To DO or not to DO

[About28]

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So I have absolutely no issue with going to a DO school, however I'd prefer to go MD. I had an unsuccessful cycle because I applied super late and I'm reapplying right away. This time around, I was wondering if it would be worth it to apply to DO as well.

By "worth it" I mean worth it to go out and find a DO to shadow and fill out their application system as well. If you want information on my app take a look at my MDapp.

 

[BillrothI]

I think it's highly probable that you'll be accepted to an MD school next cycle. However, AACOMAS isn't that different from AMCAS and shadowing a DO for a couple days is a pretty marginal time investment. I would suggest you apply to both if you have the funds to do so.

-Bill

 

[Xenoblade]

....that is the stupid question

 

[About28]

....that is the stupid question

Why is it stupid?

 

[CarlosDanger]

I would recommend finding a DO to shadow and filling out AACOMAS, it's pretty easy to modify your AMCAS to fit their template. I believe their personal statement is a little shorter, so you may have to compress it by a few sentences. You don't actually have to shadow a DO or have a DO letter to be accepted to some schools, although it would probably help you be taken more seriously. But, if you absolutely don't have the time, it's not always required.

From what I've seen over this past year, the majority of MD applicants also apply to at least 1 or 2 DO schools, unless they're a top applicant or very confident they'll be accepted where they want. It just makes sense to apply. I applied to 13 MD and 2 DO, shadowed a DO once around May of last year without asking for a letter, and that was plenty. He was a cool guy, and I definitely learned a few things.

 

[Xenoblade]

Because you are asking rando strangers to help you make life changing decisions about your career.

Also, it is a play on words that completes the infamous, to be or not to be, quote

 

[About28]

I would recommend finding a DO to shadow and filling out AACOMAS, it's pretty easy to modify your AMCAS to fit their template. I believe their personal statement is a little shorter, so you may have to compress it by a few sentences. You don't actually have to shadow a DO or have a DO letter to be accepted to some schools, although it would probably help you be taken more seriously. But, if you absolutely don't have the time, it's not always required.

From what I've seen over this past year, the majority of MD applicants also apply to at least 1 or 2 DO schools, unless they're a top applicant or very confident they'll be accepted where they want. It just makes sense to apply. I applied to 13 MD and 2 DO, shadowed a DO once around May of last year without asking for a letter, and that was plenty. He was a cool guy, and I definitely learned a few things.

If I find the time/ find a DO to shadow I will, how does the DO application system work? Is there a place to say you specifically shadowed a DO? Or is it just really similar to AMCAS? Because if shadowing a DO is not a requirement it would definitely be a good choice to put in a DO application as well.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

If your goal is MD, stick to it. Last thing you need is to be another whiny person complaining they only got into DO school and wants to do a third MD cycle.

 

[dbeast]

Perhaps you should ask the pre-DO forum?

 

[Mad Jack]

Just get an MD letter and apply to the DO schools that will accept it. Only a handful of schools only take a DO letter, and, since DO school is a backup for you, I wouldn't really recommend the ones that do require a DO letter, as many are more gung-ho about osteopathy.

 

[CarlosDanger]

If I find the time/ find a DO to shadow I will, how does the DO application system work? Is there a place to say you specifically shadowed a DO? Or is it just really similar to AMCAS? Because if shadowing a DO is not a requirement it would definitely be a good choice to put in a DO application as well.

The 2 applications are essentially the same, I don't remember the small differences. Just like on AMCAS you would make an experience for shadowing and then mentioned the DO you shadowed there along with the others. You just need to go to each DO school's website and see what they require. Most just have "recommendations."

 

[ninjaman22]

As someone else mentioned earlier, you do not need a DO LOR to apply to most of the DO schools. However, you will most likely need a physician (MD/DO) LOR to apply to most DO schools. Beside that, pretty much everything is essentially the same application (AMCAS and AACOMAS wise).

You are also competitive for most of the DO schools. Therefore, only apply to the schools that you would absolutely wouldn't mind going to if that ended up being your only acceptance.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

The 2 applications are essentially the same, I don't remember the small differences. Just like on AMCAS you would make an experience for shadowing and then mentioned the DO you shadowed there along with the others. You just need to go to each DO school's website and see what they require. Most just have "recommendations."

I thought AACOMAS was a lot easier and straight forward than AMCAS.

 

[CyberMaxx]

Hey OP, the information on your MDapps looks pretty competitive for MD admissions. Would you mind saying when your applications were complete at schools and what your school list was so we have a better idea about what happened this cycle?

 

[Optimus-Prime]

You have great stats, Being in Mass. you should try to volunteer somewhere where you could network, go to the open houses, let people know who you are. You have the numbers and ECs I don't think you should settle

 

[CarlosDanger]

I thought AACOMAS was a lot easier and straight forward than AMCAS.

They both have the same bones: A blank section for PS, a section to enter coursework (I do remember entering courses being a tad easier on AACOMAS), a section to enter activities (AACOMAS doesn't have the new signifiant activity designation), a similar biographical info section, etc. The character limits for both applications are similar, but different enough to where a bit of changing is required.

OP definitely has good enough numbers for MD. Just sayin it never hurts to have a plan in case MD doesn't work out, especially as a reapplicant. Also keep in mind that deposits for DO schools are super expensive for the most part - like $2000. And they're non-refundable. If you get accepted late in the cycle, they don't give you very long to decide whether you want to hold your spot. Your best bet would be to apply to both early, and hopefully make a decision to pull out or not by December.

 

[About28]

Hey OP, the information on your MDapps looks pretty competitive for MD admissions. Would you mind saying when your applications were complete at schools and what your school list was so we have a better idea about what happened this cycle?

The SDN community has helped me out a lot to figure out what I did that hurt me so much this cycle. It really comes down to the fact that I was complete at almost all of my schools between late october and early november. Also, my school list looked like this: GW, UMass, Tufts, BU, UVM, Penn State, UConn, Jefferson, Temple, Buffalo, Upstate, Pit, NYU, Columbia

Top heavy and late. The one school I talked to only mentioned my late application, so it's safe to assume I don't have any other red flags.

They both have the same bones: A blank section for PS, a section to enter coursework (I do remember entering courses being a tad easier on AACOMAS), a section to enter activities (AACOMAS doesn't have the new signifiant activity designation), a similar biographical info section, etc. The character limits for both applications are similar, but different enough to where a bit of changing is required.

OP definitely has good enough numbers for MD. Just sayin it never hurts to have a plan in case MD doesn't work out, especially as a reapplicant. Also keep in mind that deposits for DO schools are super expensive for the most part - like $2000. And they're non-refundable. If you get accepted late in the cycle, they don't give you very long to decide whether you want to hold your spot. Your best bet would be to apply to both early, and hopefully make a decision to pull out or not by December.

Wow I didn't know the deposit was so high! I think I'll apply super early, to both, seeing as a DO letter isn't required everywhere. Thanks for all the information!

You have great stats, Being in Mass. you should try to volunteer somewhere where you could network, go to the open houses, let people know who you are. You have the numbers and ECs I don't think you should settle

Do you know if UMass does any open houses? Or Tufts for that matter?

 

[Optimus-Prime]

Do you know if UMass does any open houses? Or Tufts for that matter?

Not seeing anything you'll have to email them. Another side note, I've heard applying to a state school can also come down to them having to except certain numbers of students from specific counties/townships/whatever Mass. has. That being said you could consider changing your permanent address to your parents' or wherever you live depending on which would be more advantageous (Just something I've heard not sure if its true for all state schools)

 

[edgerock24]

UMass is arguably one of the most stat hungry state schools in the country, unfortunately... which sucks for MA residents.

 

[About28]

UMass is arguably one of the most stat hungry state schools in the country, unfortunately... which sucks for MA residents.

3.65 and a 34 is unfortunately super average for UMass