General Applicant FAQ (2007)

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That last post was very helpful....and sexy.

Thanks Jackie!
 
Well, gosh. If I can't be helpful and sexy, I don't know what I would do with myself! :laugh:
 
sorry to ask this, but what about classes for spring semester that I will be taking...should I include that on amcas.
 
Put them as "In Progress" on your AMCAS. You'll have to send updates to the schools anyway. 🙂
 
You said if you copy and paste your PS from word you will get weird characters and symbols. Is this something I should be able to see on the computer screen? Or when I print it out? Because I copied and pasted from Word and it looks fine. Thanks for the double return tip for faux-indenting as well.
 
If you print it out in PDF it might have those upside down question marks in the place of apostrophes, stuff like that.
 
jackieMD2007 said:
If you print it out in PDF it might have those upside down question marks in the place of apostrophes, stuff like that.
Click to expand...


Thanks, I'll check it out.

Also, if I have changed my email address since opening my amcas account, how do I make changes so that amcas correspondence comes to my new email? I am no longer able to access the old account (undergrad/alumni transistion) which my user AMCAS name is registered to. I have changed my email on the actual application, will this suffice?

Thank you!
 
Log into AMCAS.
Go to 3.Biographic Information.
Choose "Contact Information" from the Blue Links at the right. It will let you update your email/address/etc.
 
jackie, i don't know how exactly you would do this or if you even think it is that important, but people always have tons of random LOR questions ranging from how does interfolio work to....well...something else i can't think of. thought it would be a good thing to include in this thread, but like i said, i have no clue how you would want to do that or even if you would want to 😳
 
Dart1516 said:
You said if you copy and paste your PS from word you will get weird characters and symbols. Is this something I should be able to see on the computer screen? Or when I print it out? Because I copied and pasted from Word and it looks fine. Thanks for the double return tip for faux-indenting as well.
Click to expand...

Yea I just pasted my PS directly from word and it looks fine when I print it out.

Also it says 5000 characters. More or less is better? Should I be filling it up to 5000 characters? Any input. Thnx.
 
spospo said:
jackie, i don't know how exactly you would do this or if you even think it is that important, but people always have tons of random LOR questions ranging from how does interfolio work to....well...something else i can't think of. thought it would be a good thing to include in this thread, but like i said, i have no clue how you would want to do that or even if you would want to 😳
Click to expand...

I'll write something up about Interfolio.
 
If you need:

👍 Help with your Personal Statement (an Editor) Often you need to PM these people directly. When I was editing I would respond with my email address so people could send it. Some people want you to put it in the PM. Whatever you do, thank your editor.

👍 To know what your chances are at a particular school. AKA: Can I get into Georgetown with my 3.7 and 38 MCAT? What schools should I drop? How many schools should I apply to? It helps if you have an mdapplicants profile, so people can see what state you're in, where you went to school, etc. You can sign up for one at www.mdapplicants.com.

👍 To know what the 2007 Secondary Essay Prompts are. Alternately, you can PM people that you know have them. If you "know" the person. You can get to know more people here.

👍 To know how long it is taking people who have submitted their AMCAS to get verified

👍 To know what schools have sent out email invitations to secondary, posted secondaries online for everyone, or are sending out screening notices

👍 What to wear on interview day

👍 Help using SDN's search tools (Well, when search is working anyhow.)

👍 To find someone who got into the school you want to, or want to check up on the class of 2010 ('06 successful applicants).

👍 Information on Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates by Race, Sex, State.

General AMCAS Info:
1. AMCAS is NOT going to let you indent your personal statement. This is normal. You don't indent. It doesn't let you. Don't waste your spaces trying to space bar it out. This will look funny on the PDF version* of your application. Hit return twice. Also: If you cut and paste from MS Word, you're going to get a lot of funny symbols and crap. This is true for secondaries. Use notepad, or be old-school and retype it in there.

*You can print your application by going to the main menu and selecting print application. This PDF will also tell you on what day and at what time you submitted, and then when you are verified. You will get an email when you're verified.

2. For those pesky "What course gets designated as what?" questions, check the HELP menu on AMCAS. Copy it and paste it into a word document. They have a whole list of what courses go under what designation. The more compliant your application is, the easier (and quicker) it is for them to process. It doesn't matter that Biochemistry was out of the biology department for your school, for example. AMCAS wants it listed as CHEM. Why argue with these people?*

*also: Don't put stuff on your AMCAS that is not on your transcript. The admin verifying your app doesn't know that your class had a special name. Also request an official transcript to work from (YES, for YOU!) as your school may list more complete info on it. Do this when you're requesting the initial transcripts be sent.

3. For payment, AMCAS doesn't accept credit cards other than Mastercard or Visa. Sorry, AMEX. I know, I wanted to use mine, too.

4. After you're verified, you can add more schools if you need to.

5. Make sure the email you gave as your contact information is the email you're checking for secondaries.

What is Interfolio?

If your school doesn't offer a committee letter (if it does, USE IT!) or a letter service (often times if you are a grad they won't let you do it), it would help you (and your writers) to make an Interfolio account.

1. www.interfolio.com is the official website. You can create a one-year account for $15. If you need it for longer, you can renew it.

2. To set up your account, you just have to "Add documents" and you create a unique name for each document (i.e. Prof Jones Med School LOR), and Interfolio will give you a special page to give to the professors. This special page has a barcode and a special code and they need the author to include this document with your letter so they can match it. The barcode page also indicates if you have a CLOSED file (Waived right of access) or not.

3. When Interfolio gets a letter from a writer, they email you. (Hint:Use the same email you gave AMCAS to save yourself confusion!)

4. When one or more letters are in, you can send them in a packet to your schools. The pricing starts at $4 for electronic delivery (only certain schools) or $5 for US Mail. It goes up to $40 for next-day service.

5. The letters* are sent with a cover page that has your SSN and AMCAS ID, so make sure you give those to Interfolio when you sign up.

*When you are creating deliveries of letters, it is ONE PRICE (the $4 or the $5) for all of your letters (up to 20 pages). So if you have five letters, two pages each (10 pages total), Interfolio will send them all together with your cover sheet to your schools.

6. Any more questions about Interfolio they have an amazing HELP section on the site and are very responsive to Q's.

TIP! Even if you have had your letters sent individually by the professors, I would recommend that you set up an interfolio account as a BACKUP so when schools misplace or do not receive letters (Think about it: 3 profs times 15 schools times all of those files at the schools...) you can dispatch them electronically or next day to become complete. Put it to the professors like this: if they fax in your letter with the special interfolio page, you won't have to bother them every time a school misfiles something.
 
Whateva, quality over quantity. If you (and hopefully some reviewers) think you have a coherent statement with a stong personal voice, don't fret over the character count.

Jackie, I can't think of a person in a better position to write up Interfolio. I'm sure I'm speaking for me and several lurkers when I say thanks for all the hard work on this thread.
 
Well, heck. I don't have college classes to worry about. I sit here in my office most of the day, bored to death (what can I say, I am a fast worker!)...so if this stuff helps someone else, then great. 🙂
 
If you need:

👍 Help with your Personal Statement (an Editor) Often you need to PM these people directly. When I was editing I would respond with my email address so people could send it. Some people want you to put it in the PM. Whatever you do, thank your editor.

👍 To know what your chances are at a particular school. AKA: Can I get into Georgetown with my 3.7 and 38 MCAT? What schools should I drop? How many schools should I apply to? It helps if you have an mdapplicants profile, so people can see what state you're in, where you went to school, etc. You can sign up for one at www.mdapplicants.com.

👍 To know what the 2007 Secondary Essay Prompts are. Alternately, you can PM people that you know have them. If you "know" the person. You can get to know more people here.

👍 To know how long it is taking people who have submitted their AMCAS to get verified

👍 To know what schools have sent out email invitations to secondary, posted secondaries online for everyone, or are sending out screening notices

👍 What to wear on interview day

👍 Help using SDN's search tools (Well, when search is working anyhow.)

👍 To find someone who got into the school you want to, or want to check up on the class of 2010 ('06 successful applicants).

👍 Information on Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates by Race, Sex, State.

General AMCAS Info:
1. AMCAS is NOT going to let you indent your personal statement. This is normal. You don't indent. It doesn't let you. Don't waste your spaces trying to space bar it out. This will look funny on the PDF version* of your application. Hit return twice. Also: If you cut and paste from MS Word, you're going to get a lot of funny symbols and crap. This is true for some secondaries, too. Use notepad, or be old-school and retype it in there.

*You can print your application by going to the main menu and selecting print application. This PDF will also tell you on what day and at what time you submitted, and then when you are verified. You will get an email when you're verified. Once you're verified (not before) you can see your GPAs as calculated by AMCAS on your PDF.

2. For those pesky "What course gets designated as what?" questions, check the HELP menu on AMCAS. Copy it and paste it into a word document. They have a whole list of what courses go under what designation. The more compliant your application is, the easier (and quicker) it is for them to process. It doesn't matter that Biochemistry was out of the biology department for your school, for example. AMCAS wants it listed as CHEM. Why argue with these people?*

*also: Don't put stuff on your AMCAS that is not on your transcript. The admin verifying your app doesn't know that your class had a special name. Also request an official transcript to work from (YES, for YOU!) as your school may list more complete info on it. Do this when you're requesting the initial transcripts be sent.

3. For payment, AMCAS doesn't accept credit cards other than Mastercard or Visa. Sorry, AMEX. I know, I wanted to use mine, too.

4. After you're verified, you can add more schools if you need to...you just can't delete schools. Submit is forever, people.

5. Make sure the email you gave as your contact information is the email you're checking for secondaries. TIP! I made a new Gmail account, and then downloaded Gmail notifier. This way I know if I get something into my "Med School" gmail account (and don't get freaked out by SPAM!.) You don't even have to have the internet open for it to work.

6. Get those transcripts sent to AMCAS as soon as possible. You'll get an email when they get them--you don't have to have submitted yet. They cannot verify you without your transcripts, and if you hit submit before they have them, you will basically be ON HOLD until they do.

What is Interfolio?

If your school doesn't offer a committee letter (if it does, USE IT!) or a letter service (often times if you are a grad they won't let you do it), it would help you (and your writers) to make an Interfolio account.

1. www.interfolio.com is the official website. You can create a one-year account for $15. If you need it for longer, you can renew it.

2. To set up your account, you just have to "Add documents" and you create a unique name for each document (i.e. Prof Jones Med School LOR), and Interfolio will give you a special page to give to the professors. This special page has a barcode and a special code and they need the author to include this document with your letter so they can match it. The barcode page also indicates if you have a CLOSED file (Waived right of access) or not.

3. When Interfolio gets a letter from a writer, they email you. (Hint:Use the same email you gave AMCAS to save yourself confusion!)

4. When one or more letters are in, you can send them in a packet to your schools. The pricing starts at $4 for electronic delivery (only certain schools) or $5 for US Mail. It goes up to $40 for next-day service.

5. The letters* are sent with a cover page that has your SSN and AMCAS ID, so make sure you give those to Interfolio when you sign up.

*When you are creating deliveries of letters, it is ONE PRICE (the $4 or the $5) for all of your letters (up to 20 pages). So if you have five letters, two pages each (10 pages total), Interfolio will send them all together with your cover sheet to your schools.

6. Any more questions about Interfolio they have an amazing HELP section on the site and are very responsive to Q's.

TIP! Even if you have had your letters sent individually by the professors, I would recommend that you set up an interfolio account as a BACKUP so when schools misplace or do not receive letters (Think about it: 3 profs times 15 schools times all of those files at the schools...) you can dispatch them electronically or next day to become complete. Put it to the professors like this: if they fax in your letter with the special interfolio page, you won't have to bother them every time a school misfiles something.
 
TGIF! Good luck to those still working on AMCAS, those waiting for verifications, those of us doing secondaries, and those who have interviews already. :luck:

EDIT: Best wishes to the applicant class 2006 (Class of 2010!) :luck:
If you guys have any suggestions for this FAQ (Things you wish you knew!) please PM me or post it here so I can update with the latest and greatest. 😍
 
jackieMD2007 said:
TGIF! Good luck to those still working on AMCAS, those waiting for verifications, those of us doing secondaries, and those who have interviews already. :luck:
Click to expand...


don't forget last cycle's waitlisters, they need the most :luck:
 
quick question: does anyone know what one semester converts to in the quarter system. my school offers two quarters of biochem, and most schools require one semester. do i need to take one or two quarters of biochem.
 
You need two quarters to equal one semester. This ends up being MORE than one semester (more like 1.6 or something), but it is all we can do.

I know that a 4.0 hour quarter system class= 2.7 semester hours. And they probably want four semester hours or somethign like that.
 
nekrogg said:
quick question: does anyone know what one semester converts to in the quarter system. my school offers two quarters of biochem, and most schools require one semester. do i need to take one or two quarters of biochem.
Click to expand...
My Biochem I was 3 semester hours. I'll be taking biochem II which is also 3 hours. If you're taking 4 quarter units, that would be 2.67 semester hours, which is close enough to 3. You likely cover nearly the same content if your school only offers 2 courses (otherwise they would offer 3 courses to cover the year). My 3rd quarter of calc at my first school gave me the equivalent of the "accelerated calculus" at my second school that did a year and a half of calc in one year (just like my first school). The units didn't work out to be fair, even though the content was the same.
 
hahaha well i discovered that biochem actually can be part of my bio major as an elective, so i guess ill be taking biochem 1 and 2. i was celebrating too when i finished with my last chemistry of my life (ochem). please dont pop my bubble and tell me there is more chem in med school...
 
black_wind said:
- Remember to put in future courses; although they may change, they will count if you still need to take Biochemistry or complete that one year of English/writing that some schools require
Click to expand...

I have one future course to go, but I've already graduated so I'll be taking it at a different university (I already know the school and course number). How do I indicate this on my application?
Thanks!
 
I think you choose "In Progress" or something like that. I think you have to add the school separately, too. Check the AMCAS help on that.
Anyone else who has future coursework, could you weigh in on this?? 🙂
 
jackieMD2007 said:
I think you choose "In Progress" or something like that. I think you have to add the school separately, too. Check the AMCAS help on that.
Anyone else who has future coursework, could you weigh in on this?? 🙂
Click to expand...

This is what I had to do for future coursework at a school other than the one I graduated from.
I had to go back and add the new school under "schools attended." Add vital info such as when you will be attending and what class you are taking. No degree expected. No major. No Minor. Should AMCAS expect a transcript? NO. Then it takes you to a menu asking you why the last answer is no. Click "current/future course/ No previous affiliation with the institution.
 
Dart1516 said:
Under "course classification" what do you list Sociology as?

I'm gonna call amcas about the other thing if non one chimes in.
Click to expand...

Shoot. Hang on. They give you a list of course titles under HELP. I think it might be BESS but let me see.

EDIT: Here you go--
Behavioral & Social Sciences (BESS)

· Anthropology

· Economics

· Family Studies

· Psychology

· Sociology

I found that by logging in, clicking HELP at the top, choosing COURSEWORK from the menu that pops up, and then clicking on the link "Course Classification"
 
jackieMD2007 said:
Shoot. Hang on. They give you a list of course titles under HELP. I think it might be BESS but let me see.
Click to expand...

I got it. It's BESS. I didn't think to look there.
 
Here's for your other question:

"Current/Future
Use this Course Type designation for any courses you are currently taking or expect to take before entering medical school. Listing these courses is especially important if you have not yet completed medical school prerequisites. No AMCAS grade will be assigned.

These entries are not binding, but are intended to give the medical schools an indication of what courses you expect to complete before matriculation. If you request a change or a correction to your course listing after your application has been submitted to AMCAS, notify the schools directly of the change or correction."
 
Also, once and for all, the course designations (from AMCAS) for your classes:

Behavioral & Social Sciences (BESS)

· Anthropology

· Economics

· Family Studies

· Psychology

· Sociology

Biology (BIOL) - BCPM

· Anatomy

· Biology

· Biophysics

· Biotechnology

· Botany

· Cell Biology

· Ecology

· Entomology

· Genetics

· Histology

· Immunology

· Microbiology

· Molecular Biology

· Neuroscience

· Physiology

Business (BUSI)

· Accounting

· Business

· Finance

· Human Resource Studies

· Management

· Organizational Studies

· Marketing

Chemistry (CHEM) - BCPM

· Biochemistry

· Chemistry

· Physical Chemistry

· Thermodynamics

Communications (COMM)

· Journalism

· Media Production & Studies

· TV, Video, & Audio

Computer Science/Technology (COMP)

· Computer Science

· Computer Engineering

· Information Systems

· Telecommunications

Education (EDUC)

· Counseling & Personnel Services

· Curriculum & Instruction

· Educational Policy

· Educational Administration

· Health Education

· Human Development

· Physical Education (except for sports courses such as tennis, golf, aerobics, etc. Use Other for these types of courses.)

· Special Education

Engineering (ENGI)

· Aerospace Engineering

· Biomedical Engineering

· Chemical Engineering

· Civil Engineering

· Electrical Engineering

· Engineering

· Environmental Engineering

· Mechanical Engineering

· Nuclear Engineering

English Language & Literature (ENGL)

· English Composition & Rhetoric

· English Creative Writing

· English Language & Literature

Fine Arts (ARTS)

· Art

· Art History

· Dance

· Fine Arts

· Music

· Photography

· Theatre

Health Sciences (HEAL)

· Allied Health

· Chiropractic

· Dentistry

· Hearing & Speech Sciences

· Hospital Administration

· Kinesiology

· Medical Technology

· Medicine

· Nursing

· Nutrition & Food Sciences

· Occupational Therapy

· Optometry

· Osteopathy

· Physical Therapy

· Physician Assistant

· Public Health

· Pharmacology & Pharmacy

· Sports Medicine

· Veterinary Medicine

History (HIST)

· History

Foreign Languages/Linguistics/Lit. (FLAN)

· American Sign Language

· Comparative Literature

· Linguistics

· Foreign Language(s) & Literature

Government/Political Sci/Law (GOVT)

· Criminology & Criminal Justice

· Government

· International Relations & Studies

· Law/Legal Studies

· Political Science

· Public Affairs & Policy

· Urban Policy & Planning

Math (MATH) - BCPM

· Applied Mathematics

· Mathematics

· Statistics

Natural/Physical Sciences (NPSC)

· Agriculture

· Animal and Avian Sciences

· Forestry

· Geography

· Geology

· Horticulture

· Landscape Architecture

· Meteorology

· Natural Resources

· Oceanography

· Environmental Science & Policy

Other (OTHR)

All courses which do not fit appropriately into another category, including:

· Architecture

· Interdisciplinary courses

· Library Science

· Military Science

· Sports (tennis, golf, aerobics, etc.)

Philosophy/Religion (PHIL)

· Ethics

· Logic

· Philosophy

· Religion

· Theology

Physics (PHYS) - BCPM
· Astronomy

· Physics

Special Studies (SSTU)

· Afro-American Studies

· American Studies

· Gender Studies
 
If you need:

👍 Help with your Personal Statement (an Editor) Often you need to PM these people directly. When I was editing I would respond with my email address so people could send it. Some people want you to put it in the PM. Whatever you do, thank your editor.

👍 To know what your chances are at a particular school. AKA: Can I get into Georgetown with my 3.7 and 38 MCAT? What schools should I drop? How many schools should I apply to? It helps if you have an mdapplicants profile, so people can see what state you're in, where you went to school, etc. You can sign up for one at www.mdapplicants.com.

👍 To know what the 2007 Secondary Essay Prompts are. Alternately, you can PM people that you know have them. If you "know" the person. You can get to know more people here.

👍 To know how long it is taking people who have submitted their AMCAS to get verified

👍 To know what schools have sent out email invitations to secondary, posted secondaries online for everyone, or are sending out screening notices

👍 What to wear on interview day

👍 Help using SDN's search tools (Well, when search is working anyhow.)

👍 To find someone who got into the school you want to, or want to check up on the class of 2010 ('06 successful applicants).

👍 Information on Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates by Race, Sex, State.

General AMCAS Info:
1. AMCAS is NOT going to let you indent your personal statement. This is normal. You don't indent. It doesn't let you. Don't waste your spaces trying to space bar it out. This will look funny on the PDF version* of your application. Hit return twice. Also: If you cut and paste from MS Word, you're going to get a lot of funny symbols and crap. This is true for some secondaries, too. Use notepad, or be old-school and retype it in there.

*You can print your application by going to the main menu and selecting print application. This PDF will also tell you on what day and at what time you submitted, and then when you are verified. You will get an email when you're verified. Once you're verified (not before) you can see your GPAs as calculated by AMCAS on your PDF.


2. For those pesky "What course gets designated as what?" questions, check the HELP menu on AMCAS. Copy it and paste it into a word document. They have a whole list of what courses go under what designation. The more compliant your application is, the easier (and quicker) it is for them to process. It doesn't matter that Biochemistry was out of the biology department for your school, for example. AMCAS wants it listed as CHEM. Why argue with these people?*

*also: Don't put stuff on your AMCAS that is not on your transcript. The admin verifying your app doesn't know that your class had a special name. Also request an official transcript to work from (YES, for YOU!) as your school may list more complete info on it. Do this when you're requesting the initial transcripts be sent.

3. For payment, AMCAS doesn't accept credit cards other than Mastercard or Visa. Sorry, AMEX. I know, I wanted to use mine, too.

4. After you're verified, you can add more schools if you need to..but you can't remove schools! Sorry! Submit is forever, people.

5. Make sure the email you gave as your contact information is the email you're checking for secondaries. TIP! I made a new gmail account just for applications, and downloaded Gmail Notifier. This way, I know if something comes into my "special" medschool account. And since that email isn't anywhere else, it doesn't freak me out with SPAM!

6. Get those transcripts sent to AMCAS as soon as possible. You'll get an email when they get them--you don't have to have submitted yet. They cannot verify you without your transcripts, and if you hit submit before they have them, you will basically be ON HOLD until they do.

What is Interfolio?

If your school doesn't offer a committee letter (if it does, USE IT!) or a letter service (often times if you are a grad they won't let you do it), it would help you (and your writers) to make an Interfolio account.

1. www.interfolio.com is the official website. You can create a one-year account for $15. If you need it for longer, you can renew it.

2. To set up your account, you just have to "Add documents" and you create a unique name for each document (i.e. Prof Jones Med School LOR), and Interfolio will give you a special page to give to the professors. This special page has a barcode and a special code and they need the author to include this document with your letter so they can match it. The barcode page also indicates if you have a CLOSED file (Waived right of access) or not.

3. When Interfolio gets a letter from a writer, they email you. (Hint:Use the same email you gave AMCAS to save yourself confusion!)

4. When one or more letters are in, you can send them in a packet to your schools. The pricing starts at $4 for electronic delivery (only certain schools) or $5 for US Mail. It goes up to $40 for next-day service.

5. The letters* are sent with a cover page that has your SSN and AMCAS ID, so make sure you give those to Interfolio when you sign up.

*When you are creating deliveries of letters, it is ONE PRICE (the $4 or the $5) for all of your letters (up to 20 pages). So if you have five letters, two pages each (10 pages total), Interfolio will send them all together with your cover sheet to your schools.

6. Any more questions about Interfolio they have an amazing HELP section on the site and are very responsive to Q's.

TIP! Even if you have had your letters sent individually by the professors, I would recommend that you set up an interfolio account as a BACKUP so when schools misplace or do not receive letters (Think about it: 3 profs times 15 schools times all of those files at the schools...) you can dispatch them electronically or next day to become complete. Put it to the professors like this: if they fax in your letter with the special interfolio page, you won't have to bother them every time a school misfiles something. 🙂
 
If you need:

👍 Help with your Personal Statement (an Editor) Often you need to PM these people directly. When I was editing I would respond with my email address so people could send it. Some people want you to put it in the PM. Whatever you do, thank your editor.
*Should I talk about the fact that I'm gay in my PS? (Credit: GoodDoctor) IF you wanna read the rest of that thread, click on the thread title in the upper-right hand corner.

👍 To know what your chances are at a particular school. AKA: Can I get into Georgetown with my 3.7 and 38 MCAT? What schools should I drop? How many schools should I apply to? It helps if you have an mdapplicants profile, so people can see what state you're in, where you went to school, etc. You can sign up for one at www.mdapplicants.com.

👍 To know what the 2007 Secondary Essay Prompts are. Alternately, you can PM people that you know have them. If you "know" the person. You can get to know more people here.

👍 To know how long it is taking people who have submitted their AMCAS to get verified

👍 To know what schools have sent out email invitations to secondary, posted secondaries online for everyone, or are sending out screening notices

👍 What to wear on interview day

👍 Help using SDN's search tools (Well, when search is working anyhow.)

👍 To find someone who got into the school you want to, or want to check up on the class of 2010 ('06 successful applicants).

👍 Information on Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates by Race, Sex, State.

General AMCAS Info:
1. AMCAS is NOT going to let you indent your personal statement. This is normal. You don't indent. It doesn't let you. Don't waste your spaces trying to space bar it out. This will look funny on the PDF version* of your application. Hit return twice. Also: If you cut and paste from MS Word, you're going to get a lot of funny symbols and crap. This is true for some secondaries, too. Use notepad, or be old-school and retype it in there.

*You can print your application by going to the main menu and selecting print application. This PDF will also tell you on what day and at what time you submitted, and then when you are verified. You will get an email when you're verified. Once you're verified (not before) you can see your GPAs as calculated by AMCAS on your PDF.


2. For those pesky "What course gets designated as what?" questions, check the HELP menu on AMCAS. Copy it and paste it into a word document. They have a whole list of what courses go under what designation. The more compliant your application is, the easier (and quicker) it is for them to process. It doesn't matter that Biochemistry was out of the biology department for your school, for example. AMCAS wants it listed as CHEM. Why argue with these people?*

*also: Don't put stuff on your AMCAS that is not on your transcript. The admin verifying your app doesn't know that your class had a special name. Also request an official transcript to work from (YES, for YOU!) as your school may list more complete info on it. Do this when you're requesting the initial transcripts be sent.

3. For payment, AMCAS doesn't accept credit cards other than Mastercard or Visa. Sorry, AMEX. I know, I wanted to use mine, too.

4. After you're verified, you can add more schools if you need to..but you can't remove schools! Sorry! Submit is forever, people.

5. Make sure the email you gave as your contact information is the email you're checking for secondaries. TIP! I made a new gmail account just for applications, and downloaded Gmail Notifier. This way, I know if something comes into my "special" medschool account. And since that email isn't anywhere else, it doesn't freak me out with SPAM!

6. Get those transcripts sent to AMCAS as soon as possible. You'll get an email when they get them--you don't have to have submitted yet. They cannot verify you without your transcripts, and if you hit submit before they have them, you will basically be ON HOLD until they do.

What is Interfolio?

If your school doesn't offer a committee letter (if it does, USE IT!) or a letter service (often times if you are a grad they won't let you do it), it would help you (and your writers) to make an Interfolio account.

1. www.interfolio.com is the official website. You can create a one-year account for $15. If you need it for longer, you can renew it.

2. To set up your account, you just have to "Add documents" and you create a unique name for each document (i.e. Prof Jones Med School LOR), and Interfolio will give you a special page to give to the professors. This special page has a barcode and a special code and they need the author to include this document with your letter so they can match it. The barcode page also indicates if you have a CLOSED file (Waived right of access) or not.

3. When Interfolio gets a letter from a writer, they email you. (Hint:Use the same email you gave AMCAS to save yourself confusion!)

4. When one or more letters are in, you can send them in a packet to your schools. The pricing starts at $4 for electronic delivery (only certain schools) or $5 for US Mail. It goes up to $40 for next-day service.

5. The letters* are sent with a cover page that has your SSN and AMCAS ID, so make sure you give those to Interfolio when you sign up.

*When you are creating deliveries of letters, it is ONE PRICE (the $4 or the $5) for all of your letters (up to 20 pages). So if you have five letters, two pages each (10 pages total), Interfolio will send them all together with your cover sheet to your schools.

6. Any more questions about Interfolio they have an amazing HELP section on the site and are very responsive to Q's.

TIP! Even if you have had your letters sent individually by the professors, I would recommend that you set up an interfolio account as a BACKUP so when schools misplace or do not receive letters (Think about it: 3 profs times 15 schools times all of those files at the schools...) you can dispatch them electronically or next day to become complete. Put it to the professors like this: if they fax in your letter with the special interfolio page, you won't have to bother them every time a school misfiles something. 🙂
 
If you need:

👍 Help with your Personal Statement (an Editor) Often you need to PM these people directly. When I was editing I would respond with my email address so people could send it. Some people want you to put it in the PM. Whatever you do, thank your editor.
*Should I talk about the fact that I'm gay in my PS? (Credit: GoodDoctor) IF you wanna read the rest of that thread, click on the thread title in the upper-right hand corner.

👍 To know what your chances are at a particular school. AKA: Can I get into Georgetown with my 3.7 and 38 MCAT? What schools should I drop? How many schools should I apply to? It helps if you have an mdapplicants profile, so people can see what state you're in, where you went to school, etc. You can sign up for one at www.mdapplicants.com.

👍 To know what the 2007 Secondary Essay Prompts are. Alternately, you can PM people that you know have them. If you "know" the person. You can get to know more people here.

👍 To know how long it is taking people who have submitted their AMCAS to get verified

👍 To know what schools have sent out email invitations to secondary, posted secondaries online for everyone, or are sending out screening notices

👍 What to wear on interview day

👍 Help using SDN's search tools (Well, when search is working anyhow.)

👍 To find someone who got into the school you want to, or want to check up on the class of 2010 ('06 successful applicants).

👍 Information on Applicants, Matriculants and Graduates by Race, Sex, State.

👍 How do I handle a troll?

General AMCAS Info:
1. AMCAS is NOT going to let you indent your personal statement. This is normal. You don't indent. It doesn't let you. Don't waste your spaces trying to space bar it out. This will look funny on the PDF version* of your application. Hit return twice. Also: If you cut and paste from MS Word, you're going to get a lot of funny symbols and crap. This is true for some secondaries, too. Use notepad, or be old-school and retype it in there.

*You can print your application by going to the main menu and selecting print application. This PDF will also tell you on what day and at what time you submitted, and then when you are verified. You will get an email when you're verified. Once you're verified (not before) you can see your GPAs as calculated by AMCAS on your PDF.


2. For those pesky "What course gets designated as what?" questions, check the HELP menu on AMCAS. Copy it and paste it into a word document. They have a whole list of what courses go under what designation. The more compliant your application is, the easier (and quicker) it is for them to process. It doesn't matter that Biochemistry was out of the biology department for your school, for example. AMCAS wants it listed as CHEM. Why argue with these people?*

*also: Don't put stuff on your AMCAS that is not on your transcript. The admin verifying your app doesn't know that your class had a special name. Also request an official transcript to work from (YES, for YOU!) as your school may list more complete info on it. Do this when you're requesting the initial transcripts be sent.

3. For payment, AMCAS doesn't accept credit cards other than Mastercard or Visa. Sorry, AMEX. I know, I wanted to use mine, too.

4. After you're verified, you can add more schools if you need to..but you can't remove schools! Sorry! Submit is forever, people.

5. Make sure the email you gave as your contact information is the email you're checking for secondaries. TIP! I made a new gmail account just for applications, and downloaded Gmail Notifier. This way, I know if something comes into my "special" medschool account. And since that email isn't anywhere else, it doesn't freak me out with SPAM!

6. Get those transcripts sent to AMCAS as soon as possible. You'll get an email when they get them--you don't have to have submitted yet. They cannot verify you without your transcripts, and if you hit submit before they have them, you will basically be ON HOLD until they do.

What is Interfolio?

If your school doesn't offer a committee letter (if it does, USE IT!) or a letter service (often times if you are a grad they won't let you do it), it would help you (and your writers) to make an Interfolio account.

1. www.interfolio.com is the official website. You can create a one-year account for $15. If you need it for longer, you can renew it.

2. To set up your account, you just have to "Add documents" and you create a unique name for each document (i.e. Prof Jones Med School LOR), and Interfolio will give you a special page to give to the professors. This special page has a barcode and a special code and they need the author to include this document with your letter so they can match it. The barcode page also indicates if you have a CLOSED file (Waived right of access) or not.

3. When Interfolio gets a letter from a writer, they email you. (Hint:Use the same email you gave AMCAS to save yourself confusion!)

4. When one or more letters are in, you can send them in a packet to your schools. The pricing starts at $4 for electronic delivery (only certain schools) or $5 for US Mail. It goes up to $40 for next-day service.

5. The letters* are sent with a cover page that has your SSN and AMCAS ID, so make sure you give those to Interfolio when you sign up.

*When you are creating deliveries of letters, it is ONE PRICE (the $4 or the $5) for all of your letters (up to 20 pages). So if you have five letters, two pages each (10 pages total), Interfolio will send them all together with your cover sheet to your schools.

6. Any more questions about Interfolio they have an amazing HELP section on the site and are very responsive to Q's.

TIP! Even if you have had your letters sent individually by the professors, I would recommend that you set up an interfolio account as a BACKUP so when schools misplace or do not receive letters (Think about it: 3 profs times 15 schools times all of those files at the schools...) you can dispatch them electronically or next day to become complete. Put it to the professors like this: if they fax in your letter with the special interfolio page, you won't have to bother them every time a school misfiles something.
 
So I may have scheduling conflicts next year and need to move stuff into the summer. The AMCAS will show that I will graduate next spring though. Will med schools that accept me mind if I graduate over the summer quarter before matriculation?

Alternatively, will med schools mind if I suddenly drop one of my two majors (biology, I keep computer science).
 
durfen said:
So I may have scheduling conflicts next year and need to move stuff into the summer. The AMCAS will show that I will graduate next spring though. Will med schools that accept me mind if I graduate over the summer quarter before matriculation?

Alternatively, will med schools mind if I suddenly drop one of my two majors (biology, I keep computer science).
Click to expand...

Um, I would find out at your interviews if they care when you graduate. They might not care, just as long as you get your degree before matriculation. It wouldn't hurt to call and find out.

I don't think you have to be any particular major to get into school--you just have to do your pre-reqs. But you don't want to misrepresent. So if you do drop your major, and change your expected graduation date, maybe you should send letters of update to your schools. But I am no premed advisor. Maybe you should see your school's advisor or call up a couple of your state schools and see what they say. 🙂
 
jackieMD2007 said:
Um, I would find out at your interviews if they care when you graduate. They might not care, just as long as you get your degree before matriculation. It wouldn't hurt to call and find out.

I don't think you have to be any particular major to get into school--you just have to do your pre-reqs. But you don't want to misrepresent. So if you do drop your major, and change your expected graduation date, maybe you should send letters of update to your schools. But I am no premed advisor. Maybe you should see your school's advisor or call up a couple of your state schools and see what they say. 🙂
Click to expand...

Just to clear it up, I am doing two majors, but I might drop one. If I do I'll have a really good reason and I will graduate on time with a CS degree. I'm not misrepresenting, but in the absence of a time schedule, there have been times when bio and CS classes collide, and there is no room for rescheduling next year :scared:, except if I move classes into summer. On the other hand, I don't want to tip them off to the problem before the time schedule is out and I know for sure. Your advice is always good jackie.
 
didn't want to start a new thread for a silly question. i am using interfolio. finally have all my letters there. a lot of schools list the address to which you should send the letters on their websites. if they are listed under the electronic submission list at interfolio, should i just do it electronically????? (like i said, silly question)
 
Hey B,

Yeah, totally do it electronically. They get it way faster and it is cheaper for you. 🙂
I have sent it that way to NYU and UIC and everything went fine, and I went complete! :luck:
 
jackieMD2007 said:
Hey B,

Yeah, totally do it electronically. They get it way faster and it is cheaper for you. 🙂
I have sent it that way to NYU and UIC and everything went fine, and I went complete! :luck:
Click to expand...


yayyyy, woohoo, i am sooo excited. hard to contain myself at work. hopefully i will be complete at a lot of schools by late next week. thanks!!
 
spospo said:
yayyyy, woohoo, i am sooo excited. hard to contain myself at work. hopefully i will be complete at a lot of schools by late next week. thanks!!
Click to expand...

I know. I have to contain my excitement a lot at work too. Like when I am talking to anyone I really like on the phone, I have to make it sound like a business call (ahem!)...or when I get complete at a school, I probably shouldn't bust out of my Herman Miller chair and be like "HELL YEAH B*TCHES! TA-DA! HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW!?!"...I don't even know what is going to happen when I get an interview somewhere. Total mayhem. :laugh:
 
jackieMD2007 said:
I know. I have to contain my excitement a lot at work too. Like when I am talking to anyone I really like on the phone, I have to make it sound like a business call (ahem!)...or when I get complete at a school, I probably shouldn't bust out of my Herman Miller chair and be like "HELL YEAH B*TCHES! TA-DA! HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW!?!"...I don't even know what is going to happen when I get an interview somewhere. Total mayhem. :laugh:
Click to expand...


i always do a little dance in my chair when something good happens. i am lucky, cuz no one has ever seen me doing the little dance. i think my horrible skills would be grounds for dismissal....or something like that. 😀
 
As long as it's not like Elaine from Seinfeld you are probably fiiiine. 🙂
 
I did a TA service learning course and I will be a TA for class next semester. Is TA something I could put on work/activities stuff on amcas?
 
whateva07 said:
I did a TA service learning course and I will be a TA for class next semester. Is TA something I could put on work/activities stuff on amcas?
Click to expand...

that is definitely something you would want to include!
 
jackieMD2007 said:
I know. I have to contain my excitement a lot at work too. Like when I am talking to anyone I really like on the phone, I have to make it sound like a business call (ahem!)...or when I get complete at a school, I probably shouldn't bust out of my Herman Miller chair and be like "HELL YEAH B*TCHES! TA-DA! HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW!?!"...I don't even know what is going to happen when I get an interview somewhere. Total mayhem. :laugh:
Click to expand...

that's my Jackie!
 
what about putting pre-med society on the work/activities? It doesnt sound like I really did anything, but it was something to put down. should I just not even include it at all?


...and also they have hobbies does that really mean I can put like playing the piano or something thats not just an individual thing I do on my own? I'm not sure if thats something I can put.
 
Once you are verified, what do the slashes and x's mean next to your classes ? I can figure out the o's because they are all next to the classes in progress. 😕
 
stinastina said:
Once you are verified, what do the slashes and x's mean next to your classes ? I can figure out the o's because they are all next to the classes in progress. 😕
Click to expand...

If you print out the PDF version of your application, it explains what the symbols mean. I believe an X means AMCAS made some sort of change/correction.
 
whateva07 said:
what about putting pre-med society on the work/activities? It doesnt sound like I really did anything, but it was something to put down. should I just not even include it at all?


...and also they have hobbies does that really mean I can put like playing the piano or something thats not just an individual thing I do on my own? I'm not sure if thats something I can put.
Click to expand...

If you have played the piano for like, 10 years, I would put that. It has continuity, it is awesome, it shows a passion for something. Discipline.

Pre-Med society. Hm. If you were an officer, I guess so. But just being a member of some pre-med club doesn't really help to advance your candidacy that much from what I have gathered. If you were in other clubs you could mention Pre-Med club in that heading if you want.
 
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