Need DO Advice

[Davidko]

Need advice whether or not I should apply to DOs this cycle...Applied to 23 MD programs this cycle, 8 rejections so far, 1 "interview wait list" and still waiting for the rest.

About me:
California applicant, disadvantaged student
Science GPA: 3.44, non-science 3.5
MCAT: 26--->28
currently working full time as an EMT
average/above average: extracurricular/shadowing/volunteer work/research/LOR

My dilemma:
1. I don't have a DO LOR...I am currently looking for a DO to shadow and hopefully one who would write me a decent LOR
2. It also seems to me to be pretty late in the cycle...

Is it worth the time and money to still apply? Or would it be a wasted effort?

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[arc5005]

Need advice whether or not I should apply to DOs this cycle...Applied to 23 MD programs this cycle, 8 rejections so far, 1 "interview wait list" and still waiting for the rest.

About me:
California applicant, disadvantaged student
Science GPA: 3.44, non-science 3.5
MCAT: 26--->28
currently working full time as an EMT
average/above average: extracurricular/shadowing/volunteer work/research/LOR

My dilemma:
1. I don't have a DO LOR...I am currently looking for a DO to shadow and hopefully one who would write me a decent LOR
2. It also seems to me to be pretty late in the cycle...

Is it worth the time and money to still apply? Or would it be a wasted effort?

what does disadvantaged student mean? Yes to any of the following? URM? Received FAP? Received Pell Grants?

I would think your GPA and MCAT are pretty standard/competitive for DO admissions.

 

[The Best Psychiatrist]

Mass email local DOs in your area for shadowing. If you can connect with one quickly, kick it off with them really well, and get a LOR within 4 weeks AND complete the DO primary application by the time you receive your LOR, I think you'll be fine.

Won't be the same as those having applied in July/August... But it definitely wouldn't be 100% hopeless.

 

[mathnerd88]

Need advice whether or not I should apply to DOs this cycle...Applied to 23 MD programs this cycle, 8 rejections so far, 1 "interview wait list" and still waiting for the rest.

About me:
California applicant, disadvantaged student
Science GPA: 3.44, non-science 3.5
MCAT: 26--->28
currently working full time as an EMT
average/above average: extracurricular/shadowing/volunteer work/research/LOR

My dilemma:
1. I don't have a DO LOR...I am currently looking for a DO to shadow and hopefully one who would write me a decent LOR
2. It also seems to me to be pretty late in the cycle...

Is it worth the time and money to still apply? Or would it be a wasted effort?

You should have applied DO, even if it was for backup. Your stats are below average for MD applicants, and it would've been a long shot to gain acceptance there.

If you need to apply DO, do it very soon, because it is starting to become late.

 

[Davidko]

what does disadvantaged student mean? Yes to any of the following? URM? Received FAP? Received Pell Grants?

I would think your GPA and MCAT are pretty standard/competitive for DO admissions.

Economically disadvantaged, from an immigrant family of 9, Yes to FAP and PellGrant, first gen college student.

 

[JW2020]

Some DO schools will accept a DO or MD letter (NSUCOM and PCOM off the top of my head but there are others if you just look at admissions pages).

 

[Brorthopedic]

Not all schools require a letter from a DO, my letter came from an MD and I still received an acceptance nonetheless. Find out which ones don't and apply to those immediately and in the meantime, start looking for a DO that is willing to write you a letter on such short notice ASAP.