I spent a semester abroad in Australia during college. My credits transferred over to my home university, Tufts, and appear on my transcript. However, AACOMAS is requesting that the university be "evaluated for U.S. equvalence" by one of the outside companies listed on their site. Feeling a little irked that I have to dole out $170 for this service, I was wondering if anyone has experienced similar difficulties with their study abroad credits and AACOMAS.
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AACOMAS transcript issues
Started by Lebowski1000
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I have a similar situation. I studied abroad for a summer adn the credits also transferred to my home university. Unfortunatly, I have problems getting this transcript on time because of slow French people. They told me I could request a transcript waiver since I only took 5 credits, and they were completely elective. I could have graduated on time without these credits and don't need them for my major. But I guess if you took prereqs there, they might want to see the transcript?
Hmmm, my situation is the same. Four credits, none counting towards my major or med school prereqs. I should look into getting a waiver. What does obtaining a waiver entail, i.e. is the process more of a headache than shelling out the $170?
Straight off the website:
"All institutions attended (including foreign institutions) must be listed on the Application Form. If there are extenuating circumstances inhibiting this evaluation, you may request a waiver of the requirement of this evaluation. The letter must state the reason why you are requesting a waiver of the evaluation and must include your signature and SSN. Be sure the reason is extenuating. Also note that transfer credit awarded at U.S. institutions for foreign courses will not be added to your applicant profile. Failure to submit a foreign evaluation or letter requesting a waiver (which is duplicated to your schools) will result in your file being incomplete. Questions should be directed to AACOMAS."
I asked what are the odds that I'd get the waiver, and they said they're not sure. But I am planning on including a copy of my unofficial transcript, along with the conversion thing that my program sent, which is a rough estimate of US equivalency. Personally, I think it's a stupid thing, someone would be incomplete because of 4 or 5 credits that don't count for anything. Maybe somebody who has requested a waiver might have a better idea of what they mean by extenuating circumstances, and how often people are granted the waiver. I'm not sure if it's up to the school to decide if they accept the waiver, or not though. But if it's easy for you to get your transcript, I'd just shell out the money, that way you won't have to worry if your waiver gets accepted or not.
"All institutions attended (including foreign institutions) must be listed on the Application Form. If there are extenuating circumstances inhibiting this evaluation, you may request a waiver of the requirement of this evaluation. The letter must state the reason why you are requesting a waiver of the evaluation and must include your signature and SSN. Be sure the reason is extenuating. Also note that transfer credit awarded at U.S. institutions for foreign courses will not be added to your applicant profile. Failure to submit a foreign evaluation or letter requesting a waiver (which is duplicated to your schools) will result in your file being incomplete. Questions should be directed to AACOMAS."
I asked what are the odds that I'd get the waiver, and they said they're not sure. But I am planning on including a copy of my unofficial transcript, along with the conversion thing that my program sent, which is a rough estimate of US equivalency. Personally, I think it's a stupid thing, someone would be incomplete because of 4 or 5 credits that don't count for anything. Maybe somebody who has requested a waiver might have a better idea of what they mean by extenuating circumstances, and how often people are granted the waiver. I'm not sure if it's up to the school to decide if they accept the waiver, or not though. But if it's easy for you to get your transcript, I'd just shell out the money, that way you won't have to worry if your waiver gets accepted or not.
Yeah, I agree. It seems unecessary to have to go through this process, especially since the credits have already been validated by our home universities. I concurrently applied through AMCAS, and there was no need for all this extra documentation for foreign schools.
Thanks for your input on the waiver, it has been very helpful. I'm going to
e-mail AACOMAS and see if my situation is "waiver-worthy".
Best of luck-
Lebby1000
Thanks for your input on the waiver, it has been very helpful. I'm going to
e-mail AACOMAS and see if my situation is "waiver-worthy".
Best of luck-
Lebby1000
