Admissions

The Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program (AZPod) considers for admission those students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary for development as exemplary podiatric physicians. In the selection process, the Program uses a competitive rolling admissions process. The Program uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates including cumulative grade point average (GPA), science GPA, Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), personal experiences and character, ability to communicate, familiarity with the profession, volunteer and community involvement, research experience, and other considerations.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to AZPod, the successful candidate must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA's of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
2. Ability to successfully complete a rigorous curriculum that requires critical thinking skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and voluminous reading, as well as the capacity for responsible, self-directed learning
3. Competitive scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
4. Completion of the necessary course prerequisites
   • Candidates must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours at regionally accredited colleges or universities
   • A bachelor's degree is preferred
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. A good understanding of podiatric medicine and a sincere interest in a career in the field
   • Candidates will not be accepted if they have not visited at least one podiatric practice
7. Demonstration of extracurricular or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and a service orientation
8. Medically-related experiences that indicate sufficient exposure for candidates to make informed decisions about medical careers
9. Personal integrity and sound moral character
10. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others
11. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
12. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy

Prerequisite Courses

Grades less than C are not acceptable for any prerequisite courses (grades of C- are not acceptable).

International Applicants

An international student must satisfy all of the requirements for admission to the college or program that apply to a student who has completed all of his/her prerequisite coursework in the U.S. at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, an international student must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by satisfying both of the following requirements:

1. The international student has completed a minimum of two full time semesters or three full time quarters of instruction at a postsecondary institution in the United States. Completed coursework must include a minimum of 50% of the prerequisite science coursework for the college or program of interest, 6 semester hours of non-remedial English composition, and 3 semester hours of public speaking/speech.
2. The international student must submit official TOEFL scores. A minimum passing score is 550 (paper version, maximum score 677) or 100 (internet version, maximum score 120). The TOEFL scores must be from an exam taken within two years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the college or program.

If the international student wishes to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed at a college or university outside of the United States, he/she must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation of this coursework. The student must obtain this evaluation from one of the following services:

1. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org, e-mail: info@ece.org)
2. Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338
3. World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org, e-mail: info@wes.org)

Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the course(s), the college or program will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.

Application Process and Deadlines

Individuals interested in applying for admission to AZPOD may download their applications at the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) web site at www.aacpm.org or obtain application packets by writing or calling:

The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)

15850 Crabbs Branchway

Suite 320

Rockville, MD 20855-2622

800/922-9266

To initiate the competitive selection process, applicants must complete their application packets, which must include:

1. A completed Application for Admission form (a nonrefundable application fee will also be due to the AACPM Application Service [AACPMAS])
2. Two letters of recommendation
   Applicants must submit two signed and sealed letters of recommendation from professionals who know the applicant well. One letter must be written by a medical practitioner, and letters from podiatric physicians are strongly encouraged. The second letter must be written by a prehealth professions advisor or a science professor. Additional letters from individuals who can attest to the character of applicants are welcome.
3. Official transcripts
   Applicants must submit official transcripts from every undergraduate, graduate, or professional school that they have attended or are currently attending. These transcripts must be signed and sealed by the registrar at each institution
4. Official MCAT score report

The application deadline for admission to AZPod is June 30 of the year of matriculation.