Frequently Asked Questions
Admission Requirements
- What is the timeline for applying?
- Minimum GPA and MCAT?
- Competitive GPA and MCAT?
- How do I prepare for the MCAT?
In addition to studying for the MCAT and taking practice exams, another suggestion is taking a prep course to review material. Research different prep courses to find that one that works best with your study habits. Below are some suggested courses:
- What courses are required for application?
- Can I submit a letter of recommendation from an MD?
A letter from a physician is optional. However, if you do submit a physician letter, a letter can be sent from either an MD or DO, although a DO is preferred.
- Can I submit more letters for recommendation then the required letters?
Yes, you can submit additional letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that more is not necessarily better. The admissions team looks for quality over quantity. Letters should be written by people that can write a strong letter on your behalf.
- Can I take my prerequisites at a community college?
Yes.
- Does it matter what my major is?
No, you can apply with any major, however, you will need the required coursework to apply. Refer to the academic requirements for more information. If you are applying through the 3+1 Program or the Guaranteed Interview Program review the list of academic requirements to confirm you are eligible.
- When is the last MCAT score OSU-COM will accept?
To be considered, all MCAT scores must be received by the supplemental application deadline. This generally means that January is the last month to sit for the MCAT in any given application cycle. Additionally, only MCAT scores earned within three years of the deadline for submitting the AACOMAS application for the application cycle will be accepted.
- Is research experience important for admission into OSU-COM?
Research can be an addition to your experience but is not part of the admission requirements.
Health-Related Experience:
- Should I add my volunteer experience from high school?
Although we are happy to hear that you have been volunteering since high school, however, the OSU-COM admissions teams prefers the most recent experience.
- What is the number of hours required for shadowing/volunteering?
We do not have a required number of hours for shadowing/volunteering that students need to complete. However, we suggest that students gain a well-rounded range of experience by shadowing physicians in different fields to learn about medical specialties. Be reflective of your time with the physicians by keeping a journal to record what you learned. This information will be important later when you’re completing your application.
- What is considered health related experience?
Healthcare experience is defined by the AAMC and AACOMAS as:
Both paid and unpaid work in a health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and/or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA (depending on job description), medical assistant, etc.For more information, click on the links to learn more about tips for finding Health Care-related Volunteer Opportunities and Shadowing a Doctor.
- Is shadowing or volunteering more important?Shadowing allows you to be in the environment of the physician to observe what they do throughout the day. Volunteering usually allows for patient interaction as well as more hands-on work. It is important to attain both experiences for medical school.
Admission Options:
- What is the Bridge Program/how do I apply for this program?
The Bridge Program is for high-potential students who come from disadvantaged or are pursing medicine as a second career. For information on the Bride Program, please click here.
- I am interested in the 3+1 Program. How do I apply?
While attending one of our partner universities, you can apply to the 3+1 Program in the fall semester of your Junior year. There are other eligibility requirements, so it is a good idea to meet with your Academic Advisor or schedule an advisement with our Recruitment team to discuss the details of the program. You may find more information on the program here.
- What is the Freshman Med Bound Program?
The Freshman Med Bound Program is for high achieving students to apply to OSU-COM during their fall semester of their first year at OSU Stillwater. Find more information on the Freshman Med Bound Program here.
- What is the process for applying for the Guaranteed Admission Program?Students interested in this program will submit their AACOMAS and Supplemental Application. If invited for an interview and accepted, the admissions committee may recommend you to this admission option. Maintain eligibility of at least a B in the yearlong curriculum and score at least a 498 on the MCAT prior to medical school, then you will matriculate to OSU-COM in the fall. Find more information on this program here.
- Can I apply to the Guaranteed Interview Program?Students interested in this program must have at least a 3.5 GPA, 502 MCAT score, at least 500 hours in a health-related setting at the time of application and must be a first-time applicant. Qualified applicants should apply for the Guaranteed Interview Program during their final year or within six months following graduation from a partner university. Find out more here.
Application Process:
- My application is submitted. What else can I do?
Continue to build your CV by focusing on your volunteering, shadowing, clinical experience and attend recruitment events. You can update your application once it has been submitted by emailing osucomadmissions@okstate.edu with your updated information.
- What does interview day look like?
If you are invited for an interview, you will spend the day interacting with staff, faculty and students. You will learn more about OSU-COM, complete an individual and group interview, enjoy lunch with OSU-COM students and participate in a campus tour.
Research:
- What research opportunities does OSU-COM have?
OSU-COM offers students research opportunities in wet labs, public health, medical education, addiction medicine etc. Students can work with faculty to conduct research while they are attending medical school. For more information on how to participate in research, please click here.
- Can I start research in my first year?
You can start research in your first year of medical school. There are many opportunities for research. There are two research teams and multiple professors that work on research projects. Students can assist faculty in their research and in addition to their great wealth of knowledge, many faculty become great mentors for students.
Financial Aid:
- What scholarships does OSU-COM offer? Financial Aid?
- Are there fee waivers for the AACOMAS application?
AACOMAS offers fee assistance for the AACOMAS application based on eligibility. If you qualify for the AACOMAS waiver, OSU-COM can waive your supplemental application fee. Forward the AACOMAS waiver confirmation email to osucomadmissions@okstate.edu to request the supplemental application waiver. Find more information about the AACOMAS fee waiver eligibility here.
- Does OSU-COM offer financial assistance for the MCAT?OSU-COM does not offer financial assistance for the MCAT. However, the AAMC offers MCAT assistance. You may find more information on the eligibility requirements on their website.
Miscellaneous:
- What can you tell me about the PA Program?
- I’ve been out of college for 4+ years. Do I need to retake all my courses?
Although courses do not have an “expiration date”, OSU-COM would like to see courses completed in the last three years. However, if you have questions about a specific course, schedule an advisement appointment with the OSU-COM Recruitment team.
- How can I make my application stand out?
It will be important to be academically prepared and have a strong cumulative GPA, science GPA and MCAT score. In addition to meeting the academic requirements, OSU-COM seeks students who have clinical experience, volunteer experience, leadership experience and demonstrate a passion for practicing medicine.
- I am a reapplicant. How do I improve my chances this cycle?
As a reapplicant, OSU-COM would like to see what you have done during your time between application cycles. If you are currently not working or volunteering in a clinical setting, seek out new opportunities to gain additional experience. You can also contact the admissions office for feedback or attend an admissions workshop after the application cycle is over.
For more helpful tips to complete your AACOMAS application, please visit the AACOMAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs.