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PNWU Frequently Asked Questions



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.

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.

Where do students spend year three and four?

Students spend year three doing clinical rotations at regional sites in the Pacific Northwest. Year four students may continue to have clinical rotations at regional sites in the Pacific Northwest. They may also have elective clinical rotations in other states of the U.S. or an international clinical rotation.

Are prerequisite courses taken at a community college accepted?

Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited university or community college of your choice. Distance learning, CLEP, and Advanced Placement 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.

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.

Do students spend their first year at PNWU-COM in Yakima?

Accepted applicants spend their first two years at the Yakima, WA campus.

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.

Do you have combined degrees?

Yes, an online MPH degree program is offered by Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine to qualified PNWU osteopathic medical students.

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.

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.

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 apartment rentals range from $600 - $900 per month.

Do you send the supplemental application automatically to every applicant?

PNWU-COM does not invite all applicants to submit a supplemental.

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.

Should I complete the FAFSA?

Yes, complete the FAFSA and designate PNWU with school code G41305. Parental information is currently not required on the FAFSA but if supplied will be used to award some scholarships.

Do you have a list of volunteer locations?

We do not have a list of available volunteer opportunities at this time.

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?

Click for information on Campus tours.

When will federal financial aid be available?

PNWU-COM is eligible for federal financial aid as of August 26, 2008. Our federal school code is G41305.

How do I apply to PNWU?

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. Applicants will be invited to complete a supplemental application with instructions. The full application must be complete before it will be reviewed for consideration. Applications will be reviewed until the class is full or the deadline is reached, whichever comes first.

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.

What do the Fees cover?

For the 2011-2012 academic year:  (1) a laptop computer (first year only) and computer maintenance (each year); (2) all required texts (each year) workbooks (each year); and (3) a stethoscope (first year only), an ophthalmoscope (first year only), an otoscope (first year only), a lab coat and scrub suit (first-year issuance); and (4) interactive video conferencing (each year); and (5) Fitness stipend (first and second year only) up to a certain amount reimbursed to the student upon proof of membership and attendance; and (6)American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), and Washington Osteopathic Medical Association (WOMA) annual dues, if applicable; and (7) disability insurance.

What is the AACOMAS application deadline?

Primary AACOMAS applications for the PNWU-COM are accepted from June 1st through February 15, 2012 (or the first working day following this date if it falls on a weekend or holiday) of the year medical school starts or until the class is full, whichever comes first.

What is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 March 15th (or the first working day following this date if it falls on a weekend or holiday) of the year medical school starts or until the class is full, whichever comes first.

Does PNWU have student health insurance?

PNWU currently does not have a student health insurance plan. We provide resource to help students find insurance and providers that our students have used in the past on our Student Health Insurance page.

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.