* * 2010 - 2011 Application Season * * Post AACOMAS Questions Here !!!

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Does anyone know if the semester hours on the AACOMAS application correspond to the units of the class taken??

Thanks in advance🙂

Yup, were you on the quarter system? If so, there is a units-->semester hours conversion (pg. 24 of the AACOMAS instructions) If not your semester units are semester hours.

 

[zetabetazeta]

Due to the economic crisis, it's difficult for someone with no credit to get a credit card. A lot, if not all, student cards now require you to put a sizable security deposit down. That security deposit then becomes your credit limit.

Can you get federal direct loans?

Good luck 👍

Seriously! I got rejected by WAMU/Chase and Bank of America three times already!!!!! Their reasons were kind of stupid too. I want a credit card cuz I need the credits! How am I gonna have credits if I don't have a credit card?! Anyway, I got one security card from BOA afterwards.

 

[noshie]

In the state I'm from, speeding tickets are counted as misdemeanors. I have gotten a couple of speeding tickets. I will be self-reporting this on AACOMAS. My question is, will adcoms look at this negatively? I'm only self-reporting because of the misdemeanor section in AACOMAS requires me to.

Read the prompt carefully... You do not need to report this!!! It clearly tells you to exclude this type of ticket...

"Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? (exclude parking violations)"

 

[TurtleGirl]

So for AMCAS there are categories for "extracurricular/hobbies/avocations" and "artistic endeavors." Should these things be listed on our aacomas applications? For example, I love to cook and started a "cooking club" a few months ago where we get together every week and one person takes a turn teaching a recipe to the rest of the group. Also I'm an avid photographer and though not a professional by any means, I have been able to make decent side money by selling prints of photos I have taken. Thanks for any input!!

 

[jzrull]

Where are you guys including publications? Would it be under EC or awards?

Gracias

 

[twocentnews]

Good news is my transcripts have been received! 🙂 However, my question is that I am planning to retake organic chem at another college (not that institution I was granted a BSc from), and I am also taking organic chem lab there for the first time to finish prereqs. I listed those are courses to be completed, so hopefully that will not interfere with the verification process since obviously there is no transcript for it.

 

[judasreznor]

Read the prompt carefully... You do not need to report this!!! It clearly tells you to exclude this type of ticket...

"Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? (exclude parking violations)"

That is considered a parking violation? I'm certainly not attempting to be dense. I guess that wording was just a little ambiguous for me.

 

[TurtleGirl]

That is considered a parking violation? I'm certainly not attempting to be dense. I guess that wording was just a little ambiguous for me.

A speeding ticket is NOT a parking violation, so I don't think that applies to you. If you're not sure whether or not to list it, I would err on the side of caution and list it anyways. It will be much easier to explain why you listed it if it wasn't necessary than try to defend yourself against what they may see as lying.

 

[judasreznor]

A speeding ticket is NOT a parking violation, so I don't think that applies to you. If you're not sure whether or not to list it, I would err on the side of caution and list it anyways. It will be much easier to explain why you listed it if it wasn't necessary than try to defend yourself against what they may see as lying.

This was absolutely my line of reasoning. I think I'm going to leave it because, in this state, speeding tickets are a misdemeanor. It wasn't anything worse than a speeding ticket, but them's the laws!

 

[jslo85]

Good news is my transcripts have been received! 🙂 However, my question is that I am planning to retake organic chem at another college (not that institution I was granted a BSc from), and I am also taking organic chem lab there for the first time to finish prereqs. I listed those are courses to be completed, so hopefully that will not interfere with the verification process since obviously there is no transcript for it.

To be perfectly honest, many universities do not have a seperate grade or course for the lab as opposed to the lecture where the lab is included inside the total grade given (ie. lab = 25% of your grade and lecture is 75% or something like that).

It is in my understanding that if your semester units = 8 for the required semester hours with say, Orgo I, Orgo II and Orgo III taken, there will be no complaint from either school or AACOMAS. Yes there are 2 semester hours required for each school in lab but the sum of the class + lab needs to be at least equal 8. But the fact that so many schools lump the two together, there is no way of verifying if a lab was taken or not unless you go through each college's handbook.

 

[aidama]

So for AMCAS there are categories for "extracurricular/hobbies/avocations" and "artistic endeavors." Should these things be listed on our aacomas applications? For example, I love to cook and started a "cooking club" a few months ago where we get together every week and one person takes a turn teaching a recipe to the rest of the group. Also I'm an avid photographer and though not a professional by any means, I have been able to make decent side money by selling prints of photos I have taken. Thanks for any input!!

I think you should put both down. I think the point of this section is to see what else you're doing OTHER than being hardcore about medicine and any extended dedication. Everyone wants to be a doctor, what makes you different? What are you passionate about, what do you want to be talking points of an interview? What do these show about you as an individual? Selling prints of your photography is certainly something you should be proud of!

I wouldn't go too overboard though, like one or two things maybe. To provide an example of what I'm doing, I'm personally choosing drawing, traveling and playing the piano.

 

[aidama]

This was absolutely my line of reasoning. I think I'm going to leave it because, in this state, speeding tickets are a misdemeanor. It wasn't anything worse than a speeding ticket, but them's the laws!

You should ask a lawyer and or your health advisor about this one.

 

[judasreznor]

You should ask a lawyer and or your health advisor about this one.

Well, the school in my state (MD school) says to report the speeding tickets as a misdemeanor. It would seem to be pretty easily explained if asked about it by the admission's committee. I realize that it now seems as though I'm disregarding advice given after I asked a question. I just wanted to see if anyone else had a definitive answer.

 

[aidama]

Well, the school in my state (MD school) says to report the speeding tickets as a misdemeanor. It would seem to be pretty easily explained if asked about it by the admission's committee. I realize that it now seems as though I'm disregarding advice given after I asked a question. I just wanted to see if anyone else had a definitive answer.

I disagree, you aren't disregarding advice! I was just trying to give you a means to finding a definitive answer, which would be to ask a lawyer, ask your pre-med advisor or even call AACOMAS. I can't provide you with an answer other than the fact that I did not mention this on my AMCAS last year and will not be mentioning a speeding ticket on my AACOMAS this year. This is a kind of important question you definitely want to get the right answer for.

 

[judasreznor]

I will certainly be consulting my pre-health advisor about this matter. I appreciate you taking the time to offer your advice; it was great!

 

[Neuron14]

So for AMCAS there are categories for "extracurricular/hobbies/avocations" and "artistic endeavors." Should these things be listed on our aacomas applications? For example, I love to cook and started a "cooking club" a few months ago where we get together every week and one person takes a turn teaching a recipe to the rest of the group. Also I'm an avid photographer and though not a professional by any means, I have been able to make decent side money by selling prints of photos I have taken. Thanks for any input!!

There's a section that includes the following categories: extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, and community service. You could add those activities there. That's great that you started a club- shows leadership 👍

 

[hondaaccordjdm]

can we get verified without MCAT score ? and still be released to schools (the primary) ? thanks

and just update once the scores are received ??

 

[judasreznor]

and just update once the scores are received ??

No. The application won't be processed (or verified) until the you have at least one set of MCAT scores. You can, and should, submit it as early as possible, but the MCAT scores are required for it to be verified.

 

[noshie]

A speeding ticket is NOT a parking violation, so I don't think that applies to you. If you're not sure whether or not to list it, I would err on the side of caution and list it anyways. It will be much easier to explain why you listed it if it wasn't necessary than try to defend yourself against what they may see as lying.

I suppose you are correct... I think this advice is good. It won't look bad either way since it's just for speeding.

 

[noshie]

Where are you guys including publications? Would it be under EC or awards?

Gracias

ECs, I listed them all as one activity and gave the cited information in a bulleted list.

 

[judasreznor]

I suppose you are correct... I think this advice is good. It won't look bad either way since it's just for speeding.

Yeah, hopefully the admissions staff won't be scared off by the misdemeanor box being checked on the application. I hate that I have to do that, but it feels like the safest thing to do.

 

[jzrull]

ECs, I listed them all as one activity and gave the cited information in a bulleted list.

Right on. Thanks, Noshie

 

[SNS]

how long does it take for MCAT scores to be sent to AACOMAS?

 

[seap3]

how long does it take for MCAT scores to be sent to AACOMAS?

mine took less than a week

 

[aidama]

how long does it take for MCAT scores to be sent to AACOMAS?

You have to make sure to release your scores to AACOMAS by selecting it on the MCAT THx thing, it takes about 48 hours.

 

[RoadtoMed]

This kinda pertains to the application process. I was wondering if for DO schools they would let me have a P/F instead of a grade for a prereq.

So I was wondering whether to retake Physics I that I got a C in but I Passed Failed it the grade doesn't show up on my transcript. The thing is that I am a senior now so I wanted to take it first semester of this coming year but I will have already had to apply to schools (mostly DO and a few MD) by then so it's not like they will see my re-attempt at it. I should have retaken earlier if anything. 🙁 But yea, I have two questions:

1) Will they force me to take the P/F option off and want to see the grade since it will appear on my transcript that I did take the course? Or will they let it pass and just wanna see my re-attempt grade?

2) Is retaking worth it? Should I just take a better higher level biology class and do well in it to prove that I could do it and make up for Physics somehow?

Majorly confused.😕

 

[seap3]

This kinda pertains to the application process. I was wondering if for DO schools they would let me have a P/F instead of a grade for a prereq.

So I was wondering whether to retake Physics I that I got a C in but I Passed Failed it the grade doesn't show up on my transcript. The thing is that I am a senior now so I wanted to take it first semester of this coming year but I will have already had to apply to schools (mostly DO and a few MD) by then so it's not like they will see my re-attempt at it. I should have retaken earlier if anything. 🙁 But yea, I have two questions:

1) Will they force me to take the P/F option off and want to see the grade since it will appear on my transcript that I did take the course? Or will they let it pass and just wanna see my re-attempt grade?

2) Is retaking worth it? Should I just take a better higher level biology class and do well in it to prove that I could do it and make up for Physics somehow?

Majorly confused.😕

Do you still have the option of changing it to a letter grade? If so, that's what I would do. A C in Physics I won't kill your app, especially if you went on to do better in Physics II. If you want AACOMAS to verify a pre-req, you will need to have a grade of C or higher - so they probably wouldn't verify it with a P/F.

I'm don't see how doing well in a higher level biology class would make up for Physics I. I think you would need to either retake Physics I and get a good grade, or have a good grade in Physics II.

If you do end up retaking, just list it on your app as planned. You don't need to have all your prereqs done before you apply, just before you matriculate.

 

[RoadtoMed]

If I end up keeping the P and retaking it as if I didn't complete the prereq will they allow it?

 

[seap3]

If I end up keeping the P and retaking it as if I didn't complete the prereq will they allow it?

I would think so, as long as you had Physics I listed as planned. Either way, if you list it as retake 01 they wouldn't include it in your gpa. You just then need to list the planned retake as last retake 01 - and probably do some explaining at any interviews. I'm wondering why you would take a prereq as a P/F, and I'm sure adcoms will too.

Do you mind saying what you got in Physics II? I think that would play a big role in how the P affected your app.

 

[RoadtoMed]

B-

See the only reason I would consider keeping it is because my GPA is a 3.55 now and I don't want to really lower it with a C, especially if I'm going to retake it for a better grade and I don't want to there even tho it'll be prolly be assumed that it wasn't such a hot grade.

 

[seap3]

I just went into my app to update my May term class grade (we have a spring term plus a may term), and couldn't because they've verified all my transcripts already. Wow, that was fast.

I'm really surprised because I didn't think they would even start until I submitted and paid.

 

[HockeyDr09]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have been preparing my application and was unsure whether or not to include the fact that I am a committeeman for the district I live it at home. Although I want to include it for leadership experience i'm nervous throwing anything on there with politics. I don't want it to come back and haunt me in a potential interview. Any suggestions?

 

[nerd athlete]

i have no idea what to put in this section, can some people give me some examples of what they've been listing
do we put academic scholarships we received from our college based on our high school grades and such
i also played division II soccer on scholarship, do i include this?
thanks for the help in advance!

 

[nerd athlete]

also, I recently completed my first marathon, i think this i a pretty big accomplishment and I'm really proud of it, can i list it in the EC section?

 

[judasreznor]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have been preparing my application and was unsure whether or not to include the fact that I am a committeeman for the district I live it at home. Although I want to include it for leadership experience i'm nervous throwing anything on there with politics. I don't want it to come back and haunt me in a potential interview. Any suggestions?

Maybe you could just list the responsibilities associated with the position and non-political things that you have done (that pertain to that position) while in there. If you leave out any political affiliation (if it's possible), I don't see how you could get into any snags when it comes time to interview.

 

[judasreznor]

i have no idea what to put in this section, can some people give me some examples of what they've been listing
do we put academic scholarships we received from our college based on our high school grades and such
i also played division II soccer on scholarship, do i include this?
thanks for the help in advance!

I would list academic and sports scholarships that you've received while attending the university. Things that would go in this section are any school awards you've received, scholarships, or awards that you may have received not associated with a school (for community work and such).

To your other post, I would definitely talk about the marathon if you have space on the application. I would particularly mention it if it took a substantial amount of time to prepare for it while balancing school and other things. Others may differ with me, but I feel that it would be a worthwhile addition.

 

[nerd athlete]

thanks for the advice!

 

[HockeyDr09]

Maybe you could just list the responsibilities associated with the position and non-political things that you have done (that pertain to that position) while in there. If you leave out any political affiliation (if it's possible), I don't see how you could get into any snags when it comes time to interview.

Thanks for the response. I will find a way to have it on the application without being political. I was nervous that while review my EC's during an interview I may be asked which party it was for, and would not like a political debate on any potential interviews.

One last question, do they expect us to fill the EC's category (Like over 15)? I have read on other sites that ADCOM's expect to see that area filled. I was hoping for quality of quantity.

 

[nerd athlete]

One last question, do they expect us to fill the EC's category (Like over 15)? I have read on other sites that ADCOM's expect to see that area filled. I was hoping for quality of quantity.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I would like to know this one too, there is no way i'm hitting 15

 

[Neuron14]

One last question, do they expect us to fill the EC's category (Like over 15)? I have read on other sites that ADCOM's expect to see that area filled. I was hoping for quality of quantity.

No, you don't need to fill the EC's category. It's usually better to have a few meaningful activities that you're committed to vs. a lot of activities/clubs in which you're just a member. Quality over quantity.

 

[noshie]

No, you don't need to fill the EC's category. It's usually better to have a few meaningful activities that you're committed to vs. a lot of activities/clubs in which you're just a member. Quality over quantity.

Words to live by in this process!

 

[LBJ2Chicago]

Hi everyone,

Should I put the Dean's List in the EC/Volunteering or should I put it in awards? I thought it would obviously be awards but in the instruction guidelines it talks about EC/Volunteering and gives an example of the Dean's List.😕

 

[sedaniel]

I participated in Relay For Life at my university two years in a row. It was fundraising and then the 24 hour walk-a-thon (which was a blast 🙂). I participated in this event as a member of my sorority's RFL team, and helped with planning of fund-raising events, and it was one of our biggest philanthropic events of the year. Would you guys recommend putting this as its own EC on the application, or simply including it in the description of what I did in my sorority? I ask because I am the founding president of our sorority, so I was trying to focus on that aspect of it in the description of that particular EC.

 

[hondaaccordjdm]

are you guys entering classes for the fall that you might be taking? for me we cant register for classes until july but know more or less what classes i will be taking ? to show that i will finish my BS on time ?

 

[seap3]

are you guys entering classes for the fall that you might be taking? for me we cant register for classes until july but know more or less what classes i will be taking ? to show that i will finish my BS on time ?

I put every class I plan on taking until I graduate. If you are not exactly sure, just give your best estimate. I can see how it would be difficult if you don't know if a class is full or conflicts with another class, and I'm sure AACOMAS wouldn't hold it against you if for some reason your future classes ended up changing a little.

 

[ScarletKnights]

if i got accepted into research for the fall and i am going to do some training and research the end of the summer around the end of aug would it be wrong to list it as an EC on my app now?

 

[Neuron14]

Hi everyone,

Should I put the Dean's List in the EC/Volunteering or should I put it in awards? I thought it would obviously be awards but in the instruction guidelines it talks about EC/Volunteering and gives an example of the Dean's List.😕

Yea that's pretty strange. I would put it under Awards/Honors. I think they were just giving a general example.

 

[hondaaccordjdm]

if someone works at a hospital or clinical setting are your guys listing it as a job only or also putting clinical hrs that you worked also some where ?

 

[Helen Wheels]

I just went into my app to update my May term class grade (we have a spring term plus a may term), and couldn't because they've verified all my transcripts already. Wow, that was fast.

I'm really surprised because I didn't think they would even start until I submitted and paid.

I just went in today and found out I could not edit my coursework or grades section and it says I am verified, too! Obviously, I have not submitted and paid since you can't until next week. I can't believe they went ahead and took the time to do that because maybe some people that start this application later decide not to submit and then a person wasted time verifying that coursework. Although I guess they figure people compulsive enough to submit their transcripts in early May are likely to end up submitting. 😉

 

[hondaaccordjdm]

I just went in today and found out I could not edit my coursework or grades section and it says I am verified, too! Obviously, I have not submitted and paid since you can't until next week. I can't believe they went ahead and took the time to do that because maybe some people that start this application later decide not to submit and then a person wasted time verifying that coursework. Although I guess they figure people compulsive enough to submit their transcripts in early May are likely to end up submitting. 😉

did you guys put course work completed ?