Too late to apply?

[tsk1]

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I have been doing extensive reading on pursuing medicine via the DO pathway and would like an opinion from people who are more familiar with the application process of DO schools.

I am sure you will think I am crazy for asking this so late in the game (I have my reasons for this timeline, but I don't think that is important)...

As a canadian applying with a 31P & 3.6/3.7 with over 2000 hours of medically related volunteer experience (plus everything else), is there a point in trying to get a few applications in this year.

My MCAT was written in 09, so I believe that means after this cycle it is no good? And I don't want to go through that a third time...especially because I have no idea how I got 10 on VR...

Anyways, your insight is appreciated!

 

[AD04]

If I remember correctly, MCAT score can last for 3 years. So if you took it early in 2009, you probably can't use it for this summer. If you took it later, say in winter, you can. I'm not so sure though.

Your scores are pretty good but it is pretty late in the application game. Can't guarantee you will get a spot. But if you don't want to take the MCAT again, start applying. You're already past the deadline for a few schools (http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/2012cib/2012cib-p17.pdf).

Hopefully, you got your transcripts on hand and letters of recommendations. Because the application will take awhile to complete. Good luck.

 

[racerwad]

Apply. Worse case scenario is you'll be in the same position if you hadn't. Best case is that you won't have to do it again.

 

[MIAYO]

Apply. The stress of an MCAT retake is a lot to take on.

 

[mishaS]

Eh, that's a lot of money and time you'll be investing to probably not get in anywhere, and then you'll have to fill out essays explaining why you're reapplicant. Keep in mind, as a Canadian, you're already fighting an uphill battle, and seeing as applying this late would probably kill an American applicant, I personally wouldn't say it's worth it. I applied MD, so I'm not familiar with the DO application process, but I imagine it's pretty much the same in that you'll have to spend a lot of time filling out the primary, waiting for transcripts and letters to come in, writing out a awesome personal statement (because this late in the game anything but will probably kill you), submitting, waiting for secondaries, and then having to fill those out, all with the unlikely hope that one of the few spots for international students is left, and you've wowed them enough to let you have it. Hell, the stress alone doesn't seem worth it to me, let alone the money you'll have to spend.

 

[sylvanthus]

If you are just starting right now, don't bother applying for this cycle. It will take weeks to months to verify your info and you are already late. I would save your money and apply early for the next season.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

not worth it for you. sounds like someone applied MD and is realizing that they aren't going to get in this season.

 

[DocGodfather]

not worth it for you. sounds like someone applied MD and is realizing that they aren't going to get in this season.

This is exactly what I thought. It is really, really late in the cycle, but if you're willing to go for it, then do it. However, your chances are extremely slim. When in 2009 did you take the MCAT?

 

[tsk1]

Thanks for your all of your input!

You would be correct in that my first path (being Canadian) is for MD. Also going to a medical school near your support network (or at least in your own country) alleviates the financial stress compared to going to an American school. Plus, my knowledge of what it meant to become a DO was very limited and so I had been bouncing between the ideas of going to a Caribbean (aus/euro etc) school or an Osteopathic school and trying to understand where I would be with a $300000 debt and 4 years of school. Anyways, I agree with the school of thought that DO is a parallel option to MD and personally don't care about what two letters I get.

I wrote my MCAT Aug, 2009.

I was actually thinking about the possibility of being wait-listed and accepted the following year. That would be a good scenario.

Also, if you apply more than once you need to write a letter explaining why?

 

[BenZq]

Also, if you apply more than once you need to write a letter explaining why?

Don't think that you need to write another letter, but you will be expected to write a new Personal Statement, probably submit an additional LOR, and are also expected to show additional activities/ volunteer experiences... Take what i say with a grain of salt though, never have I had to reapply.

 

[mishaS]

Don't think that you need to write another letter, but you will be expected to write a new Personal Statement, probably submit an additional LOR, and are also expected to show additional activities/ volunteer experiences... Take what i say with a grain of salt though, never have I had to reapply.

I can't speak for DO programs, but many of my secondaries had a special section for re-applicants.

 

[dntke1518]

I can't speak for DO programs, but many of my secondaries had a special section for re-applicants.

There are some secondaries that will ask about re-applicants to their programs.