Tips for Applying to the DO Program
By: Zachary Hartman, M. Ed, Enrollment Advisor
Applying to the Rocky Vista University Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program is an exciting and competitive journey. To help you put your best foot forward, here are some key considerations and tips for crafting a strong, well-rounded application.
RVU uses the AACOMAS system for application submissions. We strongly encourage you to apply early as this ensures that your materials are verified and complete in plenty of time for review.
Tips for a Complete and Competitive DO Application
One of the most common reasons applications get delayed is due to letters of recommendation that do not meet our requirements. In particular, the healthcare letter can be a stumbling block for some applicants. Your healthcare letter should come from a DO, MD, PA, or NP who can speak to your work in a clinical setting with patient interaction. Roles like medical assistants or scribes are great examples of clinical experience.
Remember, more letters do not always mean a better application. AACOMAS allows up to six letters of recommendation. If one of your letters does not meet the requirements and you are already at the six-letter maximum, you might be unable to submit a replacement, which could halt your progress.
Before applying, ensure that all prerequisite coursework and your degree itself will be complete by the time you matriculate in mid to late July. Also, make sure that all listed prerequisites are passed with a grade of C or higher, as a C minus does not meet the standard and could jeopardize your eligibility.
What Does a Competitive DO Application Look Like?
While RVU uses a holistic review process, certain metrics help illustrate the academic readiness of our applicants. On average, accepted students have MCAT scores of 500 or higher and GPAs around 3.5. Keep in mind that these are averages and there is a bell curve. Some students are accepted with slightly lower scores while others exceed them. Most importantly, we are looking for applicants who are well-rounded, mission-aligned, and ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of a career in osteopathic medicine.
Applying to medical school is a significant step. Best of luck as you put your best self forward. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Check out more information on our DO program by clicking here.