General question about the "application process"...

[MJB]

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I've looked for this, and just want to make sure I'm up to speed.

At the encouragement of my advisor, I will be making application to medical school this summer for the class of '11.

I will be applying with a few things outstanding...namely Physics II and BioChem/Org.II...as well as the MCAT.

Now, as I understand it, the original appliaction through aamc and aacomas is pretty straightforward. This will include general application stuff (grades, activities, etc.) and a Personal Statement, correct?

Or, is the PS part of the secondaries? Also, LOR's are part of secondaries as well, correct?

I think I've got my ducks in a row, but want to make sure.

Please understand that for this cycle, I will likely be applying to KCUMB, KCOM, DMU for DO programs, and KU, MU, and Creighton for MD programs...

 

[ShyRem]

There is a PS on the primary application (AMCAS and AACOMAS). Be aware that the AACOMAS PS character limits are significantly lower than the AMCAS character limits. And yes, spaces count as a character and hard returns count as TWO characters.

Secondary applications require LORs (and the requirements may differ from school to school so be sure to check each school's website for specifics), essay questions in varying amounts - some schools will ask you 6 or more essay questions while other schools will ask you one "optional" question. The essays differ slightly from school to school, but often you can reuse one general essay with some tweaking - and secondaries also require MONEY. Most of my secondaries were $100 each. In addition to the primary fees. If you do a search I think most of the essay prompts are on the pre-osteo and pre-allo forums.

For DO programs, be sure you have a good explanation of why DO specifically.

Good luck to you!

 

[MJB]

I can't say that there is anything earth shattering leading me to the DO route, but I am intrigued by their philosophies...

I'm more concerned about being a good physician than I am about what letters are behind my name.

The DO school I'm most interested in has a curriculum and teaching philosophy that I'm VERY interested in....

Other than that, let's just say I'm not impressed with the other MD program that is very nearby, which will likely play a big factor (location).

Thanks for the information.