Preparing for Medical School

It is never too early to start preparing for medical school. Below you will find a list of milestones and information to assist you with your journey to medical school. 

 

Current OSU undergraduate students can find additional resources at the Pre-Professional Academic Support Services website.

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Freshman Year

• Schedule a meeting to introduce yourself to your university’s pre-health advisor to request getting on an email list to learn about upcoming events, opportunities in the medical community, and the pre-medical curriculum.
• Maintain a competitive GPA.
• Start following OSU-COM on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linkedin.
• Are you interested in OSU-COM for medical school? Request information so we can send you information about our recruitment events, workshops, and programs.
• Get involved in pre-health organizations and extracurricular activities on campus. 
• Are you interested in learning how to become a Physician in 7 years? OSU-COM has a pre-admission option through the 3+1 Program.
• Begin gaining clinical experience in health care fields through shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship opportunities. Keep records of your experiences.
• Look for opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings and keep records of your experiences.    

Sophomore - Junior Year

• Continue to maintain a competitive GPA.
• Are you applying to the 3+1 Program?  Submit your application in your sophomore year.
• Develop relationships with advisors and faculty for future recommendation letters.
  • If your school offers a Pre-Health Advisory Committee to write a letter of recommendation, ask your advisor for more details and deadlines to apply.
• Seek opportunities to volunteer for medical mission trips.  They not only offer great experience, but you get a chance to learn about different health care systems.
• Stay involved in pre-health organizations and get involved in community service—look for leadership opportunities.
• Schedule a tour and visit our campus in Tulsa or Tahlequah. 
• Study and take practice tests for the MCAT so you’re ready and prepared to take it in your junior year.
• Are you eligible for the AACOMAS Fee Waiver Program? 
• How can you set yourself apart from other medical school applicants?  Find out if you’re eligible for the Guaranteed Interview Program.   
• Mark your calendar to attend recruitment events to meet staff and OSU medical students.
• Continue to gain clinical experience in health care fields through shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship opportunities. Keep records of your experiences.
• Continue to keep records of extracurricular and clinical experiences.
• Meet with your pre-health advisor to strategize medical school application timelines, review medical school options, and review your academic coursework.

Senior Year

• Start the application process for the (AACOMAS) American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine in May. 
  • Do not wait until the last minute!  OSU-COM’s deadline to submit is February 28 by 11:00 p.m. (CST).
• Once AACOMAS application has been verified, you will receive your supplemental/secondary application. 
  • OSU-COM’s deadline is March 30.
• If you’re eligible to apply through the Guaranteed Interview Program, check the box on your supplemental/secondary application.
• Find out about other OSU-COM admission options.
• Submit letters of recommendation.
• Continue  to gain clinical experience in health care fields through shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship opportunities. Keep records of your experiences.
• Register to attend OSU-COM recruitment events and other workshops.
• Do you have questions about the application process?  Would you like to discuss your transcript or personal statement?  Schedule an advisement with OSU-COM recruitment staff.
• Are you an Arkansas, Missouri, or Kansas resident?  OSU-COM offers admitted students with permanent residency from AR, MO, or KS an out-of-state tuition waiver with a score of at least 500 on the MCAT and an overall 3.5 GPA. Admitted students with permanent residency from Texas who score at least a 500 on their MCAT and have a 3.5 GPA may be eligible for scholarships.