VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #S001

VCOM recognizes that some applicants have improved grades through additional coursework in the years since their initial degree. Students who have new academic history (i.e. those who have completed a pre-medical science program and improved their science GPA), should notify the Director of Admissions (preferably by email) of this coursework as it may not be reflected in the AACOMAS database. Higher GPAs are generally required to be competitive, as the current average science GPA and cumulative GPA for accepted students is 3.7. Applicants who complete the Bluefield University-VCOM collaborative Master’s in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program receive an interview with the MABS to DO Admissions Committee at VCOM if they receive a 3.6 GPA in the Master’s program, regardless of prior GPA. d. Must submit current scores from the MCAT that are less than four years old prior to the date of matriculation. For the current admissions cycle, the college will accept the most recent MCAT administered from up to four years prior to the date of matriculation. The applicant’s MCAT score is balanced with the applicant’s GPA and other factors as outlined by the minimum requirements for interview and admission. The average MCAT score of those accepted falls between 500 and 506 and a score greater than 496 is generally required. The successful MCAT score is always balanced with the GPA, along with non-cognitive factors of the applicant that are tied to the profession and the mission of VCOM. e. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident. Once matriculated, students must maintain the requirements for their permanent U.S. resident visa status as set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. f. Must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment. All students must read carefully and affirm that they meet the standards. Any falsification or misinformation is a reason for dismissal. 4.1. AACOMAS Application VCOM participates with other osteopathic colleges in a centralized application processing service called the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). In certain cases, an applicant who was deferred or who completed Bluefield College’s Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Sciences degree may be able to use an AACOMAS application from a prior AACOMAS cycle. To initiate the application process, prospective students must apply directly to AACOMAS. After applicants submit an application to AACOMAS they have several VCOM campus options. Applicants can: • designate one campus; • rank the campuses in order of attendance preference; or • designate all campuses. Applicants have the opportunity to be considered at the other VCOM campuses if their preferred campus is full. AACOMAS requires one designation (and fee) for each VCOM campus; however, a student may apply to only one campus and when the student is invited to submit a secondary application, he/she may utilize the secondary application form to designate additional campuses

VCOM Admissions Policy for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program

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