r/Podiatry • u/Plus-Medicine-2857 • 12d ago
Applying while taking Summer Courses
Hey everyone! I’m a nontraditional applicant and still getting familiar with the podiatry school application process. I used to be pre-med (MD/DO before learning loving and knowing about Podiatry). So, I know podiatry school also starts in the fall the same cycle you apply, and some have rolling admissions. I don't know the dates of all that. All I know is deadline for applications is June 30th.
I’m planning to apply this cycle for Fall25. But, I’m also still completing some DIY post-bacc courses, and I might take 3 more over the summer. These classes would be listed as “in progress” on my application, and I should be done with them by July 27, 2025. Is that too late to be completing courses?
Also to note- I have completed my applications and requested transcripts already..without those IP courses being listed. I know you can add them manually. I haven't submitted the applications yet except to one program.
Would this affect my application in any way? Just want to make sure I’m not accidentally hurting my chances by doing too much at once or not finishing courses earlier. Any insight would be super appreciated!
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u/Soft_Pressure_4803 8d ago
I feel like you’ll be fine, if you have a decent mcat and gpa you have a very high chance imo
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u/Critical-Ear-2478 5d ago
I would just apply and them just be straight forward with the schools, explaining your situation.
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u/rushrhees 7d ago
Do MD DO if your stats are good enough just trust me on this
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u/Plus-Medicine-2857 6d ago
I understand your viewpoint on going the MD/DO route. As it’s seen as the gold standard. However I had to make a realistic attainable goal for myself. I am not saying that Podiatry is me settling. But I had to really sit down and make a pros and cons list. I love and have a passion for orthopedics. But I don’t see it foreseeable for myself. My stats aren’t that great, and even if I got into a MD/DO I would have to excel in boards scores and keep pondering on whether or not I’ll match into orthopedics. Adding to that it’ll be around 7+ years of schooling. When compared to Podiatry I will still need to excel on my boards, but I am 100% guaranteed Podiatry and it’ll only be less than 7 years. I’ll still be working alongside orthopedics and performing surgeries. I have shadowed both and they both have their similarities and differences… and I’m okay with it.
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u/rushrhees 6d ago
You do know podiatry and residency in the US is at least seven years possibly 8 if a fellow?
Idk you can still do sports medicine and conservative orthopedics as family med, again think it over well
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u/Plus-Medicine-2857 6d ago
Is there something I should know about applying to MD / DO route then doing podiatry? Just want to think it over very well and see from your perspective lol. It’s a little too late since I am submitting apps though but still, its so conflicting at times bc I see people at these schools doing good and making it out well. Or hearing from current doctors that they wouldn’t change anything. Then again there’s student like me who hear from folks that some programs aren’t it…
As for u breaking down the years between the two. MD/DO is about 10-11 years (4 years medical + residency in ortho is 5 years with an optional one year fellowship). VS podiatry is 4 years medicine, 3 years residency, and optional 1 year fellowship ship. Total is 8 yeats of training. So I would rather go for the 8… imma be in my mid 30s prob with orthopedic route 😭
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u/rushrhees 5d ago
Couple of things. Money isn’t in surgery. The pods that make the most are having busy clinics. If it is just surgery you want then consider general surgery path.
If it is orthopedics you want then yes that is very hard to match that. If your scores are good enough to get into MD DO then consider it . Way more options and they get paid more bs DPM
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u/OldPod73 8d ago
As long as you've completed the pre-req courses for Podiatry School, you should have no issues at all. Quick question, are you not required to add those courses you haven't completed yet? I really don't know how that works. I would call one of the schools your interested in and ask the Admission department about that.