Question about DO deferral for MD

[Gladiolus23]

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Let's say an applicant applies to DO and MD schools, and gets into DO but not MD. Can this applicant defer the DO acceptance, and try their chances at MD the following cycle? If they still don't get into MD, they would have the DO in hand but if they do get into MD, then they can cancel their DO seat? Is this possible to do?

Please note that I'm not hating on DO. This is a genuine question I have about the process, as I do not know how DO deferrals work and the extent of communication btwn. MD/DO programs.

 

[Catalystik]

Let's say an applicant applies to DO and MD schools, and gets into DO but not MD. Can this applicant defer the DO acceptance, and try their chances at MD the following cycle? If they still don't get into MD, they would have the DO in hand but if they do get into MD, then they can cancel their DO seat? Is this possible to do?

Yes, it's possible to do this, provided the DO school grants a deferral. An additional fee may be required.

 

[HomeSkool]

Let's say an applicant applies to DO and MD schools, and gets into DO but not MD. Can this applicant defer the DO acceptance, and try their chances at MD the following cycle? If they still don't get into MD, they would have the DO in hand but if they do get into MD, then they can cancel their DO seat? Is this possible to do?

Please note that I'm not hating on DO. This is a genuine question I have about the process, as I do not know how DO deferrals work and the extent of communication btwn. MD/DO programs.

Possible? Maybe. Scheisty and immoral? Yes.

Keep in mind that DO schools are like MD schools in the sense that you have to have a very good reason for deferral. They won't just defer you because you want to wait a year.

 

[Gladiolus23]

Yes, it's possible to do this, provided the DO school grants a deferral. An additional fee may be required.

If a DO school does grant the deferral, will there be any clause that states that we cannot apply to other grad/medical programs during the deferral year? I do not want to be placed in some sort of legal trouble...

also, do the DO and MD schools or application systems communicate with each other?

 

[Gladiolus23]

Possible? Maybe. Scheisty and immoral? Yes.

Keep in mind that DO schools are like MD schools in the sense that you have to have a very good reason for deferral. They won't just defer you because you want to wait a year.

I'm confused what you mean by this. What would be considered valid reasons for deferral?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I'm confused what you mean by this. What would be considered valid reasons for deferral?

Schools may require a plan or timeline for your year off. Valid reasons for deferral can either be professional or personal, for example completing a degree program, research, service work, etc. or personal/family issues. Usually a case-by-case basis with qualifying reasons depending on the school.

Some schools may require a contract; make sure you understand the fine print on the conditions of a deferral. Though it's doubtful they would enforce such a contract you don't want to risk it.

 

[Catalystik]

1) If a DO school does grant the deferral, will there be any clause that states that we cannot apply to other grad/medical programs during the deferral year? I do not want to be placed in some sort of legal trouble...

2) also, do the DO and MD schools or application systems communicate with each other?

1) MD schools granting a deferral require that you not apply to other schools during the gap year, but I can't generalize on DO schools' policies in this respect, so you'd need to explore this on a school-specific basis.

2) No.

 

[Goro]

Let's say an applicant applies to DO and MD schools, and gets into DO but not MD. Can this applicant defer the DO acceptance, and try their chances at MD the following cycle? If they still don't get into MD, they would have the DO in hand but if they do get into MD, then they can cancel their DO seat? Is this possible to do?

Please note that I'm not hating on DO. This is a genuine question I have about the process, as I do not know how DO deferrals work and the extent of communication btwn. MD/DO programs.

We had a thread about this very subject very recently. Do a search

And yes, one do this, but it would be stupid. Many schools ask if you've been accepted elsewhere nowadays, and Admissions deans DO talk to each other. The wise gyngyn once told me he knew every Admissions Dean in CA.

 

[jurisburger]

.........wow I've been under a rock apparently.

People actually defer DO acceptances to give them another year to apply MD and get away with it? I thought that would be an even bigger no no than deferring an MD school in hopes of getting into another more highly ranked one?

 

[Kr#36]

The posts on the other thread generally gave a resounding "no." Not only is it kind of a scumbag move, you need both a valid reason for a deferral and you will almost certainly have some sort of form you sign that says you can't reapply.

 

[Oso]

I agree with all the wisdom posted above.

In addition, lets say you could get a deferra and apply again to MD (which I think is unlikely to be granted), what would be so different about your application the second time around that would boost your chances of admission to MD schools?

Also, isn’t there a question on the primary asking if you’ve applied/been accepted to medical school in the past? I would not look favorably on someone who got accepted DO but deferred to re-apply for MD..

 

[Catalystik]

Also, isn’t there a question on the primary asking if you’ve applied/been accepted to medical school in the past?

Currently the AMCAS application asks only about previous matriculation.

 

[sss1219]

Why do people even submit their primaries to DO or low tier MDs for that matter if they aren’t going to be happy matriculating to them if they have no other options? I will never understand

 

[Fat_Albert]

I've read a couple people on this forum doing this and has gotten away with it, but I wouldn't recommend it given the risk. Up to you tho

 

[Goro]

Currently the AMCAS application asks only about previous matriculation.

According to a number of SDNers, a number of secondaries ask about others accepts. I think a few even ask where you've interviewed!

 

[Gladiolus23]

I guess I should have made it more clear. I'm curious about this situation. Say an applicant applies MD/DO the first time, and gets into DO but not MD. The applicant then retakes the MCAT, does much better and also is accepted into a guaranteed linkage post-bacc program for MD (like Temple's). In such a situation, couldn't it be a better option to defer DO especially if the applicant is interested in a competitive specialty?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I guess I should have made it more clear. I'm curious about this situation. Say an applicant applies MD/DO the first time, and gets into DO but not MD. The applicant then retakes the MCAT, does much better and also is accepted into a guaranteed linkage post-bacc program for MD (like Temple's). In such a situation, couldn't it be a better option to defer DO especially if the applicant is interested in a competitive specialty?

What DO school in their right mind would offer a deferral for someone to do a post-bacc program? They offer the deferral with the assumption and assurance that you will be attending their program the following year. A post-bacc is clearly incongruent with that.

In the situation you describe it is on the applicant to decide if they want to go DO or do the post-bacc. They don't get both.

 

[Oso]

I guess I should have made it more clear. I'm curious about this situation. Say an applicant applies MD/DO the first time, and gets into DO but not MD. The applicant then retakes the MCAT, does much better and also is accepted into a guaranteed linkage post-bacc program for MD (like Temple's). In such a situation, couldn't it be a better option to defer DO especially if the applicant is interested in a competitive specialty?

So what was the point of even applying DO in the first place if you were just gonna defer and reapply for MD???

Pick one: withdraw DO acceptance and reapply MD (not recommended) OR start DO school and begin your medical training already

//////thread.

 

[Catalystik]

We had a thread about this very subject very recently.

For anyone wondering, here it is: Defer DO and reapplying MD