2008-2009 AMCAS Questions Thread

[iduwanna]

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hi all, i have a question about my Personal Statement.
Is it considered un-wise to make mention of my desire to serve the population of the pacific islands?
is this approach too narrow and possibly against some school's missions?
should i just wait to save this for secondaries?
your insight appreciated,
matt

Matt,

What could you possibly hope to accomplish by offering that information?

I would wait untill someone asks, "Do you someday hope to help those living in the pacific islands?"

 

[Premedico]

I have 2 questions:

1) do we have to send in our AP score transcripts? and do we leave the grade slot blank for AP credit?

2) To what address do we send the transcripts?

Thank you!

 

[spidermann]

Hi,

If I submit my primary, and then send an updated transcript later, will AMCAS immediately update it for all the schools I chose to send it to? Thanks 😀

 

[JDOC13]

I have 2 questions:

1) do we have to send in our AP score transcripts? and do we leave the grade slot blank for AP credit?

2) To what address do we send the transcripts?

Thank you!

1) No. Yes.

2) You do not send the transcripts. You tell your school to send the transcripts to AMCAS. There is a form you need to give your school when requesting transcripts be sent (print it off from AMCAS), and it has the address where they should send your transcripts.

Hi,

If I submit my primary, and then send an updated transcript later, will AMCAS immediately update it for all the schools I chose to send it to? Thanks 😀

I believe that once you submit AMCAS, you don't have to deal with them anymore. I was under the impression that you are suppose to update schools directly with new grades. Could be wrong though.

 

[Pedsbro]

I believe that once you submit AMCAS, you don't have to deal with them anymore. I was under the impression that you are suppose to update schools directly with new grades. Could be wrong though.

Nope, you're right. Grade/transcript updates must be sent to each individual school once you submit AMCAS. There are very few things that can be changed in AMCAS post-submission.

Name
DOB and Sex
Contact Info
LORs (through AMCAS system)
Next MCAT score
Adding more med schools

All other changes must be sent to each school

 

[tco]

Hellllooooo? Can anyone help me please?

I have three questions:

1. When, in the application process, should I send in my letters of recommendation?
2. Should I include all of my classes that I'll be taking next year in my application?
3. I don't have access to my course numbers. Is this going to be a problem?

Thank you.

 

[ghumkumari]

Can anyone plzzzzzzzz help me right now? I finished my Junior year last semsester and hope to graduate in June 2009. I am finishing my Bs degree in one university. My question is-
Start date of the college is August 2005, but what should I put as my end date? If I put June 09, then my transcript request form shows date attended- Aug 05-June 09?
I know this is silly 😕

 

[Pedsbro]

1. When, in the application process, should I send in my letters of recommendation?
2. Should I include all of my classes that I'll be taking next year in my application?
3. I don't have access to my course numbers. Is this going to be a problem?

1. You don't send LORs until you get secondary applications. Send them in with those to each school that sends you a secondary.

2. Yes

3. Don't know. If you're talking about course #'s for your future classes, it may not be an issue. I don't quite see how you don't know...doesn't make sense. If you know the classes you will have to take ahead of time, don't you know their designation at the school you're at? Ask your premed advisor at your school, maybe they can find them for you.

 

[Pedsbro]

Can anyone plzzzzzzzz help me right now? I finished my Junior year last semsester and hope to graduate in June 2009. I am finishing my Bs degree in one university. My question is-
Start date of the college is August 2005, but what should I put as my end date? If I put June 09, then my transcript request form shows date attended- Aug 05-June 09?
I know this is silly 😕

Whatever your expected date of graduation is, put that. If it's in the month of June 2009, then put June 09. Really doesn't matter... I can't fathom what anyone would find wrong with Aug05-June 09.

 

[Premedico]

1) No. Yes.

2) You do not send the transcripts. You tell your school to send the transcripts to AMCAS. There is a form you need to give your school when requesting transcripts be sent (print it off from AMCAS), and it has the address where they should send your transcripts.

Thanks JDOC.

Sorry but I have another doubt. My transcript lists 'S' as the grade for my AP credits. Do I still leave it blank? (AMCAS says grades should match transcript)

 

[JDOC13]

Thanks JDOC.

Sorry but I have another doubt. My transcript lists 'S' as the grade for my AP credits. Do I still leave it blank? (AMCAS says grades should match transcript)

I've heard both. Some people leave it blank, some put "N/A" and I'm sure some do something else...I'd imagine "S" would work, too. I left it blank and had no problems. AMCAS really isn't picky at all. Don't worry about it. Just put something (or leave it blank) and move on.

 

[Atlas80]

Should I put that I was part of an improv troupe and co-hosted a political radio show my freshman year in my AMCAS activities?

Also what is the deal with contact names? Some of the activities I did I never really got to know anyone too well or have fallen out of touch.

 

[JDOC13]

Should I put that I was part of an improv troupe and co-hosted a political radio show my freshman year in my AMCAS activities?

Also what is the deal with contact names? Some of the activities I did I never really got to know anyone too well or have fallen out of touch.

If it had an impact on you and you have space in your EC section, then I would put it. You may be asked about it at interviews so if you don't want to answer questions about it, then leave it off. It's up to you, really.

Put a contact name if one exists. Don't if one doesn't exist. I don't know why they put that part on there since there isn't a place for contact phone number or email address.

 

[Atlas80]

If it had an impact on you and you have space in your EC section, then I would put it. You may be asked about it at interviews so if you don't want to answer questions about it, then leave it off. It's up to you, really.

Put a contact name if one exists. Don't if one doesn't exist. I don't know why they put that part on there since there isn't a place for contact phone number or email address.

I am more worried about the political radio show. The experience was helpful but I'm afraid it will bring up politics and thus friction between me and the interviewer. Not sure whether to leave out that it was political (though they would probably ask in the interview), leave it out completely, or leave it as is.

 

[Onegin]

So I made a stupid mistake and now I need advice...

I submitted my AMCAS last night, and after hitting submit I noticed that it said I was waiting on transcripts. I had already sent those awhile back and gotten receipts from all of them so I was a bit confused as to why it said that.

So, long story short, of my three transcripts, only the one from my main institution is currently part of my 2009 app. The other two (from community colleges) I accidentally submitted using the 2008 transcript request form. I was originally going to apply last year before deciding to take a year off to work and still had access to that site. I did the main university and community college requests at different times, and must have accidentally logged onto the 2008 site to get the forms for the community colleges.

Now, I resent the two CC transcripts today, but they probably won't be sent out until Wednesday, and due to the holiday weekend, won't make it to D.C. until Monday. Overall, I am now figuring that my app probably won't be sent out until the first week of Aug. at the earliest, and probably not until mid-Aug. That's not too late, correct? I know the deadlines are in Oct.-Nov. but I wasn't sure with rolling admissions, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chad5871]

I am more worried about the political radio show. The experience was helpful but I'm afraid it will bring up politics and thus friction between me and the interviewer. Not sure whether to leave out that it was political (though they would probably ask in the interview), leave it out completely, or leave it as is.

I would just leave out the political part. Being a part of a radio show sounds like it would be very interesting and unique and could be helpful during interviews.

So I made a stupid mistake and now I need advice...

I submitted my AMCAS last night, and after hitting submit I noticed that it said I was waiting on transcripts. I had already sent those awhile back and gotten receipts from all of them so I was a bit confused as to why it said that.

So, long story short, of my three transcripts, only the one from my main institution is currently part of my 2009 app. The other two (from community colleges) I accidentally submitted using the 2008 transcript request form. I was originally going to apply last year before deciding to take a year off to work and still had access to that site. I did the main university and community college requests at different times, and must have accidentally logged onto the 2008 site to get the forms for the community colleges.

Now, I resent the two CC transcripts today, but they probably won't be sent out until Wednesday, and due to the holiday weekend, won't make it to D.C. until Monday. Overall, I am now figuring that my app probably won't be sent out until the first week of Aug. at the earliest, and probably not until mid-Aug. That's not too late, correct? I know the deadlines are in Oct.-Nov. but I wasn't sure with rolling admissions, etc.

Thanks in advance.

You shouldn't be that far behind schedule. Just make sure to get your secondaries completed as soon as you get them and you should be alright (if you're a decent applicant).

 

[ghumkumari]

Whatever your expected date of graduation is, put that. If it's in the month of June 2009, then put June 09. Really doesn't matter... I can't fathom what anyone would find wrong with Aug05-June 09.

Thanks ... One more silly Qs I guess.

if I am listing the future courses in AMCAS, does it matter if I end up not taking it?
Also, is it possible to update my ECs after submitting AMCAS ? I mean, since I am continuing my volunteer work and shadowing after submission, is there a way of listing them ?

 

[Onegin]

You shouldn't be that far behind schedule. Just make sure to get your secondaries completed as soon as you get them and you should be alright (if you're a decent applicant).

Yea that's what I figured. I've already done a few of the secondaries. I think I'm pretty decent? MCAT 36R, GPA Overall 3.9, GPA Science 3.8, Two years of research? I think I should be ok? At least that is what I keep telling myself. lolz.

 

[ghumkumari]

Since my shadowing experiences range from summer 2006- November 2007, that too in two different countries, should I be listing them as separate ECs? Or should I put the above date as the start end date and list the experiences separately, including their dates, in the description section?

 

[moto_za]

I submitted my amcas and I now realize that it wont let me delete the letter packet I have on file. I forgot to add a letter writers name. Should I just create a new one and leave the old as is?

 

[Chemist0157]

There seems to be some confusion about this topic, and I would appreciate a clear answer.

Under Course Work, do we or do we not include the credit hours for classes we are taking/planning to take? As of now, I show the credit hours because they should know these classes are current/future since I checked that particular box. But I have heard it both ways so please clarify!

 

[MedicalTalk]

I dont want to spend a ton of money, but i also want good chances. how many schools should i apply too??

 

[ghumkumari]

There seems to be some confusion about this topic, and I would appreciate a clear answer.

Under Course Work, do we or do we not include the credit hours for classes we are taking/planning to take? As of now, I show the credit hours because they should know these classes are current/future since I checked that particular box. But I have heard it both ways so please clarify!

I think u should add the future/current courses and check the box.

 

[Chemist0157]

What I mean is, do we list the credit hours for those current/future classes?

 

[aamna0601]

Is LSU only accepting LA residents right now? They sent me a secondary but at the same time said that their policy right now 'precludes' people from applying unless they are residents??

Thanks in advance all.

 

[aamna0601]

Wow onegin how did you get a 36 on MCAT. People on here continually amaze me with their MCAT scores. Everyones a flippin genius! I have a 3.9 as well (3.98) but only a 31 🙁 But congrats on the awesome score!

 

[BomBom]

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I am entering my courses, I go to a university with quarter system and I took some courses in a junior college as well. I took a course like history for 3 units at the college, and in my university's degree progress report it shows it as 4.5 units since it's a quarter system unlike the CC. So should I put in 3 units or 4.5 when I am listing it under the college? Can you answer ASAP, I want to submit tonight.

 

[aamna0601]

I would say that you should put whatever appears on the CC transcript at which you took the course, *not* at the university at which it converted. Since each Uni has its own system for converting units apparently. Also when you enter that it is a semester-wise school, AMCAS will automatically calculate all that for you I think when they get your official transcripts and verify them.

 

[BomBom]

Thank you very much aamna!

 

[BomBom]

I have another question, Do I need to list all of the classes that I will be taking next year prior to my graduation? I do not have a clear Idea yet. Thanks for your answers

 

[JDOC13]

I have another question, Do I need to list all of the classes that I will be taking next year prior to my graduation? I do not have a clear Idea yet. Thanks for your answers

Enter any and all courses you plan to take next year.

 

[JDOC13]

What I mean is, do we list the credit hours for those current/future classes?

Of course. Why wouldn't you?

 

[JDOC13]

I dont want to spend a ton of money, but i also want good chances. how many schools should i apply too??

About 15-20. Maybe less if you are a stronger applicant. Maybe more if you are a weaker applicant.

 

[JDOC13]

I submitted my amcas and I now realize that it wont let me delete the letter packet I have on file. I forgot to add a letter writers name. Should I just create a new one and leave the old as is?

Create a new one, but I believe you need to let AMCAS know that you won't be sending them the letter packet that you previously listed.

 

[JDOC13]

Since my shadowing experiences range from summer 2006- November 2007, that too in two different countries, should I be listing them as separate ECs? Or should I put the above date as the start end date and list the experiences separately, including their dates, in the description section?

I would list all shadowing as one EC and then explain each experience in the description box.

 

[JDOC13]

Thanks ... One more silly Qs I guess.

if I am listing the future courses in AMCAS, does it matter if I end up not taking it?

No, but only list courses you plan on taking.

Also, is it possible to update my ECs after submitting AMCAS ? I mean, since I am continuing my volunteer work and shadowing after submission, is there a way of listing them ?

You can update schools directly, but you don't use AMCAS anymore once you submit.

 

[ghumkumari]

I finished my grade twelve in a different country. When I got into a university here ,they took credits for my twelve grade courses ( more like AP) but did not give me any letter grade. They counted those courses as electives and gave me "P" for Pass / Fail. I am confused about how to report these courses. Also, in my transcript they are seen as course 1,2, 3.. not explicitly stating what they are ( I got credit for Bio and chem electives) .. so the courses don't have a name. Can anyone suggest anything?
Thanks

 

[ghumkumari]

No, but only list courses you plan on taking.





You can update schools directly, but you don't use AMCAS anymore once you submit.

Thanks 🙂

 

[JDOC13]

I finished my grade twelve in a different country. When I got into a university here ,they took credits for my twelve grade courses ( more like AP) but did not give me any letter grade. They counted those courses as electives and gave me "P" for Pass / Fail. I am confused about how to report these courses. Also, in my transcript they are seen as course 1,2, 3.. not explicitly stating what they are ( I got credit for Bio and chem electives) .. so the courses don't have a name. Can anyone suggest anything?
Thanks

You don't need to report a score for AP credits (or similar credits).
Not sure what to do about the course name part, but when in doubt, go with the rule "course work entered on AMCAS should match what is listed on your transcript."

 

[Begaster]

The front page is currently saying:

We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 07.01.08. It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application once we've received your official transcripts and you've submitted your completed application.



I thought the verification process was supposed to take time. They're already inputting people who applied today?

 

[XRanger]

So for one of my letter request form for AMCAS, I entered the author's address wrong. Does this matter? cause i'm using interfolio and I already have the letter in interfolio database so I won't be sending this letter request form directly to the author.
Can I just leave it or do I have to make a new letter request form?

 

[Red Potato]

Just a quick question:

How do you update schools of an upcoming MCAT score? I had to retake after AMCAS was already verified. Do I have to add the new release date in Standarized Tests and then submit application again??

 

[JDOC13]

The front page is currently saying:

We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 07.01.08. It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application once we've received your official transcripts and you've submitted your completed application.



I thought the verification process was supposed to take time. They're already inputting people who applied today?

That just means that they are putting your transcripts in your file (and doing the same for everyone else). It still takes up to 6 weeks to get verified.

 

[JDOC13]

So for one of my letter request form for AMCAS, I entered the author's address wrong. Does this matter? cause i'm using interfolio and I already have the letter in interfolio database so I won't be sending this letter request form directly to the author.
Can I just leave it or do I have to make a new letter request form?

I would leave it. I don't think AMCAS needs the address for anything.

 

[JDOC13]

Just a quick question:

How do you update schools of an upcoming MCAT score? I had to retake after AMCAS was already verified. Do I have to add the new release date in Standarized Tests and then submit application again??

I would call AMCAS on this one. Although I know some schools have a section for this sort of thing on their secondary.

 

[Begaster]

That just means that they are putting your transcripts in your file (and doing the same for everyone else). It still takes up to 6 weeks to get verified.

Oh.

Lame. 🙁

Is it actually taking six weeks right now?

 

[JDOC13]

Oh.

Lame. 🙁

Is it actually taking six weeks right now?

I don't think so. Probably more like 2-3 weeks. This is a thread on this topic that has more specifics.

 

[Nishtar]

So when I was filling out my AMCAS, I indicated that I will be taking additional MCAT (my first) on the 05/27/08. Now my processed/verified AMCAS has my MCAT scores from the 05/27/08, but still indicates that I plan on taking the MCAT on 05/27/08.

Do you think med schools would actually see that I plan on taking additional MCAT and consider my application incomplete?

What should i do? Call AMCAS?

Thanks.

 

[PowerButton]

I have a question about letters of rec that I haven't been able to find a definitive answer to - if this has already been talked about, please point me in the right place and i apologize for duplicating a topic.

My school doesn't have a premed committee and I am collecting my letters in a file service they have. I guess when the letters are all in, I just need to ask the file service to send it to AMCAS.

What is the deadline for this? I have been told that you do not need to submit your letters with your AMCAS - does that mean I can submit my primary app now, and then send the letters in later?

I know there's the whole VE packet thing on AMCAS - how does that come into play regarding deadlines?

Thanks.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

I have a question about letters of rec that I haven't been able to find a definitive answer to - if this has already been talked about, please point me in the right place and i apologize for duplicating a topic.

My school doesn't have a premed committee and I am collecting my letters in a file service they have. I guess when the letters are all in, I just need to ask the file service to send it to AMCAS.

What is the deadline for this? I have been told that you do not need to submit your letters with your AMCAS - does that mean I can submit my primary app now, and then send the letters in later?

I know there's the whole VE packet thing on AMCAS - how does that come into play regarding deadlines?

Thanks.

ummm..theres probably no rush....but ASAP would be best..

dont forget to upload the letter request forms to the letter service as well.