2008-2009 AMCAS Questions Thread

[LostLost]

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Hey
I have a class called Business and Industrial Psychology offered by Psych department. This is under behavioral science classification right? and not under business?

 

[pianola]

Hey
I have a class called Business and Industrial Psychology offered by Psych department. This is under behavioral science classification right? and not under business?

I would say BESS. But AMCAS might disagree. It's not a big deal either way, though because if AMCAS disagrees, they'll just correct it. 🙂 And it really won't change your BCPM or AO GPA.

 

[Chemist0157]

Is anyone putting church involvement under Work/Activities? I'm thinking about doing it. After all, I've been there my whole life, actively participating in programs and events. And aside from the "spiritual stuff," we do a lot for the community, things adcoms may be interested in knowing.

Any thoughts?

 

[nikkiMD19]

i have a question,

say you want to take out a major activity that you put down during the 08 cycle, do schools compare your 09 primary app versus your 08 primary app to find any discrepancies. I am asking b/c there's a chance I want to take out an activity since I believe my LOR for that activity is mediocre but I have been there for a long time. Thanks!

I think that schools definitely compare applications for reapplicants. If you applied last year and did not get in, then your application this year should be different in some way (depending on what your weakness was)... why would schools make a different decision this cycle if the application is exactly the same? So yes, I think schools do look at previous applications you may have submitted.

Regarding the activity that you want to omit, I don't think it should be that big of a deal, as long as you replace it with something significant. If adcoms notice the activity was not included this cycle, they might just ask you about it during the interview, so be prepared with a good answer as to why you decided not to include it.

 

[nikkiMD19]

Is anyone putting church involvement under Work/Activities? I'm thinking about doing it. After all, I've been there my whole life, actively participating in programs and events. And aside from the "spiritual stuff," we do a lot for the community, things adcoms may be interested in knowing.

Any thoughts?

If this has been a significant experience for you, I definitely think you should include it. I think you should definitely mention the community involvement that came with your being a member of a church and all the events/programs you participated in. Just be careful and remain as neutral as possible when it comes to religious affiliation, because everyone has a different opinion. 😀

 

[Alfred E Newman]

Does anybody know how AMCAS handles transfer credits? Here's my situation:

I took a course at a local community college while home one summer and received a letter grade of "A" for that course on the community college's transcript. My full-time university then required me to submit that transcript to them and they gave me transfer credit for that summer course and the course shows up on my university's transcript with "TR" as my grade denoting transfer credit.

So this course is listed on two transcripts now. Does that mean I have to list the course twice into AMCAS? And does that mean I count the hours of the course twice in trying to determine my academic standing (Freshman/Soph/Jun/Senior)? It doesn't make sense to enter a class I took one time TWICE on the AMCAS. But they do say to list everything on every transcript. Does anybody have knowledge of what I should do? Thanks.

 

[monkeygirl09]

Hi,
I received AP credit for a calc class and then took the class again in college. When I list the class the second time do I need to mark it as a second attempt?
Thanks for the help!

 

[dancermd07]

AMCAS question:

I graduated last June, but I will be taking a calculus class this summer at a local community college to fulfill the third quarter of the math requirement. I want to list this class as a future course under the "Course Work" section, but I have to list the school first. Do I list this school under the "Schools Attended" section since I technically haven't started there yet? If I do, it will ask me for a transcript. How do I get a transcript for a class I haven't taken yet? Will this delay my application?

 

[THX]

I have a question! 🙂

I grew up in a bilingual environment, I always attended French-language schools up to university and my only job (3 summers) was in a French environment. But I'm perfectly bilingual without a hint of an accent in either language. Should I play this up at all in my application? I'm trying to find something that separates me from everyone else and thought might be it - but I'm not sure if it all that special and worth emphasizing.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[UVAbme2009]

Hi,
I received AP credit for a calc class and then took the class again in college. When I list the class the second time do I need to mark it as a second attempt?
Thanks for the help!

I don't think so. It's not really a repeated attempt. I'm calling AMCAS today to ask a few things, so I'll ask about this too.

 

[bozz]

Hi,
I received AP credit for a calc class and then took the class again in college. When I list the class the second time do I need to mark it as a second attempt?
Thanks for the help!

I put repeat.. b/c for me it was like...

FRENCH218 as AP credit for example

the actual class I took was FRENCH218 ... looks like a repeat to me, but I'd be cool if someone knew the answer

 

[Carlin]

I put repeat.. b/c for me it was like...

FRENCH218 as AP credit for example

the actual class I took was FRENCH218 ... looks like a repeat to me, but I'd be cool if someone knew the answer

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a repeat.

I did this with calc I, but when I took calc I at my college, they took away my AP credit, since you can't get credit for the same class twice. On my transcript it lists my AP calc class, but awards me 0 credit hours. And aren't you only supposed to list the AP classes on AMCAS that you got credit for?

 

[premd]

I want to refer to a book that I recently read. Is it possible to underline or italicize on the AMCAS? Or, can I just use quotation marks?

 

[DrYanKu]

ok, this might be a stupid question, but have to ask to be cleared for myself. in AMCAS, there is a section for LOR, but when are they really due? I mean are they due along with AMCAS or professor/supervisor don't have to send them till secondary? I am confused. Someone please send me private message or point out where i can read up more about it.

 

[chad5871]

ok, this might be a stupid question, but have to ask to be cleared for myself. in AMCAS, there is a section for LOR, but when are they really due? I mean are they due along with AMCAS or professor/supervisor don't have to send them till secondary? I am confused. Someone please send me private message or point out where i can read up more about it.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=525299

I want to refer to a book that I recently read. Is it possible to underline or italicize on the AMCAS? Or, can I just use quotation marks?

Nope. Just use quotation marks.

 

[bozz]

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a repeat.

I did this with calc I, but when I took calc I at my college, they took away my AP credit, since you can't get credit for the same class twice. On my transcript it lists my AP calc class, but awards me 0 credit hours. And aren't you only supposed to list the AP classes on AMCAS that you got credit for?

weird.... it gives me credit for the AP class AND the repeat class I took over.. lol

 

[DrJD]

Anyone had a transcript marked received by AMCAS recently?

 

[UVAbme2009]

Anyone had a transcript marked received by AMCAS recently?

Do they mark it on the main page or the transcript page? AMCAS says they are entering the 5/27 received transcripts. I requested mine 5/26, so I'm assuming mine will be entered in sometime next week.

 

[ChemGrad08]

Anyone had a transcript marked received by AMCAS recently?

As of a few minutes ago they hadn't updated the red letters on the front page since Friday, So I'm hoping that by the end of the day they'll be entering 5/28 or 5/29 transcripts.

 

[Carlin]

As of a few minutes ago they hadn't updated the red letters on the front page since Friday, So I'm hoping that by the end of the day they'll be entering 5/28 or 5/29 transcripts.

I've been checking the red letters all day, hoping for a change, and I've been disappointed every time 🙁

 

[locus000]

I confirmed that my university sent out the Transcript on May 21 and I assume it takes 2-3 days to get there. But I havent receive any word from AMCAS that they receive it (No email, no status change). Anyone in the same situation? What should I do? Did I do something wrong?

 

[RockDoc86]

I sent my transcript around the same time that you did and I haven't heard anything from AMCAS either. They're probably just a little behind from those of us applying as early as possible sending our transcripts in at the same time.

 

[DAKAZA]

I can't figure out which term system to use. My school calls each "term" a semester (fall, winter, spring, summer). I noticed that second semester on AMCAS is spring. Therefore, I was going to use the quarter system but there's no option for fourth quarter (summer). Any advice? I'd greatly appreciate it. I emailed AMCAS over a week ago and haven't received a reply.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I confirmed that my university sent out the Transcript on May 21 and I assume it takes 2-3 days to get there. But I havent receive any word from AMCAS that they receive it (No email, no status change). Anyone in the same situation? What should I do? Did I do something wrong?

I sent my transcript around the same time that you did and I haven't heard anything from AMCAS either. They're probably just a little behind from those of us applying as early as possible sending our transcripts in at the same time.

As of a few minutes ago they hadn't updated the red letters on the front page since Friday, So I'm hoping that by the end of the day they'll be entering 5/28 or 5/29 transcripts.

Anyone had a transcript marked received by AMCAS recently?

looks like they must be really backed up on the transcript business...I wonder if that many ppl are really applying early?

 

[bozz]

Finally!

Transcript sent out the 19th ... received the 27th... AMCAS page updated on June 2nd.
2 Whole weeks before they emailed me/AMCAS was updated.

So it's very likely they already have your transcripts... they are just taking forever to update the AMCAS page.

 

[BeardedRunner]

I got the e-mail confirmation a while ago, in this e-mail they wrote that I will be notified if my transcript doesn't match my listed coursework and that my application will be placed on hold.

How do we know if our transcript was approved by AMCAS and when do we find out the GPA that they're supposed to calculate?

 

[premd]

If I attended a conference and co-presented a poster, should I list it under "conference" or "poster/publication?" Also, what should I write in the text section?

 

[locus000]

Thanks for the info about the transcript. Its good to know that im not the only out there.. 😀

 

[MichiganEMTInt]

Is "resident assistant" (RA) considered "paid employment" (not technically paid..just compensated with room and board) or "leadership"?

 

[Carlin]

Is "resident assistant" (RA) considered "paid employment" (not technically paid..just compensated with room and board) or "leadership"?

I would consider that leadership... but I guess that's just my opinion.

 

[nikkiMD19]

If I attended a conference and co-presented a poster, should I list it under "conference" or "poster/publication?" Also, what should I write in the text section?

I think you should list it under "poster/publication" and then in the experience description explain what conference it was you attended and what you presented. Personally, I think listing it as "poster/publication" sounds better because it shows you were an active participant in the conference. 😀

 

[nikkiMD19]

I got the e-mail confirmation a while ago, in this e-mail they wrote that I will be notified if my transcript doesn't match my listed coursework and that my application will be placed on hold.

How do we know if our transcript was approved by AMCAS and when do we find out the GPA that they're supposed to calculate?

The verification process (where they compare what you provided in your AMCAS to your college transcripts) takes about 4-6 weeks. Once that is complete, I'm sure you'll receive an e-mail notifying you of the results.
You can also check the status of your application on the main menu of the application.

When verification is complete, your AMCAS calculated GPA should show up on the application when you prepare a copy of it to print. By clicking "print application" from the main menu, a pdf file of your application will be created and your GPA should show up there once your application has been verified.

 

[scarletgirl777]

I have a question! 🙂

I grew up in a bilingual environment, I always attended French-language schools up to university and my only job (3 summers) was in a French environment. But I'm perfectly bilingual without a hint of an accent in either language. Should I play this up at all in my application? I'm trying to find something that separates me from everyone else and thought might be it - but I'm not sure if it all that special and worth emphasizing.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

I don't know how you could "play that up" in a personal statement about medicine, but that is really cool. You should definitely check the fluency box and maybe it can go in some secondary essays.

 

[lala2626]

how detailed r u guys getting in the rsearch activity box?

 

[BDNF]

I sent my transcript around the same time that you did and I haven't heard anything from AMCAS either. They're probably just a little behind from those of us applying as early as possible sending our transcripts in at the same time.

So is there any point in turning in your application if they haven't received your transcripts?

 

[MissAmanda]

Hey all,

I know people have said this again and again, but seriously it's scary that it takes so long to get the transcripts inputted into the amcas website. If the two week rule is correct, then they should be receiving mine June 7, the day before I plan to send in my app.

Does this mean if they don't have it I will have to wait another two weeks to begin the line to become verified as I wait for them to hopefully receive the ones I resent out on June 9?

How often, does anyone know, do they actually lose transcripts all together? I have 4, and with 2 their transcript form is included.

If it is taking 2 weeks this early, it will likely only get worse as more and more people send in their stuff.

 

[MissAmanda]

So is there any point in turning in your application if they haven't received your transcripts?

I wonder the same thing, is there a benefit to sending it before - like, would they save your spot at the front of the verification line until they receive your transcript if you send in your app earlier, or will you still be at the end of the waiting line for verification no matter when you send in your app, if the transcript is coming later?

 

[chad5871]

The verification process (where they compare what you provided in your AMCAS to your college transcripts) takes about 4-6 weeks.

Usually this is only the case beginning in mid-July. Supposedly if you submit in early June you can get verified anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. However this might change this year as I think we might have a record number of applicants.

 

[UVAbme2009]

One day left!

How long should it take me to get verified after I get my MCAT back (I'm taking it June 13th), if I submit my application tomorrow? It should be right away, right?

 

[Vanguard23]

What would an August mini session be? A Summer Session since it's in the summer?
Also, the course number WOULD include the whole identification, right? So Biology I would be BIOL-1406 and not 1406 under Course Number, correct?

 

[amp3r5and]

i searched the thread and didn't see anything about this:

1) County of legal residence---do i put the county corresponding to my permanent address? or where i live now? it's in the same state.

2) Is there any advantage to putting on GRE scores if you are applying to regular M.D. programs? I took it, but am not sure where my score reports are and am wondering if it'd be beneficial to find them.

3) If i'm planning on moving soon, would it be better to put my preferred address as my parent's and have them forward me any mail? or wait to see where i move to and submit later?

Thanks!

 

[hypnix]

I got 1 of 2 transcripted received and I think I had them mailed on 5/27. Is there any point of submitting my application if my grades are not verified? I ask because I guess I've been frantically trying to finish my Work and Activities by this Friday and want ot calm down 🙂

 

[UVAbme2009]

I put repeat.. b/c for me it was like...

FRENCH218 as AP credit for example

the actual class I took was FRENCH218 ... looks like a repeat to me, but I'd be cool if someone knew the answer

AMCAS says it isn't a repeat. Repeats only count when you receive grades for one course twice.

 

[AbujaMan]

I know this may be a stupid question but I was wondering what the deal was with regards to compressing many different things in the works/activity section. For example, I presented research at 3 conferenced but dont think its necessary to take up 3 slots for that so i was going to put them all together and explain it in the description. is that allowed? i also wanted to do that for honors and stuff like putting all scholarships together and all awards together.

Thanks guys

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I got 1 of 2 transcripted received and I think I had them mailed on 5/27. Is there any point of submitting my application if my grades are not verified? I ask because I guess I've been frantically trying to finish my Work and Activities by this Friday and want ot calm down 🙂

you mailed them out on the 27th and they are already received??? WTF is wrong with these guys.

 

[pinkblue]

I know this may be a stupid question but I was wondering what the deal was with regards to compressing many different things in the works/activity section. For example, I presented research at 3 conferenced but dont think its necessary to take up 3 slots for that so i was going to put them all together and explain it in the description. is that allowed? i also wanted to do that for honors and stuff like putting all scholarships together and all awards together.

Thanks guys

yes, combining similar activities is encouraged.

 

[Carlin]

i searched the thread and didn't see anything about this:

1) County of legal residence---do i put the county corresponding to my permanent address? or where i live now? it's in the same state.

What address is on your driver's license? That's your legal residence.

 

[hypnix]

you mailed them out on the 27th and they are already received??? WTF is wrong with these guys.

Okay, I made an arbitrary date up because I wasn't reading this thread and didn't realize people were sending in their transcripts weeks ago and not receiving them. I sent mine out on May 21st.

Sorry about that. Can someone answer my previous question? 🙂

 

[pluckyduck1105]

Sorry if any of these questions have been asked before

Work/Activities: In my last 2 years of high school, I did a pretty significant research project at Hopkins and I presented it at a bunch of science fairs and such, won 1st place, got an award from USPHS, etc. Can I include this as an activity? I talked to my advisor about it, and she said she was under the impression that all entered activities must be college and beyond.

Medical Schools: I'm interested in doing an MD/MPH, and I've selected many schools that offer this program. On some them there are only 2 options: "Regular M.D." and "Combined Ph.D./graduate," and only the list of different PhD degrees comes up. If this is the case, should I still check the "Combined" option?
I definitely do not want them getting the idea that I want to be considered as a candidate for a Ph.D., and most of the schools I have called said that indicating the dual degree program on AMCAS just lets the adcom know you are interested, and its not the actual application for the dual program b/c you have to be an admitted med student first.

Thanks guys, good luck on all this junk!

 

[sunnysnow7]

is anyone else having problems with the site?

EDIT: amcas site