AMCAS Language Mistake

[Ignition]

When selecting languages that I knew, I didn't see that marking down a language required fluency. My spoken skills are mediocre (enough to qualify as "competent" from my college), but I wouldn't call myself native fluent by any stretch of the imagination. I've submitted my AMCAS app at this point, but it has yet to be verified.

What are my options in regards to correcting this mistake? I did not intend to misrepresent myself but I feel as if that may be a possibility resultant from this honest mistake. I'd hate to see my chances of attending med school next year evaporate due to one incorrectly marked box. It's the weekend so no AMCAS representatives are currently available.

Thanks

 

[saqrfaraj]

Get ready for an interview conducted in Spanish!

Honestly though, nobody knows how likely this is to happen, but it's possible. If you're really that concerned about it, I'm sure a short letter or email would suffice.

 

[Ignition]

Get ready for an interview conducted in Spanish!

Honestly though, nobody knows how likely this is to happen, but it's possible. If you're really that concerned about it, I'm sure a short letter or email would suffice.

So there's no possibility of rectifying it directly through AMCAS before the app is verified? That would be a lot less messy than sending 30+ letters to all the med schools to which I am applying.

 

[saqrfaraj]

So there's no possibility of rectifying it directly through AMCAS before the app is verified? That would be a lot less messy than sending 30+ letters to all the med schools to which I am applying.

I think you underestimate the annoyances of having to deal with the folks at AMCAS.

 

[QuaerensIntelle]

I made the same mistake last application cycle, and it never even came up. Anytime I got asked about Spanish (it was usually in reference to my study abroad program), I just explained exactly what my level of experience was-study abroad/semi-fluent but out of practice. I think that particularly Spanish is so common that they don't even really ask about it.

I wouldn't worry about it (I had about 9 interviews at all tiers), but be honest about it if you get asked (obviously). If you do get interviewed in Spanish, just use whatever level of skill you have.

 

[flip26]

I made the same mistake last application cycle, and it never even came up. Anytime I got asked about Spanish (it was usually in reference to my study abroad program), I just explained exactly what my level of experience was-study abroad/semi-fluent but out of practice. I think that particularly Spanish is so common that they don't even really ask about it.

I wouldn't worry about it (I had about 9 interviews at all tiers), but be honest about it if you get asked (obviously). If you do get interviewed in Spanish, just use whatever level of skill you have.

Did you get in somewhere?

 

[StPlayrXtreme]

I made the same mistake last cycle. I took Spanish and Italian in college, and checked the box as I went along...I have basic proficiency, but not fluent in either.

I realized the language selection was supposed to be for fluency, and I sent a quick note to all the schools I applied to. In my case, I was going on an international health project to a spanish-speaking country.....so I sent them an update, and added an additional paragraph clarifying my language abilities.

My interviewer did mention it at a couple interviews (she said "she got the disclaimer regarding the languages") But she also said the transparency was good, but it wasn't a big deal since my language level was evident by a quick glance at my transcript. She must have given me a good review, because I was accepted to that school..so it definitely wasn't a problem.

So my opinion, it's better safe than sorry. You should mention it in an update, especially if you can group it in with something else you'd like to tell the admission committee. I felt good that I sent it, and was very fortunate with interview invites and acceptances.

Good luck!