AMCAS : All Questions Here

[DemonDeacon]

1) I think it's only for disadvantaged students that you have to fill the values in.

2) Personally, I would put in the date since high school to show that you've established a long term service... and then end it with the year you're in now.. Most people don't have that, at least that's my personal opinion.

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[GoBlue2004]

mdsadler,
I'm pretty sure that you should post your upcoming semester classes and click the currrent/future button (at least that's what I'm planning on unless I hear otherwise).

Here's a question that's been bugging me. They ask for an official transcript from every institution you've attended. Does going to grad school at the same university you did you undergrad count as one "institution"? All my grades from grad and Ugrad are on the same transcript, but I don't want them waitin' around for a second transcript if grad school is considered a different institution.

I believe the way you are supposed to proceed is by entering them as separate listings...so if you received an undergrad degree and a grad degree from the same institution, you need to count those as two separate institutions and then fill in the course work accordingly.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Okay, I have a question.

The AMCAS instruction book says that MCAT scores in 2003 are automatically sent in. It goes on to say that if you have not, and you wish to, you can have scores from 1991-2002 sent in. I took the MCAT twice between those periods (never applied).


Should I send those scores in also?

 

[jlee9531]

Okay, I have a question.

The AMCAS instruction book says that MCAT scores in 2003 are automatically sent in. It goes on to say that if you have not, and you wish to, you can have scores from 1991-2002 sent in. I took the MCAT twice between those periods (never applied).


Should I send those scores in also?

are they good?
if they are not, then dont.
the ideal is to take it once and do well.
however if you did do well and then you went down on the new test...thats not good either.

 

[pbehzad]

Do we put a grade for AP credit? Do we type in G? I had 16 credits coming into school, and after my 1st semester I had sophomore standing so would I put that as being a sophomore or still a freshman?

Also can you submit the application before you select the schools you wish to apply to. I'm waiting on my MCAT score to decide on where I will apply to. Can you change what schools you want your application to be sent to after it has been submitted?

Thanks

 

[jlee9531]

Do we put a grade for AP credit? Do we type in G? I had 16 credits coming into school, and after my 1st semester I had sophomore standing so would I put that as being a sophomore or still a freshman?

Also can you submit the application before you select the schools you wish to apply to. I'm waiting on my MCAT score to decide on where I will apply to. Can you change what schools you want your application to be sent to after it has been submitted?

Thanks

regardless of standing....i had sr standing during my 2nd year.
so you want to put down what you are if you didnt have the credit.

so 1st year = freshman
2nd = soph.......

i mean if you did it the other way...what would you put down your 4th year? super super senior? unfortunately no.

 

[jlee9531]

im pretty sure you cant submit without picking schools....
you gotta do everything. you pay for everything all at once.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

are they good?
if they are not, then dont.
the ideal is to take it once and do well.
however if you did do well and then you went down on the new test...thats not good either.

I went up in score each time, based on that, what do you recommend?


I am a little confused on the standing part, as others have said, I was a sophomore by credits in my second quarter of undergrad. What do I put down for the classes I took in that quarter and the next?

 

[pbehzad]

im pretty sure you cant submit without picking schools....
you gotta do everything. you pay for everything all at once.

Can you pick additional schools later? Man that really sucks then if you dont know your MCAT score, and want to submit the application asap. I know 2 schools for sure which I'm applying to, and a few that I'll most likely apply to, but other than that what do most people recommend when they are waiting for April scores to come in.

 

[mdsadler]

Can you pick additional schools later? Man that really sucks then if you dont know your MCAT score, and want to submit the application asap. I know 2 schools for sure which I'm applying to, and a few that I'll most likely apply to, but other than that what do most people recommend when they are waiting for April scores to come in.

I think it is best to wait until April MCAT scores are released and then submit AMCAS. I am waiting until scores are released in June because I have heard that the extra couple weeks doesn't hurt you any.

 

[Scubadoc]

This is more for the secondaries, I know, but I have a quick question. What do you do if one of your profs writing your LORs has TERRIBLE spelling? We don't have committee letters at our school. I know he will write a great letter as for content but am just worried about the spelling/grammar!

 

[txguy]

Can you pick additional schools later? Man that really sucks then if you dont know your MCAT score, and want to submit the application asap. I know 2 schools for sure which I'm applying to, and a few that I'll most likely apply to, but other than that what do most people recommend when they are waiting for April scores to come in.

Its my understanding that you can add schools later and pay the extra fee(s), but you cannot be refunded for schools that you want to take off your list after submission. I remember reading this in an FAQ on AMCAS's website.

-tx

 

[txguy]

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/deadlines.htm (question #3)

If I missed a deadline, can I substitute or change my list of schools?

No. Once your application has been received, the schools designated in your application cannot be changed, although you can add additional medical school choices or designations. For example, if you originally applied to Schools A, B, and C by their application deadlines, but missed the transcript deadline of School A, you can not substitute School D for School A. However, you may add School D and pay an additional $30 application fee. To do so, return to your completed application, open it, add an additional school choice, then re-certify and re-submit it to AMCAS along with the appropriate application fees before the school's AMCAS deadline.

 

[txguy]

I have a question guys:

I am currently in a post-bac program, so I am not expecting a degree from my current institution. Under the "Schools Attended" section, I am unsure what to put in the "from" field, because although I have only completed classes through this past spring semester, I plan to continue taking classes through next spring. So do I put "May 2004" or "May 2005" in the "from" field?

Thanks!

 

[jlee9531]

This is more for the secondaries, I know, but I have a quick question. What do you do if one of your profs writing your LORs has TERRIBLE spelling? We don't have committee letters at our school. I know he will write a great letter as for content but am just worried about the spelling/grammar!

thats quite unfortunate...but most of them type it up anyway on msword, so should spellcheck cover everything?

 

[jlee9531]

I have a question guys:

I am currently in a post-bac program, so I am not expecting a degree from my current institution. Under the "Schools Attended" section, I am unsure what to put in the "from" field, because although I have only completed classes through this past spring semester, I plan to continue taking classes through next spring. So do I put "May 2004" or "May 2005" in the "from" field?

Thanks!

"from" should mean when you started that post bacc right?
then write down the time when you started and if it asks for a finishing time then put down when you expect to end.

 

[txguy]

"from" should mean when you started that post bacc right?
then write down the time when you started and if it asks for a finishing time then put down when you expect to end.

Thanks! That was a typo, I meant to put "to".

-tx

 

[bigdan]

Still don't have an answer for this one, so I'll try again.
I took a couple Speech Path. and Aud. classes, one being Public Speaking, the other Communication Disorders. Anyone know what classifications these should be listed under? Thanks so much!

M-
I'm an occupational therapist; I put all my major related course work under Health Sciences. I also took Public Speaking - that went under Communciation. I guess you could punt deciding the other one. My fall back was to go see what academic department the course was from - so my thought is that your Comm. Dis. is an SLP course, and thus, a Health Science.

dc

 

[Scubadoc]

thats quite unfortunate...but most of them type it up anyway on msword, so should spellcheck cover everything?

I wish that it would but he misspells mostly common words that would have alternate spellings i.e. to/two/too etc. I don't want to be rude and ask him to double check his spellings! Any ideas on how schools look at these letters and whether it will affect me negatively?

 

[txguy]

Question on electronic transcripts:


I have requested that the University of Texas at Austin send an official
transcript to AMCAS, but they informed me that the AMCAS Transcript Request Form was not necessary because they were sending the transcript
electronically. Anybody know if this is true?

Thanks!

-tx

 

[USbound]

Hi all!
Do you know if AMCAS ever replies to e-mails? I have some questions and don't know how to get them to answer. My 2004 application was never verified because of a missing transcript. So if I apply to the same schools I designated last year am I reapplying to them?

Thank you!

 

[Premedtomed]

Is it ok to lump Dean's list, Honor's list, president's list together ?- i mean there isn't much to describe

 

[txguy]

Hi all!
Do you know if AMCAS ever replies to e-mails? I have some questions and don't know how to get them to answer. My 2004 application was never verified because of a missing transcript. So if I apply to the same schools I designated last year am I reapplying to them?

Thank you!

They answered my questions! Anyway, it doesn't hurt to try!

[email protected] <[email protected]>

-tx

 

[btowngirl]

I have read all these posts, but I am still confused. For instance, i took calculus and it had a discussion section (called dissertation for others i think). i spent 3 hours a week in lecture and 3 hours a week in section. do i put

1. lecture course only
OR
2. combined lecture/lab course (b/c it wasnt just lecture)
?

thanks.

 

[derf]

I have read all these posts, but I am still confused. For instance, i took calculus and it had a discussion section (called dissertation for others i think). i spent 3 hours a week in lecture and 3 hours a week in section. do i put

1. lecture course only
OR
2. combined lecture/lab course (b/c it wasnt just lecture)
?

thanks.

lecture only, discussion/dissertation not equal to lab

 

[microTAS]

So I know we're suppose to get 2 letter of rec from science professors. Do you think it'll slide that I ask a prof in a class like "X engineering laboratory"? Or should I get some science backups? Thanks all.

 

[flaming_gypsy]

for those of you who listed, or plan on listing, a second language on amcas, what would you consider "fluency" to be? i speak spanish conversationally, but would not consider myself to be fluent (ie the level at which i speak english). i don't want to sell myself short though, and not list something that could potentially be very useful.

any thoughts?

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

I have a question. Do you suppose they could add a little more red tape to this process? Perhaps two tons? Perhaps three?

 

[redgrover]

This is more for the secondaries, I know, but I have a quick question. What do you do if one of your profs writing your LORs has TERRIBLE spelling? We don't have committee letters at our school. I know he will write a great letter as for content but am just worried about the spelling/grammar!

What did your professor teach? If it was a science-based course other than biology, I would be a little less concerned.

Is your professor foreign or does he/she have a foreing name?

I would only worry about the spelling of a letter of recommendation when that spelling might reflect upon the competency of the individual reviewing your performance. Foreign professors would tend to get more of a pass by adcomms.

Whatever the case, I think it's safe to say that a poorly written letter of recommendation can't hurt you if it is complimentary. I guess its effectiveness could be diminished, but I would say it's better to have an assured, fully complimentary recommendation than an iffy though certainly well-written one.

 

[CalBeE]

for those of you who listed, or plan on listing, a second language on amcas, what would you consider "fluency" to be? i speak spanish conversationally, but would not consider myself to be fluent (ie the level at which i speak english). i don't want to sell myself short though, and not list something that could potentially be very useful.

any thoughts?

If an interviewer suddenly decided to conduct an interview in Spanish, will you be able to handle it? There's really no way adcom can find out your fluency in the language unless they try to test you during interviews. So that'll be how you can judge your abilities.

 

[txguy]

Hey guys, are you going to wait for your MCAT scores before submitting your application?

Let's say I submit my application on June 2nd, but receive my April MCAT scores in mid-June and decide I want to take the August 2004 MCAT, how could I change this designation on my AMCAS applicatin if it is already sent? Can I email or call AMCAS? Would I have to contact each individual school? Or is this not possible?

Basically, not only would the schools I applied to be different, but which MCAT scores I designate will also be different based all on my April scores.

Help!

-tx

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

This is just a guess. I think the designator isn't for score reporting; that is, the August results will be distributed regardless of whether you indicate that you are taking the August test or not. I think the designator is a heads up for the schools, so they MAY set aside your application if you don't have MCAT scores/have poor scores.

 

[Jason110]

Look in the instructions for specific informaiton on the designation. I believe the instructions make it clear that if you don't know for sure whether or not you're going to take the August MCAT, they advise you to say 'NO, I will not take the August MCAT.'

Jason

 

[lorelei]

Is it ok to lump Dean's list, Honor's list, president's list together ?- i mean there isn't much to describe

I had Dean's High Honors for all semesters except one during my junior year when I had Dean's Honors. So I just put Dean's High Honors then in the description I wrote that I had DHH for 7 semesters and DH for one. I don't think it's important enough to separate them out - as long as you specify in the description so they don't think you're trying to pull one over on them.

 

[vhawk]

Ok, I am probably being lazy and not searching previous threads here, and I didnt read all 15 pages or whatever of this thread, but although I can't officially submit my AMCAS now, is it too early to have my undergrad institutions send in transcripts, or will they not get them if they arent 'open'
? Basically, I know it will take one of them at least a few weeks, stupid gigantic state school, and I want to get it in ASAP. If its somewhere else, just call me lazy and ignore me, but if not, an answer would be appreciated.

 

[Jason110]

On a similar note, if I have already requested my transcripts to be sent to AMCAS, how do I check up on them? I know they will inform me once my app has been submitted, but until then, am I allowed to email them to see if they got my transcripts?

Jason

Ok, I am probably being lazy and not searching previous threads here, and I didnt read all 15 pages or whatever of this thread, but although I can't officially submit my AMCAS now, is it too early to have my undergrad institutions send in transcripts, or will they not get them if they arent 'open'
? Basically, I know it will take one of them at least a few weeks, stupid gigantic state school, and I want to get it in ASAP. If its somewhere else, just call me lazy and ignore me, but if not, an answer would be appreciated.

 

[Bendrix]

You should send your transcripts in now, and AMCAS will email you a receipt for each transcript it receives.

 

[CaMD]

On a similar note, if I have already requested my transcripts to be sent to AMCAS, how do I check up on them? I know they will inform me once my app has been submitted, but until then, am I allowed to email them to see if they got my transcripts?

Jason

AMCAS is sending me email updates as they receive my (giant pile) transcripts, so it should be obvious clear.

 

[DemonDeacon]

Get this, I put in my transcript request on a Monday in slow mail. The transcript receipt from AMCAS just came in on Friday!!

 

[raom_dtpi]

Hi,

I have an undergrad from outside of the US. I called AMCAS regarding my transcripts and I was told that AMCAS no longer checks international transcripts. So, I was told to check the transcript verification waiver box. If schools needed to see my transcripts, they would ask me to submit them later. So, I just requested my transcripts for grad school in the US.

Well, I just want to confirm that this is true. It concerns me that schools can't verify my undergrad course work. Is any one else in the same situation?

Thanks!

Scout

 

[danimastani]

Hey guys, looking at you, I am wayy behind. I am planning to start AMCAS now; how long did it take you guys on average? I was also wondering that I may qualify for FAP but I want to submit my app on June 1; How long does it take for the FAP processing?

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Questions

1. I volunteer a lot of my time as a software engineer for a non-profit healthcare organization. I'm not sure if this should be classified as "Community Service/Volunteer - Not Medical/Clinical" or "Community Service/Volunteer - Medical/Clinical". I can see how this is not medically related but on the other hand part of it is so I'm not too sure.

Suggestions?

2. Paid employment. I was a student computer specialist for 1.5 years for USGS. Is this relevant to include? It was during school.

Thanks

Not sure if this was replied to, but I wanted to reply before I forgot.

1. medical/clinical is working with patients/physicians, so evaluate how much work you did with physicians/patients-- if it's substantial, then put it there, if not, do community serivice.

2. Definitely include it. It's time taken away from school/studying. Include everything you did.

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Question: when filling out post-secondary experiences, if I am planning on continuing an experience through next year, how should I fill out the dates? Should I fill out the "ending" date as June 2004, since that is when I will turn in AMCAS, or as June 2005 (when I will truly end it)?

Again, not sure if this was responded to yet... I put "present" and I informed them in December (or earlier if I interviewed) what I had kept up.

 

[Ms.Doctor]

are independent study credits "repeats"? meaning, if i have signed up for lab work the past four quarters and received A's for it, are those subsequent classes actually repeats? i assume that they are, just making sure.
thanks.

I would not say these are repeated courses- I think repeated only has to do with taking orgo 1 and then taking orgo 1 again, etc.

 

[danimastani]

Can somebody respond to my question regarding "FAP and AMCAS". I would really appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Ms.Doctor]

I can't stress this one enough. MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO SPELLING ERRORS IN YOUR PS/INFORMATION. It really looks terrible for the applicant-- interviewers/adcom members will circle the spelling errors as they go....

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Do you think AMCAS would accept the form from my Registrars office if i faxed them the form tomorrow morning. I haven't finished the form yet, but does the transcript form require a signature?
thanks

um, if you took courses that are part of the core BCPM QPA/required courses for med school entrance, than the schools are DEFINITELY going to ask about it. i.e. physics 2.

 

[SqurrlQuen]

Questions

1. I volunteer a lot of my time as a software engineer for a non-profit healthcare organization. I'm not sure if this should be classified as "Community Service/Volunteer - Not Medical/Clinical" or "Community Service/Volunteer - Medical/Clinical". I can see how this is not medically related but on the other hand part of it is so I'm not too sure.

Suggestions?

2. Paid employment. I was a student computer specialist for 1.5 years for USGS. Is this relevant to include? It was during school.

Thanks

1. I believe that you ought to write that it's community service/NOT medical or clinical because I am under the impression that it's asking whether you were with patients, doctors, etc. doing the hospital/clinical stuff. HOWEVER be VERY explicit with the fact that it is a non-profict healthcare organization and is medically related. That small portion where you are allowed to describe your work, use it to your full advantage and be as descriptive as possible.

2. ALWAYS put down paid employment in AMCAS. It's SO IMPORTANT that they know you're not a walking textbook who just does volunteer work in their spare time. I believe working during school provides a separation between students with lots of life experience and common sense and those who had the fortune of not having to work and who could concentrate on studies or extraurriculars. In fact, more than one interviewer of mine made it a point to ask if I worked through undergrad.

Hope it helps . . . good luck

 

[mdsadler]

2. ALWAYS put down paid employment in AMCAS. It's SO IMPORTANT that they know you're not a walking textbook who just does volunteer work in their spare time. I believe working during school provides a separation between students with lots of life experience and common sense and those who had the fortune of not having to work and who could concentrate on studies or extraurriculars. In fact, more than one interviewer of mine made it a point to ask if I worked through undergrad.

What about working in a coffee shop? I wasn't sure whether to tell them about this and was assuming it didn't need to take up space in my personal experiences. I worked about 15-20 hours/week so it is a lot of time but am not sure if they want to see that I have this for job experience.

 

[PreMedAdAG]

1.When should I request my transcripts to be sent to AMCAS??

2. There are spots for "artistic endeavours" and for "hobbies" in the post-secondary experience section. Is it a good idea to do this? I would love to talk about what I do outside of the classroom and work, but I don't have a contact person, or whatever. I do artistic freelance work for groups on campus but never get paid and don't really have the contact information, because I AM the contact. Any advice? Should I just stick to the basics and be ready to talk about these other hobbies and things until secondary or interview time?

3. Can I group things together on post-secondary experiences. For example, I played intercollegiate soccer, which I put down, but I also acted as a student-athlete volunteer for three volunteer programs. My head coach is the contact, so does it look bad if her name is down a couple of times as the contact person? I'm also wondering if I can group the three events together and just describe each one in the description section?

4. I did an EMT certification program at a community college, but didn't receive any credit for it, just a pass no pass situation and then got certified. Should I put this on my coursework and should I submit the transcript to AMCAS??/

Thanks so much for the help!

--Christine