AACOMAS FAQ 2014-2015 Application Cycle

[polylux]

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How is it written on your transcript? It's best to write everything the way it's written on the transcript. It'll make the verification process a bit faster/easier for the people at AACOMAS.

Unfortunately, AACOMAS instructions and my transcript occasionally contradict. AACOMAS specifies using calendar year. So my freshman year spring quarter would be 2011. However, my transcript says spring 2010 still, because that's the way my school does it. I thought about it.

Started for sure.

Yeah, that's what I did.

 

[Sean Lee]

Please notice the year in the post is 2015. This is 2014.

He said if you want to matriculate in 2015, you need to submit FAFSA ASAP.

 

[keels99]

He said if you want to matriculate in 2015, you need to submit FAFSA ASAP.

I believe he meant to say 2014. If you read the end of the post, it says 2015. You can't fill out a FAFSA until the year of wanted aid (unless you're filling it out for some other reason.) You have to know what school you're going to before filling out the FAFSA since it asks for school code and what not.

 

[Sean Lee]

Man I need to cool off a bit...

 

[Lost Complex]

Not sure. So I just tried to throw as much helpful info at the OP as possible.

I'm sorry. I meant when should I fill out the FAFSA if I want financial aid for when I matriculate at a school? Let's say I've been accepted to start class August 2015. Would I fill out my FAFSA between January-March 2015?

 

[medickdb]

I'm sorry. I meant when should I fill out the FAFSA if I want financial aid for when I matriculate at a school? Let's say I've been accepted to start class August 2015. Would I fill out my FAFSA between January-March 2015?

Yes, but after you receive your tax information.

 

[polylux]

Man I need to cool off a bit...

Yes, go to bed.

 

[Sean Lee]

Yes, go to bed.

And thanks for reaching out polylux, I really appreciate that.

 

[Fedxup]

At my school we have 3 summer session 1,2, and 3. I took classes in 2 and 3. Should I list them both under summer 2?

 

[Omppu27]

Asked this in the AMCAS thread, but perhaps you guys might be of more help.....

Question regarding interfolio...

What the hell am i supposed to do? I got to my interfolio account through my AACOMAS (i'm applying DO and MD) account but now i'm not entirely sure of what to do or how my letter writers are supposed to use this program. Are my letter writers supposed to create an account? Am i supposed to add Dossier and Portfolio to my account??

A simple outline of using this program would be very appreciated.

 

[keels99]

Hey, @Omppu27, just message me and I will help you out with Interfolio. It's super easy, I promise!

 

[Fedxup]

Forgot to quote.

 

[Fedxup]

Asked this in the AMCAS thread, but perhaps you guys might be of more help.....

Question regarding interfolio...

What the hell am i supposed to do? I got to my interfolio account through my AACOMAS (i'm applying DO and MD) account but now i'm not entirely sure of what to do or how my letter writers are supposed to use this program. Are my letter writers supposed to create an account? Am i supposed to add Dossier and Portfolio to my account??

A simple outline of using this program would be very appreciated.

Your letter write have to create and account to upload your letter. Once you have the letter, you can send them out as you choose and attach you AACOMAS/AMCAS ID to them.

 

[Sean Lee]

I have a question regarding semester/credit hour conversion. At my semester-based school, 1 semester unit equals the commonly used "4 semester hours". However, this fact isn't stated on my official transcript. How should I proceed?

 

[DoctorKrieger]

I have a question regarding semester/credit hour conversion. At my semester-based school, 1 semester unit equals the commonly used "4 semester hours". However, this fact isn't stated on my official transcript. How should I proceed?

"Some institutions grant credits as course units. Please convert these course units into semester hours as defined by your institution. Credit conversions for course units should be documented on the back of the transcript, or check with your registrar."

 

[Sean Lee]

"Some institutions grant credits as course units. Please convert these course units into semester hours as defined by your institution. Credit conversions for course units should be documented on the back of the transcript, or check with your registrar."

I just checked online at my school's registrar, and it seems that each credit unit only counts for 3.75 semester credits! This means that a full-year (2 semester sequence with lab) of a prerequisite science at my school will only give me 7.5 credit! Don't ALL schools require 8 credits?!!?

I am having a fit again

 

[DoctorKrieger]

I just checked online at my school's registrar, and it seems that each credit unit only counts for 3.75 semester credits! This means that a full-year (2 semester sequence with lab) of a prerequisite science at my school will only give me 7.5 credit! Don't ALL schools require 8 credits?!!?

I am having a fit again

As I remember it, most/all schools have requirements listed by semesters, not credits (i.e. 2 semesters of ochem with lab; 2 semesters of physics with lab).

 

[keels99]

As I remember it, most/all schools have requirements listed by semesters, not credits (i.e. 2 semesters of ochem with lab; 2 semesters of physics with lab).

Not all schools have it listed by semesters. I only took one semester of OChem lab, but because my OChem lab was 2 hours worth or credits, I didn't have to take OChem 2 Lab.

However, I don't think a school will prevent you from being accepted because the conversion is different.

 

[Sean Lee]

As I remember it, most/all schools have requirements listed by semesters, not credits (i.e. 2 semesters of ochem with lab; 2 semesters of physics with lab).

http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/2015cib/2015_CIBfull-web.pdf

This only lists semester hours, and 8 is required.

I know this isn't a problem, because people from my school get into all sorts of medical schools every year. But it is very odd.

 

[keels99]

http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/2015cib/2015_CIBfull-web.pdf

This only lists semester hours, and 8 is required.

I know this isn't a problem, because people from my school get into all sorts of medical schools every year. But it is very odd.

I think you will be fine.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Documents/2015cib/2015_CIBfull-web.pdf

This only lists semester hours, and 8 is required.

I know this isn't a problem, because people from my school get into all sorts of medical schools every year. But it is very odd.

Heh, I guess they do only list it in hours. Anyway, just call the schools/AACOMAS to see what you need to do. I'm sure you're fine.

 

[dutchie000]

Would anyone be willing to share what kind of format they used for descriptions of their work/extracurriculars in the application? Do they want bullet form or a paragraph? Going through and figuring out the hours of everything I've done in the past is going to be a blast

 

[Fedxup]

I was told bullet point. You can use narratives where you see fit. I guess where there is some explaining to do.

Would anyone be willing to share what kind of format they used for descriptions of their work/extracurriculars in the application? Do they want bullet form or a paragraph? Going through and figuring out the hours of everything I've done in the past is going to be a blast

 

[dutchie000]

I was told bullet point. You can use narratives where you see fit. I guess where there is some explaining to do.

Thanks! 🙂

Also, I'm meeting with an adcom of a local school soon so if anyone has any burning questions they want me to ask let me know!

 

[Fedxup]

Does anyone know how credit transfers work? I took one class at a local cc and I entered it separately under that cc's name. The class also shows up as transferred on my home institution's transcript but with a the equivalent course number. (so at CC course number is AS 101 and at my institution it is PE 201). Should I add the course under my home institution course work as well?

 

[keels99]

Does anyone know how credit transfers work? I took one class at a local cc and I entered it separately under that cc's name. The class also shows up as transferred on my home institution's transcript but with a the equivalent course number. (so at CC course number is AS 101 and at my institution it is PE 201). Should I add the course under my home institution course work as well?

No. You only add courses from the school where you took them

 

[Fedxup]

No. You only add courses from the school where you took them

Thank you

 

[polylux]

Would anyone be willing to share what kind of format they used for descriptions of their work/extracurriculars in the application? Do they want bullet form or a paragraph? Going through and figuring out the hours of everything I've done in the past is going to be a blast

I'll share what I did later tonight when I'm at my computer instead of on my phone.

 

[dutchie000]

Are there a lot of schools that require a letter from a non-science professor? Having trouble of who to think to ask for one since the majority of my non-science classes were earlier in college

 

[dramatrauma]

Are there a lot of schools that require a letter from a non-science professor? Having trouble of who to think to ask for one since the majority of my non-science classes were earlier in college

I'd say about 50-60% ask for a non-science professor's LOR. Check each school's website for their policies.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

So many people working together and helping each other this year. We're already at page 4 and no one has posted the same stupid question multiple times.

 

[dutchie000]

I'd say about 50-60% ask for a non-science professor's LOR. Check each school's website for their policies.

....dang... Hopefully the one I emailed will respond. The rest I barely remember. Do you think it'll be looked down on if I get one of my medic class instructors to write one? It was through a community college, but I know them really well

 

[dramatrauma]

....dang... Hopefully the one I emailed will respond. The rest I barely remember. Do you think it'll be looked down on if I get one of my medic class instructors to write one? It was through a community college, but I know them really well

An LOR from a medic class instuctor will not automatically substitute an LOR from a non-science professor, as the medic course is not an academic course. However, especially if you're a non-trad, you can contact individual schools to see if they can allow for a substitution.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Wait here I am confused about the non-science letter... I have looked through like every school and like I know for the 12 schools I am applying to, I need a committee letter and then a DO letter (optional at some), and then at one I need a science letter as well...

Are yall talking about if you don't have a committee then you need a non-science? I thought I have been really on top of everything, but here I am confused, seeing as I have yet to see any of my schools asking for a non-science. But I definitely want to make sure I am not missing something

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[dramatrauma]

Wait here I am confused about the non-science letter... I have looked through like every school and like I know for the 12 schools I am applying to, I need a committee letter and then a DO letter (optional at some), and then at one I need a science letter as well...

Are yall talking about if you don't have a committee then you need a non-science? I thought I have been really on top of everything, but here I am confused, seeing as I have yet to see any of my schools asking for a non-science. But I definitely want to make sure I am not missing something

....dang... Hopefully the one I emailed will respond. The rest I barely remember. Do you think it'll be looked down on if I get one of my medic class instructors to write one? It was through a community college, but I know them really well

I'm sorry, but after doing some research, I believe I was mistaken. There are only a small handful (<5%) of osteopathic schools that require a non-science LOR (e.g., Nova and PCOM). Most just ask for a DO and committee/science LORs, so you should both definitely be okay without a non-science LOR.

My apologies for the misinformation and resulting confusion!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

In addition to the committee? PCOM is my top choice and I don't have a non-science so that is very bad news haha

At least from the handbook I could've sworn you didn't need it? But I'll look again

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[rzoo14]

In addition to the committee? PCOM is my top choice and I don't have a non-science so that is very bad news haha

At least from the handbook I could've sworn you didn't need it? But I'll look again

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Pcom-ga needs one for sure. I read it on their secondary. Not sure about the Philadelphia campus.

 

[dutchie000]

I'm sorry, but after doing some research, I believe I was mistaken. There are only a small handful (<5%) of osteopathic schools that require a non-science LOR (e.g., Nova and PCOM). Most just ask for a DO and committee/science LORs, so you should both definitely be okay without a non-science LOR.

My apologies for the misinformation and resulting confusion!

Thank you!!! Well, I should definitely still find one for nova. I definitely want to apply there. If I can't find anyone from undergrad I guess I'll have to get one from my medic class instructor, while I would hate to do that, but they are non-science instructors soooo I guess it wouldn't be too awful?

 

[dutchie000]

An LOR from a medic class instuctor will not automatically substitute an LOR from a non-science professor, as the medic course is not an academic course. However, especially if you're a non-trad, you can contact individual schools to see if they can allow for a substitution.

Not even if I got credit hours for it? The medic course is split into individual 3 credit hour courses

 

[dutchie000]

Looks like I have some schools to call next week. I didn't go through my school's pre-health committee for a letter because I moved due to a full-time job and wasn't able to go to the interview needed to get a pre-health committee letter. Now RVU and NOVA are out of the question because my school has a pre-health committee and I didn't get a letter through them 🙁 I am non-traditional in the sense that I will have been out of school and working for a year and a half before I start back up...

 

[dramatrauma]

Not even if I got credit hours for it? The medic course is split into individual 3 credit hour courses

No one on here can answer this question with 100% certainly. Your best bet is to contact each school individually. You might even get an exception.

 

[dutchie000]

No one on here can answer this question with 100% certainly. Your best bet is to contact each school individually. You might even get an exception.

Yeah I'll have to work on that... I thought DOs for the most part didn't require a committee letter and accepted two science letters instead, but I guess I was wrong. Feeling kind of discouraged but I guess I'll know for sure when I call them.

 

[dramatrauma]

Yeah I'll have to work on that... I thought DOs for the most part didn't require a committee letter and accepted two science letters instead, but I guess I was wrong. Feeling kind of discouraged but I guess I'll know for sure when I call them.

Sorry for the bad news, but don't get discouraged yet! I've got my *fingers crossed* for you. 🙂

 

[polylux]

This isn't a question, but I just thought you guys would appreciate my pain more than my boyfriend: I inputted in over half my coursework... only to discover I hadn't converted the quarter hours into semester hours. Had to go back and redo ALL OF IT.

 

[dutchie000]

Sorry for the bad news, but don't get discouraged yet! I've got my *fingers crossed* for you. 🙂

Thanks 🙂 Hopefully they will let me substitute the science LORs. I appreciate your help and encouragement and I'll totally update on what they say. Anyone have some suggestions for schools that don't recommend committee letters or take science letters in lieu of committee ones?

I know VCOM doesn't require one thankfully because it is probably my best shot to get into.

 

[Fedxup]

Thanks 🙂 Hopefully they will let me substitute the science LORs. I appreciate your help and encouragement and I'll totally update on what they say. Anyone have some suggestions for schools that don't recommend committee letters or take science letters in lieu of committee ones?

I know VCOM doesn't require one thankfully because it is probably my best shot to get into.

Just like you post says, schools only recommend committee letters, not require them. I'm sure most schools will take individual letters. Some institutions don't even have committee letter! I think you will be fine with the 2 science and 1 non-science letter approach.

 

[dutchie000]

Just like you post says, schools only recommend committee letters, not require them. I'm sure most schools will take individual letters. Some institutions don't even have committee letter! I think you will be fine with the 2 science and 1 non-science letter approach.

Thanks I really hope so!! Part of me is really regretting not doing the committee stuff, but they required it to be in the year prior to applying and of course I'm no longer in school there...

🙂 you guys rock! Glad to have some buddies going through the application process with me since I don't actually know anyone personally going through it.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Thanks I really hope so!! Part of me is really regretting not doing the committee stuff, but they required it to be in the year prior to applying and of course I'm no longer in school there...

🙂 you guys rock! Glad to have some buddies going through the application process with me since I don't actually know anyone personally going through it.

I doubt any school requires a committee letter, because there are bound to be schools that don't have such committees. Every school I remember applying to accepted other letters (usually from science profs) in lieu of a committee letter. I also doubt they count against you in any way for not taking the committee route.

From RVU website:

If the candidate’s undergraduate institution does not have a premedical advisory committee, the candidate may submit letters from two science professors who have taught them graded coursework in the natural or biomedical sciences.

From Nova website:

...if such a committee does not exist then three letters of recommendation are needed (two from a science professors and one non-science letter).


Don't get caught up in the 'if such a committee doesn't exist' wording. Just send in those letters. There are many reasons why someone might not have a committee letter even if they went to a school that had one. And really, are they going to take the time to find out if your school has one?

 

[dutchie000]

I doubt any school requires a committee letter, because there are bound to be schools that don't have such committees. Every school I remember applying to accepted other letters (usually from science profs) in lieu of a committee letter. I also doubt they count against you in any way for not taking the committee route.

From RVU website:

If the candidate’s undergraduate institution does not have a premedical advisory committee, the candidate may submit letters from two science professors who have taught them graded coursework in the natural or biomedical sciences.

From Nova website:

...if such a committee does not exist then three letters of recommendation are needed (two from a science professors and one non-science letter).


Don't get caught up in the 'if such a committee doesn't exist' wording. Just send in those letters. There are many reasons why someone might not have a committee letter even if they went to a school that had one. And really, are they going to take the time to find out if your school has one?

Thanks, that's really reassuring! You're right, I don't see how they could count against it. If they bring it up in my interview I'll just tell the truth -- I couldn't take time off work to go to the interview my committee requires in order to write a letter. Of course they are all during the week, so it wasn't feasible to make it. I hope that they won't count it against me.

I don't get why schools like committees so much anyway. I graduated from a university with over 20000 students, and I'm sure the prehealth office sees hundreds of them. My science professors will be able to write much more personalized letters. If I get a response from those admissions offices I'll definitely post what they say.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Thanks, that's really reassuring! You're right, I don't see how they could count against it. If they bring it up in my interview I'll just tell the truth -- I couldn't take time off work to go to the interview my committee requires in order to write a letter. Of course they are all during the week, so it wasn't feasible to make it. I hope that they won't count it against me.

It's very unlikely they will ask you about a committee letter during the interview. They have more important things to ask you about.

1 year from now you will look back and laugh at the minor things you worried about.