In-State?

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sushichopstickz

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Do most DO schools select in-state students? I'm a California resident graduating from USC and would like to apply to some DO schools in addition to MD programs. So far, I have Western, Tauro of Vallejo, and Arizona in mind. With my stats, I'm not sure if I should apply more broadly to DO schools. Lastly, is my stat competitive for some MD programs?

Academic Stats:
-Overall GPA: 3.6 (can raise to 3.7 by graduation)
-Science: 3.5
-Non-science: 3.9
-MCAT 10PS,10VR,10BS R (would love to retake, but feel improving my clinical experience would be more advantageous.)
-Dean's List throughout college

Extracurricular:
-researched for 3+ and co-authored a paper in the Journal of Lung
-presented research project at the Western Society for Pediatrics Research (WSPR) conference in Carmel, CA
-volunteered at a hospital and shadowed an ophthalmologist and neonatologist for the past 2 summers.
-did an intense semester abroad on Catalina Island to study marine biology and geology. Had the opportunity to start my own research project in oceanic macro-nutrient uptake across a vertical water column.
-Associate Chair for AED, a pre-med honor society @ USC
-held various executive positions in other clubs, including VSA and Cry for Freedom
+Currently, in search for a DO physician to shadow, so that he or she can provide testimonies about their DO experience, both academically and in the professional setting.
+Also, intend to go to Vietnam following graduation to shadow a physician performing 3rd world medicine.
 
You are a shoe-in for Nova. They love the high non-science GPA. That is, if you don't mind moving to Florida.

The only thing that people might have reservations about is that, since you went to USC, you might be dumb enough to believe that Reggie Bush deserved the heisman over Vince Young. But if you can prove that you are smarter than that, and you aren't an dingus in your interviews, I think you have a strong chance.

You will need a DO letter.
 
Is NOVA an in-state school? I know most MD programs in Florida are reserved for in-state students, but I'm not sure if this applies to DO schools in Florida.

BTW, football is a huge culture at USC, but by no means does it govern my life. =)
 
I'm not a florida resident, and the girl at Nova told me straight up that they would offer me an interview on the spot if my non-science GPA was higher. I have a better MCAT than you, but yours is more than adequate, and my non-science GPA is like 2.3 or something terrible like that.
 
To answer your original question more specifically, most DO schools are private, and thus, will not have a strong in-state preference. Some will, but apply anyway.
 
I think your stats are competitive for MD programs. You will most likely have to apply outside of cali in order to increase your chances.

I would definitely apply to private schools DO and MD outside of Cali.
 
Nova's class is almost 50/50 in-state vs out of state. I don't believe they have a preference, but if you are in-state, your tuition will be a few thousand dollars cheaper.
 
thanks everyone. I'm familiarizing myself with DO and MD programs and preparing to write my personal statement for the next application cycle. The process never ends 😀
 
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