The role of the admissions department is to create the best 1st year class. Each student is evaluated as part of the applicant pool and as an individual. “Our students are always thankful for the dedication of our admission department. Helping students navigate whether COMP is the right pathway for them and that is something we are immensely proud of.” – Marcel Fraix, DO, Associate Dean of Admissions. Here is some insight into COMP & COMP-Northwest admissions!
Question: What makes COMP & COMP-Northwest a unique osteopathic medical school?
Dr. Fraix: We hold strongly to our traditions and dedication to our students. That starts from the beginning when they first ask for information. Making that personal connection from the beginning.
Question: What makes for a successful application?
Dr. Fraix: Someone who knows their why. Why do you want to become a physician? What life experiences brought you here? Those individual experiences that bring students to us always stick out to me. I have met several individuals from all walks of life and that is what is important and interesting to me. Their journey
Question: How is a COMP & COMP-Northwest class curated? What does the Admissions committee look for in an applicant?
Dr. Fraix: Of course, academics and MCATs are looked at very closely. We are also looking for a well-rounded student. Someone who through their diverse background has made it to this point where they are a competitive applicant. We want to be sure that we are the best fit for the applicant and that they are the best fit for us. We want to ensure our students are going to be as successful as possible.
Question: What advice do you have for applicants?
Dr. Fraix: Do your homework. Know what schools are looking for and work closely with your advisor. Your application needs to be complete and truthful. There is no secret checklist or formula. Remember, you are the applicant, and we want to know why you think you are a good one.
Question: What support does the Admissions Department provide to COMP & COMP-Northwest?
Dr. Fraix: Admissions runs the day-to-day operations for both prospective and accepted students. Once offers are made, COMP and COMP-Northwest admissions counselors pivot from vetting candidates to urging prospects to commit to COMP and COMP-Northwest. Admissions on both campuses strive to help students with their path to becoming an osteopathic physician, especially in terms of serving patients in the Inland Empire or Pacific Northwest.
Question: What is campus life like?
Dr. Fraix: Our Pomona campus has grown a lot since 1977. Going from a single college to 8 colleges and 24 programs. The Pomona location offers students an abundance of activities. The Los Angeles area and the City of Pomona offer an opportunity to live and learn in an urban environment. Our faculty and students connect and care for diverse communities – one patient at a time. At COMP-Northwest, students utilize the latest technology to learn compassionate, patient-centered health care. They build strong connections to the community and embrace a healthy lifestyle including nutrition, movement, and the great outdoors.
Question: What additional support is provided to students once accepted to medical school?
Dr. Fraix: Students receive a phone call from a faculty member that interviewed them. We also have a series of “Touch Points” events. Touch Points are virtual meetings that take place throughout the year following a student’s acceptance. The meetings all have a theme that covers an area that these new students need to know to have a successful 1st year.
Question: What is your biggest department accomplishment this year regarding COMP & COMP-Northwest?
Dr. Fraix: We have strong interest continually from students all over the country. This year, we received 9000 applications and conducted 1300 interviews to fill classes of 320 combined. With that interest comes much responsibility. Our students are always thankful for the dedication of our admissions departments. Helping students navigate whether COMP or COMP-Northwest is the right pathway for them and that is something we are immensely proud of.
