Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for taking the MCAT?

The UNC COM will review applications throughout the admissions cycle.

Please refer to the 2026 MCAT Testing Calendar when planning your MCAT test date. We look forward to reviewing your application.

If I am taking the required courses in my last semester of my bachelor’s degree, will I still be able to apply?

Yes, as long as you have met all the required prerequisites by July 1 of your intended matriculation year.

Does the UNC COM accept International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) credits?

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) are only accepted if the undergraduate institution granting the credit lists the specific course(s) and the number of units granted per course on an official transcript.

If credits are lumped or combined on the transcript, a letter from the college or university registrar specifying course equivalency for credit earned will be required to receive credit for the courses.

Do I have the ability to substitute any of the prerequisite courses?

UNC COM will only consider prerequisite substitutions for admitted students. Substitutions will be considered based on applicants’ overall academic profile including MCAT, Science GPA, program of study, etc. The most common substitution will be a semester of Biochemistry with lab substituting for the second semester of organic chemistry.

Do I have the ability to substitute the different types of letters of recommendation when I apply?

UNC COM Admissions will generally follow the timeline set by AACOMAS. You can expect to apply by early May, with supplemental applications being sent out beginning in June. Please refer to the AACOMAS website for an accurate timeline.

I received acceptance into UNC COM – when I click “accept” and pay my deposit, is my acceptance binding?

The deposit itself is non-refundable and is used to “hold your seat,” However, it does not constitute a binding commitment to enroll. You may withdraw your acceptance at any time.

Is UNC COM accredited?

UNC COM currently has pre-accreditation status, which allows us to admit and enroll students. Our accrediting body, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) conducts regular reviews to ensure we are meeting established benchmarks and progressing as expected. As part of this process, there will be a comprehensive evaluation during our first year (anticipated around January 2027) during which COCA representatives will engage with students and gather feedback to ensure the quality of the educational experience. A final accreditation review will occur prior to graduation from our inaugural class. Pending successful review, the college will be granted full accreditation, meaning students will graduate from a fully accredited institution.

Does UNC COM accept transfer students?

Due to our current accrediting status, UNC’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is only recruiting for our first class at this time.

Does UNC COM accept credits from international universities?

All international university credits need to go through a transcription service and send them to AACOMAS.

When should I expect to hear back after I submit my application?

Please refer to the admissions timeline.

What is the frequency of tests and exams?

Courses will have a variety of Summative Assessments. Most courses will have a Midterm and Final exam (NBOME-style multiple-choice questions)

Anatomy will also have a Midterm and Final lab practical.

Clinical and Communication skills will also have Standardized Patient (SP) encounters and clinical check-ins (usually 2-3 of each per semester).

Other courses may have written assignments or research projects that will serve as summative assessments.

What are the duration and frequency of OMM and Anatomy labs?

All labs meet once a week for 2 hours.

Clinical and Communication Skills (CCS) course has two labs – OMM and Physical Diagnosis. Each meet once a week.

The Anatomy and Imaging (A&I) course has two labs – Gross Dissection and Virtual/Ultrasound. Each meet once a week.

Is lecture attendance mandatory?

No, but all active and hands-on learning, such as TBLs and Labs, will be mandatory. Faculty will indicate mandatory sessions on their syllabus.

How long is the dedicated study period?

8 weeks for COMLEX Level I and USMLE Step 1; 7 weeks for COMLEX Level II and USMLE Step 2 CK

Does the school support students who intend to take USMLE?

We will provide academic support through tutoring and board preparation programs; however, these costs cannot be included in your cost of attendance, as they are not required for completion of the DO degree.

What is the Casper test?

Casper is an open-response situational judgment test that measures aspects of your social intelligence and professionalism, like ethics, empathy, problem-solving and collaboration.