Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Pomona, California (in Southern California). WesternU COMP Pomona integrates Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) into its curriculum, giving students hands-on training in a specialized skill that sets them apart from other medical graduates. Its curriculum is based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), which encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical reasoning early in the education process. Additionally, Western University is part of one of the largest health sciences universities in the country, offering interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with other healthcare fields like pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Learn the nuances about what makes WesternU COMP Pomona unique, and use this information to learn how to get into WesternU COMP Pomona!
WesternU COMP Pomona serves a large immigrant population, particularly individuals from Mexico. Students who are interested in immigrant health, community health, social determinants of health, and public health will have ample opportunities to gain insights at WesternU. This interdisciplinary environment, combined with its commitment to serving underserved communities through outreach and clinical rotations in a wide variety of settings, makes COMP an exceptional choice for students eager to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team gets people accepted to WesternU COMP. We can help you get accepted! Contact us today.
Why choose Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine?
- Southern California location (for Pomona students)
- Interprofessional learning
- Great for students interested in Primary Care
- High match rates in California
Applications
The Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (WesternU COMP) secondary application features challenging and in-depth essay prompts that require thoughtful reflection and strong storytelling. To stand out, dedicate ample time to crafting well-structured responses that highlight your alignment with WesternU COMP’s mission, including your commitment to osteopathic principles, community service, and holistic patient care. Thorough research into the school’s curriculum and unique opportunities will strengthen your application and help you provide compelling, specific answers. Given the complexity of the prompts, plan ahead and invest significant effort to ensure your essays are polished and impactful.
WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application Essay Prompts:
1. What experience observing a DO solidified your desire/ambition to become an osteopathic physician? (This could be a formal shadowing experience (one-on-one with a physician), scribing, observing your own physician, friend, or family member who is a DO). (500 words max)
2. If you have not had the opportunity to shadow/observe a DO why is it important to you to become an osteopathic physician? (500 words max)
3. What was your most memorable community service activity and how did your activity benefit the community? (500 words max)
4. How does the COMP Mission statement align with your values? (500 words max)
5. Why do you want to attend COMP? (500 words max)
6. What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why are they important? (500 words max)
7. Have you participated in research? (y/n)
If yes, briefly describe your role and what skills you gained from participation in the research.
Please provide us with the link to the publication or abstract if possible.
Did you contribute to the published work as an author/coauthor? (y/n)
8. Briefly discuss any extenuating circumstances which you feel are pertinent to your application (poor grades, course withdrawals, lapse in your education, etc.). (500 words max)
9. If you have not taken any coursework for over 3 years, please explain why and what you have been doing during that period of time. (500 words max)
10. Are you a transfer applicant? (y/n)
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WesternU COMP
Interview Format
To ace your traditional interview, you need to know how to answer common medical school interview questions. It’s important to practice, practice, practice.
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- 43 Questions To Ask Your Medical School Interviewers
- Download our Cracking Med School Admissions interview guide below
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WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Acceptance Rate
WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Statistics:
- WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Average GPA: 3.66
- WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Average MCAT: 508
Source: WesternU COMP website https://www.westernu.edu/osteopathic/programs/doctor-of-osteopathic-medicine/competitive/
How did WesternU COMP students do on their COMLEX exams?
- Average WesternU COMLEX-USA Level 1 Score: 95.2
- Average WesternU COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE Score: 93.4
- Average WesternU COMLEX-USA Level 2 PE Score: unavailable
- Average WesternU COMLEX-USA Level 3 Score: 99
Source: WesternU COMP website https://www.westernu.edu/ire/outcomes/osteopathic-medicine/
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The Insider's View on WesternU COMP's Pre-Clinical Years
How to get into WesternU Comp Pomona – Know the Curriculum
WesternU COMP Pomona Curriculum Overview:
The first two years at WesternU COMP Pomona medical school are spent in pre-clerkship and the last two years of medical school are spent in clinical rotations.
Pomona, California, where Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP) is located, has a diverse immigrant population. The majority of immigrants in Pomona come from Latin American countries, especially Mexico and Central America, making up a significant portion of the community. Many of these immigrants are Spanish-speaking, and some may be undocumented or have limited access to healthcare, which creates a pressing need for culturally competent medical services.
In addition to Latin American immigrants, Pomona is also home to smaller populations from Asia, particularly immigrants from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and India. These groups contribute to the city’s rich cultural diversity, and they also encounter unique healthcare challenges that stem from linguistic barriers, differences in healthcare expectations, and access issues. This diverse immigrant population offers students at COMP a chance to engage with various cultural and medical needs, making their medical training both broad and impactful.
WesternU COMP Pomona Pre-Clinical Years:
- The first and second year of medical school focuses on building medical knowledge and osteopathic manipulative medicine skills.
- In each semester, there will be Assessment Weeks, where students complete examinations after every block, and Conference Weeks, where students can explore wellness and professionalism activities.
- Throughout each semester, students get to collaborate and engage with students of other health professions through the longitudinal Interprofessional Education course.
- Another longitudinal course is Integrated Skills for the Study of Medicine, which prepares students for the National Board exams.
Joint Degree Programs Available:
- DO/MPH dual enrollment program at Claremont Graduate University
Unique highlights about WesternU COMP Pomona:
- Conference weeks that allow students to attend wellness and professionalism activities of their choice.
- Interprofessional education that allows students to explore patient centered cases with other WesternU health professional students, such as Dental Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, and Podiatric Medicine.
- 7 unique Longitudinal Tracks that provide experiential learning and personalized mentoring.
- Many community health opportunities.
What students are saying about WesternU COMP
The Insider's View on WesternU COMP's Clinical Years
WesternU Comp Pomona Clinical Years:
WesternU COMP Pomona med students will understand how the social determinants of health affect patients’ health, and they will gain experience is creating treatment plants that incorporate people’s cultural, social, and economic circumstances. During their third and fourth years of medical school, students must complete core rotations and elective rotations. The order of rotations is determined by a lottery system.
Core rotations:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- OBGYN/Women’s Health
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Through clinical rotations, students can experience community-based hospitals, private practices, and county-based hospitals.
Clinical Rotation Sites: Clinical rotations are completed in WesternU affiliated hospitals in Southern California. There are both yearlong placements and varied length placements depending on rotation site.
- Antelope Valley Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente
- Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
How to get into WesternU Comp Pomona – Know Unique highlights about COMP:
- Diverse clinical sites
- Focused on underserved communities
- Diverse immigrant population, including Spanish-speaking immigrants
What Students are Saying about Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Housing & Social
Housing:
- Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU COMP) students in Pomona, California, have a variety of housing options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Many students live in apartments or houses near campus in Pomona for convenience.
Social Life:
WesternU COMP Pomona medical students also enjoy proximity to Southern California attractions, with beaches, mountains, and cultural destinations just a drive away, enhancing their overall living experience. Many students also bond through study groups, intramural sports, and volunteer activities in the local community. This blend of academic collaboration, campus events, and proximity to Southern California’s attractions helps students maintain a balanced and fulfilling social life.
Pomona, California, offers a variety of activities and attractions for locals and visitors.
How to get into WesternU Comp Pomona – Incorporate Fun Things You’ll Do During Medical School
Here are some of the top fun things to do in Pomona:
- Explore the Pomona Arts Colony
- Located in Downtown Pomona, this area is known for its vibrant art scene, featuring galleries, murals, and monthly art walks. It’s a hub for creativity and local culture.
- Visit the Fox Theater Pomona
- A beautifully restored Art Deco theater that hosts concerts, performances, and special events. It’s a must-visit for live music enthusiasts.
- American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)
- This museum showcases an impressive collection of ceramic art and regularly features exhibitions and workshops for art lovers.
- Fairplex (Los Angeles County Fairgrounds)
- Home to the annual LA County Fair and various year-round events, including expos, car shows, and festivals. It’s a hotspot for family-friendly activities.
- The Glass House
- A popular music venue hosting live performances from up-and-coming and established artists in an intimate setting.
- Ganesha Park
- A large park with picnic areas, walking trails, and recreational facilities. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities or relaxing with family and friends.
- Phillips Mansion
- A historic Victorian house offering a glimpse into the area’s 19th-century history through tours and events.
- The dA Center for the Arts
- A community-based art center featuring exhibitions, workshops, and events that highlight local talent and creativity.
- Pomona Antique Row
- A haven for antique and vintage enthusiasts, with numerous shops offering unique treasures and collectibles.
- Proximity to Outdoor Adventures
- Pomona is close to the San Gabriel Mountains and nearby hiking trails, making it easy to escape into nature for a day of exploration.
financing
Financial Considerations:
- WesternU COMP Tuition: ~$67,465 per year
- Average indebtedness of graduates: $281,104
Source: WesternU COMP website https://www.westernu.edu/financial/student-budgets/do/#accordion-1-button
Cracking Med School Admissions Resources
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- How To Write A Personal Statement For Medical School
- Download Cracking Med School Admission’s FREE AMCAS Activities Workbook
- Premed Timeline: Planning For Medical School Applications
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