AACOMAS Application Guide 2025: DO Program Requirements and Tips

Introduction

Applying to osteopathic medical schools uses a centralized service called AACOMAS. This guide explains what AACOMAS is, how it differs from AMCAS, what each section asks for, and practical tips to submit a clean, competitive application.

AACOMAS at a glance

AACOMAS is the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service for U.S. DO programs. You complete one primary application that AACOMAS verifies and forwards to the schools you select. Details vary by program, so always confirm requirements on each school’s website and the AACOMAS Applicant Help Center.

Timeline and deadlines

AACOMAS typically opens in late spring, and schools begin receiving transmissions soon after submissions start. Deadlines are set by each program and can vary widely. Submit early, build in time for transcript and test score processing, and avoid last-minute submissions when traffic is heavy. Check dates on AACOM’s key dates page and each program’s admissions page.

General requirements and selection factors

Most DO programs consider your full record: coursework, GPA trends, MCAT, activities, clinical and community service, letters, and your personal statement. Many value evidence of interest in osteopathic medicine through shadowing and service. Some programs may also require situational judgment assessments. For target ranges, review class profiles on each school’s site and AACOM’s Choose DO.

AACOMAS sections, step by step

Personal Information

1. Biographical details, contact information, citizenship, and optional race and ethnicity
2. Family information and influences
3. Background items such as languages and military service
4. Read and accept the AACOMAS release and policies
   
   

Academic History

• High school and every postsecondary institution attended, including community college, summer sessions, and study abroad where transcripted
• Official transcripts for each institution
• Full transcript entry for all U.S. and English-speaking Canadian coursework
• Standardized tests section for MCAT dates and scores
• Optional Professional Transcript Entry service is available for a fee
  
  

Supporting Information

i. Evaluations: 

Request letters through the Recommender Portal. Follow each program’s letter rules and caps

ii. Experiences: 

Categorize roles as healthcare, non-healthcare employment, non-healthcare volunteer, or extracurricular. Focus on impact and recent roles

iii. Achievements: 

Honors, scholarships, presentations, publications

iv. Personal Statement:

One essay for DO programs. Keep it authentic, reflective, and specific to why osteopathic medicine

Program Materials

• Program-specific questions and prerequisites
• School deadlines, requirements, and any additional forms
  
  

Tips to make your application stand out

1. Show sustained clinical exposure and service, not just hours. Reflect on what you learned and how it shaped you
2. Align your narrative with DO principles such as holistic care, prevention, and teamwork
3. Keep activity entries concise and outcome focused. Use strong verbs and quantify where appropriate
4. Request letters early and provide context to your writers. A thoughtful letter from a DO can help demonstrate informed interest
5. Proofread everything. Read aloud to catch errors and awkward phrasing
   
   

Common pitfalls to avoid

1. Waiting to submit close to deadlines
2. Omitting an institution or term from Academic History
3. Repeating the same content across sections instead of adding depth
4. Listing many minor activities over a few meaningful ones
5. Submitting a personal statement that could apply to any health profession without clear DO motivation
   
   

Quick pre-submit checklist

1. All colleges listed and official transcripts requested
2. MCAT dates entered and score release authorized
3. Activities grouped and prioritized by impact
4. Letters requested with correct types and quantities per school
5. Personal statement finalized and specific to osteopathic medicine
6. Program Materials reviewed for each school’s extra questions and prerequisites
7. Payment processed and submission confirmed
   
   

Build experiences you can write and talk about

Supervised hands-on or mentored clinical exposure strengthens your experiences and essays. Explore Go Elective healthcare internships in Africa to deepen patient contact, teamwork, and cultural humility in real clinical settings.

FAQs: AACOMAS

#1. Can I submit before transcripts arrive

Yes, you can submit, but verification starts after AACOMAS receives your official transcripts. Plan accordingly.

#2. Can I edit after submission

Some areas are editable, such as contact details and future test dates. Many sections lock. Review the “Editing Your Application” guidance in the AACOMAS Help Center before you submit.

#3. How are fees structured

AACOMAS charges a base fee for your first program and an additional fee per extra program. See the current fee schedule in the Applicant Help Center for the latest amounts.

#4. Do I need a DO letter

Not universally, but many programs encourage or require one. Check each school’s letter policy.

#5. Do prerequisites match AMCAS schools

There is overlap, but prerequisites vary by DO program. Use each school’s admissions page and the Program Materials section to confirm your plan.

#6. What makes a strong DO-focused personal statement

A clear reason for medicine, specific exposure to osteopathic practice, reflection on patient care, and how you will contribute to a collaborative, preventive approach.

Conclusion

AACOMAS simplifies applying to multiple DO programs, but success still depends on timely organization, precise data entry, and a thoughtful narrative that shows why osteopathic medicine fits you. Start early, verify each program’s requirements, and present experiences that demonstrate readiness for patient-centered care.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 17, 2025