The PNWU College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) belongs to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. All applicants are required to submit an on-line AACOMAS application. This primary application will then be distributed to the osteopathic medical schools of your choice. Supplemental Applications may be downloaded from the www.pnwu.org website and submitted anytime prior to the supplemental application deadline.
What is the AACOMAS application deadline?
Primary AACOMAS applications for the PNWU-COM are accepted from June 1 through April 10 of the year medical school starts.
What is the PNWU-COM supplemental application deadline?
All supplemental materials (also referred to as the supplemental application) should be in the Office of Admissions by May 1 (or the first working day following this date if May 1 falls on a weekend or holiday) of the year medical school starts.
Do you send the supplemental application automatically to every applicant?
PNWU-COM does invite all U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident applicants to complete the supplemental application.
What is the PNWU-COM looking for in the additional personal statement that is part of the supplemental application?
This is a good place for applicants to add anything they feel was not covered in the AACOMAS personal statement. Because the PNWU-COM has a particular interest in serving rural and/or underserved populations, any volunteer or paid experience spent working with these populations could be explored in this essay.
If I am an out of state applicant, what can I do to be competitive?
Apart from applicants having the academic qualifications, successful applicants from outside the Pacific Northwest region (AK, WA, OR, ID, MT) either come from a rural background and/or have demonstrated a strong commitment and service to the underserved population.
Does the PNWU-COM accept international applicants?
The PNWU-COM does not consider foreign applicants unless they are permanent residents of the United States (i.e., possess a green card). Permanent residence documentation is part of the application requirement to PNWU-COM for all foreign applicants.
I went to school internationally will my credits be accepted?
Course work taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an evaluation service and an official copy must be sent from the service directly to AACOMAS, see the AACOMAS web site for evaluation services. You should also have a copy sent to you for completing the AACOMAS application. Request a course-by-course evaluation and list the courses, subject codes, semester hours, and grades on the AACOMAS Academic Record or Professional School Academic Record as per the primary application instructions.
Does the PNWU-COM have an Early Decision Program?
The PNWU-COM does not have an Early Decision Program.
Is there an age restriction for applicants?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The PNWU-COM considers all applicants for admission without respect to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, handicap, or national origin. The PNWU-COM policies are nondiscriminatory. Applicants to PNWU-COM are considered on their intellectual ability, scholastic achievement, commitment, and suitability to succeed in the study of osteopathic medicine.
Is there a particular undergraduate university I should attend?
PNWU-COM does give preference to Pacific Northwest region (AK, WA, OR, ID, MT) institutions. Of importance, are what the applicant gained from the undergraduate experience (including extracurricular activities) and the variety and level of course work pursued.
What degree would best prepare me for medical school?
PNWU-COM does not suggest one degree over another as long as the student has satisfied the science requirements and has maintained a rigorous and varied course load.
When do the prerequisite courses need to be completed?
It is recommended that prerequisite courses be completed prior to submitting an application; however, all prerequisites must be completed before the start of medical school. There is no limit on the time frame during which the courses must be completed. If an accepted applicant has not completed course work at the start of orientation matriculation will be declined.
Are prerequisite courses taken at a community college accepted?
You may take the prerequisite courses at any accredited university or community college of your choice. Distance learning, CLEP, and other course work will be reviewed by the Admission Committee.
Is biochemistry a prerequisite course?
A biochemistry course is not required, 4 semester credits of biochemistry may be used to meet the Organic Chemistry requirement.
Can AP class credits fulfill the science requirement?
Advanced Placement credits can be accepted to fulfill the science requirement if your undergraduate institution gives you credit on your transcript and if it appears (and is verified) on your AACOMAS application.
Is there a mathematics course requirement?
There is no specific math requirement, but candidates should be proficient in basic mathematics. Some undergraduate schools may require students to take calculus as a perquisite for physics courses.
When is the best time to take the Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT)?
The MCAT is offered several times a year. Many students take the examination at the end of their Junior or Senior year after they have completed the majority of their science courses. There is no preference for which month the examination is taken; however, the test cannot be taken later than January 31st of the year medical school starts.
If I take the MCAT more than once which score will be used in the admissions committee process?
PNWU-COM uses the highest score of the tests taken within three years of application. All previous scores can be seen on your application.
Is there a minimum GPA/MCAT score?
There is no minimum GPA or MCAT score at this time. Although, all applications are reviewed on a competitive basis.
Is there a form for letters of recommendation?
PNWU-COM does not have a standardized recommendation form. All recommendations should be on official letter head, signed and dated. Letters of recommendation must be written within the two years prior to application.
Can I submit recommendations electronically?
PNWU-COM accepts recommendations via VirtualEvals (http://www.virtualevals.org/) and Interfolio (http://www.interfolio.com/).
Does the College of Medicine have a tour?
Tours may be requested and will be scheduled depending on weather and construction.
Do students spend their first year at PNWU-COM in Yakima?
Accepted applicants spend their first two years at the Yakima, WA campus.
Where do students spend year three and four?
Students will spend year three and four doing clinical rotations at regional campuses of their choice in the Pacific Northwest.
Do you have combined degrees?
PNWU-COM does not offer combined degrees at this time.
Do you have a list of volunteer locations?
We do not have a list of available volunteer opportunities at this time.
When will federal financial aid be available?
PNWU-COM will submit the federal Title IV financial aid application on the first day of classes, August 11, 2008. The application approval process by the U.S. Department of Education may take three to six months. Once eligibility is established students will have federal eligibility back to August 11, 2008.
Should I complete the FAFSA?
Yes, complete the FAFSA and send a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) to PNWU-COM. Your eligibility will be determined and federal aid awarded as soon as PNWU-COM is given approval by the U.S. Department of Education.
How do I pay for medical school prior to federal aid?
The student may use personal funds, scholarship and private loans to cover expenses until the federal aid is established.
What do the Fees cover?
(1) a laptop computer (first year only) and computer maintenance (each year); (2) all required texts (each year) workbooks (each year), and necessary anatomy dissection equipment (first year only); and (3) a new portable Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OP&P) table (first year only), a stethoscope (first year only), an ophthalmoscope (first year only), an otoscope (first year only), a lab coat and scrub suit (first-year issuance), the use of a PNWU-COM microscope for the first two years; and (4) interactive video conferencing (each year).
All American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), and Washington Osteopathic Medical Association (WOMA) annual dues, if applicable, as well as the requisite registration fees for the initial taking of COMLEX Level I, COMLEX Level II CE, and COMLEX Level II PE exams are covered by annual tuition and fees.
Does PNWU have campus housing?
PNWU does not have campus housing; however the Yakima Valley offers a multitude of rental and purchase options. Typical two bedroom rentals range from $600 - $900 per month. See the Student page of the PNWU website for housing resources.
Does PNWU have student health insurance?
PNWU does not sponsor a student health insurance plan at this time.