AACOMAS Application Process

Apply to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Through AACOMAS

Applying to the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) begins with the AACOMAS application, the centralized online application service used by colleges of osteopathic medicine across the United States. AACOMAS, operated by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, allows students to submit one verified application to multiple osteopathic medical schools during a single application cycle.

Because ICOM uses a rolling admissions process, applicants are encouraged to submit their AACOMAS application early and ensure all required sections are complete and accurate.

Application Cycle & Important Dates

Below are the typical dates for ICOM’s application cycle. Always refer to AACOMAS for official deadlines and updates.

Key Dates

• AACOMAS Application Opens: Early May
• ICOM Primary Application Deadline: April 1
• Secondary Application Deadline: Specified in your invitation email
• Interview Season: Late summer through spring
• Acceptance Notifications: Begin in fall and continue on a rolling basis

Submitting your AACOMAS application early improves your chances of being reviewed while seats are still available at the school.

How to Apply to ICOM: Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to successfully complete your application to ICOM:

Step 1 – Create Your AACOMAS Account

Start by creating an AACOMAS account through the osteopathic medicine application service. You will enter biographic information, education level, and basic personal information section details. During this step, you will add program selections and choose Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine as one of your designated programs.

Step 2 – Complete Required AACOMAS Sections

The AACOMAS application includes several required sections designed to give medical schools a comprehensive view of each applicant. These include:

• Academic history section and transcript entry
• Submission of official transcripts from colleges, universities, and (when applicable) high schools
• Coursework reporting, including organic chemistry, non science courses, and science GPA calculations
• Personal statement explaining your motivation for pursuing osteopathic medicine
• Experience entries such as healthcare experience, non healthcare employment, non healthcare volunteer work, leadership, military status, and relevant information
• MCAT scores and other standardized tests
• Letters of recommendation and evaluations, including the ability to release confidential letters from letter writers

Accuracy is essential. AACOMAS applicants should carefully review transcript entry and ensure all materials are complete before submission.

Step 3 – Submit Your Primary Application

Once all required sections are complete, applicants may submit their primary AACOMAS application and pay the applicable application fee and initial application fee. Payment can be made through the AACOMAS system, which may include options such as a PayPal account.

AACOMAS will verify your academic records before releasing your application to ICOM. Verification time may vary depending on volume and completeness.

Step 4 – Interview Invitation

Qualified applicants are invited to participate in an interview. ICOM interviews are typically conducted virtually and focus on communication skills, professionalism, and alignment with the mission of educating future Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine graduates who serve rural and underserved communities.

Step 5 – Admissions Decision

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Accepted students will receive official communication outlining next steps, deposit requirements, and matriculation details.

Who Should Apply to ICOM?

ICOM seeks students who demonstrate:

• Completion or near completion of a bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic performance and readiness for medical school
• Alignment with ICOM’s mission to serve the Mountain West and underserved populations
• Professional maturity, compassion, and commitment to patient care
• Compliance with program Technical Standards

Non-traditional applicants, career changers, military applicants, and students from medically underserved regions or low-income levels are strongly encouraged to apply.

Prerequisites & Eligibility

Applicants must meet prerequisite coursework requirements prior to matriculation, including:

• Biology with lab
• General and organic chemistry with lab
• Physics
• English
• Behavioral sciences
• MCAT exam

Applicants should review detailed requirements on the ICOM Requirements page to determine eligibility before submitting an application.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters are submitted through AACOMAS and should reflect professionalism, academic readiness, and mission alignment. ICOM accepts:

• A letter from a DO or MD physician (strongly recommended)
• A premedical committee letter, or
• Two academic letters from the science faculty

Confidential letters and evaluations provide valuable supporting information during a holistic review.

Why Apply Early?

Because ICOM evaluates applications as they are completed, early submission improves your chances of:

• Receiving a secondary application sooner
• Interviewing earlier in the cycle
• Accessing a limited number of available seats
• Receiving earlier admissions decisions

Competitive applicants typically submit within the first one to two months after the AACOMAS application opens.