Applying to medical school is already a complex and stressful process, but if you’re considering both MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) schools, the challenge doubles. Not only do you need to prepare multiple applications, but you also have to navigate two different systems—AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for MD schools and AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) for DO schools.

At AcceptMed, we understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle multiple application platforms, different school requirements, and the pressure of crafting compelling personal statements. The good news? With the right strategy, you can efficiently manage both AMCAS and AACOMAS applications without feeling burnt out.

Should You Apply to Both MD and DO Schools?

Before diving into how to manage both applications, it’s important to ask yourself: Does it make sense to apply to both MD and DO programs?

Yes, you should apply to both if:

• You want to maximize your chances of acceptance.
• You are open to both allopathic and osteopathic medicine.
• You have a lower GPA or MCAT score and need more options.
• You are drawn to osteopathic principles like holistic medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

No, you might not need to apply to both if:

• You are strongly committed to either MD or DO schools.
• You have a competitive application for top MD schools and don’t need backup options.
• You don’t align with the DO philosophy or approach to medicine.

If you’re applying to both MD and DO schools, you need a plan to juggle AMCAS and AACOMAS effectively. Let’s break it down.

Key Differences Between AMCAS and AACOMAS

Although AMCAS and AACOMAS serve similar purposes, there are key differences in deadlines, application structure, and school requirements that you must keep in mind.

Application Costs

• AMCAS: $175 for the first school, $45 per additional school.
• AACOMAS: $198 for the first school, $55 per additional school.

Pro Tip: Budget accordingly, as applying to both MD and DO schools can be expensive.

Personal Statement Differences

• AMCAS Personal Statement: 5,300 characters.
• AACOMAS Personal Statement: 5,300 characters, but DO schools prefer a focus on osteopathic principles and holistic medicine.

Strategy: While you can reuse some material, tailor your AACOMAS essay to show your understanding of DO philosophy.

Work & Activities Section

• AMCAS: Up to 15 activities, with three "Most Meaningful" experiences.
• AACOMAS: Unlimited activities, but no "Most Meaningful" section.

Strategy: If you have a lot of experiences, you can include them all in AACOMAS, but focus on quality over quantity.

How to Manage AMCAS and AACOMAS Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Step 1: Create a Clear Timeline

• May – June: Submit AMCAS and AACOMAS as early as possible (both operate on rolling admissions).
• July – August: Begin prewriting secondary essays for both MD and DO schools.
• August – September: Submit secondaries within 2 weeks of receiving them.
• September – January: Prepare for interviews and track application progress.

Pro Tip: Applying early gives you a significant advantage, as medical schools review applications on a rolling basis.

Step 2: Tackle Your Personal Statements Efficiently

• AMCAS Essay: Focus on your motivation for becoming a physician, your journey, and key experiences.
• AACOMAS Essay: Include everything in your AMCAS essay, but add elements of osteopathic medicine, such as:
  
  • The importance of holistic, patient-centered care.
  • Why are you interested in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
  • Your experience with DO physicians or osteopathic principles.

Pro Tip: Write one strong core essay and tweak it slightly for AACOMAS.

Step 3: Organize Your Work & Activities Section

• AMCAS Strategy: Carefully choose 15 experiences and select three “Most Meaningful” entries that reflect your journey to medicine.
• AACOMAS Strategy: If you have more than 15 experiences, AACOMAS allows unlimited entries, so include additional relevant activities.

Pro Tip: Don’t just list duties—show impact and personal growth.

Step 4: Budget for Two Application Systems

• AMCAS + AACOMAS costs can add up—expect to spend $500-$1,500 depending on how many schools you apply to.
• Consider fee assistance programs if needed.

Pro Tip: Apply strategically—don’t apply to schools you wouldn’t attend just to increase your numbers.

Step 5: Stay Organized with Secondaries and Interviews

• Pre-write your secondaries so you can submit them within 2 weeks of receiving them.
• Track interview invites for both MD and DO schools.
• Be prepared to discuss why you’re applying to both MD and DO schools during interviews.

Pro Tip: Keep a spreadsheet to track submission dates, secondaries, and interview invites.

Applying to both MD and DO schools can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can manage both applications efficiently.

• Decide if applying to both MD and DO schools aligns with your goals.
• Understand key differences between AMCAS and AACOMAS.
• Apply early—both systems operate on rolling admissions!
• Modify your personal statement to reflect osteopathic philosophy for DO schools.
• Stay organized with secondaries, budget wisely, and track your progress.

By staying strategic, organized, and proactive, you can successfully juggle AMCAS and AACOMAS applications while maintaining your sanity.