DO for Canadians: 2011-2012

[BDancerDoc]

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I don't understand LECOM - they rushed to give me a secondary and my app has been under review ever since! It still shows under review, even though I'm sure the app cycle is complete.

I liked the ISP 3 year PCP - because I already have a DDS and this would expedite the process into a primary care residency.

However, I really liked Touro NY and AZCOM and will go to either of them if I get in of the waitlist. If not, I'm working and reapplying.

You should have gotten a mailed letter from LECOM. I don't think online is updated unless you get an interview. LECOM-B sent me a rejection while online still showed that they're reviewing. I just don't think LECOM is international friendly, it has nothing to do with your credentials. If you were a US applicant, they'd have taken you in a heartbeat! --> 😍

I'm dropping my AZCOM acceptance as soon as I have everything aligned at CCOM. If I could transfer it to you, or any of the other Canadians on here, I definitely would. Write a LOI and keep them updated, it really helps! Good luck and keep your spirits high! 👍

 

[drgioiadds]

You should have gotten a mailed letter from LECOM. I don't think online is updated unless you get an interview. LECOM-B sent me a rejection while online still showed that they're reviewing. I just don't think LECOM is international friendly, it has nothing to do with your credentials. If you were a US applicant, they'd have taken you in a heartbeat! --> 😍

I'm dropping my AZCOM acceptance as soon as I have everything aligned at CCOM. If I could transfer it to you, or any of the other Canadians on here, I definitely would. Write a LOI and keep them updated, it really helps! Good luck and keep your spirits high! 👍

Thanks, I just updated my CV with and sent it indicating I had taken a Dental CE course that I think is relevant to medicine. Also, included OR assisting and procedures that I had not indicated previously. I had sent a LOI prior to being interviewed.

 

[BDancerDoc]

Hey guys, I thought i'd introduce myself here.
I'm from Toronto and applying early this year. I was rejected last yr at MD schools and was too depressed to even want to apply to DO school.
My mcat is 10PS 10BS 6VR and Q. I am planning to rewrite mcat in Aug due to my low VR score. My gpa is 3.34 with a downward trend 🙁 I a near 4.0 student in the beginning but life kinda slapped me in the face during my last year.
However, I am applying early so I will be using my old mcat scores...do you think schools will consider me for early admission but still reconsider me after my improved mcat scores?
I'm also having hard time finding a DO physician to shadow.
Any response and help will be appreciated.
Thx!

Your overall GPA is a bit on the low end but I think if you have other activities/leadership, it can make up for it. The downward trend is something that might worry admissions. If you are able to take some courses, or even do a masters, and improve your GPA, that'd be excellent. However, admissions only see the # in the beginning and may not notice the trend, if so then I think you'll be OK (if you have other credentials to make up for it).

Like thumbz mentioned earlier, having a high MCAT score will really help (and it'll offset your GPA too). Your current MCAT is in the DO ave so it's good, but your VR is a bit low. Nevertheless, if you look on SDN, many people have gotten in with a 6 VR. You can indicate on your application that you have an incoming MCAT. I don't know how others feel about this but I'd hold off the final submission of your application until the MCAT score is released because if they look at your and decide on rejection all together (as opposed to a hold, which then they will review later & reconsider) then it's game over for that school in this cycle.

 

[BDancerDoc]

Thanks, I just updated my CV with and sent it indicating I had taken a Dental CE course that I think is relevant to medicine. Also, included OR assisting and procedures that I had not indicated previously. I had sent a LOI prior to being interviewed.

Excellent!

P.S. Sending another LOI reminding them how much you like it there, and making it personal, could never hurt. 😉

Have you considered doing a oral surgery residency? (I'm not sure if that's what they're called but I know of a dentist that's trying to get into something like that). I heard the salary is 300+K and it'd be a residency as opposed to 4 yrs of school + many more years of residency.

 

[drctother]

I think it would be nice to get one of us to write the pathway from a Canadian student to becoming a DO. Including what to do during each year of med school. For example, COMLEX I must be taken during Year 2 of med school.

On another matter, what's your guys' thoughts on reference letter: I know an MD for 6 years and I will be a shadowing a DO in Victoria, BC whom I barely knew. Our first meeting would likely be the only one and I have to request if he would be willing to write me one.

Lastly, I am not too familiar at all with the US geography. I am an immigrant in Canada and it seems that if I ever get accepted to DO schools, then I would have to yet move again. I did my basic research of some of the schools I am planning to apply to and I'd like some comments.

1>. Western U --> like this one, warmer climate, expensive
2>. Kirskville (ATSU) --> any difference between Missouri and Arizona campus? Arizona seems to be super warm due to deserts. How warm is Arizona?
3>. ACOM at Midwestern U --> expensive, warmer climate
4>. CCOM at Midwestern U --> expensive, cold climate (probably not applying). Do they get a lot of snow in Chicago?
5>. NSU or NOVA --> can't apply. I don't think I have any liberal arts professor that knew me that can write a letter. My undergrad education was about 15 years ago.
6>. PCOM --> seems like lots of snow. Does Pennsylvania get lots of snow?
7>. Touro --> will only apply to California. I like the quieter, suburban setting for school.
8>. Unecom --> seems like tons of snow and expensive.
9>. VCOM --> a bit cheaper than others. How is the weather in Virginia? They need lots of letters though.
10>. LECOM --> only the Lake Erie
11>. Michigan State --> how cold is Michigan? snow?

Are you going to shadow Dr Church? I shadowed him and he was really nice and definitely reinforced my reasons for going DO

As for LECOM....F*CK Lecom. Seriously. Im still pending review of my PRIMARY at LECOM-Erie (I applied back in AUGUST) and LECOM-B took my money after promising they accepted Canadians, than sent me a rejection later saying they dont accept international students.

VCOM put me on hold (so maybe they accept Canadians) and I havent heard anything since like October or September from them.

Michigan gets ALOT of snow but tuition is really expensive. People on here claim tuition is cheaper for Canadians but I am yet to believe it as the only source is the osteopathic.ca website, and someone on here said they contacted MSU about it....and MSU said it wasn't true?😕

Touro-CA doesnt accept Canadians (unless they changed it for this app cycle)

 

[drgioiadds]

I talked to someone from MSU - Canadians get a $20,000 discount from the OOS tuition - its still 50 grand.

 

[UBCvan]

I talked to someone from MSU - Canadians get a $20,000 discount from the OOS tuition - its still 50 grand.

A source told me that accepted Candians at MSU will have to go to the other campus. I dont know which campus he was referring to. but don't expect to go to Michigan. confirm anyone?

 

[BDancerDoc]

My comments in blue.

Just throwing this out there: Wikipedia is very knowledgeable on the various cities in North America, including their weather. When in doubt, Google knows everything.

1>. Western U --> like this one, warmer climate, expensive All private schools are fairly expensive, I think it's something you'll have to get use to now or else you'll never end up going there. But I think it's worth it for your dream job. 🙂
2>. Kirskville (ATSU) --> any difference between Missouri and Arizona campus? Arizona seems to be super warm due to deserts. How warm is Arizona? From what I've heard, it's really really warm, like living in an oven. If you see yourself relating well to Pillsbury Dough boy, I'm sure you'll be fine.
3>. ACOM at Midwestern U --> expensive, warmer climate It's the desert, I'd think SUPER HOT is more appropriate of an adjective
4>. CCOM at Midwestern U --> expensive, cold climate (probably not applying). Do they get a lot of snow in Chicago? Chicago is about the same latitude as southern Ontario, so yes to a lot of snow and it being cold. But we're from Canada (last time I checked) and I think we've all successfully survived winters. I'd not withholding from applying just because they get a little bit of snow considering that Chicago has many great opportunities and they're Canadian friendly.
...
11>. Michigan State --> how cold is Michigan? snow? Think Windsor Ontario.

 

[UBCvan]

does NSU still accept Canadians like last year? cause i remeber someone last year said that he was accepted to NSU but he was one of the last canadians being accpeted since they no longer accept them.

 

[drgioiadds]

A source told me that accepted Candians at MSU will have to go to the other campus. I dont know which campus he was referring to. but don't expect to go to Michigan. confirm anyone?

Its probably the Detroit Campus - which borders Windsor. You could live in Canada and cross the border every day. They are accepting a lot of canadians every year for the next few years (20).

 

[spoudaios]

For drctother:
Yes, I am going to shadow Dr. Church this coming Friday. He is so super nice on the phone though. I was working and travelling to different nursing homes for 2 days in a row and couldn't answer when he called. He still called me and left a message to call him back. I wish all doctors are like that. How do you know Dr. Church? I would like to request him for a letter. I am not sure if he would be willing to do that. Did you request one from him?

To BDancerDoc:
Thanks for the weather report. I've never lived in the Eastern part of Canada. I've only lived in Vancouver and Victoria. But then I came from South East Asia 15 years ago. I think I can handle the heat. But then, is Arizona humid or dry? I'd prefer the heat over the snow. People in the West coast dread snow.

To drgioiadds:
Why the switch from dentistry to DO? Dentistry is a superb profession.

It seems that LECOM does seem to be averse to Canadian applicants. I will remove this school from my list.

Touro-CA does not accept Canadians? Grrr... Only the New York one then accepts Canadian?

For those who've got accepted, how much of the accepted applicants are over 30? I will be 33 this year 🙁 Feeling very ooold.

For those who've got in, how is the interview vs. MMI ? Is it more stressful? Did they ask difficult questions?

I check DMU and they require genetics course. I don't have this and therefore, ineligible to apply.

 

[drgioiadds]

My comments in blue.

Just throwing this out there: Wikipedia is very knowledgeable on the various cities in North America, including their weather. When in doubt, Google knows everything.

Windsor gets little snow in the Winter! My sister and brother in law live there. I'm there pretty frequent.

 

[UBCvan]

For drctother:
Yes, I am going to shadow Dr. Church this coming Friday. He is so super nice on the phone though. I was working and travelling to different nursing homes for 2 days in a row and couldn't answer when he called. He still called me and left a message to call him back. I wish all doctors are like that. How do you know Dr. Church? I would like to request him for a letter. I am not sure if he would be willing to do that. Did you request one from him?

I also shadowed him couple weeks ago (thanks to drctother). He will offer you the LOR at the end of the day. so don't worry about it.

 

[drctother]

spoudaios:

I shadowed Dr Church and got a letter from him. You will have so much fun shadowing him, I wish I could do it again. Honestly such a friendly man and he does such a great job at introducing you to his patients as well as explaining each case

As for your age, dont worry about it. I dont think any Canadians on Student Doctor Network are over 30, but the average age of accepted students is slowly increasing. Most schools have average ages of 24-27 now. It used to be about 23. Im pretty sure admissions panels are starting to realize that real life experience is incredibly valuable for med students because they have a more well rounded view on things. If anything, your age is an advantage for admission in my opinion. I mean think about the average patient coming to their family doctor(lets say 45 yrs old ), do you think they would relate more to someone closer to their age or some young 21 year old who flew through university? I know I would 100% put more confidence in someone your age than my own age (23) to take care of me or my family.

Regarding interviews, I had two interviews and both were a panel (not MMI). The first was stressful since I had never interviewed for med school before, but I had my second interview two days later so I was fresh in interview mode. The questions are necessarily hard, but you have to be able to give compassionate answers that convince them you are ready for medical school

 

[beatenupcase]

How to ask a doctor to shadow? Many doctors are not open to shadowing. There is only one DO around my place, and that is already 50km away from where I live. I'm scared to ask her.

 

[thegame11]

does NSU still accept Canadians like last year? cause i remeber someone last year said that he was accepted to NSU but he was one of the last canadians being accpeted since they no longer accept them.

Yes, I am pretty sure they do. In the past, they have been very Canadian friendly.

 

[UBCvan]

How to ask a doctor to shadow? Many doctors are not open to shadowing. There is only one DO around my place, and that is already 50km away from where I live. I'm scared to ask her.

I wrote a letter and mailed it to the doctor. I left my email and phone number in the letter.

 

[Muffles]

""For those who've got accepted, how much of the accepted applicants are over 30? I will be 33 this year 🙁 Feeling very ooold.""

Spoudaios - fwiw:

I'm from Toronto and will be starting at KCUMB in August. I'm 45 chronologically but don't feel like it.

 

[Kliffmeister]

I'm from TO and I am 28....close to 30. I didn't get in, but hopefully I will.

Btw, is there any Canadian DO grads here? If there are, how difficult is it to get your 1st pick residency position? For example, I am interested in either ER, general surgery or neurology...Wanted to know if it's harder to get into the residency program being a DO and Canadian.

""For those who've got accepted, how much of the accepted applicants are over 30? I will be 33 this year 🙁 Feeling very ooold.""

Spoudaios - fwiw:

I'm from Toronto and will be starting at KCUMB in August. I'm 45 chronologically but don't feel like it.

 

[thegame11]

I'm from TO and I am 28....close to 30. I didn't get in, but hopefully I will.

Btw, is there any Canadian DO grads here? If there are, how difficult is it to get your 1st pick residency position? For example, I am interested in either ER, general surgery or neurology...Wanted to know if it's harder to get into the residency program being a DO and Canadian.

ER is very much possible as a DO grad. I am not sure about the other two.

 

[Kliffmeister]

I started filling out my application and there's this "Other Documents" section.
What should I upload there? Would a resume or CV work? Or documents that support the exCurricular?
Thx!

 

[drgioiadds]

I contacted VCOM and asked about their policy on international students - I guess they take them, but its very unlikely:

We are pleased to learn of your interest in the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I provided answers to your questions below.

VCOM is eligible to issue qualified students the Form I-20 which is needed to apply for an F-1 Visa. Students must be accepted to VCOM first (see our website for application procedure). If accepted, you will be given further instructions to apply for the Form I-20 which includes submitting proof of sufficient funding for tuition and living expenses for four years during your duration at our medical college among other items. You will be unable to work during school and are not eligible for U. S. Financial Aid.

Be advised, if you completed any coursework at a foreign institution, you may be required to complete a WES evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to translate your foreign coursework into U. S. equivalent courses.

Please refer to the portion of our College Catalog pertaining to the Mission and Objectives of our College. The Mission of our college is to prepare osteopathic primary care physicians to serve the rural and medically underserved areas of the Commonwealth of Virginia, North Carolina, and the Appalachian region and to provide scientific research that will improve the health of all humans. With our mission in mind, we actively recruit applicants from the Appalachian region with the goal of returning them to their hometown to practice. Therefore, we have not accepted many international students and it is a rare occurrence.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind Regards,
Julianne Smartt

 

[drgioiadds]

For drctother:
Yes, I am going to shadow Dr. Church this coming Friday. He is so super nice on the phone though. I was working and travelling to different nursing homes for 2 days in a row and couldn't answer when he called. He still called me and left a message to call him back. I wish all doctors are like that. How do you know Dr. Church? I would like to request him for a letter. I am not sure if he would be willing to do that. Did you request one from him?

To BDancerDoc:
Thanks for the weather report. I've never lived in the Eastern part of Canada. I've only lived in Vancouver and Victoria. But then I came from South East Asia 15 years ago. I think I can handle the heat. But then, is Arizona humid or dry? I'd prefer the heat over the snow. People in the West coast dread snow.

To drgioiadds:
Why the switch from dentistry to DO? Dentistry is a superb profession.

It seems that LECOM does seem to be averse to Canadian applicants. I will remove this school from my list.

Touro-CA does not accept Canadians? Grrr... Only the New York one then accepts Canadian?

For those who've got accepted, how much of the accepted applicants are over 30? I will be 33 this year 🙁 Feeling very ooold.

For those who've got in, how is the interview vs. MMI ? Is it more stressful? Did they ask difficult questions?

I check DMU and they require genetics course. I don't have this and therefore, ineligible to apply.

I'm 35 - actually I got asked about this in my interview at one place. I don't even think it was a legal question but I think I responded well. I am primarily interested in helping people achieve optimal health through diet and exercise. The DO I shadowed runs walk in weightloss clinics in the US and practices family medicine. The scope of practice as a DO is much greater than a DDS.

 

[toulany99]

Hi all!

I'm a 24 year old graduate of Dalhousie University. I graduated in '08 with a BSc in microbiology, and returned in 08-09 to take some pre-reqs for grad schools. I finished with a 3.75 sGPA and a 3.81 total GPA. Since then I have veered off of the academic track and have been involved in managing and operating some of the family businesses.

1) I have yet to take organic chem 2, but plan on taking it during the winter term of 2012 (as long as the Mayans were wrong LOL). Is it a problem to apply to the AACOMAS now without first taking organic 2? Will I still be offered interviews and acceptance pending completion of organic 2, or will my application be put on hold untill it is completed?

2) I plan on writing my MCAT this summer, but am not sure when would be ideal. Is July too late? Would June be much better? Should I submit my primary and list that I plan on taking the MCAT this summer or wait untill my scores are released?

3) Due to my location, it is not possible for me to shadow a DO, can anyone tell me what schools a Canadian can apply to without a DO LOR?

4) I have plenty of extracurricular/volunteer experience, but not much of it is health related. I did 100 hours of shadowing various medical professionals at a military hospital back in 2004, and over 100 hours in 2007. I was also a TA who ran a 2nd year microbiology lab during 2007/2008. Since then I have been working full time in managerial positions. Do I need more health related volunteer experience since a lot of mine was in the past?

Thanks in advance guys, I really look forward to contributing to this thread! 😛

 

[Kliffmeister]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if any of you are worried about going the DO route due to the economic crisis US is experiencing right now. I'm actually having a second thought.
Also, is there anyone who went to DO but did their clinical in Canada? I was hoping that I could do my clinical in canada to have a better chance at getting into residency in canada....
Cheers and good luck to us all

 

[UBCvan]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if any of you are worried about going the DO route due to the economic crisis US is experiencing right now. I'm actually having a second thought.
Also, is there anyone who went to DO but did their clinical in Canada? I was hoping that I could do my clinical in canada to have a better chance at getting into residency in canada....
Cheers and good luck to us all

I don't think the DO route is any different than the MD route. If the crisis is gonna affect the profession it will affect both routes equally. I think you must do your third year rotation in the states, but I believe you can do your 4th year in Canada. cause 4th year is electives, and you can do electives anywhere you want. the DO I shadowed confirmed this.

 

[drctother]

I don't think the DO route is any different than the MD route. If the crisis is gonna affect the profession it will affect both routes equally. I think you must do your third year rotation in the states, but I believe you can do your 4th year in Canada. cause 4th year is electives, and you can do electives anywhere you want. the DO I shadowed confirmed this.

I think that only applies to certain schools (ie I know my school Western does that). Could be wrong though

I just though residency is fine in Canada and practicing

 

[UBCvan]

I think that only applies to certain schools (ie I know my school Western does that). Could be wrong though

I just though residency is fine in Canada and practicing

well I think what you're referring to is "international rotations at western" which I thought means you're allowed to do your 3rd year rotations in Canada. I always thought you can do 4th year anywhere you wish.

maybe we can go back to Canada for any electives regardless of the school???

 

[drctother]

well I think what you're referring to is "international rotations at western" which I thought means you're allowed to do your 3rd year rotations in Canada. I always thought you can do 4th year anywhere you wish.

maybe we can go back to Canada for any electives regardless of the school???

I just checked the book I received at interview time and you are right, the "international rotations" im thinking of refers to 3rd year

Now im confused about the 4th year rotations😕

 

[UBCvan]

I just checked the book I received at interview time and you are right, the "international rotations" im thinking of refers to 3rd year

Now im confused about the 4th year rotations😕

cause you know, it is the 3rd year rotations that you have to go to whatever hospital your school tells you (in your case western has a list of canadian hospitals for 3rd year rotation).

but 4th year you're always free to do whatever you want to (now I'm not 100% on this, is it just the electives of 4th year, or the whole 4th year?).

 

[drctother]

cause you know, it is the 3rd year rotations that you have to go to whatever hospital your school tells you (in your case western has a list of canadian hospitals for 3rd year rotation).

but 4th year you're always free to do whatever you want to (now I'm not 100% on this, is it just the electives of 4th year, or the whole 4th year?).

For Western 4th year:

1 core: Emergency (4 weeks)
1 selective: sub-Internship Medicine (4 weeks)
1 selective: Sub-internship Surgery (4 weeks)
7 Electives (4 weeks each)

I have noooo idea what the restrictions are🙁

 

[UBCvan]

For Western 4th year:

1 core: Emergency (4 weeks)
1 selective: sub-Internship Medicine (4 weeks)
1 selective: Sub-internship Surgery (4 weeks)
7 Electives (4 weeks each)

I have noooo idea what the restrictions are🙁

either way, I'm not even sure of doing an allopathic residency, cause AOA residencies give you more opportunities to get into a tough specialty. And by that time Canada will probably accept AOA residencies.

 

[medapp88]

I just checked the book I received at interview time and you are right, the "international rotations" im thinking of refers to 3rd year

Now im confused about the 4th year rotations😕

I think international rotations are for fourth year. I asked them during the interview and they said that you can do up to 3 international rotations during your fourth year.

cause you know, it is the 3rd year rotations that you have to go to whatever hospital your school tells you (in your case western has a list of canadian hospitals for 3rd year rotation).

but 4th year you're always free to do whatever you want to (now I'm not 100% on this, is it just the electives of 4th year, or the whole 4th year?).

I am pretty sure we can't do rotation in Canada during third year. A school has bunch of rotations sites for 3rd year and each student picks their top choices and then there is usually a draw. As far as I have heard, most students get their top choices. Most of the 3rd year rotations are in CA.

 

[medapp88]

Hi all!

I'm a 24 year old graduate of Dalhousie University. I graduated in '08 with a BSc in microbiology, and returned in 08-09 to take some pre-reqs for grad schools. I finished with a 3.75 sGPA and a 3.81 total GPA. Since then I have veered off of the academic track and have been involved in managing and operating some of the family businesses.

1) I have yet to take organic chem 2, but plan on taking it during the winter term of 2012 (as long as the Mayans were wrong LOL). Is it a problem to apply to the AACOMAS now without first taking organic 2? Will I still be offered interviews and acceptance pending completion of organic 2, or will my application be put on hold untill it is completed?

2) I plan on writing my MCAT this summer, but am not sure when would be ideal. Is July too late? Would June be much better? Should I submit my primary and list that I plan on taking the MCAT this summer or wait untill my scores are released?

3) Due to my location, it is not possible for me to shadow a DO, can anyone tell me what schools a Canadian can apply to without a DO LOR?

4) I have plenty of extracurricular/volunteer experience, but not much of it is health related. I did 100 hours of shadowing various medical professionals at a military hospital back in 2004, and over 100 hours in 2007. I was also a TA who ran a 2nd year microbiology lab during 2007/2008. Since then I have been working full time in managerial positions. Do I need more health related volunteer experience since a lot of mine was in the past?

Thanks in advance guys, I really look forward to contributing to this thread! 😛

1)- I would not recommend taking orgo in winter term. It's better to finish in fall term by latest. Noone can be sure that you won't be put on hold without the prereqs. It certainly helps if you have completed all your pre reqs. Also, you will have to send a transcript to AACOMAS which shows your orgo 2 registration in winter term.

2) July is not too late. the goal should be to get as high score as possible. A good mcat score goes a long way in the application.

3)- This one is tricky. A letter from a DO would really help but if you can't get a letter - you should call the admissions and explain your location/situation. They may accept MD letter. you will need a letter from an MD though.

4)-It looks like you got good amount of diverse experiences. If you have time to get involved in something, it may help you in case you are ever placed on hold or waitlist. good luck!

 

[Kliffmeister]

I can help with the 3rd point. Go to AACOMAS website and download their DO handout. Each school lists what supplementary documents you will need.
Schools like A.T. Still don't require DO if you have an employer's LOR...nor do Des Moines, Nova require DO LOR.....however, it really helps if you have LOR from a DO.
For many schools, you do not need LOR from DO, but you need one at least from MD....also however, DO letter is better than MD.
I'm just gonna send all my LOR to every school I apply to unless they specifically tell me they dont need extra LOR.
Download the file, it's very helpful and even helped inspire me to come up with a reason why I want to be a DO (which BTW, they recommend you to put in your personal letter...which I didn't know)

1)- I would not recommend taking orgo in winter term. It's better to finish in fall term by latest. Noone can be sure that you won't be put on hold without the prereqs. It certainly helps if you have completed all your pre reqs. Also, you will have to send a transcript to AACOMAS which shows your orgo 2 registration in winter term.

2) July is not too late. the goal should be to get as high score as possible. A good mcat score goes a long way in the application.

3)- This one is tricky. A letter from a DO would really help but if you can't get a letter - you should call the admissions and explain your location/situation. They may accept MD letter. you will need a letter from an MD though.

4)-It looks like you got good amount of diverse experiences. If you have time to get involved in something, it may help you in case you are ever placed on hold or waitlist. good luck!

 

[toulany99]

Thanks so much you two! I was under the impression that a good number of applicants are students currently between 3rd and 4th year who plan on comleting their undergrad in winter 2012. A lot of these students would also have pre-reqs pending, right?

 

[drctother]

Although some schools dont require a DO letter, remember we are Canadian. There is barely any DOs up here and as a result, what experience do most Canadian pre-meds have to osteopathic medicine? Nothing

Shadowing a DO and getting a letter is a HUGE HUGE HUGE positive. In my opinion, I think adcoms will look at any Canadian app without a DO letter and think "uhh what experience do they have to osteopathic medicine and how do they know they want to do it". Remember its already hard enough as a Canadian to go down there, to not have a DO letter makes anyone less competitive

 

[BDancerDoc]

I believe I've read on this forum that people have used an osteopathic practitioner (as opposed to a full physician) as a substitute. I know Canada have those up there, how many, not sure. But it's worth a try in terms of helping to "bridge" the gap we already have.

Current students will have pre-reqs pending. If you're currently an undergrad student, it won't raise any questions for adcom. But if you're already done school and you don't show any pre-reqs in progress, then that might raise questions. If you have time to take early, I'd suggest it as well. You want every advantage (and decrease every possible hint of doubt) as possible.

 

[javajava]

Bump

 

[spoudaios]

Hi guys,

If I have more than 3 Letters of Recommendations (I have 4). Is it okay to submit to all the schools I am applying?

Thanks

 

[thegame11]

Hi guys,

If I have more than 3 Letters of Recommendations (I have 4). Is it okay to submit to all the schools I am applying?

Thanks

As long as they are *glowing* letters. I think my mediocre reference letters killed me last year...

 

[drctother]

As long as they are *glowing* letters. I think my mediocre reference letters killed me last year...

This is very very true. An extra letter is worthless unless it makes you look like you will be a great doctor. I ended up not including one or two simply because I knew the prof didnt like me too much and it was going to be a bland generic letter. I know for a fact he didnt say anything bad about me, but I also know for a fact he doesnt know me and had nothing nice to say either.

Three solid letters is much better than 3 solid and 1 average, in my opinion

PS thegame: How are things? Did you get into any schools this year? If so, where will you be going?

 

[drgioiadds]

Has anyone considered Mcmaster? I know its not DO, but its 3 years at half the tuition and the only section on the mcat they look at is verbal. I may consider this school, if I don't get in off the wait list because I did ok in verbal, and I think they favour non traditional applicants.

 

[Kliffmeister]

McMaster is not an easy school to get into...just like any Canadian schools. From what I heard, they favor their own students. If your GPA isn't good, then you might need to ace the VR. However, low GPA might eliminate you even with a 15 on VR. From their website, they give student rating by 1/3 VR, 1/3 GPA, 1/3 EC LOR and others.
Few guys I know who went to Mac had stellar GPA and EC.
Also, I spoke with a guy who sits on the admission board and he said it's purely a number game at 1st. The computer screens out applicants with low GPA and VR....so I assume the rating comes after the initial cut but before interview.
The guy said once you get an interview, the interview score is basically what gets u in or not.

Has anyone considered Mcmaster? I know its not DO, but its 3 years at half the tuition and the only section on the mcat they look at is verbal. I may consider this school, if I don't get in off the wait list because I did ok in verbal, and I think they favour non traditional applicants.

 

[drgioiadds]

I know its not easy, but the minimum cutoff for verbal is 6 (according to the website). The only reason why I may give it a shot is that I think my DDS degree will help. My AACOMAS Gpa is a 3.7 and my verbal is a 9. I think that may get by the initial screening process.

 

[Kliffmeister]

I say you have an okay chance with the school so if i were you, i would apply. Many of us do not have high gpa and mcat that's why we are considering DO.
Look into the stats of students who got in or ask current Mac students. All the guys i know who made it into Mac had gpa 3.9+ with min of 9 on VR with research papers and crazy ECs.
But i also think Mac likes student from various backgrounds so it may be an advantage for you there

I know its not easy, but the minimum cutoff for verbal is 6 (according to the website). The only reason why I may give it a shot is that I think my DDS degree will help. My AACOMAS Gpa is a 3.7 and my verbal is a 9. I think that may get by the initial screening process.

 

[00nn00]

bump

 

[drctother]

👍

bump

For the people applying this year or new to the DO route:

How are things going with the app?

What schools will you guys be applying to?

Any questions about Canadians going the DO route? Maybe myself or some of the other Canadians accepted to med school already can shed some light on the process etc

 

[Optoed]

Thanks Drctother.

I've submitted my primary on June 2nd and I'm applying to all the schools that take international students (except the one in Texas, which has an entirely different system than AACOMAS). I just got a secondary from Nova today. It's pretty exciting even though they send it to all applicants. Nova would be a great option..but 270matriculants /3800applicants sounds pretty challenging.

👍

For the people applying this year or new to the DO route:

How are things going with the app?

What schools will you guys be applying to?

Any questions about Canadians going the DO route? Maybe myself or some of the other Canadians accepted to med school already can shed some light on the process etc

 

[thehockeykid]

so many questions please help

question 1:
for the gpa i assume they do not count the current year of your school in your gpa when you apply, correct?

question 2:
For getting a LOR how do you approach a physician and ask them to shadow them (email, in person)

question 3:
Getting a loan what kind of places should I look into for getting a loan. What are the most common loans are they (compounding, will interest start occurring on the principal right away or is it delayed, co sign?)