Admission to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program

The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) recognizes the power of the osteopathic medical philosophy, which treats the root cause of illness, not just symptoms, and promotes a lifetime of wellness. Indiana's newest medical school opened in August 2013 and combines the strengths of the osteopathic philosophy and Marian University's rich Catholic and Franciscan history.

The program has a focus on primary care but will provide students with opportunities in all areas of medicine delivered by a dynamic academic community.

MU-COM recruits bright and talented individuals throughout the United States, as well as abroad, for all our programs. All applicants are required to meet the academic requirements, minimum technical standards, as well as health requirements.

Requirements

MU-COM uses the central application system for osteopathic medicine (AACOMAS) and only accepts primary applications from AACOMAS. Applicants can find application instructions online and submit an application by going to aacomas.aacom.org.

Minimum Academic Requirements

• Completed 90 hours or three-fourths of the required credits for a degree in a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body. Candidates must earn a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation.
  • The only exception to the 90-hour requirement is when the college has a formal articulation agreement with a COM for a combined studies program and all required courses in the combined studies degree have been completed.
• Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for admission. Please review our DO Profile Sheet - Class of 2027 for our average GPA and MCAT score.
• Applicants must submit scores from the MCAT. MU-COM does not accept January 2024 MCAT for the 2023-24 cycle. A complete application includes an AACOMAS application, supplemental application, fee, MCAT score, and letters of recommendation. MCAT scores are accepted for up to three years prior to the date of matriculation (scores from 2021 to 2023 are valid this cycle). The minimum MCAT score accepted is 494.

MU-COM uses a holistic admissions process, seeking to admit students who have characteristics and interests that align with our mission. There are a number of factors influencing admissions decisions, including MCAT scores, science GPA, overall GPA, personal accomplishments, future career interests, and other factors which play a role in the selection process.

All students are required to meet the technical standards for admissions.

Admission Prerequisites

MU-COM does not accept updates to the AACOMAS application by email. Please update all information on primary applications with AACOMAS. In turn, they will send us a revised application.

Application Process

MU-COM has developed the first paperless application system in the osteopathic medical school profession. Applicants complete primary and supplemental applications online. Communications, processing fees, and other application materials are also submitted electronically.

Application Steps

1. Applicants must submit a primary application. Instructions on how to submit a primary application can be found on the Choose DO website. A complete application includes an AACOMAS application, supplemental application and fee, MCAT score, letters of recommendation, and certification. MU-COM does not accept January 2024 MCAT for the 2023-24 cycle.
2. Primary applications are screened for minimum academic requirements prior to an invitation to complete a supplemental application.
3. Details on requirements for letters of recommendation are below.
4. Submit complete supplemental application, certification, and processing fee via the applicant portal.
5. Check application status via the applicant portal and continue to check email for interview decision.
6. Schedule and prepare for the interview.
7. Interview. MU-COM uses a traditional interview format designed to assess NBOME competencies.
8. Wait for the admission committee's decision. All decisions are communicated to students within a few weeks of the interview date.

9. Prepare for matriculation. Read information about health requirements and campus life.

Letters of Recommendation

Please follow the letter of recommendation guidelines when submitting letters of recommendation.

A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity and can comment on one's character, work ethic, academic history, scientific acumen, empathy, compassion, resilience, emotional intelligence, commitment and knowledge of the healthcare environment. The Admissions Committee strongly prefers that the letters be from the following sources: 

• A pre-health or academic advisor/committee (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate programs). A pre-health advisor letter will meet the requirement for one of the three required letters of recommendation.
• Undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate faculty (preferably those who delivered a science course) who can attest to academic performance and aptitude. We highly recommend at least one letter from an academic source. 
• Physician, preferably a DO and/or other health care provider with whom a candidate has had a professional relationship, who can attest to the applicant's clinical experiences and overall fit for the profession. 

Candidates who may not have the ability to submit letters from any/all of the above sources should select letter writers who know them in a professional or service-related capacity and can comment on the applicant's character, work ethic, academic history, scientific acumen, empathy, compassion, resilience, emotional intelligence, commitment and/or knowledge of the healthcare environment.

Applicants are able to submit additional forms/letters, but it is not encouraged. All additional letters must touch on something not mentioned in previous letters of recommendation.

In order to facilitate the timely processing of applications, please follow these guidelines regarding your letters of recommendation.

• MU-COM does not accept paper letters of recommendation. We are the first paperless admissions system in osteopathic medical education.
• Our preferred transmission method is AACOMAS.
• If submitting through Interfolio or VirtualEvals, you MUST include your AACOMAS ID in the upload. Having the ID within the letter is insufficient.
• MU-COM is not responsible for the receipt or processing of materials that do not conform to these guidelines.

Letters are uploaded once a week. Once uploaded, letters are reviewed by a staff member for completeness. This process can take two to three weeks, depending on the volume of letters that need to be reviewed.

Intentional misrepresentation or omission of information on any form relevant to admissions or records will subject the student to withdrawal of acceptance or dismissal if enrolled.

COMs reserve the right to deny admission to any applicant for any reason deemed sufficient. Matriculation will be denied to applicants who have failed to maintain a good record of scholastic performance and/or a good record of personal conduct between the time of their acceptance and their matriculation.

Selection Process

Upon receiving a completed primary application, an initial screening is conducted. Applicants who meet our minimum academic requirements will be sent an invitation and instructions on how to complete our supplemental application.

Once receiving a supplemental application and related application materials, an applicant's file is complete. MU-COM reviews files in a holistic manner to determine if the applicant has the academic ability and experience to succeed in medical school. Finally, MU-COM follows the current AACOMAS grade replacement policy.

Selection Process

Once you've met the following requirements, MU-COM will begin to review your application in a holistic manner.

1. Meet all the admissions requirements and technical standards for admissions
2. Have a complete file that includes:

• AACOMAS application, with MCAT score; and
• supplemental application; and
• completed recommendations listed above; and
• certification of completion; and
• processing fee.

An applicant's application is evaluated by a number of factors prior to being selected for an interview. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.40) results in improved chances for acceptance. A competitive MCAT score usually begins at 500; however, the MCAT is weighed in connection with GPA and personal qualities. MU-COM places an emphasis on the last 120 credit hours and on the science and required courses when choosing between competitive applicants. COMs also place emphasis on the applicant’s interview.

Each applicant who interviews will be reviewed by the admissions committee. An admission decision, based on academic performance, professional/volunteering/extracurricular experiences, and interview performance, will be provided to the applicant, typically within a few weeks after the interview dates.

If accepted, a seat and tuition deposit are required. The seat deposit follows AACOMAS traffic guidelines, while MU-COM has specific guidelines for the tuition deposit.

Note: If you've applied to the Early Decision Program, those deadlines will be applicable to your application and offer of admission.

Important Dates and Deadlines for the Entering Fall 2024 DO Class

*All applicants should allow at least 2-4 weeks for AACOMAS to verify transcripts and other application material.
# Subject to change