http://www.aacom.org/home-applicants/index.html
You?ve made the decision to apply to osteopathic medical school. Just what are the admissions committees and interviewers looking for in a prospective student?
Admission to osteopathic medical school is competitive. For the 2003 entering class, the average MCAT scores were 7.97 verbal, 7.76 physical and 8.26 biology. The average overall grade point average was 3.36 and the average science grade point average was 3.23. MCAT scores and grade point averages are slightly higher for matriculating students than scores reported for the overall applicant pool. Data for the 2003 matriculants is not yet available.
In terms of academics, osteopathic medical schools are looking for an academic record that indicates you have the aptitude and the knowledge base to successfully complete the medical school curriculum.
Just as important are the personal qualities you bring to the table.
Osteopathic medical schools are looking for students who:
are well-rounded
have good communication and interpersonal skills
have a record of community service
have a record of leadership
have some clinical experience
have participated in a variety of extracurricular activities
come from diverse backgrounds
are motivated to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine
have knowledge of osteopathic medicine
have shadowed an osteopathic physician
Osteopathic medical schools also have a long tradition of accepting non-traditional students who may be looking at osteopathic medicine as a new career later in life. These students comprise approximately 20 percent of our student body across the country.
Almost all students who apply to osteopathic medical school have a bachelor?s degree. There are a few exceptions for students in special programs that have prior arrangements with osteopathic medical schools. Many applicants have earned a master?s degree or doctorate in another subject area before applying to osteopathic medical school.
Many of our public osteopathic medical schools are mandated by that state?s legislature to admit a certain percentage of students in each entering class who are residents of that state. Contact the colleges you are interested in for more information.
The application cycle starts June 1 and ends March 15. Other deadlines vary by college, so be certain to confirm deadlines for the schools to which you are applying.
