Schools that need LORs before secondaries

[sky778]

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What are the schools that need LORs before secondaries?

I looked up on the school websites and some schools do not have such info.

Thanks.

 

[DrMikeP]

A good rule of thumb is any schools that require them at all, tell you what LOR's they want, and don't state specifically that letters are required with initial application, by interviews, or by acceptance, etc.

So if it doesn't say specifically when then assume they want them before secondaries.

When schools evaluate your app most do an initial screening of gpa/mcat and other requirements, often right before or after sending you a secondary. Then once they get your secondary they send your completed application on to be reviewed at the next level. So at that point you are potentially wasting their time if something is missing. The big exception is some DO schools don't require a DO letter until acceptance.

 

[CookiesNMilk]

The big exception is some DO schools don't require a DO letter until acceptance.

Are you saying some schools require specifically a DO letter and not an MD letter in order to accept an acceptance offer? Please clarify.

 

[ERinspired]

Are you saying some schools require specifically a DO letter and not an MD letter in order to accept an acceptance offer? Please clarify.

Yes some DO schools will not accept an MD letter as your physician letter. But some will offer acceptances anyway contingent on you shadowing/getting the DO letter within 30 days of your acceptance.

 

[DrMikeP]

Exactly as ERinspired stated!

There are a ton of slight variations in requirements, so read each schools information in the MCIB and on their webpage, especially those you get a secondary at and even more an interview. You don't want to be a month away from starting and realize that you can't attend because of some glitch like they don't accept AP sciences or an MD letter.

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[CookiesNMilk]

Yes some DO schools will not accept an MD letter as your physician letter. But some will offer acceptances anyway contingent on you shadowing/getting the DO letter within 30 days of your acceptance.

Do you mind mentioning a couple of DO schools that have this? I've been perusing up and down the CIB & websites and haven't yet come across this sort of requirement. @DrMikeP

 

[ERinspired]

Do you mind mentioning a couple of DO schools that have this? I've been perusing up and down the CIB & websites and haven't yet come across this sort of requirement. @DrMikeP

My secondary requirements are starting to blur together at this point but I did VCOM's secondary today and this is their policy:

"QUESTION: Do I need a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician? Will a letter of recommendation from an allopathic physician be accepted in its place? ANSWER: In order for your application to be complete and to be considered for an interview, and applicant must shadow a physician or complete another medical experience with an physician, (e.g. working as a scribe; volunteering at a free clinic or physician’s office; serving as an EMT; serving on a medical mission experience, etc.) and get a letter from that physician. We encourage you to have a letter from a D.O. experience. We will accept a letter from an M.D. if you cannot obtain one from a D.O. on a timely basis to complete your application. However, if accepted, you will need to meet with and obtain a letter of recommendation from a D.O. within 30 days of acceptance. Therefore, an M.D. letter can be used to complete your application but it cannot be used in place of a D.O. letter, since, if accepted, a D.O. letter will be required if you did not have one originally."

And, there are definitely a few other schools out there who still require a DO letter and won't accept and MD one.

 

[DrMikeP]

Do you mind mentioning a couple of DO schools that have this? I've been perusing up and down the CIB & websites and haven't yet come across this sort of requirement. @DrMikeP

It has been too long to remember which ones accepted what and I got my DO letter in at the same time as I submitted. Out of my list I remember seeing 3 with the exception. VCOM was on my list. I think the info was on their webpages and not the MCIB though.

 

[ERinspired]

Possibly NOVA? For some reason, I think I remember that one.

 

[CookiesNMilk]

Possibly NOVA? For some reason, I think I remember that one.

I'm not applying to either NOVA or VCOM, but some of my fellow pre-DO SDNers may not be aware. Thanks for the enlightenment. You too, @DrMikeP.

 

[sky778]

A good rule of thumb is any schools that require them at all, tell you what LOR's they want, and don't state specifically that letters are required with initial application, by interviews, or by acceptance, etc.

So if it doesn't say specifically when then assume they want them before secondaries.

When schools evaluate your app most do an initial screening of gpa/mcat and other requirements, often right before or after sending you a secondary. Then once they get your secondary they send your completed application on to be reviewed at the next level. So at that point you are potentially wasting their time if something is missing. The big exception is some DO schools don't require a DO letter until acceptance.

Thanks. I called each school and most (14/15 I applied doesn't need it before secondary). I think the only one that needs it with the primary is Nova.

 

[DrMikeP]

Thanks. I called each school and most (14/15 I applied doesn't need it before secondary). I think the only one that needs it with the primary is Nova.

Great you should post what you found.

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