Although D.O. programs look for intelligence and academic achievement, they also evaluate applicants on their personal qualities. D.O. programs are particularly interested in students who demonstrate a strong record of service to the community, leadership skills, diverse experience or background, as well as an interest in osteopathic medicine. On that note, prospective students should also be aware that osteopathic schools are proud of their tradition and expect students to be acquainted with osteopathic philosophy before applying. As a result, D.O. programs have a unique requirement: all applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a practicing D.O.

There are 20 osteopathic schools accredited by the Bureau of Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association with a combined enrollment of over 10,000 students. Most osteopathic medical schools are located in the Midwest and Northeast, and most are affiliated with a private college or health science school. While the curriculum at all osteopathic schools is based on the same general philosophy, each school has its own specialties, character, and strengths. When evaluating programs, consider how the pre-clinical coursework is taught, where clinical rotations are conducted, how clerkship time is spent, and where the school is located. You should also evaluate the general composition and character of the student body to see where you might best fit in. In addition, if you are interested in an allopathic residency, you may want to investigate how recent graduates fared in the Match, as well as the percentage of students who passed the boards (both COMLEX and USMLE).

You can apply to one, some, or all 19 osteopathic medical schools through the centralized application service offered by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS), administered by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Students can file their application electronically at www.aacom.org, then send supporting documents (MCAT scores, transcripts, and recommendations) to AACOMAS.

As most osteopathic medical schools accept students on a rolling basis, prospective students should carefully review the application deadlines and submit materials as early as possible. Most schools begin accepting applications on June 1 and begin interviewing candidates shortly thereafter.