SWAG��Ƶ

Why didn’t I receive an invitation to submit a secondary application?

SWAG��Ƶwill extend an invitation to complete a secondary application to candidates who meet our competitive qualifications and seem to have promise in gaining an interview slot.��Those who do not meet the competitive qualifications or possess characteristics to meet the SWAG��Ƶmission will not receive an invitation to submit a secondary application. SWAG��Ƶdoes not want to impose the secondary application fee or time commitment on candidates unless they have met the minimum qualifications or have promise in continuing to the interview stage of the application process.

If I receive a secondary application invitation, will I get an interview?

Though only candidates who submit a secondary application and all supporting documentation are considered for the next step in the admissions process (i.e., interview), not all of those who are invited to submit a secondary application will have the opportunity to interview. The admissions process is competitive, and about 300 individuals for each campus will be extended an interview to fill 188 spots on the Virginia campus, 162 on the Carolinas campus, 162 on the Auburn campus, and 162 on the Louisiana campus.

If I do not receive an invitation to submit a secondary application this year, how can I improve my application for consideration next year?

Candidates should have achieved at least a 3.4 science and cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The admissions process is competitive, and a higher grade point average (above 3.4) results in improved chances for acceptance. SWAG��Ƶplaces emphasis on the last 90 credit hours, the sciences, and required courses when choosing between competitive applicants. SWAG��Ƶalso places emphasis on the applicant’s interview, if he or she reaches that stage of the application process. The average GPA for acceptance is 3.6. ��Candidates may consider these options to improve their GPA:

1. VCOM/Bluefield Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences��program: Candidates who complete the Master’s program with the stated benchmarks will have the opportunity to be admitted to the DO program.��This is a good option for applicants who need to enhance their credentials or those who have been out of the academic environment for more than three years.
2. Enroll in other Post-Baccalaureate or Master’s level (science or pre-medical) programs. Since SWAG��Ƶfocuses on the last 90 hours of coursework, this is a good option for the student with lower than desired freshman or sophomore grades.��He or she can bolster the science GPA in a one or two-year upper-level program.
3. Repeat science courses. Before choosing to repeat lower-level science courses, consult with the Office of Admissions, as doing so may or may not be advisable. Taking new upper-level courses may be preferred (see next point).
4. Enroll (and do well) in upper level (300/400) science courses.

Will I be considered if my MCAT is below 500?

SWAG��Ƶputs a strong emphasis on the GPA, but the MCAT is weighed in connection with the GPA and other personal qualities of each applicant. While a competitive MCAT score begins at 500, all factors are considered in the admissions process, and retaking the MCAT may not be advisable. Thus, the applicant whose MCAT score is only a few points below 500 should consult with the Office of Admissions, as other areas of improvement may be advisable.

How do I begin the SWAG��ƵSecondary Application?

You will be invited to complete the SWAG��Ƶsecondary application by email.��Only applicants who meet our initial screening receive this invitation.��Directions for completing the secondary electronic application will be included in the email.

What happens if I forget my password for the secondary application?

You may contact the SWAG��Ƶadmissions office at��admissions@vcom.edu,��and we will assist you.

What can I do if I do not know my ACT, SAT, and/or GRE score?

In the event you are unable to recall or obtain your previous standardized test scores, please respond with “do not recall.” Please attempt to locate and submit this information, if at all possible.

How long can my essay responses be?

Your essay responses will be limited to 500 words, which you can track with the word counter at the bottom of the essay box.��Please do not cut and paste into the essay box, as this will embed unseen spaces and characters that will increase your word count.��

How can I pay the application processing fee?

We encourage you to pay via PayPal; however, you may send a check or money order to VCOM.

• You do not need a PayPal account; you can pay as a guest. PayPal instructions are at the bottom of the secondary application.

If you are not paying with PayPal, please make your check or money order payable to SWAG��Ƶand mail to:
VCOM
Office of Admissions
2265 Kraft Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060

Do I need a letter of recommendation from a physician?

A letter of recommendation from a physician is not required; however, if an applicant has worked with a physician in their volunteer or previous work experience, then a letter of recommendation from that physician is strongly recommended.

If my evaluator already wrote a letter, does he or she need to submit the evaluation form?

There is no need for your evaluator to duplicate his or her efforts if already submitting a letter.

Does SWAG��Ƶaccept letters of recommendation from letter services?

Yes, SWAG��Ƶaccepts letters of recommendation from Interfolio, the AACOMAS letter service, an official college/university service, and USPS.

Is SWAG��Ƶwilling to accept a letter of recommendation from a DO resident physician or family member to meet the requirement?

SWAG��Ƶwill accept letters of recommendation from practicing physicians, or upper-level residents (no interns or first-year residents) if the student has met with and/or shadowed that physician. SWAG��Ƶwill accept letters from a physician who is a family member; however, such letters will be counted as a personal reference and not as a formal physician letter of recommendation.

I do not know any osteopathic physicians. How do I establish a shadowing relationship?

We suggest contacting an osteopathic physician and requesting to establish a shadowing relationship. You may find a list of osteopathic physicians in your area by visiting��. Another option is to contact your state osteopathic medical association to request a list of osteopathic physicians in your area. Here are some of the state osteopathic medical associations near our campuses.