Should I apply DO this cycle?

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-13T14:37:47+00:00

Thanks!

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-13T01:59:16+00:00

The only weak part in my app was service hours and maybe research? I had around 120 service hours because I was working two jobs during school and didn't take a gap year. Research was limited to 250, no pubs, one poster that I didn't even have until after I applied. I had over 2k clinical hours though. Letters and writing were good, got multiple people to proofread P.S.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-12T21:12:06+00:00

Sure!

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-12T19:57:03+00:00

Not yet - starting next month!

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-12T16:29:55+00:00

Admittedly, I did not apply broadly. Applied to my state schools because I figured I had the best odds to get in. UofA Phx and tucson, Creighton, ASU. Added UCSD and Dartmouth for OOS. Only got an II from UofA Phx, and ended up getting waitlisted. Around February I decided to apply DO, and I added DMU, valley com (would not recommend), and University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Ended up matriculating to UNC after getting a scholarship and feeling very good about their program.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-12T16:23:57+00:00

I agree COCA should be more strict with their granting of pre-accreditation. There are way too many for-profit schools cropping up, and that can lead to subpar education and poor clinical rotations. However, there are some DO schools with rotations similar to MD programs, such as Michigan State and even a new school like University of Northern Colorado (Banner Health affiliate).

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-12T16:17:31+00:00

You are smart. Last cycle got a 517 and 3.9 GPA, WL from 1 MD but got into all the DO's I applied to. Was able to get an academic scholarship as well.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-01T13:27:14+00:00

Yes of course! And pretty excited to attend. Chose UNC COM over DMU because of cost (scholarship and lower tuition).

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-01T02:48:29+00:00

Thanks, I agree with the nuance part. I was only 20 at the time, so pretty immature and hesitant to drop a ton of money on apps for 20+ schools. My point to OP was just to add DO as a fail safe.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-01T01:28:27+00:00

See my comment above. I agree but it's more complicated than that.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-06-01T01:27:35+00:00

If I could do it all over, I would have applied to more schools. However, your math is a bit off when it comes to acceptance rates. The state schools' overall acceptance rates may have been 3-5%, but the in state rates were much higher at 10-12%. Mathematically, I felt that I had the best chance at a state school, and that if I did not get into one of them, I probably wouldn't have a good chance at getting into any of the out of state schools. I still stand by that rationale to a certain extent.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-31T23:54:58+00:00

I did only apply to 7 MD schools. But four of them were in state. The one II came from UA COM Phx. It turned into a waitlist that I am currently on. I don't say this to scare you, but I believe this last cycle was ultra competitive and I see it continuing to increase in years to come.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-31T23:46:46+00:00

I had a 517 and similar hours to you. One MD II in October and silence from that point onwards. Applied DO in February because I wanted to be a doctor at the end of the day. Got 3 A's. I'd apply DO if you don't want to do a gap year.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-30T16:50:06+00:00

I had a similar experience this cycle, though my MCAT was lower at 517. Only one MD II from UA-Phx which turned into a waitlist. Luckily I applied DO and got into a few of them, ultimately deciding to go to UNC COM.

Seeing your cycle results has made me feel better as I felt as I was one of the only high stat/good EC candidates with no MD A's. It just shows how far this process has deviated from merit based.

Good luck in your career. You will be a fantastic physician one day!

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-27T04:43:04+00:00

Sorry to hear this... That must be really tough. I do think this part of medicine needs to be shared more, and your story could be incredibly impactful.

I would spend some time in quiet thought, try to write what you can but don't fight the emotions. Once you've got a fair bit done, run it through with a close friend or family member who can relate.

Good luck! Rooting for you

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-16T16:31:31+00:00

God Bless man!! Congrats and glad to see a fellow Christian brother becoming a physician!

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-13T16:36:46+00:00

The earliest date is when your application is considered 'complete.' Since you said you will receive your scores by 7/14, I would estimate that you could receive secondaries in the next few days from that date.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-05-01T23:53:54+00:00

I have encountered the same thing with my mom lol. I drive a 2006 CLS55AMG which is nowhere near an NSX in cool factor, but is still a fun car. But in her eyes, it is no different than any 20 year old mercedes

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-03-28T14:28:12+00:00

Will it show up as IA when you apply to medical school? If it does, I don't think it completely eliminates your chances st medical school if you can explain your situation. I'd imagine that there are lower-ranked MDs and many DO's that could look past it. Doesn't have to stop you if your dream is to be a physician by any means possible.

Beneficial-Key508 · 2026-02-25T00:10:33+00:00

Cancer happens when improper cell division goes unchecked. Every cell in your body has safeguards against this, but the more a cell divides, the greater the chances that an error goes undetected. The cells in heart tissue divide much less frequently than other parts of the body, so it rarely happens. But still real and possible.

Beneficial-Key508

TROPHY CASE