Compared to some DO schools that have a one-time deposit of $2-$3000, some applicants would probably love multiple smaller deposits. Some schools ask for a deposit two weeks after acceptance. At least if you will only be out $1000 if you change your mind about where you are going. Wish more DO schools were like this and also followed the traffic guidelines:
Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
Those accepted between January 15 and May 14 will have 14 days.
Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate deposit.
After May 15 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges.
The application process is expensive enough. I am sure it can be frustrating for these schools to have applicants turn down acceptances for an MD school or another DO school but $500 or $1000 should be enough to reserve a seat. Asking for $2000-3000 is a bit excessive. It would be nice if AACOM would enforce the traffic guidelines and institute a deposit cap but I don’t know if they even have the authority or inclination to make it happen. It would also reflect better on the schools who already must face questions about the quality of their institution.