AACOMAS Frequently Asked Questions - 2013

[hallowmann]

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OK, so advair250 made a good point that we should post a thread that answers a lot of the common AACOMAS application questions to prevent the same questions from filling the forum, so I figured I'd start. I know there are usually specific threads for things like PS and LORs, so I'll leave specific questions about those out (minus perhaps the obvious ones like PS length).


If you have any common questions/answers, post them below and I'll try and edit the post.

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FAQs:

Should I submit my app early (i.e. on the first day) even though I'm waiting for my new MCAT/semester grades/etc.?

Yes. It is in your best interest to submit the app as early as possible. That being said, if you are worried you will be screened out or that you don't make the cutoffs for some schools, you can submit to only one school that's low on your list just so that your app gets verified early. Then, after your app is updated with your new scores, you can add the remaining schools to your list.


Can I submit my transcripts/MCAT right away (e.g. in May)?

You can submit your transcripts once you have filled out your colleges and coursework section of AACOMAS, and you have a transcript request form. You can submit the MCAT score once it comes in and the primaty application opens (i.e. in May). Your application will not be verified until after your transcripts are submitted.


What does verification mean? Do I have to send transcripts to every school?

Verification is the process by which AACOMAS (and AMCAS for that matter) confirms the information in the courses section of your application based on your school transcripts. After verification, your application is sent to your listed schools. This occurs after your application is submitted and your transcripts are received. This is why it is important to label courses as they are labeled in your transcript, to prevent a delay in verification. You do not need to send transcripts to every school, you will only need to send final transcripts to the school at which you matriculate.


How does grade replacement work?

There are essentially only two rules for grade replacement:

1) The replacement course title/description must be similar or equivalent to that of the original course, and

2) The number of semester credit hours of the replacement course must be greater than or equal to that of the original course.

Examples for Grade Replacement:

Q: When I took X course, it was a 5 credit lecture + lab. Now it's being offered as a 4 credit lecture and a 1 credit lab. Can this count as a retake?
A: Maybe. Ask AACOMAS, as this answer has varied.

Q: Can I replace X course with Y course at a different college?
A: As long as Y is the same number of credits or higher and the course descriptions are similar, Y can count as a retake.

Q: I retook a class and received a lower grade. Which grade counts?
A: AACOMAS only counts the LAST attempt at the course regardless of which grade is higher.


My AACOMAS GPA is different from the GPA that my school or I calculated. What's wrong? Should I ask them to fix it?

The first thing to double check is to make sure that you (or your school) is calculating your GPA using the AACOMAS standards (4 grade points for an A, 3.7 grade points for an A-, etc). Some schools calculate GPAs using other scales, such as 3.6666 for an A-. Not using the exact AACOMAS grade point scale is a common source of discrepancy. If you have double checked that and your AACOMAS GPA is still different, contact AACOMAS.


What is the length/character limit for the AACOMAS personal statement?

4500 characters (including spaces). Note that you will be copying the personal statement into a text box that counts spaces and enters/returns in the character count.


When are letters of recommendation due for DO programs?

For the most part, LORs are due at the same time as the secondary application. Generally, you should not send LORs unless you receive a secondary application. A few schools require the LOR by the interview date (e.g. LECOM), while others have the secondaries available on their website for all applicants to fill out right away (e.g. UMDNJ-SOM, LMU-DCOM, etc.).


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For any other information about courses or the application service/process, please refer to the AACOMAS instruction manual or contact AACOMAS directly for any particularly specific questions.

If you prefer to ask your specific questions on SDN, you can ask on the Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2013-2014.

 

[LaughingMan]

Interesting. So the personal statement limit went up from 4500? That's good. Now I don't have to remove anything from mine.

I do have a question: What should you include in your descriptions of your activities? I know that there should probably be a short description of the organization and your role but what's a good way to explain your role in the organization?

In your PS? or EC List?

 

[prowd2beloud147]

Do you happen to know if MSU COM sends a secondary to everybody??

 

[Phlebotomer]

If I submit my app on june 1 but I take the mcat on july13th, will some schools still send me secondaries?

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

 

[Phlebotomer]

Nvm my q was answered on another thread!😳

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

 

[gsxrman25]

On average, what is a good number of schools to apply?

 

[DavetheMD]

On average, what is a good number of schools to apply?

As many as you can afford to AND would matriculate to if they accepted you. All too often people will get accepted to their 2nd or 3rd or x # school and will ask if they should accept their acceptance. Don't be that person.

 

[advair250]

Is May 1st the first day you can send in transcripts?

 

[hallowmann]

Interesting. So the personal statement limit went up from 4500? That's good. Now I don't have to remove anything from mine.

I do have a question: What should you include in your descriptions of your activities? I know that there should probably be a short description of the organization and your role but what's a good way to explain your role in the organization?

Sorry, I actually made the post on my phone, and it was a typo. It is 4500.

Do you happen to know if MSU COM sends a secondary to everybody??

Yes, I believe they do. Also, be aware that MSU requires a Recommendation Form and not a normal letter of recommendation, which must be filled out by your recommendation writers.

On average, what is a good number of schools to apply?

Depends on your stats. If you are competitive 8-12. If not, as many as you can afford (upper limit of 35).

Is May 1st the first day you can send in transcripts?

I believe so. Its definitely in May. They check them within a couple days/week, so even if you send them in in the middle of May, they should be ready by the time you need to be verified.

 

[bpatient]

In for future reference

 

[DrMeows]

Do you happen to know if MSU COM sends a secondary to everybody??

No they do not. You need at least a 6 on PS and VR and an 8 on BS to get a secondary I believe. They used to have lower standards but increased them this last year.

 

[DrMeows]

Interesting. So the personal statement limit went up from 4500? That's good. Now I don't have to remove anything from mine.

Are you a reapplicant or talking about not removing anything between your MD and DO personal statements? If you're a reapplicant: CHANGE IT. Schools look at PSs of reapplicants side by side and you would look extremely lazy if you use the exact same one.

 

[Nissan GTR]

when should rec letters be in by? when the primary is submitted or can they be in a little later?

Rec letters are usually sent in with secondaries.

 

[LaughingMan]

I'm applying through my school's committee and they tell me that you can send LORs after your primary application is sent.

That is for MD schools. For DO schools, they request them with secondaries.

 

[hallowmann]

No they do not. You need at least a 6 on PS and VR and an 8 on BS to get a secondary I believe. They used to have lower standards but increased them this last year.

Huh, I didn't know they had a cutoff only for MCAT. I received the MSU-COM secondary instantaneously. I guess a 20 minimum isn't so bad though.

I'm not a reapplicant. I'm talking about my draft, which is almost done but its at 4650 characters.

Also, what should you mention when adding extracurriculars in the EC list on the application? How detailed should your descriptions be?

Sorry, you will have to cut it done that 150 characters.

Its really up to you, because you are just provided with the 750 characters to do with whatever you want. I made sure to include an explanation of hours, regular tasks/responsibilities, and a statement about why the experience was valuable or how it provided me with a skill that would be valuable in medical school/as a physician.

 

[DrMeows]

Huh, I didn't know they had a cutoff only for MCAT. I received the MSU-COM secondary instantaneously. I guess a 20 minimum isn't so bad though.

I know - makes sense to up the minimums though. Before this last year I think minimums were 4, 5 and 6 (don't remember which sections were which though). I wish more schools upped their borders - it would save a lot of applicants valuable time and money!

 

[hallowmann]

I know - makes sense to up the minimums though. Before this last year I think minimums were 4, 5 and 6 (don't remember which sections were which though). I wish more schools upped their borders - it would save a lot of applicants valuable time and money!

I completely agree with this. Pre-secondary cutoffs are really valuable, especially if realistically they would never consider anyone below those numbers. I got some rejections that felt like post-secondary screens (within 1-2 days of submission), and I would have definitely preferred not to have spent the hundreds of dollars on the secondary fees for those schools. That's one of the good things about the DO app process. Most schools do screen before the secondary, whereas with most MD schools that's much more rare.

 

[Shinobiz11]

Is this the form?

http://com.msu.edu/FDLL/Leadership/HPE/HPE_Forms/Recommendation_Form.pdf

 

[hallowmann]

wow that would infuriate me. Were those rejections from md schools or do?

D.O., MD schools took a bit longer to reject me post-secondary 😛.

 

[Dr.TurkandJD]

If anyone wants me to read their PS, please send it to me. I had a few people read mine last year, time to pay it forward!

 

[BB8730]

Nice idea for a thread! I'll throw in some FAQs that I've seen over the last cycle.

How does grade replacement work?

There are essentially only two rules for grade replacement:

1) The replacement course title/description must be similar or equivalent to that of the original course, and

2) The number of semester credit hours of the replacement course must be greater than or equal to that of the original course.

I have some examples to add to this section, since every cycle these specific questions get asked about 10 times.

Q: When I took X course, it was a 5 credit lecture + lab. Now it's being offered as a 4 credit lecture and a 1 credit lab. Can this count as a retake?
A: No

Q: Can I replace X course with Y course at a different college?
A: As long as Y is the same number of credits or higher and the course descriptions are similar, Y can count as a retake.

Q: I retook a class and received a lower grade. Which grade counts?
A: AACOMAS only counts the LAST attempt at the course regardless of which grade is higher.

I'm sure there are others, but those are the big three that I can think of right now. Also a FAQ that I have seen:

Q: My AACOMAS GPA is different from the GPA that my school or I calculated. What's wrong? Should I ask them to fix it?
A: The first thing to double check is to make sure that you (or your school) is calculating your GPA using the AACOMAS standards (4 grade points for an A, 3.7 grade points for an A-, etc). Some schools calculate GPAs using other scales, such as 3.6666 for an A-. Not using the exact AACOMAS grade point scale is a common source of discrepancy. If you have double checked that and your AACOMAS GPA is still different, contact AACOMAS.

 

[LScribe]

So in undergrad I took a class called "Human Physiology I" (400 level) and received a 2.5 in the class. I retook the class at another university since my school doesn't allow retakes (unless you get below a 2.0). The most recent class is the same amount of credits and is named "Human Physiology" but is a 300 level class. Would this count as a distinct class or a grade replacement?

 

[BB8730]

So in undergrad I took a class called "Human Physiology I" (400 level) and received a 2.5 in the class. I retook the class at another university since my school doesn't allow retakes (unless you get below a 2.0). The most recent class is the same amount of credits and is named "Human Physiology" but is a 300 level class. Would this count as a distinct class or a grade replacement?

Yes. The course level doesn't matter. If the credits are the same or higher in the most recent class and the descriptions are similar, it will count as a retake.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using SDN Mobile

 

[LScribe]

The course description of my 400 level one is very specific like "Molecular basis of physiological control systems, physiology of excitable cells, autonomic nervous system, etc." while the one I just took just says "study of the functioning of the human body." I have no idea how to judge if its similar enough and AACOMA is not responding to me.

 

[icevermin]

I'm confused. How do I send a LoR from a DO if it's separate from my committee letter?

 

[BB8730]

The course description of my 400 level one is very specific like "Molecular basis of physiological control systems, physiology of excitable cells, autonomic nervous system, etc." while the one I just took just says "study of the functioning of the human body." I have no idea how to judge if its similar enough and AACOMA is not responding to me.

AACOMAS will just see the course names and since they're basically identical, you shouldn't have any problems with it counting as a retake.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using SDN Mobile

 

[LScribe]

Well I guess I should say I also took a course that was also 400 level but "Human Physiology II".


What would happen then? Thanks for the responses by the way, I appreciate it.

P.S I took this extra physio class to show them I understand and can do well in it. I was not expecting this to replace any class but it'd be an added bonus if it could replace a 2.5

 

[Anicetus]

Jesus 4500 counting Space? I feel like Verbal passages are longer....

 

[BB8730]

Well I guess I should say I also took a course that was also 400 level but "Human Physiology II".


What would happen then? Thanks for the responses by the way, I appreciate it.

P.S I took this extra physio class to show them I understand and can do well in it. I was not expecting this to replace any class but it'd be an added bonus if it could replace a 2.5

That shouldn't be a problem either. Just replace the class with Human Phys I. I had a similar situation - I took College Comp I and II at a community college and replaced the College Comp I grade with College Writing at a different college. Overall I had about 10 retakes on my app - some were straightforward and others were stretches - and AACOMAS didn't question any of them. They seem flexible with regards to the "course descriptions must be similar" rule long as your retake is remotely logical.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using SDN Mobile

 

[LaughingMan]

Asking Here as many of you are using Interfolio.

I will be shadowing a DO soon, and will hopefully get a LoR from her.

I know Interfolio allows you to mail a letter or electronically upload it--and my question is pertained to mailing it.

I assume my letter writer can't give me the letter and have me mail it off yes? She has to mail it? So in that case I'd just have to give her the document request form and mailing address?

 

[ISUBird100]

I got a quick LoR question

Back when I was an undergrad, I did research with a psych professor for three years. She did, however, have a joint appointment in the biology department (her research overlapped between the two fields).

Would getting an LoR from her still be considered a science LoR? I'm already getting one from one of my orgo professors, but I was just curious about whether or not my PI letter will count as a science LoR, too.

 

[BB8730]

I assume my letter writer can't give me the letter and have me mail it off yes? She has to mail it? So in that case I'd just have to give her the document request form and mailing address?

Your letter writer is supposed to mail it directly to Interfolio. I gave my letter writers a pre-addressed/stamped envelope with the request form in it so they could just pop their letter in and send it off.

I got a quick LoR question

Back when I was an undergrad, I did research with a psych professor for three years. She did, however, have a joint appointment in the biology department (her research overlapped between the two fields).

Would getting an LoR from her still be considered a science LoR? I'm already getting one from one of my orgo professors, but I was just curious about whether or not my PI letter will count as a science LoR, too.

If she credentials herself as a psych professor and/or talks about herself being a psych professor, then no, it would not be an LOR from a science faculty member. If she credentials herself and/or talks about herself as a biology researcher ("science faculty"), then that might work. It would be best to talk to her about it and tell her that you need a letter from a science faculty member and ask her if she is comfortable taking that angle.

It would also be a good idea to read the specific requirements for each school you're applying to. DMU, for example, requires science LORs from "hard science faculty who have taught you in a class." In that case, your letter wouldn't fit.

 

[LaughingMan]

Your letter writer is supposed to mail it directly to Interfolio. I gave my letter writers a pre-addressed/stamped envelope with the request form in it so they could just pop their letter in and send it off.

MMhm thats what I was thinking---so how does Interfolio differentiate between these letters--and letters I mail off my self? Or they don't?

 

[SurgeDO]

Do you happen to know if MSU COM sends a secondary to everybody??

they do not.

 

[BB8730]

MMhm thats what I was thinking---so how does Interfolio differentiate between these letters--and letters I mail off my self? Or they don't?

They don't. The whole "I'm not supposed to see my letter of recommendation" thing is mostly to protect your evaluators so they will feel that they can write an honest LOR, but they can choose to show it to you if they want.

 

[Shinobiz11]

Is this the form?

http://com.msu.edu/FDLL/Leadership/HPE/HPE_Forms/Recommendation_Form.pdf

To answer my own questions, I emailed MSUCOM and they said they will send you the recommendation form with your secondaries. Damn, looks like I'm not getting that until August.

 

[LaughingMan]

To answer my own questions, I emailed MSUCOM and they said they will send you the recommendation form with your secondaries. Damn, looks like I'm not getting that until August.

Wow scratch that school off my list.

Having to reapproach all my writers and have them fill out another form is just silly. Will take 1 month for most of them to fill it out.

 

[Anicetus]

Wow scratch that school off my list.

Having to reapproach all my writers and have them fill out another form is just silly. Will take 1 month for most of them to fill it out.

Too lazy to read through your guys' conversation, but let me get this straight... Even if we used inter folio, MSU requires you to go have your letter writers fill out these forms??

 

[SurgeDO]

.

 

[Anicetus]

MSUCOM will not accept any of your LORs unless the two authors of your MSUCOM evaluation forms decide to attach a LOR to the evaluation form.

On the plus side, MSUCOM usually accepts applicants without having to interview them.

Wait, the two authors of the evaluation forms??

Is interfolio useless for this school then?

 

[SurgeDO]

.

 

[Anicetus]

MSUCOM does not use interfolio.

MSUCOM will not accept any LORs unless they are written by one of authors who filled out an evaluation form.

Wow lame.

Any other schools that do this too?

 

[LaughingMan]

Hallowman,

You said earlier if an individual has 2 DO Letters, do send off one initially, and send the other as an update?

Do you still standby that? Would sending both at once maybe be better?

I'm assuming with an update letter, you'd just tag along:

"I have also continued shadowing osteopathic physicians yadda yadda yadda and have sent an additional letter to your school?"

 

[LaughingMan]

Do all schools send out secondaries without an MCAT score?

No--varies with school I believe.

 

[SFU]

Do schools see your transcripts as well? Or just what AACOMAS gives them? In terms of details like class size and class average

 

[hallowmann]

Wow lame.

Any other schools that do this too?

The only other school that I know of that prefers their own evaluation forms is OU-HCOM, but it accepts regular LORs from interfolio instead. There may be others with an evaluation form, but I believe they all accept regular LORs (except MSU-COM of course).

Hallowman,

You said earlier if an individual has 2 DO Letters, do send off one initially, and send the other as an update?

Do you still standby that? Would sending both at once maybe be better?

I'm assuming with an update letter, you'd just tag along:

"I have also continued shadowing osteopathic physicians yadda yadda yadda and have sent an additional letter to your school?"

If they are in the same field, etc. then I don't see why you would need to send both at the same time, but its really up to you. Just make sure to send your stronger letter first.

Do all schools send out secondaries without an MCAT score?

Most actually do not do this. Some do. It varies by school.

Do schools see your transcripts as well? Or just what AACOMAS gives them? In terms of details like class size and class average

No. They only see what is on the primary, i.e. the courses, grades, semester, etc. I'm surprised your school even mentions things like class size and averages on the transcript. The only school that will see your transcripts is the one at which you matriculate.

 

[Ogmora]

Anyone know if I'll have to resend my old transcripts?

The reason I ask is because I took one, 2 credit P/F class at an obscure college during my freshman year and it took me a good amount of time to figure out how to send it in to AACOMAS last cycle. I completely forgot about that course and it delayed my application a few weeks because I didn't send it in with my main transcript.

I'm assuming I'll have to resend it again, though hopeful they may still have it on file...

 

[BB8730]

If I add more school later on to submit my application can I change a few things like my PS or I can only submit exactly what I sent before?

I'm guessing it would need to be verified again.

You can change non-coursework info at any time and your application will be updated within a week. You don't even need to add any new schools for that to happen, and it won't need to be verified again. Keep in mind though, that it will update for all schools you have applied to, so you can't send different info to different schools.

Anyone know if I'll have to resend my old transcripts?

The reason I ask is because I took one, 2 credit P/F class at an obscure college during my freshman year and it took me a good amount of time to figure out how to send it in to AACOMAS last cycle. I completely forgot about that course and it delayed my application a few weeks because I didn't send it in with my main transcript.

I'm assuming I'll have to resend it again, though hopeful they may still have it on file...

You can "roll-over" your previous application. If nothing has changed, you won't need to send in new transcripts. If you've completed new coursework, you'll need to send new transcripts with the new coursework on it.

 

[BB8730]

For those of you with general AACOMAS questions and not FAQs, I have made a separate thread for this cycle.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=13982859

Please ask all general questions there. That way hallowmann doesn't have to weed through all these posts to update his FAQ. Thanks!

 

[Shinobiz11]

MSUCOM does not use interfolio.

MSUCOM will not accept any LORs unless they are written by one of authors who filled out an evaluation form.

Yes and I talked to my professor/adviser about it today. His son is going to be a MS4 at MSUCOM this coming year. He said the evaluation form questions are those that you would answer in a LOR so he plans to write me a normal LOR, then once I get the form, he'll just tweak it to whatever they ask. i.e. How well does this student know about the osteopathic philosophy? How likely are they to complete the program? Etc.

Stupid, yes, but I'd love to stay in-state. It sucks they don't have an interview though, my app is good, but I believe my social skills will sell me.