What a long, drawn-out, painful process. I started applying in July/August and finally received an acceptance in the 1st week of May. Applicants should be prepared to wait long periods of time between submitting primaries, hearing back from schools after secondaries, and hearing back after interviews.
I wish I had known more about DO schools earlier on in the application process (i.e. last summer), as I felt like I got my DO applications in barely under the wire (i.e. January 30th - deadline of January 31st). The DO philosophy really fits me better (i.e. emphasis on the interrelatedness of body systems) and OMM/OMT is a great tool I would like to possess for clinical practice. The DO degree offers the same opportunities for research and career paths as the MD degree (check out the NIH website! DOs are eligible for all of the same grants as MDs, plus some that MDs aren't eligible for!), but be prepared to answer the question 'what is a DO?', as many people don't know the difference between a DO and an MD.
My best advice?
1) Follow your heart. If you know you won't be happy somewhere, don't apply there (or, if it is after the interview, don't attend the school).
2) Stay committed. If you know you want to be a physician, there are ways to accomplish your goal (probably some you never would have thought of).
3) Examine all the options to find the best fit for you. (DO, MD, Caribbean/international med schools, etc.)
4) Before choosing what schools to apply to, make a list of the things that are most important to you (i.e. curriculum, financial aid, research opportunities, public vs private, residency matching, COMLEX/USMLE pass rates, location/housing) and THEN see what schools fit your list (you may have to give a little on the location... I NEVER thought I'd end up in Iowa! I'm a born and raised Seattlite!).
5) Believe in yourself. During your interview, be confident. They want to get to know you and see if you are a good fit for their school.
6) Use your interview as your chance to interview them/their school. An interview is a two-way street. You not only need to show them who you are, but also need to figure out if the school is a good fit for you.
7) ALWAYS have insightful, thoughtful questions prepared to ask interviewers. As for myself, I want to know why professors/students chose to teach at/attend that school. (for students - cost? curriculum? residency matches?, etc.; for faculty - community btw students/faculty? mission statement? job opportunities for advancement?, etc.)
8) If it comes down to multiple school choices, compare the schools from all aspects and from what you remember about your interview (consequently, it is probably a good idea to write something down about the school right after you interview there so you can remember how you felt), and pick the school you feel you will be the happiest at. The last thing you want is to be absolutely miserable in addition to studying/being stressed 24/7.
Best of luck to all future applicants!
