Reapplicant shifting from MD to DO focus...

[gorgi]

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Hey guys,

So I'm reapplying now although I am on two waitlists: PCOM (by far my first choice) and UConn Med. When I first applied to osteopathic schools last summer I was applying as more of a backup plan and have since learned much more about osteopathic's philosophy and have really become passionate about pursuing osteopathic medicine over allopathic.

I had only applied to three osteo schools last year (NYCOM, UMDNJ, PCOM) and 10 MD schools. I took the MCAT last year in late July and had already verified my AMCAS and AACOMAS by then. I got a 27R which basically ruined my shot at the MD schools I applied to. My GPA is a 3.7 cumulative and 3.55 science. I have a ton of extracurriculars, many with leadership positions, research experience, and I'm assuming pretty good LOR although I never saw them. I have volunteered in a hospital for a few years but never got close enough with any one physician there to ask for a LOR. I'm hoping to set up shadowing with an osteopathic physician this summer so I can apply to a wider range of osteo schools that require DO LORs.

Anyways, my question ultimately is: is it worth retaking the MCAT if I am going to be reapplying to osteopathic schools only? Would a 27R be sufficient and am I wasting my time restudying when I could be shadowing? I'm trying to think about weaknesses in my application now as I reapply....

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback! 🙂

 

[Karen12345]

Hey guys,

So I'm reapplying now although I am on two waitlists: PCOM (by far my first choice) and UConn Med. When I first applied to osteopathic schools last summer I was applying as more of a backup plan and have since learned much more about osteopathic's philosophy and have really become passionate about pursuing osteopathic medicine over allopathic.

I had only applied to three osteo schools last year (NYCOM, UMDNJ, PCOM) and 10 MD schools. I took the MCAT last year in late July and had already verified my AMCAS and AACOMAS by then. I got a 27R which basically ruined my shot at the MD schools I applied to. My GPA is a 3.7 cumulative and 3.55 science. I have a ton of extracurriculars, many with leadership positions, research experience, and I'm assuming pretty good LOR although I never saw them. I have volunteered in a hospital for a few years but never got close enough with any one physician there to ask for a LOR. I'm hoping to set up shadowing with an osteopathic physician this summer so I can apply to a wider range of osteo schools that require DO LORs.

Anyways, my question ultimately is: is it worth retaking the MCAT if I am going to be reapplying to osteopathic schools only? Would a 27R be sufficient and am I wasting my time restudying when I could be shadowing? I'm trying to think about weaknesses in my application now as I reapply....

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback! 🙂

I wouldn't bother retaking the MCAT for DO schools. Just make sure you apply early and write good essays. With a little luck, you will have an acceptance in hand in early October and then you're free!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Get that DO shadowing experience (and a letter would seal the deal, if it's good) and don't worry about the MCAT. Expand your DO list to maybe 7 of your top picks, apply early, and I bet you'll be 👍 shortly!

Check out the Pre-DO forum and PM me if you ever need to. 🙂

 

[gorgi]

Thanks for both of your replies! My advisor misled me and told me I should focus on getting my MCAT to a 30, pushing me in the direction of reapplying to allopathic schools. When I stopped and really thought about it I realized that my time would be better spent shadowing since I am committed to osteo programs and my MCAT isn't going to hurt my chances too much.

I tried to set up a phone meeting with PCOM admissions reps to discuss weaknesses in my application so I could strengthen these things *before* I reapply (I'm working on the AACOMAS now) but I was told that my application for this years class is still active and they'd be willing to talk with me if I didn't get off of the waitlist, so sometime in August. I'm hoping to be done with my secondaries by then so I'm not sure how helpful the feedback will be!

 

[Deepa100]

I got interviews from 9/10 DO schools I applied to with a 27Q and 3.97/4.0 GPA. I also got accepted at all 5 schools where I interviewed. No need to retake. Good luck!

 

[SouthFLmed]

I got an interview at every DO school I applied to, and was accepted to every school I interviewed at with a 30N but only a 3.6 overall, 3.4 science. So you will be completely fine! Don't retake, just spend that time shadowing and working on writing killer essays! Good luck!!🙂