2007 AACOMAS Questions/Concerns

[Packamylase]

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I'm thinking that we can have a meeting thread for all those people with questions and concerns about the 2007 AACOMAS application and process.

It had been mentioned that these apps could be sent out as soon as possible. Is that true? Is June 1st the first day that these apps can be sent out?

Thanks and feel free to post any questions you may have here.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I'm thinking that we can have a meeting thread for all those people with questions and concerns about the 2007 AACOMAS application and process.

It had been mentioned that these apps could be sent out as soon as possible. Is that true? Is June 1st the first day that these apps can be sent out?

Thanks and feel free to post any questions you may have here.

Yes. Anytime in the month of June should be fine.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I'm thinking that we can have a meeting thread for all those people with questions and concerns about the 2007 AACOMAS application and process.

It had been mentioned that these apps could be sent out as soon as possible. Is that true? Is June 1st the first day that these apps can be sent out?

Thanks and feel free to post any questions you may have here.

Thanks for setting this up. I had my question on another thread and it was unanswered. My question is, is the extracurricular, volunteer, etc...section really limited to a 100 character description. According to the directions, its limited to 750 characters. I emailed them about this but was wondering if someone knew offhand.

 

[chopstick1]

Thanks for setting this up. I had my question on another thread and it was unanswered. My question is, is the extracurricular, volunteer, etc...section really limited to a 100 character description. According to the directions, its limited to 750 characters. I emailed them about this but was wondering if someone knew offhand.

I dont remember it being so short, 750 sounds about right. 100 characters is less than your reply above. I know I wrote a few sentences about each activity. on a few secondaries they cut you off at 100 or so. make sure you save it on word then adjust as needed. good luck! 👍

 

[clement]

I'm thinking that we can have a meeting thread for all those people with questions and concerns about the 2007 AACOMAS application and process.

It had been mentioned that these apps could be sent out as soon as possible. Is that true? Is June 1st the first day that these apps can be sent out?

Thanks and feel free to post any questions you may have here.

Does anyone know if AP classes can ever get figured into your GPA? My schools only gives you units (not grades) for AP classes...THANK YOU

 

[Packamylase]

Does anyone know if AP classes can ever get figured into your GPA? My schools only gives you units (not grades) for AP classes...THANK YOU

If your transcript does not list a grade, I think it will be the same for the AACOMAS application. It will be listed as a credit, I assume.

 

[Packamylase]

Thanks for setting this up. I had my question on another thread and it was unanswered. My question is, is the extracurricular, volunteer, etc...section really limited to a 100 character description. According to the directions, its limited to 750 characters. I emailed them about this but was wondering if someone knew offhand.

Where did you get the 100 characters idea from? The directions say 750 characters are allowed.

I'm very happy that the personal statement allows for 4500 characters!!!

 

[Packamylase]

Curiously, How many schools are people applying to?

I'll probably end up applying to 12: NSU, CCOM, MSU, KCUMB, KCOM, UNJMDSOM, OU, OSU, PCOM-PA, PCOM-GA, VCOM, and WVSOM.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Where did you get the 100 characters idea from? The directions say 750 characters are allowed.

I'm very happy that the personal statement allows for 4500 characters!!!

I tried submitting something longer than 100 characters and a prompt comes up telling me that I have exceeded the 100 character limit for the description. Its weird. Maybe its a glitch? I tried it again and it worked out. Maybe I should have taken the advice of my friend and not tried to fill it out until a few weeks down the line when the bugs have been fixed.

Thanks for the help though. 😳

 

[Packamylase]

I tried submitting something longer than 100 characters and a prompt comes up telling me that I have exceeded the 100 character limit for the description. Its weird. Maybe its a glitch?

I've only filled out entries under 'work experiences', and I haven't had any of those problems, yet.

Does that problem still exist? Have you heard back from AACOM, yet? Interested to hear.

 

[Packamylase]

I tried submitting something longer than 100 characters and a prompt comes up telling me that I have exceeded the 100 character limit for the description. Its weird. Maybe its a glitch? I tried it again and it worked out. Maybe I should have taken the advice of my friend and not tried to fill it out until a few weeks down the line when the bugs have been fixed.

Thanks for the help though. 😳

Just to test it out, I just wrote out a description under the volunteer, extracurricular section that was more than 100 characters, and it allowed it.

 

[christvida]

what classes are counted toward the BCPM? is it just chem, biochem, bio/zoology, math, and other science? also are grad school classes counted in this?

 

[OSUdoc08]

what classes are counted toward the BCPM? is it just chem, biochem, bio/zoology, math, and other science? also are grad school classes counted in this?

There is no "BCPM" with AACOMAS, but rather "BCP."

Any course in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics count.

Math does NOT count.

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

on the AACOMAS application. for repeated courses do we list grades for each time we took the class because you cannot proceed without listing a grade for any class you put repeat or non-repeat. and for the first time the class was taken, we are supposed to pick repeat01 right? what does 01 mean. also the second time the class was taken we are supposed to pick lastrepeat01 right, so it can correspond to repeat01? i want to make sure because last time my repeat was counted along with the first time i took the class (i.e. one class counted twice). also what do we put for classes that are in progress?

 

[HunterGatherer]

on the AACOMAS application. for repeated courses do we list grades for each time we took the class because you cannot proceed without listing a grade for any class you put repeat or non-repeat. and for the first time the class was taken, we are supposed to pick repeat01 right? what does 01 mean. also the second time the class was taken we are supposed to pick lastrepeat01 right, so it can correspond to repeat01? i want to make sure because last time my repeat was counted along with the first time i took the class (i.e. one class counted twice). also what do we put for classes that are in progress?

R01 for first class repeated (bio 101)
L01 for final time you took the class (bio 101)

R02 for second class repeated (phys 101)
R02 for the second class repeated for second time (phys 101)
L02 for final time taken (phys 101)



01, 02, 03 etc is to keep track of the number courses you repeated.

You need to put a grade for all courses taken. The adcom want to see all the scores you earned even for repeats. Just be sure all of your repeats match up to a lastrepeat and vice versa. The numbering system should help with that.

Don't be afraid to call AACOMAS and post what you find out.

 

[HunterGatherer]

what classes are counted toward the BCPM? is it just chem, biochem, bio/zoology, math, and other science? also are grad school classes counted in this?

There is a detailed answer in the pre-osteo FAQ or you can look at the HELP section for grades once you log into your AACOMAS primary

 

[christvida]

There is a detailed answer in the pre-osteo FAQ or you can look at the HELP section for grades once you log into your AACOMAS primary

thanks

 

[HunterGatherer]

There a bunch of different GPA calculated by AACOMAS. I did not go to grad school so I'm sure of the answer. Just replying so someone else may help you out.

also are grad school classes counted in this?

 

[HunterGatherer]

Are you guys cutting and pasting into AACOMAS? Some people had problems with this and the trick was to cut and past into "notepad" I guess to remove source formatting and then cutting and pasting from notepad into AACOMAS. Wish AACOMAS would fix this problem of cutting and pasting.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Does anyone know if AP classes can ever get figured into your GPA? My schools only gives you units (not grades) for AP classes...THANK YOU

Are you guys actually using the INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS SECTION button on AACOMAS?


Advanced Placement or specific Advanced Placement CLEP, Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate, or Advance Placement Military: Please indicate the appropriate form of advanced placement. The subjects and credit hours you received for these courses must appear on your official transcript. If these do not appear on the transcript, an official letter from the registrar is required. Advanced placement credit appearing on the transcript without subject or course names will be classified as non-science unless official documentation is received. If a letter grade is shown on the official transcript, the letter grade should be listed in the AACOMAS Grade entry and included in your GPA calculations. If a grade is not shown on the official transcript or the course is indicated as being passed, then enter the semester hours and, under AACOMAS grade, select "Advanced Placement".

 

[clement]

Are you guys actually using the INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS SECTION button on AACOMAS?


Advanced Placement or specific Advanced Placement CLEP, Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate, or Advance Placement Military: Please indicate the appropriate form of advanced placement. The subjects and credit hours you received for these courses must appear on your official transcript. If these do not appear on the transcript, an official letter from the registrar is required. Advanced placement credit appearing on the transcript without subject or course names will be classified as non-science unless official documentation is received. If a letter grade is shown on the official transcript, the letter grade should be listed in the AACOMAS Grade entry and included in your GPA calculations. If a grade is not shown on the official transcript or the course is indicated as being passed, then enter the semester hours and, under AACOMAS grade, select "Advanced Placement".

Actually, I read that and that's why I'm confused! So...If your transcript lists GRADES for AP CLASSES, they will get calculated with the rest of your grades in your GPA...Fair enough...HOWEVER, it does not say what to do in a case where you were granted ONLY UNITS for biology and NO GRADE...Technically, this could be input in your GPA toward the UNITS ATTEMPTED part of the ratio? Again, my school only grants units for getting a 3 or higher on AP tests, no grade is assigned for AP tests.

 

[jigglyboo]

OK, I'll second the issue of the character max on the extracurriculars. 750 is allowed on both work and extracurriculars area b/ it still won't allow it on the x-tra area. i've repeatedly cut and paste and all that jazz. Something they just gotta fix

 

[cee]

out of curiosity, where do non-medical related internships go? do they go under extracurriculars/volunteer/etc? or do they go under work experience?

also, if april 2006 was the first time we took the mcat, do we need to wait for those scores to come in? [on a side note, do our mcat scores get mailed to us or something? i dont remember giving AAMC an email to send a score to]


BTW, AACOMAS interface isnt as ghetto as I thought it would be

 

[HunterGatherer]

out of curiosity, where do non-medical related internships go? do they go under extracurriculars/volunteer/etc? or do they go under work experience?

also, if april 2006 was the first time we took the mcat, do we need to wait for those scores to come in? [on a side note, do our mcat scores get mailed to us or something? i dont remember giving AAMC an email to send a score to]


BTW, AACOMAS interface isnt as ghetto as I thought it would be

yeah, it's ghetto corporate.

if you were to cubmit your application on June 1st AACOMAS will not be done processing your application before your grades come out in June 15th. So when your primary is ready it should go out with your MCAT scores included otherwise your primary goes out and AACOMAS updates all the schools you sent a primary. It takes 7-14 days for scores to be transferred from THx to AACOMAS then finally to your designated schools.

I'd put the internship in work experience and describe it. If you had to do a poster presentation or anything for the internship you may want to note that in the honors/awards section.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Actually, I read that and that's why I'm confused! So...If your transcript lists GRADES for AP CLASSES, they will get calculated with the rest of your grades in your GPA...Fair enough...HOWEVER, it does not say what to do in a case where you were granted ONLY UNITS for biology and NO GRADE...Technically, this could be input in your GPA toward the UNITS ATTEMPTED part of the ratio? Again, my school only grants units for getting a 3 or higher on AP tests, no grade is assigned for AP tests.

looks like you need to ask the register for that note or call AACOMAS for suggestions.

Also if it 3/5 you may want to mark it as below. trying to push for a letter grade may not be the best thing.

Grade:N/A
AACOMAS GRADE:Advance Placement
Hours: 3 units
classification:AP CLEP

AACOMAS
5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-968-4190
[email protected]

 

[medschoolsoon]

I finished my online app for 2007 and was wondering if I had to wait until June 1 to actually submit it or if I could do it now. Thanks.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I finished my online app for 2007 and was wondering if I had to wait until June 1 to actually submit it or if I could do it now. Thanks.

Wait 'til June 1st.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I finished my online app for 2007 and was wondering if I had to wait until June 1 to actually submit it or if I could do it now. Thanks.

Hot damn!! Now the pressure is on for all the others who want to submit June 1st.

 

[poormansDO]

anybody know how to designate courses that are in progress for AACOMAS application.

 

[HunterGatherer]

anybody know how to designate courses that are in progress for AACOMAS application.

when you "add a new session" you must mark the session "planned/in progress" or "completed"

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I finished my online app for 2007 and was wondering if I had to wait until June 1 to actually submit it or if I could do it now. Thanks.

The instructions on the website said June 1st.

 

[kiddingme]

Quick Question: For a class that has been withdrawn, then taken in a later semester is that listed as a Repeat course? just want to make sure I have the coding in properly..... 😕

 

[HunterGatherer]

Quick Question: For a class that has been withdrawn, then taken in a later semester is that listed as a Repeat course? just want to make sure I have the coding in properly..... 😕

Grade: 'W' or whatever your school uses
AACPMAS Grade: withdrawn
hours: must enter the hours for all courses including failures
classification:withdrawn

 

[kiddingme]

thanx for the response but i should have made the question clearer, what designation do i give to the class when i finally completed it.

 

[Packamylase]

Thank you Hunter and OSUDoc.

Should I submit MCAT and transcripts now or should I wait 'til June 1st when they have an application on record for me?

 

[OSUdoc08]

Thank you Hunter and OSUDoc.

Should I submit MCAT and transcripts now or should I wait 'til June 1st when they have an application on record for me?

Since it takes time for your school to send the transcripts, go ahead and request them now.

 

[HunterGatherer]

thanx for the response but i should have made the question clearer, what designation do i give to the class when i finally completed it.

a withdrawn course is not considered a repeat. you are not going to mark the completed course as "last repeat". repeats are for courses that you actually received a grade. hope that helps.

 

[kiddingme]

thanks huntergatherer! 👍

 

[hopefulM.D.]

But I've heard that for the letters of recommendation, it is required that one get a lor from a D.O. I only have one from an M.D. Is there anyway that the letter from the M.D. would be sufficient? (as well as letters from college profs)

 

[Whatsamatta U]

Ok quick question. For all the little descripitions under work experiences, volunteer, research etc., do we write full sentences or quick bullet type points? Does it matter?

 

[OSUdoc08]

But I've heard that for the letters of recommendation, it is required that one get a lor from a D.O. I only have one from an M.D. Is there anyway that the letter from the M.D. would be sufficient? (as well as letters from college profs)

It depends on the school. Some require DO letters specifically. Contact the schools and ask, as it is not to late to get to know a DO over the summer.

 

[medhacker]

Ok quick question. For all the little descripitions under work experiences, volunteer, research etc., do we write full sentences or quick bullet type points? Does it matter?

Whatever you feel will depict your application in the best light. You should be selling yourself and putting yourself in the shoes of an ADCOM member while at it.

Look at what you may have to list and what you find is most appropriate to display it. Best wishes!

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

But I've heard that for the letters of recommendation, it is required that one get a lor from a D.O. I only have one from an M.D. Is there anyway that the letter from the M.D. would be sufficient? (as well as letters from college profs)

Some prefer a letter from a D.O. versus an M.D. Make sure you read their requirements. And...its not too premature to ask that question. You should be asking for LORs right now.

 

[cee]

can we check online if AACOMAS has received our transcripts? or do we have to call them to find out? (the latter would absolutely SUCK, by the way)

 

[toothless rufus]

Anyone else getting "Forbidden: You don't have access, sucka!" Or "Not Found" while trying to fill out their app?

 

[Doc Martins]

Anyone else getting "Forbidden: You don't have access, sucka!" while trying to fill out their app?

I am too! What the heck is going on?

 

[Boner]

Anyone else getting "Forbidden: You don't have access, sucka!" Or "Not Found" while trying to fill out their app?

I got it too. What a way to start the day

 

[john_danko]

I'm reading the instructions for the coursework portion and it says to enter spring classes you took after the new year as being taken prior to jan. 1. For example, I just finished my spring 06 semester...Do I enter it in as spring 05?
Thanks

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I'm reading the instructions for the coursework portion and it says to enter spring classes you took after the new year as being taken prior to jan. 1. For example, I just finished my spring 06 semester...Do I enter it in as spring 05?
Thanks

I had the same question. When I did it as taken post jan. 1, it oriented the courses before the fall. Weird!

 

[HunterGatherer]

can we check online if AACOMAS has received our transcripts? or do we have to call them to find out? (the latter would absolutely SUCK, by the way)

Yes, you are able to see when transcripts come in by logging onto AACOMAS. When you log on you will see the box for "Transcripts" on the top left corner. Click on that. It should show status as "pending" and "received"

Don't be afraid to resend transcripts! Don't wait too long to do it. It's only $3-$6.