Academic Update Question, Summer Classes, etc.

[stardust379]

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Hey guys,

I had a question regarding the Academic Update feature on AACOMAS. I've never seen/heard of this feature before and I am applying this cycle.

I'm retaking a few classes this summer through an extension program to increase my GPA. I was confused on a part of the FAQ on the AACOMAS info page on Academic Update ( http://help.unicas.com:8888/aacomas...pplication-process/academic-update/index.html ), which claims that one cannot update courses that were originally reported as "complete." Can someone explain this to me? New to the app cycle, so confused.

My latest summer retake grades will come out mid-September. Since I've previously taken these courses a while ago, will they be reported as "completed?" I know we can mark classes as retakes, but will I still be able to mark courses in progress over the summer as retakes? Only asking because I want to apply ASAP (at this point, early July).

Also, will Academic Update hinder my application in any way? The thing I am most concerned about is GPA - my GPA will be significantly higher after summer grades... but will updating my application in September after my summer grades come in push me back in line even if I apply in July? I called AACOMAS and I don't think the guy understood my question, so I decided to post on here.

And one last thing (sorry!) - I've done a year's worth of retaking classes to salvage my cGPA/sGPA... this would be considered an informal post-bacc, correct? I will be receiving a certificate from UCLA Extension (where I am retaking these classes). I know a lot of people here have posted their gGPA, so would this post-bacc GPA separately count as well, or would they not since they are merely retakes?

I know my post sounds pretty confusing now that I look at it - let me know if anything seems unclear.

Thank you!

 

[Elleiram]

Hey guys,

I had a question regarding the Academic Update feature on AACOMAS. I've never seen/heard of this feature before and I am applying this cycle.

I'm retaking a few classes this summer through an extension program to increase my GPA. I was confused on a part of the FAQ on the AACOMAS info page on Academic Update ( http://help.unicas.com:8888/aacomas...pplication-process/academic-update/index.html ), which claims that one cannot update courses that were originally reported as "complete." Can someone explain this to me? New to the app cycle, so confused.

My latest summer retake grades will come out mid-September. Since I've previously taken these courses a while ago, will they be reported as "completed?" I know we can mark classes as retakes, but will I still be able to mark courses in progress over the summer as retakes? Only asking because I want to apply ASAP (at this point, early July).

Also, will Academic Update hinder my application in any way? The thing I am most concerned about is GPA - my GPA will be significantly higher after summer grades... but will updating my application in September after my summer grades come in push me back in line even if I apply in July? I called AACOMAS and I don't think the guy understood my question, so I decided to post on here.

And one last thing (sorry!) - I've done a year's worth of retaking classes to salvage my cGPA/sGPA... this would be considered an informal post-bacc, correct? I will be receiving a certificate from UCLA Extension (where I am retaking these classes). I know a lot of people here have posted their gGPA, so would this post-bacc GPA separately count as well, or would they not since they are merely retakes?

I know my post sounds pretty confusing now that I look at it - let me know if anything seems unclear.

Thank you!

I was in the same situation, except I submitted in early June and just got verified yesterday. I didn't end up marking my repeat classes for the summer because I wasn't sure we could. I would call AACOM and ask if you should give the original class 0 credit so it won't be counted toward you GPA. You can't change anything under your courses, unless it's under Planned/In progress, in which case you can delete it or update the grade. But once your application is verified, the GPA they calculate is what schools will see. The schools do not recalculate GPA even if you've sent them transcripts. The only way your GPA will be recalculated is through the academic update.

SO, with that said, you have a choice between submitting now with a lower grade and update in September, or wait until September to submit once you get your transcripts, UNLESS AACOMAS says that you may mark your original classes and planned classes as repeats, then obviously do that and send ASAP.

I 'm not sure what you mean by being pushed back, but I don't think you will be pushed back. It's up to the schools to either hold your file until your new grades come in, or just reject you if they already decided they didn't like you. I think most would wait for those grades, as long as they're aware.

TBH, idk what's with the post-bacc GPAs. I have post-bacc GPA, but I've only taken UG classes, and my summer grades aren't in yet. If they're marked as retakes, they're going to count towards your UG GPA, I would think. Sorry I'm not much help with this part!

 

[stardust379]

I was in the same situation, except I submitted in early June and just got verified yesterday. I didn't end up marking my repeat classes for the summer because I wasn't sure we could. I would call AACOM and ask if you should give the original class 0 credit so it won't be counted toward you GPA. You can't change anything under your courses, unless it's under Planned/In progress, in which case you can delete it or update the grade. But once your application is verified, the GPA they calculate is what schools will see. The schools do not recalculate GPA even if you've sent them transcripts. The only way your GPA will be recalculated is through the academic update.

SO, with that said, you have a choice between submitting now with a lower grade and update in September, or wait until September to submit once you get your transcripts, UNLESS AACOMAS says that you may mark your original classes and planned classes as repeats, then obviously do that and send ASAP.

I 'm not sure what you mean by being pushed back, but I don't think you will be pushed back. It's up to the schools to either hold your file until your new grades come in, or just reject you if they already decided they didn't like you. I think most would wait for those grades, as long as they're aware.

TBH, idk what's with the post-bacc GPAs. I have post-bacc GPA, but I've only taken UG classes, and my summer grades aren't in yet. If they're marked as retakes, they're going to count towards your UG GPA, I would think. Sorry I'm not much help with this part!

Ahh, I just called AACOM and got disconnected 🙁 so I messaged them instead, so let's see what they say. Yeah, originally I was planning on putting 0 credit on the classes I am retaking this summer, as well. I just hope Planned/In Progress grades are able to be seen as retakes... that would really save me here. Mediocre stats and applying in late August does not look too good for me.

Okay, I see what you mean about applying Sept. or update in Sept. Just need to see what AACOMAS says at this point, because I really want (need) those summer grades to count towards my GPA.

Hmm, I mean in terms of receiving secondaries... I guess I'm not really sure how the process still works entirely. If I still have my classes listed as In Progress/Planned, can schools even hand out secondaries? I think they can... but I had a feeling that if your grades weren't completely submitted in by the time you applied, your app would be on hold and wouldn't be considered until all of your grades rolled in.

Yeah, same here. I've only taken UG classes too through my post-bacc. Okay, thanks Elleiram! You've been a great help 🙂

 

[ZT_530]

I am in a similar situation as you in that I am taking 2 classes this summer that are retakes. These classes won't be done until the beginning of August so I was concerned about the timing of my applications. I'm not totally sure how the updating works through AACOMAS but it didn't seem like it would get my application to the schools any faster. I figured that by the time AACOMAS gets my transcripts and verifies them it will be the middle of September. I called many of the schools that I am most interested in and talked to people in their admissions offices. Almost all of them said that it is best to apply with your best possible application. A couple schools even said that September isn't late for them and shouldn't affect my chances of getting in. One school did say to apply as soon as possible and update them as you go. So it might vary from school to school. I decided to submit in August and pre-write secondaries so that I can speed that part up as much as possible.
I think it may be a good idea to reach out to the schools you are interested in and tell them your situation. They will best be able to tell you what to do. Also, many people apply a little later in the cycle and still get in. I had a friend last cycle get in to multiple schools (both MD and DO) and she applied in December. Obviously the earlier the better, but I don't think that submitting in August or September is going to eliminate you for this cycle. But that's just my opinion.

 

[stardust379]

I am in a similar situation as you in that I am taking 2 classes this summer that are retakes. These classes won't be done until the beginning of August so I was concerned about the timing of my applications. I'm not totally sure how the updating works through AACOMAS but it didn't seem like it would get my application to the schools any faster. I figured that by the time AACOMAS gets my transcripts and verifies them it will be the middle of September. I called many of the schools that I am most interested in and talked to people in their admissions offices. Almost all of them said that it is best to apply with your best possible application. A couple schools even said that September isn't late for them and shouldn't affect my chances of getting in. One school did say to apply as soon as possible and update them as you go. So it might vary from school to school. I decided to submit in August and pre-write secondaries so that I can speed that part up as much as possible.
I think it may be a good idea to reach out to the schools you are interested in and tell them your situation. They will best be able to tell you what to do. Also, many people apply a little later in the cycle and still get in. I had a friend last cycle get in to multiple schools (both MD and DO) and she applied in December. Obviously the earlier the better, but I don't think that submitting in August or September is going to eliminate you for this cycle. But that's just my opinion.

Thanks so much for your reply!

Yeah, I guess it does vary from school to school. I just hope it isn't too late for me specifically because my stats aren't the best at all (3.19 cGPA and 3.32 sGPA - still waiting on new MCAT scores). Did your friend have good stats in general? I'm just terrified because a friend of mine apparently applied September and November and didn't hear back from ANY DO schools. Not sure how many she applied to, but that scared me a ton, haha.

 

[ZT_530]

Her stats were solid but not amazing. I can't remember the specific numbers. There is so much variation and uncertainty in the application process that it is really hard to know or compare two people. People do get in after applying late, so it is certainly possible. Your GPAs are low but are still competitive. Your MCAT will be huge in determining how competitive you will be. Once you have that score you should have a good idea of which school are realistic. I am from California so I am focusing on the two DO schools there and trying to make sure that I have everything they want. Both of the schools have been great about communicating what they want and how they think I should go about applying this cycle. Personally, it has helped me to focus on a couple schools and then apply broadly to schools that I like and match my numbers. I think I am going to apply to about 20 schools in the end. It's super stressful being an underdog but it will all work out!

 

[Supernatural17]

Ahh, I just called AACOM and got disconnected 🙁 so I messaged them instead, so let's see what they say. Yeah, originally I was planning on putting 0 credit on the classes I am retaking this summer, as well. I just hope Planned/In Progress grades are able to be seen as retakes... that would really save me here. Mediocre stats and applying in late August does not look too good for me.

Okay, I see what you mean about applying Sept. or update in Sept. Just need to see what AACOMAS says at this point, because I really want (need) those summer grades to count towards my GPA.

Hmm, I mean in terms of receiving secondaries... I guess I'm not really sure how the process still works entirely. If I still have my classes listed as In Progress/Planned, can schools even hand out secondaries? I think they can... but I had a feeling that if your grades weren't completely submitted in by the time you applied, your app would be on hold and wouldn't be considered until all of your grades rolled in.

Yeah, same here. I've only taken UG classes too through my post-bacc. Okay, thanks Elleiram! You've been a great help 🙂

Hey any update on whether or not AACOMAS allowed you to mark the classes as 0 credits and put your summer retakes as "In progress". Thanks