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Too late?

Started by biotennis
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biotennis

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Hey guys, I accidentally posted this in the current osteopathic student forum a bit ago... sorry

My transcripts and application were all received by AACOMAS on Oct. 22 so they are still processing and I understand it can take some time. I had a hard time getting some shadowing done during school and working part time and after graduating was able to some over the summer and during the fall which is why my application is late this year, but I felt it was better to get a bit more. I got turned down ALOT even by DOs for shadowing.

I was just wondering if by the time I get secondaries probably late this month to early December and then can fill them out and return if you guys thought most classes would be filled and if it worth spending the money this year. I really want to go into osteopathic medicine, but money is very tight right now due some unexpected financial hardships, but if I still have a chance I will totally go for it. Anyways, when do classes mostly get filled? I know schools have already begun interviewing. I am applying to PCOM, NYCOM, Western, Rocky Vista, PNW, Touro Nevada and Cali, AZCOM, and both A.T. Still campuses. Thanks. BTW, Here are my stats

3.31 GPA
34 MCAT

I shadowed a D.O. GP LONG AGO but not for long, a pediatrician last year, and most recently, this year, internal medicine (several different doctors at a hospital, once each, its just how they do it there) and most recently an ophthalmologist, from whom I also got a letter.
 
I think you have a shot still with that MCAT score....if you are financially able I would be going for it if I were you.
 
Apply very broadly. You might end up interviewing for spots on the waitlist in the spring, but those can turn into acceptances. If you can, I'd add as many schools as financially possible. This whole process is a crapshoot. In the meantime, work on your secondaries so as soon as you get them you can send em right back.
 
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Don't give up hope... I applied in late... I mean LATE! Got my secondaries out ASAP... My secondary for CCOM on the day it was due expecting to be turned down with my MCAT of 23 (CCOM avg MCAT=27)... Got 3 interviews 2 acceptances.
With your MCAT, it helps with your lower GPA. I never shadowed a doc, but I volunteered in Chicago's busiest trauma center. With any application process its a lot of luck, of course your stellar application depicting yourself as "god's gift to medicine" without seeming like a cocky prick helps too. Med-school is a kick to everyone's nuts and they want to make sure you can handle it. I find the DO schools don't use academics to solely base their "cut".

I cleared my bank account applying, but in the end it was all worth it. Now I'm spending 70k a year :-D
 
Go for it, you can start working on the secondaries now (many of the essays are posted under school specific discussions) if you get them out asap, with those stats you should be fine 🙂
 
I'm in the same boat as OP (oddly enough our uGPA and MCAT score are near identical) and I've wondered about it being too late as well. I think it's also safe to say that the entire process is behind this year as AACOMAS was(is?) taking about a month longer than expected to process apps this cycle as well. Schools most likely aren't oblivious to this and will more than likely be a bit more understanding of late(r than usual) apps. That said, get crackin' on those secondaries!