Four-year program
ICOM students are exposed to an integrated, team-oriented approach to learning.
Your DO Curriculum
Admission to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, is competitive, but absolutely worth it.
Calling all driven students ready to rise to the challenge. We want to see your application, which is why there is only one application fee throughout our entire process. We can’t wait to meet you.
- Class size: 220 students per year
- Program length: 4-year DO program
- Location: Meridian, Idaho (suburb of Boise)
- Minimum competitive GPA: 3.2 science & cumulative
- Recommended MCAT: 50th percentile overall, no section below 35th
- Application cycle: Opens May 5, closes April 1 (AACOMAS)
- One application fee for the entire process (emphasize this benefit)
Your future in medicine begins at ICOM.
A total wellness approach
Osteopathic medicine encourages DOs to treat the patient as a whole – body, mind, and spirit.
DO Medical Degree
Elevated care for all patients
At ICOM, you’ll learn how to provide care that helps prevent your patients’ problems, not just treat them when they arise.
The Osteopathic Difference
Serving patients and the community
ICOM students are highly engaged in their communities through a wide variety of philanthropic efforts and gain experiential learning along the way.
See ICOM’s Volunteer Organizations
Find Your People, Fuel Your Passion
ICOM Student Organizations and Interest Committees are abundant, with nearly 50 different clubs, groups, and associations available for an even further enriched learning experience.
Find the Right Group for You!How ICOM Admissions Works (Step-by-Step)
1. Check You Meet the Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet ICOM’s academic and prerequisite standards. This includes completing the required science coursework, meeting GPA and MCAT expectations, and being on track to finish your bachelor’s degree before matriculation.
2. Submit Your AACOMAS Application
All applications to ICOM begin in AACOMAS, the centralized application service for all U.S. osteopathic medical schools. Once AACOMAS verifies your materials, your application is transmitted to ICOM for review.
Important dates:
- April 1 – AACOMAS verification deadline for the current cycle
- May 5 – AACOMAS reopens for the next annual cycle
3. Complete Secondary & Letters of Recommendation
Qualified applicants will be invited to complete ICOM’s secondary application. This includes short-answer responses designed to help you demonstrate alignment with ICOM’s mission, values, and commitment to osteopathic medicine.
Letters of Recommendation:
- Required: 1 letter from a science faculty member or a pre-med/pre-health advisor
- Recommended: A letter from a physician (DO or MD)
- Non-traditional applicants: May submit a professional supervisor letter if academic letters are not available
- Letters from relatives are not accepted
4. Virtual Interview with ICOM
If selected, you’ll be invited to a virtual interview, which typically lasts about 30 minutes with two ICOM faculty or admissions representatives. The conversation focuses on your motivation, experiences, professional qualities, and alignment with ICOM’s mission to serve communities in the Mountain West.
5. Decision & Matriculation
Most applicants receive an admissions decision within approximately two weeks after their interview. If accepted, you will receive instructions on how to secure your seat and complete all matriculation requirements.
Top Admissions Questions
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How do I apply?
ICOM only accepts applications through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). For more information about how to apply, visit www.aacom.org. The centralized application service opens in May each year for students who wish to apply for the class entering the following year.
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What are the admissions requirements for the program?
For a detailed list of prerequisites, please visit the Requirements webpage.
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How many letters of recommendation do I need?
For the 2025-2026 Application Cycle, ICOM requires one letter of recommendation. The letter is required to be from a science faculty member (PhD) or a pre-medical/pre-health advisor who has experience with an applicant’s academic abilities. We are not requiring a physician (DO or MD) letter of recommendation, however it’s strongly encouraged to include one on your application.
Non-traditional students can substitute the premedical advisor or science faculty advisor with a more recent reference (employer, volunteer/community service supervisor) per request sent via email to admissions@icom.edu. Additional letters of recommendation can be submitted through AACOMAS or by mail, but keep in mind the admissions committee may not be able to read an excessive amount of letters.
Letters of recommendation from relatives are not accepted.
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Does ICOM accept International Students?
No, ICOM does not accept applications from students requiring an F-1 student visa status at this time. Applicants who are a legal Permanent US Resident will be required to provide a copy of their Permanent Resident card (“Green Card”) prior to admission. Permanent residency status “pending”, is not eligible for admission.
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What is the format of the interview (e.g., one-on-one, panel, MMI)?
ICOM conducts all interviews virtually for your convenience. Each session will be led by two faculty members and will last approximately 30 minutes.
How ICOM Evaluates Applicants (Holistic Review)
ICOM uses a holistic review process to evaluate each applicant beyond GPA and MCAT scores. We look for individuals who are academically prepared and aligned with our mission, values, and approach to osteopathic medicine. When reviewing an application, we consider:
Commitment to Serving the Mountain West and Underserved Communities
We value applicants who demonstrate interest in practicing in rural or underserved areas, especially within Idaho and the surrounding Mountain West region.
Meaningful Health Care Experience
Clinical exposure—such as patient care, shadowing, medical assisting, EMT, CNA, scribing, or volunteer work—helps us assess your understanding of the medical profession and readiness for patient interaction.
Academic Readiness and Potential for Success
We consider the rigor of your coursework, your upward academic trend, post-bac work (if applicable), and your overall preparedness for a demanding medical curriculum.
Professionalism, Integrity, and Compassion
We look for maturity, resilience, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to helping others.
Alignment with the Principles of Osteopathic Medicine
An understanding of OPP/OMM, whole-person care, wellness, and preventive medicine strengthens your application.
Contributions to the ICOM Community
We value applicants who bring diverse backgrounds, life experiences, leadership, teamwork, or service that enhance the student body and profession.
Articulation agreements
Prospective students who meet ICOM’s requirements, complete the application process, and have graduated from an institution that has an articulation agreement with ICOM are guaranteed an admissions interview. ICOM has articulation agreements with the following Colleges and Universities:
We welcome 220 future physicians each year.
One week can change your life forever. ICOM’s class of 2029 is dedicated, determined, and embarking on the best four years of their lives.
