Applying to IllinoisCOM
Application Process
Below outlines the high-level steps to apply to IllinoisCOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Here is what you can expect from the four-step application process.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Admissions Requirements for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program
Applicants are encouraged to begin their application process a year prior to their anticipated matriculation date. IllinoisCOM employs a rolling application and admissions process.
IllinoisCOM at The Chicago School employs holistic admissions practices that evaluate applicants based on their perceived ability to contribute to our mission and uphold the tenants of osteopathic medicine. To fulfill this mission, we maintain high standards for students admitted to IllinoisCOM.
United States Citizen
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.*
*IllinoisCOM is not able to accept international students at this time.
Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited institution prior to matriculation.
Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants must have completed the following college or university courses, with a grade of C or above, to be considered:
- Biology with labs: 12 credit hours (Minimum 4 credit in advanced topics, such as anatomy, cellular biology, or molecular biology. Must include two labs).
- General Chemistry with labs: 8 credit hours (Minimum two courses. Any combination of general and inorganic chemistry. Must include two labs).
- Organic Chemistry with labs: 8 credit hours. (Minimum two courses. Biochemistry may be substituted for one organic chemistry course. Must include two labs).
- Physics with lab: 6 credit hours (Minimum two courses. Must include one lab).
- English: 6 credit hours (Minimum two courses)
- Humanities: 3 credit hours (Including but not limited to philosophy, theology, speech, debate, or theater).
- Psychology: 3 Credit hours
Prerequisite course substitutions are permitted in some situations (e.g. substituting cellular biology for biochemistry). An applicant may request substitution of undergraduate coursework by forwarding one of the following to the Office of Admissions:
- Faculty letter detailing course content
- Copy of the course description from university catalog
- Copy of the course syllabus
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation meeting the following requirements:
- One letter from a physician (preferably an osteopathic physician)
- One letter from a pre-medical source; this can be from an advisor, a composite evaluation, or evaluations from a committee. If a pre-med source is not available, a letter from a science faculty member or advisor may be submitted.
Letters of recommendation must be written within two years of the date of application to IllinoisCOM. Letters must come directly from the one providing the recommendation and be submitted electronically through the AACOMAS online portal.
Application Fee
A $50 nonrefundable fee is required for application to IllinoisCOM. This fee will be waived if applicant has received fee waiver for AACOMAS fees.
Technical Standards
Applicants must be able to meet the published IllinoisCOM Technical Standards.
In order to support the success of our students, the following minimum academic metrics are recommended considering application to IllinoisCOM:
GPA
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale
- Science GPA of 3.3 or above on a 4-point scale
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) Score
- MCAT score of 500 or above*
*MCAT scores are accepted three years prior to entry (i.e., for fall 2026 entry, scores must be no older than January 2023).
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School offers several resources for students to invest in their education. Visit our Financing Your Education page to learn more about scholarships, loans, cost, and more.
