MEDICINE: ALLOPATHIC (MD)/OSTEOPATHIC (DO)

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Background and preparation

• Exploring Allopathic Medicine -- Tomorrow's Doctors
• Exploring Osteopathic Medicine -- AOA, CSUS
• Idealized schedule -- Sac State course work, and summary of all aspects of preparation.
• Recommended course work -- Core plus Medicine-specific
• What are Medical schools looking for in an applicant?
• Aspiringdocs.org -- For underrepresented groups

Pre-Med Advisor -- It is important to identify a person that can serve as your main source of information and the head of your interview committee. When you are ready to take the MCAT and apply, talk to your advisor about giving you some feedback on your application and about possible times for your interview. Most advisors are happy to comment on your application and personal statement; the more input you get, the better.

Preparing your initial application

• Most allopathic medical schools belong to a centralized application service (AMCAS) that allows you to apply through one initial application online.  You can apply to all but one of the osteopathic medical schools through a separate online application service (AACOMAS). All medical schools in Texas (MD and DO) are a part of a third application service (TMDSAS)(1).
• MCAT -- Standardized admissions test information

Supplementary information

• Application advice -- Personal statements. Secondary Essays. Letters of Evaluation. Low Stats. Non-science background. Age. Residency. Research experience.
  • Example essays
  • Older applicants
• Applicant and matriculant data

GPA, MCAT, Geography, Major, Age, University

• MCAT publications
• MCAT retesting -- data on changes in scores for those who retest
• Post baccalaureate programs
• Special Master's degree programs

Preparing your secondary applications

• Evaluation letters-What AMCAS wants from you
• AMCAS waiver - If requesting a committee letter your committee chair may want a completed copy
• Schools that are/are not participating in the AMCAS central letter service.

Sacramento State organizations for students

• American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
• Pre-Health Professional Student Organization (PPSO)
• Multicultural Organization of Science Students (MOSS)
• Science Education Equity (SEE)
• Complete list of relevant student organizations

The PPSO has very useful page with links to a variety of professional schools, internship organizations and more.

(1) Modified from UCD HSA

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