention, like Case, Duke, BU, Albany, Columbia, and others.

I honestly think your MCAT will give you a lot of interviews--isn't a 502 a 27? That's really not that low, and if you go to the 27-29 thread, you'll see a lot of people with acceptances at MD schools, too. My MCAT score is lower and I was accepted at KCU--there is more to your application than your scores!

I think it's in striking distance for all. I haven't heard this cycle is AZCOM is still going forward with their foolish "29 or better" attitude.

OP's MCAT isn't really a problem for most DO programs (exclude AZCOM, CCOM, Touro-CA/NY).

 

[Mad Jack]

Yes. You'll be fine.

 

[edgerock24]

I forgot to mention in my first post that acing a SMP and MCAT does buy love from MD schools that reward reinvention, like Case, Duke, BU, Albany, Columbia, and others.




I think it's in striking distance for all. I haven't heard this cycle is AZCOM is still going forward with their foolish "29 or better" attitude.

That's good to hear. I mean, I understand if schools would not like to take in too many students with ~24 MCAT scores. However, if someone has a 26 with solid GPA's and/or good SMP performance and/or a significant upward trend, there's no reason why they shouldn't be interviewed.

 

[DrMikeP]

Instead of using the word reinvention, I've found more that they reward hard work that demonstrates the ability to succeed in med school. That may be earlier or later in academics/life/dedication but they want to see the hard work and DO schools don't seem as quick to punish you for being a nontraditional. I made it in with a 501 MCAT and 3.44 sgpa (after retaking some sciences) with also demonstrating in many other life areas that I would make a good fit.

Just make sure you also have other aspects to your application filled in, such as work/volunteerism in the medical setting and strong letters from DO's/MD's and you should be fine.