Do you have trouble getting your facts straight about the easiest DO schools to get into? This blog post promises to enlighten you on the facts about the easiest DO schools to get into that are relevant to your application and which will help you land admission easily into any of the widely approved DO schools.
Deciding to pursue a career in medicine is an exciting and challenging journey. For aspiring physicians interested in osteopathic medicine, choosing the right DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) school is a crucial step.
Getting into any DO school anywhere around the world could be quite exhausting because of the highly competitive nature of the course. So, it suffices to say that there are no easy DO schools to get into but the good news is Osteopathic medical schools have a lower GPA and MCAT requirements for applicants than the school of medicine.
To understand what you are going for, it is imperative to note the core differences between the school of medicine and the school of osteopathic medicine. The school of medicine also known as an allopathic school offers a traditional medical curriculum while the school of osteopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to medicine.
Osteopathic medicine requires an understanding of the relationship among the biological, cultural, physical, and environmental aspects of human behavior. It prepares you for natural, social, and behavioral sciences to be able to handle the distinct parts of the human body. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to reason scholarly.
Since they differ in terms of approach, they also share some similarities. Both the allopathic school and the osteopathic school of medicine are very competitive in nature.
Why Choose a Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) School?
Osteopathic medicine provides a holistic approach to medicine. This means that it is focused on the whole body which includes emotional wellness, psychological wellbeing, etc. It also focuses on preventive healthcare. It offers a hands-on diagnosis and treatment which is carried out through the treatment of osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine are trained as doctors first and then as specialists. A DO must earn a bachelor’s degree first before going further to a DO school which takes four years to complete.
Easiest DO Schools to Get Into
While all medical schools have rigorous admission criteria, some DO schools have higher acceptance rates and more lenient admission requirements compared to others. In this blog post, we will explore some of the easiest DO schools to get into, including their required GPA, MCAT score, and acceptance rates which makes them the best and the easiest on the block.
Below are the 15 easiest DO schools to get into:
- William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lincoln Memorial University-Dubusk College Of Osteopathic Medicine
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
- Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM)
- Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA)
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM)
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP)
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM)
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic (PNWU-COM)
1. William Carey University of Osteopathic Medicine
This is one of the best and easiest DO schools to get into. This institution is ranked No. 118-130 in Best Medical Schools: Research and No. 58 (tie) in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. The average MCAT score for this school is 500 and the average GPA is 3.4. the acceptance rate for this school is not constant. William Carey University has over 50 countries represented throughout its campus so the question of whether this school accepts international students is abhorred.
2. Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
It is a private university located in Fort Smith, Arkansas and it was founded in 2014. Its motto is Educating and Training Compassionate Osteopathic Physicians. They do not have a set minimum GPA or MCAT score. The acceptance rate is 7.5%. The admission requirements include a recommendation letter from a DO or an MD and recommendations from either a premedical/ professional advisory committee. As an international student who is looking forward to studying here, this College of osteopathic medicine does not accept international students.
3. Lincoln Memorial University – Dubusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
This institution was established on August 1, 2007, in Harrogate Tennessee. With a good ranking in research and primary care, this school is ranked No. 118-130 in Best Medical Schools: Research and No. 103 (tie) in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. The required GPA is 3.7. there is no required MCAT score.
4. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
This is one of the 38 osteopathic medical schools in the nation. This college also emphasizes admitting students from Oklahoma because the majority of their students are from Oklahoma. This college has graduated over 3000 physicians.
For admission into this school, the requirement includes the following: AACOMAS application, MCAT score of about 511 or above, GPA of 3.0, OSU-COM supplemental application, and letters of recommendation.
5. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The college community is a distinctively Christian community. The college train community-based physicians to provide quality medical access to patients who are underserved.
The basic requirement for matriculation in this College of osteopathic medicine is as follows: a bachelor’s degree or higher, a 3.0 GPA, and a 501 MCAT score. Undergraduate courses include biochemistry or cellular biology, biological science, English, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics,
6. Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private medical school located in Dothan, Alabama. It is an accredited college medicine which was accredited by the American osteopathic association commission on osteopathic college accreditation. Their students take basic science classes just like other medical schools for the first two years and in the third and fourth year, they move to clinical clerkships.
It has an acceptance rate of 3.2% and a moderate MCAT score and GPA which is not certain. With these kinds of requirements, your medical dreams are very much attainable here
7. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is a public medical school in Lewisburg, West Virginia. It is accredited by the higher learning commission. For your admission, you will need a science GPA of 3.5 and a total MCAT score of 500. The acceptance rate for this college of medicine is quite because it is placed at 9% but hey! Don’t give up.
8. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM)
UNECOM considers applicants with a competitive cumulative GPA. The average admitted student typically has a GPA of around 3.4. While UNECOM does not have a specific minimum MCAT score requirement, successful applicants often have an average MCAT score of around 503. The acceptance rate at UNECOM can vary from year to year but is generally around 9-10%. This provides reasonable odds for qualified applicants.
9. Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA)
The average cumulative GPA of admitted students at TUCOM-CA is around 3.3. Although TUCOM-CA does not specify a minimum MCAT score, the average MCAT score of accepted applicants is typically around 503 and the acceptance rate at TUCOM-CA is approximately 8%, making it a competitive but slightly more accessible option for prospective students.
10. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM)
For the required GPA of this college of osteopathic medicine, KCU-COM looks for a competitive GPA, with the average admitted student having a cumulative GPA of approximately 3.5. And for the MCAT Score, a minimum MCAT score of 500 is generally recommended for consideration at KCU-COM. The acceptance rate at KCU-COM is around 8%, which offers decent prospects for those seeking admission.
11. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
This college typically admits students with a cumulative GPA of approximately 3.4. The MCAT Score of this college does not have a specific minimum. Successful applicants tend to have an average score of around 502. For the acceptance rate, it is approximately 9%. This college provides a reasonable chance for qualified applicants.
12. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
VCOM admits students with an average cumulative GPA of approximately 3.3. Although VCOM does not have a specific minimum MCAT score, the average MCAT score for accepted applicants is typically around 500. The acceptance rate in VCOM is approximately 7%, making it a competitive but potentially accessible option.
13. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
This college considers applicants with an average cumulative GPA of around 3.4. The MCAT score required of applicants often has an average score of around 503. The acceptance rate at PCOM is approximately 9%, providing a reasonable chance for qualified applicants.
14. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM)
DMU-COM admits students with an average cumulative GPA of approximately 3.3. The MCAT Score is not pegged at a specific point but the average MCAT score for accepted applicants is typically around 501. DMU-COM has an acceptance rate of around 8%. This could be quite difficult but it is still attainable.
15. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic (PNWU-COM)
This College of osteopathic medicine considers applicants with an average cumulative GPA of around 3.3. the MCAT score of successful applicants often has an average score of around 502. This college has an acceptance rate of approximately 8% just like the college of osteopathic medicine above.
Choosing the right DO school is a significant decision on your path to becoming a physician. While all medical schools have demanding admission criteria, some DO schools have higher acceptance rates and more accessible requirements.
While these DO schools may have relatively higher acceptance rates and more lenient admission requirements, they still offer excellent medical education. It is crucial to thoroughly research each school, visit their websites, and speak with current students or admissions representatives to ensure the right fit for your career aspirations and personal goals.
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FAQs
15 Easiest DO Schools to Get Into 2023? ›
Based on overall acceptance rates, average MCAT score, and average GPA, the hardest DO school to get into is the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University.
What is the hardest osteopathic school to get into? ›Based on overall acceptance rates, average MCAT score, and average GPA, the hardest DO school to get into is the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University.
Are osteopathic schools easier to get into? ›Is it easier to get an MD or DO? Technically, it is harder to get into a DO program because there is a lower overall acceptance rate.
What are low tier MD schools? ›The low tier medical schools consist of schools that rank outside of the top 20. They include state schools such as the University of Florida(UF) or the University of Colorado(CU). Competitive scores for this group include a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an MCAT score of 508 or higher.
How bad is a 490 MCAT score? ›Attaining a score of 490 on the MCAT means you performed in the 20% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.
Is 493 a bad MCAT score? ›Attaining a score of 493 on the MCAT means you performed in the 29% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 122 (C/P) 129 (CARS) 119 (B/B) 123 (P/S).
Is it harder to get a DO or MD? ›Is DO easier than MD? Technically speaking, it is more challenging to get into a DO program simply because there are far fewer accredited schools for these. In the United States, there are 141 schools for MD programs, while there are only 31 for DO programs.
Is it easier to match as a DO or MD? ›About 7,300 U.S. DO seniors submitted rank-order lists of programs, and 91.3% of them matched. That percentage is a bit lower than the 93.9% Match percentage posted by seniors at U.S. MD-granting medical schools.
DO DOs make less than MDs? ›DO vs MD Salary: Do MDs Make More Money Than DOs? Technically, a DO's salary is no less than an MD's salary. In other words, a doctor's annual salary is determined by a number of factors, primarily their field of specialization (radiologists, plastic surgeon, cardiologists, family medicine, etc.).
What is the easiest major for medical school? ›If you're looking for the most straightforward path, biological sciences, including majors like molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience, feature several courses that overlap with your medical school prerequisites. That's why nearly 60% of all applicants choose this major.
Can a high GPA make up for low MCAT? ›
The bottom line is this – if you have a low MCAT, you must do your best to balance it with a high GPA. While these stats are not the be-all and end-all of medical school admissions, some schools will not continue the review of your application if you do not demonstrate a strong academic history via your GPA and MCAT.
What is the #1 med school in the US? ›What is the #1 medical school in the US? Harvard Medical School is the highest ranked in the US. Established in 1782, Harvard has spent 2½ centuries building a reputation of excellence.
What is the highest paid osteopathic physician? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $260,000 | $21,666 |
| 75th Percentile | $220,500 | $18,375 |
| Average | $166,255 | $13,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,500 | $8,541 |
Most DO schools have acceptance rates of 6-8%, while MD schools usually accept 3-4% of their applicants. The highest average MCAT score at DO schools is 512.
What majors are best for Osteopathic Medicine? ›Earn a bachelor's degree
Students who are interested in going to medical school typically major in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. These majors include most of the required courses for entrance into medical programs and will help prepare students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
There is no pass or fail score for the exam, there are only scores that are acceptable for specific, individual medical schools. Consider consulting specific medical schools, or their websites or the AAMC for past trends. What score do you need for medical school?
Should I retake a 502 MCAT? ›Assuming a strong GPA and extracurricular profile, scoring a 518 or above will help you be competitive for the highest-tier schools, even if their average matriculant MCAT score is a 520 or 521. With scores at this level, an MCAT retake is not necessary because schools will consider you to be academically elite.
What is a mediocre MCAT score? ›Average MCAT Scores
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average MCAT score was 501.5 for those who took the test between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. MCAT scores range from 472-528.
Because MCAT is a centered test which means that a 500 score is the mean on a bell shaped curve. At 472 on this scale, the percentile is less than 1 so it makes no sense to go further. At the other end a score of 523/528 is the 100th percentile.
Can I get into med school with a 494? ›The answer depends on several factors including what type of medical school (MD vs DO vs Canadian) you're interested in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 494 on the MCAT means you performed in the 32% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.
How rare is a perfect MCAT? ›
0.021% of 273,860 students brings us to our final answer: 58 students. Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam.
Is 480 a bad MCAT score? ›specific MCAT Score.
Is 480 a bad MCAT score? in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 480 on the MCAT means you performed in the 3% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.
Attaining a score of 495 on the MCAT means you performed in the 35% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.
Can I get into MD school with a 507? ›As a rule of thumb, anything less than 507 is considered a low MCAT score for medical school.
Is 500 a bad MCAT score? ›Guide to MCAT Scoring
The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale.