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Frequently Asked Questions
Which admission test is required for entrance into the College of Osteopathic Medicine? When should I complete it?
Applicants must supply results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm These test scores should be submitted to AACOMAS, not directly to Des Moines University.
Only MCAT scores taken within the last three years will be accepted. You must take the MCAT in the calendar year before the year you plan to enroll. For example, applicants applying for admission in 2009, must take the MCAT at least once by the end of 2008. Results from the January 2009 MCAT will be considered if it is not the first time you took the test. Your file will be held for review until the planned January exam results are received. Our interview schedule tends to fill quickly, therefore we cannot guarantee the availability of interview space for applicants completing their files into February.
When is the MCAT offered?
2008 MCAT Exam Dates (http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/mcat2008.pdf)
How do I begin the application process?
Applications are initially processed through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service, or AACOMAS. Applications can be completed online at www.aacom.org.
Where do I send my transcripts?
Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted to AACOMAS. Transcripts should not be sent directly to Des Moines University. Students who are accepted will be asked to submit final transcripts to DMU only after they have secured a place in the class.
How do I contact AACOMAS?
Contact AACOMAS by calling (301) 968-4100 or through the web site: www.aacom.org
When should I apply?
We have a "rolling" admission policy at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. We begin accepting applications through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services (AACOMAS) in May. We schedule interviews beginning in September and continuing until the class is full. We encourage students to apply early -- ideally, during the summer one year before you anticipate entering medical school. The deadline for the AACOMAS application is February 1 and the deadline for the COM supplemental application is March 15. It will take AACOMAS approximately 4 weeks to verify your application before it will be sent to DMU for review. Please also keep in mind that the later you submit an application, the more likely it is that the class is already full.
How will I know if my file is complete?
Once DMU has received all required application materials (Primary Application, Supplemental Application, and Letters of Recommendation) we will send you an email confirming that your file is complete. If you believe you have sent in all required materials but have not received a confirmation email, please call or email our office (515.271.1499 or doadmit@dmu.edu) to check on items which may be missing from your file.
Will DMU contact me if I am missing application materials?
Due to the large number of applications we process each year, our staff is unable to contact students whose files are not complete. It is the student's responsibility to make sure all materials are received. Please contact the office (doadmit@dmu.edu) if you have any questions about the status of your file.
What letters of recommendation are required?
For information on letters of recommendation, please see the How to Apply section of our website.
What is the academic profile of current COM students?
Students have an average science GPA and cumulative GPA of 3.6, an MCAT composite of 27. Click here to view our class profile.
What are the minimum academic standards to apply to COM?
The minimum entrance requirement for the College of Osteopathic Medicine is a GPA of at least 3.00, both cumulative and in science.
What are the board pass rates for COM?
The pass rate for DMU students who have already taken Part 1 of COMLEX (www.nbome.org) for the first time in summer 2007 is 96%.
What kind of scholarships does COM offer?
The College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a small number of merit based scholarships to incoming students. Full, half, and quarter-tuition scholarships are available. Students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher and an MCAT of at least 30 will automatically be considered. There is no application process.
Please see our Financial Aid page for information on loans and scholarships available through the University.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
For more information on the similarities and differences of MDs and DOs please see the What is a DO? section of our website.
How long does it take to complete the DO program at Des Moines University? What happens when I graduate?
Students complete four years of basic medical education. The four years of study are divided equally into a pre-clinical and a clinical phase, resulting in a "two plus two" curriculum that combines lecture and laboratory studies with clinical experiences in teaching hospitals, University and private clinics, and community service agencies. After medical school, DOs can choose to practice in any specialty area of medicine -- such as surgery, family practice or psychiatry--after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training).
How do students at colleges of osteopathic medicine get residencies? What are the match rates for DMU?
Students graduating from colleges of osteopathic medicine have the opportunity to apply to residency programs through the AOA - American Osteopathic Association http://www.osteopathic.org, as well as the ACGME - Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education www.acgme.org. Allopathic students can only apply to ACGME residency programs.
Students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at DMU are highly recruited into a wide variety of graduate medical programs throughout the country. Eighty percent of the Class of 2007 received their first or second choice of a residency program.
To see where our graduates are training, please see the Residency Matches section of our website.
How much does it cost to attend the College of Osteopathic Medicine?
Information about tuition, fees and payment schedules, educational costs, and living expenses are available on our Financial Aid page.
If I have questions, can I talk with current students?
You are welcome to talk with current students. Just contact the Enrollment Management Office. We'll put you in touch with students who will be glad to answer your questions.
How can I schedule a campus visit?
- Campus-wide Open Houses:
- Wednesday, March 5th, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- July 2 2008, 3-6pm
- Individual Campus Visits:
We encourage prospective students to join us for one of our Discover DMU (http://www.dmu.edu/rsvp/discoverDMU/postcard.htm) events, held once each semester.
Upcoming events include:
These open houses will include an opportunity to meet students, admission staff and faculty for each of our programs. Guests will also have a chance to visit several of our hands-on labs, including Anatomy, OMM, Surgical Skills, Human Simulation models, Human Performance Lab, Standardized Performance Assessment Lab and Harvey the cardiac simulator. Finally, admission representatives will be available to answer questions regarding application preparation, the application process and the interview at DMU.
We welcome students to visit campus to meet with an admission coordinator. You may schedule a campus visit by completing an online request form
Does COM accept transfer students?
All students requesting a transfer from another medical school, whether allopathic or osteopathic, must apply through the Dean of COM. In general, transfers are not allowed after the clinical years have begun (3rd and 4th years). A letter of support from the Dean of the institution currently being attended, along with all transcripts, must be included with the request.
Transfer requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Because of the unique system-based pre-clinical curriculum, it is difficult for the College to accept transfer students from other medical schools that have more traditional programs. Therefore, students are discouraged from transferring unless they are prepared to complete the entire 4-year program at DMU.
Learn more about our transfer student requirements.
Additional questions?
Please contact our office:
515-271-1499 or Doadmit@dmu.edu
