EC level tiers - DO vs. MD applicants

[premedguy445]

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Hi!

Can someone provide me with a description of what are the typical ECs for a DO matriculation, as opposed to MD matriculation? Are DO schools more lenient with ECs involvement and commitment and less competitive in general? Thanks

 

[Phile98]

@Lawper recently suggested that for new members, people refrain from using sarcasm for stupid questions like this.
So, I'll bite.
MSAR shows DO schools usually have a lower GPA/MCAT average. As for ECs and commitment, every school has a different policy so you need to search their mission statement up.
There was a thread recently that talked about ECs, read up on that.

 

[Catalystik]

1) Can someone provide me with a description of what are the typical ECs for a DO matriculation, as opposed to MD matriculation?
2) Are DO schools more lenient with ECs involvement and commitment and less competitive in general?

1) DO schools like physician shadowing LORs and some even require a DO LOR. It is a rare MD school that cares about physician LORs of any type, but you'll need shadowing no matter where you go. A lack of research is unlikely to hurt an applicant at a DO med school. Otherwise, EC expectations are the same.
2) They are not more lenient about depth and breadth of EC involvement, but stats-wise are less competitive.

 

[candbgirl]

Before posting, as a brand new member, spend some time reading the various forums. I’m pretty sure anything you’d want to know is here someplace. Over the last few cycles DO applicants have become more competitive as have MD applicants in all areas. ECs are not an exception and both paths require evidence of commitment to the profession. The only difference MIGHT be in research and I’m not sure if it is a difference at all. @Goro, @Faha

 

[sab3156]

@Lawper recently suggested that for new members, people refrain from using sarcasm for stupid questions like this.

This is very difficult for me to do.

 

[Goro]

Hi!

Can someone provide me with a description of what are the typical ECs for a DO matriculation, as opposed to MD matriculation? Are DO schools more lenient with ECs involvement and commitment and less competitive in general? Thanks

We're more forgiving of academic mistakes, and of a lack of research. You are still expected to have patient contact experience, and non-clinical volunteering. And shadowing is required. Lack of DO LOR won't hurt, but having one helps.

Median DO matriculant stats are ~3.3-3.4 GPA and 505ish MCAT. There are ~ six schools where the median stats are equivalent or exceed some MD schools.

 

[wonder12]

IF I had to make generalizations based on my experience, DO schools are more impressed with extensive clinical experience than MD, while MD are more likely to be impressed with your research than DO. You need clinical experience for both but DO might consider that your 8000 clinical hours makes up for a 502, while MD might not. I don’t have any research and got into both. Just have to apply to the right schools.