2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread

[Jolt21]

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so...i'm verified and AMCAS said the app has been made available to all the schools (which i thought would start on the 24th). what now? when can I expect to hear about the secondaries? should i just start going through the threads and getting the prompts from last year?

 

[yakattack145]

I have filled out the LOR section of the Primary app. I understand that once I press submit, I cannot change any of these and I can only add. I'm fine with this. I have also filled out all the schools that I wish to apply. Sweet.

Now, question: do I have to designate the letters that I want each medical school to receive right now, before submitting the primary? Or, if I assign this info later (at the secondary stage), I can re-submit my application with no delays or fees and everyone will be happy?

 

[flip26]

I have filled out the LOR section of the Primary app. I understand that once I press submit, I cannot change any of these and I can only add. I'm fine with this. I have also filled out all the schools that I wish to apply. Sweet.

Now, question: do I have to designate the letters that I want each medical school to receive right now, before submitting the primary? Or, if I assign this info later (at the secondary stage), I can re-submit my application with no delays or fees and everyone will be happy?

No need to designate letters for submission of AMCAS, and yes...app recert is virtually instantaneous...

 

[osumc2014]

So after verification, AMCAS listed the total hours, since I didn't wait for my spring grades, how many hours is too few (I guess unacceptable by med schools)? I don't know because I'm on a quarter system. I have 80.60 total, 4.7 P/F classes, 23.10 AP and 8.60 other.

 

[flip26]

So after verification, AMCAS listed the total hours, since I didn't wait for my spring grades, how many hours is too few (I guess unacceptable by med schools)? I don't know because I'm on a quarter system. I have 80.60 total, 4.7 P/F classes, 23.10 AP and 8.60 other.

I think you need to look into this - most med schools require a minimum of 90 or so hours to apply...if that total of 80 represents everything, it sounds like you are low and may need to submit your spring tranny for verification...I don't know about AP credits, but if they are somehow separate from the total, you are probably OK...

 

[Omrianh]

Two questions:

1. On my transcript, Labs and lecture are listed separately, but the lab grade is incorporated into the lecture grade. Consequently, the grade listed on the transcript for labs is NG (no grade) and it's a 0 credit course. Should I list it just like that for the coursework tab? Or should I just combine the two as the lab grade is included in the lecture grade.

2. Do speeding tickets and running red lights have to be reported as misdemeanors?

 

[osumc2014]

I think you need to look into this - most med schools require a minimum of 90 or so hours to apply...if that total of 80 represents everything, it sounds like you are low and may need to submit your spring tranny for verification...I don't know about AP credits, but if they are somehow separate from the total, you are probably OK...

Uh Oh, hmm AP is definitely separate from the total, they are under the category supplemental hours. But I didn't think they would count them cause they were taken in high school? Well total with supplemental hours come out to be 116.90, if AP counts in their mind as college work.

 

[osumc2014]

Two questions:

1. On my transcript, Labs and lecture are listed separately, but the lab grade is incorporated into the lecture grade. Consequently, the grade listed on the transcript for labs is NG (no grade) and it's a 0 credit course. Should I list it just like that for the coursework tab? Or should I just combine the two as the lab grade is included in the lecture grade.

2. Do speeding tickets and running red lights have to be reported as misdemeanors?

1. I would combine them and just write the course name plus "and lab" at the end. Some people would suggest that you put exactly what is on the transcript, but since its a 0 credit hour course that doesnt really make sense.

2. I didn't, although I didn't run a red light, I think that is more serious?

 

[flip26]

Two questions:

1. On my transcript, Labs and lecture are listed separately, but the lab grade is incorporated into the lecture grade. Consequently, the grade listed on the transcript for labs is NG (no grade) and it's a 0 credit course. Should I list it just like that for the coursework tab? Or should I just combine the two as the lab grade is included in the lecture grade.

List your courses exactly as they appear on your tranny. Do not edit - include the lab with NG and 0 hours.

To the lecture course description, add the phrase "and lab" - this is per AMCAS instructions. I had the exact same situation, did the above, and got verified with no corrections.

 

[flip26]

Uh Oh, hmm AP is definitely separate from the total, they are under the category supplemental hours. But I didn't think they would count them cause they were taken in high school? Well total with supplemental hours come out to be 116.90, if AP counts in their mind as college work.

AP has to count - it is college credit.

You are fine with this.

 

[osumc2014]

List your courses exactly as they appear on your tranny. Do not edit - include the lab with NG and 0 hours.

To the lecture course description, add the phrase "and lab" - this is per AMCAS instructions. I had the exact same situation, did the above, and got verified with no corrections.

Ya do what he/she says.

 

[osumc2014]

AP has to count - it is college credit.

You are fine with this.

Thank you 🙂

 

[caniac]

Ok, so I'm freaking out just a tad.

I submitted my AMCAS on June 9th, but had to wait for spring grades to come out. That transcript was also sent out on June 9th. Now, I'm waiting for that transcript to "arrive" in DC. I live in NC and my copy of the transcript arrived on Thursday (it was sent out at the same time as my AMCAS copy). The AMCAS website says they're currently processing transcripts that arrived Thursday, but I'm wondering what type of time-frame I can expect. If they receive my last transcript today, do y'all think that I will I be verified by the data dump on the 24th?

I'm really angry at my school for waiting A WEEK after grades were posted to mail out this transcript--all the rest were in by mid May. It's just 2 post-bac grades 🙁.

 

[jessiesmalls00]

Hi! Has anyone submitted their LORs yet? If you have, has AMCAS added them in yet? Does anyone know how long it normally takes to have the LORs sent and recieved?

 

[Jolt21]

Ok, so I'm freaking out just a tad.

I submitted my AMCAS on June 9th, but had to wait for spring grades to come out. That transcript was also sent out on June 9th. Now, I'm waiting for that transcript to "arrive" in DC. I live in NC and my copy of the transcript arrived on Thursday (it was sent out at the same time as my AMCAS copy). The AMCAS website says they're currently processing transcripts that arrived Thursday, but I'm wondering what type of time-frame I can expect. If they receive my last transcript today, do y'all think that I will I be verified by the data dump on the 24th?

I'm really angry at my school for waiting A WEEK after grades were posted to mail out this transcript--all the rest were in by mid May. It's just 2 post-bac grades 🙁.

by processing transcripts, they mean just putting it in the system...not even verifying your app yet. once they process it, you will be put in que for verification. dunno if you'll be set by the 24. check last yearsfor an idea of a timeline


what exactly is happening on the 24th? is that when schools get the info? or can they go look right now?

 

[osumc2014]

Hi! Has anyone submitted their LORs yet? If you have, has AMCAS added them in yet? Does anyone know how long it normally takes to have the LORs sent and recieved?

Usually takes a few days, I haven't had any take longer than 2

 

[caniac]

what exactly is happening on the 24th? is that when schools get the info? or can they go look right now?

According to the AMCAS website, "Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009". Not sure what that means--but I took it to mean that they'll start pushing data to schools at that time.


They're on to checking in last Friday's rec'd transcripts. Don't know where my transcript could have disappeared to. AMCAS won't do anything about it until 7 business days past anticipated receipt date.

If only the queue went by submission date vs. all materials received date...le sigh.

 

[gujuDoc]

According to the AMCAS website, "Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009". Not sure what that means--but I took it to mean that they'll start pushing data to schools at that time.


They're on to checking in last Friday's rec'd transcripts. Don't know where my transcript could have disappeared to. AMCAS won't do anything about it until 7 business days past anticipated receipt date.

If only the queue went by submission date vs. all materials received date...le sigh.

That means your verified amcas can be verified on June 3rd but won't reach your chosen medical schools that you selected on it til after June 24th at which point secondaries will start pouring in from every direction. 🙂

 

[caniac]

That means your verified amcas can be verified on June 3rd but won't reach your chosen medical schools that you selected on it til after June 24th at which point secondaries will start pouring in from every direction. 🙂

haha thats what I figured--hopefully i'll be in that first data dump....although if my transcript keeps dragging its feet in arriving at AMCAS, I don't know if I'll ever get verified...

argh I need a job that has more busywork so I can keep my mind off my app

 

[gujuDoc]

haha thats what I figured--hopefully i'll be in that first data dump....although if my transcript keeps dragging its feet in arriving at AMCAS, I don't know if I'll ever get verified...

argh I need a job that has more busywork so I can keep my mind off my app

at the bolded. I know how you feel. We all go through it. 🙂

 

[jessiesmalls00]

Usually takes a few days, I haven't had any take longer than 2

So your committee/professor sent in your letter and two days later it was entered in? Should I be worried if mine has taken longer?

 

[Appless]

So your committee/professor sent in your letter and two days later it was entered in? Should I be worried if mine has taken longer?

it depends how he sent it and no you shouldnt be worried at all. It took 3 weeks for one of my letters to get in via snail mail. Also interfolio took me <1 day so if you did it that way and its been a few days i might tend to wonder whats going on. Though amcas may be backed up since this is like peak of primary apps

 

[osumc2014]

So your committee/professor sent in your letter and two days later it was entered in? Should I be worried if mine has taken longer?

O sorry, I misread your question. Mine was sent electronically via interfolio.

 

[Stutz677]

Hey guys,

How are people doing their format on the Personal statement for new paragraphs? I've seen that either people are separating the paragraphs by a blank line or just leaving it one big paragraph, am I correct? Also, if I have a word that needs to be underlined or italicized, how do I do that? It won't copy and paste from a word document. Thanks so much for the help.

 

[mvenus929]

so...i'm verified and AMCAS said the app has been made available to all the schools (which i thought would start on the 24th). what now? when can I expect to hear about the secondaries? should i just start going through the threads and getting the prompts from last year?

You will begin to hear about secondaries after the 24th. Maybe 1 or 2 before then. But seriously, most wont send out secondaries until July. Just sit back and chill til then.

So after verification, AMCAS listed the total hours, since I didn't wait for my spring grades, how many hours is too few (I guess unacceptable by med schools)? I don't know because I'm on a quarter system. I have 80.60 total, 4.7 P/F classes, 23.10 AP and 8.60 other.

You're fine as long as you can finish your degree in a year.

2. Do speeding tickets and running red lights have to be reported as misdemeanors?

Speeding tickets and other moving violations are not misdemeanors, they're traffic violations. Misdemeanors are more along the lines of petty theft, prostitution, trespassing, vandalism, etc.

what exactly is happening on the 24th? is that when schools get the info? or can they go look right now?

The data is made available to schools on this day.

Hey guys,

How are people doing their format on the Personal statement for new paragraphs? I've seen that either people are separating the paragraphs by a blank line or just leaving it one big paragraph, am I correct? Also, if I have a word that needs to be underlined or italicized, how do I do that? It won't copy and paste from a word document. Thanks so much for the help.

You can't have formatting in your personal statement, so you can't underline or italicize something. If you are thinking of a book title, just put it in quotes; I'm sure the adcoms will understand. As far as paragraphs, I just put a blank line between mine; no indentations will work.

 

[ibadi]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma in trying to decide when to apply. I have basically everything ready for my application and all I need to do is submit it. However, I recently got my MCAT score for the may test. I got a 25 on the MCAT and have a 3.43 GPA overall. Because my MCAT score was low, I decided to take it again in the end of July. Should I submit my application now and hope that schools do not screen out my application until they get the second score or should I wait until after taking my MCATs again in the end of July? What do you guys think?

 

[flip26]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma in trying to decide when to apply. I have basically everything ready for my application and all I need to do is submit it. However, I recently got my MCAT score for the may test. I got a 25 on the MCAT and have a 3.43 GPA overall. Because my MCAT score was low, I decided to take it again in the end of July. Should I submit my application now and hope that schools do not screen out my application until they get the second score or should I wait until after taking my MCATs again in the end of July? What do you guys think?

Was the 25 an aberration? What were your practice scores like? What were you expecting to make? How did you prep?

I know you aren't looking for the advice I am about to give, but you need to figure out why you bombed the MCAT before jumping right back into it...you may need to put off taking it until next January, and applying next year...

 

[osumc2014]

Was the 25 an aberration? What were your practice scores like? What were you expecting to make? How did you prep?

I know you aren't looking for the advice I am about to give, but you need to figure out why you bombed the MCAT before jumping right back into it...you may need to put off taking it until next January, and applying next year...

If the 25 is very odd compared to your practice scores, you can certainly apply now as long as you indicate that you are retaking it in the future.

 

[biolover88]

I am taking my MCAT june 18 so I'll have my scores back 2nd week of july, so I was hoping to send the aamcas in as soon as the scores are in. The problem is I will be taking my english composition course during the summer, and will have a grade by the second week of august which is late!! Can I send in my aamcas without the english course grade even though it is a pre-med requirement, and if that is possible will schools not even invite me for a secondary because I don't have a grade for that course yet?? I'd really appreciate some feedback!

 

[mvenus929]

I am taking my MCAT june 18 so I'll have my scores back 2nd week of july, so I was hoping to send the aamcas in as soon as the scores are in. The problem is I will be taking my english composition course during the summer, and will have a grade by the second week of august which is late!! Can I send in my aamcas without the english course grade even though it is a pre-med requirement, and if that is possible will schools not even invite me for a secondary because I don't have a grade for that course yet?? I'd really appreciate some feedback!

Don't wait for your summer course grade, just list it as a current/future course. You're not required to have pre-reqs done by the time you apply, only by the time you matriculate.

 

[biolover88]

Don't wait for your summer course grade, just list it as a current/future course. You're not required to have pre-reqs done by the time you apply, only by the time you matriculate.

oh ok thank you!! What about letters of rec. my school makes a big deal about the committee letter I have my interview June29 but the committee letter/packet won't be ready until the first week of august, do I have to wait for it in order to submit my amcas?? I know it's sad that I am so clueless...I blame the mcats they have me all woozy 😕

 

[Appless]

oh ok thank you!! What about letters of rec. my school makes a big deal about the committee letter I have my interview June29 but the committee letter/packet won't be ready until the first week of august, do I have to wait for it in order to submit my amcas?? I know it's sad that I am so clueless...I blame the mcats they have me all woozy 😕

you dont need lors to submit the amcas.

 

[neuroanatomy]

.

 

[panda11]

I am wondering if anybody else noticed that the order of courses in the submitted application is different from the preview version?
The preview version listed all courses chronologically (most recent last), but the submitted one seems to list most recent program/school first then order the courses from first to last within that school.

 

[biolover88]

so basically all we need in the amcas is demographic info, grades, and the personal statement? I was told that we should include everything we can in the amcas...

 

[mvenus929]

so basically all we need in the amcas is demographic info, grades, and the personal statement? I was told that we should include everything we can in the amcas...

The activities section is a rather big part of the application....

 

[JJMrK]

I have filled out the LOR section of the Primary app. I understand that once I press submit, I cannot change any of these and I can only add. I'm fine with this. I have also filled out all the schools that I wish to apply. Sweet.

Now, question: do I have to designate the letters that I want each medical school to receive right now, before submitting the primary? Or, if I assign this info later (at the secondary stage), I can re-submit my application with no delays or fees and everyone will be happy?

No.

 

[JJMrK]

So after verification, AMCAS listed the total hours, since I didn't wait for my spring grades, how many hours is too few (I guess unacceptable by med schools)? I don't know because I'm on a quarter system. I have 80.60 total, 4.7 P/F classes, 23.10 AP and 8.60 other.

I'd look into this. If you're a junior the standing advice is that you should wait until your spring grades are out.

 

[Bluffer]

I am about to submit my AMCAS application and have noticed that my letters of recommendation were assigned to every place I am applying except for Duke University. Does anyone know how Duke receives the LORs if they don't go through AMCAS?

 

[JJMrK]

Two questions:

1. On my transcript, Labs and lecture are listed separately, but the lab grade is incorporated into the lecture grade. Consequently, the grade listed on the transcript for labs is NG (no grade) and it's a 0 credit course. Should I list it just like that for the coursework tab? Or should I just combine the two as the lab grade is included in the lecture grade.

2. Do speeding tickets and running red lights have to be reported as misdemeanors?

1. Personally, I'd list them exactly the way they are on your transcript.

2. I don't know. Click the help box on AMCAS and see what it says about traffic violations.

 

[JJMrK]

Ok, so I'm freaking out just a tad.

I submitted my AMCAS on June 9th, but had to wait for spring grades to come out. That transcript was also sent out on June 9th. Now, I'm waiting for that transcript to "arrive" in DC. I live in NC and my copy of the transcript arrived on Thursday (it was sent out at the same time as my AMCAS copy). The AMCAS website says they're currently processing transcripts that arrived Thursday, but I'm wondering what type of time-frame I can expect. If they receive my last transcript today, do y'all think that I will I be verified by the data dump on the 24th?

Probably not. Last cycle people who submitted about 2 weeks after the first day took about 2 weeks to be verified. I am complete as of today, and based on what happened last year I'm expecting a verification date around 6/30.

 

[JJMrK]

Hi! Has anyone submitted their LORs yet? If you have, has AMCAS added them in yet? Does anyone know how long it normally takes to have the LORs sent and recieved?

Yes and yes. Mine took about 1 week from the time I requested my school to send them, but that was in May. It's probably more like 2 weeks now.

 

[JJMrK]

Hey guys,

How are people doing their format on the Personal statement for new paragraphs? I've seen that either people are separating the paragraphs by a blank line or just leaving it one big paragraph, am I correct? Also, if I have a word that needs to be underlined or italicized, how do I do that? It won't copy and paste from a word document. Thanks so much for the help.

Make paragraphs by putting in a blank line. You can't have other formatting.

 

[JJMrK]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma in trying to decide when to apply. I have basically everything ready for my application and all I need to do is submit it. However, I recently got my MCAT score for the may test. I got a 25 on the MCAT and have a 3.43 GPA overall. Because my MCAT score was low, I decided to take it again in the end of July. Should I submit my application now and hope that schools do not screen out my application until they get the second score or should I wait until after taking my MCATs again in the end of July? What do you guys think?

It depends on what your practice scores were. If you feel like you can do better, you should certainly sign up for a new test. Just be aware that you application won't be reviewed until your new scores are in.

If your practice test average is around 25, I would apply next year after some thorough studying and a 30+ score.

 

[JJMrK]

oh ok thank you!! What about letters of rec. my school makes a big deal about the committee letter I have my interview June29 but the committee letter/packet won't be ready until the first week of august, do I have to wait for it in order to submit my amcas?? I know it's sad that I am so clueless...I blame the mcats they have me all woozy 😕

No, but you'll need that letter for secondaries.

 

[JJMrK]

hi everyone,

all was going well and dandy, until i realized...
i actually sent LORs in and assigned them and then submitted AMCAS.
it is complete now, but i realized that i should have included 2 extra letters.
the letters i sent to virtually all the schools were in a letter packet from my career center.

Since I can't remove letters I assign, should I make a new letter packet of (old + 2 extra), or a letter packet of just the 2 extra?

On the one hand, having a new packet with everything might make things less confusing because they'll realize that I made a mistake with the last one, but it could also be confusing too.

On the other hand, having a new packet with only the 2 extra letters might make things confusing because I am sending a "packet" and would indicate so on secondaries, even though it is literally 2 packets now.

Sorry if this sounds stupid. I just wanted to see what I can do in terms of "damage control." Any advice?

Thanks so much in advance!

I would send the next 2 letters individually. That is, send them both in but in separate envelopes and not as a packet. That way it just looks like you sent a packet with your earlier letters and then added 2 more later on.

 

[JJMrK]

so basically all we need in the amcas is demographic info, grades, and the personal statement? I was told that we should include everything we can in the amcas...

Why not just look at the application? There are 9 sections.

 

[JJMrK]

I am about to submit my AMCAS application and have noticed that my letters of recommendation were assigned to every place I am applying except for Duke University. Does anyone know how Duke receives the LORs if they don't go through AMCAS?

If you are using Interfolio, you just send them via that. If you have the letters being held with a pre-med advisor/career center, you instruct them to send your letters to Duke when you get the secondary.

Letters have nothing to do with submitting your primary. You don't need to assign them until it's time for secondaries.

 

[AMCAS]

Must our schools include those AMCAS transcript request forms? A lot of my schools only have online transcript request, so they probably won't send my transcript request form with their transcript? Any 2013ers have issues with this?

The Transcripts Request Form is preferred but not mandatory.

 

[Steeler7588]

If our letters are sent through VirtualEvals, any idea how long it takes for AMCAS to "receive" them?