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. Of those applying in the 2007 application cycle, the average (mean) MCAT scores were 7.60 verbal, 7.46 physical sciences and 8.30 biological sciences. The average (mean) overall grade point average was 3.35 and the average science grade point average was 3.20. Generally, MCAT scores and grade point averages are slightly higher for matriculating students than scores reported for the overall applicant pool.
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 nontraditional students who may be looking at osteopathic medicine as a new career later in life. These students constitute approximately 25 percent of the osteopathic medical school student body across the country.
Nearly 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 public osteopathic medical schools are mandated by state legislature to admit a certain percentage of in-state residents to each entering class. Contact the colleges in which you are interested for more information.
The application cycle starts June 1 and ends April 15. Deadlines vary by college, so make sure to confirm deadlines for the schools to which you are applying.