for those applying to both DO and MD programs

welcome,

I would just tell them the truth. Tell them your reasons for applying to both and hope that the person(s) interviewing are reasonable. I was also thinking of applying to both. I'm completely sold on the Osteo approach to medicine and therefore plan to apply to more osteopathic programs. But the truth is most DO programs have a greater tuition fee which amounts to more debt in the end, so I plan to apply in addition to DO schools to some MD programs which are less in tuition. I am curious, though, how one could state this in a personal essay without sounding foolish.

Regards,
Student247

 

Why even tell them. They dont know you applied to DO or to MD

 

When I applied to medical school a couple years ago, I applied to both MD and DO. I only think it came up once where I applied. And all they asked was, "Where else did you apply?" and that was the end of it. I think most DO schools know that a lot of students apply both MD and DO.

If that question were to have come up in my interviews, I was prepared to say something to the effect of, "Well, I know medical school is very difficult to get into, so I thought applying to as many schools as possible would increase my chances of becoming a doctor." I think something along those lines would work.

Good luck!

 

Which is more important--the amount of money you spend to become a good doctor or learning all the right tools to be the best doctor you can be? If you truly believe in OMT I would think you'd want to have that available for treating your patients. I know the amount of money it takes to go to medical school is huge, but when there is a difference in prices, it may be worth it for you to be happy and learn the most.

Good luck in your decisions. Eventually as you go to interviews you will get a feeling of where you are supposed to be. Listen to that feeling.

Anna
University of Health Sciences
Class of 2006

 

I also applied to both last year. My numbers were not the best (MCAT); I didn't even score an MD school interview.
If I was asked the "Why both types of schools" question, especially at a DO school, my response was going to be:
"in the beginning I didn't care what school I went to; just as long as I was admitted. But the more I researched the DO philosophy and such, I definitely would go the DO route". This is the truth, by the way; I am so glad I am going to the University of Health Sciences this fall.
If I was asked the same question at an MD school, I really don't know what my response would have been!

Chris

 

be sincere, they will see through you if you aren't <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> I told my interviewers that i had applied to both because the acronyms that follow my name are secondary to me. I will not go DO just because it's DO just as i will not go MD just because it is MD. I will go where i will be best trained in the art of medicine. If this institution can provide for me the education and training to take me where i want to go, i'll attend. It was usually at this point that my interviewer started to sell the school to me-- that is a sweet moment!