***2007-2008 Application Season*** Post all application questions here! Part I

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DrVanNostran said:
Don't worry buddy, this is SDN. You know you are late when you turn things in on time 😉

Once you get in your transcript this week, you will be more than early! :luck:
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Thanks! I'm going to go drop off the form tomorrow. I hope they send it really fast and it doesn't take the AACOMAS people forever to find it.
 
dr.kicia said:
where do you guys list your hobbies etc.
For instance I have quite a few that i have been passionate about for years and do not really know what to do with them or if they are even listable:
-horseback riding
-hiking
-sailing
-painting/drawing
Do we just put them under ECs...if so how can I list the company/organization name???
GEEZ this AACOMAS is so confuzing😕😕😕
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I was wondering about this too. I spend an inordinate amount of my time doing my hobbies - do they count for anything?
 
doinmybest5840 said:
Thanks! I'm going to go drop off the form tomorrow. I hope they send it really fast and it doesn't take the AACOMAS people forever to find it.
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I don't know if your university has this option or not, but just ask for them to send it overnight or express. That way you know AACOM recieves it this week.
 
Punchap said:
I was wondering about this too. I spend an inordinate amount of my time doing my hobbies - do they count for anything?
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You would put them under ECs. This is where AMCAS is a little better IMO, they let you select EC/Hobbies from the dropdown menu.

Regardless, if you are listing your hobbies, just list them in the EC section. I most likely won't include my hobbies since I suck at most of them 😛
 
DrVanNostran said:
You would put them under ECs. This is where AMCAS is a little better IMO, they let you select EC/Hobbies from the dropdown menu.

Regardless, if you are listing your hobbies, just list them in the EC section. I most likely won't include my hobbies since I suck at most of them 😛
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ok but what to put for organization? N/A or something?
Or should i just put a personal hobby?
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....this is so frustraiting.
 
DrVanNostran said:
I don't know if your university has this option or not, but just ask for them to send it overnight or express. That way you know AACOM recieves it this week.
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That's a good idea, I'll have to ask. Thank you 🙂
 
dr.kicia said:
ok but what to put for organization? N/A or something?
Or should i just put a personal hobby?
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....this is so frustraiting.
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That would vary I guess, "Personal Hobby" sounds good though.
 
another question...about the MCAT section. I took it in may so don't have my score yet. How does it work now when i apply now, ie send my AACOMAS let's say tomorow...do i update later? how?
 
stupid question perhaps but I just logged onto the aacomas webpage and I didn't see a question for which to write the personal statement...
 
dr.kicia said:
another question...about the MCAT section. I took it in may so don't have my score yet. How does it work now when i apply now, ie send my AACOMAS let's say tomorow...do i update later? how?
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Once you send in your AACOMAS, they will process it. Once you get your scores, you forward them to AACOMAS via ThX on the AAMC website. After that is done, they will forward your scores to schools.

To expedite the process, after you recieve your scores, you can send an official score report-print out from ThX to all your schools individually. Sometimes that is enough to put you under review.
 
coolcats said:
stupid question perhaps but I just logged onto the aacomas webpage and I didn't see a question for which to write the personal statement...
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Sorry, can't make a screen shot. But it on your main screen:

- Incomplete - Complete - Required

Applicant Information

Biographical Information

Parental & Family Information

Personal Data

Additional Information

Additional Information

Work Experience

Personal Statement

Extracurricular, Volunteer, Community Service

Awards, Honors, Scholarships

Academic History

MCAT Information

Colleges Attended

Coursework

School Designations



GPA Calculations
Transcripts
Official MCAT Scores
Designations
Payments
 
DrVanNostran said:
Once you send in your AACOMAS, they will process it. Once you get your scores, you forward them to AACOMAS via ThX on the AAMC website. After that is done, they will forward your scores to schools.

To expedite the process, after you recieve your scores, you can send an official score report-print out from ThX to all your schools individually. Sometimes that is enough to put you under review.
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thanks so much for help😍
 
I filled out the app. like a resume. I didn't list any of my hobbies, just pertinent work/school experience. Short, sweet, and directly to the point.

That was good advice about mailing in the MCAT score reports. Thanks.
 
For grades, I was never graded on a +/- scale. So I put for ex. A, then on AACOMAS I put 4.0. For a B I put 3.0. Hope that was right
 
just to reinforce what was already said... I just talked to AACOMAS and the individual transcripts are fine, just may take a little bit longer to match it w\ the application
 
I see where to type it, but is there no question

like the amcas question says: why do you want to go to medical school

im assuming it is why DO or why medicine but i dont see it
 
For the total hours listed, are you just estimating?

I was going to add:

*I would like to note that the total hours calculated are an approximation.
 
the only thing you can do is estimate. the schools understand that it's an approximation, they just want to see which activities were more important to you and therefore devoted more time to.
 
coolcats said:
I see where to type it, but is there no question

like the amcas question says: why do you want to go to medical school

im assuming it is why DO or why medicine but i dont see it
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It is similar to the amcas prompt. You don't need to write why you want DO in your PS. You will be writing that on every 2ary to get - so save it for then.
 
dr.kicia said:
where do you guys list your hobbies etc.
For instance I have quite a few that i have been passionate about for years and do not really know what to do with them or if they are even listable:
-horseback riding
-hiking
-sailing
-painting/drawing
Do we just put them under ECs...if so how can I list the company/organization name???
GEEZ this AACOMAS is so confuzing😕😕😕
Click to expand...

As for hobbies, I think I would only do one essay about all your hobbies, not one essay for each hobby. I did not include any hobby essay in my app, but I did mention them within each essay. For example, one of my jobs has an extra perk of taking photos, so I mentioned how I love photography and used this time to further my skills. I just added that subtle hint about photography and it actually came up in an interview. You want to talk about any jobs, research, volunteering, clubs, leadership positions in this section. If these involve or develop your hobbies, then mention them there. Also, I believe you can fill out up to 15 or so, but don't feel the need to fill out 15. If you have 7 or 10 or whatever, that is fine.
 
Playmakur42 said:
I filled out the app. like a resume. I didn't list any of my hobbies, just pertinent work/school experience. Short, sweet, and directly to the point.

That was good advice about mailing in the MCAT score reports. Thanks.
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yeah same here.... hope im not lacking personality tho! im banking on showing that with the secondaries and interviews
 
nascardoc said:
As for hobbies, I think I would only do one essay about all your hobbies, not one essay for each hobby. I did not include any hobby essay in my app, but I did mention them within each essay. For example, one of my jobs has an extra perk of taking photos, so I mentioned how I love photography and used this time to further my skills. I just added that subtle hint about photography and it actually came up in an interview. You want to talk about any jobs, research, volunteering, clubs, leadership positions in this section. If these involve or develop your hobbies, then mention them there. Also, I believe you can fill out up to 15 or so, but don't feel the need to fill out 15. If you have 7 or 10 or whatever, that is fine.
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well some of them like arts were always getting me into some fund raiser things etc. So i mentioned them there. But few of my hobbies are not really fitting into any of my essays or descriptions, like horseback riding and sailing (i have spend years on these so i feel it is important to mention them since they are huge passions of mine)...so i listed it in the EC section and put "personal hobby" under the organization name.
I am also estimating all my ECs in terms of hrs...i have no clue. Do they even check it? Lets say i write 50 hrs and it was in fact 43 is there a way they will really know?
 
do you need to have your transcripts verified by AACOMAS before they display the GPA calculation or does that happen after the entry of course work which I have just done and do not see my GPA calculation.
 
poly800rock said:
do you need to have your transcripts verified by AACOMAS before they display the GPA calculation or does that happen after the entry of course work which I have just done and do not see my GPA calculation.
Click to expand...

After AACOMAS verifies your courses.
 
poly800rock said:
do you need to have your transcripts verified by AACOMAS before they display the GPA calculation or does that happen after the entry of course work which I have just done and do not see my GPA calculation.
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly, your GPA will not be displayed until AACOMAS verifies the grades you reported with the transcripts they receive. It takes a few weeks, so be patient!
 
nalgie24 said:
If I recall correctly, your GPA will not be displayed until AACOMAS verifies the grades you reported with the transcripts they receive. It takes a few weeks, so be patient!
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Do you need to have your transcripts recieved before you e-submit??
 
Tanner82 said:
Do you need to have your transcripts recieved before you e-submit??
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No, you could submitt the application and send the transcripts latter. That is what I did last year. I hope you are accepted into the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!!:luck::luck::luck:
 
dr.kicia said:
Lets say i write 50 hrs and it was in fact 43 is there a way they will really know?
Click to expand...

Approximations should be fine as long as you do your best to keep them fairly accurate.
 
Why the f#$% doesn't AACOMAS save your info like AMCAS?!?!?
 
nascardoc said:
As for hobbies, I think I would only do one essay about all your hobbies, not one essay for each hobby. I did not include any hobby essay in my app, but I did mention them within each essay. For example, one of my jobs has an extra perk of taking photos, so I mentioned how I love photography and used this time to further my skills. I just added that subtle hint about photography and it actually came up in an interview. You want to talk about any jobs, research, volunteering, clubs, leadership positions in this section. If these involve or develop your hobbies, then mention them there. Also, I believe you can fill out up to 15 or so, but don't feel the need to fill out 15. If you have 7 or 10 or whatever, that is fine.
Click to expand...

Is there really a limit of 15 for your ECs, jobs, awards? Because it seems as if you could theoretically list as many as you like...
 
Hi,

I am new here, but would like a few pointers.

I am taking a class which ends June 28th and that class would be on my transcript by July 2nd-3rd I would assume. Its only a 2 credit class, but would affect my gpa by about 0.03 cumulative, so I think it has an impact(doing well in the class). So should I send my transcript to AACOMAS from my school tommorow, or after the july 2nd entry date of my new class.

My main question is- I know it has been harped on again and again here that applying late is like shooting yourself in your leg. The thing is, I am going to take my MCAT on July 13. Should I fill out everything else on the AACOMAS website, except my MCAT score(because I have never taken it) and submit it?

Are they going to hold it before my MCAT comes, and then release it to schools in Mid-August?

Someone knowledgable in this please lend me a helping hand.

Thanks to all
 
Your file will be on hold until your MCAT scores are released, so I would wait to submit your transcripts until the grade posts that way your GPA will be helped (although very slightly!). Submitting in July is not very late at all, most schools do not even look at apps until this time. BTW, AACOMAS takes 4-6 weeks to process your app once they get your transcript so take this into consideration when planning!!! Good luck with everything!
 
Hello all,
How far back did everyone go for their work experience? I am 28 and had quite a few jobs, if I go all the way back to age 17 that is. Do you think 5 years is far enough. 😕
 
I believe you should go as far back as your college career. Being that you are older you have more life experiances and you should try to use that to your advantage. You are trying to sell your self to the ADCOM's, there is no reason to sell your self short. Any experiance that you feel shows your leadership characteristics, maturity, health related, community service, etc.... should be mentioned. I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!:luck::luck::luck:
 
mastamark said:
Hello all,
How far back did everyone go for their work experience? I am 28 and had quite a few jobs, if I go all the way back to age 17 that is. Do you think 5 years is far enough. 😕
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i'd imagine so...I'm 25 and am stopping at any non pertinent real job. I had to semi convince myself that my internship in college was worth mentioning so no way would mentioning my electronics department position at Big Kmart make any sort of difference or turn any sort of heads....just my opinion
 
Does anyone know where to place certifications? i.e. phlebotomy. I have a few I'd like to mention, but don't know where to place them. Extracurricular???😕 It's not like I had a position title. Or would it be better suited for Awards, Honors, Scholarships? Really, I don't know that either make sense.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!😀

Thanks!!
 
lackoftalent said:
Does anyone know where to place certifications? i.e. phlebotomy. I have a few I'd like to mention, but don't know where to place them. Extracurricular???😕 It's not like I had a position title. Or would it be better suited for Awards, Honors, Scholarships? Really, I don't know that either make sense.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!😀

Thanks!!
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I would put it under awards and honors. But call or e-mail AACOM to make sure.
 
Thanks for the help!

I called them and they said if you took 3 or more classes for the certification that put it under professional schools??? For things like phlebotomy you should place it under Awards, Honor, Scholarships.
 
I took Physiological Psych, it was through the Psych department but it crosslist w/ Biology at my school. Should I label it as a social science or Bio/zoo, in the course listings?
 
Apriori said:
I took Physiological Psych, it was through the Psych department but it crosslist w/ Biology at my school. Should I label it as a social science or Bio/zoo, in the course listings?
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If it is through the psych department, then you should probably label it as such instead of bio. It is physiological psych, not psychological phys. But I don't really know.
 
I have noticed that in the transcript request form of the application there are a few required fields such as other names, institution and campus attended. I only get my first and last name typed in automatically, the rest is blank. I was just wondering if they want us to type this information in somehow or have it written by hand. I know it probably does not make a difference, but I just wanted to make sure I don't have to resend my transcripts. Thank you!
 
Apriori said:
I took Physiological Psych, it was through the Psych department but it crosslist w/ Biology at my school. Should I label it as a social science or Bio/zoo, in the course listings?
Click to expand...


Last year in AACOMAS I put in my Physiological Psych and, at least here, the matching lab (mostly neuroanatomy) class as "Other Science" and they took it just fine. In AMCAS it even got listed as Biology. In most cases they are concerned with the actual subject matter and not necessarily which department the class is under. My Behavioral Genetics class (also in our psych dept.) was listed as a Bio/Zoology for AACOMAS purposes.
 
bonny5 said:
I have noticed that in the transcript request form of the application there are a few required fields such as other names, institution and campus attended. I only get my first and last name typed in automatically, the rest is blank. I was just wondering if they want us to type this information in somehow or have it written by hand. I know it probably does not make a difference, but I just wanted to make sure I don't have to resend my transcripts. Thank you!
Click to expand...


Are you talking about on the actual transcript or on the AACOMAS form to send along with the transcripts?
 
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