BUCKHANNON, WV - At a formal joint agreement signing in Buckhannon, the Presidents of West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) announced the ‘Go D.O.’ Early Scholars Program that will offer high school seniors who qualify entry to medical school with their undergraduate admission. For more information and to apply, click here.
Both in-state and out-of-state students who score at least a 1390 on the SAT or at least a 30 on the ACT standardized tests and have at least a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale qualify for the ‘Go D.O.’ Early Scholars Program. Students accepted in the ‘Go D.O.’ Early Scholars Program will receive guaranteed acceptance into the WVSOM, upon successful completion of the undergraduate program requirements and interview as well as a waived MCAT. Up to 10 prospective students will be admitted to the program on an annual basis.
“Building on West Virginia Wesleyan’s tradition of excellence, the ‘Go D.O.’ Early Scholars Program is truly a launching pad for students pursuing a career in medicine,” said Joel Thierstein, JD, PhD, President of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “Wesleyan’s strong track record of preparing undergraduate students for medical school is a perfect match with the high-quality education and training they will receive at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.”
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. added his support for the program, which has a priority application deadline of December 1, 2020 and will continue to accept qualified applicants through May 1, 2021.
“The establishment of a ‘Go D.O.’ Early Scholars Program for eligible West Virginia Wesleyan College students is a win for both institutions and for the state of West Virginia,” Nemitz said. “This partnership will identify students who are driven to succeed and who have an early interest in osteopathic medicine, allowing WVSOM to provide mentorship and guidance for successfully navigating the path to medical school.”
“I look forward to welcoming these future students to WVSOM in the coming years,” Nemitz added.
The first-of-its-kind partnership between the WVSOM and another college or university, the agreement provides a medical-focused doctoral program for WVWC, building on its undergraduate and graduate-level award-winning nursing programs.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan one of its 2021 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value - Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is a state-funded, four-year medical school located in historic Lewisburg, W.Va. WVSOM has the feel of a small school with a national reputation, having received recognition for 22 consecutive years as a leader in primary care, family medicine and rural medicine in the highly regarded U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Graduate Schools” listings. WVSOM provides a cutting-edge, 21st-century, clinically integrated approach to medical education. Students learn the practice of patient-centered medicine and develop lifelong learning and leadership skills in a caring family atmosphere. The school’s commitment to educating students who have an interest in rural and underserved communities is a testament to also serving the state of West Virginia and the health care needs of its residents.