New to DO - What do I need to apply?

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ace425x

ace425x

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Ok so after posting a thread on the "what are my chances" section, a lot of people are suggesting I apply to DO schools. I've never really considered the DO route, much less looked into it. So I am absolutely clueless as to where to look for information. I pretty much know the AMCAS allopathic application procedure inside and out. But what do I do to apply to DO schools? What are the time frames that things open up and need to be done? What tests, procedures, etc. etc. do I need to apply? If you could please just give me a basic rundown of the procedure and then kind of point me in the direction of where I can get a better understanding it would be much appreciated!
 
Same thing as MD except you don't need math (and doesn't factor in the sGPA) and you have to use AACOMAS to apply. Time frame is pretty much the same but a bit more forgiving on late applicants. Personal statement is a bit shorter too. I would recommend you to do an AACOMAS app right now just to see how it is.
 
TriagePreMed said:
Same thing as MD except you don't need math (and doesn't factor in the sGPA) and you have to use AACOMAS to apply. Time frame is pretty much the same but a bit more forgiving on late applicants. Personal statement is a bit shorter too. I would recommend you to do an AACOMAS app right now just to see how it is.
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Well crap x.x My sGPA is a whole lot prettier with my math averaged into it. So I assume this means that DO schools use the MCAT as well right? Also are there any additional selection factors they use when selecting candidates?
 
ace425x said:
Ok so after posting a thread on the "what are my chances" section, a lot of people are suggesting I apply to DO schools. I've never really considered the DO route, much less looked into it. So I am absolutely clueless as to where to look for information. I pretty much know the AMCAS allopathic application procedure inside and out. But what do I do to apply to DO schools? What are the time frames that things open up and need to be done? What tests, procedures, etc. etc. do I need to apply? If you could please just give me a basic rundown of the procedure and then kind of point me in the direction of where I can get a better understanding it would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...

The DO application service is called AACOMAS. Very similar to AMCAS. You've got your personal essays, MCAT, ECs, classes and grades, etc

Some notable differences:
DO schools will want a letter of rec from a physician, preferably a DO. Try to shadow one and get that letter if you have not done so.

Letters of rec will be sent to the individual schools through interfolio, unlike AMCAS.

The personal essay portion has a small character restriction then AMCAS so you might need to shorten yours down a little bit.

See here for the nitty gritty details
http://www.aacom.org/Documents/AACOMASInstructions.pdf
 
Thanks!! This is super helpful! 😀
 
Also be prepared to answer "Why DO?" at interviews.
 
ace425x said:
Well crap x.x My sGPA is a whole lot prettier with my math averaged into it. So I assume this means that DO schools use the MCAT as well right? Also are there any additional selection factors they use when selecting candidates?
Click to expand...

My math raises mine up too. Sighh
 
GUH said:
ballsy
You could go even further and claim to not even know there were physicians other than DO's. I'm sure that'll go well
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Nah, I'd already done my research and learned that there were only two ways to become a US trained physician: attending to either US-MD or US-DO schools. I told them that I've never considered and fallen into the trap of Caribbean medical school representatives for the hopes of coming back to the US soil one day to work for as a primary care physician with an MD after my name. They assured me in that they've been providing their students with the same quality of medical education that has been given in the US-MD schools. Then, I was given many acceptances. I'm happy for the results. Good luck for you...
 
ace425x said:
after posting a thread on the "what are my chances" section, a lot of people are suggesting I apply to DO schools. I've never really considered the DO route, much less looked into it.
Click to expand...

Do not mention this on your interviews!! Also, you will need a letter of rec from a DO to apply.

Survivor D.O.
 
survivordo said:
Do not mention this on your interviews!! Also, you will need a letter of rec from a DO to apply.

Survivor D.O.
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You don't need a DO letter of rec at the vast majority of schools, but it's recommended. Only a few make it an absolute requirement.
 
molarseeker said:
What did you say?
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Talked about how, because of my job as a PT tech, I watched how physical touch helped heal patients. I related that to OMM and osteopathic philosophy. Done deal.
 
Lol, I told my interviewer that I originally found out about D.O. because of recommendations based on less strict requirements and my GPA. I followed up by saying that I rejected the notion of going osteopathic at first for those those kinda reasons, but did my research and found that osteopathic was a better fit for my way of thinking, so decided to apply osteopathic instead. Somehow, it worked.

Sent from my SGH-T769
 
I was pretty honest about it. I told them first and foremost I want to be a doctor. The two letters after my name matter less than finding the school I feel most comfortable at. I also mentioned that I can see where OMM will definitely come in handy if I do sports med. I'm not "zomg primary care!" and I was honest about it. It probably factored into my wait list status at OU-HCOM, but RVU and NSU seemed pretty understanding and appreciated the honesty.
 
I am going to say that they are more "touchy feely" and then wink at them
 
MedPR said:
I said lower stats = higher chance to get in.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
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You have really lower stats, but you managed to get in to MD school, too. Many thanks to your URM status. You know it. :naughty:
 
DrBumblebee said:
You have really lower stats, but you managed to get in to MD school, too. Many thanks to your URM status. You know it. :naughty:
Click to expand...

Lol

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
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