Rocky Vista University

The Application Process

The following information describes the application process for those seeking admission into the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM):

Step 1 - Complete the AACOMAS Application

RVUCOM participates in a centralized application service, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) offers prospective students a convenient, centralized online application service for accredited osteopathic medical schools. Through AACOMAS, applicants can file one electronic application. AACOMAS then verifies and distributes the information to each of the colleges designated by the applicant. AACOMAS can be reached at www.aacom.org or AACOMAS, 5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231, (301) 968-4200.

Step 2 - Invitation to Complete the RVUCOM Supplemental Application

After RVUCOM receives the AACOMAS application, those applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to submit a supplemental application.

RVUCOM's Minimum Academic Requirements:

Minimal requirements for consideration for admission have been established by the board of directors as a GPA of 2.50 overall and a science GPA of 2.50.

The chances for admission for a student with minimal grades are limited. Admission would require outstanding achievement on the part of the student during his or her career or unique individual circumstances.

On average, students admitted to colleges of osteopathic medicine during the last three years had GPA's > 3.4.

MCAT Information

All candidates must submit their most recent scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) through AACOMAS. Scores older than two years from the date of application will not be considered.

The MCAT composite score cannot contain more than one 6 in any component. Scores of < 6 in any component of the MCAT are not acceptable for admission consideration. A score of M or > in the written component is required.

Click here for additional MCAT information.

Additional Information:

Applicants are also required to submit the required letters of recommendation: one letter from an osteopathic physician (D.O.) and one from a premedical advisory committee. If the student's undergraduate institution does not have a premedical advisory committee, the student may submit letters from two science professors. Information on contacting an osteopathic physician in your community is available at http://www.do-online.osteotech.org/ or your state's osteopathic association.

After review of the secondary application and letters of recommendation, those candidates who possess the skills, knowledge and personality that provide them with the opportunity for success and who, in the opinion of the college, are most likely to assist the college in fulfilling its mission and vision, will be invited to interview.

Interviews are conducted between late-September and will continue on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Those applicants selected for an on-campus interview will be contacted by telephone and/or email to schedule the interview. The applicant will be given pertinent information about the schedule of events for the interview day. The prospective student will meet with an interview team consisting of members of the faculty, staff and profession.

Following the on-campus interview, recommendations from the interview team and the student's completed academic file will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine acceptance, deferred action or denial. The committee meets monthly or more often as needed.

No one piece of evidence presented by an applicant will, in and of itself, determine whether or not the committee will extend an offer of admission. The decision to extend an offer of admission will be based on the totality of the evidence presented to the committee.

After receiving the initial offer of provisional admission to the COM and prior to matriculation, all students must undergo a background check and a drug screen before acceptance into the COM is finalized and they begin attending class. This screening must meet the COM standards, conducted by an agency approved by the COM, and occur prior to the start of classes.

Each year RVUCOM will enroll a 1st-year class of approximately 150 students. The level of competition for these seats will be determined by the number of applications received during the admissions cycle and the academic competitiveness of the applicant pool.

We look forward to working with you in this process. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

RVUCOM Admissions Office
phone: (303) 373-2008
email: admissions@rockyvistauniversity.org
fax: (720) 875-2875