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

[146233]

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Yep, it's out the door. 🙂

 

[Jpc984]

Do we have to send our MCAT scores directly to the schools or do they use the AACOMAS scores?

 

[146233]

They use the AACOMAS scores.

 

[prionsRbad]

Do we have to send our MCAT scores directly to the schools or do they use the AACOMAS scores?

You can send your score report directly to schools, but most people use AACOMAS. It depends on how big of a hurry you're in.

I received a letter from TOURO-CA saying that they would like me to fax them my MCAT score when I get the results (around September 10th). 😕

Good Luck

 

[Jpc984]

I'm just asking because I've noticed in some of the secondaries (MSUCOM and KCOM), they say you are not complete until your mcat scores are received... All my scores have been reported to AACOMAS and I have no intention of taking them again.

 

[OLYWA]

Ok...maybe a stupid question here...but humor me.

On my AACOMAS app, in the upper right hand corner you have the 'status' portion. I have sent in all my transcripts, and they are listed individually with the dates they were received by AACOMAS.

Under MCAT info...I have released my scores to AACOMAS twice now, and they still don't seem to be shown there...like the transcripts are.

IS THIS OK???

I don't wanna call em...but not sure if maybe they don't ever show there anyways.

Can someone throw me a bone here?

 

[bioteach]

OLYWA, Does MCAT have the correct social security number listed for you? The reason I ask is because I released my scores 4 times to AACOMAS before I caught on that they just weren't receiving them. After emails to both MCAT and AACOMAS, I finally (duh!) noticed that stupid MCAT has my SSN listed as 999-99-9999. I don't know HOW that happened, seeing as how I took the test, showed my ID, filled in the correct SSN the first time around.... Anyhow... they are being a huge pain in the a$$ about it right now. I have to send in a notarized copy of my SSN card and ID to MCAT to fix it.

Long story short, AACOMAS said that the most common reason they don't list your MCAT scores as received is because the SSN from MCAT and your SSN in their system don't match up.

 

[JimT30]

So AACOMAS finally verified my application and posted my GPA, the only problem, and its a very big problem, is that they totally left out a school!! And not just any school but one that I have a 4.0 at through 50 credits, so needless to say my GPA is .3 points lower than it should be. I hope they don't send out my apps until they fix this. I emailed them about the problem, any other suggestions on what to do?

 

[146233]

I had a similar problem, where AACOMAS did not replace grades they were supposed to. I e-mailed them and had someone working on it within about six or seven hours. It was fixed a day or two later. Once they get your e-mail, they'll put a hold on your application and return it to processing. You'll know this has happened when you can no longer view your GPA Calculations -- they take them away while they're working on it. Relax, and good luck!

 

[MedDO101]

Has anyone received an official secondary from VCOM yet? I got an email several weeks ago alerting me to look out for an electronic copy but I have not reveived yet.

 

[lindell12a]

I'm applying to M.D. and also D.O. schools and I was just wondering if the actual application process is similar. I've completed the primaries for my M.D. application but I'm not quite sure about the D.O.

I know the AACOMAs application is sent out with all the information completed, but then do we wait for secondaries, or is it just waiting for an interview?

Also, and sorry if this is a stupid question, on the AACOMA's application, for coursework, it is asked for the AACOMA grade as well as the one shown on the transcript. How exactly are we supposed to calculate them or even know if they are different?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[lindell12a]

Anyone?

 

[Kappy1]

I'm applying to M.D. and also D.O. schools and I was just wondering if the actual application process is similar. I've completed the primaries for my M.D. application but I'm not quite sure about the D.O.

I know the AACOMAs application is sent out with all the information completed, but then do we wait for secondaries, or is it just waiting for an interview?

Also, and sorry if this is a stupid question, on the AACOMA's application, for coursework, it is asked for the AACOMA grade as well as the one shown on the transcript. How exactly are we supposed to calculate them or even know if they are different?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Depending on where you applied will make a difference if they are sent to you or not. NYCOM only sends out secondaries to students they interview via snail mail. Touro-NV, PCOM's, NSU, all send you secondaries by e-mail. Touro-MI sends you secondary via snail mail. UMDNJ has it on their website. For other schools I can't comment, because I didn't apply to them. Don't worry about it the grades will be adjusted when they process your primary. I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!

 

[spicedmanna]

I'm applying to M.D. and also D.O. schools and I was just wondering if the actual application process is similar. I've completed the primaries for my M.D. application but I'm not quite sure about the D.O.

I know the AACOMAs application is sent out with all the information completed, but then do we wait for secondaries, or is it just waiting for an interview?

The application process between the allopathic and osteopathic medical schools are very similar. You send in your official transcripts and MCAT scores (if applicable) to the respective primary application service, AMCAS for allopathic schools and AACOMAS for osteopathic schools, complete the primary application, wait for verification, process, and the sending out of your primary application to your designated medical schools. Then, you wait for secondary applications from your designations to arrive. In some cases, at least for osteopathic medical schools, you might receive an interview pre-secondary (before you turn in you secondary application). In most cases, however, interviews are offered post-secondary (after you turn in your secondary applications). Most medical schools, both MD and DO, function on a rolling admissions basis, so you basically want to get complete as soon as possible (i.e., have your secondary application, secondary fee, LORs, and other items, turned into the schools as soon as possible).

Also, and sorry if this is a stupid question, on the AACOMA's application, for coursework, it is asked for the AACOMA grade as well as the one shown on the transcript. How exactly are we supposed to calculate them or even know if they are different?

I can't speak to your individual scenario, but I didn't need to calculate anything. I just listed everything as it appeared on my transcript. Accordingly, I filled in the transcript grade. I don't believe I touched the AACOMAS grade column (unless I am mistaken, this is for them to fill out). After you submit your transcripts and primary application, AACOM will verify everything you entered against those transcripts, make any corrections, calculate your GPAs, process your application, and mail it out to your designated schools. If you aren't sure what to do, contact AACOM.

 

[yellow412]

Hello,

I just wanted to see who else has is having this problem. I've called and emailed AACOMAS regarding my transcripts. They still have not received my two transcripts (one send out June 27 and the other 28). They checked my file and surrounding files several times and its still not there.

Anyone else's transcripts getting lost in the mail? I resend both transcripts this week.

Did people's resend transcripts get to AACOMAS?

Thanks!

 

[Jpc984]

Hello,

I just wanted to see who else has is having this problem. I've called and emailed AACOMAS regarding my transcripts. They still have not received my two transcripts (one send out June 27 and the other 28). They checked my file and surrounding files several times and its still not there.

Anyone else's transcripts getting lost in the mail? I resend both transcripts this week.

Did people's resend transcripts get to AACOMAS?

Thanks!

No. But i had to resend them to AMCAS because my school, apparently, sent both copies to aacomas.

 

[Patel1268]

I sent to application in 3 weeks ago and my transcripts and mcat scores 2 weeks ago. everything is ready to go except the mcat scores part of it. why is it taking so long for them to receive them when I sent the scores through aamc. I called them and have asked them and they said to resend it last week. I did so and a week later, no change. My application should have started being reviewed 2 weeks ago, but the damn MCAT scores are taking yrs to be received. what should i do? calling them is obviously stupid cause I've been doing that the past couple days and have been doing everything theyve told me to do, but yet no change on the status. Thanks.

 

[lackoftalent]

I sent to application in 3 weeks ago and my transcripts and mcat scores 2 weeks ago. everything is ready to go except the mcat scores part of it. why is it taking so long for them to receive them when I sent the scores through aamc. I called them and have asked them and they said to resend it last week. I did so and a week later, no change. My application should have started being reviewed 2 weeks ago, but the damn MCAT scores are taking yrs to be received. what should i do? calling them is obviously stupid cause I've been doing that the past couple days and have been doing everything theyve told me to do, but yet no change on the status. Thanks.

Did you enter your SSN in the AACOMAS app? They ususally match up your MCAT with your SSN. I had the same problem until I entered my SSN, afterward they received my scores in the next couple days. Hope this helps!

 

[Kappy1]

I sent to application in 3 weeks ago and my transcripts and mcat scores 2 weeks ago. everything is ready to go except the mcat scores part of it. why is it taking so long for them to receive them when I sent the scores through aamc. I called them and have asked them and they said to resend it last week. I did so and a week later, no change. My application should have started being reviewed 2 weeks ago, but the damn MCAT scores are taking yrs to be received. what should i do? calling them is obviously stupid cause I've been doing that the past couple days and have been doing everything theyve told me to do, but yet no change on the status. Thanks.

Make sure AACOMAS has your SS#. My MCAT score was not added until they had it. I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!!

 

[bioteach]

Same thing happened to me. It was a problem on the MCAT end, rather than the AACOMAS end, though. Dumb MCAT had my SSN listed as 999-99-9999. God only knows why, since I wrote the correct one down both when I registered and then took the darn thing. I had to send a notarized copy of my SSN card and passport to MCAT. It supposedly takes 5-7 business days to fix.

 

[Lamont]

dude. relax. its JULY. youre fine.

call AACOMAS, be very nice to them, they will help out. you could even email them (NICELY).

just stop freaking out, it will be fine.

 

[Patel1268]

haha dont worry, im not freaking it evn though it may seem like it.

Anyways, I guess the application doesnt have my social security number on it and for some reason, they never asked for it on the application. but thanks for the help. i now realize why they havent been able to match the mcat score with my application.

AAMC and the MCAT have my right social security number but for some reason AACOMAS does not. So my next step is to send a notorized copy of my social security card and passport to aacomas?

 

[oatmealeggs]

haha dont worry, im not freaking it evn though it may seem like it.

Anyways, I guess the application doesnt have my social security number on it and for some reason, they never asked for it on the application. but thanks for the help. i now realize why they havent been able to match the mcat score with my application.

AAMC and the MCAT have my right social security number but for some reason AACOMAS does not. So my next step is to send a notorized copy of my social security card and passport to aacomas?

Same thing happened to me. Send a notarized copy of your SSN card and a government issued ID (IE drivers license) to AMCAS. AMCAS will update your SSN, and then you have to release your scores to AACOMAS. The process took about 10 days. Best of luck.

Here is the email correspondence I had with AMCAS:

"If you have registered for the MCAT and the late registration deadline has not passed, you can make changes to any of your identifying and contact information within the registration system. If the deadline has passed, you must send us a letter, with your signature, requesting the change to the MCAT Program Office. If you need us to change your name or Social Security Number, you must include a notarized copy of your government-issued photo identification and your Social Security Card (if applicable). We do not accept faxed copies.

Attn: MCAT File Change

Medical College Admission Test

Association of American Medical Colleges

2450 N. Street NW

Washington, DC 20037-1127

General Inquiries: 202-828-0690 "

 

[JimT30]

How long does it usually take for AACOMAS to send out the applications once they have verified your application?

 

[Kappy1]

How long does it usually take for AACOMAS to send out the applications once they have verified your application?

It takes about a week, sometimes two. If you do a status check it will tell you when your primary's were mailed out.

 

[voitokas]

Hi all - I had some "Incomplete/Absent" grades from my freshman year sixteen years ago. AMCAS did not count these in their GPA calculations, but AACOMAS counted them as F's (which they were). Did anyone have Incompletes *not* counted toward their GPA for AACOMAS? I'm wondering if I should fight it or not...😕

 

[r2cole1]

I am finding huge discrepancies between AACOMAS's calculated GPA's and my own.

My freshman yea sci GPA, for example, there is a difference by .125.


The difference in my cumulative Sci GPA is .1625!!!

Does anyone know the exact formulas they use to come up w/ this?

My freshman term for instance, I calculated my sci GPA calculated as follows:

((credit hour x grade)/(credit hours x 4.0)) = % =>(% x 4.0) => Y = (GPA for that course)

Then, (Y average x 4.0) = Av. GPA for that term

Do they have a different way of calculating GPA?

I appreciate your input.

 

[spicedmanna]

I am finding huge discrepancies between AACOMAS's calculated GPA's and my own.

My freshman yea sci GPA, for example, there is a difference by .125.


The difference in my cumulative Sci GPA is .1625!!!

Does anyone know the exact formulas they use to come up w/ this?

My freshman term for instance, I calculated my sci GPA calculated as follows:

((credit hour x grade)/(credit hours x 4.0)) = % =>(% x 4.0) => Y = (GPA for that course)

Then, (Y average x 4.0) = Av. GPA for that term

Do they have a different way of calculating GPA?

I appreciate your input.

I don't know how they calculate GPA. I've always done it this way:

QPn = (Grade * Credit Hours) --> for a given class

[Sum (QPn)]/(total credit hours) = GPA

You should also be aware that AACOMAS considers BCP to be "science" GPA, not BCPM like AMCAS. AACOMAS doesn't include any math in the science GPA calculation.

 

[Jpc984]

I don't know how they calculate GPA. I've always done it this way:

QPn = (Grade * Credit Hours) --> for a given class

[Sum (QPn)]/(total credit hours) = GPA

You should also be aware that AACOMAS considers BCP to be "science" GPA, not BCPM like AMCAS. AACOMAS doesn't include any math in the science GPA calculation.

in addition, have you retaken courses? If so, those scores replace the previous scores instead of averaging like amcas.

 

[yellow412]

I know I read a similar question somewhere, but I cannot seem to find it.

I have published papers and conferences - where do I put that in my applicatoin - under the "Work Experience" section?

Thanks!

 

[Jpc984]

I know I read a similar question somewhere, but I cannot seem to find it.

I have published papers and conferences - where do I put that in my applicatoin - under the "Work Experience" section?

Thanks!

up to you... if you were a paid researcher, work would be fine. You could also put it in awards... if you wanted.

 

[PullMyFinger]

If I apply to like 10 schools right now and then decide I want to apply to 3 more schools...can I do that on AACOMAS? Or is that just like too much of a weird no go zone?

 

[Jpc984]

i have heard people do it... They send the primaries to schools w/o mcat cut offs then retake the test and submit the rest then. I don't know the logistics, but people have done it.

 

[yellow412]

up to you... if you were a paid researcher, work would be fine. You could also put it in awards... if you wanted.

Thanks! 🙂

So should I put each paper as its separate entry or would I put the paper under the job title that it was published under?

Thanks!

 

[Jpc984]

Thanks! 🙂

So should I put each paper as its separate entry or would I put the paper under the job title that it was published under?

Thanks!

I have a pending article and I put it under the job title... (Research Assistant)

 

[Kappy1]

I know of a few people who did that. The reason was that some of the new schools didn't start accepting primaries until January. I believe Touro-NY was one of those schools.

 

[yellow412]

I have a pending article and I put it under the job title... (Research Assistant)

Thanks again! 🙂

I am putting the papers in the "Awards" section. However, my titles do not fit.

Did your title fit? If not, what did you do?

 

[Jpc984]

Thanks again! 🙂

I am putting the papers in the "Awards" section. However, my titles do not fit.

Did your title fit? If not, what did you do?

maybe just say "publication" and then cite it in the explanation. I doubt they check it out... but who knows.

 

[splashpea]

Hi guys,

Does the majority of D.O. schools look at your highest MCAT score??

thanks!

 

[jp104]

Hi guys,

Does the majority of D.O. schools look at your highest MCAT score??

thanks!

I think they all look at the most recent one. But to be sure, call the schools you are interested in.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

I think they all look at the most recent one. But to be sure, call the schools you are interested in.

👍

 

[Jpc984]

👍

I know some look at all the scores...

 

[Hexanol]

actually, i think they look at ALL your scores. that's why in interviews you get the question "oh you highered your score, how'd you do it?" or questions of that sort.

although, they're gonna concentrate on your most recent, they still look at all of them. The question should be, how much do they take your old scores into account when they evaluate you.

 

[Kappy1]

I know that at NYCOM my interviewer didn't have my MCAT's at all. It depends on the school. Some schools may even take your highest combined score. You need to check with the schools you are interested in.

 

[153606]

Hi,

In the MCAT scores section, does anyone know for certain if we should list ALL the MCATs taken, or just the most recent one?

 

[Dr. Josh]

Do a pre-reqs taken the summer after graduating count in your AMCAS BCP gpa? What if one is replacing a poor grade taken during your senior year? I don't even know what happens to post bac courses taken; where do they come into play? Honestly i haven't looked at the application yet to know how it's listed; can anyone help me out? Thanks!

 

[Jpc984]

Hi,

In the MCAT scores section, does anyone know for certain if we should list ALL the MCATs taken, or just the most recent one?

All! When you release your scores from thx system, schools can see all of them (I am pretty sure).

If I am making this up, please correct me.

 

[Dr. Josh]

Do a pre-reqs taken the summer after graduating count in your AMCAS BCP gpa? What if one is replacing a poor grade taken during your senior year? I don't even know what happens to post bac courses taken; where do they come into play? Honestly i haven't looked at the application yet to know how it's listed; can anyone help me out? Thanks!

wow, no one knows? 😕

 

[146233]

Do a pre-reqs taken the summer after graduating count in your AMCAS BCP gpa? What if one is replacing a poor grade taken during your senior year? I don't even know what happens to post bac courses taken; where do they come into play? Honestly i haven't looked at the application yet to know how it's listed; can anyone help me out? Thanks!

They'll act as any other undergraduate course. As such, a course from senior year repeated in post-bac will be replaced by the post-bac grade.

 

[EEL08]

How long should the job descriptions be. Should I actually expand more on what I did for each one if I can. Right now I just have what I put on my resume which are just short terms summing up what I did. Is it better if I go into more detail and even talk about what I learned from the experience?

Also, I did one practicum as an undergrad and doing one now as a grad student. Neither is paid so would my title be volunteer, intern or what? Thanks!