too late to start the app process?

[StewieGriffin]

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Hello everybody,

I am in the process of applying for (allo) med school. However, I never really gave the osteopathic path a chance and have just now actually looked into what it is all about. After researching the DO, I have found that my personal beliefs are in complete agreement with the osteopathic philosophy. But, I also found that a majority of DOs go into primary care, which at this point is not what i really want to do. i want to specialize. I'd also like to be involved in research as i go through the medical school process and keep that option open when i become a full fledged doctor. I have not found many DO schools that emphasize research.

Do you guys think there is enough time for me to start the application process, and/or do you think it is even worth it after spending a ridiculous amount of $$ on allo applications, and/or with my interest in medicine vs. my interest in the DO philosophy, should i even think DO school?

i know thats alot of questions, but....
i'd appreciate any and all replies/advice.

much thanks,
s

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

It's a little late to start applying to DO schools.


I have a question for you, how many interviews at MD schools have you gotten?

 

[Ypo.]

Well, its pretty late to start the application. I applied in Novemeber last year and didn't get in anywhere. It wouldn't hurt to try (except your pocketbook) but perhaps you should wait till next year.

There are some DO schools that offer dual DO/PhD tracks, you just have to research a little. MSUCOM offers one, for example. I have heard that these programs aren't coordinated as well as the allopathic ones.
You shouldn't have a problem specializing as a DO. But if you want to be a research doctor, I would think that allo is the best way for you to go. Either way, you need to research the problem for yourself.

 

[medic170]

MSUCOM and KCUMB do a lot of research. Also, about 48% of all DOs specialize. Lastly, it is a little late this year, but not impossible until after the deadline.

 

[Fin-Nor]

It's a little late to start applying to DO schools.


I have a question for you, how many interviews at MD schools have you gotten?

 

[StewieGriffin]

It's a little late to start applying to DO schools.


I have a question for you, how many interviews at MD schools have you gotten?

Just one. My apps have only been complete for 3 weeks at a good number of the schoools i applied to. i procrastinate like none other and am trying to rush a few more secondaries in and just waiting...waiting...waiting...

btw, whats so funny about that question?

thanks for the replies everyone.

for some reason, i remember seeing that some of the deadlines for applications seemed to be much later than that of MD schools...like in february or march. were those typos? am i just seeing things?

 

[medic170]

Deadlines for Applying
Apply Early! Processing begins June 1. Many colleges make admissions decisions on a rolling basis, so they review applications, conduct interviews, and make admissions decisions throughout the admissions cycle. Interview slots may be awarded and/or classes may be filled if you apply close to the deadlines. Submitting materials early will ensure timely processing and help avoid delays. Your AACOMAS application must be submitted and official transcripts must be postmarked on or before the following dates:

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine:
December 1, 2004 Application Materials
December 15, 2004 Transcripts

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
January 1, 2005 Application Materials
January 15, 2005 Transcripts

Nova Southeastern University - College of Osteopathic Medicine:
January 15, 2005 Application Materials
January 31, 2005 Transcripts

A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Main Campus
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Atlanta
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Main Campus
Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
February 1, 2005 Application Materials
February 15, 2005 Transcripts

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
February 15, 2005 Application Materials
February 28, 2005 Transcripts

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Mare Island
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
April 15, 2005 Application Materials
May 1, 2005 Transcripts

 

[mav3r|ck]

yes i would say that it might be a bit late to start the process now. They list the deadlines as a formality, but when i attended several open houses, the admissions directors emphasized over and over the importance of early applications. I submitted my primary on June 15, received secondaries by july 15th and sent them out on an individual basis the day after I received them. I don't have outstanding numbers, but my anal retention has given me the advantage (there's a first). The DO philosophy is the future of medicine though, so I would definately consider it, if not for this year, certainly for the next. Good luck!

 

[Kevbot]

I think it's worth giving it a shot, but only if your genuinly interested. If you apply now youll have to wait a few weeks for AACOMAS to go through and then the secondary, then wait for an interview etc. By the time it all goes through you'll probably be competing against all of the people waitlisted which means you have a decent shot. But don't apply DO as a backup. If DO is the choice your left with, rather than a choice your interested in, you won't be happy in med school.

 

[StewieGriffin]

wow medic, thats a comprehensive answer. thanks!

thanks everyone else too.

i think im gonna apply to a few of those schools. whats another few hundred bucks down the drain when youve already flushed well over that amount. ya never know whats gonna happen. i just wish i wouldve explored the DO option a bit earlier in this process...

 

[kaikai128]

Just one. My apps have only been complete for 3 weeks at a good number of the schoools i applied to. i procrastinate like none other and am trying to rush a few more secondaries in and just waiting...waiting...waiting...

btw, whats so funny about that question?

thanks for the replies everyone.

for some reason, i remember seeing that some of the deadlines for applications seemed to be much later than that of MD schools...like in february or march. were those typos? am i just seeing things?

He thought it was funny, because I think that a lot of the people who do the MD to DO switch after applying to MD do it because they aren't getting the response from the MD schools that they hoped. They apply DO as a "backup" bc they think they will have a better chance with their lower stats.

 

[docbill]

I don't like your name... I have the picture copyright as well.

So I guess most are saying it is too late to apply. Some schools will put you on waiting list... but as Medic said it is not too late till the deadlines are over.

A small suggestion... maybe read more into DO profession (unless of course you have been, and were finally decided to apply). There are benefits and downsides.

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

Hello everybody,

I am in the process of applying for (allo) med school. However, I never really gave the osteopathic path a chance and have just now actually looked into what it is all about. After researching the DO, I have found that my personal beliefs are in complete agreement with the osteopathic philosophy. But, I also found that a majority of DOs go into primary care, which at this point is not what i really want to do. i want to specialize. I'd also like to be involved in research as i go through the medical school process and keep that option open when i become a full fledged doctor. I have not found many DO schools that emphasize research.

Do you guys think there is enough time for me to start the application process, and/or do you think it is even worth it after spending a ridiculous amount of $$ on allo applications, and/or with my interest in medicine vs. my interest in the DO philosophy, should i even think DO school?

i know thats alot of questions, but....
i'd appreciate any and all replies/advice.

much thanks,
s

It is definitely not too late for you to apply. You'll have to tweak your essay/personal statement and get all of your transcripts and the like sent in, which will be a little bit of a time crunch, but certainly do-able.

Nothing wrong with having a backup people...I could have burned another year (I interviewed at UCSD and was put in their "acceptable pool"), but I decided getting on track (finally) was way more important to me and my family.

My backup turned out to be very convenient, geographically speaking, and I am having a terrific time.

 

[EvoDevo]

I'm with JMC. It's not too late in November. March now..... 😳

Go for it, dude. You have my personal assurance that it's NOT too late.