Des Moines University COM (DO) Medical School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), founded in 1898, is one of the oldest health sciences universities in the United States and a long-standing osteopathic training institution in the Midwest. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the school is part of Des Moines University — a health professions university also housing physician assistant, physical therapy, and podiatric medicine programmes. DMU-COM has a strong primary care and rural medicine focus serving Iowa and the surrounding region.
Entry Requirements
What you need to apply to Des Moines University COM (DO).
Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. AACOMAS application. CASPer is not required; the AAMC PREview exam is optional but encouraged. Midwestern rural medicine commitment is valued. Healthcare experience and DO shadowing expected.
MCAT median
505 (range 499–511)
GPA median
3.60 overall / 3.55 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.0%
Class size
225
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Rural medicine commitment, healthcare experience, osteopathic philosophy, interprofessional interest.
Notes
MCAT/GPA hedged estimates from publicly available DMU-COM and AACOMAS data.
Specialities offered
Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Internal Medicine
Interview Format
How Des Moines University COM (DO) interviews applicants.
Format
Traditional one-on-one interview
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 25–35% post-interview (estimated).
What makes Des Moines University COM (DO) different
Applications via AACOMAS. DMU-COM is one of the oldest health professions schools in the US. The interprofessional campus with PA, PT, and podiatry programmes is distinctive. Iowa's strong rural health mission makes this a compelling option for applicants interested in Midwest or rural practice.
Tutor insight
Emphasise rural or Midwest healthcare experience if applicable — DMU-COM strongly values candidates committed to serving Iowa and surrounding states. The interprofessional environment means team-based care experience stands out. Early AACOMAS application is particularly important given rolling deadlines.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
595 medicine questions inside
Interview questions matched to Des Moines University COM (DO)
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Des Moines University COM (DO)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Easy·PanelQ1
MCAT Preparation: Balancing Science and Humanities
The MCAT now includes a section on the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour, reflecting the AAMC's view that physicians must understand patients as social beings, not just biological systems. How did preparing for this section change or reinforce your thinking about the kind of medicine you want to practice?
Likely follow-up · Give an example of a concept from the behavioural sciences section that has direct clinical relevance you did not fully appreciate before studying it.
3 expert tips in Prometheus
Medium·PanelQ2
Holistic Review: Non-Traditional Applicant — Career Change at 34
You are 34 years old and spent eight years as a registered nurse in a medical-surgical unit before deciding to pursue medical school. Your undergraduate GPA is from 2014 and your MCAT was taken in 2022 after two years of post-baccalaureate coursework. An interviewer asks you to make the case for why your non-traditional path strengthens rather than complicates your application. What do you say?
Likely follow-up · How do you respond to the implicit concern that, at 34, you will have fewer practice years than a traditional applicant?
Des Moines University COM (DO) - Frequently asked questions
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. AACOMAS application. CASPer is not required; the AAMC PREview exam is optional but encouraged. Midwestern rural medicine commitment is valued. Healthcare experience and DO shadowing expected.
Traditional one-on-one interview
Des Moines University COM (DO) typically interviews in September–February.
Decisions are released Rolling admissions.
Applications via AACOMAS. DMU-COM is one of the oldest health professions schools in the US. The interprofessional campus with PA, PT, and podiatry programmes is distinctive. Iowa's strong rural health mission makes this a compelling option for applicants interested in Midwest or rural practice.
