DO letters and experience

[GokuZ]

Few questions @Goro

1) How many applicants on average for your school actually have some sort of DO exposure?

2) How many applicants on average actually have a DO letter of rec?

3) Are students with DO letters + shadowing given a stronger preference? (given their stats are still competitive for DO: 504+ and 3.6+ )

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[Goro]

Few questions @Goro

1) How many applicants on average for your school actually have some sort of DO exposure?

2) How many applicants on average actually have a DO letter of rec?

3) Are students with DO letters + shadowing given a stronger preference? (given their stats are still competitive for DO: 504+ and 3.6+ )

1) Great questions! Probably about 50%. Our SMP students push the numbers upward.
2) Hard to estimate because I don't see every app, only the ones that I interview. Of those over the years, I'd guess ~20% maximum. Remember, there are about 2 MDs for every DO out there.
3) Not at the level of getting an II at my school. It's in the Adcom meeting that this might be brought up IF there is any discussion about a candidate. ie, if one is borderline, then having the DO LOR will help.

Not having a DO LOR won't hurt, but having one always helps. I'd say it's more important than the shadowing, but some of my DO colleagues place an equal amount of importance in shadowing as well.

 

[Goro]

Interesting. Is a 504 mcat with a 3.99/4.0 cgpa and sgpa still competitive for DO?
The increasing competitiveness in admissions is worrying me for the upcoming DO cycle. CCOM had a 510 average!

Most DO schools, yes.

Do not take counsel of your fears. Apply with a strategic list.

 

[GokuZ]

Most DO schools, yes.

Do not take counsel of your fears. Apply with a strategic list.

Yes indeed, strategic list. Appreciate your replies and feedback!

 

[Angus Avagadro]

I am not sure CCOM is worth the sky high tuition for starters. About half of the students I interviewed at my old school had DO letters, but there are many DOs in our state. I always note who had the interest to obtain a DO letter, but don't give them points for it. I always look for students who are truly interested in being a DO. They exist. I am disappointed when students arrive and complain when we expect them to be proficient in OMM.