* * 2009-2010 Application Season * * Post AACOMAS Questions HERE!!!

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hi im ready to submit now but the only thing im waiting for is to find a DO to shadow. my question is since i am having some difficulty in finding one is it smarter just to apply now and let schools know once i do find one or should i wait and put it on my primary. i would really like a do letter since that will allow me to apply to more schools and give me a better shot of becoming a DO. i do have a strong md letter and have shadowed a number of doctors i just cant seem to find a Do in my area. any help would be appreciated. p.s. i tried the mentoring program but the only one in my area hasnt replied yet. thank you
 
KB24 said:
hi im ready to submit now but the only thing im waiting for is to find a DO to shadow. my question is since i am having some difficulty in finding one is it smarter just to apply now and let schools know once i do find one or should i wait and put it on my primary. i would really like a do letter since that will allow me to apply to more schools and give me a better shot of becoming a DO. i do have a strong md letter and have shadowed a number of doctors i just cant seem to find a Do in my area. any help would be appreciated. p.s. i tried the mentoring program but the only one in my area hasnt replied yet. thank you
Click to expand...

There are only a few schools that actually require the DO letter; most just recommend it. There have been plenty of applicants who have gotten accepted without one. That said, it doesn't seem like you have much time to begin shadowing and obtain a meaningful LOR, so I would say apply as is unless you REALLY want to apply after you get a DO letter (it won't count if you simply tell schools you're going to shadow one).
 
so nova's secondary wants me to list all the DO and MD schools i applied to.
i'll list all the DO schools i applied to, but not all the MD schools. I feel that they don't need to know that, especially since it might hurt me, i applied to a lot of schools.
is anybody else doing something like what i plan on doing?
 
thethethe said:
so nova's secondary wants me to list all the DO and MD schools i applied to.
i'll list all the DO schools i applied to, but not all the MD schools. I feel that they don't need to know that, especially since it might hurt me, i applied to a lot of schools.
is anybody else doing something like what i plan on doing?
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I'm not sure that would be in your best interest, considering they make you sign stating that all information you put in the app is true and accurate. Most people will be in the same boat with regard to applying to both types of programs, so everyone will have to disclose the information.
 
thethethe said:
so nova's secondary wants me to list all the DO and MD schools i applied to.
i'll list all the DO schools i applied to, but not all the MD schools. I feel that they don't need to know that, especially since it might hurt me, i applied to a lot of schools.
is anybody else doing something like what i plan on doing?
Click to expand...

It will NOT hurt you; you're just being paranoid. 😀

Answer this question (and all others) truthfully; put down all schools you applied to. You'd probably be surprised with how many applicants apply to just as much.
 
has anyone submitted their application with the bullet point format in the job, volunteer, and extra curriculum section?
 
Unlearner said:
has anyone submitted their application with the bullet point format in the job, volunteer, and extra curriculum section?
Click to expand...

Applicants have used both bullet and paragraph forms when typing descriptions; use whatever is more comfortable with you.
 
Just to double check ... my descriptions for my ECs and work and such are in my application obviously, but when you click on application summary, it seems like everything comes up (personal statement, titles of ECs, etc) except the 750 character description of the ECs?? This isn't just mine right? And in reviewing primaries, schools will actually look at the description?? Because some of the titles for positions and such kind of don't make a ton of sense without reading the quick description.
 
Unlearner said:
has anyone submitted their application with the bullet point format in the job, volunteer, and extra curriculum section?
Click to expand...

i think since this isnt a resume, you shouldnt put the bullet point format
 
So in my "planned courses" area, I said I would be taking summer courses. I had every intention of doing so, but as it turns out, I won't be able to. More than likely I can take the classes in the winter once my financial situation improves, but summer is out of the question. I'm sure I'll be able to finish my degree in time either way. I already submitted my application, but it hasn't been verified (missing 1 transcript yet). Should I ask to modify my application? Or do they understand that planned courses are subject to changes like that?
 
pseudoMCAT45 said:
i think since this isnt a resume, you shouldnt put the bullet point format
Click to expand...

Plenty of people use bullet point. This was discussed at the top of this page even. The point is to convey your meaning in a clear, concise manner. It makes no difference!
 
Exalya said:
So in my "planned courses" area, I said I would be taking summer courses. I had every intention of doing so, but as it turns out, I won't be able to. More than likely I can take the classes in the winter once my financial situation improves, but summer is out of the question. I'm sure I'll be able to finish my degree in time either way. I already submitted my application, but it hasn't been verified (missing 1 transcript yet). Should I ask to modify my application? Or do they understand that planned courses are subject to changes like that?
Click to expand...

That's a toughie. You could either:

A. Tell AACOMAS that you need to make a correction to your application and take off the planned courses, which would delay your verification.

or

B. Keep it as is and hope that schools aren't waiting for those grades.

If you want to be safe, I would think it best to correct your application, but if you've already been several weeks into the verification process, it may not be worth the delay it would cause. If you have been in the verification process for only a week or so, then I'd say change it. Look at your situation and see what's the best thing to do. Do the schools have a reason to wait for your summer grades?
 
^ I did take care of that. So on to my next question. I sent all my transcript requests the same day, and all of them are in... except one. The college verified that they sent in my transcript to AACOMAS on 6/2 and TMDSAS on 6/11. Neither application service has received it, and I'm getting worried. Is that normal, for it to take several weeks?
 
Grey Wind said:
So when we update our submitted apps after taking summer courses (or whatever the circumstance), can we send the transcripts to AACOMAS and AACOMAS will update all the schools we applied to? Or, do we have to send transcripts directly to every school we applied to, plus updating AACOMAS?
Click to expand...

I posted this in a different thread. But, I think it is more appropriate for this thread. Anyone have insight?
 
JaggerPlate said:
Just to double check ... my descriptions for my ECs and work and such are in my application obviously, but when you click on application summary, it seems like everything comes up (personal statement, titles of ECs, etc) except the 750 character description of the ECs?? This isn't just mine right? And in reviewing primaries, schools will actually look at the description?? Because some of the titles for positions and such kind of don't make a ton of sense without reading the quick description.
Click to expand...

Yup, mine was like this, too.
 
Grey Wind said:
I posted this in a different thread. But, I think it is more appropriate for this thread. Anyone have insight?
Click to expand...

This seems like a good place for it. 😀

To answer the question, you'll update AACOMAS, and they will send an updated PDF to the schools. You'll never send transcripts to the schools until you're accepted and send in the final ones so the school can have them on recored (PS, this is a requirement, even if you graduated before you applied. Wherever you matriculate, you'll have to have official transcripts on file, and AACOMAS won't release them to the schools.).
 
I'm ready to submit my app BUT,

I don't get my mcat scores back til July 21, and I am scheduled to retake on Aug 6 (just in case the scores I get back are really bad).
So is there a way to erase a "planned mcat" from the application after it has been verified? so that they will go ahead and release to schools?

Also as far as the "planned courses".. do yall put in all the courses that you are planning to take all the way up til graduation? or just the ones that you plan on taking that are pre-reqs.

For example I may put genetics as a "planned course", but the truth is I only plan on taking this course in January if I am accepted to KCUMB, where genetics is a requirement.
 
ewyates said:
I'm ready to submit my app BUT,

I don't get my mcat scores back til July 21, and I am scheduled to retake on Aug 6 (just in case the scores I get back are really bad).
So is there a way to erase a "planned mcat" from the application after it has been verified? so that they will go ahead and release to schools?

Also as far as the "planned courses".. do yall put in all the courses that you are planning to take all the way up til graduation? or just the ones that you plan on taking that are pre-reqs.

For example I may put genetics as a "planned course", but the truth is I only plan on taking this course in January if I am accepted to KCUMB, where genetics is a requirement.
Click to expand...

There is no way to change any part of your application once it is verified. However, during the 4-6 weeks between submission and verification, you have the option of asking AACOMAS to "undeliver" your application, allowing you to make a change. This will delay your verification though, so I wouldn't suggest it.

In terms of planned courses, you should only really enter in classes that you are already registered to take but haven't yet.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
This seems like a good place for it. 😀

To answer the question, you'll update AACOMAS, and they will send an updated PDF to the schools. You'll never send transcripts to the schools until you're accepted and send in the final ones so the school can have them on recored (PS, this is a requirement, even if you graduated before you applied. Wherever you matriculate, you'll have to have official transcripts on file, and AACOMAS won't release them to the schools.).
Click to expand...

Thanks CB!
 
ewyates said:
I'm ready to submit my app BUT,

I don't get my mcat scores back til July 21, and I am scheduled to retake on Aug 6 (just in case the scores I get back are really bad).
So is there a way to erase a "planned mcat" from the application after it has been verified? so that they will go ahead and release to schools?

Also as far as the "planned courses".. do yall put in all the courses that you are planning to take all the way up til graduation? or just the ones that you plan on taking that are pre-reqs.

For example I may put genetics as a "planned course", but the truth is I only plan on taking this course in January if I am accepted to KCUMB, where genetics is a requirement.
Click to expand...

When I listed future courses I listed everything I needed to graduate. I was vague however for my spring semester. Maybe there is a way for you to do this, as well. This is what I did:

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia *2009 Spring CH Biochemistry Elective II 3.0
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia *2009 Spring SO Adv. Social Science 3.0
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia *2009 Spring HI Hist/Lit Requirement 3.0
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia *2009 Spring --- Free Elective 3.0

I will say... I didn't even do an HI course, but rather an EN (English) course for my Hist/Lit requirement. My school of matriculation had no qualms.

So, maybe if you have a free elective in January, do what I did and put down just that, and not Genetics.
 
Where does the calculated GPA show up. I am verified, and cannot seem to find it.
 
I submitted my application monday, and I called all of my schools, and they said they sent out my transcripts on monday also. I have been checking the AACOMAS site, and it still shows they have not received any of the transcripts. Show I call them and ask, or does it usually take them awhile to receive them?
 
millepora said:
I submitted my application monday, and I called all of my schools, and they said they sent out my transcripts on monday also. I have been checking the AACOMAS site, and it still shows they have not received any of the transcripts. Show I call them and ask, or does it usually take them awhile to receive them?
Click to expand...

Some of mine took over 2 weeks to be entered.
 
I looked around for a list of dates in which primaries are released, but I could not find it. Anyone know?
 
millepora said:
I submitted my application monday, and I called all of my schools, and they said they sent out my transcripts on monday also. I have been checking the AACOMAS site, and it still shows they have not received any of the transcripts. Show I call them and ask, or does it usually take them awhile to receive them?
Click to expand...

I requested my transcripts on may 19th and they weren't posted on AACOMAS till june 3rd. So yeah it takes some time, don't worry!🙂
 
Sorry if someone asked this already, I tried skimming through the numerous pages.

1.For the community service/volunteer section of the app, if I have been part of an organization for a number of years and held numerous positions over the years, do i put each position separately in different records or lump it all together?

2. I know psychology is considered a behavior science course and pharmacology is considered another science category.
How would you classify psychopharmacology?

Thanks so much.
 
** Um, again... anyone have an idea why my transcript isn't in yet? I've been trying to get an answer out of AACOMAS but they haven't gotten back to me. Pretty much everyone else who applied when I did has been verified, I'm pretty bummed because I got a really early start. Where the college sending the transcript says they really sent it out way back on the 2nd of June, I have to wonder what happened...
 
Exalya said:
** Um, again... anyone have an idea why my transcript isn't in yet? I've been trying to get an answer out of AACOMAS but they haven't gotten back to me. Pretty much everyone else who applied when I did has been verified, I'm pretty bummed because I got a really early start. Where the college sending the transcript says they really sent it out way back on the 2nd of June, I have to wonder what happened...
Click to expand...

It took about a month from the day I sent my transcripts so I wouldn't worry to much, but it does suck.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

This really sounds worse than I could have imagined, I wish I could refund my money now. So, I guess I am looking at 2-4 weeks to receive my transcripts, then another 3-6 weeks to get my application verified...aww...I want to pull my hair out!
 
happyhippo said:
Sorry if someone asked this already, I tried skimming through the numerous pages.

1.For the community service/volunteer section of the app, if I have been part of an organization for a number of years and held numerous positions over the years, do i put each position separately in different records or lump it all together?

2. I know psychology is considered a behavior science course and pharmacology is considered another science category.
How would you classify psychopharmacology?

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

1. You can do either. If the positions led to different tasks and significance, then you may want to consider giving them separate entries. But if you practically did the same thing in all positions, then I'd group them.

2. It really depends on the department that offered the course. For example, if psychopharmacology was offered by the psych department, then it's a behavioral science course.
 
I was just entering in my coursework online, and one of the colleges I have about 45 credits from (lots of the prereqs) doesn't have the accredited asterisks (*) next to it, and it doesn't calculate these grades into my GPA. But it says on both the school's website and in the US Department of Education's database that it is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). And I've received GI Bill money to attend there, so wtf? 😕😕😕
 
Noobguy said:
I was just entering in my coursework online, and one of the colleges I have about 45 credits from (lots of the prereqs) doesn't have the accredited asterisks (*) next to it, and it doesn't calculate these grades into my GPA. But it says on both the school's website and in the US Department of Education's database that it is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). And I've received GI Bill money to attend there, so wtf? 😕😕😕
Click to expand...

You'll have to contact AACOMAS about this issue; it's a serious one and you should go directly to the source with it.
 
Can we add schools to our applications after submission for verification?
 
Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is done or close to be completing their applications! I just have something that I thought you all might know the answer to. I am in the process of writing my personal statement and have come to a point where I am over the character limit. My central theme of the paper revolves around my experiences with patient care. However, I want to include some things about my tutoring experiences and how that has helped me gain some communication skills. After much thought, I am leaning towards not to include the tutoring experience but conclude with a nice ending stating how my experiences with patients have helped me develop a love for medicine.

If anyone can be so kind as to give me some advice if this is a good move? Thank you very much for everybody's time.

~ohohpickmepickm
 
I've heard some people say that you should "update" schools with your latest activities. I found a volunteer opportunity that really suits me, and I start next week... obviously it's not on my application, which is just starting the verification process. What would be the best way to let the schools know what I'm up to, and when? I would rather not delay my application, as it has already been delayed by transcript issues.
 
Hi everyone...so I ready to submit my application... I was rereading the instructions over again and realized I might need another transcript sent. I studied in Mexico for 4 weeks (a non US affiliated school) and got transfer credit. My university evaluated the course and my Mexico transcript..and I received the correct amount of credit according to my university standards (they work on units). This credit counted towards my spanish minor.
So I assumed I really didn't need a transcript to be sent...because when I typed in the school into "coursework" section of my application, the school didn't exist.

Rereading the transcripts section of the instructions..says that I do need to send in foreign transcripts to an evaluator service. The evaluator service costs 160 bucks plus shipping, etc. It's very expensive. 🙁
I'm really frustrated because AACOMAS isn't picking up my calls and I need to know if I do need to request a transcript from Mexico..b/c it takes awhile!..and I was all ready to submit my application!.. Please helppp.😕
 
I am verified and do not see my GPA calculation anywhere. Where should I be looking?
 
Hi,
I am planning to submit my application at the end of July but can I release my transcript now or I have to release it after I submit my application?
 
So... my school confirmed that my transcripts were sent to AACOMAS 3 weeks ago, but my AACOMAS says they still have not received them. I ordered my AMCAS transcript at the same time, and they were received within a week. Is anyone else experiencing this problem? How should I tackle this? I just want to get the ball rolling ASAP.
 
Don't worry too much, it takes them 3-4 weeks to post up ur updates. My school sent mine on June 2nd, they received it on the 8th but didn't post it til the 18th. My 2nd one is from another school, sent on June 16th, received it on the 22nd but didn't post it on there til today. I would give them 1 more week before calling them and ask.
 
i was in the same boat. i sent my transcripts off on June 17th and they have updated my application july 6 (TODAY) as being in their system. So basically, it takes them around 1 month basically.
 
I had this same thing happen so I had my undergrad send another one. It posted 2 weeks later so I think somehow AACOMAS lost my first transcript.
 
One of my transcripts was sent June 11th and they still don't have it... they told me that at this point it's probably lost and I should resend it, so I did. Here's hoping this one makes it. You might consider doing that in your case here shortly.
 
I remember reading somewhere that AACOMAS does not calculate any professional courses you have taken into your overall GPA... is this true? Is this the case for EMT, Paramedic, or Nursing classes?

I have taken both EMT and Paramedic and both were taken at a community college for college credit. Trying to figure out if I need to include this in my preliminary calculations or leave it out... Thanks
 
Last edited:
How do you enter original data for AP exams or is it alright to have them as transfer credits on the univerity transcripts?
 
I just submitted my aacomas and i noticed i made a mistake on my courses. I put a course that i withdrew and when i listed it again for the next semester, I forgot to indicate retake. Is there a way I can change it by calling them or online? It hasn't been verified yet.
 
Yeah send them a letter stating the change you want to be made. Make sure to include your full name and aacomas #. Sign it and drop it in the mail 👍
 
i would call them and see if you can do it over the phone. i had a mistake on my coursework (after submission) - i had double listed a semester at 2 schools. it had all my school dates jacked up. i called and they changed it over the phone for me. the phone number is available on the aacomas site.
 
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