DO LOR?

[nhnative]

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Hey everyone,

I'm pretty new on here, apologies if this question is addressed other places!

I'm applying to DO schools for the first time this year (applied to a very small # of MD programs last year with no success), and am wondering how important it is to have a DO letter of rec. I work as a medical scribe, and have 2 very strong MD letters. I've worked a few shifts with several different DOs, but unfortunately not enough to feel that they know me nearly as well as my current 2 recommenders. I have a few more shifts with one DO coming up in the next few days, and was wondering if it would add a lot to my application to have a DO letter?

Briefly: I took the MCAT twice, 29 first time dropping to 28 on repeat (for a variety of unfortunate reasons). Undergrad sGPA is 3.52, cGPA 3.54. I have one semester of grad work in a DPT program, elected to withdraw to pursue medicine, addressed in my personal statement. Grad work was all As (although AACOMAS put the GPA at 3.2 due to a 2 part course extending into the second semester, I only completed 1/2 the course so it was marked as F due to be incomplete....I had an A at the time of withdrawal...oh well I guess!). I'm non-traditional, worked full time for 3.5 years as an early intervention therapist for young children with autism, also have paid work experience with the elderly as well as one year of scribe work in ED and primary care, and several good volunteer things.

Sorry for the rambling post, I'm really hoping to get in this year and am not controlling my anxiety very well haha!!

Any advice would be awesome 🙂

 

[lyana]

You will be fine if you apply to schools that do not requite a LOR from DO. There are many people who did not have a DO LOR and got into osteopathic medical schools. Your stats are good!
However, having a DO letter is important as it will show your interest in pursuing the route.

 

[nhnative]

You will be fine if you apply to schools that do not requite a LOR from DO. There are many people who did not have a DO LOR and got into osteopathic medical schools. Your stats are good!
However, having a DO letter is important as it will show your interest in pursuing the route.

Thanks! I'll see how the shifts go and ask if it feels right 🙂

 

[eyesfeeltired]

Hey everyone,

I'm pretty new on here, apologies if this question is addressed other places!

I'm applying to DO schools for the first time this year (applied to a very small # of MD programs last year with no success), and am wondering how important it is to have a DO letter of rec. I work as a medical scribe, and have 2 very strong MD letters. I've worked a few shifts with several different DOs, but unfortunately not enough to feel that they know me nearly as well as my current 2 recommenders. I have a few more shifts with one DO coming up in the next few days, and was wondering if it would add a lot to my application to have a DO letter?

Briefly: I took the MCAT twice, 29 first time dropping to 28 on repeat (for a variety of unfortunate reasons). Undergrad sGPA is 3.52, cGPA 3.54. I have one semester of grad work in a DPT program, elected to withdraw to pursue medicine, addressed in my personal statement. Grad work was all As (although AACOMAS put the GPA at 3.2 due to a 2 part course extending into the second semester, I only completed 1/2 the course so it was marked as F due to be incomplete....I had an A at the time of withdrawal...oh well I guess!). I'm non-traditional, worked full time for 3.5 years as an early intervention therapist for young children with autism, also have paid work experience with the elderly as well as one year of scribe work in ED and primary care, and several good volunteer things.

Sorry for the rambling post, I'm really hoping to get in this year and am not controlling my anxiety very well haha!!

Any advice would be awesome 🙂

excellent shot at DO school. the DO physician I shadowed offer to write me a letter after just one

Hey everyone,

I'm pretty new on here, apologies if this question is addressed other places!

I'm applying to DO schools for the first time this year (applied to a very small # of MD programs last year with no success), and am wondering how important it is to have a DO letter of rec. I work as a medical scribe, and have 2 very strong MD letters. I've worked a few shifts with several different DOs, but unfortunately not enough to feel that they know me nearly as well as my current 2 recommenders. I have a few more shifts with one DO coming up in the next few days, and was wondering if it would add a lot to my application to have a DO letter?

Briefly: I took the MCAT twice, 29 first time dropping to 28 on repeat (for a variety of unfortunate reasons). Undergrad sGPA is 3.52, cGPA 3.54. I have one semester of grad work in a DPT program, elected to withdraw to pursue medicine, addressed in my personal statement. Grad work was all As (although AACOMAS put the GPA at 3.2 due to a 2 part course extending into the second semester, I only completed 1/2 the course so it was marked as F due to be incomplete....I had an A at the time of withdrawal...oh well I guess!). I'm non-traditional, worked full time for 3.5 years as an early intervention therapist for young children with autism, also have paid work experience with the elderly as well as one year of scribe work in ED and primary care, and several good volunteer things.

Sorry for the rambling post, I'm really hoping to get in this year and am not controlling my anxiety very well haha!!

Any advice would be awesome 🙂

I have similar stats as you. You have an excellent shot at DO schools. Most DO physicians I came across are extremely helpful and are willing to go the extra mile to help you get into medical school. If would def add to your app having a DO letter. Don't be afraid to ask for one.

Also, did you get any MD secondaries last time you applied? I have similar stats and was wondering where in the application process you got rejected.

 

[nhnative]

excellent shot at DO school. the DO physician I shadowed offer to write me a letter after just one

I have similar stats as you. You have an excellent shot at DO schools. Most DO physicians I came across are extremely helpful and are willing to go the extra mile to help you get into medical school. If would def add to your app having a DO letter. Don't be afraid to ask for one.

Also, did you get any MD secondaries last time you applied? I have similar stats and was wondering where in the application process you got rejected.

I only applied to 2 MD last year, both of which send secondaries to all applicants who meet their minimums (CU and UVM). I didn't get interviews, but was in the pool being considered for interviews until the end of the cycle; I got formal rejections in April for both schools. CU is my current state school, and my top choice of any program, I wanted to give it 2 trys before applying more broadly this year. I think MD is worth a shot with these numbers if you choose the schools carefully, one of my friends is in his 4th year at CU and got in with a 29 MCAT, so it is possible, although definitely rare....This year I applied to 5 MD programs (CU, UVM, Med. College of Wisconsin, NY Med. College, U. of Rochester) but am doing more DO. Good luck!!

 

[mk2015]

I only applied to 2 MD last year, both of which send secondaries to all applicants who meet their minimums (CU and UVM). I didn't get interviews, but was in the pool being considered for interviews until the end of the cycle; I got formal rejections in April for both schools. CU is my current state school, and my top choice of any program, I wanted to give it 2 trys before applying more broadly this year. I think MD is worth a shot with these numbers if you choose the schools carefully, one of my friends is in his 4th year at CU and got in with a 29 MCAT, so it is possible, although definitely rare....This year I applied to 5 MD programs (CU, UVM, Med. College of Wisconsin, NY Med. College, U. of Rochester) but am doing more DO. Good luck!!

You certainly have a very good shot at DO schools with those stats. You also have a chance for MD but in my opinion you probably would have more luck if you cast a wider net including some of the "lower tier" schools since your GPA and MCAT are below average for allo. Best of luck with your cycle.

 

[nhnative]

You certainly have a very good shot at DO schools with those stats. You also have a chance for MD but in my opinion you probably would have more luck if you cast a wider net including some of the "lower tier" schools since your GPA and MCAT are below average for allo. Best of luck with your cycle.

Thanks! Unfortunately I have limited $$ at this point so can't apply to as many schools as I'd like. But I took your advice and did some more research, am adding Frank. H Netter at Quinnipiac SOM and Oakland U. Beaumont SOM, and considering not submitting the secondary for U. of Rochester, it looks like their averages are pretty high even though they have a low 10th percentile for GPA/MCAT. Still focusing mostly on DO, I think that's my best shot.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

 

[nhnative]

Hey all,

I have one more question regarding this, if anyone has a minute! One of the DOs I work with agreed to write me a letter, which is great! However, he's getting married in 2 weeks, then will be gone on a honey moon. The letter is only a requirement for one school I'm applying to (West Virginia SOM), and I have heard they will offer interviews without a DO letter, although will not offer acceptances until the requirement is met. My question is, if I add this letter to my AACOMAS primary, but it doesn't get submitted for another month or so, is this going to hold up processing of my application/II at other schools (to which I have already submitted secondaries and meet requirements without this letter).....??? Thanks for any insight/advice!!