Questions on DO shadowing

[nindra]

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Hey guys,
I will be applying to both MD and DO schools this session.

I will start my shadowing with an MD on June 22nd (I will probably submit both AMCAS AACOMAS applications in late June/early July). This shadowing, however, will probably take a week or two to complete, so I won't be able to shadow a DO during this time.

I am, however, planning to shadow a DO in July (I have already finalized this with the said DO). But my applications will already be submitted by then. I will still be waiting for my June 21st MCAT scores though. My question is...people say that they can add other schools after you receive your MCAT scores...can you ALSO edit your EC section and add these extra DO shadowing experiences during the time I add more schools after receiving my MCAT scores? If not, is there another way to let the school know that I was shadowing a DO after submitting the application?

My another question is...do all DO schools require a Letter of Rec from a DO physician? I don't have any, and I am afraid this could put me in a disadvantage.

 

[MedPR]

Hey guys,
I will be applying to both MD and DO schools this session.

I will start my shadowing with an MD on June 22nd (I will probably submit both AMCAS AACOMAS applications in late June/early July). This shadowing, however, will probably take a week or two to complete, so I won't be able to shadow a DO during this time.

I am, however, planning to shadow a DO in July (I have already finalized this with the said DO). But my applications will already be submitted by then. I will still be waiting for my June 21st MCAT scores though. My question is...people say that they can add other schools after you receive your MCAT scores...can you ALSO edit your EC section and add these extra DO shadowing experiences during the time I add more schools after receiving my MCAT scores? If not, is there another way to let the school know that I was shadowing a DO after submitting the application?

My another question is...do all DO schools require a Letter of Rec from a DO physician? I don't have any, and I am afraid this could put me in a disadvantage.

Puts you at a disadvantage at most schools, kills your chances completely at others. There's a list somewhere on SDN.

 

[nindra]

what does? not having an LOR from a DO?

What if I have a very good GPA (for DO) and (presumably) >30 MCAT scores?

 

[NeuroLAX]

This has been discussed before, but to summarize:

1. Some schools require a DO letter, meaning you can't be accepted without it.
2. Some schools may prefer a DO letter > MD letter, and some here on SDN have been accepted without a DO letter (schools accepts both). However, I always encourage people who ask to try and get a DO letter if they can.

As for your question about editing ECs after submission: No, you can't do that. You can edit your contact info and add schools, that's it.

 

[CopToEM]

can you ALSO edit your EC section and add these extra DO shadowing experiences during the time I add more schools after receiving my MCAT scores? If not, is there another way to let the school know that I was shadowing a DO after submitting the application?

Basically can't change your official app once you submit and become verified. However, you can send a brief update letter/e-mail to the school telling them of changes to your credentials. This is very, very common. Many people have mission trips and research opportunities planned for the Summer of application year and they can't include the breadth of those experiences in their initial primary. Just send in an update later.

My another question is...do all DO schools require a Letter of Rec from a DO physician? I don't have any, and I am afraid this could put me in a disadvantage.

Not all, but nearly all. The Osteopathic Information Book (google those words - it's available online in PDF) will tell you what each school requires in terms of letters of recommendation.

 

[nindra]

Thanks for all the responses guys...really appreciate it.

I actually went over DO Info book and unfortunately it does seem like the vast majority of these schools require physician LOR (DO recommended in most cases). I will be shadowing a DO in early/mid July, and will probably ask for a LOR...but I am afraid its probably too late by then for LORs as secondary appl will be rolling around...?🙂

 

[CopToEM]

Thanks for all the responses guys...really appreciate it.

I actually went over DO Info book and unfortunately it does seem like the vast majority of these schools require physician LOR (DO recommended in most cases). I will be shadowing a DO in early/mid July, and will probably ask for a LOR...but I am afraid its probably too late by then for LORs as secondary appl will be rolling around...?🙂

Just send it when you've got it. Most schools won't invite you for an interview until you're complete so your app will kind of sit stagnant until the letter arrives. However, by the same token, some schools will go ahead and invite you for an interview and tell you that acceptance is contingent on remaining items (LOR, successful retake, successful completion of degree, completion of pre-reqs, etc.).

 

[nindra]

Just send it when you've got it. Most schools won't invite you for an interview until you're complete so your app will kind of sit stagnant until the letter arrives. However, by the same token, some schools will go ahead and invite you for an interview and tell you that acceptance is contingent on remaining items (LOR, successful retake, successful completion of degree, completion of pre-reqs, etc.).

Thanks again CopToEM (and sorry for the late response).

The biggest drawback in my application is the fact that I lack an LOR from a physician (neither a DO nor an MD), and it seems its the DO schools that usually stress more on getting physician LORs. Just in case I do not end up getting an LOR from a physician, how do you think my chances will be weakened? (Considering that my GPA and MCAT scores are well above the average stats of matriculated DO students).

Most DO schools, even though they don't require, at least highly recommend a physician LOR...🙁

 

[nindra]

bump

 

[MedPR]

Thanks again CopToEM (and sorry for the late response).

The biggest drawback in my application is the fact that I lack an LOR from a physician (neither a DO nor an MD), and it seems its the DO schools that usually stress more on getting physician LORs. Just in case I do not end up getting an LOR from a physician, how do you think my chances will be weakened? (Considering that my GPA and MCAT scores are well above the average stats of matriculated DO students).

Most DO schools, even though they don't require, at least highly recommend a physician LOR...🙁

What is your GPA/MCAT?

You have no chance at the DO schools who require it. You have less of a chance at schools who highly recommend it. It's that simple.

 

[nindra]

What is your GPA/MCAT?

You have no chance at the DO schools who require it. You have less of a chance at schools who highly recommend it. It's that simple.

my cGPA is 3.64 and sGPA is 3.5.

I will be taking my MCAT next week. I have averaged around 34 in my AAMC practice tests so far.

I am also going to shadow an MD in early July who is sure to write me an LOR (but again, he is an MD).

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[MedPR]

my cGPA is 3.64 and sGPA is 3.5.

I will be taking my MCAT next week. I have averaged around 34 in my AAMC practice tests so far.

I am also going to shadow an MD in early July who is sure to write me an LOR (but again, he is an MD).

Thanks for your feedback.

Your GPA is about average. If you do get a 30+ your MCAT will be above average. Do a search on SDN to find out which schools require a DO LOR and don't bother applying to those.

 

[nindra]

Thanks again...Just curious: the average GPA for students metriculated in DO schools are 3.2 - 3.4, so wouldn't my GPA be a plus in my side?