AACOMAS FAQ 2014-2015 Application Cycle

[dutchie000]

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.

Oh gosh I hope so... I literally have a million worries going through my mind right now. Now I'm trying to find information on how to obtain my study abroad credits... *sigh* I will be so happy once I can just be done filling this out! Closing it out for the night before I find something else to be worried about haha

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[Awesome Sauceome]

So wait is it confirmed that if you have a committee then you don't need a non-science?

I was under the impression that if you don't have a committee then at a lot of places you need 2 science and 1 non-science, but yea, if you have a committee one?

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[chizledfrmstone]

So wait is it confirmed that if you have a committee then you don't need a non-science?

I was under the impression that if you don't have a committee then at a lot of places you need 2 science and 1 non-science, but yea, if you have a committee one?

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Then you use it in lieu of a non-science or at some places a 2nd science.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

So yea just looked on pcom phili and novas website. Both just want a committee. But for nova if you don't have a committee then you need 2 science and 1 non science

Yall don't scare me like that haha.... Stressed out enough as it is heh

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[Fedxup]

So wait is it confirmed that if you have a committee then you don't need a non-science?

I was under the impression that if you don't have a committee then at a lot of places you need 2 science and 1 non-science, but yea, if you have a committee one?

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Sorry if I answer the wrong question but if there is no committee 2 science and 1 non-science letters are required. (Some only require 2 science) But if you are going the committee route, each institution has their own requirement about the # of professors that need to hand in letter. At least that is how it works at my school.

 

[keels99]

A lot of schools will take 2 science professors LOR if you didn't go through committee. I had no problem with this. I didn't have time to go through a committee because I applied in February and pre-med committee is in the fall.

 

[teracky]

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[keels99]

what's the best way to go about filling in the description boxes for volunteer/jobs etc.? I've been doing "duties include: doing this; doing that; etc." Is it better to list/bullet or full paragraph or it does not really matter at all?

I just used semi-colons

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

See I have heard mixed things... Some people have said that, like all things in your app, is a way to show who you are, and especially duties held in bullet form aren't as important?

I have heard that a good format is in a sentence or two say what it is/what you did. Then in a sentence or two say what you learned from it (and commonly refer back to how it will make you a better physician, when applicable).

But I have also heard of a lot of people say to go bullet. So who the heck knows, unless I hear it from an adcom, I'm going with a more descriptive style rather than bullet. Maybe @Goro or someone can answer

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[Fedxup]

Patiently awaits for @Goro to answer

 

[keels99]

I don't think it is really super important. You have to refill your activities on the secondary, and I feel that's what they look at anyway. No one is going to reject you because of the way you formatted your activities description

 

[TopTomato]

For everybody asking about PCOM's letter requirements you need a committee letter however if you don't have a committee letter you'll need 2 science and 1 non science letter. I was accepted to PCOM with no committee letter, and just 2 science and 1 nonscience. It's also recommended that you get a DO letter, however a DO letter is NOT a requirement, even though it is strongly advised to have one. I do know people who got in with MD letters in place of the DO letters.

 

[keels99]

For everybody asking about PCOM's letter requirements you need a committee letter however if you don't have a committee letter you'll need 2 science and 1 non science letter. I was accepted to PCOM with no committee letter, and just 2 science and 1 nonscience. It's also recommended that you get a DO letter, however a DO letter is NOT a requirement, even though it is strongly advised to have one. I do know people who got in with MD letters in place of the DO letters.

You only need 2 science professor LOR for most schools, not 2 science, 1 non science. None of the schools I applied to required 3 professor LOR.

Edit: Sorry, I see you're referring to PCOM only

 

[Tarek Tabbaa]

For our coursework entry section, do we have to add "and lab" to the end of a course entry for example if Physics 1 included lab do we put "and lab" at the end of the entry like in the AMCAS entry?

 

[dramatrauma]

For our coursework entry section, do we have to add "and lab" to the end of a course entry for example if Physics 1 included lab do we put "and lab" at the end of the entry like in the AMCAS entry?

For the descriptions, write only what is already written in your transcript. If "and lab" is included within the course description, write it. Otherwise, AACOMAS has strongly advised against adding additional words to the course description.

 

[Abu Sharmota]

If I took a class during high school at a community college, would I still need to put it in the application. Because the only options given to put academic status are F,So,J,Senior?

 

[keels99]

If I took a class during high school at a community college, would I still need to put it in the application. Because the only options given to put academic status are F,So,J,Senior?

I would put freshman.

 

[Goro]

I always see the descriptive style (it's the nature of the AACOMAS app form), and prefer it.

See I have heard mixed things... Some people have said that, like all things in your app, is a way to show who you are, and especially duties held in bullet form aren't as important?

I have heard that a good format is in a sentence or two say what it is/what you did. Then in a sentence or two say what you learned from it (and commonly refer back to how it will make you a better physician, when applicable).

But I have also heard of a lot of people say to go bullet. So who the heck knows, unless I hear it from an adcom, I'm going with a more descriptive style rather than bullet. Maybe @Goro or someone can answer

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[medickdb]

If I took a class during high school at a community college, would I still need to put it in the application. Because the only options given to put academic status are F,So,J,Senior?

I did this, too. Yes, put it as freshman.

 

[Lost Complex]

For everybody asking about PCOM's letter requirements you need a committee letter however if you don't have a committee letter you'll need 2 science and 1 non science letter. I was accepted to PCOM with no committee letter, and just 2 science and 1 nonscience. It's also recommended that you get a DO letter, however a DO letter is NOT a requirement, even though it is strongly advised to have one. I do know people who got in with MD letters in place of the DO letters.

It's interesting though because some of the people who posted in the PCOM thread said that 2 science professors and 1 DO letter fulfilled the requirement for them.

 

[ctran019]

Does the total GPA listed on the AACOMAS application take into account grade replacements from other schools? I changed the last repeat option to none and vice versa, but with no difference in total science gpa when the "repeat" feature was on. Does the final verified GPA that gets sent to schools vary greatly from the ones seen on the aacomas site? I'm sure I correctly input everything in.

I find it hard to believe that my GPA only went up by .28 from ( 2.56 -> 2.84 ) when I'm replacing 6 science classes which were mainly D's & C's with all A's. Can anyone confirm that I should expect my sGPA to be around 2.84?

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Does the total GPA listed on the AACOMAS application take into account grade replacements from other schools? I changed the last repeat option to none and vice versa, but with no difference in total science gpa when the "repeat" feature was on. Does the final verified GPA that gets sent to schools vary greatly from the ones seen on the aacomas site? I'm sure I correctly input everything in.

I find it hard to believe that my GPA only went up by .28 from ( 2.56 -> 2.84 ) when I'm replacing 6 science classes which were mainly D's & C's with all A's. Can anyone confirm that I should expect my sGPA to be around 2.84?

I think they verify that the retakes are acceptable before updating your gpa. The aacomas gpa is exactly what the schools see.

 

[ctran019]

I think they verify that the retakes are acceptable before updating your gpa. The aacomas gpa is exactly what the schools see.

Thanks DoctorKrieger, So the retakes aren't factored into my GPA at the moment ? Is what I see simply the "replacement classes" I've taken being averaged to make up the GPA? If so, will sending them my transcript update the gpa before submit my app to schools?

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Thanks DoctorKrieger, So the retakes aren't factored into my GPA at the moment ? Is what I see simply the "replacement classes" I've taken being averaged to make up the GPA? If so, will sending them my transcript update the gpa before submit my app to schools?

I'm not sure if the retakes are averaged or what for the time being, just that they do have to validate that the retakes match descriptions and are the same or more credit hours than the original class, which can take some time. Whenever you get new grades, update aacomas and send them your transcript with the latest grades. You can submit the app to schools anytime, and update as you get new grades/mcat/ECs. The schools will be able to see the latest update of your application.

If you want to verify what is going on with your gpa calc, email aacomas. They usually got back to me pretty fast...or you can call.

 

[dramatrauma]

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[nolimits1]

Have any of you guys put down high school work experience and/or volunteering experiences?

 

[TopTomato]

Have any of you guys put down high school work experience and/or volunteering experiences?

Anything done in high school doesn't count.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Have any of you guys put down high school work experience and/or volunteering experiences?

I have, I did a bit of stuff during my senior year that I continued some into college. I think to definitely not have your whole app be stuff from high school nor should your most meaningful experiences be from high school (you are supposed to show increased growth), but I have never heard of it hurting anyone.

 

[polylux]

Have any of you guys put down high school work experience and/or volunteering experiences?

I had a high school activity I did for four years and into college during the summers that I thought was significant (1300 hrs community service), so I included that.

 

[Bea5T]

Is the 1 non science letter an absolute requirement for some schools?

 

[dramatrauma]

Is the 1 non science letter an absolute requirement for some schools?

It is for NOVA and PCOM in the absence of a committee letter. If you think you may be eligible (e.g., nontrad who has been out of school for a long time), you can try contacting individual schools to see if they can grant you an exemption.

 

[hossle12]

I don't receive final spring grades until late June. Should I wait to submit until I get spring grades, or submit early w/o spring grades on transcript and send in an updated transcript later in June?

 

[dramatrauma]

I don't receive final spring grades until late June. Should I wait to submit until I get spring grades, or submit early w/o spring grades on transcript and send in an updated transcript later in June?

If you're in need of GPA repair, wait for the spring grades. If you're GPA is high enough as is, submit early and submit an updated transcript later. Submitting as early as possible is the best thing you can do for your app.

 

[dutchie000]

RVU has confirmed that if you are unable to get a committee letter for whatever reason two science professors are acceptable.

Has anyone sent in their transcripts yet?

 

[medickdb]

I don't receive final spring grades until late June. Should I wait to submit until I get spring grades, or submit early w/o spring grades on transcript and send in an updated transcript later in June?

You don't send an updated transcript letter. You update everything in AACOMAS.

Honestly, you probably won't be getting secondaries until at least July anyway.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

You don't send an updated transcript letter. You update everything in AACOMAS.

Honestly, you probably won't be getting secondaries until at least July anyway.

You update the grades in AACOMAS, but still need to send a transcript to them as well for verification.

@hossle12 It really doesn't matter, you're app is going to be early enough either way.

 

[medickdb]

You update the grades in AACOMAS, but still need to send a transcript to them as well for verification.

@hossle12 It really doesn't matter, you're app is going to be early enough either way.

Yeah, but he wouldn't need an update letter to do that. An update letter is something you send in after you interview. As long as AACOMAS is open for the cycle, you're supposed to do as you just said, update the grades and send in new transcripts reflecting those courses.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

Yeah, but he wouldn't need an update letter to do that. An update letter is something you send in after you interview. As long as AACOMAS is open for the cycle, you're supposed to do as you just said, update the grades and send in new transcripts reflecting those courses.

I think you might have misread "later" for "letter" in his/her post??

 

[malamed]

RVU has confirmed that if you are unable to get a committee letter for whatever reason two science professors are acceptable.

Has anyone sent in their transcripts yet?

I sent mine today ..I figured it will take a few days to get through snail mail anyway...was that a mistake?

 

[medickdb]

I think you might have misread "later" for "letter" in his/her post??

Haha. My mistake. I need to go outside now. 😉

 

[dutchie000]

I sent mine today ..I figured it will take a few days to get through snail mail anyway...was that a mistake?

I have no idea lol. I don't know if I should send mine yet or not. I think tomorrow I'm going to call and ask about that, and about my study abroad transcripts.

Per my study abroad coordinator "Your request is REALLY hard to grant. Not impossible, but not easy, either." yikes!! lol.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

I don't receive final spring grades until late June. Should I wait to submit until I get spring grades, or submit early w/o spring grades on transcript and send in an updated transcript later in June?

Update: ignore my previous post saying it doesn't matter. I just looked at the AACOMAS guide and found this:

"If you are currently enrolled in the Spring 2014 Term, you may not submit your transcript(s) until those grades are posted on the transcript."

 

[orangeman25]

How important exactly is the personal statement? If you have an average one, does it tank your application?

 

[keels99]

How important exactly is the personal statement? If you have an average one, does it tank your application?

I don't think an average personal statement will tank you if your overall app is good. However, I felt like it improved my chances

 

[Lost Complex]

Is it ok for me to pick 1 of the campuses that's listed in AACOMAS for a college that I attended and list all of my course work with it?

For example, lets say I took Course A and B at 1st campus for X college, and then Course C and D at 2nd campus for X college.

Could I list Courses A, B, C and D under 1st campus?
Or would I have to list the courses with the respective campus that I took them at? Such as Course A and B under 1st campus. Course C and D under 2nd campus.

Because the college that I'm adding has 4 campuses listed in AACOMAS and I have taken classes at 3 of them.

 

[polylux]

If the AACOMAS differentiates between the different campuses (which it seems to since all 4 are listed), then I would list them under the respective campuses.

 

[WesternRedCedar]

If they differentiate them, AND your transcripts are coming from each place seperately, you better bet you should list them correctly.

 

[ctran019]

AACOMAS are either really swamped or lazy. I send them specific questions and they responded with such general useless answers. Even SDN was more specific and helpful.

I asked them about my GPA not being correctly calculated to include replacement grades.

"Your application is not complete for verification to begin so your GPA cannot be calculated by AACOMAS, you have not submitted your transcripts. If you entered your repeats correctly, the most recent grade will replace the previous grade.
Thank you."

I asked them about when my status changes from freshman to sophomore, specifically I didn't have enough units at the end of my freshman year to be considered a sophomore what do I do?

"Please review page 17 of the AACOMAS detailed application instructions.
Thank you."

I ask them about the semester to quarter conversions and how each classes replaces what.

"You must convert all your quarter units into semester credit hours and review the repeat instructions on page 19 of the AACOMAS detailed application instructions.
All applicants must read the instructions in order to complete their coursework accurately.
Thank you."

At this rate I'll just call them all day for answers. Thanks for nothing Seth Nkansah.

 

[Lost Complex]

If the AACOMAS differentiates between the different campuses (which it seems to since all 4 are listed), then I would list them under the respective campuses.

If they differentiate them, AND your transcripts are coming from each place seperately, you better bet you should list them correctly.

Thanks!

AACOMAS differentiates them, however my official transcript does not. It merely lists it as X College, and the transcript is only coming from 1 place.

What about for the end dates? For each campus, should I list the date that I last attended classes at that specific campus, or the date that I last attended classes at the college?

 

[WesternRedCedar]

AACOMAS are either really swamped or lazy. I send them specific questions and they responded with such general useless answers. Even SDN was more specific and helpful.

1) I asked them about my GPA not being correctly calculated to include replacement grades.

"Your application is not complete for verification to begin so your GPA cannot be calculated by AACOMAS, you have not submitted your transcripts. If you entered your repeats correctly, the most recent grade will replace the previous grade.
Thank you."

2) I asked them about when my status changes from freshman to sophomore, specifically I didn't have enough units at the end of my freshman year to be considered a sophomore what do I do?

"Please review page 17 of the AACOMAS detailed application instructions.
Thank you."

3) I ask them about the semester to quarter conversions and how each classes replaces what.

"You must convert all your quarter units into semester credit hours and review the repeat instructions on page 19 of the AACOMAS detailed application instructions.
All applicants must read the instructions in order to complete their coursework accurately.
Thank you."

At this rate I'll just call them all day for answers. Thanks for nothing Seth Nkansah.

Their responses are just fine, and they can't give you super exact ones until they are at the verification phase.

Their response for 1) is perfectly accurate. The GPA isn't calculated to reflect repeats until verifcation in June

2) That is a mundane question and just input as is and they will change it as necessary, and directing you to the instructions points out how to input.

3) They also answered your questions perfectly. Courses of grade replacement must be equal or higher # of credits to be replaced.


Seth did an excellent job answering your questions and answered them to the point and accuratley. You have no idea what a bad dealing with amcas/aacomas is, my support system was full of messages for issues i had that were actaully REAL issues.

Get a grip, read the instructions and make some educated decisions on how to solve little "problems" yourself. They are busy and swamped yes, but regardless they have provided you with completely accurate and helpful responses as you have shown above.