AZCOM Interview Guide: Format, Questions and Why AZCOM

As of October 2026, Midwestern's AZCOM program page, its 2026-27 catalog and its AACOM listing don't describe a "fast track" interview process. If you see the term in an invitation, ask the Office of Admissions (admissaz@midwestern.edu, 623-572-3275) what it involves.

If you're reading forum threads about it, check each detail against what those official pages say about every AZCOM interview: a panel of volunteers, a standardized evaluation form sent to the Admissions Committee, and a decision within two to four weeks. Treat any other detail as unconfirmed until your invitation or the admissions office says it.

The Biomedical Sciences route

The one official separate route is for Midwestern's own Biomedical Sciences students. Under the AZCOM-CGS admissions agreement, AZCOM reserves at least 50 seats for qualified graduates of those programs.

Enrolled students who apply with an MCAT of 495 or higher and have a science GPA of at least 3.10 by the end of fall quarter may schedule an interview. The agreement also requires them to "perform above average on interviews at AZCOM," so the interview still counts.

AZCOM's program page lists articulation agreements that guarantee interviews for qualified applicants from a set of schools, including Arizona State University (starting with the class entering in fall 2027), Grand Canyon University, Arizona Christian University and several Illinois and Midwest colleges. Grand Canyon's agreement also reserves 10 acceptances.

Midwestern's note on the page is blunt: "A guaranteed interview does not guarantee admission." If you think you qualify, call Midwestern Admissions at 623-572-3200 before you apply, since each agreement has its own criteria.

The catalog says panel members assess "academic and personal preparedness for medical school, and their understanding of the osteopathic physician's role in the healthcare team." That third piece is the one applicants under-prepare.

It isn't only "why DO." It's whether you can explain where a DO fits alongside nurses, pharmacists, PAs and other physicians.

The catalog's admission requirements add four things AZCOM wants you to show:

• understanding of and interest in osteopathic medicine
• service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
• motivation for and commitment to health care, shown by work, volunteering or other life experience
• verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills needed with patients and colleagues

A good "why AZCOM" answer names something specific about the school and connects it to something you've done. These are facts Midwestern publishes, so you can use them without guessing:

• Mission. AZCOM's mission statement, from its program page: "Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine educates students to become qualified osteopathic physicians who provide quality patient care, exhibit professionalism, and serve their communities." Its stated values are academic excellence, professionalism, compassion, leadership and community service.
• Ultrasound. AZCOM has had an integrated ultrasound curriculum since 2017, with ultrasound built into Anatomy, Introduction to Clinical Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Physiology.
• Clinic and simulation. The Glendale campus has a Clinical Skills and Simulation Center in Mesquite Hall and the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic. AZCOM's 2026-2031 strategic plan includes growing that clinic for student training with primary care physicians, with more emphasis on osteopathic manipulative medicine.
• Rotations. Per the AACOM listing, third-year core rotations are four-week blocks at clinical sites throughout Arizona, including a rural medicine rotation. Fourth-year rotations can be done across the country.
• MPH. Students can add a dual-degree Master of Public Health, completed over four years.
• Community service. One of the program's mission objectives is community service, including "culturally sensitive care of at-risk unhoused populations" and education programs for underserved populations.

Where students come from

You don't need Arizona roots. Midwestern's Class of 2028 profile lists 256 students, with Arizona (82) and California (67) as the top home states.

That's about 32% from Arizona. If you're from elsewhere, have a concrete reason for Glendale, such as the clinic, the ultrasound training, or a tie to the Southwest you can actually describe.

"Why AZCOM?" is a question applicants often prepare for. It tests whether you chose Midwestern's Glendale DO program for reasons you can explain.

If you're wondering whether AZCOM is a good medical school, the more useful question is whether it fits your goals, judged on the facts above.

Structuring your answer

Example opening, written by us: "I first saw bedside ultrasound used in a rural emergency department, and I want to train somewhere it's part of anatomy from the first year."

Admissions are rolling, and both the catalog and the AACOM listing tell candidates to apply early in the cycle. Applications aren't reviewed until every required document has arrived, so a complete file is what starts the clock.

If you're applying to other Arizona DO schools, our A.T. Still University SOMA interview guide covers the school in Mesa.

Is the AZCOM interview an MMI?

No. It is a traditional panel interview, virtual or in person, with panel members drawn from scientists, staff, students and clinicians.

When will I hear back from AZCOM?

Within two to four weeks per AACOM, or four weeks per Midwestern's catalog.

How are interviews scored?

Panel members rate you on a standardized evaluation form, and the Admissions Committee recommends accept, deny, hold list or alternate list for the Dean's approval.

Confetto isn't affiliated with Midwestern University or AZCOM. Check your interview invitation and Midwestern's admissions office for the final word on your interview.

Also applying to Midwestern University in Illinois? See our guide to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) interview and its group panel format.

Applying to other Arizona DO schools? See our guide to the The Valley College of Osteopathic Medicine interview.