AACOMAS 2009 buddies support thread

[irishlaydi]

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This is just probably a filler question but who here has a D.O. writing a letter of recommendation for them?

i have been having a lot of trouble finding a DO to shadow in my area, any suggestions what to do? Also, when i finally go find one to shadow, when do i mention about needing a LOR from them. I am applying now. Thanks

 

[kaikai128]

i have been having a lot of trouble finding a DO to shadow in my area, any suggestions what to do? Also, when i finally go find one to shadow, when do i mention about needing a LOR from them. I am applying now. Thanks

I just looked them up in a phone book, and started calling them. I didnt' take the time, but do a search...there have been many links about this. There is a website that you can search for DOs in an area and there is also a website somewhere that has a form that you can take along as a consent to have the patients sign in order to allow you to view treatment. However, after signing a confidentiality statement and the doctor explaining to each pt that i was a student and asking their verbal permission--I had no problem with this myself.

One last piece of advice, I have had better luck with hospitals that have formal volunteering programs and are used to dealing with HIPAA rather than private practices. Maybe contact a hospital in the area and ask them to shadow in a department that has DOs if possible (that is what I did).

Good luck.

 

[DD214_DOC]

I was mailed out today, but they didn't count physio psych as a science, so that dropped my science GPA to 3.17 😡

Is it worth cramming in another science in the summer for the possibility of bumping it to 3.26, or should I focus on rocking the MCAT?

 

[JohnDO]

Can you do both? One science class shouldn't be too much extra, unless you're working fulltime or something.

 

[Freakingzooming]

JKDMed- I think you should focus all your energy into doing well on the MCAT. honestly, the one class won't matter too much if you do an Okay job on your MCAT and not as well as you would want to.

you're taking the August and applying now? Best of luck. I know a couple friends who did that and it all went well.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Can you do both? One science class shouldn't be too much extra, unless you're working fulltime or something.

Na, the university won't let me register now since I dropped my last class. Oh well.

 

[JohnDO]

I guess that makes your decision easier then. Do your best to rock the MCAT!

 

[Freakingzooming]

for the DO shadowing, I think calling up Western or DO schools in your regions and asking them if you can find a graduate to shadow is a great experience. it's all networking. I'm sure they'll have at least one in your area, unless you happen to live on the east coast.

 

[PublicEnemy]

i was mailed out today, 1 whole month after i submitted. it took like 5 phone calls too. but whatever it takes, its still early.

 

[medic170]

I was mailed out today, but they didn't count physio psych as a science, so that dropped my science GPA to 3.17 😡

Is it worth cramming in another science in the summer for the possibility of bumping it to 3.26, or should I focus on rocking the MCAT?

I was finally mailed today too!! I think your science GPA will be ok as long as you get a 27+ on the MCAT. Mine is 3.11, overall 3.4, MCAT 28Q and I talked with some admissions officers who told me that I would be competitve if I had great LOR's (I do) and Lots of meaningful experience (6 years as a paramedic). So, as long as the rest of your application is great, you should be fine!

 

[DD214_DOC]

I was finally mailed today too!! I think your science GPA will be ok as long as you get a 27+ on the MCAT. Mine is 3.11, overall 3.4, MCAT 28Q and I talked with some admissions officers who told me that I would be competitve if I had great LOR's (I do) and Lots of meaningful experience (6 years as a paramedic). So, as long as the rest of your application is great, you should be fine!

I don't really have lots of meaningful experience. I do lots of stuff, but not a lot of it is clinical-related. I found I got more of what I wanted from working with youth and stuff than standing around in the ED doing nothing.

Oh well, at least next cycle I'll be more efficient having gone through it all once already.
😀

 

[medic170]

I don't really have lots of meaningful experience. I do lots of stuff, but not a lot of it is clinical-related. I found I got more of what I wanted from working with youth and stuff than standing around in the ED doing nothing.

Oh well, at least next cycle I'll be more efficient having gone through it all once already.
😀

Your not defeated for 2005 yet! have you shadowed a DO. I think any community service is ok, like what you have done, but you need to have at least some clinical, and shadowing a DO is probably the best and fastest at this point. Good Luck. BTW, you do not necessarily need to be a full time paramedic for 6 years like me, you just need to have done enough clinical to understand medicine and human interaction.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Your not defeated for 2005 yet! have you shadowed a DO. I think any community service is ok, like what you have done, but you need to have at least some clinical, and shadowing a DO is probably the best and fastest at this point. Good Luck. BTW, you do not necessarily need to be a full time paramedic for 6 years like me, you just need to have done enough clinical to understand medicine and human interaction.

Lemme post my stats from my e-Profile. I'm kind of interested to know where I stand before I put more money into adding additional schools.

GPA and Hours by Year
SCI HRS NSI HRS TOT HRS
FR 3.25 4.0 3.31 26.0 3.30 30.0
SO 3.58 12.0 3.38 21.0 3.45 33.0
JR 2.50 3.0 3.50 24.0 3.39 27.0
SR 2.71 7.0 3.08 18.0 2.98 25.0
Total 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0

CUM UG 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0
OVERALL 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0


Course Record
Course Graded Hours GPA HRS < 2.0 HRS P/CR/AP TOT HRS
Bio/Zoo 8.0 3.25 .0 .0 8.0
Chem-Inorg 8.0 3.75 .0 .0 8.0
Chem-Org 6.0 2.25 .0 .0 6.0
Biochem .0 .00 .0 .0 .0
Physics 4.0 3.25 .0 .0 4.0
Other Sci .0 .00 .0 .0 .0
Math/Stat 12.0 3.25 .0 .0 12.0
English 6.0 3.50 .0 6.0
Other-Nsci 44.0 3.40 3.0 .0 44.0
Behav Sci 27.0 3.22 .0 .0 27.0
TOTALS 115.0 3.30 3.0 .0 115.0

I do have DO letter and I have shadowed a DO. However, I had to drive to Charleston to do so, so I wasn't able to arrange a routine experience. I have also shadowed two MD surgeons. Got a letter from the DO, though I have not read it. I have a very, very strong non-science LOR. Still waiting on the science.

Organic is what killed me. I'm not going to get into why, though most probably have read the other thread.

 

[medic170]

Lemme post my stats from my e-Profile. I'm kind of interested to know where I stand before I put more money into adding additional schools.

GPA and Hours by Year
SCI HRS NSI HRS TOT HRS
FR 3.25 4.0 3.31 26.0 3.30 30.0
SO 3.58 12.0 3.38 21.0 3.45 33.0
JR 2.50 3.0 3.50 24.0 3.39 27.0
SR 2.71 7.0 3.08 18.0 2.98 25.0
Total 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0

CUM UG 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0
OVERALL 3.17 26.0 3.33 89.0 3.30 115.0


Course Record
Course Graded Hours GPA HRS < 2.0 HRS P/CR/AP TOT HRS
Bio/Zoo 8.0 3.25 .0 .0 8.0
Chem-Inorg 8.0 3.75 .0 .0 8.0
Chem-Org 6.0 2.25 .0 .0 6.0
Biochem .0 .00 .0 .0 .0
Physics 4.0 3.25 .0 .0 4.0
Other Sci .0 .00 .0 .0 .0
Math/Stat 12.0 3.25 .0 .0 12.0
English 6.0 3.50 .0 6.0
Other-Nsci 44.0 3.40 3.0 .0 44.0
Behav Sci 27.0 3.22 .0 .0 27.0
TOTALS 115.0 3.30 3.0 .0 115.0

I do have DO letter and I have shadowed a DO. However, I had to drive to Charleston to do so, so I wasn't able to arrange a routine experience. I have also shadowed two MD surgeons. Got a letter from the DO, though I have not read it. I have a very, very strong non-science LOR. Still waiting on the science.

You look pretty solid to me 😉

 

[kaikai128]

I am kinda sad. My application was transmitted today too...and my science GPA is lower than I thought it would be. I guess several of my classes that were totally science did not sound like it in the name and were thus not counted as science classes. 🙁 I ended up with about a 3.2 science, 3.8 non-science, 3.5cum and 26 on the MCAT. I am suddenly feeling much less confident than I was before I looked online.

 

[Freakingzooming]

I had that same gut wrenching feeling too. I was looking at my processed app for AMCAS and my GPA is much lower than I thought and my MCATs were hitting the singles all across the board.

Man my transcript still hasn't been received, damn the mail service for being so slow.

 

[medic170]

I had that same gut wrenching feeling too. I was looking at my processed app for AMCAS and my GPA is much lower than I thought and my MCATs were hitting the singles all across the board.

Man my transcript still hasn't been received, damn the mail service for being so slow.

Um, how is your application processed if they don't have your transcript?

 

[Freakingzooming]

Um, how is your application processed if they don't have your transcript?

AMCAS is processed but not the AACOMAS. anyone receive any secondaries yet?

 

[actresstodoc]

I still can't check my status page!!!! What should I do?

 

[Freakingzooming]

I still can't check my status page!!!! What should I do?

call the support hot line: it's on their webpage. 301- something.....

 

[MsEvolution]

AMCAS is processed but not the AACOMAS. anyone receive any secondaries yet?

The only one I've received was from my AMCAS transmittal... UConn. Apparently, lots of us got that one...

I submitted AMCAS on Friday and got a secondary on Wednesday. That's pretty fast, considering the holiday.

Submitted AACOMAS yesterday. My status page is up saying they haven't received any transcripts, but I'm SURE they must have some by now. Is there anything else to do but wait for weeks to know for sure if they got them or not?

 

[Freakingzooming]

I finally have it in! whooooo... my UCSB transcript has been received by AACOMAS.... June 28th???? it took them 14 days for them to take my transcript and mark it as received.

here's to hoping my application is sent off in 14 days.. whooooo.

 

[Maxmuscle27]

Hi everyone,

I just finished/submitted the aacomas app. I am applying to 7 osteopathic schools: PCOM, CCOM, NYCOM, KCUMB, COMP, UNE, NJCOM

Any Idaho residents out there applying this cycle?

I am applying to 8 osteopathic schools: COMP, TUCOM, NOVA, AZCOM,
KCOM, DMU, MIDWESTERN.

I am from Idaho, too. 😎

 

[taylor92107]

Its about freakin time.......my app has been turned into AACOMAS. Let the praying begin.

 

[Freakingzooming]

Its about freakin time.......my app has been turned into AACOMAS. Let the praying begin.

i haven't received one receipt email or notification that they've received my AACOMAS yet from schools.

No secondaries either? sigh, i guess its for the best.

 

[irishlaydi]

HI. anyone know if i will get notification of my transcripts being received by AACOMAS even though i haven't submitted my app yet? thanks!

 

[kaikai128]

HI. anyone know if i will get notification of my transcripts being received by AACOMAS even though i haven't submitted my app yet? thanks!

Nope, you will get notification after you submit by logging on to check the status of the application...however, they are slow at updating this as well. I found out by calling and having them verify receipt.

 

[taylor92107]

HI. anyone know if i will get notification of my transcripts being received by AACOMAS even though i haven't submitted my app yet? thanks!

You should call and email. Just keep on them.

 

[irishlaydi]

You should call and email. Just keep on them.

thanks, who do you mean? AACOMAS?

 

[stoic]

What's up fellow DO applicants. I figured I'd jump in here to share experience/frustrations/support.

I submitted my application about a week ago and sent transcripts about a month ago. So now I'm just waiting for AACOMS to update my status and send my freakin' apps out. I've emailed a couple times with no response, so tomorrow I'm going to try and bust some balls on the phone.

My story: 3.3 cum. GPA/ 3.2 sci GPA (crappy freshman year) 35 MCAT, research (maybe a publication this year... CRYSTALIZE YOU STUPID PROTEIN), lots of volunteer/shadowing/health care experience, many EC's.

Applying at:
KU med (MD)
KCOM
KCUMB
OU-COM
OSU-COM

So far my general impression has been that AACOM is WAY behind AMCAS in terms of efficiancy. I just want to get my apps sent and be done with them.

Good luck and hang in there. With luck and xanax we'll all make it through the process and be in school next year!

S

 

[Freakingzooming]

Is KCOM kirskville? Tis a great school. i need to learn my abbreviations. Seems like you're intent on staying in the midwest, stoic?

hey this is a more general question but for nycom, since the secondary is filled at the interview stage, do we just go ahead and send our LORs? Do they factor in before they decide to invite for interviews? I wonder how it works.

Personally, I've filled out and turn in 4 MD secondaries and am still waiting for my first DO secondary. Bring it on!

 

[MsEvolution]

Hmmm... I received an email secondary from Kirksville this morning... but my AACOMAS application still shows schools as pending. ??

The secondary's says: AACOMAS has notified us that we should be receiving your application in the next few weeks.

So... AACOMAS must send out some form of preliminary information, right?

And... do they really mean the next few WEEKS?? On 7/14 they showed my transcripts as received on 7/6. But I've seen no movement since then...

 

[JohnDO]

Very strange, I guess they do send out preliminary info on you. Have you received any other secondaries?

KCOM needs to hurry up and send me a secondary, my application was sent on the 14th.



jk KCOM, I still love you (just send me my dang secondary).

 

[MsEvolution]

John, actually... what they sent me was a link to their website. You can start it, if you want...

www.kcom.edu

And you click on "Admissions"

Then, click on "Secondary Application"

Then, set up an account...

Then, log in and get started...

They charge $60 for an electronic submittal... and $70 for a paper submittal.

A couple of tidbits in case they apply:

I called and asked if I could use a couple of letters of recommendation on file at my school instead of using their form. They said yes.

I also asked if the "employer" letter of recommendation could come from someone I worked with, who was a couple of rungs above me, but was not my direct supervisor. They said that was fine, too.

Good luck! John, chin up! Don't let the B grades get you down--I think we tend to get harder and harder on ourselves and we move along in this process. I've been feeling kinda numb and a bit weary of all of this lately--I'm trying to revitalize myself and I'm not sure how. So I'm trying to be patient with myself and keep this all in perspective.

Sorry, I'm rambling again...

 

[taylor92107]

thanks, who do you mean? AACOMAS?

Yes, call them, email them, basically just stalk them. I had been calling for 2 weeks and they kept telling me they did not have my transcripts which had been sent out around June 1st. I called again yesterday and the guy was like....'oh, here they are...theyv'e been here since 6/28'. I felt like screaming at him, but I was just really nice about it.
So just politely stalk them.

 

[irishlaydi]

Yes, call them, email them, basically just stalk them. I had been calling for 2 weeks and they kept telling me they did not have my transcripts which had been sent out around June 1st. I called again yesterday and the guy was like....'oh, here they are...theyv'e been here since 6/28'. I felt like screaming at him, but I was just really nice about it.
So just politely stalk them.

thanks. i have had lots of trouble already just trying to get answers to simple questions....i have better luck asking things on sdn anyday! so thanks to y'all and i think POLITE STALKING is the way to go 😀 😛 haha

 

[JohnDO]

Indeed. it took 5 phone calls before my transcripts were sent. All but one of them seemed very nice and helpful. The other one was some lady who sounded put out that I was wondering where my transcripts were.

 

[irishlaydi]

ughhh, i feel like i have a million new questions everyday...anyone else?! anyway, wanted to know if graduate school would fit under employment for the AACOMAS additional data question. Reason I ask is because I am in the PhD program and am getting paid thru the program...I asked AACOMAS and she said maybe.... 🙄 anyone know??? THANKS

 

[DD214_DOC]

AACOM seems very unorganized and slack. It only took me two phone calls, but my transcript had been sitting around since June 28. Slackers.

You basically have to call and do everything yourself, which is fine since I have been doing that with USC since I started. 🙄

 

[stoic]

Yea. AACOMS sucks. They've had my transcript since 6/14 and didn't update their files until I called earlier today. To all having problems, call and ask questions. 5 minutes after I called my file was updated.

So down it's time to wait for secondaries.

 

[Peace&Health]

Hi All,

I think I'm applying to the most schools so far. Am I the only one who applied to 15? Just got the e-mail from KCOM today regarding the secondary, but my file is not yet updated on AACOMAS.

Here are the schools I applied to (15):
Touro University (Visalia, CA)
Western/COMP (Pomona, CA)
AZCOM (Glendale, AZ)
UNTHSC/TCOM (Fortworth, TX)
NSUCOM (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
UMDNJ-SOM (Startford, NJ)
KCOM (Kirksville, MO)
UNECOM (Biddeford, ME)
PCOM
LECOM (Erie, PA)
CCOM (Downer's Grove, IL)
PCSOM (Pikeville, KY)
OSUCOM (Tulsa, OK)
NYCOM (Old Westbury, NY)
DMU/COMS (Des Moines, IA)

This is not in order of preference. I still need to do more research but since I'm from CA, I'm leaning towards staying in the west coast.

 

[Doc 2b]

Anyone heard from them, anyone gotten a supp? Know when they will start sending?

 

[kaikai128]

Anyone heard from them, anyone gotten a supp? Know when they will start sending?

No word here...although I was told by the school that with my statistics they didn't see any reason that I wouldn't get a secondary. I presume they are just a bit behind.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Anyone heard from them, anyone gotten a supp? Know when they will start sending?

Doc, when was your app transmitted?

 

[Doc 2b]

I can't remember right off the top of my head, 16th or 17th of June I think why?

 

[actresstodoc]

Yeah! My profile has been updated and I see that I was mailed today. So I guess now I wait on secondaries?
I am applying to:
OSUCOM
Touro (CA)
CCOM
NOVA
NYCOM
AZCOM
Western

My updated profile:
GPA: 3.48
Science: 3.63 (Damn that Freshman Botany! It would have been close to a 4.0!!)
MCAT: 28 (9V 8P 11B Q)
Good Luck everyone and I can't wait to compare notes on interviews (God willing)etc.

 

[DD214_DOC]

I can't remember right off the top of my head, 16th or 17th of June I think why?

Just curious how long it took for you to get your secondaries from the schools I applied to. Thanks.

 

[taylor92107]

Anyone know what mail AACOMAS is sorting through?? Usually their a couple weeks behind so I'm thinking maybe their just getting to last weeks mail. My last set of transcripts should have been there last week but of course my status hasn't changed. THis is driving me nuts

 

[stoic]

Anyone know what mail AACOMAS is sorting through?? Usually their a couple weeks behind so I'm thinking maybe their just getting to last weeks mail. My last set of transcripts should have been there last week but of course my status hasn't changed. THis is driving me nuts

Call them.

 

[MsEvolution]

I was just mailed today, too.

I submitted on 7/7... they acknowledged receiving my transcripts on 7/14. And today... finally... they've updated my page with a "Mailed 7/21" message...

Overall GPA: 3.49
Science GPA: 3.55
Taking the MCAT in August.

I'm much older than the average applicant. I'm 34. But I'm hoping that my life experience, Hispanic, bilingual, bicultural, female etc will all help balance out my application *just* enough... cross your fingers for me, you guys...

Good luck to us all!