Which DO schools will mark you "complete" without a physician LOR?

[Bubbles0523]

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Does anyone have a list of DO schools that don't require you to submit a DO LOR with your secondary application? For instance, I know LECOM just requires you to submit your DO LOR by the time of your interview (if granted one). Do any of the other schools have this same policy?

Long story short...I only applied to MD schools and have received a few rejections and mostly holds/silence. After a lot of thought, I've decided to submit a DO application (I know it's SUPER late, but I know a couple of people who were in my situation and were lucky enough to receive acceptances to DO schools despite a February application). Although it's not ideal, I don't really have anything to lose at this point. With that being said, I have all of my science and volunteer LORs, but no physician LOR. I can get a DO letter of rec within the next few weeks, but I'd like to get my application in ASAP. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[songl4a]

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[s5260205]

Most schools would not complete/review your application until all your LORs have been received. There is a few DO schools that do not require physician letters at all, though it is strongly recommended. Just off the top of my head, UNECOM, MSUCOM, and RowanSOM are three schools that do not explicitly require a physician LOR.

On a side note, I would strongly recommend you to apply first thing in the next cycle to broaden your chances. It is much better to delay one year and have more options in the schools you want to go to than risking being a re-applicant next cycle. You may very well be interviewing for a spot on the waitlist at this point, especially given the substantial increase in applications this year (KCUMB for example did not even review my application since it was only complete in November).

 

[Bubbles0523]

How are you getting a letter? I got an MD letter but can't find any willing DOs.

I live in Southern California, and several doctors I've volunteered with are DO doctors (haha don't ask me why I didn't think to get an LOR back then). From my experience, it's impossible to tell who went to an MD school vs a DO school without specifically asking them!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Most schools would not complete/review your application until all your LORs have been received. There is a few DO schools that do not require physician letters at all, though it is strongly recommended. Just off the top of my head, UNECOM, MSUCOM, and RowanSOM are three schools that do not explicitly require a physician LOR.

On a side note, I would strongly recommend you to apply first thing in the next cycle to broaden your chances. It is much better to delay one year and have more options in the schools you want to go to than risking being a re-applicant next cycle. You may very well be interviewing for a spot on the waitlist at this point, especially given the substantial increase in applications this year (KCUMB for example did not even review my application since it was only complete in November).

Quoted for truth

Hell, KCUMB was done sending out interviews by December!

 

[Bubbles0523]

Hi guys!

SDN has been very helpful for me throughout this application cycle, so I thought I would pay it forward and let others know what ultimately happened in my situation, and what worked for me! (in case future applicants find themselves in the same situation reading this thread) Despite the advice of many SDNers to wait until next year to apply for DO schools, I scrambled and applied to PCOM, LECOM Erie and Brandenton, OUHCOM, and NYIT COM (schools that didn't require a DO letter to be considered complete). There are other schools that don't require a DO letter, but I kept the re-applicant idea in mind and tried to limit the number of DO schools I applied to in case it really was too late. I submitted my primary application on January 22nd, secondaries soon after, and was marked complete at all schools by February 10th. I ultimately received 3 DO interviews, as well as 6 MD interviews in February (crazy how quickly the cycle can change). I scheduled all my DO interviews for late March, but after being accepted to an MD school, I declined all of my DO interviews (therefore I can't comment on whether I would have ultimately been waitlisted).

I just wanted future applicants to know that it's not over until you get a rejection letter! Almost everyone I talked to said I wouldn't get any interviews if I applied to DO schools in February, but I did! And almost everyone said I would be interviewing for a waitlist spot if I interviewed in March/April (at MD or DO schools)--again not true! All of my MD acceptance letters came from March interviews! I know n=1, but SDN can be a very discouraging place, and I wanted future applicants to know that anything can happen!

 

[songl4a]

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[Bubbles0523]

Stats?

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[Gandyy]

3.6 cgpa/28 mcat; non-URM

Maybe someone can also pitch in to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe those are pretty strong stats for DO schools. Right guys?

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Maybe someone can also pitch in to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe those are pretty strong stats for DO schools. Right guys?

GPA is pretty competitive. MCAT is within what is becoming the average for Osteopathic Medical schools.

 

[Bubbles0523]

Maybe someone can also pitch in to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe those are pretty strong stats for DO schools. Right guys?

I think my gpa was definitely strong for DO schools, but my mcat seems to be around the average of accepted students.

 

[Gandyy]

I think my gpa was definitely strong for DO schools, but my mcat seems to be around the average of accepted students.

My stats are pretty similar to yours so I'm hoping for at least 1 DO acceptance. Im applying to 18 DO schools so I"m hoping that lands me at least 1.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

My stats are pretty similar to yours so I'm hoping for at least 1 DO acceptance. Im applying to 18 DO schools so I"m hoping that lands me at least 1.

The interview feedback section on this site will be very helpful to you. I interviewed at LECOM, KCOM and VCOM-CC so if you interview at any of those places feel from to PM me for questions.

Above and beyond that though- when you do get interviews (and you really should with those stats). Just chill, go in, be confident and try to have fun with it.

 

[Gandyy]

The interview feedback section on this site will be very helpful to you. I interviewed at LECOM, KCOM and VCOM-CC so if you interview at any of those places feel from to PM me for questions.

Above and beyond that though- when you do get interviews (and you really should with those stats). Just chill, go in, be confident and try to have fun with it.

Ok thanks, I'll probably take you up on that!

 

[Bubbles0523]

The interview feedback section on this site will be very helpful to you. I interviewed at LECOM, KCOM and VCOM-CC so if you interview at any of those places feel from to PM me for questions.

Above and beyond that though- when you do get interviews (and you really should with those stats). Just chill, go in, be confident and try to have fun with it.

I agree with all of this! The interview feedback section was definitely my best friend when I was interviewing! If you can confidently answer the big questions (why medicine, why this school, tell me about x activity, answer this ethical question etc.) you should be okay! I honestly thought my interviews were more fun than stressful. Just know yourself and be yourself! 🙂

 

[Bubbles0523]

My stats are pretty similar to yours so I'm hoping for at least 1 DO acceptance. Im applying to 18 DO schools so I"m hoping that lands me at least 1.

Assuming you have extracurriculars/research experience, you should definitely get at least 1! Are you planning on applying to any MDs as well?

 

[Gandyy]

Assuming you have extracurriculars/research experience, you should definitely get at least 1! Are you planning on applying to any MDs as well?

Yea I hope so. Well I have over 4 years of research experience with a presentation and Honors in Biological Sciences and a Paper of 23 Pages (The most painfully difficult paper I've ever written in my entire life). Not published though.

EC's.. umm I think I have strong EC's. Who knows though, these days it seems like everyone has 9000 hours of shadowing, volunteering, and solving world hunger on their apps.

I am applying to MD schools, but seeing as how I've been out of school for 3 years for personal reasons, and from stuff I've been learning about this admissions process, I'll be extremely lucky to get in to a MD school even though my gpa is above average for MD matriculants and a slightly lower MCAT.

This is why I'm hoping to just get into 1 DO school even. Even though I feel just as confident in my academic ability as I was 3 years ago, some schools/adcoms may not see it that way.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

If your MCAT is under 30, and your GPA is under 3.7 (inferring from your above comment that your stats are similar to bubbles) you may want to stick to DO and not apply MD.

Though i could be being overdramatic, if you really want to apply to MD you may want to consult the WAMC forum and ask for a list of MD schools you have a chance on.

 

[Gandyy]

If your MCAT is under 30, and your GPA is under 3.7 (inferring from your above comment that your stats are similar to bubbles) you may want to stick to DO and not apply MD.

Though i could be being overdramatic, if you really want to apply to MD you may want to consult the WAMC forum and ask for a list of MD schools you have a chance on.

I have a LizzyM in the 65-70 range

 

[mathnerd88]

Well my MCAT is a 29 and gpa is a 3.77, but I'm not one of those people who HAS to go MD. If I end up with a DO acceptance and no MD acceptances, I will be more than happy.

Yeah, I made the mistake of applying only to MD schools last cycle. Kind of regretted it...I had a feeling I should've applied DO but I didn't want to apply late and not get into the school I want.

 

[Bubbles0523]

Yea I hope so. Well I have over 4 years of research experience with a presentation and Honors in Biological Sciences and a Paper of 23 Pages (The most painfully difficult paper I've ever written in my entire life). Not published though.

EC's.. umm I think I have strong EC's. Who knows though, these days it seems like everyone has 9000 hours of shadowing, volunteering, and solving world hunger on their apps.

I am applying to MD schools, but seeing as how I've been out of school for 3 years for personal reasons, and from stuff I've been learning about this admissions process, I'll be extremely lucky to get in to a MD school even though my gpa is above average for MD matriculants and a slightly lower MCAT.

This is why I'm hoping to just get into 1 DO school even. Even though I feel just as confident in my academic ability as I was 3 years ago, some schools/adcoms may not see it that way.

If your MCAT is under 30, and your GPA is under 3.7 (inferring from your above comment that your stats are similar to bubbles) you may want to stick to DO and not apply MD.

Though i could be being overdramatic, if you really want to apply to MD you may want to consult the WAMC forum and ask for a list of MD schools you have a chance on.

I definitely understand your concern. The whole application process in really just a crap shoot. I get where Nontrad is coming from, but honestly if money isn't tight, I would definitely sort through MD schools and apply where your stats fall within the 10-90%. I agree with Nontrads advice to consult with the WAMC forum... I didn't personally create a WAMC thread, but I did look through a few dozen to create my school list. But take what you read on SDN with a grain of salt. During the application cycle, a lot of people told me to retake my MCAT and wait until next year to apply MD, or to only apply DO, and if I had listened to them I wouldn't be going to an MD school in the fall. Let your experiences and personality show through your personal statement/secondary responses, and you'll be just fine. Since we have similar stats, let me know if you want my MD school list. Best of luck to you!! 🙂

 

[Gandyy]

I definitely understand your concern. The whole application process in really just a crap shoot. I get where Nontrad is coming from, but honestly if money isn't tight, I would definitely sort through MD schools and apply where your stats fall within the 10-90%. I agree with Nontrads advice to consult with the WAMC forum... I didn't personally create a WAMC thread, but I did look through a few dozen to create my school list. But take what you read on SDN with a grain of salt. During the application cycle, a lot of people told me to retake my MCAT and wait until next year to apply MD, or to only apply DO, and if I had listened to them I wouldn't be going to an MD school in the fall. Let your experiences and personality show through your personal statement/secondary responses, and you'll be just fine. Since we have similar stats, let me know if you want my MD school list. Best of luck to you!! 🙂

Yea, all I can really do is apply and fret. As for the MD list, I have a list, but my highest concern as of right now on my entire application is getting ignored because of being out of school for 3 years even though I have been productive in other activities.

So much so that I'm worried about even getting into 1 DO school.

 

[Bubbles0523]

Yea, all I can really do is apply and fret. As for the MD list, I have a list, but my highest concern as of right now on my entire application is getting ignored because of being out of school for 3 years even though I have been productive in other activities.

So much so that I'm worried about even getting into 1 DO school.

Why do you believe you'll be ignored because you have been out of school for 3 years? I was under the impression that medical schools like non-trads, assuming you have done something with those years (i.e you have been working/doing research/volunteer work). A few people I interviewed with at Loyola were non-trads, and they had so many different experiences to talk about during their interview, and they seemed to really connect with their interviewer/ other interviewees. I was told that medical schools like non-trads because they bring different perspectives and experiences that can enhance the diversity of a class.

 

[Gandyy]

Hello.

 

[Bubbles0523]

I've done everything on that list except for more volunteering (Mostly because volunteering is packed throughout my college years) but I'm about to pick that up again. I'm starting my 2nd healthcare job in the last 3 years as a medical scribe. That's what I thought was the impression that non-trads gave off as well, but apparently some schools/adcoms don't like that.

Here is my issue with it. Not only have I grown and learned a lot about healthcare in the last 3 years, but I also had to take a break from school because of personal issues that I absolutely could not have avoided. In fact, I would probably look like a ***** if I had applied right after undergrad in my particular situation.

-I got a 29 on my Jan 2015 MCAT (that's a pretty recent indicator of my academic ability)
-Getting a 3.77 at my undergrad was HARD. I have no doubt at all that I could get it AGAIN if I started school now.

But I've heard that some schools believe you cant handle the curriculum if you have been out for more than 2 years? What? I could understand if you have been out of school for a decade... but 3 years? That's my concern.

That's interesting. I've never heard of adcoms thinking less of a student's capabilities simply because they've been out of school for more than 2 years. Like you mentioned, I could understand that thought process for an applicant who has been away from school for a decade, but 2-3 years is a little silly. I know many people who do Teach for America or go abroad to teach for a couple years at before applying to medical school. I think if you used some of the space in your personal statement/secondary to explain why you took time off of school, and how you have grown as a person, it might work in your favor. A few of my secondaries had room to talk about anything that wasn't mentioned in the rest of my application, and I used a lot of that space to talk about some things that happened during undergrad that impacted how I performed academically (I had one particularly bad semester for personal reasons). It seemed to be taken well by adcoms and was brought up during a few of my interviews. Obviously my situation is a little different than yours since I didn't take time off, but I think if you address the red-flags early on, before it raises questions, it might not be as bad as you think! Just my 2 cents though 🙂

 

[Gandyy]

That's interesting. I've never heard of adcoms thinking less of a student's capabilities simply because they've been out of school for more than 2 years. Like you mentioned, I could understand that thought process for an applicant who has been away from school for a decade, but 2-3 years is a little silly. I know many people who do Teach for America or go abroad to teach for a couple years at before applying to medical school. I think if you used some of the space in your personal statement/secondary to explain why you took time off of school, and how you have grown as a person, it might work in your favor. A few of my secondaries had room to talk about anything that wasn't mentioned in the rest of my application, and I used a lot of that space to talk about some things that happened during undergrad that impacted how I performed academically (I had one particularly bad semester for personal reasons). It seemed to be taken well by adcoms and was brought up during a few of my interviews. Obviously my situation is a little different than yours since I didn't take time off, but I think if you address the red-flags early on, before it raises questions, it might not be as bad as you think! Just my 2 cents though 🙂

addressing them in secondaries is all I can really do.

 

[Bubbles0523]

addressing them in secondaries is all I can really do.

Yup! That really is all you can do! Good luck!!

 

[Grace184]

I'm in your corner @Gandy741 !!