ATSU-SOMA (Mesa)

A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona Mesa, AZ · Private · DO

Average MCAT: 502
Average GPA: 3.57
Class size: 155 (5,583 applicants)
Tuition: $71,750 (per year)
Out-of-state applicants: Welcome

Deadlines

AACOMAS deadline: March 1, 2027
Secondary deadline: March 15, 2027

Essays

Qualities you bring (500 words)

What particular qualities do you feel that you can bring to ATSU SOMA?

Perseverance (500 words)

Discuss a situation in which you had to persevere despite facing obstacles or setbacks. How did you maintain your motivation and keep moving forward towards your goals?

A mistake (500 words)

Tell us about a mistake you made that had consequences for yourself or others. How did you respond in the moment, what responsibility did you take, and what did you learn about accountability and integrity from the experience?

Additional information (500 words)

Is there anything else you would like to share with the SOMA Admissions Committee about your application?

Editor's notes

SOMA's mission is service to medically underserved communities, and its pages say so in the admissions criteria, not just the brochure. The ideal candidate, in the school's words, shows that commitment through volunteer or work experience. If your underserved work is thin, no essay will cover for it. If it's strong, get the supervisor letter SOMA asks for.
Think hard about years 3 and 4 before you apply. You'll be assigned to a community partner region midway through year 2, and the school says you must be ready to go to any of them, from Providence to San Ysidro. If you can't move, say so to yourself now, not after you've paid a deposit.
Hometown Scholars is worth a look if you already volunteer or work at a community health center. A leader there can send ATSU an endorsement letter alongside your regular application. It doesn't replace your letters, but it puts a community partner's voice in your file.
The three secondary essays are perseverance, a mistake and what you bring. Plan them as a set so each uses a different experience and none repeats your AACOMAS personal statement.