Frequently Asked Questions
- Minimum GPA and MCAT?
- Competitive GPA and MCAT?
- 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 courses are required for application?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What scholarships does OSU-COM offer? Financial Aid?
- 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.
- 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 can you tell me about the PA Program?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What is the timeline for applying?
- 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.
For more helpful tips to complete your AACOMAS application, please visit the AACOMAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs.