Vcom Acceptance Rate

Though only candidates who submit a secondary application and all supporting documentation are considered for the next step in the admissions process (i.e., interview), not all of those who are invited to submit a secondary application will have the opportunity to interview. The admissions process is competitive, and about 300 individuals for each campus will be extended an interview to fill 188 spots on the Virginia campus, 162 on the Carolinas campus, and 162 on the Auburn campus.

Getting Started at VCOM

Get top-quality osteopathic training and join us in our mission to bring exceptional care to the medically underserved in rural, minority, and international communities.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

VCOM-Affiliated Masters Programs

VCOM-Affiliated Residency Programs

What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medicine in the United States. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) emphasize the interrelated unity of all systems in the body, each working with the other to heal in times of illness.

• 149,000 physicians are currently practicing osteopathic medicine in the United States (2023).
• 60% of all osteopathic physicians enter primary care.
• Osteopathic physicians currently care for more than 35 million Americans.
• Physicians are more likely to practice osteopathic medicine in small communities and rural areas.

Our Focus on Future Physicians

Our physicians are comprehensively trained, patient-focused, and passionate about giving back. As DOs, we emphasize preventive medicine, a patient-centered approach to care, and empowering patients to strive toward the body’s natural, optimal state of function, self-healing and health.

Residency Match Locations

Each year, thousands of osteopathic medical students participate in the Match, which places fourth year students into residency training programs at teaching health centers across the country. VCOM students are very successful in the match with 99% – 100% matching into a residency training program, which far exceeds the national match average each year.

Admissions FAQs

VCOM will extend an invitation to complete a secondary application to candidates who meet our competitive qualifications and seem to have promise in gaining an interview slot. Those who do not meet the competitive qualifications or possess characteristics to meet the VCOM mission will not receive an invitation to submit a secondary application. VCOM does not want to impose the secondary application fee or time commitment on candidates unless they have met the minimum qualifications or have promise in continuing to the interview stage of the application process.

If I receive a secondary application invitation, will I get an interview?

Though only candidates who submit a secondary application and all supporting documentation are considered for the next step in the admissions process (i.e., interview), not all of those who are invited to submit a secondary application will have the opportunity to interview. The admissions process is competitive, and about 300 individuals for each campus will be extended an interview to fill 188 spots on the Virginia campus, 162 on the Carolinas campus, and 162 on the Auburn campus.

If I do not receive an invitation to submit a secondary application this year, how can I improve my application for consideration next year?

Candidates should have achieved at least a 3.4 science and cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.4) results in improved chances for acceptance. VCOM places emphasis on the last 90 credit hours, the sciences, and required courses when choosing between competitive applicants. VCOM also places emphasis on the applicant’s interview, if he or she reaches that stage of the application process. The average GPA for acceptance is 3.6. Candidates may consider these options to improve their GPA:

1. VCOM/Bluefield Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences program: Candidates who complete the Master’s program with the stated benchmarks will have the opportunity to be admitted to the DO program. This is a good option for applicants who need to enhance their credentials or those who have been out of the academic environment for more than three years.
2. Enroll in other Post-Baccalaureate or Master’s level (science or pre-medical) programs. Since VCOM focuses on the last 90 hours of coursework, this is a good option for the student with lower than desired freshman or sophomore grades. He or she can bolster the science GPA in a one or two-year upper-level program.
3. Repeat science courses. Before choosing to repeat lower-level science courses, consult with the Office of Admissions, as doing so may or may not be advisable. Taking new upper-level courses may be preferred (see next point).
4. Enroll (and do well) in upper level (300/400) science courses.

Will I be considered if my MCAT is below 500?

VCOM puts a strong emphasis on the GPA, but the MCAT is weighed in connection with the GPA and other personal qualities of each applicant. While a competitive MCAT score begins at 500, all factors are considered in the admissions process, and retaking the MCAT may not be advisable. Thus, the applicant whose MCAT score is only a few points below 500 should consult with the Office of Admissions, as other areas of improvement may be advisable.