How to Get Into Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (2025)
Learn how to get into the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), one of the leading colleges for osteopathic medicine in the U.S.
Posted February 3, 2025
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How Hard is It to Get Into Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine?
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) is a private, non-profit osteopathic medical school located in Dothan, Alabama. Known for its focus on primary care and patient-centered education, ACOM is closely affiliated with Southeast Health, a regional health system that provides students with invaluable clinical training opportunities. ACOM boasts an acceptance rate of approximately 7%, making it moderately competitive compared to other osteopathic schools.
As the first osteopathic medical school in Alabama, ACOM offers prospective students a strong foundation in osteopathic principles and clinical training. In the most recent rankings, ACOM is placed at the #1 spot among the top medical schools in the nation.
Read: The Ultimate Guide on How to Get Into Medical School
Programs Offered by Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
As a prestigious school in osteopathic medicine, Alabama College provides a variety of programs to prepare ACOM students for successful careers in osteopathic medicine. These include:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program: ACOM’s four-year DO program emphasizes osteopathic manipulative medicine, primary care, and service to underserved populations. Students gain hands-on experience in community-based hospitals and clinics.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS): A one-year program designed for students preparing to enter med school or pursue careers in biomedical research.
- Rural Primary Care Program: Focused on training physicians to serve in rural and underserved areas, this program combines advanced clinical training with community service.
- Early Acceptance Program: This program provides admission assurance to select high school students interested in pursuing a DO degree at ACOM.
Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine?
ACOM Admissions Stats: MCAT, GPA & Class Profile
ACOM attracts a diverse and talented group of students committed to osteopathic medicine. Here’s a snapshot of the class profile:
- Class Size: Up to 210 students per class
- Percentage of Women: Approximately 53%
- Out-of-State Students: Approximately 89%
- Total Enrollment: Over 780 students across all cohorts
- Primary Care Focus: Approximately 65% of graduates enter primary care residencies
Admissions Statistics
| Average | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile (Median) | 75th Percentile | Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | 3.45 | 3.2 | 3.45 | 3.8 | 3.0–4.0 |
| MCAT (Total) | 504 | 498 | 504 | 508 | 495–510 |
| MCAT - Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | Data not publicly available | ||||
| MCAT - Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | Data not publicly available | ||||
| MCAT - Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | Data not publicly available | ||||
| MCAT - Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | Data not publicly available |
Please note that specific percentile scores for individual MCAT sections are not publicly available. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to ACOM's official admissions page.
What MCAT Score Do You Need for ACOM?
To be competitive at ACOM, a strong MCAT score is important. The average MCAT score for admitted students is 503, but applicants with scores as low as 495 may still be considered if they demonstrate strengths in other areas, such as community service and osteopathic principles.
Bonus: How to Get Into ACOM With a Low MCAT
- Highlight your commitment to community service, primary care, and underserved populations in your personal statement.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation from science faculty members or physicians familiar with your dedication and skills.
- Emphasize any hands-on clinical experience or research that demonstrates your readiness for osteopathic medical education.
What GPA Do You Need for ACOM?
A competitive GPA for ACOM is around 3.6, but applicants with GPAs as low as 3.2 may still have a strong chance if they show significant improvement over time or excel in other aspects of their application. The admissions process is holistic, considering factors like leadership, service, and a demonstrated passion for osteopathic medicine.
Bonus: How to Get Into ACOM With a Low GPA
- Take post-baccalaureate or graduate-level science courses to prove your academic abilities.
- Focus on clinical and community service experiences to strengthen your application.
- Use your personal statement to explain any academic challenges and how you’ve overcome them.
How to Apply to Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
ACOM Application Deadlines (2025)
- Primary Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (via AACOMAS application)
- Secondary Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
ACOM — Application Overview
To apply, you will need:
- AACOMAS Application: Submit through the AACOMAS portal, including transcripts and MCAT scores.
- Secondary Application: Includes specific questions about your interest in osteopathic medicine and ACOM’s mission.
- Letters of Recommendation: Minimum of three, with at least one from a science faculty member.
- CASPer Test: Optional but recommended for a holistic evaluation.
- Personal Statement: A detailed essay outlining your motivations for pursuing a DO degree and your fit with ACOM.
Letters of Recommendation
ACOM highly values letters of recommendation that provide a comprehensive view of your academic abilities, leadership qualities, and commitment to healthcare. To strengthen your application, seek letters from individuals who know you well and can provide detailed examples of your achievements and potential. Strong recommendations typically come from science faculty members who can attest to your academic readiness, clinical supervisors who have observed your patient care skills, or mentors who understand your dedication to osteopathic principles.
For a competitive edge, include at least one letter from someone with experience in osteopathic medicine, as they can highlight your suitability for ACOM’s mission of patient-centered care. Share your resume and personal statement with recommenders to help them tailor their letters effectively.
Expert tip: Get expert guidance from top medical school coaches to ensure your letters of recommendation effectively showcase your strengths and align with ACOM's mission.
Read: How to Write an Effective Medical School Letter of Recommendation
Secondaries
The ACOM secondary application is a critical step in the admissions process, allowing you to demonstrate your fit with the school’s mission and values. Essays in the secondary application often focus on themes like community service, primary care, and underserved populations. Use this opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, such as volunteering in rural healthcare settings or working with medically underserved communities.
Be specific and authentic, sharing how these experiences have shaped your desire to practice osteopathic medicine. Highlight your alignment with ACOM’s focus on primary care and patient-centered care. Tailored and thoughtful responses will make your application stand out.
Read: Mastering Secondary Essay Prompts in Medical School Applications
Interviews
ACOM conducts one-on-one interviews, either in person or virtually, as part of its holistic admissions process. These interviews are designed to assess your motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine, your understanding of ACOM’s mission, and your ability to communicate effectively. Be prepared to discuss your academic background, clinical experiences, community service, and goals as a future physician.
Practice answering common medical school interview questions, such as why you chose osteopathic medicine and how you’ve demonstrated leadership or resilience. Show enthusiasm for ACOM’s emphasis on primary care and service to underserved populations. Being well-prepared, reflective, and genuine will help you leave a lasting positive impression.
Watch: How to Nail Your Medical School Interview
ACOM MD Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), applicants must meet several academic and personal qualifications. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a valid MCAT score taken within the past three years. Beyond academic credentials, ACOM values applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to service, leadership, and patient care.
ACOM Prerequisites
The required pre-medical coursework includes:
- Biology: 8 semester hours with lab
- Chemistry: General, Organic, and Biochemistry (16 semester hours total)
- Physics: 8 semester hours
- English: 6 semester hours
- Mathematics: 3 semester hours (statistics or calculus recommended)
5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into ACOM
- Excel academically - Strive for a GPA of 3.6 or higher, particularly in science courses, and aim for an MCAT score of at least 504 to remain competitive. Highlight any upward trends in your academic performance and consider enrolling in post-baccalaureate or graduate programs if your GPA falls below the average. Strong academic metrics demonstrate your readiness for ACOM’s rigorous curriculum.
- Gain clinical experience - Obtain hands-on experience in healthcare settings to showcase your dedication to patient care. Shadow physicians, volunteer at clinics or hospitals, or work as a medical scribe or EMT. Direct patient interaction develops crucial communication and empathy skills, helping you articulate your commitment to osteopathic medicine during your application and interviews.
- Focus on community service - Engage in meaningful community service activities, particularly those that address the needs of underserved populations. Volunteer with organizations focused on rural healthcare, public health initiatives, or underserved communities. ACOM values applicants who align with its mission of addressing healthcare disparities and providing patient-centered care.
- Pursue research opportunities - Involvement in research, whether in basic sciences, clinical studies, or public health, demonstrates your curiosity, analytical abilities, and commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Highlight your specific contributions, such as publications, presentations, or innovative solutions. ACOM values students who can balance clinical practice with research-driven insights.
- Write a compelling personal statement - Craft a personal statement that reflects your passion for osteopathic medicine and ACOM’s core values of leadership, service, and patient-centered care. Share specific experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue a DO degree, such as impactful clinical encounters or challenges you’ve overcome. Tailor your essay to showcase how your goals and values align with ACOM’s mission.
The Bottom Line
- ACOM’s acceptance rate is approximately 7%, making it moderately competitive among osteopathic medical schools.
- Strong academic performance is crucial, with a recommended GPA of 3.6 or higher and an MCAT score of around 504 to remain competitive.
- ACOM prioritizes community service, leadership, and patient care in its holistic admissions process, aligning with its mission to serve underserved populations.
- Clinical experience is highly valued—shadow physicians, volunteer, or work in healthcare settings to enhance your application.
- The secondary application essays focus on themes like primary care, community service, and underserved populations—be specific and authentic in your responses.
Take the next step toward achieving your medical school dreams by working with top medical school coaches to craft a standout application and excel in your journey.
FAQs
Does ACOM accept international or non-permanent residents?
- No, ACOM does not accept international or non-permanent residents at this time. Applicants with DACA status also cannot be considered.
Is a letter of recommendation from a DO physician required for admission?
- While a physician's letter is required, ACOM accepts letters from either a DO or MD. However, they strongly recommend spending time with an osteopathic physician to increase awareness of the osteopathic philosophy and practice.
Does ACOM offer an Early Decision Program?
- Yes, ACOM offers an Early Decision Program for applicants who designate ACOM as their top choice. This program allows candidates to streamline the application process and avoid the financial burden associated with applying to multiple medical schools.
How are interviews conducted at ACOM?
- Currently, ACOM conducts interviews using the Zoom platform.
Is there a supplemental application fee waiver available?
- Yes, ACOM waives the supplemental application fee for applicants who have been approved for the AACOMAS fee waiver.
