Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools with AACOMAS

Applying to medical school is a significant milestone in your journey toward becoming a healthcare provider. If you're aspiring to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, you'll utilize the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). This comprehensive guide walks you step-by-step through the entire AACOMAS application process, making your path smoother and clearer.

Understanding AACOMAS: Your Gateway to Osteopathic Medicine

AACOMAS is the centralized application service specifically designed for applying to osteopathic medical schools (DO programs). Unlike MD programs, which use the AMCAS system, AACOMAS streamlines your application process, allowing you to apply to multiple DO schools simultaneously.

Start Your Application Early: Essential Preparation Steps

Getting an early start significantly enhances your application experience. Follow these preliminary steps to stay ahead:

1. Research Schools Thoroughly:

Identify your target osteopathic medical schools, their specific requirements, and application deadlines.

2. Understand Application Fees and Requirements:

Note application fees and minimum grade requirements for each program.

3. Request Transcripts Early:

Ensure timely receipt of your official transcripts by AACOMAS or directly to the schools if required.

4. Select Your Evaluators Wisely:

Choose qualified mentors for strong, personalized letters of recommendation.

5. Begin Drafting Your Personal Statement:

Create a compelling narrative expressing your motivation to pursue osteopathic medicine.

AACOMAS Application Timeline (Tentative)

• Application Opens: Beginning of May 
• Applications Released to Schools: Mid-June 
• Deadlines: Vary by program (typically between October and April)

Always verify specific deadlines directly on individual school websites.

Participating Osteopathic Medical Schools 

Numerous osteopathic schools participate in AACOMAS, including:

• Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (Midwestern University)
• Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• A.T. Still University (Kirksville and Arizona campuses)
• Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Auburn, Carolinas, Louisiana, Virginia campuses)
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (Bradenton and Pennsylvania campuses)
• Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Touro Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (New York, California, Nevada campuses)
• Western University of Health Sciences (California and Oregon campuses)

For schools not listed, check their individual application processes separately.

Understanding Application Fees and AACOMAS Fee Assistance

AACOMAS charges per school applied to:

• First school: $196
• Each additional school: $46

Fee waivers are available through AACOMAS’s Fee Assistance Program based on income eligibility. Applications for waivers must be submitted in advance, with decisions typically within ten business days.

Entering Your Coursework Accurately

Accurate coursework entry is crucial for verification. You'll enter:

• Undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Study abroad courses, AP credits, honors, and repeated classes

AACOMAS offers a Professional Transcript Entry (PTE) service to streamline data entry. Fees for PTE service range from $69 to $145 depending on the number of transcripts.

Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to AACOMAS by your evaluators. Follow these guidelines:

• Submit evaluator contact information within AACOMAS for secure submission.
• Ensure evaluators are aware of specific program requirements.
• You can submit up to six letters; additional letters must be sent directly to individual schools.
  
  

Crafting Your AACOMAS Personal Statement (5300 Characters)

Your personal statement is your opportunity to highlight why you're drawn to osteopathic medicine. Keep it personal, genuine, and broad enough to reflect your passion without restricting it to one specialty.

Tips for a compelling personal statement:

• Tell a meaningful story reflecting your motivation.
• Explain clearly why osteopathic medicine appeals to you.
• Highlight personal growth, experiences, and skills relevant to medicine.
  
  

AACOMAS Application Verification: Final Steps

Once submitted, your application undergoes verification:

• Coursework classification by subject.
• Conversion of GPA and grades to AACOMAS standards.
• Degree verification.

Applications flagged with errors return as "Undelivered," requiring corrections before resubmission. Early submission minimizes potential delays.

How Go Elective Can Enhance Your Application

Medical schools value diverse experiences. Go Elective provides immersive global health internships and shadowing opportunities in Kenya and Tanzania. These experiences strengthen your application by demonstrating your dedication, cultural competence, and practical clinical exposure.

Explore available opportunities and strengthen your AACOMAS application through Go Elective’s unique global health programs here.

Final Thoughts: Successfully Navigating AACOMAS

Applying through AACOMAS requires meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and dedication. Starting early, staying organized, and leveraging available resources significantly streamline your journey toward becoming an osteopathic physician.

With this ultimate 2025 guide, you are now equipped to confidently navigate AACOMAS. Best of luck as you take this exciting step toward your future in osteopathic medicine!

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 12, 2025