Should I wait to apply DO?

[hemobrobin]

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I have just realized the holding fee for DO acceptances is significantly more expensive ($500-$1000) nonrefundable than it is for MD schools. I am planning on applying to 17 MD and 6 DO schools and would like to avoid putting down that much money to hold a spot at a DO school to see if I get traction from MD programs. Thoughts?

 

[WedgeDawg]

This question would be easier to answer if we had a basic profile of your stats, state of residence, ECs, etc

 

[hemobrobin]

512 MCAT
3.35 cGPA 3.3 sGPA
LA resident
1 year+ clinical research with 2 publications and several acknowledgments
80 hours clinical volunteering
50 hours nonclinical volunteering
30 hours physician shadowing

 

[WedgeDawg]

I think your shot at MD is there, but not incredibly substantial. I wouldn't wait to apply to DO schools. You can wait and determine whether to keep a spot once you've been accepted.

 

[GrapesofRath]

You have a shot being an LA resident for MD schools, but there's a good chance it'll be LA schools or bust.

You are competitive for most DO schools. I wouldn't wait for a DO, you can't afford to take the risk; I don't see an MD school rushing to accept you by October.

 

[hemobrobin]

@GrapesofRath any DO programs you believe I would not be competitive? Also thanks for the response and advice

 

[Goro]

Wait for the decisions from the LSUs. Your GPAs are < 10th %ile for nearly all other MD schools. Your ECs reflect someone doing what's convenient rather than someone who really wants to be a doctor.

512 MCAT
3.35 cGPA 3.3 sGPA
LA resident
1 year+ clinical research with 2 publications and several acknowledgments
80 hours clinical volunteering
50 hours nonclinical volunteering
30 hours physician shadowing

 

[hemobrobin]

@Goro so you do think it would be in my best interest to not submit the DO application until I hear from those schools? In regards to the ECs those are just what I thought would be pertinent to this question, though they're only a slice of the overall application

 

[gannicus89]

Apply to DO. You're making the assumption that you'll get accepted into multiple programs... Not a smart assumption to make. Worry about holding fees once you're holding an acceptance.

 

[hemobrobin]

Apply to DO. You're making the assumption that you'll get accepted into multiple programs... Not a smart assumption to make. Worry about holding fees once you're holding an acceptance.

Yah you're right, in the grand scheme what's another $500?

 

[Goro]

First, sorry for the comments on the ECs

Second, the DO cycle is longer, so you have some lag time. But aiming for only two schools is risky, and in this game, beggars can't be choosy.

I recommend at the least, applying to two DO schools right now, just to get the process started. If you don't hear anything from the LSUS by Nov, start your DO apps end masse.

@Goro so you do think it would be in my best interest to not submit the DO application until I hear from those schools? In regards to the ECs those are just what I thought would be pertinent to this question, though they're only a slice of the overall application

 

[gannicus89]

Yah you're right, in the grand scheme what's another $500?

That's not exactly my point... I'm trying to say that you shouldn't worry about something that you have NO REASON to be worrying about at this stage. It's like worrying about how much car insurance costs when you don't even have a driver's license yet. Or a car. Or money for a car.

 

[WedgeDawg]

That's not exactly my point... I'm trying to say that you shouldn't worry about something that you have NO REASON to be worrying about at this stage. It's like worrying about how much car insurance costs when you don't even have a driver's license yet. Or a car. Or money for a car.

Agreed. Remember OP, there is currently no pressure for you to have to accept a DO spot. You can make that decision when and if you have a DO offer after looking at your situation at that point.

 

[Spector1]

Do's dont tend to care about when you apply as long as you do it before the deadline unlike md schools which are much more first come first serve.