## 2008-2009 Application Season ## Post AACOMAS questions HERE!!!

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Chocolate Bear said:
Unfortunately you're putting too much stake in hearsay.
Fortunately your grades won't suffer.

From AACOMAS' Colleges and Coursework Instructions

AACOMAS Grade: The AACOMAS grading system standardizes the way grades will be reported to your designated medical schools. AACOMAS grades include: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and F. The AACOMAS Grade is assigned a numeric value to calculate your grade point average. These values are:
A 4
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0.0
Click to expand...

Thanks so much.

But if my University uses .5 increase for plus grades (ie B+ 3.5, C+ 2.5 - no A+ at my university) will AACOMAS still make all of those 3.3 and 2.3 or will it stick with my university's grade values? (I know that the MD one does make it .5 if your university has that grading system). Thanks for your replies BTW 🙂
 
Submitted on July 18th. Just got a message that I was verified (because I sent one asking), but my page still says submitted. They send applications to the individual schools every Monday I believe. Still can't see my gpa.
 
aliDO said:
Submitted on July 18th. Just got a message that I was verified (because I sent one asking), but my page still says submitted. They send applications to the individual schools every Monday I believe. Still can't see my gpa.
Click to expand...

😱 if what you're saying is true that only took 4 days my friend!
 
Dr. Syzygy said:
Thanks so much.

But if my University uses .5 increase for plus grades (ie B+ 3.5, C+ 2.5 - no A+ at my university) will AACOMAS still make all of those 3.3 and 2.3 or will it stick with my university's grade values? (I know that the MD one does make it .5 if your university has that grading system). Thanks for your replies BTW 🙂
Click to expand...

Based on what I quoted above, I'd say you're gonna lose some on the +'s. 3.5 --> 3.3. That will put you on the same playing field as everyone else.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Based on what I quoted above, I'd say you're gonna lose some on the +'s. 3.5 --> 3.3. That will put you on the same playing field as everyone else.
Click to expand...

Argh damn.... *hits head against wall repeatedly*

Well thanks anyway for your replies atleast it won't be as bad as making all the B+'s as B's, that would have really sucked... 🙂
 
wow, i almost peed my pants a little
 
aliDO said:
My bad, I meant June 18th. Wow, I don't even know what month it is!
Click to expand...

LOL, when I was typing my response, I almost put July 20th when it was June 20th. Well, if that is the case, then I might get released soon!
 
DoktorB said:
Plus I used every single character that I could!! i think I had like 4496/4500 characters. No room to talk about english classes!
Click to expand...

lol, same here. somehow i think i changed a bit around and got 4500 exactly..hopefully theyre just ok with us explaining such course details in the secondary......? 😕
 
Hey everyone,

I completed my DO app a little while ago, and on the AACOMAS website, it says that it has been "submitted to AACOMAS." Furthermore, they have my MCAT and the grades have all been given their appropriate "AACOMAS score."

I'm not seeing secondaires, though. Do DO schools do business differently (as in, do they not email you once you've submitted the AACOMAS)? Or am I missing something else?
 
If I am reading what you are saying, it seems as though you thinking that AACOMAS gives you your secondaries. Thats not correct. Its not AACOMAS, rather the schools that send them out as as TT said, some schools are slow with sending those out.
 
So I ought to be expecting contact from the schools I am applying to (Midwestern, NYCOM, PCOM, MSU) directly?

Also, does AACOMAS send out emails about how I'm doing in the process? Meaning, do they email me to tell me that I'm "complete?"
 
FYI: One thing about NYCOM, they only send out a secondary if you are selected for an interview.

Yes, If i remember, AACOMAS did send me an e-mail telling me I was complete.
 
Maxwell Edison said:
So I ought to be expecting contact from the schools I am applying to (Midwestern, NYCOM, PCOM, MSU) directly?

Also, does AACOMAS send out emails about how I'm doing in the process? Meaning, do they email me to tell me that I'm "complete?"
Click to expand...

If you submitted your application a short time ago you wont receive secondaries until your app. has been 'verified'. This means that AACOMAS has cross checked your MCAT and transcripts to those you filled out. it usually takes around 4-6 weeks from what people have been saying (a long time, i know). AACOMAS will then send your verified application to the schools you have listed, then they will send you confirmation about filling out their secondaries. browse through this thread for more info on secondaries, its devoted to the subject..

Hope that helps!
 
I seem to recall people talking about some differences in the requirements for DO programs.. such as the requirement to have shadowed a DO physician (specifically DO).

What are the differences that I'll need to take steps for if I want to apply to a DO program, as opposed to an allopathic program?

Thanks in advance.
 
liability said:
I seem to recall people talking about some differences in the requirements for DO programs.. such as the requirement to have shadowed a DO physician (specifically DO).

What are the differences that I'll need to take steps for if I want to apply to a DO program, as opposed to an allopathic program?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Not much:

-IN GENERAL-
-Your primary application is handled through AACOMAS, not AMCAS
-Most schools require a LOR from a physician, some require DO, some MD or DO, and some you just need a letter.

Other than that, just show an interest in osteopathic medicine, know why you want to apply to DO schools, etc. Someone else will probably comment more, but I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.
 
Hi everyone -
For those of you who use your university's letter service, do you know how they would send out the letter packet to AACOMAS? I didn't seem to find a cover sheet generator like there was on AMCAS, or maybe I'm just blind and I totally missed it.. Thanks! 🙂
 
I am registered to retake the MCAT in the beginning of September; however, I am done filling out the AACOMAS. My question is do you recommend that I submit my application now with my previous MCAT scores(1st time=19, 2nd=22) and then send my Sept MCAT score once I receive it, or should I wait until I receive my Sept MCAT score and then submit my AACOMAS. If I wait until I receive my Sept MCAT score to submit my AACOMAS, I’m worry that my application would be late. Please let me know what your take on this. Any advice/suggestion is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
bacsi2009 said:
I am registered to retake the MCAT in the beginning of September; however, I am done filling out the AACOMAS. My question is do you recommend that I submit my application now with my previous MCAT scores(1st time=19, 2nd=22) and then send my Sept MCAT score once I receive it, or should I wait until I receive my Sept MCAT score and then submit my AACOMAS. If I wait until I receive my Sept MCAT score to submit my AACOMAS, I’m worry that my application would be late. Please let me know what your take on this. Any advice/suggestion is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

yes, if you wait til september to submit you will be late. Submit now and make sure you note that you are taking again in september. right now you just need to get in line to be verified.
 
liability said:
I seem to recall people talking about some differences in the requirements for DO programs.. such as the requirement to have shadowed a DO physician (specifically DO).

What are the differences that I'll need to take steps for if I want to apply to a DO program, as opposed to an allopathic program?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

only a few schools require a letter from a DO. While it is probably recommended by most, you can get by with out it. Like jagger said tho you need to show them you are intersted in osteopathic medicine.

Other than that, there are no differences in terms of requiremtns. Same pre req courses, same MCAT, etc. Just like MD schools each school will have its own requirememnts that may differ from others. Some schools may require biochemistry, math, genetics, or something like that. Thats something youll have to look into at each of the schools you are intersted in.
 
I submitted my application a couple of weeks ago, but they just now got my transcripts.

My question is:

Do they wait to send your application out to DO schools until its verified? Because I have not heard back from any DO school yet regarding my application, and I know I am considered a fairly competitive applicant (27R, 3.6 cum and science GPA with good ECs).
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
I submitted my application a couple of weeks ago, but they just now got my transcripts.

My question is:

Do they wait to send your application out to DO schools until its verified? Because I have not heard back from any DO school yet regarding my application, and I know I am considered a fairly competitive applicant (27R, 3.6 cum and science GPA with good ECs).
Click to expand...

Yes, they wait. You most likely won't hear from any DO schools until your app is verified and sent to schools. Check out the last couple of pages on the secondary thread for prompts. That way you can be ready to go when the time comes. 👍
 
coffeeeandtea said:
Hi everyone -
For those of you who use your university's letter service, do you know how they would send out the letter packet to AACOMAS? I didn't seem to find a cover sheet generator like there was on AMCAS, or maybe I'm just blind and I totally missed it.. Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

Sending letters to AACOMAS means using Interfolio. Check out the link through AACOMAS, setup an account, and follow the steps they give you. I think you'll send an e-request to your school, and they will upload your letters. I think the "cover sheet" you're talking about is the sheet with a barcode and a letter ID on it. Is this correct? If so, I don't think Interfolio utilizes anything similar. The e-request will effectively link YOU, THE LETTERS, and THE SENDER/AUTHOR.
 
coffeeeandtea said:
Hi everyone -
For those of you who use your university's letter service, do you know how they would send out the letter packet to AACOMAS? I didn't seem to find a cover sheet generator like there was on AMCAS, or maybe I'm just blind and I totally missed it.. Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

Please read the instructions on the letters tab of the AACOMAS main page. AACOMAS doesn't process letters -- those go directly to the colleges once you receive your secondary application.
 
is it ok to use the same essay (as the one submitted for MD application)?
And my PS talks abt my experiences in general...not DO specific..is that a problem...
anybody have any links to DO essays used in the past?
 
persistent19 said:
is it ok to use the same essay (as the one submitted for MD application)?
And my PS talks abt my experiences in general...not DO specific..is that a problem...
anybody have any links to DO essays used in the past?
Click to expand...

That's perfectly fine. Many/most do just that. The only issue is that AACOMAS has about 20% less available characters, so editing might be required.
 
when entering in AP classes, should you put them under your first semester of freshman year? i couldn't find an answer to this in the aacomas instructions.
 
bravesfan113 said:
when entering in AP classes, should you put them under your first semester of freshman year? i couldn't find an answer to this in the aacomas instructions.
Click to expand...

I put it when it was listed on my university transcript..I think I read somewhere that you are supposed to do it that way.
 
prionsRbad said:
I would go and update AACOMAS with your anticipated MCAT date now so schools know you are retaking.

Good Luck :luck:
Click to expand...

Hi, I updated my AACOMAS around July 2 with my anticipated MCAT test date (July 18) but it seems that maybe I updated it too late. I'm not sure if the colleges were able to receive the update in time so...

Do I need to individually e-mail each one to notify them of this update?
 
Last edited:
Is there a way to resubmit information once you've been verified??
I made a mistake and only put 1 class as English and so am "deficit" by 2.7 semester hours. Will this mean I don't get secondaries?
urrrrgh can't believe I did that.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Sending letters to AACOMAS means using Interfolio. Check out the link through AACOMAS, setup an account, and follow the steps they give you. I think you'll send an e-request to your school, and they will upload your letters. I think the "cover sheet" you're talking about is the sheet with a barcode and a letter ID on it. Is this correct? If so, I don't think Interfolio utilizes anything similar. The e-request will effectively link YOU, THE LETTERS, and THE SENDER/AUTHOR.
Click to expand...

It depends upon how you use Interfolio. If you're doing it electronically, then they upload directly to Interfolio... keep in mind some schools require the letters of recommendation to be completed on professional letterhead, making this a little more difficult. If you're doing it by letter, there is a PDF print out that's required as a cover page for the letter of recommendation. AACOMAS does not do letter of recommendation generation because they link to Interfolio.
 
How long does it take AACOMAS to recognize that they've received my transcripts? Because I had them sent out a while ago, yet AACOMAS claims that they have no gotten them. Are they just slow? (which at this point wouldn't surprise me)
 
beachblonde said:
How long does it take AACOMAS to recognize that they've received my transcripts? Because I had them sent out a while ago, yet AACOMAS claims that they have no gotten them. Are they just slow? (which at this point wouldn't surprise me)
Click to expand...

Very slow. Everyone has this concern. They usually end up updating a few weeks after receiving them, because the "received on " date will be from a while back. What do you expect from a one man operation?! 🙄
 
Took me a week for one, 12 days for the next...
 
Hey Yo

Is the DO extracurricular/Volunteer/Community Service section equivalent to the AMCAS Work/Activities section? I guess minus the work history stuff?

So, did you guys put down things like tutoring, presentations, and conferences?
 
I put down the clubs and organizations I was in, service work, and application-based honors societies (not those that are awarded on GPA, although they did require a certain GPA to maintain membership :lame:).
 
How important is the total hours of experience space? It is pretty tough to calculate this.
 
Atlas80 said:
How important is the total hours of experience space? It is pretty tough to calculate this.
Click to expand...

meh...dont sweat it. just give a guesstimate. they arent going to check any official login, they just want to get an idea.
 
ryserr21 said:
meh...dont sweat it. just give a guesstimate. they arent going to check any official login, they just want to get an idea.
Click to expand...

Is it a problem if I just leave it blank?
 
smtort said:
Hey Yo

Is the DO extracurricular/Volunteer/Community Service section equivalent to the AMCAS Work/Activities section? I guess minus the work history stuff?

So, did you guys put down things like tutoring, presentations, and conferences?
Click to expand...

I put tutoring in the EC/V/CS section, but I but presentations/pubs/conferences in the Awards/Honors/Scholarships section. This was because it was easier, based on the fields they wanted and the fact that my EC/V/CS is full of stuff but my A/H/S was lacking.

Don't worry too much about it. Your goal should be to present yourself clearly, in the most desirable light. Whichever way you go, keep it consistent and concise. 👍
 
Hi,

I was just searching through the AACOM website but couldn't find out how they calculate GPAs. What classes/repeated courses?/different types/ or grading scales.

Can anyone help point me in the right direction?
 
nymetsfan said:
Hi,

I was just searching through the AACOM website but couldn't find out how they calculate GPAs. What classes/repeated courses?/different types/ or grading scales.

Can anyone help point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...

AACOMAS uses grade replacement, meaning that both grades show up on your transcript, but only the most recent attempt is calculated into your GPA. As far as the scale goes, there are appropriate conversions from quarters to semesters (and things of that sort) and I'm fairly sure it uses the standard 0-4.0 scale with + as .3 (ie a B+ = 3.3) and - as .7 (ie an A- =3.7), and I believe that A+'s are counted as 4. Someone might have more/better info but this should at least give you the right idea.
 
Yeah Jagger's got it right. The rest of the guidelines can be found by logging into AACOMAS --> Support --> print out the Colleges and Coursework instructions
 
I am not currently shadowing a DO for a letter but I want to submit my AACOMAS now. Is this alright and can I update schools later that I have shadowed a DO?
 
Hey everyone, I was working on my AACOMAS application, and I wanted to run a quick question by you guys. When filling out the EC,vol,work exp, etc, how much information should I put in the description part? Should I go in depth like mini-personal statements? Or should I just give a brief explanation of what I did? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks
 
so would an application not be 'verified' if the MCAT score is not back yet? ( My scores don't come out until August)... and if I send out my applications in about a week would that be too late for this cycle? I finished everything else but I'm having major trouble with my PS
 
hopefuldoc35 said:
so would an application not be 'verified' if the MCAT score is not back yet? ( My scores don't come out until August)... and if I send out my applications in about a week would that be too late for this cycle? I finished everything else but I'm having major trouble with my PS
Click to expand...

1. Your app will be verified without an MCAT. Just mark when you took it. Schools will be awaiting your scores, which will be given to them once you release your scores to AACOMAS, after they come out.

2. You're not too late for this cycle. Get everything done ASAP, but don't sacrifice your PS for a week or two of earliness. If it holds you up more than that, I'd get some serious help with it, pronto.
 
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