Will DO schools think I'm applying as backup?

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OrkidLover

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I'm getting kind of sick of my friends asking me why I am applying to DO schools with a decent MCAT score and then assume it's because I have a low GPA. I do have a low GPA, but that's not why I am applying both MD and DO. My family doctor is an MD but whenever she's out, the DO doctor sees me and he's just as great a doctor. The fact is that plenty of 30+ MCAT people apply to DO schools. I am worried that DO school adcoms might also think that I'm applying to their programs as backup for MD schools because of my low GPA and screen me out. I honestly would love to attend DMU, especially after seeing their international rotations for 4th years. A few friends are also in PNWU and if they love it there, I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy that school as well. Applying to both MD and DO programs shouldn't be a problem if they ask, right?
 
It won't. In fact, I'm sure the DO schools are aware of how many apply to their schools as a backup and they accept plenty of those applicants.
 
OP, I think you'll be just fine. I applied to both with a (relatively) high MCAT and low GPA and when asked, I was just open and honest. If you explain to the AdComs that first and foremost, you want to be a physician, they'll understand. Just be sincere and good luck.
 
If you're passionate and want to go DO, they will see it. I applied with a normal GPA and a 30+ MCAT and didn't run into any issues. I also knew a ton about osteopathic medicine and it was clear I wanted to take that route.
 
JaggerPlate said:
If you're passionate and want to go DO, they will see it. I applied with a normal GPA and a 30+ MCAT and didn't run into any issues. I also knew a ton about osteopathic medicine and it was clear I wanted to take that route.
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Did any interviewers ask you specifically about your high stats, and do you think that "because I really want to be a physician" is a good answer?
 
Morsetlis said:
Did any interviewers ask you specifically about your high stats, and do you think that "because I really want to be a physician" is a good answer?
Click to expand...

I had a similar situation to JP and I can answer unequivocally yes to both. It's a tough atmosphere for applicants and frankly, the more schools you apply to, the better your chances, plain and simple. A few schools asked about my stats, but I told them the truth and I was accepted at every school I interviewed with this cycle.
 
OrkidLover said:
Applying to both MD and DO programs shouldn't be a problem if they ask, right?
Click to expand...

I don't think you'll run into any problems. I had a decent MCAT (32P) and a pretty abysmal gpa (3.21 overall, 3.06 science) when I applied and got into the DO school of my choice and withdrew apps post interview at a couple of schools after my acceptance.

I applied to my state MD schools & DO schools.
 
Just curious, are there any MDApplicant-like websites for DOApplicants (so I can see the level of competition)?
 
Morsetlis said:
Just curious, are there any MDApplicant-like websites for DOApplicants (so I can see the level of competition)?
Click to expand...

MDApps has all the DO schools in their database. I wouldn't use MDApps as a good indicator though ... it's a really small and skewed sample in my opinion.
 
Morsetlis said:
Did any interviewers ask you specifically about your high stats, and do you think that "because I really want to be a physician" is a good answer?
Click to expand...

Yeah.

Quite a few asked about my UG school (it's a big name), almost all brought up my MCAT, but for me at least - especially if you've seen me on the boards for a while ... it's pretty clear I want to go DO. I was really involved with DO specific stuff at my school, shadowed only DOs, knew so much esoteric DO knowledge, etc.

I wouldn't sweat it ... think about it this way: would you rather have high stats and maybe get a few comments about why it's high, is this your first choice, etc, or would you rather have low stats and get questions like - did you think about retaking the MCAT. Why is this class X grade, etc ???

You'll be fine. LOL btw, it's not like my stats were that amazing or anything, so I don't want people to think I'm trying to brag over the internet or something lame like that.
 
I'm not sure, but don't some DO schools require letter of recommendation from a DO?
 
^^ Some, yes, there's a grid/spreadsheet somewhere on this forum.
 
JaggerPlate said:
Yeah.

Quite a few asked about my UG school (it's a big name), almost all brought up my MCAT, but for me at least - especially if you've seen me on the boards for a while ... it's pretty clear I want to go DO. I was really involved with DO specific stuff at my school, shadowed only DOs, knew so much esoteric DO knowledge, etc.

I wouldn't sweat it ... think about it this way: would you rather have high stats and maybe get a few comments about why it's high, is this your first choice, etc, or would you rather have low stats and get questions like - did you think about retaking the MCAT. Why is this class X grade, etc ???

You'll be fine. LOL btw, it's not like my stats were that amazing or anything, so I don't want people to think I'm trying to brag over the internet or something lame like that.
Click to expand...

I'm definitely going to be getting some questions along this line. It'd be like, "Did you just sleep all through physics and your lab classes?" I'm really regretting that 2.0 right now
 
OrkidLover said:
I'm definitely going to be getting some questions along this line. It'd be like, "Did you just sleep all through physics and your lab classes?" I'm really regretting that 2.0 right now
Click to expand...

Hahaha you'll be okay.
 
they'll only think it's your backup if you're blatantly like "well, OMM is total bs, but i'd rather go DO than Carib!". but if you present yourself as a decent human being that want to explore every option and choose the best school that suits your needs, you should be fine. you will have to answer "why do", so be prepared to do that.

and jagger, please learn to multi-quote. i know you're trying to up your post count, but come on :meanie:. (payback for the face tat post! lol. you know i 😍 you...)
 
i read somewhere that aroudn 40% of DO students are people who didn't get into MD schools. personally, i think the number is higher, but the point is that admissions officers are aware that most people are not hardcore osteopaths as premeds so dont worry about it.
 
AD28 said:
i read somewhere that aroudn 40% of DO students are people who didn't get into MD schools. personally, i think the number is higher, but the point is that admissions officers are aware that most people are not hardcore osteopaths as premeds so dont worry about it.
Click to expand...

source??
 
i was only asked "did you apply to MD schools at well" at only 1 of the the 3 DO schools I interviewed at, and that was DMU. I answered honestly and truthfully without explanation, "yes, last summer." and they just went on to the next question. well, I got in 🙂 I think your answer and general demeanor towards the rest of the questions weighs in more, so don't sweat it too much. Before asking me that, they asked me "what do you think is the difference between MD and DO?".
 
One of the advisers at my school was telling me to shoot for the stars, dream big and apply to MD schools fitting with my career goals and not necessarily just the ones close to my GPA because she feels like I'm capable of doing well. I really really liked our meeting...until she started talking about what to do if I got accepted DO and haven't heard back yet from MD schools and holding out for allopathic. I know she means well but considering that she attends a ton of DO info sessions I am truly surprised by her stance of DO being backup.
 
Unfortunately DMU stresses GPA much more than some other schools. 3.6 is the norm I think. I have a 30+ MCAT and 3.5 GPA and was put on hold. I withdrew.

Applying to med school is crapshoot. Don't assume applying to DO is necessarily easier because of the slightly lower stats. Many other factors weigh in. Research the school are you interested in and see if they are particular about certain things.

OrkidLover said:
I'm getting kind of sick of my friends asking me why I am applying to DO schools with a decent MCAT score and then assume it's because I have a low GPA. I do have a low GPA, but that's not why I am applying both MD and DO. My family doctor is an MD but whenever she's out, the DO doctor sees me and he's just as great a doctor. The fact is that plenty of 30+ MCAT people apply to DO schools. I am worried that DO school adcoms might also think that I'm applying to their programs as backup for MD schools because of my low GPA and screen me out. I honestly would love to attend DMU, especially after seeing their international rotations for 4th years. A few friends are also in PNWU and if they love it there, I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy that school as well. Applying to both MD and DO programs shouldn't be a problem if they ask, right?
Click to expand...
 
Morsetlis said:
Just curious, are there any MDApplicant-like websites for DOApplicants (so I can see the level of competition)?
Click to expand...

there's doapplicants.com but i think they are still building it. From my experience, I doubt that DO schools will think lesser of their own school rather than an MD school. With a decent MCAT they will at least pull you in for an interview to see your intentions.
 
Bud, I made a 33 then a 38. I had people practically yelling at me to go to johns hopkins or ou or chicago. I made my decision to go DO. No, I'm not trying to brag or anything like that--I'm letting you know that more competitive people that may traditionally go MD are going DO. DO is the future of medicine (low cost healthcare treatments) my friend.
 
by the way, dmu, ccom, and north texas are phenomenal medical schools.
 
TJ87 said:
Bud, I made a 33 then a 38. I had people practically yelling at me to go to johns hopkins or ou or chicago. I made my decision to go DO. No, I'm not trying to brag or anything like that--I'm letting you know that more competitive people that may traditionally go MD are going DO. DO is the future of medicine (low cost healthcare treatments) my friend.
Click to expand...

Interesting ... I know a guy who told me his Kaplan teacher had a 38 and was going DO.
 
TJ87 said:
Bud, I made a 33 then a 38. I had people practically yelling at me to go to johns hopkins or ou or chicago. I made my decision to go DO. No, I'm not trying to brag or anything like that--I'm letting you know that more competitive people that may traditionally go MD are going DO. DO is the future of medicine (low cost healthcare treatments) my friend.
Click to expand...

I have no idea what this means. Explain. (This should be good! :laugh:)
 
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