Do I need it?

[GypsyHummus]

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How important is a DO letter of rec to the adcoms? I know some schools flat out require it, but in all honesty, how many people have acceptances without the DO letter? The opposite, how many people felt that the letter gave them a little extra oomph when applying?

I ask because I'm very interested in osteopathic school but there are very few DOs my area.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I had 2 acceptances and 8 interview offers without a DO LOR, but I didn't apply to any of the schools that required it. I also had a LOR from a primary care MD, so that may have helped.

 

[Iliketoytles]

You might as well call the DO's that are in your area and see if they can shadow. Since there are only a few, then it shouldn't take long to do this.

If not, then I'm sure an MD LOR will be completely fine. For some reason though... having a DO LOR made me feel like it gave me an edge, even though it probably didn't.

 

[scotchtapetest]

How important is a DO letter of rec to the adcoms? I know some schools flat out require it, but in all honesty, how many people have acceptances without the DO letter? The opposite, how many people felt that the letter gave them a little extra oomph when applying?

I ask because I'm very interested in osteopathic school but there are very few DOs my area.

If they don't require it then it is just another "plus" for you as an applicant. I would guess that for places that don't require it, a generic DO letter is no different than a generic MD (or any other degree) letter. However, a very personalized DO letter will definitely help but absolutely not crucial. Unless it is for satisfying a requirement, it is ALMOST always more important to have a personalized letter that talks about you the applicant than a generic letter from whomever (exception: very, very big shots where it would be difficult (not impossible) for the school to say no [e.g. letter from Dr. Still, the dean of a COM, president of AOA, etc])

If they require it then obviously you will NOT get accepted without one.

Good Luck!