hey everyone,
My apologies if similar posts have already been addressed. I would like to gain insight on my situation. I am currently enrolled as a 2nd term medical student at SGU in the Caribbean, however, I took a leave of absence with the option of returning in January, and as of recent, have extended that LOA until August. I have applied to D.O. schools once before, and was denied, most likely due to my low MCAT which was in the low 20s. However, I prefer not to attend this institution and would rather attend a D.O. school in the States as I feel in doing so I would have a better chance of securing a residency compared to an IMG.
As of recent, I was accepted into a graduate program that affords students a guaranteed interview into their DO school provided you meet certain criteria, and based on my research, they have a relatively high success rate of their postbac students matriculating into their DO school (90-95% of those who interview get into their DO school). Moreover, I have the option to return to SGU in August. It seems obvious to pursue the grad program, but some days I have the urge to go back to SGU. I would appreciate feedback on which route seems more viable. If I return to SGU, I'll have a LOA on my record; wouldn't this impair my chances of securing residency back in the states (I seek to pursue IM as of now). If I pursue the grad program, I am starting from square one, but they have an agreement that whatever med classes you take during the program, if you perform well, you don't need to retake those classes during medical school. What do you guys think? What would you do if you had these options? Thanks in advance!
My apologies if similar posts have already been addressed. I would like to gain insight on my situation. I am currently enrolled as a 2nd term medical student at SGU in the Caribbean, however, I took a leave of absence with the option of returning in January, and as of recent, have extended that LOA until August. I have applied to D.O. schools once before, and was denied, most likely due to my low MCAT which was in the low 20s. However, I prefer not to attend this institution and would rather attend a D.O. school in the States as I feel in doing so I would have a better chance of securing a residency compared to an IMG.
As of recent, I was accepted into a graduate program that affords students a guaranteed interview into their DO school provided you meet certain criteria, and based on my research, they have a relatively high success rate of their postbac students matriculating into their DO school (90-95% of those who interview get into their DO school). Moreover, I have the option to return to SGU in August. It seems obvious to pursue the grad program, but some days I have the urge to go back to SGU. I would appreciate feedback on which route seems more viable. If I return to SGU, I'll have a LOA on my record; wouldn't this impair my chances of securing residency back in the states (I seek to pursue IM as of now). If I pursue the grad program, I am starting from square one, but they have an agreement that whatever med classes you take during the program, if you perform well, you don't need to retake those classes during medical school. What do you guys think? What would you do if you had these options? Thanks in advance!
