Applying to the D.O. Program
What you need to know before applying
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Heritage College and the medical school application process.
What are the minimum MCATs and GPAs needed to apply?
We take more than just MCAT scores and GPAs into account when evaluating applications. However, competitive applicants typically have at least a 3.6 science GPA and 125 or above on each subsection of the MCAT.
For the entering class of 2021, the average science GPA was 3.62; non-science, 3.76; and overall, 3.68. The average MCAT score was 504.01, with a range of 490 to 519.
View percentile rankings for the MCAT Exam [PDF]
What are some of the other factors you consider in addition to grades and test scores?
Clinical experience, volunteer activities, demonstrated leadership qualities, strong letters of recommendation, grade trends, strength of curriculum, maturity and dedication to osteopathic principles and practices are just some of the other attributes that we look for in our candidates.
What are the demographics of your entering class?
For the entering class of 2021:
Class size – 255
First-generation college – 17%
Female – 54%
Minority – 26%
Out-of-state – 7%
Age – ranges from 19-41
What prerequisite courses are required?
Please review the prerequisite course requirements here .
Do I need to have completed my prerequisite courses before applying to the Heritage College?
No, but you must have completed your prerequisite courses prior to matriculating to the Heritage College.
What are your tuition and fees?
This information changes annually, and all rates are subject to change by action of the Ohio University Board of Trustees. For 2020-2021, Ohio resident tuition and fees were $39,600 and non-resident tuition and fees were $55,396.
Is the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine a state-supported medical school?
Yes. Because we are a state-supported school, we give preference to Ohio residents in our application process. However, we encourage applications from all candidates who feel they can contribute to the dynamic learning environment and mission of the Heritage College.
What types of research opportunities are available?
The Heritage College faculty, staff and students on each campus engage in a wide variety of research. From diabetes research and the Virtual Haptic Back project to our annual Research Day showcase, we are committed to trying to understand the mysteries of science and health so that we can improve the lives of our patients.
Check out more information about research opportunities at the Heritage College here .
Where do your students complete their clinical rotations?
In summer term of year 3, students move to one of the teaching hospital sites located throughout the state of Ohio for their structured ambulatory family medicine clerkship. Students enter the final one and one-half years of clinical training at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and private practitioners' offices throughout the state.
Generally, Cleveland campus students will complete clinicals in northeast Ohio; Dublin campus students will complete clinicals in central Ohio; and Athens campus students will complete clinicals throughout the remainder of the state.
Check out more information about our clinical education sites here .
What about residencies? Where do your graduates go?
In a word – everywhere! Through our statewide clinical campuses, our students have a wide variety of residency opportunities available right here in Ohio. From Level 1 trauma centers to community hospitals and from metropolitan and suburban areas to rural regions, our statewide clinical education network offers it all. Graduates completing residencies outside of the clinical campuses have gone to Cleveland Clinic, the Dallas/Forth Worth Medical Center and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, just to name a few.
Check out more information about the Heritage College and graduate medical education here .
Is there any opportunity to earn a dual degree?
Yes. One of the many advantages of being part of a major university is the opportunity to earn dual degrees. Through Ohio University, you can earn the following degrees in addition to your D.O.: Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., M.G.H. and M.B.M.E. These dual-degree programs can add two to three years to your undergraduate medical education.
Find out more about the dual-degree programs
Where do the medical students live?
Medical students typically reside within a community closest to their campus location. We encourage medical students to find roommates, as sharing housing expenses can help keep your educational budget in check.
What types of support can I expect as a Heritage College student?
We take very seriously our attention to students here at the Heritage College. You will be able to find support through many avenues. Faculty/staff mentors, COMrades, learning specialists and tutors are just a few of the ways in which we provide support. The Office of Student Affairs provides many services to our students -- everything from financial aid counseling and course registration to facilitating workshops about how to live on a tight med student budget. They also keep our students informed about current medical and legal issues. You may not find a more student-centered medical school anywhere in the nation.
How do your students perform on the board exams (COMLEX)?
Our students consistently do very well, no matter which campus they attend. The first-time pass rates on the COMLEX levels I and II traditionally meet or exceed the national average.
Heritage College Outcome Data – Match results and COMLEX 3 results
If you’ve looked through the frequently asked questions and the information you're looking for isn’t listed, please email our expert admissions staff. We are always happy to answer your questions.