Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Applicants
1)
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
Learn more about osteopathic medicine here: https://choosedo.org/learn-about-
osteopathic-medicine/
2)
Can I go into surgery as a DO?
Yes, a DO can go into any medical specialty.
3)
How do I apply to LMU-DCOM?
Read about our application process here:
https://www.lmunet.edu/debusk-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/do/admissions/the-
application-process.php
4)
How do I submit my MCAT score to LMU-DCOM?
You must have an official MCAT score report sent to AACOMAS. You will not be able
to have AAMC send the report directly to the LMU-DCOM admissions office.
5)
What is your minimum MCAT score?
We do not have a minimum MCAT score, but the average MCAT score for the class of
2025 was 500.
6)
What is the oldest MCAT score you will accept?
For the 2020-2021 application cycle, the oldest MCAT score we will accept is May 2018.
7)
What is your minimum GPA?
We do not have a minimum GPA, but the average science GPA for the class of 2025 was
3.5
8)
What letters of recommendation to you require?
We require one of the following
• One Pre-Medical Committee letter
OR
• Two letters from science professors
AND
• One Physician letter
Letters of recommendation should be on official letterhead, contain a signature, and be
from May 2018 or later. Please note that if you use a committee letter, the letter must
clearly state that it is from a committee and not just an individual advisor.
9)
If I am a re-applicant, do I need to resubmit my letters of recommendation?
Yes. This link has information on using your existing AACOMAS application to
reapply:
https://help.liaisonedu.com/AACOMAS_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_AACO
MAS_Application/Creating_and_Managing_Your_AACOMAS_Account/2_Use_an_Exi
sting_Account_to_Re-Apply
10)
Do letters of recommendation expire?
Yes. For the 2021-2022 application cycle, letters of recommendation must be from May
2018 or later.
11)
What are your course prerequisites?
• Completion of no less than 75% of the credits required for a baccalaureate degree
from a United Sates Department of Education (USDE) recognized accrediting
body.
Successful completion of the following coursework with a grade of “C” or higher in each
course:
o Biology: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
o Inorganic: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
o Organic: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
▪ Biochemistry may be substituted.
o Physics: Minimum of 8 semester hours (including lecture and lab)
o English: Minimum of 6 semester hours
o Labs are required in all science prerequisites unless otherwise noted.
• We will accept a combination of 16 hours of inorganic, organic and biochemistry.
• If you attend a Canadian university, we will accept 6 semester hours of the above
science prerequisites when labs are included.
• Final grades for all prerequisite courses must be verified before registration as an
LMU-DCOM student.
• Due to COVID-19, we will accept pass/fail credits for prerequisite coursework
completed in spring and summer 2020.
12)
I haven’t completed the prerequisite coursework. Can I go ahead and submit my
application?
Yes. If you are accepted, your offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of
all prerequisite coursework prior to orientation.
13)
Will you accept AP credits for prerequisite coursework?
Yes. Your AP credits should be listed on your university transcript.
14)
Will you accept online classes for prerequisite coursework?
Yes, but the committee prefers that most of your prerequisite coursework be completed in
a traditional classroom setting.
We are aware that most universities transitioned to online learning in spring 2020 due to
COVID-19; we will accept any prerequisite coursework completed online in 2020.
15)
Will you accept community college classes for prerequisite coursework?
Yes, but the committee prefers that most of your prerequisite coursework be from a four-
year college or university.
16)
What are the requirements for a secondary application?
Our secondary application is open to all applicants. In order for your application to
LMU-DCOM to be complete, you must complete your secondary application and submit
all other supporting documentation.
17)
Does LMU-DCOM accept out-of-state students?
Yes.
18)
Does LMU-DCOM accept international students?
Yes, but strong consideration is given to international applicants with ties to Appalachia.
International students will be considered for only our Harrogate campus.
19)
Does LMU-DCOM accept DACA students?
No.
20)
How do I apply to your Knoxville location?
We have one designation on the AACOMAS application for both locations (Harrogate
and Knoxville). You may indicate your location preference under the school-specific
questions on the AACOMAS application.
21)
If I indicate a location preference, will that hurt my chances of being accepted?
No. The committee will still consider you for both locations (Harrogate and Knoxville).
22)
Is the new Knoxville location accredited?
Yes. LMU-DCOM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College
Accreditation (COCA). COCA granted LMU-DCOM approval for an additional location
and class size increase in Knoxville, TN, starting in fall 2019.
23)
Where do LMU-DCOM students do clinical rotations?
Here is a list of our current clinical rotation sites:
https://www.lmunet.edu/debusk-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/do/academics/clinical-
medicine/clinical-rotation-sites.php
24)
Are international rotations available?
Yes.
25)
Is class attendance mandatory?
Attendance for most lectures is optional. Attendance for TBL’s (team-based learning)
and labs is mandatory.
Current Applicants (pre-interview)
1)
I just submitted my AACOMAS application. When can I expect to receive a
secondary?
After we receive your verified AACOMAS application, you should expect to receive a
link to our supplemental (secondary) application within two weeks.
2)
I received an email notifying me that my file is complete. When can I expect to hear
a decision about a possible interview?
This depends on our application volume. If you do not receive an update from us within
six weeks, feel free to contact us.
Interviewees
1)
What type of interviews does LMU-DCOM conduct?
Each interviewee will participate in one interview with two faculty/staff members. The
interview will take up to 30 minutes. The interview is blind, meaning that the
interviewers do not have access to your application prior to your interview. For the
2020-2021 application cycle, all interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
2)
How long will it take to receive a decision after interview day?
Allow two weeks for a post-interview decision.
Accepted applicants
1)
I just got accepted to LMU-DCOM. How long do I have to accept my offer of
admission?
LMU-DCOM follows the AACOMAS traffic guidelines. You can read more about this
here:
https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/applying/traffic-guidelines
Colleges of osteopathic medicine 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 May 14 will have 14 days.
• Those accepted after May 15 may be asked for an immediate
deposit.
• After May 15 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.
2)
Is the matriculation deposit refundable?
No, but please note that the deposit goes toward your tuition for the first semester.
3)
I paid my matriculation deposit. What do I do now?
Be sure to continue checking the email address that is connected to your AACOMAS
application as well as your LMU email account for important information and
instructions from the DCOM Office of Admissions and Student Services.
4)
Does LMU-DCOM offer health insurance for students?
No.
5)
I paid my matriculation deposit but have decided I do not want to attend LMU-
DCOM. What do I need to do?
Please notify the admissions office as soon as possible so that we can offer your seat to
one of our many waitlisted applicants.
Waitlisted applicants
I am currently on the LMU-DCOM waitlist. When can I expect to hear back?
The LMU-DCOM waitlist is not ranked. We holistically review applicants who have
confirmed their interest in remaining on the waitlist throughout the cycle. Waitlist moves
typically begin in May and can occur as late as the first day of classes. We encourage
you to keep the DCOM Admissions staff informed on any updates to your application
and contact information.
Rejected applicants
1)
I did not receive an interview invitation this cycle. Can I get feedback on how to
improve my application?
Yes. Feel free to reach out to Robin Mace, Director of Admissions at
2)
I did not get accepted to LMU-DCOM this cycle. Does LMU offer any graduate
programs to help me improve my application?
Yes. LMU offers a one-year Master of Science program. Each student who enrolls in this
program and earns a 3.0 graduate GPA on a full-time course load in the fall semester is
guaranteed an interview at DCOM in the spring. For more information, please contact
