u/Extra_Ad8811

I have a 3.96 and a 507. I'm also a white guy without any crazy unique life story. I'm not usually the type to overthink things I can't control, but at least for MD, this is looking a bit dire.

I worked hard to build my GPA and activities (the MCAT is a different story. I wish I had applied myself more there). I did both preclinical and now full-time clinical research in a disease/field personal to me, got some publications. I also did EMT, volunteering, shadowing, all that with plenty of hours. But its nothing outstanding to draw eyes.

I sort of convinced myself I really had a chance at MD. I don't know how accurate CycleTrack is, but looking at the schools I thought I had a chance at, they barely offered a single interview to 507s. The MSAR provides a better picture, and even then I'm at or below 10th percentile in MCAT for every school I'm looking at. And (for good reason), those interviews will mostly go to people with hardship or unique experiences. So I'm like is it even worth it to try for MD? Not feeling too motivated.

Anyway, I will definitely be applying DO. I guess if I was deadest on MD, I could retake and I do feel confident I could get up there. Above all I'm quite ready to move forward however. I'm not the type to care for prestige. It's moreso for the field I want to go into, I won't be doing myself any favors without the MD. But I know for a fact it's not impossible.

I guess can anybody relate to this? Any success stories (MD or DO) to bring my hopes up?

I have what I hope is competitive DO application: 3.98, 507, publications in basic science research, full time clinical research gap year (both in my demonstrated field of interest ), 911 EMT, clinical/nonclinical volunteering, some leadership, 5 Letters including an MD. I shadowed two DOs, one day each.

I was offered to shadow a DO in my big area of interest. She is technically one of my clinical research PIs, although I only met her in person once. She was very nice, and I believe would be willing to sign a LOR written by my supervisor if I make a good impression .

In my situation, would you advise me to start submitting DO without the potential DO letter? Everything else is ready to go, just need to finish up some secondaries.  I haven’t asked my supervisor for a letter because of poor planning (wasn’t expecting to ask for one at this job), but she offered herself. I want to give her at least a month, so that’s a month before I can submit DOs

 

DO Schools on my list (PA Resident):

PCOM, Rowan-Virtua SOM, KCU-COM, LECOM Erie, WVSOM, DMU-COM, Campbell (CUSOM), VCOM–Virginia, UNECOM, NYITCOM

I believe some “strongly prefer” a physician letter, but it’s unclear to me how important it is to be a DO. I will remove/add any if it could help. If I can’t get in anywhere, I think this may be my first and last cycle applying, lol, so I guess pressure is on.

Greatly appreciate any advice