AACOMAS Application Timeline (2025-2026): Key Dates and Tips

Applying to osteopathic medical schools through the AACOMAS system requires meticulous planning and preparation. This guide offers a detailed timeline, tactical advice, and practical tips to help applicants prepare for the 2025-2026 AACOMAS application cycle with confidence.

What is AACOMAS?

The AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) is a centralized application platform used by students applying to colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States. It simplifies the process of applying to multiple schools by allowing applicants to submit their materials (personal statements, transcripts, test scores, and more) through a single portal. Unlike the application process for MD schools, which uses the AMCAS system, AACOMAS is specifically designed for osteopathic medical schools.

Osteopathic medicine focuses on holistic patient care and emphasizes the connection between the body’s structure and function. The application process is highly competitive, and understanding the AACOMAS timeline is essential for maximizing your chances of acceptance.

AACOMAS Application Timeline: An Overview

The AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) is a centralized application service used by students applying to osteopathic medical schools in the United States. This system simplifies the process by allowing applicants to submit all their materials—personal statements, transcripts, MCAT scores, and more—through one portal as part of their primary applications.

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes holistic patient care and the connection between the body’s structure and function. The application process is competitive, and understanding the AACOMAS timeline can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

Key Dates for the AACOMAS Application Cycle

Applying early is important because many schools use a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they’re received.

Preparing for the AACOMAS Application Cycle

Pre-Application Preparation (Fall 2024 - Early 2025)

Organizing your approach months before the AACOMAS application opens can set you up for success and help you present a compelling case to the admissions committee. Below is an expanded, step-by-step guide to ensure you cover every critical aspect of your preparation thoroughly.

Plan Your MCAT Test Date

Choose a Target Date

Aim to take the MCAT by April or May 2025 to ensure your MCAT score is available for early submission in June. If possible, schedule your test even earlier to allow time for a retake if needed.

Register Early

MCAT test dates fill up quickly, especially during the spring and early summer. Registration typically opens several months in advance, so secure your preferred date and location as soon as possible.

Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan:

1. Content Review: Focus on high-yield topics (e.g., biochemistry pathways, organic chemistry reactions, and critical analysis). Use trusted resources such as Kaplan, Princeton Review, or Blueprint MCAT.
2. Practice Tests: Begin taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions about 6–8 weeks before your test date. Prioritize AAMC official practice exams as they most closely mimic the actual test.
3. Focused Review: Use practice test results to identify weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve those sections.

Expert Tip: Create a detailed study calendar with specific goals for each day. Include breaks to avoid burnout.

Incorporate Test-Like Practice

• Take weekly full-length practice tests leading up to the exam.
• Simulate real testing conditions by using the same timing and breaks you’ll have on test day.
• Review each test thoroughly to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study strategy accordingly.

Contact Letter Writers

Start Early

Reach out to your letter writers by Fall 2024, well before the application cycle opens. Common letter writers include science professors, physicians (preferably DOs), research mentors, and pre-health committee advisors.

Build Relationships

• For professors, attend office hours regularly and participate actively in class discussions. This will help them write a detailed, personalized letter.
• For physicians or mentors, maintain communication during and after your shadowing or research experience.

Provide a Letter Writing Packet

• Your CV or Resume: Highlight clinical, research, and leadership experiences.
• A Draft of Your Personal Statement: Help them understand your motivations and goals in pursuing osteopathic medicine.
• A Submission Timeline: Include the AACOMAS letter submission deadline and politely remind them closer to the date.
• Clear Instructions: Provide step-by-step directions for uploading their letter through the AACOMAS portal or Interfolio if applicable.

Follow Up and Express Gratitude

Send polite reminders 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Once the letters are submitted, thank your writers with a personalized note or small token of appreciation.

Draft Your Personal Statement

Start Early and Brainstorm Thoroughly

Reflect on experiences that demonstrate your motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine. Include pivotal moments like:

• Shadowing a DO and observing their holistic approach to patient care.
• Clinical experiences where you witnessed the importance of empathy and communication.
• Personal challenges that shaped your resilience and problem-solving skills.

Structure Your Essay Effectively

Use a clear and logical structure to make your narrative easy to follow:

• Introduction: Start with a compelling anecdote or experience that highlights your interest in osteopathic medicine.
• Body Paragraphs: Expand on experiences that showcase your qualities, such as leadership, dedication, and teamwork. Connect these experiences to osteopathic values like holistic care and the mind-body connection.
• Conclusion: End with a forward-looking statement about your aspirations as an osteopathic physician.

Focus on Personal Characteristics

Admissions committees value qualities like empathy, resilience, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. Use specific examples to illustrate these traits.

Edit and Seek Feedback

Revise your personal statement multiple times. Ask mentors, advisors, or professional writing services to review it for clarity, grammar, and impact.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Focus on Clinical and Hands-On Experience

• Shadowing: Aim to shadow at least one DO physician for 40–50 hours to demonstrate your commitment to osteopathic medicine.
• Healthcare Roles: Work as a medical assistant, scribe, EMT, or CNA to gain direct patient care experience.
• Volunteer Work: Engage in activities like hospital volunteering or community health programs to showcase your service-oriented mindset.

Broaden Your Involvement

• Join clubs or organizations that align with your interests in healthcare or leadership, such as pre-health societies or service groups.
• Participate in research projects, especially those related to health or medicine, to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills.

Track Your Achievements

Maintain a detailed log of all activities, including dates, hours, key responsibilities, and accomplishments. Use this to easily complete the “Experiences and Achievements” section of your AACOMAS application.

Research Schools

Use the AACOMAS Program Directory

Identify programs that align with your academic background, career goals, and values, and consider the specific criteria of each osteopathic school. Consider factors like location, class size, and curriculum format (e.g., systems-based or problem-based learning).

Understand Prerequisites

• Verify that you meet each school’s coursework requirements, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Check for unique requirements, such as additional letters of recommendation or secondary application essays.

Consider Public vs. Private Options

• Public medical schools may have lower tuition rates for in-state students.
• Private osteopathic programs might offer specific opportunities, such as dual-degree programs or unique clinical training.

Track Deadlines and Application Requirements

• Create a spreadsheet to organize each school’s deadlines, fees, and supplemental application instructions.
• Monitor for rolling admissions policies and aim to submit early to improve your chances.

Application Cycle Opens (May 4, 2025)

Create an AACOMAS Account

Set Up Your Account

• Visit the AACOMAS application portal and create an account using a reliable email address. Use an email you check frequently, as schools and AACOMAS will send updates and notifications here.

Understand the Four Application SectionsFamiliarize yourself with the following sections to avoid confusion later:

• Personal Information: Enter details like demographic information, citizenship, and contact details.
• Academic History: List all colleges attended, completed coursework, and grades. Be precise when entering your courses to avoid delays during the verification process.
• Supporting Information: Include letters of recommendation, extracurricular experiences, achievements, and your personal statement.
• Program Materials: Address any program-specific requirements, such as additional questions or supplemental essays.

Use the Checklist Feature

• The AACOMAS interface includes tools to help you track your progress. Use these features to ensure no sections are overlooked.

Request Official Transcripts

Contact Your Schools Early

• Reach out to the registrar’s office of every institution you’ve attended to request that your official transcript be sent directly to AACOMAS.
• Ensure you use the AACOMAS Transcript ID Form, which links your transcripts to your application.

Confirm Transcript Accuracy

• Double-check that your transcripts are complete and accurate. If there are any discrepancies, resolve them before submission.

Address Holds on Records

• Confirm with your institution that there are no holds on your account (e.g., unpaid balances or administrative issues) that could delay transcript processing.

Track Transcript Delivery

• Monitor the AACOMAS portal to verify when your transcripts have been received and processed. This step is essential to move forward in the application cycle.

Submit MCAT Scores

Log into Your AAMC Account

• Use your AAMC account to send your official MCAT scores directly to AACOMAS.

Verify Consistent IDs

• Ensure your AAMC ID matches your AACOMAS ID exactly. Any discrepancies can delay the linking of your MCAT scores to your application.

Double-Check Submission

• After sending your scores, confirm in the AACOMAS portal that they’ve been received. It may take a few days for the scores to be processed and reflected in your application.

Plan for Retakes (If Necessary)

• If you plan to retake the MCAT, indicate this in your application. Most schools will wait for updated scores if notified in advance.

Expert Tips for the Opening Phase

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete these tasks. The earlier your application is processed and verified, the better your chances of securing interviews.
2. Use Accurate Information: Double-check all entered data for accuracy, as errors can lead to delays in the verification process.
3. Stay Organized: Keep a checklist of completed tasks, deadlines, and documentation to avoid missing critical steps.

Early Summer: First Submissions (June 2025)

Submit Your Primary Application

Complete All Application Sections

• Experiences and Achievements
• Use action-oriented language to describe your activities (e.g., “Organized weekly volunteer clinics that provided care to underserved populations” or “Collaborated with a team of medical assistants to process patient intake for over 100 individuals per day”).
• Highlight key accomplishments, leadership roles, and measurable impacts of your contributions.
• Group your activities strategically to demonstrate a balance of clinical experience, research, leadership, and community service.
• Personal Statement
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Ensure your statement is compelling and aligns with the values of osteopathic medicine, such as holistic care and the mind-body connection.
• Academic History Section
• Verify that all courses, grades, and credit hours are entered accurately. Mistakes can delay the verification process.
• Supporting Information
• Ensure letters of recommendation are submitted and linked to your application.

Review Your Application Thoroughly

• Double-check every section of your primary applications before submission. Use the preview feature to see how admissions committees will view your materials.
• Verify that your transcripts and MCAT scores have been received by AACOMAS.

Submit Early

• Submit your primary application as early as possible in June to avoid delays caused by high submission volumes closer to deadlines. Early submission increases your likelihood of being considered for interviews.

Verification Process

1. What Happens During Verification: AACOMAS reviews your transcripts and recalculates your overall and science GPAs. This recalculated GPA is used by admissions committees to evaluate your academic performance.
2. Track Your Application Status: Use the AACOMAS portal to monitor the status of your application. Check for updates regularly to ensure there are no issues with your submission.
3. Resolve Issues Promptly: If AACOMAS identifies discrepancies or missing information, address these as soon as possible to avoid delays in the verification process.
4. Timeline for Verification: Verification typically takes 2–4 weeks after submission, but early applicants may experience shorter processing times.

Prepare for Secondary Applications

Anticipate Secondary Requests

• Most schools send secondary application invitations within one to two weeks of receiving your verified primary application. Prepare to respond quickly, as timely submissions demonstrate enthusiasm and organization.

Draft Generic Responses

• The common secondary application prompts include:
  • “Why do you want to attend this school?”
  • “How do you align with our mission and values?”
  • “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.”
• Prepare general responses to these questions that you can customize for each school.

Research School-Specific Requirements

• Review the mission, curriculum, and unique features of each school to tailor your secondary essays. Show a clear understanding of how their program aligns with your goals.

Plan Your Submission Timeline

• Aim to complete secondary applications within 10–14 days of receiving them. This demonstrates your ability to manage deadlines and prioritizes your application in the admissions process.

Budget for Fees

• Secondary applications often require additional fees ranging from $50 to $200 per school. Plan your finances accordingly to avoid delays in submission.

Expert Tips for This Phase

1. Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet to track the submission dates, deadlines, and status of your primary and secondary applications.
2. Communicate Clearly: If any delays occur (e.g., with transcripts or letters of recommendation), notify the schools you’re applying to through the AACOMAS portal.
3. Prepare for the Next Step: Begin reviewing potential interview questions and practicing responses, as interviews often start as early as August for applicants who submit early.

Rolling Deadlines (Fall 2025 - Winter 2026)

Stay Organized

Track Deadlines

• Use the AACOMAS portal to monitor each school’s specific deadlines. Most program deadlines fall between January and March 2026, but some may vary.
• Create a spreadsheet to organize the following details for each program:
  • Application deadline
  • Secondary application deadline
  • Interview dates and requirements
  • School-specific notes (e.g., unique prerequisites or early decision options)

Set Reminders

• Use calendar apps or alarms to set reminders for key deadlines. Aim to complete each application component a week or more before it’s due to avoid last-minute issues.

Understand Early Decision Options

• Some osteopathic schools offer early decision programs (EDPs) for applicants who meet specific academic criteria. Early decision programs allow you to commit to a single school, often with an earlier acceptance decision.
• Research whether EDPs align with your goals, and if applying early decision, ensure your application is submitted by the school’s early decision deadline, typically in the summer or early fall.

Double-Check Requirements

• Some programs may have unique requirements, such as additional prerequisites, specialized essays, or specific recommendation letters. Review these carefully to avoid disqualification.

Expert Tips for Rolling Deadlines

• Stay Engaged: If you haven’t received secondary applications or interview invitations, reach out to programs to confirm they have all your materials. Proactive communication can sometimes resolve delays.
• Respond to Updates: Some programs allow you to update your application with new experiences, achievements, or coursework. Use these updates to strengthen your file.
• Prepare for Interviews: As schools review applications on a rolling basis, interviews may begin as early as fall and continue into spring. Start practicing responses to common questions

Final Stages (Spring 2026)

Interviews

Interview Timeline

Most schools conduct medical school interviews between September 2025 and March 2026, with some exceptions for early-decision applicants. Prepare early to ensure you make the best impression when the time comes.

Types of Interviews

• Traditional Interviews: One-on-one or panel interviews focusing on your motivations, experiences, and problem-solving skills.
• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI): Stations where you respond to scenarios or answer structured questions designed to assess your interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Behavioral Interviews: Focused on your past behavior in specific situations (e.g., “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation”).

Note: Familiarize yourself with the common formats used by osteopathic medical schools:

Practice Thoroughly

Prepare for common questions, including:

• “Why do you want to pursue osteopathic medicine?”
• “What experiences have prepared you to become an osteopathic physician?”
• “Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult team member and how you resolved the issue.”

Note: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Research Each School

• Understand the school’s mission, values, and curriculum. Be ready to articulate how these align with your personal and professional goals.
• Highlight specific aspects of the program that appeal to you, such as clinical rotations, dual-degree programs, or research opportunities.

Simulate Interviews

Conduct mock interviews with advisors, mentors, or peers. Record yourself to evaluate your body language, tone, and clarity.

Professionalism Matters

• Dress appropriately for your interviews (business formal).
• Practice clear communication, maintain eye contact, and express genuine enthusiasm for the school and the field of osteopathic medicine.

Update Your Application

1. Eligibility to Update: Check whether schools allow updates to your application. Most programs accept updates for specific sections, such as new experiences, achievements, or additional coursework.
2. What to Include:
   • Clinical Experiences: Add recent shadowing, scribing, or direct patient care roles that demonstrate your commitment to osteopathic medicine.
   • Research: Include new research projects, presentations, or publications completed after submitting your primary application.
   • Academic Progress: Update grades for any courses completed since submission, especially if they improve your GPA or fulfill prerequisites.
   • Leadership or Service: Highlight leadership roles or community service activities that reflect your dedication to serving others.
3. Timing: Submit updates promptly as they occur. Avoid overwhelming schools with excessive or irrelevant updates.
4. Format: Follow each school’s guidelines for submitting updates. Some accept email updates, while others require specific forms through the AACOMAS portal.

Final Stages (Spring 2026)

The final stages of the AACOMAS application cycle are critical for securing your spot in an osteopathic medical school. These months involve interviews, application updates, and receiving admission decisions. Below is a more detailed, tactical guide to ensure success in this phase.

Interviews

1. Timeline:
   • Most schools conduct interviews between September 2025 and March 2026, with some exceptions for early-decision applicants. Prepare early to ensure you make the best impression when the time comes.
2. Types of Interviews:
   • Familiarize yourself with the common formats used by osteopathic medical schools:
     • Traditional Interviews: One-on-one or panel interviews focusing on your motivations, experiences, and problem-solving skills.
     • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI): Stations where you respond to scenarios or answer structured questions designed to assess your interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
     • Behavioral Interviews: Focused on your past behavior in specific situations (e.g., “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation”).
3. Practice Thoroughly:
   • Prepare for common questions, including:\n
     • “Why do you want to pursue osteopathic medicine?”
     • “What experiences have prepared you to become an osteopathic physician?”
     • “Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult team member and how you resolved the issue.”
   • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
4. Research Each School:
   • Understand the school’s mission, values, and curriculum. Be ready to articulate how these align with your personal and professional goals.
   • Highlight specific aspects of the program that appeal to you, such as clinical rotations, dual-degree programs, or research opportunities.
5. Simulate Interviews:
   • Conduct mock interviews with advisors, mentors, or peers. Record yourself to evaluate your body language, tone, and clarity.
6. Professionalism Matters:
   • Dress appropriately for your interviews (business formal).
   • Practice clear communication, maintain eye contact, and express genuine enthusiasm for the school and the field of osteopathic medicine.

Update Your Application

• Eligibility to Update: Check whether schools allow updates to your application. Most programs accept updates for specific sections, such as new experiences, achievements, or additional coursework.

• Timing: Submit updates promptly as they occur. Avoid overwhelming schools with excessive or irrelevant updates.
• Format: Follow each school’s guidelines for submitting updates. Some accept email updates, while others require specific forms through the AACOMAS portal.

Admission Decisions

• Timeline for Decisions: Schools typically begin notifying accepted students in spring 2026, though the exact timing varies by program. Be prepared for decisions to extend into late spring or summer for applicants on waitlists.
• Understand the Admission Outcomes:

• Managing Waitlists: Waitlist movement often occurs closer to the start of the academic year. Stay patient and proactive by maintaining communication with schools where you’re waitlisted.
• Deposit Deadlines: Accepted students are typically required to submit a non-refundable deposit to secure their spot. Pay attention to deadlines and plan finances accordingly.
• Evaluate Offers: If you receive multiple acceptances, consider factors like tuition, location, curriculum, and program-specific opportunities before making a final decision.

Bottom Line

The AACOMAS application process can feel overwhelming, but with early preparation and organization, you can navigate it successfully. Start planning months in advance by scheduling your MCAT, drafting your personal statement, and collecting recommendation letters. Submitting your application early in the cycle improves your chances in a competitive, rolling admissions process.

Stay proactive by keeping track of deadlines, tailoring your secondary applications to each program, and preparing thoroughly for interviews. If needed, update your application with new experiences to strengthen your file. Approach each step with focus and determination, and you’ll set yourself up for success in achieving your goal of becoming an osteopathic physician. Stay confident and consistent—you’ve got this!

Need Help With Your AACOMAS Application?

Applying to medical school can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Medical School Admissions Coaches are here to guide you every step of the way—from perfecting your personal statement to preparing for interviews. With personalized advice and insider tips, we’ll help you craft a strong application that stands out to admissions committees.

Related Articles

Looking to learn more about the medical school application process? Check out these helpful resources:

• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement for Medical School
• The 25 Best Osteopathic Medical Schools
• How Many Volunteer Hours for Medical School? The Expert Guide (With Examples)
• How Long is Medical School – A Year-by-Year Breakdown
• The Best 50+ Free Resources for the MCAT Exam
• Crafting a Powerful AMCAS Most Meaningful Experience Essay
• Is Getting a Medical School Interview a Good Thing?
• Medical School Requirements: What You Need to Get In
• Medical School Acceptance Rates: What You Need to Know and How to Improve Your Chances

FAQs

How long does it take for AACOMAS to process?

• AACOMAS typically takes 2–4 weeks to process your application after you submit it. This includes verifying your transcripts, recalculating your GPA, and reviewing your information. Submitting early can reduce wait times during peak periods.

How long does AACOMAS verification take in 2024?

• In 2024, AACOMAS verification is expected to take up to 4 weeks, especially during high-volume months like June and July. To avoid delays, double-check your transcript entries and submit all required documents as soon as possible.

What month do most people get accepted to medical school?

• Most applicants receive acceptance offers between March and May, though this varies by school. Waitlist movement often continues into the summer, so it’s possible to hear back later.

What is the character limit for the AACOMAS personal statement?

• The AACOMAS personal statement has a 5,300-character limit, including spaces. This is approximately 1.5 pages. Focus on crafting a concise, impactful narrative that highlights your motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine.