Application Process & Requirements

Covid-19 Admissions Procedures and Requirements

Please review the information below regarding changes to our admissions procedures and requirements for the upcoming cycle.  Due to how fluid the COVID-19 situation is, check back regularly or contact our office, as these policies will be adjusted as needed. 

  • Interviews will be offered.
  • We will accept online coursework to fulfill prerequisites, including labs. We are unable to waive the 6-hour lab requirement. 
  • Pass/Fail grades are acceptable, but only for Spring 2020 Coursework
  • We are willing to review applications and in some instances, interview applicants prior to receiving MCAT scores; however, an MCAT score may be required before we will extend a final offer to join the class.
  • A letter from an osteopathic physician (non-family member) is still required. 

Prerequisite Requirements

Students need to complete the following prerequisite coursework. 

Courses Semester Hours
English 6
Behavioral Sciences 6
Biology / Zoology 6
Chemistry 12 - Must include 3 hours of biochemistry. 
Physics 6
Labs 6 - Note that 2 hours must be in biology and the other 4 can be any combination of biology, chemistry or physics labs

A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all prerequisite coursework. Applicants must complete a total of 90 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university. 

Recommended Courses (optional)

  • Anatomy 
  • Embryology 
  • Cell Biology 
  • Histology 
  • Medical Microbiology 
  • Modern Genetics 
  • Physiology 
  • Immunology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Screening Criteria GPA & MCAT Score Averages

The information listed below is to guide you regarding what we are looking for in a student academically. Meeting the screening criteria or average GPA or MCAT scores listed below does not guarantee that a student will be selected for an interview or granted admission to WVSOM.

Screening Criteria Science GPA: 3.2
Screening Criteria MCAT: 495
Average Science GPA: 3.54
Average MCAT: 502

Application Process

Step One: Apply through AACOMAS

  • Familiarize yourself with the AACOM website for additional information on applying to an osteopathic medical school.

  • Apply online through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)

  • Submit all official MCAT scores (MCAT must be within 3 calendar years of matriculation). Visit MCAT for additional information on testing.

  • Submit all official transcripts**

    **Coursework taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an AACOMAS approved evaluation service.

  • Submit AACOMAS application fee

  • Contact AACOMAS to verify that all items have been received

  • Deadline for submission: February 15 

Step Two: WVSOM requires the following two (2) letters of recommendation (additional recommendations are accepted):

  • Pre-med committee letter or any science faculty member who instructed you

  • Osteopathic physician letter (non-relative, this includes parents, siblings, cousins, in-laws)

  • Please do not have an individual who is a relative write either of these letters for you.

  • These letters may be submitted through AACOMAS, Interfolio, or as original hard copies by mail.

  • Letters of recommendation submitted in paper format must be mailed directly from the physician or science faculty member and be on official office letterhead with an original signature. Please have them use the postal mailing information listed below. We will not accept letters of recommendation that are faxed or sent via email.

    West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
    Admissions Office
    400 Lee Street North  
    Lewisburg, WV 24901

Step Three: Select students are invited to complete a Supplemental Application 

  • Applicants who have successfully completed the AACOMAS application (all required documents for WVSOM, AACOMAS fee, and application verified with official MCAT scores) will receive a confirmation email from WVSOM with an ID & PIN number along with access to the Supplemental Application. This MyWVSOM login information will assist applicants in keeping track of their application status and process from this point forward.

Step Four: Interview (invitation only) 

  • After review of the Supplemental Application, the Admissions Office will contact select students to invite them to interview.

  • Students invited to interview will be required to pay the Supplemental Fee (non-refundable):

    WV Residents: $40
    Out-of-State Residents: $80

  • Additional forms must be completed prior to the student's arrival to campus. Details will be communicated at the time an interview is offered. 

Citizenship 

Students are required to have U.S. citizenship or have proof of permanent resident status (green card).

WVSOM Nondiscrimination Statement

The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is committed to fostering an educational environment that values the development of human potential, cultural and ethnic diversity, and understanding.

WVSOM will not discriminate against any student or applicant for admission on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or other category that is protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.

However, with respect to disability, the disability must not be such as would, even with reasonable accommodation, in and of itself preclude the student or applicant's effective participation in the WVSOM educational program. Students must meet the WVSOM Health and Technical Standards - Students must comply with the version of Health & Technical Standards in effect at the time of their matriculation.