## 2008-2009 Application Season ## Post AACOMAS questions HERE!!!

[jimboapu]

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Although it is up and running.... are you able to submit yet? Or is it like the AMCAS where it is up, but you can't submit for a few weeks yet. Let me know. Thanks.

Thats a good question, I didn't see any information on the application itself about that. Does anyone know when they take submissions?

 

[Live4Life]

Oneida, from everything I have read and the re-applicant "prep" talk given at my university by the pre-health advisor, you should start from scratch.

 

[Fp02c]

ALI DO.. i figured it out.. it is counting any math classes as Science instead of non science

 

[aliDO]

ALI DO.. i figured it out.. it is counting any math classes as Science instead of non science

Ok, thanks! That is what I thought. I didn't know if there was more to it or not. I don't really know if that hurts or helps me. I'm going to check now.

 

[aliDO]

so, I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but her goes...

If I took a pre-calculus algebra class that was 4 credit hours, got a C and then retook a pre-calculus algebra/trig class a few years later that was 3 credit hours and got an A, do I count both grades because the second had less hours? They were the same class, the three hour one was at a community college and to refresh me before calculus.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

From what I read in the instructions, say you take a course in summer 2005, then the prior spring (actually spring 2005), you would list as spring 2004 and the new school year begins with the summer sessions so it is summer 2005. Quite confusing, it would be much more simple if they would just have us list the courses as they appear on our transcripts.

Where did you read that? I can't even get to the instructions anymore!

 

[thethethe]

hey guys, i put my grades into the gpa calculator and my gpa seems way off. are you guys still having problems at this time, like 10pm est.

 

[aliDO]

hey guys, i put my grades into the gpa calculator and my gpa seems way off. are you guys still having problems at this time, like 10pm est.

yes, way off. I'm calling in the morning to see what's up.

 

[francais7979]

So is MATH now counted as part of your science GPA???? Is this a new rule for this year?

 

[Fp02c]

I dont think so.. actually.. i reallly really hope not...

 

[unthockey20]

...this has been asked already but I have been filling out AACOMAS and TMDSAS apps all day plus I have been working everyday since the 20th, so my brain is a little mushy but ..... where can I find actual matriculates GPA, MCAT, in state vs OOS acceptance stuff? I have found the minimum GPA and MCAT scores needed for secondaries but nothing that is really relevant for me. I am a Texas resident with 3.23 GPA and 26 MCAT (which I just retook). Which schools would be best for me to apply to? I want to apply broadly and early but I do not want to waste time or money. 😕

 

[francais7979]

OH no!! this scary because that means computer science is also counted as Math!!!!

 

[prionsRbad]

so, I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but her goes...

If I took a pre-calculus algebra class that was 4 credit hours, got a C and then retook a pre-calculus algebra/trig class a few years later that was 3 credit hours and got an A, do I count both grades because the second had less hours? They were the same class, the three hour one was at a community college and to refresh me before calculus.

Yes, you can count it as a repeat even thought the credits are different. I did this with 2 classes last year. Just designate the first class as "percalc/algebra repeat 01" and the second as "precalc algebra/trig last repeat 01". 🙂

 

[prionsRbad]

Math is not included in the science GPA. They are probably just working out a glitch or something.

The instructions clearly state this:

AACOMAS will calculate your GPA and credit hours according to the following rules – GPAs and credit hours will be calculated for Science, Non-Science and All course work. Science GPAs include Biology/Zoology, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Other Science, and Physics. Non-science GPAs include Behavioral Science, English, Math, and Other Non-science.

Courses with AACOMAS grades of Pass, Non-pass, and Advanced Placement are not included in GPA calculations. Only the last instance of a repeated course is included in GPA calculation.

April 28, 2008

 

[francais7979]

Thanks PrionsRbad!!!!

 

[Doc Henry]

ugh...I just entered everything in quarter hours...now I have to go back and convert to semester AND my classes are all out of order because of how they define a year as Summer to Spring instead of Fall to Summer

 

[Doc Henry]

Oh, and WTF is up with the conversion scale for quarters? They say 5 quarter hours is equal to 3.3 semester, but when you enter 3.3, it just shows up as 3!?!?

 

[Fp02c]

for the description of volunteering activities is it better to write a short narrative explaining what we did or to use bullitins

 

[Live4Life]

Where did you read that? I can't even get to the instructions anymore!

I can't get to the instructions anymore either, they have apparently disappeared...lol, this is an interesting beginning

Is anyone else having trouble having their race and ethnicity remain after they save that page (also the Do you have materials under another name? question). As soon as I click save, they disappear.

 

[MedStudentWanna]

yes, way off. I'm calling in the morning to see what's up.

Do me a favor and ask them how you enter summer terms too?

 

[MedStudentWanna]

for the description of volunteering activities is it better to write a short narrative explaining what we did or to use bullitins

On the pre-allo board, Lizzy M who's an adcom posted that she prefers bullets.

 

[thethethe]

how do i quote somebody? im a newb lol

and when i was adding my course, they were not in order, it was listed as-

spring 07
spring 07
fall 07
fall 07
spring 06
fall06

is that the way it is suppose to be?

 

[that1guyfromFL]

My science GPA is wonky too.

I think you are right, I believe it's adding my math as well.
😕

 

[matlabsux]

Hey guys, in 2004 I applied to med school and was accepted to only 1. it was way too expensive and i really wanted to go to a DO school. I never responded to their acceptance letter nor did I ever pay to hold a spot in the class. does this mean I matriculated? I have spent the last 3.5 years working in the medical field and saving money. Do i report this acceptance? if I don't will the DO school do a check for any previous application I made?

 

[seven87]

Where should we put publications?

 

[RySerr21]

Where should we put publications?

i put it in the awards/honors/scholarships section. it makes the most sense out of the options that you have

 

[seven87]

i put it in the awards/honors/scholarships section. it makes the most sense out of the options that you have

So you don't put the actual bibliography type of thing, just "second author publication" and the dept you worked in?

 

[Bacchus]

The APP is down. Its unresponsive.

Is there a better way to do the descriptions than over others? Bullets seem clean, but are they necessary?

 

[DarkHorizon]

One more question, I took a skills class at one of the colleges that I attended. It shows differently on my transcript, has a whole separate GPA and is not included in my overall GPA. I guess all the regular classes were called credit classes, and this was skills. Anyways, how do I go about putting that down on AACOMAS? Will AACOMAS add that into GPA?

 

[prionsRbad]

One more question, I took a skills class at one of the colleges that I attended. It shows differently on my transcript, has a whole separate GPA and is not included in my overall GPA. I guess all the regular classes were called credit classes, and this was skills. Anyways, how do I go about putting that down on AACOMAS? Will AACOMAS add that into GPA?

Just list them as they are on your transcript. You got grades for the classes, right? If AACOMAS disagrees they will change it during verification.

 

[prionsRbad]

Hey guys, in 2004 I applied to med school and was accepted to only 1. it was way too expensive and i really wanted to go to a DO school. I never responded to their acceptance letter nor did I ever pay to hold a spot in the class. does this mean I matriculated? I have spent the last 3.5 years working in the medical field and saving money. Do i report this acceptance? if I don't will the DO school do a check for any previous application I made?

Yes, you were accepted to a medical school, therefore you matriculated.

Definition:
ma·tric·u·late (m-trky-lt)
tr. & intr.v. ma·tric·u·lat·ed, ma·tric·u·lat·ing, ma·tric·u·lates
To admit or be admitted into a group, especially a college or university.

If you choose not to disclose this information on your application (in other words if you lie) you can be expelled for academic dishonesty at any point during med school, should they find out. Seems like a stupid risk to take, IMO.

This same question was asked earlier today: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6594913&postcount=102

 

[matlabsux]

Do you guys think it will hurt my chances turning down an MD school years ago? As I said it was impossible for me to afford, I had no idea how expensive it was when I applied and the package I was offered included no grants or scholarships. Plus, I really wanted to attend a DO school but I didn't get accepted to any ( I only applied to like 8 total schools). Thanx for all the feedback.

 

[Jpc984]

Do you guys think it will hurt my chances turning down an MD school years ago? As I said it was impossible for me to afford, I had no idea how expensive it was when I applied and the package I was offered included no grants or scholarships. Plus, I really wanted to attend a DO school but I didn't get accepted to any ( I only applied to like 8 total schools). Thanx for all the feedback.

Shouldn't be a problem. It isn't like you went for a semester than failed out...

 

[RySerr21]

So you don't put the actual bibliography type of thing, just "second author publication" and the dept you worked in?

i see your point.... but where else would it go? the EC/volunteer section?? it seems kinda weird there.

right now I have "co authored - Name of article" under the name of awards section and i have the name of the journal under "organization" which doenst really make much sense either..... i take it you just put the name of the department? or I could put the school that i did it at? i dunno

EDIT: i think i figured what i'm going to do. Im just goin to put it in my work experience. the employer being the school i did it at, my title being research assistant (can you think of something better?)...and then in the description i'll explain what my job entailed of and list the end results with the reference to the publication....what do you think?

 

[Airlife91]

This may have already been answered but does anyone know the address for where transcripts should be sent for aacomas?

 

[MedStudentWanna]

how do i quote somebody? im a newb lol

and when i was adding my course, they were not in order, it was listed as-

spring 07
spring 07
fall 07
fall 07
spring 06
fall06

is that the way it is suppose to be?

There's a quote button on the bottom of the posts. We're all trying to figure out why courses aren't in order.

Yes, you were accepted to a medical school, therefore you matriculated.

I thought matriculated means actually starting.

 

[seven87]

I'll probably keep it in awards but mention the actual work under work experience and mention that the publication under awards is from that... or something.

 

[Omashu]

(also the Do you have materials under another name? question). As soon as I click save, they disappear.

I was entering my maiden name and not my first name. You must enter your first name too.

 

[aliDO]

Yes, you can count it as a repeat even thought the credits are different. I did this with 2 classes last year. Just designate the first class as "percalc/algebra repeat 01" and the second as "precalc algebra/trig last repeat 01". 🙂

Just to verify (because i'm paranoid), you did see that the repeat was less hours, right? Thanks so much for all your help prions!

Also, I called and they said they would look into the whole math thing. It is probably just a glitch. I called before I saw to ask about the dates. I'll call again later this afternoon.

The address I sent my transcripts to was...
AACOMAS
5550 Friendship Blvd, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

I did not put a specific department, just AACOMAS. I hope that is ok.

 

[t-funk]

i see your point.... but where else would it go? the EC/volunteer section?? it seems kinda weird there.

right now I have "co authored - Name of article" under the name of awards section and i have the name of the journal under "organization" which doenst really make much sense either..... i take it you just put the name of the department? or I could put the school that i did it at? i dunno

EDIT: i think i figured what i'm going to do. Im just goin to put it in my work experience. the employer being the school i did it at, my title being research assistant (can you think of something better?)...and then in the description i'll explain what my job entailed of and list the end results with the reference to the publication....what do you think?

That's what I would do!

And I'm pretty sure Prions is right with how you enter coursework bc I remember the same issue from last year. i.e Spring and Summer courses taken this year would actually be entered under 2007.

 

[prionsRbad]

That's what I would do!

And I'm pretty sure Prions is right with how you enter coursework bc I remember the same issue from last year. i.e Spring and Summer courses taken this year would actually be entered under 2007.

Thanks for the reinforcement t-funk! 🙂

We need to call in the troops in order to handle this thread! Lots of questions, but no more than we had this time last year. 😀

 

[prionsRbad]

I thought matriculated means actually starting.

Read my post above, for god's sake I gave you a definition! 😉 Also refer to Shy's post. I listed in the link. (She's a mod and knows what she's talking about even more than I do). 👍

 

[Fp02c]

math is now fixd

 

[Fp02c]

how would you put in shadowing... would you put in all in as separate records? Also.. what would be the name of the organization... the name of the doctor?

 

[ShyRem]

Do you guys think it will hurt my chances turning down an MD school years ago? As I said it was impossible for me to afford, I had no idea how expensive it was when I applied and the package I was offered included no grants or scholarships. Plus, I really wanted to attend a DO school but I didn't get accepted to any ( I only applied to like 8 total schools). Thanx for all the feedback.

This raises the question of how do you think you're going to afford it now? Most med students take loan funds for the entire tuition and COA. If you're looking for a free ride, those are few and far between. You better be really prepared to answer this question in an interview.

 

[ShyRem]

Read my post above, for god's sake I gave you a definition! 😉 Also refer to Shy's post. I listed in the link. (She's a mod and knows what she's talking about even more than I do). 👍

Aw, gee, shucks, prions! (although I feel pretty dumb after my pharm exam )

I think medstudent is confusing enrollment with matriculation. The mistake is a common one. Far better to err on the side of caution, IMHO, and report your acceptance. But be prepared to explain it. Well.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Yes, you can count it as a repeat even thought the credits are different. I did this with 2 classes last year. Just designate the first class as "percalc/algebra repeat 01" and the second as "precalc algebra/trig last repeat 01". 🙂

This is good news for me, since my college stopped offering a 2hr credit course and I can only find 3 hour credit courses with the same description at other schools. Thank you, Thank you.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Any past or present military that had a medical/science related job that has went through this process?

I'm trying to figure out where to put my tech school/CCAF credits. I have over 100 P/F credits in Immunohematology, Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology etc. and of course they all have labs associated since I was "living" these classes I have no idea how to designate these things though.

Also I have one class I took three times, how do I designate the repeats?

 

[t-funk]

Thanks for the reinforcement t-funk! 🙂

We need to call in the troops in order to handle this thread! Lots of questions, but no more than we had this time last year. 😀

I try to answer when I can but you always seem to beat me to it plus you're usually so accurate that there is no need to comment. 👍

 

[aliDO]

Yes, you can count it as a repeat even thought the credits are different. I did this with 2 classes last year. Just designate the first class as "percalc/algebra repeat 01" and the second as "precalc algebra/trig last repeat 01". 🙂

thanks! just to make sure, you did see that the second repeat was less credit hours, not more, right?