If you have average stats, should you still apply to DO schools?

[miss chievous]

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Okay, so I'm confused about something. I see a lot of comments on this site saying "apply DO to be safe." Does this apply to everyone, or only people with borderline stats? I've never shadowed a DO, and I know some DO schools require that (I would probably try to shadow a DO before I submit my application, if I end up applying through AACOMAS).

Edit: The main reason I ask is because I'm a Texas resident and already have to go through two application services (TMDSAS and AMCAS) and don't really want to spend money on a third, unless it's recommended for all applicants.

 

[huskydock]

Okay, so I'm confused about something. I see a lot of comments on this site saying "apply DO to be safe." Does this apply to everyone, or only people with borderline stats? The reason I ask is because I've never shadowed a DO, and I know some DO schools require that (I would probably try to shadow a DO before I submit my application, if I end up applying through AACOMAS).

Honestly, I don't find it fair advice to tell someone to go DO if they haven't already expressed interest. Yes, it is "safer" because the averages are lower. But if you think about it, the averages aren't THAT much lower. Some great DO programs have average GPAs of 3.6 and MCATs of 27-29. It's also a misconception that DO schools somehow accept way more students than their MD counterparts. They do tend to have large classes and they are more forgiving of bad marks and more friendly to non-traditional applicants. So I guess bottom line: it's "safe", but it's not worth applying to solely for the safety. There should be SOME draw, whether it's location, curriculum, or good experiences with DOs.

 

[911 Turbo]

Okay, so I'm confused about something. I see a lot of comments on this site saying "apply DO to be safe." Does this apply to everyone, or only people with borderline stats? I've never shadowed a DO, and I know some DO schools require that (I would probably try to shadow a DO before I submit my application, if I end up applying through AACOMAS).

Edit: The main reason I ask is because I'm a Texas resident and already have to go through two application services (TMDSAS and AMCAS) and don't really want to spend money on a third, unless it's recommended for all applicants.

"pre dent" ??

 

[huskydock]

Edit: The main reason I ask is because I'm a Texas resident and already have to go through two application services (TMDSAS and AMCAS) and don't really want to spend money on a third, unless it's recommended for all applicants.

If you're a borderline applicant, you'll probably have good luck with your in-state schools. Being a Texas resident is great and you have a good number of schools that will probably interview you. Just ensure the rest of your app other than the numbers is strong. I don't think you'd have to worry about doing the AACOMAS at all.

 

[Barcu]

If you apply early and broadly, I think you still have a good shot of MD schools with average stats, especially if you are in Texas.

I don't think adding DO schools is a bad move generally. However, I don't think you should apply to them just because you think you should. That is the reason we have all the threads that can be summarized, "I have a DO acceptance, but I really want to go MD..."

 

[BuddyTheElf]

We may be able to give you better advice if you tell us your stats (MCAT, GPA, sGPA).

 

[plumhill]

Okay, so I'm confused about something. I see a lot of comments on this site saying "apply DO to be safe." Does this apply to everyone, or only people with borderline stats? I've never shadowed a DO, and I know some DO schools require that (I would probably try to shadow a DO before I submit my application, if I end up applying through AACOMAS).

Depends on what you mean by average? SDN-average (which is like a 3.75 or something nowadays), or actually average (3.5-3.6 range)? If the former, no, you don't actually need to apply to DO to be safe, but if you're interested in osteopathic medicine, then go for it. If we're talking actually average, then you might as well, especially if your MCAT isn't amazing.

 

[lovemango]

If you're applying to TCOM, their application is included in the TMDSAS system so you wouldn't have to go through another application service unless you also want to apply to other DO schools.

 

[miss chievous]

"pre dent" ??

I use my girlfriend's account. She's starting dental school this fall.

We may be able to give you better advice if you tell us your stats (MCAT, GPA, sGPA).

cGPA/sGPA = 3.68 and MCAT = 32

Thank you to everyone else, as well!

 

[sinombre]

Only if you would actually matriculate at the DO school. Every year a handful of "Accepted DO but want to re-apply MD" threads pop up. Don't apply anywhere you wouldn't actually matriculate.

 

[DrEnderW]

I think it depends on a few things.

If you didn't get an MD acceptance, would you want to reapply instead of taking a DO offer? Personally, re-applying wasn't an option for me so I applied DO as well to increase my chances.

Is location ultra important to you? Especially because of your gf? Location and earning potential are more important than academic medicine to me so again, I applied DO as well. If being in a certain area is more important than a specific school/set of initials you should apply to all schools in that area.

It's really all your preference.

Good luck

 

[nBeeDee]

Inb4 MDvsDO debate

Only if you would actually matriculate at the DO school. Every year a handful of "Accepted DO but want to re-apply MD" threads pop up. Don't apply anywhere you wouldn't actually matriculate.

This +10000. Don't be that guy. But seriously consider adding TCOM if money is your only issue with DO schools.

 

[miss chievous]

Thanks, I think I really just prefer MD schools because I'm a Texas resident, and I know this is one of the easier states as far as admissions goes.

Didn't mean to start any DO vs. MD debate, sorry about that.

 

[Iso4ane]

Okay, so I'm confused about something. I see a lot of comments on this site saying "apply DO to be safe." Does this apply to everyone, or only people with borderline stats? I've never shadowed a DO, and I know some DO schools require that (I would probably try to shadow a DO before I submit my application, if I end up applying through AACOMAS).

Edit: The main reason I ask is because I'm a Texas resident and already have to go through two application services (TMDSAS and AMCAS) and don't really want to spend money on a third, unless it's recommended for all applicants.

Depends on what you mean by "average". Average MD Applicant =/= Average MD Matriculant

 

[miss chievous]

Depends on what you mean by "average". Average MD Applicant =/= Average MD Matriculant

I'm around the average MD matriculant (3.7/32), but I think people are saying don't bother applying unless you actually want to go to a DO school.

 

[mtenor]

I applied with exactly those stats. It took me 2 cycles to get in (to MD), but my first cycle I applied late and too top-heavy. I didn't apply DO because I personally didn't have any genuine interest in osteopathy. The advice that was given to me was to not to go to a DO school unless I was generally interested in learning OMM.
My biggest advice is to be very careful about the schools you choose to apply to. My 2nd cycle I got 11 IIs and 3 acceptances. I think this was mostly because I only applied to schools where my gpa/mcat were clearly within their accepted stats. If you want to be an MD, apply to the right MD schools and you'll be fine with those stats. Don't apply DO just because you feel like it's better than nothing. You might regret that decision down the road.

 

[huskydock]

Only if you would actually matriculate at the DO school. Every year a handful of "Accepted DO but want to re-apply MD" threads pop up. Don't apply anywhere you wouldn't actually matriculate.

This right here. Hell, even re-think applying to MD schools that you wouldn't matriculate at. I've known people who decided to turn down their only acceptance, like Albany or Commonwealth because they "realized" they didn't want to live in those towns. 🙄

 

[notbobtrustme]

If you have average MD stats, you should be more than golden for DO. Average MD is 3.6/30/31 at the moment. Average DO is 3.5 (with grade replacement) and a 27. Considering that all test takers averaged together get about a 24 or 25, you can see that DO schools are not terribly competitive. IMO, DO is for those who are not competitive for MD or are restricted geographically. If you are competitive for MD, DO should be an absolute final backup. I'd go so as to say that you should try another cycle before going the DO route.

I personally applied DO, was accepted, but decided against it because of both my stats and because I wanted to have the most opportunities available to me. I didn't have any red flags and my stats were more than competitive for most MD schools. In hindsight, I should have just saved the 100 bucks or w/e it was to submit AACOMAS. If I wasn't taken off the waitlist for MD, I'd have reapplied for MD c/o 2017.

 

[miss chievous]

I applied with exactly those stats. It took me 2 cycles to get in (to MD), but my first cycle I applied late and too top-heavy. I didn't apply DO because I personally didn't have any genuine interest in osteopathy. The advice that was given to me was to not to go to a DO school unless I was generally interested in learning OMM.
My biggest advice is to be very careful about the schools you choose to apply to. My 2nd cycle I got 11 IIs and 3 acceptances. I think this was mostly because I only applied to schools where my gpa/mcat were clearly within their accepted stats. If you want to be an MD, apply to the right MD schools and you'll be fine with those stats. Don't apply DO just because you feel like it's better than nothing. You might regret that decision down the road.

I'm definitely applying early. TMDSAS opened up May 1st and I should have my application complete before the end of the month. I should have my AMCAS submitted at the end of June, as well. Thanks for the heads up.

This right here. Hell, even re-think applying to MD schools that you wouldn't matriculate at. I've known people who decided to turn down their only acceptance, like Albany or Commonwealth because they "realized" they didn't want to live in those towns. 🙄

Good point. I think if I applied DO and got in, I'd reapply to MD anyway, so there's no point I guess.

If you have average MD stats, you should be more than golden for DO. Average MD is 3.6/30/31 at the moment. Average DO is 3.5 (with grade replacement) and a 27. Considering that all test takers averaged together get about a 24 or 25, you can see that DO schools are not terribly competitive. IMO, DO is for those who are not competitive for MD or are restricted geographically. If you are competitive for MD, DO should be an absolute final backup. I'd go so as to say that you should try another cycle before going the DO route.

I personally applied DO, was accepted, but decided against it because of both my stats and because I wanted to have the most opportunities available to me. I didn't have any red flags and my stats were more than competitive for most MD schools. In hindsight, I should have just saved the 100 bucks or w/e it was to submit AACOMAS. If I wasn't taken off the waitlist for MD, I'd have reapplied for MD c/o 2017.

If I get 0 acceptances this cycle, I'll probably apply MD and DO next cycle. Thanks for the advice buddy!

 

[circulus vitios]

If you want to go to a DO school, sure. How is this a question?