DO schools time line

[RanRun]

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I applied last year to allopathic schools, and foolishly didn't apply to DO schools because I didnt know anything about DO's. I have been doing a lot of research, and decided that I will apply both MD and DO this year.

I know (or somewhat know) what a DO is, and the differences between a DO and an MD (basically, only OMM) but I dont really know too much about the application process.

I am going to retake the MCAT in August, but from reading a few threads, this isnt late? I know for MD schools this is late, but not for DO?
What are the time lines for DO schools?

 

[Vishna]

If you're just thinking of applying now, it will take some heavy preparation for you to make anything on time. As with allopathic schools, the earlier you apply the better. Applying after September may not mean you won't get in, but it significantly reduces your chances. DO schools are becoming increasingly competitive and I'm sure you'll see that trend in the applications for Fall 2012. My suggestion would be to start the application now, try to find a DO to shadow quickly (or only apply to those schools who accept MD letters if you've already shadowed MD), and do your school research before hitting submit. Your MCAT scores don't have to be in in most cases, but they'll most likely wait on your updated ones if you weren't happy with the last score. You applied to allopathic schools with your current MCAT though. Curious, what was it? It may be competitive for DO.

 

[RanRun]

i only got a .🙁
8 in each section.
4.0 student



So when do people usually submit their apps and are ready for secondaries?

Is retaking the MCAT in Aug. going to significantly reduce my chances?

 

[Vishna]

A friend of mine got into 2 DO schools with a 24 and a gpa of I *think* 3.7 - 3.8. So a 24 definitely doesn't rule you out. A re-take of the mcat would definitely provide you with more options because of your high gpa.

As far as the application timeline goes, it depends on who you speak to. I think the latest that you should apply would be September (primaries). Secondaries usually come whenever the school can verify your gpa/mcat which is usually a few weeks after your primaries are submitted depending on the application load they have. Also, some screen for a minimum gpa/mcat. You won't have a problem with all 8's as I think the most stringent cutoff are 7s? Not sure, but I really think you'll meet the minimum with those 8s.

Anyway, retaking is probably smart if you think you'll do better in August. Fill out your apps now and start looking for shadowing opportunities with DOs.

I don't know if you can do this, but what if you didn't tell AACOMAS that you're planning to take the MCAT in August so you'll get verified sooner? Once you get your scores you can update your profile and make sure the schools know about your updated MCAT score? Someone else would have to back me up that that might work because I don't know.

Worst case scenario I really do think you can get in somewhere with that 24.

 

[vandyam]

If you already have a 24 on file go ahead and do the AACOMAS application ASAP. Put under the MCAT section your "planned" MCAT in August. Many DO schools will go ahead and send you a secondary/offer you an interview before your MCAT retake (this happens all the time...some even get accepted with their old score and never have to retake, but this probably won't apply to you since August is a little early for most acceptances), while others will simply put your application on "hold" (push it back until they have your new score) under after the August MCAT scores come out.

It is essential to go ahead and apply soon though. This is true for several reasons: 1. verification times vary throughout the cycle and right now applications are being verified fairly quickly (1-2 weeks), however later in the cycle verification times increase quite dramatically (4-6 weeks) and this could make your application even later. 2. Most DO schools will go ahead and send you a secondary with your current score/GPA and you can go ahead and complete them once you are verified. This will allow for you to only be waiting on your new MCAT score in August...not everything else. 3. Being early is essential to snagging acceptances early in the process. I'm no psychic, but you apply now -- with your URM status and great GPA -- I see some acceptances in your future, even without a retake. With a retake score of 27+, I'd say it is an almost certainty you'll get in to multiple places....as long as you are socially incompetent. Good luck!!

 

[ManBroDude]

i only got a .🙁
8 in each section.
4.0 student
idk if this helps, but im a black female from Illinois.


So when do people usually submit their apps and are ready for secondaries?

Is retaking the MCAT in Aug. going to significantly reduce my chances?

Start hitting the MCAT studying hard, and pound the phones non-stop until you physically sit down with a DO to shadow. Ask to speak to office managers and become their friends, it makes it really easy (as a guy, at least 😉 Make it very clear that you're shadowing in order to get a DO letter from the get-go, that way there's no disillusions about intentions.

Have your AACOMAS application verified BEFORE you take the MCAT in August. Submit to 1 school, and then when the MCAT is on in Sept you can send it to all the other schools you wanted. Do a little searching on SDN to find the school-specific secondary questions and start pre-filling them out so that you can turn around those secondaries within DAYS of your primaries going out. Oct 1st is officially LATE, especially with a low MCAT, as schools are starting their first batch of interviews around that time. Get it done, and good luck!

 

[HDaddyDollarz]

If you already have a 24 on file go ahead and do the AACOMAS application ASAP. Put under the MCAT section your "planned" MCAT in August. Many DO schools will go ahead and send you a secondary/offer you an interview before your MCAT retake (this happens all the time...some even get accepted with their old score and never have to retake, but this probably won't apply to you since August is a little early for most acceptances), while others will simply put your application on "hold" (push it back until they have your new score) under after the August MCAT scores come out.

It is essential to go ahead and apply soon though. This is true for several reasons: 1. verification times vary throughout the cycle and right now applications are being verified fairly quickly (1-2 weeks), however later in the cycle verification times increase quite dramatically (4-6 weeks) and this could make your application even later. 2. Most DO schools will go ahead and send you a secondary with your current score/GPA and you can go ahead and complete them once you are verified. This will allow for you to only be waiting on your new MCAT score in August...not everything else. 3. Being early is essential to snagging acceptances early in the process. I'm no psychic, but you apply now -- with your URM status and great GPA -- I see some acceptances in your future, even without a retake. With a retake score of 27+, I'd say it is an almost certainty you'll get in to multiple places....as long as you are socially incompetent. Good luck!!

is there a chance you could be rejected immediately? or will they wait to see your second MCAT score if they are not satisfied with your first?
my stats= 3.8s, 3.3c, 24M
retaking july 28th