How AACOMAS Calculates Your Science GPA vs. Non-Science GPA

The Categorization Game

When you apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO), the AACOMAS application system forces you to manually categorize every single class you ever took in college.

AACOMAS uses these categories to generate two distinct GPAs:

Non-Science GPA

Science GPA

The Science GPA is the most critical metric on your application. If your Science GPA is below a 3.3, you are in the danger zone for rejection. Therefore, it is entirely in your best interest to classify as many "easy 'A's" into the Science category as legally possible.

The AACOMAS Science Definitions

The AACOMAS Science GPA is calculated using a slightly different framework than the MD system. AACOMAS groups sciences into specific sub-categories:

Biology/Zoology: Anatomy, Genetics, Microbiology, Cellular Bio.

Biochemistry: Strict Biochemistry courses.

Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, Physical.

Physics: General Physics, Thermodynamics.

Other Science: This is the wildcard category.

The Math Exception (Crucial Difference)

Here is the most important difference between MD and DO applications:

For MD schools (AMCAS), Math and Statistics courses are INCLUDED in your Science GPA (the BCPM GPA).

For DO schools (AACOMAS), Math and Statistics are NOT included in your Science GPA. They are placed in a separate "Math" category and are factored into your Non-Science GPA.

If you got an 'A' in Calculus, it will boost your overall GPA, but it will not help your AACOMAS Science GPA. If you got a 'C' in Calculus, you are in luck, because it won't drag down your critical science metrics.

The "Sneaky" Science Classes

If you need to boost your AACOMAS Science GPA, look for classes that legally fall under "Other Science."

Epidemiology or Public Health: If the syllabus is heavily biological, AACOMAS will often accept it as Science.

Physical Anthropology: Because it deals with human evolution and anatomy, this often counts as Science. (Cultural Anthropology does not).

Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology: If the class focuses on cellular muscle function rather than "how to coach sports," classify it as Science.

If you are on the border, always classify it as Science. The worst thing that happens is the AACOMAS verification team changes it to Non-Science during their audit. You will not be penalized for trying.