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US Medicine · 2027 Entry

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEstablished 1899Interviews September–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions
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Overview

About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), founded in 1899, is one of the largest and most established osteopathic medical schools in the United States. PCOM operates campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Suwanee, Georgia; and Moultrie, Georgia. The school has a century-long tradition of training osteopathic physicians for primary care and specialty practice, with strong community health ties in the Philadelphia metro area.

What makes it different

Applications via AACOMAS. PCOM's multi-campus model offers urban (Philadelphia) and suburban Georgia clinical training environments. PCOM has a strong psychology doctoral program alongside the DO program, enabling interdisciplinary clinical exposure. The school actively recruits DO shadowing hours.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integration throughout. PCOM Philadelphia and Georgia campuses offer distinct clinical rotation networks. Years 1–2 focus on biomedical sciences with embedded clinical correlates; Years 3–4 consist of core and elective clerkships at affiliated sites.

Research strengths

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) has notable research strength in Osteopathic manipulative therapy, Chronic disease management, Mental health, Healthcare delivery.

Interview

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) interviews via Traditional one-on-one interview with faculty.

Intake

Approximately 270 students per year at the Philadelphia campus (PCOM also enrolls separate DO classes at its Suwanee, GA and Moultrie, GA campuses).

At a glance

Founded in 1899, based in Philadelphia, PA. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Applications via AACOMAS. CASPer is not required. Competitive applicants show healthcare shadowing (ideally with a DO), community service, and understanding of osteopathic principles.
MCAT median
506 (range 500–512)
GPA median
3.58 overall / 3.52 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
8.5%
Class size
270
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Osteopathic philosophy, DO shadowing, community service, and healthcare experience.
Notes
MCAT/GPA hedged estimates from publicly available PCOM and AACOMAS data.
Specialities offered
Primary Care, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry
Interview

How Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one interview with faculty
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 25–35% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
PCOM interviewers look for a clear, personal rationale for osteopathic medicine — not just a generic "holistic approach" answer. Reference specific interactions with DO physicians and connect osteopathic philosophy to your long-term practice vision. Rolling admissions heavily reward early AACOMAS submission (May/June). Georgia campus applicants should note the distinct rural/suburban clinical environment.
Practice

Practise for your Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumMMI · PanelQ1

Motivation: MD Versus DO and the Osteopathic Pathway

You are interviewing at an osteopathic (DO) medical school. Some applicants apply to both MD and DO programs without much thought about the difference. What is your understanding of osteopathic medicine, and why are you pursuing the DO pathway specifically?

Likely follow-up · How would you explain osteopathic manipulative treatment, and its evidence base, to a skeptical patient?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanelQ2

Holistic Review: Non-Traditional Applicant

You are a 32-year-old applicant who spent six years as a paramedic before returning to complete a post-baccalaureate pre-medical programme. Some medical school admissions committees may question your gap years or your academic readiness. How do you present your non-traditional path as an asset, and what do you believe your background gives you that a traditional applicant may not yet have?

Likely follow-up · What is one clinical situation from your paramedic career that changed how you think about what physicians do?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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FAQ

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) — frequently asked questions

Apply to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with confidence

We've helped students turn their MCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and other US medicine schools.