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AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines

AACOM encourages each of its member colleges to conduct an application process that is inclusive and professional.

The purpose of these guidelines is to allow prospective students to explore their options with the osteopathic medical community and to give the colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) the ability to process, select and matriculate applicants in a fair and timely manner.

  1. COMs will publish and follow an application schedule.
  2. COMs will publish their respective application procedures and admission requirements.
  3. COMs may begin extending offers of admission at any time after the interview.

    Applicants will be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:
    • Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14.
    • Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
    • Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 will have 14 days.
    • Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked for an immediate deposit.
    • After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each medical college may implement college-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other medical colleges.

Starting April 1, osteopathic medical colleges are asked to report to AACOMAS the names and identification of candidates who have paid a deposit, hold a position at an osteopathic medical college entering class or both.

After May 1, AACOMAS reports to each institution the names and candidates for its entering class who hold an acceptance(s) at additional institutions.

An osteopathic medical college may rescind an offer of admissions to a candidate who has paid deposits to or holds positions at multiple institutions.

  • If the osteopathic medical college chooses to withdraw the candidate from the entering class, the college must give the candidate notice in writing.  
  • If the candidate does not respond and is withdrawn from a college, the deposit is forfeited, and the seat may be given to another candidate.

Therefore, prior to May 1, applicants need to withdraw from any college(s) which they do not plan to attend and only hold a position at one COM to avoid having positions withdrawn.

Prospective osteopathic medical students are expected to provide factual, accurate and complete information throughout the admissions process. AACOM believes that the process requires mutual respect, integrity, and honesty among the COMs, and between colleges and their prospective osteopathic medical students.