Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University prerequisites

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. The single most universal prerequisite: essentially every MD and DO program asks for it, and it is the foundation the MCAT assumes.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. Take it early: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and most upper-division biology all sit behind it, so a late start pushes the whole sequence past your MCAT date.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab at most schools. A meaningful and growing minority accept one semester of organic plus one of biochemistry. Do not drop the second semester on that assumption until you have checked the schools you actually want.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester, lab rarely required. Roughly two thirds of schools require it outright and the MCAT tests it heavily, so treat it as required even where it technically is not, and take it before you sit the exam.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. Algebra-based is accepted almost everywhere; take the calculus-based sequence only if your major needs it or a target school names it.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Two semesters of English or writing-intensive coursework. Many schools accept writing-intensive courses from any department, but a few name English specifically. If your writing credits come from elsewhere, confirm before you count them.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Most schools with a math requirement accept statistics or calculus; statistics is the more widely accepted of the two and the more useful for reading clinical research, so the baseline tracks it here. If a target school names calculus, its own requirements will say so.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Required outright at a minority of schools (several of them highly selective) and accepted in place of statistics at most of the rest. Take it if calculus is already in your major's path.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. A minority of schools require it, but a quarter of the MCAT is psychological and social foundations: this is the cheapest points on the exam.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Same reasoning as psychology: required by fewer schools, tested directly on the MCAT.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Required by a small number of schools and a common way to fill the upper-division science coursework that strengthens a science GPA.

150+ hours

CCOM asks applicants to 'show motivation for, and commitment to, healthcare as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences'. No hours figure.

50+ hours

No hours are published. CCOM requires two letters: one from a premedical advisory committee, pre-health advisor, or basic science professor, and 'it is preferred the second letter be written by a U.S. licensed D.O. or M.D.' Applicants must also 'demonstrate understanding of and interest in osteopathic medicine', which in practice means DO exposure you can speak to.

150+ hours

Applicants must 'demonstrate service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities'. Stated as an expectation, with no number attached.

100+ hours

Effectively expected at research-heavy MD programs and genuinely optional at many DO and community-focused schools. If research is not your path, put those hours into clinical work and say so clearly rather than padding a semester in a lab.

No published minimum

CCOM requires two letters. "One letter from either a premedical advisory committee, pre-health advisor or basic science professor who taught the applicant": the three sources are fully interchangeable.

No published minimum

A basic science professor who taught you stands in for the premedical advisory committee or pre-health advisor letter as CCOM's academic letter.

No published minimum

"It is preferred the second letter be written by a U.S. licensed D.O. or M.D." Preferred rather than required, and note the physician must be U.S. licensed. "Letters written by family members are not acceptable."

No published minimum

"Letters from osteopathic physicians are strongly recommended": stronger language than the general physician preference, so a DO's letter satisfies both at once. CCOM also asks applicants to "demonstrate understanding of and interest in osteopathic medicine".