So far I've heard the app cycle starts mainly in Mayish?? for DO... and June for MD???
Does anyone know when I should start.. and does AACOMAS reuse your primary?? including transcripts?
Haha.. sorry.. bombarding questions, I'm SO happy I found this forum, I've been like a chicken with no head throughout this WHOLE cycle, that's why I'm feeling kinda refreshed to start over and do it right this time!!
If anyone has info/advice on how I should go about applying again to the next cycle, like what steps to take.. when to do what... about PS, LOR....secondaries... anything, i would greatly appreciate it.
cabound,
I've been reading you other posts about wanting to get to Western COMP...
I applied as soon as the AACOMAS application became available, & they had my stats verified by July 2006. Western COMP called me in early Sept for an interview. I was accepted (early in the app cycle) two weeks after my Sept interview.
You have to send in NEW copies of the same transcripts you sent last year. I did this, as well as redid my personal statement & extra-curricular info. With any new application, take the time to re-proof read & also update it with any new significant info & changes. I focused my personal statement on my job (therapist) & also how I want to go into primary care.
So my advice for the next cycle, is get your application done ASAP & have it verified by July. Provided that your primary application is strong (27 or higher MCAT, 3.5 or higher GPA, shadowing DO's, & clinical work/volunteering) you'll start getting secondaries & interviews for September through November. Grades & numbers are one thing, but I truly believe DO adcoms look at your personality, work ethic, extra-curricular accomplishments, & drive to learn osteopathy.
Get your letters of recommendation together now, since writers tend to be slow. For Western COMP specifically, you'll need: letter from DO or MD that you shadowed, 2 science professor letters, 1 non-science professor letter. Work or volunteer letters can also be sent in addition to the ones listed above, but call the Admissions Dept for permission before sending the extra ones.
If you get selected for an interview, definitely understand the history & philosophy of DO's & why it interests you. Questions about MD schools vs DO schools came up a lot during my interview, & they definitely tested my osteopathic knowledge & history. I kept emphasizing my desire to be a primary care provider via the osteopathic training. They also ask you 1 or 2 ethical questions, so be prepared for various medical ethics topics. Practice your interviewing skills with another person...the goal is to be very natural, personable, & relaxed during the interview.
Its good to get your acceptances before December 2007, so you'll have ample time to make a final decision... schools make you pay an outrageous $1000-2000 initial deposit upon acceptance, therefore making it expensive to hold multiple seats at other DO schools.
Good luck with the next application cycle! You can do it... it took me 2 tries, & I was very successful the second time with proper timeline/deadline planning and interview question preparation.
