Nontrad scenario question

[PT2MD]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been holding off asking this question as this isn't even a option for me as of yet. I'm 35 y/o right now and have moderate numbers (3.44 with 27T - Master of Physical Therapy). I'm playing 'what if' scenarios in my head with respect to some of my potential options and wanted to know if any here have similar experiences.

If I were to be accepted to a DO program (an excellent DO program at TCOM), would it be prudent to wait another year to strengthen my application for the following year's cycle and try to get into one of the allopathic programs within 50 miles of my home? It's more of an issue of upheaval for us. My wife is in grad school and has a great job, we'd be in a much better financial situation at the end of med school (equity still building in the house = minimal debt).

Please understand I'm not devaluing TCOM, it would be a similar situation with other schools that are pretty far away such as UT-Southwestern or Texas Tech. I guess my age is the primary reason I'd be less inclined to defer, but I was curious if any here have been in similar situations and the decisions you made.

I know I'm putting the cart before the horse here but I can't get this out of my head. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

That's a huge gamble to walk away from an acceptance. I'd be inclined to take the DO offer and make it work. I know it might not be your dream scenario, but if you (and your wife) are committed to this path I think you have to go with the sure thing because in the scheme of things -- an acceptance is awefully hard to come by.

 

[Phoenix.]

I'm not in your situation, but I thought I'd chime in with some advice I've read on SDN before. Let's say that you get a DO acceptance, and that you decline it to apply next year hoping for an MD acceptance. IF the worst-case scenario happens, and you don't get an MD acceptance next year, I would think that you might be in real trouble with DO schools for having previously declined a DO acceptance, and end up next year with NO acceptances! Of course, if you could give them some very good reasons why, that might help a little, but if I were a DO school, I'd wonder why you didn't just defer if it was just a matter of timing.

I think you've got a decent shot as an instate applicant at a Texas MD school this cycle, so I wouldn't start going with the worst case scenario just yet. But you do need to decide if you're in this 100%. Because if you're not, my suggestion would be to withdraw before you interview at a school you wouldn't really want an acceptance at this year. Once you get that acceptance (if it's a DO school), and you don't really want it, I think you'll be in a real pickle. Your MCAT may not be top notch, but I think that your maturity and experience may overshine it. But if you decline an acceptance, that may not look so hot next year.... Good luck!

 

[PT2MD]

Thanks for the good advice. I could see deferring admission pissing a few folks off as well. It would be good to have the choice regardless. I think we're both comfortable with whatever option presents itself - including moving pretty far away.

 

[Rock Solid]

PT...I think you should defer so that would keep one spot at TCOM for me! We are about the same age...and while you are in PT, I am a PA. your wife is in grad school...my wife is in residency in Fort Worth. so, I am pretty much bound to the DFW area...which is ok with me! 🙂

 

[PT2MD]

PT...I think you should defer so that would keep one spot at TCOM for me! We are about the same age...and while you are in PT, I am a PA. your wife is in grad school...my wife is in residency in Fort Worth. so, I am pretty much bound to the DFW area...which is ok with me! 🙂

We had a great experience in Ft. Worth and at TCOM. I wish it were about 200 miles further south, but otherwise it was great. I find it very unlikely I would defer any offers, so I wish the thoughts would just clear out of my head. It'd be great to have a handful of options, but I'll be thankful for and committ to any sound opportunity to become a physician.

I think issues like this would be easier if I was a really strong or really poor candidate. I am right down the middle except for my clinical and graduate school background. Oh well...back to waiting for rolling admissions in November.

Hey Rock Solid are you applying this cycle?

 

[Beau Geste]

Take the DO acceptance if you get it - I agree with the other reasons 🙂

 

[Nasem]

as a pre-med, there is one important principal that you should worship....

NEVER REFUSE AN ACCEPTANCE TO A MEDICAL SCHOOL (DO or MD) period

 

[PT2MD]

I'm sensing a theme. I appreciate the insight on this one.

 

[MeowMix]

How would you strengthen your application?

I think if you had a significantly higher MCAT score, you might gamble on an acceptance at a closer school; keeping your spouse happy is a big deal. Otherwise, your MCAT score is low average and I would take any spot offered to you.

 

[gotmeds?]

There was a post a while back about someone who refused a TCOM acceptance and reapplied the next year, hoping to get into MD schools. Apparently, since all of Texas (except Baylor) uses the same application system, he was told that he was essentially blacklisted for refusing an acceptance. Of course, this is SDN, so take it with a bucket of salt, but still, it's something to think about. If you refuse a Texas DO acceptance, the Texas MD schools will know about it.

 

[PTtoMD]

HI there-i agree that if you are geographically restricted (like myself!), it is good to be a little more flexible with DO vs MD. I have to stay in NY when i apply and there is a DO school 15 minutes from my house. I am not near applying yet but this is something i will certainly have to consider.

I loved the post that said never decline an acceptance! I just spent the week with a cousin who is very knowledgeable about med schools. She is an NP (Yale) with a bunch of Yale MD acquaintances and lots of experience with friends applying to med schools. She said, which i have heard before, that getting in is the hardest part. I thought that was interesting and somewhat inspiring to help me through this process. That said-if you get in, you are in great shape and are well on your way to becoming a physician. That is our goal isn't it!
Good Luck.

 

[Rock Solid]

We had a great experience in Ft. Worth and at TCOM. I wish it were about 200 miles further south, but otherwise it was great. I find it very unlikely I would defer any offers, so I wish the thoughts would just clear out of my head. It'd be great to have a handful of options, but I'll be thankful for and committ to any sound opportunity to become a physician.

I think issues like this would be easier if I was a really strong or really poor candidate. I am right down the middle except for my clinical and graduate school background. Oh well...back to waiting for rolling admissions in November.

Hey Rock Solid are you applying this cycle?

PT...I am applying this year...waiting on MCAT score from the 8/9 date. It will all depend on that.of course. where do you live now? Austin, San Antonio?

 

[PT2MD]

Thanks everyone for the insights. My plan is to be [Insert School Name Here] Class of 2012, regardless of location thanks to the answers on this thread. Now it's just the small matter of getting the acceptance.

Rock Solid. I PM'd you on this, but I'm not sure if you got it. I live in the Houston area right now.