2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread

[BlueElmo]

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Is any using bullets for the explanation section. Im not sure whether to do it in paragraphs or use dashes. What do you guys think?

Use whichever is comfortable to you.

 

[BlueElmo]

According to LizzyM in the 2009 thread, deans list is seen as a major fluff, as most people applying are on it. If it is 100% based on GPA, don't bother listing it.



Also according to LizzyM and other peeps in last year's thread, it is misleading to adcoms to say you did something for three years, and then they see it was just a total of 9 months. If possible, it's best to put it separately. If you can't, maybe you can list one summer in the dates, and then say that you did it two other summers as well. They'll read it.

If they read it, it wouldn't matter what I put on dates as long as I explain in the summary section, right?

 

[BlueElmo]

Yes, it will be verified-I just called the AMCAS people about that today. Your transcripts and stuff get verified-not the letter.

Thanks man. That's a relief, because my letter writers are so freaking slow.🙁

 

[CielloStelatto]

If they read it, it wouldn't matter what I put on dates as long as I explain in the summary section, right?

True, but I would steer toward the safe side. They will also read the dates at the top, and you wouldn't want to make anyone upset by putting three years when you only worked summers. It might make it look like you are trying to exaggerate. Just my $.02.

 

[BlueElmo]

True, but I would steer toward the safe side. They will also read the dates at the top, and you wouldn't want to make anyone upset by putting three years when you only worked summers. It might make it look like you are trying to exaggerate. Just my $.02.

Will do.

 

[neuro1617]

Well I see the neuroticism is really kicking in now.......

My own contribution....
Did anyone choose "premed" or "pre-professional" as your major? Technically I'm a neuro major but with a "pre-professional concentration."

I know only a few schools really have a premed major. But really I am a pre-professional major since I'm completing the pre-prof concentration....?

I can only imagine the fun that is entering coursework 😛

 

[Appless]

When entering the PS do i need to put spaces inbetween paragraphs? Also is there any problem just cutting and pasting from MS word on my mac? Or would it be better to use notepad on a PC or something?

Also is a big deal if i just out one space between a new sentance instead of 2 for a few sentances?

 

[lrkoehle]

I can only imagine the fun that is entering coursework 😛

I didn't think entering my grades was that bad. It takes a little bit of time, but I just put on some music and went to town.

 

[witness23]

When entering the PS do i need to put spaces inbetween paragraphs? Also is there any problem just cutting and pasting from MS word on my mac? Or would it be better to use notepad on a PC or something?

Also is a big deal if i just out one space between a new sentance instead of 2 for a few sentances?

DONT put 2 spaces between sentences. Absolute waste of a limited character supply. They won't notice.

 

[CielloStelatto]

Well I see the neuroticism is really kicking in now.......

My own contribution....
Did anyone choose "premed" or "pre-professional" as your major? Technically I'm a neuro major but with a "pre-professional concentration."

I know only a few schools really have a premed major. But really I am a pre-professional major since I'm completing the pre-prof concentration....?

I can only imagine the fun that is entering coursework 😛

I think it's a lot cooler if you have interests outside of just getting by until you become a doctor. So I'm a neuro major, too!

 

[BlueElmo]

When entering the PS do i need to put spaces inbetween paragraphs? Also is there any problem just cutting and pasting from MS word on my mac? Or would it be better to use notepad on a PC or something?

Also is a big deal if i just out one space between a new sentance instead of 2 for a few sentances?

Neuroticism to a whole new level.

 

[Appless]

Neuroticism to a whole new level.

lol nooo its just that My PS was like 6100 characters and its been a bitch cutting it down, im exactly at 5300 characters with spaces and all......so i was paranoid

 

[mvenus929]

When entering the PS do i need to put spaces inbetween paragraphs? Also is there any problem just cutting and pasting from MS word on my mac? Or would it be better to use notepad on a PC or something?

Also is a big deal if i just out one space between a new sentance instead of 2 for a few sentances?

It's best to copy and paste from something that doesn't do automatic formatting. MS word does automatic formatting. So if you copy and paste from there, make sure you run through and check your formatting when you're done, before you submit, ESPECIALLY if you're near the cutoff, as some of your essay might not copy in.

 

[Jolt21]

anyone know if the disadvantage thing helps? i didn't know there was a whole section on that...

 

[Appless]

anyone know if the disadvantage thing helps? i didn't know there was a whole section on that...

Does it help its debatable but I would personally say yes, though to be considered disadvantaged its far more then just your parents are possibly poor and maybe instead of getting a new benz your parents bought u a honda civic😉. Honestly though I was recently told by an adcom at my school (UCI) what he considers disadvantaged and the type of people that should apply that way and it was very disheartening to think only that type of person can apply...

 

[G1SG2]

What's the benefit of using interfolio? Can't you just tell your letter writer to directly send your LOR to the schools you've applied to?

 

[BlueElmo]

Does it help its debatable but I would personally say yes, though to be considered disadvantaged its far more then just your parents are possibly poor and maybe instead of getting a new benz your parents bought u a honda civic😉. Honestly though I was recently told by an adcom at my school (UCI) what he considers disadvantaged and the type of people that should apply that way and it was very disheartening to think only that type of person can apply...

My parents won't even buy me a Honda Civic.

 

[Jolt21]

its far more then just your parents are possibly poor and maybe instead of getting a new benz your parents bought u a honda civic😉.

haha. i mean, obviously. if you can answer yes to most of the questions on that page, i would imagine schools would look at you as disadvantaged. cool to know.

 

[Appless]

haha. i mean, obviously. if you can answer yes to most of the questions on that page, i would imagine schools would look at you as disadvantaged. cool to know.

Actually a UCI adcom told me that even if you could potentially answer yes to all those question you are still not necesarily disadvantaged as in my case. Each school is different but id say just be careful, he made it seem like a horrible sin to apply disadvantaged if you are not...well i dont wanna start any flame wars but if interested i can pm u. What he told me doesnt seem right but...i guess every school is different. Personally im just not going to even open the idea of having to defend myself of why i felt im disadvantaged...

 

[plsletmein]

I decided to throw my hat into the ring. Good luck all

Does anyone know if the transcript request form is absolutely necessary to include with your school's transcript? My school has some online order form and will allow you to list where to send it. TIA

 

[Appless]

I decided to throw my hat into the ring. Good luck all

Does anyone know if the transcript request form is absolutely necessary to include with your school's transcript? My school has some online order form and will allow you to list where to send it. TIA

Its not absolutely necesary but it will speed things up. I called AMCAS and they told me that.

 

[plsletmein]

Its not absolutely necesary but it will speed things up. I called AMCAS and they told me that.

Thanks! I think I'll send it w/o the form because then I would have to mail the form to 2 schools (I no longer reside in the same state) and then who knows how long it'll take them to process snail mail

 

[CielloStelatto]

Thanks! I think I'll send it w/o the form because then I would have to mail the form to 2 schools (I no longer reside in the same state) and then who knows how long it'll take them to process snail mail

For distant schools, you could always go with a fax during office hours, and call the registrar right before you send it.

 

[8mile]

for standardized test scores, did you guys enter your SAT or ACT scores?

 

[witness23]

for standardized test scores, did you guys enter your SAT or ACT scores?

no, don't. they may ask in some secondaries.

 

[JRock310]

elijah, what exactly did the adcom consider "disadvantaged?"

it seems from the description that a few things can qualify you as "disadvantaged" but you do not necessarily have to fall into all three categories.

 

[neuro1617]

I think it's a lot cooler if you have interests outside of just getting by until you become a doctor. So I'm a neuro major, too!

Awesome! So did you choose that on AMCAS, or Biology, or do people choose "pre-professional"/"premed" since we're completing the preprof curriculum (if your school has one), although it's technically not a major?

 

[Simran1031]

im using bullets..cuz its straight out my CV =)

is there neway we can print the applciation out so that we can edit all text?

hey I would include the transcript form with it..my school wouldnt accept it wihtouht it..

i just did them 2 day delivery hopefully they got them tommorow..and so amcas will hoepully get transcipts by next week.

the benefit of interfolio is that it centralizes everything..and it sends the letterf for u..im applying to about 30 schools and i think my LOR writters would be annoyed if I told them they would ahve to make 30 copies and put them in 30 premailed evvelopes =)

 

[chargerboy]

Good evening everyone,
I was just wondering how to fill out the CREDIT HOURS section of the coursework if you went to a school that ran on nthe quarter system? How many credit hours would a 4 unit course be? 3? 2? 1.5? P/NP? I would really appreciate a response. Thanks everyone, I hope your applications are going swell.

 

[Appless]

Good evening everyone,
I was just wondering how to fill out the CREDIT HOURS section of the coursework if you went to a school that ran on nthe quarter system? How many credit hours would a 4 unit course be? 3? 2? 1.5? P/NP? I would really appreciate a response. Thanks everyone, I hope your applications are going swell.

enter it in as it appears on your transcript you dont have to convert quarter to semester. It will be obvious they are quarter units as when you are entering the grades you have to choose if you were on a quarter, semester, or trimester

 

[chargerboy]

enter it in as it appears on your transcript you dont have to convert quarter to semester. It will be obvious they are quarter units as when you are entering the grades you have to choose if you were on a quarter, semester, or trimester

Thanks so much Elijah. I really appreciate it.

 

[chargerboy]

Does anyone know what a general writing course qualifies as in coursework? i put other because i wasn't sure that it counted as english and english literature?

 

[nick_carraway]

I just want to point out that many of these questions have their answers in the instruction booklet for the application found here: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/amcas2010instructions041509.pdf

I suggest you take a look at it before posting here.

 

[drareg]

where do i get my AAMC GPA? I entered all my course work but dont see my GPA?

 

[JJMrK]

where do i get my AAMC GPA? I entered all my course work but dont see my GPA?

Won't show up until you're verified. This information is in the AMCAS instructions.

 

[mvenus929]

What's the benefit of using interfolio? Can't you just tell your letter writer to directly send your LOR to the schools you've applied to?

the benefit of interfolio is that it centralizes everything..and it sends the letterf for u..im applying to about 30 schools and i think my LOR writters would be annoyed if I told them they would ahve to make 30 copies and put them in 30 premailed evvelopes =)

You are required to use the AMCAS letter service for all schools that are currently using it, which is the vast majority of them. Interfolio is nice, because you always have the letter on file, regardless of whether you apply to schools participating in the letter service or not, so it cuts out work for your LOR writer. Plus, it's common courtesy to provide a SASE if you're asking your LOR writer to send something out; if you're applying to several schools, that can add up pretty quickly, and it's likely to get lost in the mail at some point. With interfolio, if the schools don't receive it, you can politely ask them to resend it and they'll usually do it free.

 

[Myuu]

im using bullets..cuz its straight out my CV =)

is there neway we can print the applciation out so that we can edit all text?

Yeah, when you get to the end, it gives you the option of printing out a pdf.👍

 

[CielloStelatto]

Awesome! So did you choose that on AMCAS, or Biology, or do people choose "pre-professional"/"premed" since we're completing the preprof curriculum (if your school has one), although it's technically not a major?

I chose neuroscience on AMCAS. Because it's true, and because it's more interesting. Premed/pre-professional doesn't give them any information because adcoms should already know that you took premed requirements...

 

[Myuu]

I chose neuroscience on AMCAS. Because it's true, and because it's more interesting. Premed/pre-professional doesn't give them any information because adcoms should already know that you took premed requirements...

Saying your major is "pre-med" is somewhat ridiculous and completely unhelpful, especially if your major is not actually "pre-med." If you're a bio major, say bio. If you're a basket-weaving major, say basket-weaving.

 

[antspants]

Hey just a quick few questions

(1) Can I send in my transcripts now even though I haven't submitted my application yet? (I'm an alumni so there won't be any new grades to wait for).
(2) How do I enter in study abroad courses onto AMCAS (foreign university, not US affiliated)? They appear on my home universities transcript as P/F courses under "study away" and my university sends a copy of the foreign university transcript with my actual grades (which are in A, B, C format).
(3) Anyone willing to privately look at my activities list/descriptions? don't want to post it publicly and all and not sure what to consolidate/get rid of/include instead?

Thanks all!

 

[witness23]

Hey just a quick few questions

(1) Can I send in my transcripts now even though I haven't submitted my application yet? (I'm an alumni so there won't be any new grades to wait for).
(2) How do I enter in study abroad courses onto AMCAS (foreign university, not US affiliated)? They appear on my home universities transcript as P/F courses under "study away" and my university sends a copy of the foreign university transcript with my actual grades (which are in A, B, C format).
(3) Anyone willing to privately look at my activities list/descriptions? don't want to post it publicly and all and not sure what to consolidate/get rid of/include instead?

Thanks all!

1 - yes. please do.
2 - not sure... you should email acmas. i'd put them down as they are on your college transcript but w/ the letter grades?
3 - i applied and got in for the 09 cycle and if you want to PM me your activities, I will look at them when I get time during my lab work. It may be a busy day but I'm pretty free tomorrow from the way I stack my experiments.

 

[BlueElmo]

You might want to look at some previous posts in this thread and the AMCAS manual to answer your questions, antspants.

 

[MDman87]

So is the consensus not to include Dean's/President's list. . . in Work/Activities?

Or yes?

 

[Myuu]

Or yes?

If you have an entry for various awards that meant something but weren't associated with your other activities, go ahead. Just know that using a whole space for dean's list is somewhat on the order of ridiculous.

 

[flip26]

Hey just a quick few questions

(1) Can I send in my transcripts now even though I haven't submitted my application yet? (I'm an alumni so there won't be any new grades to wait for).
(2) How do I enter in study abroad courses onto AMCAS (foreign university, not US affiliated)? They appear on my home universities transcript as P/F courses under "study away" and my university sends a copy of the foreign university transcript with my actual grades (which are in A, B, C format).
(3) Anyone willing to privately look at my activities list/descriptions? don't want to post it publicly and all and not sure what to consolidate/get rid of/include instead?

Thanks all!

What do you mean "unaffiliated?" Did you take these classes independently? You must read the AMCAS PDF, and even then, it may not answer your question.

If you attended a foreign school independently, unaffiliated with an American college via a semester abroad type program, you probably need to talk to someone at AMCAS.

FWIW, I did 2 different study abroad programs.

One was affiliated with my college, and it appears on my transcript. No need for the foreign school transcript, but I do have to list the foreign college on the "attended" input, and then link it to my home institution for the transcript.

I did another program, NOT through my home institution, but through another US college. So I had to list that college, plus the foreign school, and then I will request the transcript from the other US college, even though it all appears on my home institution transcript - very confusing, needlessly complex.

If you did a foreign program completely independently of a US college, you need to read the PDF very carefully.

 

[witness23]

Or yes?

I'd include it if you have any other significant awards (ie you are Blake Griffin/Myron Rolle) and list them in one tab

 

[MDman87]

If you have an entry for various awards that meant something but weren't associated with your other activities, go ahead. Just know that using a whole space for dean's list is somewhat on the order of ridiculous.

I figured. Thanks. Just having a hard time coming up with 15 activities. . . I think I'll just leave it at 9 or 10 - there's no shame, and these are all significant, meaningful experiences

 

[Myuu]

I figured. Thanks. Just having a hard time coming up with 15 activities. . . I think I'll just leave it at 9 or 10 - there's no shame, and these are all significant, meaningful experiences

You don't need to fill in all the spaces.🙂

 

[witness23]

I figured. Thanks. Just having a hard time coming up with 15 activities. . . I think I'll just leave it at 9 or 10 - there's no shame, and these are all significant, meaningful experiences

9-10 great commitments sound perfect.

 

[MDman87]

Good deal