2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread

[Myuu]

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im sure this has been asked 2983472938432 times, but with work/activities, i know you guys are all saying to discuss the activities just in regular format or w/ bullets based on what you feel comfortable with.

-is it ok to mix them? so could one of my activities have bullets and the other be in a standard format? i like the bullets but there are a couple that sound much better w/o them

-really, i dont know what to use. :| i know both are acceptable, but im stuck.

Both are acceptable. Choose the format that suits the activity and your experience with it better.🙂

 

[thechampion]

I think I know the answer to this question, but I just wanted to be sure.

I'm reapplying and when they ask if I had previously applied to each school, do I mark "yes" if I added a school to my AMCAS last year but I did not complete the secondary for that school?

Sorry if that's a dumb question or if has already been asked but thanks to anyone who answers.

Anyone know the answer?

 

[Myuu]

Anyone know the answer?

I think you do, but I'm not sure. This is one of those questions you should ask AMCAS directly.👍

 

[witness23]

Anyone know the answer?

yes, yes

 

[CielloStelatto]

I agree. If you sent them a primary, it counts.

 

[DocDrakeRamoray]

How would I know that AMCAS has received my transcripts?

Do they send an email?

 

[Myuu]

How would I know that AMCAS has received my transcripts?

Do they send an email?

AMCAS Transcript Receipt Notification
[email protected] to me
show details 6/9/08

Reply


12345678
Myuu

AMCAS has received a transcript in support of your application to the 2009 entering class.

Transcript: Big Guns University of Gunnerism College, Received, on 06/03/2008

If AMCAS determines during the Verification process that official transcripts other than those listed above are required, or if any of the transcripts listed above is determined to be either unofficial, illegible, or incomplete you will be notified and your application will be placed on hold until all required official transcripts are received.

***Checking the Status of your application***
You may check the status of your application throughout the admissions process by returning to your application. Your application's Welcome page is dynamic, meaning that it provides information specific to your application, including processing status and official transcript receipt status.

Thank you for using AMCAS and best wishes during your medical school admissions process.

 

[G1SG2]

How would I know that AMCAS has received my transcripts?

Do they send an email?

If you click on "details" next to "status" on the main menu screen, you can see your transcript status (received/not received).

 

[NeuroChaos]

Strategy question:

I asked this question earlier in another thread.
I am starting part time research in August. Ppl advised me to list it as an EC. I am thinking of leaving it out, and then updating them in September on how much I love my new position blah blah. That way they will have to look at my app again if they have rejected me, or it will just add more weight to my application.

What do you think?
The two options:
1) List now
2) Update later
Keep in mind I am MSTP applicant

 

[DocDrakeRamoray]

If you click on "details" next to "status" on the main menu screen, you can see your transcript status (received/not received).

Thank you!

 

[Myuu]

Strategy question:

I asked this question earlier in another thread.
I am starting part time research in August. Ppl advised me to list it as an EC. I am thinking of leaving it out, and then updating them in September on how much I love my new position blah blah. That way they will have to look at my app again if they have rejected me, or it will just add more weight to my application.

What do you think?
The two options:
1) List now
2) Update later
Keep in mind I am MSTP applicant

Dunno about MSTP, but the MD schools will definitely not look at you after you've been rejected.

 

[NeuroChaos]

On question of Updating:

Is there a list of schools floating around which allow you to update? I only know that Harvard does not want anythign additional. Is there a comprehsnive list?

 

[JJMrK]

Strategy question:

I asked this question earlier in another thread.
I am starting part time research in August. Ppl advised me to list it as an EC. I am thinking of leaving it out, and then updating them in September on how much I love my new position blah blah. That way they will have to look at my app again if they have rejected me, or it will just add more weight to my application.

What do you think?
The two options:
1) List now
2) Update later
Keep in mind I am MSTP applicant

What can you possibly say about something you haven't started? I'd leave it off and update later.

 

[DoctorDeMan]

On question of Updating:

Is there a list of schools floating around which allow you to update? I only know that Harvard does not want anythign additional. Is there a comprehsnive list?

Most schools were cool with me updating via email. If they don't want it they will just discard it.

Also, if they reject you by August, they will not look at you again unless you reapply. They do not care about updates after you have been rejected. I bet MSTP is the same.

 

[DoctorDeMan]

What can you possibly say about something you haven't started? I'd leave it off and update later.

Plus, you can bring it up at interviews. It is nice to have something to talk about that isn't on your application (in open file interviews).

 

[witness23]

The update game is pretty risky because most schools will not read it at all. Atleast mention it in your MD/PhD research app that you are joining a new lab.

if you have something that isn't on your app to talk about at during interviews, chances are they won't remember it when they look over your application again as a committee since very few interviewers make notes on the spot.


what you must do is have your PI update with a LOR, which is probably more important.

i will say that most MD/PhD committees won't place much value on research after the primary. Make sure you have enough to know what you are getting into, so they aren't scared that you are not committed to the life.

 

[witness23]

if you are rejected they will not look at you. if you are in the hold category, maybe they will look at you if you update. updating before they look, or the best - after interview/waitlist, is the most effective.

 

[fsjune2009]

ok so how liberal should be be when posting activities/awards? for example, i play club soccer at Wash U...should i list that? and as far as awards, if your univeristy has like a "deans" list and youve been on that for more than one semester, do you have to list it separately for each semester?

 

[G1SG2]

ok so how liberal should be be when posting activities/awards? for example, i play club soccer at Wash U...should i list that? and as far as awards, if your univeristy has like a "deans" list and youve been on that for more than one semester, do you have to list it separately for each semester?

Sure, if you play a sport, you should list it. And no, group your awards together.

 

[Phitenks]

To find the answers to these questions, just click Help while logged in to AMCAS. Summer classes are listed within the following academic year, so summer 2006 is listed in the 2006-2007 academic year. Course numbers include the full course number assigned by your school. Without seeing your transcript I cannot be certain, but most course numbers identify both the department and course. In your case, ENGL 2B sounds like the best answer.

Sorry, this is a bit late, but thanks for your help!

Edit: man, entering the courses is difficult. I just figured out I did something wrong for 1/4 of my classes I entered...

 

[BlueElmo]

ok so how liberal should be be when posting activities/awards? for example, i play club soccer at Wash U...should i list that? and as far as awards, if your univeristy has like a "deans" list and youve been on that for more than one semester, do you have to list it separately for each semester?

yeah definitely list sports.

 

[fsjune2009]

ok so if uve won an award more than once (i.e. dean's list) how do u indicate that? there is only one option for "award date"

 

[Phitenks]

ok so if uve won an award more than once (i.e. dean's list) how do u indicate that? there is only one option for "award date"

I'd put it in the description. Say you've won the award multiple times and then state the dates.

 

[twostep376]

right now my GPAs is 3.86 and GPAc is 3.70. I can submit my grades to AMCAS now OR I can wait for spring grades. Spring grades wont be official til about June 15th....I really dont want to wait that long. My GPAc will move to a 3.74/3.75.

my GPAs wont change.

What would you do?

 

[BlueElmo]

So even if I turn in my primary on 6/2, but I don't turn in my transcript in until 6/11, AMCAS will not even look at my primary until my transcript is turned in, right?

 

[Myuu]

So even if I turn in my primary on 6/2, but I don't turn in my transcript in until 6/11, AMCAS will not even look at my primary until my transcript is turned in, right?

Quite correct!

 

[CielloStelatto]

right now my GPAs is 3.86 and GPAc is 3.70. I can submit my grades to AMCAS now OR I can wait for spring grades. Spring grades wont be official til about June 15th....I really dont want to wait that long. My GPAc will move to a 3.74/3.75.

my GPAs wont change.

What would you do?

Two/three things to keep in mind:
1. June 15th is fairly late, considering requesting your transcript, having the request processed and mailed, and having AMCAS verify you. If you are otherwise ready to submit earlier than that, might as well have your current grades sent in. I can't imagine the 0.04 GPA diff would stop you from getting secondaries, unless maybe you're going for WashU or something. In that case, you could update individual schools with your spring grades when you send in secondaries?

2. Are you a junior? If so, I would be extra certain to send in your spring grades after they come out, just to add more grades to your record.

3. I haven't done this before either, so those are just my thoughts.

 

[Myuu]

Two/three things to keep in mind:
1. June 15th is fairly late, considering requesting your transcript, having the request processed and mailed, and having AMCAS verify you. If you are otherwise ready to submit earlier than that, might as well have your current grades sent in. I can't imagine the 0.04 GPA diff would stop you from getting secondaries, unless maybe you're going for WashU or something. In that case, you could update individual schools with your spring grades when you send in secondaries?

2. Are you a junior? If so, I would be extra certain to send in your spring grades after they come out, just to add more grades to your record.

3. I haven't done this before either, so those are just my thoughts.

Got two WashU interviews with a 3.5. Not going to be an issue at that school.

 

[osumc2014]

Two/three things to keep in mind:
1. June 15th is fairly late, considering requesting your transcript, having the request processed and mailed, and having AMCAS verify you. If you are otherwise ready to submit earlier than that, might as well have your current grades sent in. I can't imagine the 0.04 GPA diff would stop you from getting secondaries, unless maybe you're going for WashU or something. In that case, you could update individual schools with your spring grades when you send in secondaries?

2. Are you a junior? If so, I would be extra certain to send in your spring grades after they come out, just to add more grades to your record.

3. I haven't done this before either, so those are just my thoughts.

What if I am a third year but already a senior ranking in terms of credit hours?

 

[witness23]

can people just call schools and ask this question? we seriously don't know the right answer to this and it will be asked over and over and over.

 

[BlueElmo]

Wait, do secondaries come by snail mail or are they through the computer? If it's by snail mail, I can just slip in my updated transcript when sending the secondaries back, right?

 

[witness23]

Wait, do secondaries come by snail mail or are they through the computer? If it's by snail mail, I can just slip in my updated transcript when sending the secondaries back, right?

all by email. you might have to send one or two back by snail mail (umdnj's, aecom, and send checks by mail if thats your way of paying)

almost everything is online

 

[witness23]

also, they really would like for the transcripts to come from the school itself

 

[BlueElmo]

Sigh. I just don't know what to do.

 

[Phitenks]

Edit: If anybody notices, I ask a question and then find the answer afterwards. Makes me think my questions are a d-u-m-b.

To save this post, I'm going to say what I am doing for my application with the courses entered with regards to:

What if I am a third year but already a senior ranking in terms of credit hours?

I put down my first year classes as Freshman, second year as Sophomore, so on and so forth regardless of what my school viewed my status as in terms of credit.

I talked to AMCAS and asked what I should do if during my first year I become a Sophomore standing student. They said to say I'm a Freshman during that fist year and switch to Sophomore the following year.

I then asked what I should do if I go into college already at Sophomore standing. They said I can say I was a Sophomore during my first year, then Junior, then Senior for my last two years. BUT, I don't have to. I can still say Freshman as first year, Sophomore as second yeart, etc etc.

So, I'm going to state Freshman first then change my status at the beginning of every year. If people think I shouldn't do this, please let me know.

 

[IdiotequeGloam]

For Work/Activities, are you guys listing your experience descriptions in bullet point format?

 

[DoctorDeMan]

right now my GPAs is 3.86 and GPAc is 3.70. I can submit my grades to AMCAS now OR I can wait for spring grades. Spring grades wont be official til about June 15th....I really dont want to wait that long. My GPAc will move to a 3.74/3.75.

my GPAs wont change.

What would you do?

Applied last year and for some reason am browsing this thread...

1. June 15 is not late. Last year primaries were not sent to schools until the 22nd or 23rd (don't remember which). I submitted AMCAS on the day it came out, was verified the next day, and did not get my first secondary until June 24 with the next one coming on the 25th. You'll still be in the first wave of most secondary and likely all interview invites as long as everything is verified by July 1st...

2. I thought schools required your spring grades (especially if you are a junior)?

 

[BlueElmo]

Applied last year and for some reason am browsing this thread...

1. June 15 is not late. Last year primaries were not sent to schools until the 22nd or 23rd (don't remember which). I submitted AMCAS on the day it came out, was verified the next day, and did not get my first secondary until June 24 with the next one coming on the 25th. You'll still be in the first wave of most secondary and likely all interview invites as long as everything is verified by July 1st...

2. I thought schools required your spring grades (especially if you are a junior)?

Thanks. That was the clear answer I was looking for.

 

[witness23]

Thanks. That was the clear answer I was looking for.

word, its not late at all. i think i waited and my school waited even more to mark my degree into my transcript too. I think most people slow down at the secondary stage. If you have the time, which you should, look over the secondary threads from last year and have an idea for who you are, what you want to do, and what kind of questions medical schools ask (what kind of answers they ask for)


this will have you rolling on secondaries.

 

[BlueElmo]

word, its not late at all. i think i waited and my school waited even more to mark my degree into my transcript too. I think most people slow down at the secondary stage. If you have the time, which you should, look over the secondary threads from last year and have an idea for who you are, what you want to do, and what kind of questions medical schools ask (what kind of answers they ask for)


this will have you rolling on secondaries.

Okay, thanks!

 

[Appless]

For Work/Activities, are you guys listing your experience descriptions in bullet point format?

No im not but it seems acceptable to do it either in essay or bullet format. LizzyM may say bullets are the best while another adcom i know says they arent. Basically its subjective and just do w/e it is that you feel is best. Keeping it concise and to the point is always a good tip though no matter what you do. Remember you dont have to use all 1325 characters.

 

[davis9267]

Two questions:

1. Regarding the verification process by AMCAS. Has this already started and you can get it verified now? Or do they not start verifying until June 1?

2. I took an EMT course and was wondering where I should put that or if it should be included in grades? I did receive a grade for it.

Thanks!

 

[G1SG2]

Two questions:

1. Regarding the verification process by AMCAS. Has this already started and you can get it verified now? Or do they not start verifying until June 1?

I believe they start verifying when you submit it, which is June 2nd.

2. I took an EMT course and was wondering where I should put that or if it should be included in grades? I did receive a grade for it.

Thanks!

I'd say put it in the "other" section.

 

[G1SG2]

Do we have to enter courses that are on our transcripts, but don't have any grades/credits associated with them? I took an EMT course, but didn't get a grade or credits for it. However, it's listed on my transcript.

 

[umw2010]

I took an EMT course in High School, its not on my College Transcript. I don't think i can include that. Any thoughts???

 

[JJMrK]

right now my GPAs is 3.86 and GPAc is 3.70. I can submit my grades to AMCAS now OR I can wait for spring grades. Spring grades wont be official til about June 15th....I really dont want to wait that long. My GPAc will move to a 3.74/3.75.

my GPAs wont change.

What would you do?

If you are a junior you should wait for spring grades.

 

[Raryn]

I took an EMT course in High School, its not on my College Transcript. I don't think i can include that. Any thoughts???

Was it at a college?

If so, you have to get a transcript from *that* college, in addition to the one you're currently attending.

 

[Raryn]

Do we have to enter courses that are on our transcripts, but don't have any grades/credits associated with them? I took an EMT course, but didn't get a grade or credits for it. However, it's listed on my transcript.

Yes, you should enter it. You can leave the grade and all blank.

 

[G1SG2]

Yes, you should enter it. You can leave the grade and all blank.

Blah, really? I took it like two years ago, meaning I'd have to redo my course list 👎 Is it required that I enter it? It's listed as "professional education" as opposed to undergrad education on my transcript....I don't want to redo my courses....ahhhhh somebody please tell me this isn't required!

 

[Appless]

Blah, really? I took it like two years ago, meaning I'd have to redo my course list 👎 Is it required that I enter it? It's listed as "professional education" as opposed to undergrad education on my transcript....I don't want to redo my courses....ahhhhh somebody please tell me this isn't required!

If its on a transcript you have to include it no matter what. If you dont amcas can always add it when they verify but it could delay your app. If youre reallllllly lazy i suppose you could just not do it and have amcas do it? lol