DO for Canadians

[GTP]

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Lol@touro. Their diction through email communication can appear rather cold. But they are the nicest bunch of people I have ever met. I especially love the clinical dean 🙂

 

[drctother]

Lol@touro. Their diction through email communication can appear rather cold. But they are the nicest bunch of people I have ever met. I especially love the clinical dean 🙂

The clinical dean was a boss. I remember when I was interviewing he was talking to us than suddenly picks up a sandwich, tries to talk and goes "its sandwich time first" or something ridiculous like that haha

 

[twinklystar]

The clinical dean was a boss. I remember when I was interviewing he was talking to us than suddenly picks up a sandwich, tries to talk and goes "its sandwich time first" or something ridiculous like that haha

wow!😀 must've been a fun interview!🙂

 

[twinklystar]

hey guys,

need another quick advice.

So, as some of you might've read before, I'm short on science references.

I finally pulled out my transcript, and mailed any professor I'd taken a basic science course with, for a generic academic letter.

One of them replied me back, saying all she could write was how I took the course with her, and the grades I got in the course. What else can be included in a generic letter??

And, lastly, would having this kind of generic letter have -ve effect on my app? 🙁

Thanks! :$

 

[CanV]

hi everyone!
congrats on those who were accepted for 2011 😀
im back and ready to apply! I'm so glad everyone here is so helpful. I really appreciate all the info. I made the list of schools accepting Canadians last year but it looks likes things have changed... I will update it with the schools you guys listed in the last few pages.

****please correct me if i'm wrong 🙂****
Here are schools that will accept Canadians (with the first five* ranked most canadian friendly):
*Western UHS COM --pomona & [lebanon campus accepts for class of 2013]
*MichiganCOM
*AZCOM
*TuoroCOM (NY)
*KansasCUMB
-DMU (someone mentioned 4yr tuition paid up front)
-KirksvilleCOM
-NSU
-UNECOM
-LMU (may accept canadians)

WES EVALS REQUIRED (Canadian Universities without 4.0 conversion)
see post below

 

[VPP]

hi everyone!
congrats on those who were accepted for 2011 😀
im back and ready to apply! I'm so glad everyone here is so helpful. I really appreciate all the info. I made the list of schools accepting Canadians last year but it looks likes things have changed... I will update it with the schools you guys listed in the last few pages.

**please correct me if i'm wrong 🙂

Here are schools that will accept Canadians:
-KirksvilleCOM?-----apply
-ACOM of Midwestern U---apply
-CCOM of Midwestern U--- i don't think any1 of us got interviews there
-DMU------ridiculous tuition requirement, but an excellent school
-KansasCUMB----apply
-NSU ---apply
-PCOM (Philadelphia and Georgia Campus)----no invites from these schools
-TuoroCOM (New York only)----apply
-UNECOM----apply
-Edward VirginiaCOM-----no invites this year...
-Western UHS COM.....apply to both pomona and lebanon campuses
-MichiganCOM---apply
-West Virginia School of OM (may take Canadians, unconfirmed)----don't take Canadians as noted on my rejection mail
-*NEW* William Carey U COM-----no invites for usCanadians this year

WES EVALS REQUIRED (Canadian Universities without 4.0 conversion)
NSU?----my university does not use 4.0 system, but use the standard OMSAS letter grade system. I didn't require WES to get accepted
PCOM?----hmm will you apply? This school seems unfriendly to us Canadians.... didn't require WES
Western?----again I didnt need it
or once and for all: Canadians do not need to submit evals?!-----I think one of us did use it but that was because of change in grading scheme at U of Alberta... don't recall who it was 🙁

 

[CanV]

Here are schools that will accept Canadians:....

VPP thanks for clarifying!! 🙂 i am fed ex'ing you the most delicious home made brownies ever. well, its the thought that counts lol

 

[twinklystar]

u cud add add LMU in there as well, i guess.. when I asked their adcom whether they accept internationals a couple days back, the response was:

"Thank you for your interest in LMU-DCOM! We do accept international
students!"

I'd say it was a pretty encouraging/welcoming response 🙂 Though ofcourse, don't know how much open they are to international students. But, they do accept int. so yeah. 🙂

 

[VPP]

VPP thanks for clarifying!! 🙂 i am fed ex'ing you the most delicious home made brownies ever. well, its the thought that counts lol

Thank you! I received those in an instant! More than ready to help you guys 🙂

 

[VPP]

uu cud add add LMU in there as well, i think.. when I asked their adcom whether they accept internationals, the response was:

Thank you for your interest in LMU-DCOM! We do accept international
students!

I'd say it was a pretty encouraging/welcoming response 🙂 Though ofcourse, don't know how much open they are to international students. But, they do accept int. so yeah. 🙂

I will recommend reading the school pages on the AACOMAS. Sometimes schools very clearly state that they will select students in select cases: this often means that only if you did your undergrad in US. Further, something that I did find annoying for some DO schools (eg. Bradenton LECOM) they often give you misleading information. For example, even if they did put on their school pages they accept internationals, they might not (they = CCOM, PCOM, Edward Via, Western Virginia, LECOM). You got to watch out, and be careful. Apply first to the six or seven schools we know for sure accept Canadians. If they don't work out, then diverge around in August because by then you will have interview invites from some schools and still be early in the cycle.

 

[twinklystar]

I will recommend reading the school pages on the AACOMAS. Sometimes schools very clearly state that they will select students in select cases: this often means that only if you did your undergrad in US. Further, something that I did find annoying for some DO schools (eg. Bradenton LECOM) they often give you misleading information. For example, even if they did put on their school pages they accept internationals, they might not (they = CCOM, PCOM, Edward Via, Western Virginia, LECOM). You got to watch out, and be careful. Apply first to the six or seven schools we know for sure accept Canadians. If they don't work out, then diverge around in August because by then you will have interview invites from some schools and still be early in the cycle.

Thanks for the advice VPP 😀 This certainly seems like the ideal way to go. Besides, I'd feel much safer and confident applying to schools which fellow canadians have had good experiences with. 🙂

Now, I just need to take a few prereqs. Do the schools (both low-tier MD and most DOs) have any preference about english courses? or could I go ahead and take any? I am really not in the mode to study, specially after being out of university for almost an year! 😳

 

[VPP]

Thanks for the advice VPP 😀 This certainly seems like the ideal way to go. Besides, I'd feel much safer and confident applying to schools which fellow canadians have had good experiences with. 🙂

Now, I just need to take a few prereqs. Do the schools (both low-tier MD and most DOs) have any preference about english courses? or could I go ahead and take any? I am really not in the mode to study, specially after being out of university for almost an year! 😳

If you are planning to apply to MD courses DO NOT DO ANY COURSE ONLINE! Thats the best advice I can give you based on my experience.

 

[BDancerDoc]

thanks for the reply!

so, if the letters do not specifically recommend me for "medical schools", but just "your program" (whichever it is) that should be fine as well? because I thought letters had to have medical schools mentioned in it, and I was just debating how to go about getting my referees to write me a general letter (incase I want to apply to some graduate school), and a medical school letter... ?

ok, another question, how does this signature thing work with interfolio? because in this case the letters are electronic :s

Some of my references specifically listed me as going to "medical schools." When I approached them, I told them the purpose and my passion in hopes they'll incorporate that. There's tips online how to approach people for LOR, esp writing them a summary of your work with them that will eventually make itself into your letter. 😉 I think having med school in there is helpful, that way med schools know you're concentrated & interested in them specifically. If this is your dream, I'd have them write it in there. If you ever think of applying to another program, ask them to save a copy of the letter for possible future use. If you're on good terms with the person, I've found that they don't mind it much.

Interfolio has all kinds of possibilities, I think most ppl covered it above. I just trust that since it's a "confidential letter" and I can't see it, I can blame my LOR writer if they missed something. But I always make sure to ask writers to include... and I state a list composed of signatures, letterhead, contact info, etc.

 

[BDancerDoc]

Now, I just need to take a few prereqs. Do the schools (both low-tier MD and most DOs) have any preference about english courses? or could I go ahead and take any? I am really not in the mode to study, specially after being out of university for almost an year! 😳

Take at least one composition/writing intensive course. Many schools ask for at least one (esp DOs I've seen). I think they can be in any area.

 

[BDancerDoc]

I'm not sure how to integrate comments into your list, but there's my feedback.

CCOM has Canadian students and I got an invite there. I think they have the same policy as AZCOM, but in general they're more selective (ie. as an applicant more likely to get an interview at AZCOM than CCOM).

Double check that Western/COMP's Lebanon campus received their international student acceptance. They didn't have it last year and was working towards it this year. Check before blowing off the initial $30.

Edward Virginia (both campuses) technically accepts internationals, but RARELY do (but not never 😉).

William Carey technically accepts internationals but is regionally biased, even towards US applicants.

DMU's tuition requirements isn't any worse than AZCOM and CCOM in my opinion.

 

[twinklystar]

hey guys;

so, any comments abt my LOR question: how much negative impact wud avg LOR hav on my app? and do schools accept TA LORs?

 

[BDancerDoc]

hey guys;

so, any comments abt my LOR question: how much negative impact wud avg LOR hav on my app? and do schools accept TA LORs?

I indicated above that if you really want med school, I would recommend it saying "medical school" in the letter. I think it will help. And if you need other letters, ask for them later. If that's not the question you're asking, then maybe I'm missing the question.

I wouldn't recommend TAs. LORs are all about credibility, think in terms of hierarchy ladder. But the person also has to know you and can write about you personally instead listing generic phrases. I had a lecturer, a prof and a lab instructor, they are all full time employees by the school.

 

[medapp88]

hey guys;

so, any comments abt my LOR question: how much negative impact wud avg LOR hav on my app? and do schools accept TA LORs?

You mentioned that you are short on the letters so how many letters are you short by?

Some schools only need 1 science letter and some will want two. If you can't provide two letters they won't even look at your application. Noone knows how much it impacts your chances for sure. What's more important is you complete the secondary and let the school worry about the rest. If you have strong application- some schools may be willing to overlook an average letter. I would say get the letter and hope for the best. Beside, you can pick and choose which letter to send to which school on interfolio. If you are taking a summer course and end up getting a better letter than you can send that one instead. So just get the letter and worry about letters when it's time for secondaries.

I think most schools don't consider TA LORs. Good luck!

 

[christine121]

This is for people wondering about cars, I'm a car guy so I've looked into this and here is what I have.

Called the DMV in AZ, they told me a student on an F1 visa can have their personal vehicle with their original plates (so mine will be AB plates) down there for the duration of their degree no problem. Further, our drivers licenses are fully valid down there so you do not need to get an arizona one.

In AZ, we are required to get emissions testing done on our cars and get a sticker from the DMV showing we passed. Apparently this is an easy process, and if your car does fail you can legally drive it for 1 yr down in the states before you need to take it back to Canada (as per customs and immigration website).

I use TD insurance, and they told me they don't care where I drive the car I will still be insured. They said I was welcome to take it down to AZ and they would cover me at my current rates so that was a plus. Other companies may vary so keep this in mind.

Anything else I may be able to help with. I'm making the drive down there to get my cars down so I've already plotted a route and such

Hey Thumbz, I was just on the phone with the Arizona DMV and they told me that since we pay the same tuition rate as the people from Arizona we aren't considered out of state and need to re-register and re-insure our cars down there.....that seems wrong to me because we're there on visas and still have our primary residence in Canada. But now I'm confused about who was right.

 

[drctother]

Hey Thumbz, I was just on the phone with the Arizona DMV and they told me that since we pay the same tuition rate as the people from Arizona we aren't considered out of state and need to re-register and re-insure our cars down there.....that seems wrong to me because we're there on visas and still have our primary residence in Canada. But now I'm confused about who was right.

Isnt insurance much cheaper in the states though? Like I know Cali insurance is MUCH cheaper than BC (where im from). It could just be BC though i've heard we have the most expensive in Canada?

If you were to go down, and dont switch over I dont think they can do anything? They wouldn't follow up on you that much, even if a cop pulled you over

 

[christine121]

Hmmm not sure how much insurance costs down there....I have a 2005 accord and am fully fully insured for $80 a month in Alberta. Anyone wanna contribute and let us know what we might be paying in the US for similar insurance?

 

[drctother]

Hmmm not sure how much insurance costs down there....I have a 2005 accord and am fully fully insured for $80 a month in Alberta. Anyone wanna contribute and let us know what we might be paying in the US for similar insurance?

$80 a month! God dam BC! haha I pay more than double that

 

[christine121]

I should add that I'm a 26 year old female with a clean record and have been driving for about 10 years now.

 

[PistolPete]

Hmmm not sure how much insurance costs down there....I have a 2005 accord and am fully fully insured for $80 a month in Alberta. Anyone wanna contribute and let us know what we might be paying in the US for similar insurance?

Well, I bought a new Toyota Corolla down here in the US, and have been paying about $1600 a year for insurance (in California, probably more expensive than most other states). Probably also has something to do with the fact that I never owned my own car or had my own insurance before med school, so that also contributes to the relatively high premium, I'd think.

I'm sure you'd pay a lot less with your good driving record and older vehicle.

 

[drctother]

I should add that I'm a 26 year old female with a clean record and have been driving for about 10 years now.

Thats still REALLY cheap. Im 23 M with a clean record too.

Do you think you will have to actually take a driving test in AZ if you do get the license?

 

[Wyydo]

Hey guys this thread is extremely helpful thanks to all the friendly contributors. What do you say we make a new one for 2012 soon with the first post linking this thread?

 

[UBCvan]

Hey guys this thread is extremely helpful thanks to all the friendly contributors. What do you say we make a new one for 2012 soon with the first post linking this thread?

good idea. I might do that!

 

[UBCvan]

Ok I started it, everyone go say HI 😀

 

[thumbz]

Hey Thumbz, I was just on the phone with the Arizona DMV and they told me that since we pay the same tuition rate as the people from Arizona we aren't considered out of state and need to re-register and re-insure our cars down there.....that seems wrong to me because we're there on visas and still have our primary residence in Canada. But now I'm confused about who was right.

Hey Christine, sorry just saw this. Uhm, humph. Well, that's more than just a little bothersome. I saved the email I got from the DMV regarding what they told me, so I don't plan on reregistering/insuring my cars but if it becomes a problem I most certainly will. I'll send you the email I got from the DMV on facebook and you can tell me what you think

 

[BDancerDoc]

Hey Christine, sorry just saw this. Uhm, humph. Well, that's more than just a little bothersome. I saved the email I got from the DMV regarding what they told me, so I don't plan on reregistering/insuring my cars but if it becomes a problem I most certainly will. I'll send you the email I got from the DMV on facebook and you can tell me what you think

Let me know what you guys decide (feel free to msg me on facebook too). I have a Cali license for both myself and my car and plan on switching it over to AZ. I know what when I moved to Cali, the rule is to switch over in ~3 weeks but they won't come find you if you're not proactive. it just puts you at risk of getting fined when you go to the DMV after that date, or if you get pulled over by the police and they ask you why your car is from a state/province that far.

 

[christine121]

That would be great if you could send me the email! I think I'm going to wait and see....too many other things to sort out for now but maybe when I have more time I'll bother switching it over if it's a problem.

 

[Docforthepeeps]

Touro needs proof of the cost of living for the first year + tuition (~72 k). They did not make mention of having this in an american bank account.

Is that all that they need us to show for the I-20? I certainly hope so. And how did you find that out? Did you talk to the financial aid at Touro? Thanks for the info

 

[UBCvan]

Is that all that they need us to show for the I-20? I certainly hope so. And how did you find that out? Did you talk to the financial aid at Touro? Thanks for the info

I have one question as well. does it have to be in an account under my name? can't it be under my parent's name?

 

[Docforthepeeps]

I have one question as well. does it have to be in an account under my name? can't it be under my parent's name?

I think if it is under your parent's name, it should be fine at least from my undergrad experience. I guess they will probably just need to sign some kind of form indicating that they are willing to sponsor you.

Worst case, they can just add your name to the account assuming they trust you with the Benjamins of course 😛

 

[thumbz]

BDancer, I sent you the same email I sent christine on Facebook. Sorry for not making it public guys, it has some of my personal information in it. In a nutshell, it says as we are Cads and paying OOS tuition we do NOT need to reregister our cars. Just because AZCOM doesn't offer an instate tuition doesn't mean we aren't paying OOS as far as I know

 

[thumbz]

I think if it is under your parent's name, it should be fine at least from my undergrad experience. I guess they will probably just need to sign some kind of form indicating that they are willing to sponsor you.

Worst case, they can just add your name to the account assuming they trust you with the Benjamins of course 😛

There is a form for sponsors to prove the funds for you. (sorry, assuming this is in regards to AZCOM, if not, then it should be the same for a different school). So basically you list your parents as a sponsor, they sign a form saying they will cover your tuition debts and then they can show an account in their name

 

[Golaso]

...

 

[Docforthepeeps]

Is that all that they need us to show for the I-20? I certainly hope so. And how did you find that out? Did you talk to the financial aid at Touro? Thanks for the info

GTP's Response:

Hey man. Ed Schabes is in charge of the I 20. You will find him in the Touro directory. I have been on his tale for many months. He advised me that all he needs to release the I 20 is the cost of living for the first year, which was officially released by Touro last month and estimated at 72k.

Good luck. I'd be happy to answer any other questions.

I PM'ed GTP regarding Touro and their financial regulations for international student and the above was his response. I thought I will post it as it will be helpful for anybody else who have the same question.

Thanks GTP. I really appreciate it and I hope you don't mind me posting the message here.

 

[drctother]

haha weird I also owe proof of $72,000 for first year (although im living with my gf so rent is half...so its actually less).

I should have I-20 done this week (or at least my international ___ said). Do you guys have to pay the $200 SEVIS fee after you get your I-20?

I think from there, all you have to do is cross the border with A) I-20 B) Proof of cost of living C) passport D)proof of SEVIS fee paid E) a smile

Does this sound correct for you guys too? Maybe thats only for my school

 

[Golaso]

haha weird I also owe proof of $72,000 for first year (although im living with my gf so rent is half...so its actually less).

I should have I-20 done this week (or at least my international ___ said). Do you guys have to pay the $200 SEVIS fee after you get your I-20?

I think from there, all you have to do is cross the border with A) I-20 B) Proof of cost of living C) passport D)proof of SEVIS fee paid E) a smile

Does this sound correct for you guys too? Maybe thats only for my school

I cross everyday from Windsor and yah you have to show a paper that has your proof of cost of living, passport and the I-20. I think the fee went up two something

 

[thegame11]

haha weird I also owe proof of $72,000 for first year (although im living with my gf so rent is half...so its actually less).

I should have I-20 done this week (or at least my international ___ said). Do you guys have to pay the $200 SEVIS fee after you get your I-20?

I think from there, all you have to do is cross the border with A) I-20 B) Proof of cost of living C) passport D)proof of SEVIS fee paid E) a smile

Does this sound correct for you guys too? Maybe thats only for my school

I think you can only get all the visa paperwork done 30days before you start school 😕. Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[drgioiadds]

I cross everyday from Windsor and yah you have to show a paper that has your proof of cost of living, passport and the I-20. I think the fee went up two something

I love Windsor!! My sister lives there - Lifestyles Gym is the best!!

 

[thumbz]

I cross everyday from Windsor and yah you have to show a paper that has your proof of cost of living, passport and the I-20. I think the fee went up two something

Oh so we don't even have to get an F1 stamp or anything like that at the border? Wow this is even less of a hassle than I thought it would be. So every time I cross I need to remember to have a bank statement though?

 

[Kliffmeister]

Hey guys, I had few questions I wanted to ask.
I decided to apply for DO this yr and redo my MCAT in july-aug. I will be applying early to DO schools like in June but was curious if they'll reconsider me with my aug mcat scores.
My GPA has fallen from almost 4.0 to 3.43 in the last 2years so the trend don't look good. All my prereq marks are around A+ range though
I only studied for the mcat for 2.5weeks and ended up with 10P 10B 6V and Q; thus my reason for rewriting this summer.
Should I wait till my next mcat score comes out or apply asap to get early admission advantage?
I have summer research, thesis paper, EMR and hospital experience, with club exec, and 2 part time jobs. Would i have any chance with DO schools?
If this fails, i'm gonna try out for dentistry and pharmacy...and if that fails, I'm gonna go for caribbean school 🙂
Thx for all the help

 

[Golaso]

Oh so we don't even have to get an F1 stamp or anything like that at the border? Wow this is even less of a hassle than I thought it would be. So every time I cross I need to remember to have a bank statement though?

I'm just looking at my paper work lol
so I have a sheet of paper that state as "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student which basically has the F1 stamp in it and other info about your program and your finacial info. Th eback of that sheet has "Name of School" , "Signature of Designated School Official", "Date issued" and "Place Issued"

on top of that sheet of paper I have my Visa which is represented with another small square paper that has a departure number, Family Name, First Name, Country of Citizenship and again the F1 stamp

So basically you need these two papers beside your passport

you can get something called NEXUS which is a fast way to cross but you need to apply for it lol and pay yearly money for it (70$ something I think)

 

[Golaso]

I love Windsor!! My sister lives there - Lifestyles Gym is the best!!

Niceee....

 

[BDancerDoc]

I live on the other side of Windsor. I have more issues crossing back to the Canadian side than I have going over the US side. I find that so strange... 🙄

For those of you on the waitlist, have you heard anything? I just got off CCOM's waitlist. I had sent them a LOI (with an update and my fit with the school, made it personal to my situation and how I felt on interview day) on May 13 and heard back 5 days later. For those of you waiting, good luck and I hope you hear soon! 🙂

 

[drctother]

I live on the other side of Windsor. I have more issues crossing back to the Canadian side than I have going over the US side. I find that so strange... 🙄

For those of you on the waitlist, have you heard anything? I just got off CCOM's waitlist. I had sent them a LOI (with an update and my fit with the school, made it personal to my situation and how I felt on interview day) on May 13 and heard back 5 days later. For those of you waiting, good luck and I hope you hear soon! 🙂

By off the waitlist you mean accepted to CCOM? Is that where you will be attending?

I hope you realize that if you cheer for the Blackhawks, we are going to revoke your Canadian citizenship😛

 

[BDancerDoc]

By off the waitlist you mean accepted to CCOM? Is that where you will be attending?

I hope you realize that if you cheer for the Blackhawks, we are going to revoke your Canadian citizenship😛

haha, yes, "off" as in accepted, as opposed to removing myself from it. I plan to go to Chicago as it is closer to home. I will be withdrawing my AZCOM acceptance soon, hopefully one of you that's waiting for it will get it.

haha, if I can stay in Canada for med school, that'd have been awesome. I just came from a trip from Toronto, haven't been back in 4 years! Nothing has changed. I love the subway, I'm excited Chicago has a subway.

 

[UBCvan]

haha, yes, "off" as in accepted, as opposed to removing myself from it. I plan to go to Chicago as it is closer to home. I will be withdrawing my AZCOM acceptance soon, hopefully one of you that's waiting for it will get it.

haha, if I can stay in Canada for med school, that'd have been awesome. I just came from a trip from Toronto, haven't been back in 4 years! Nothing has changed. I love the subway, I'm excited Chicago has a subway.

when you're rejecting your acceptance at AZCOM, can you tell the admissions committee that UBCvan is the perfect candidate to take my place? Thanks 😀