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

[Tyc00nman]

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Jesus, you suck at searching ....

Anyway, as far as I know AACOMAS (the DO application service) only factors the most recent regrade into your calculated gpa. However, all retakes are seen. If you have an F, D, F, C- and then finally an A, TECHNICALLY it will be counted as a four, but might be viewed as a fluke and raise some red flags.

When it comes to residencies, osteopathic students have three options. 1 They may apply to the AOA residencies that are available only to DO students. These residencies cover every field of medicine (except Nuclear Medicine for some reason) and are chosen by DO students each year. 2 They may apply to the 'MD' residencies - which once again cover any desired field of medicine. There are debates about the ability of DOs to land MD residencies with some agreeing that good board scores (both the DO and MD boards) and grades will get you anywhere, with others saying that the match rates are low, and some programs won't interview DOs. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. However, DOs do (on the whole) place well into MD residencies. 3 Students may apply to both the DO and MD residencies, but the DO match happens first, and if a student matches they will automatically be dropped from the MD match.

Fellowships are a tiny source of confusion. There are both MD and DO fellowships in various fields, but it is program specific concerning the completion of an MD or DO residency before matriculation into the fellowship.

It is true that a lot of Osteopathic medical students do enter primary care fields. However, this does not indicate some lack of quality or pressure to enter primary care fields (such as IM or peds). DO schools generally cater to primary care fields, and have a 'mission statement' (take with a grain of salt) to place physicians into primary care. With that being said, some schools have specialty matches (non primary care) rates that are near 65-70% (these could be way off and some goober will correct me if they are) while others have low rates into specialty fields. These are all generally personal choices made by students, and DOs can go into any field they like.

Finally, don't believe that a DO residency is of poor quality unless a resident from the program or who interviewed there says so. So much crap travels via rumors and generalizations on this site, and 90% of the time someone uses the phrase 'DO residencies are generally or a lower quality than the MD counterpart,' even though they are an 18 year old pre-med. There are good and bad residencies in both the MD and DO world, and choosing one that is a good fit is not something you should worry about now.


Wheww, really long and non sarcastic post for me. I'm gonna go lie down

👍 thanks for typing all that out. very informative.

 

[prionsRbad]

That's not what I wanted to hear. What if i do worse? It's over for me even if the rest of my application is strong for DO? What if i wasn't doing a retake?

I'm sorry 🙁 If you're worried about doing worse then don't put on your application that you're retaking or just don't retake. I don't think it's over for you. You'll just have to wait and see what happens. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

Could you just remove the future retake from AACOMAS and submit? Then no one would know that you're planning on a retake. If your retake goes bad, no big deal, but if it goes well, you could release your scores when they come out. Is that a bad idea? Has anyone tried that?

Yes, you can remove the retake and have the schools review your file as is. People have discussed that scenario many times here on SDN. Some think it's fair and some consider it academic dishonesty, since you are supposed to disclose all MCAT attempts and scheduled attempts. *Just a side note, if a school finds out that you took the MCAT a 2nd time, did worse and tried to hide it from them they have every right to rescind your acceptance (and this could happen at any time throughout med school).

 

[beachblonde]

OK, quick question from this AACOMAS newbie:

I get that I should be listing my research, volunteering, leadership, etc under the "EC, volunteer, community service" section. But what should I do with my publications? And posters/conferences? And should I list research grants under awards or the EC section?

I'm too used to AMCAS where everything is just classified by a drop-down menu.

Also-is re-listing my 15 activities from AMCAS too many for AACOMAS? I don't see a limit anywhere.

Thanks.

 

[SJonathan]

Also-is re-listing my 15 activities from AMCAS too many for AACOMAS? I don't see a limit anywhere.

Thanks.

I would list all that you've got. If you've got more than what you put for AMCAS, go for it as long as you're not stretching things too thin. With no limit, it's up to you. One thing I've done is hold one or two back that aren't extremely important to my application. That way it gives me something new to talk about in the interviews. Its all up to you.

 

[213965]

Hi,

I am relatively new to this D.O. application process and have recently made the decision to apply for D.O. schools.

In terms of numbers, I think my stats are okay (MCAT 27R, BCPM 3.53, GPA 3.72, BA Anthropology, BS Molecular/Cellular Biology w Chemistry minor, MA candidate in Biomedical Science), >300 total clinical volunteer hours, 4 years lab experience, 2 research publications, professional concert violinist, etc.

The only thing is that I have no experience shadowing a D.O. and plan to do this in August when I start my master's at Midwestern University, so hopefully I could get a LOR after about a month or so of shadowing, but would it be too late to submit my AACOMAS by then? The only reason I haven't done so already is because I want to revise my personal statement after having had some shadowing experience with a D.O. because I think that will drastically alter what I have already written (taken from my MD statement).

And just wondering about the shadowing in general -- since I'm assuming everyone here has had some shadowing experience, when is an appropriate time to ask for that LOR? (after 10 hours, 20 hours, 50 hours, etc.?) Also, when you shadow a D.O., is there an understanding that they will probably be asked to provide you with a LOR?

Ideally I'd like to get everything submitted as soon as possible, but seeing the later AACOMAS and secondary submission dates (post-Dec) has given me some hope in still applying for this application cycle.

Or am I going to be too late? 😕

Any words of advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Apply now. Shadow ASAP. Get your letter and have it sent to each school as an update to your file.

Also, it should be noted that a DO letter is not "required" at a lot of places. It could be helpful though, so definitely do it.

 

[slim78]

Hi,

I am relatively new to this D.O. application process and have recently made the decision to apply for D.O. schools.

In terms of numbers, I think my stats are okay (MCAT 27R, BCPM 3.53, GPA 3.72, BA Anthropology, BS Molecular/Cellular Biology w Chemistry minor, MA candidate in Biomedical Science), >300 total clinical volunteer hours, 4 years lab experience, 2 research publications, professional concert violinist, etc.

The only thing is that I have no experience shadowing a D.O. and plan to do this in August when I start my master's at Midwestern University, so hopefully I could get a LOR after about a month or so of shadowing, but would it be too late to submit my AACOMAS by then? The only reason I haven't done so already is because I want to revise my personal statement after having had some shadowing experience with a D.O. because I think that will drastically alter what I have already written (taken from my MD statement).

And just wondering about the shadowing in general -- since I'm assuming everyone here has had some shadowing experience, when is an appropriate time to ask for that LOR? (after 10 hours, 20 hours, 50 hours, etc.?) Also, when you shadow a D.O., is there an understanding that they will probably be asked to provide you with a LOR?

Ideally I'd like to get everything submitted as soon as possible, but seeing the later AACOMAS and secondary submission dates (post-Dec) has given me some hope in still applying for this application cycle.

Or am I going to be too late? 😕

Any words of advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Shadowing is cool, but DO NOT submit your application late if the only thing lacking is shadowing.

Here is what happened w/ me. I submitted my AACOMAS primary app like... August I think. Then I got all these requests for secondaries and started freeking out because I didn't have all the letters of recommendation that I needed and I hadn't done any shadowing.

I didn't get my letters of recommendation and secondary apps all in until early January. I was accepted (still without having done any shadowing) but I certainly didn't do myself any favors waiting that long.

Bottom line, I would not recommend putting off applying if all your ducks are in order, just so you can shadow.

 

[a817]

Hi,

I am relatively new to this D.O. application process and have recently made the decision to apply for D.O. schools.

In terms of numbers, I think my stats are okay (MCAT 27R, BCPM 3.53, GPA 3.72, BA Anthropology, BS Molecular/Cellular Biology w Chemistry minor, MA candidate in Biomedical Science), >300 total clinical volunteer hours, 4 years lab experience, 2 research publications, professional concert violinist, etc.

The only thing is that I have no experience shadowing a D.O. and plan to do this in August when I start my master's at Midwestern University, so hopefully I could get a LOR after about a month or so of shadowing, but would it be too late to submit my AACOMAS by then? The only reason I haven't done so already is because I want to revise my personal statement after having had some shadowing experience with a D.O. because I think that will drastically alter what I have already written (taken from my MD statement).

And just wondering about the shadowing in general -- since I'm assuming everyone here has had some shadowing experience, when is an appropriate time to ask for that LOR? (after 10 hours, 20 hours, 50 hours, etc.?) Also, when you shadow a D.O., is there an understanding that they will probably be asked to provide you with a LOR?

Ideally I'd like to get everything submitted as soon as possible, but seeing the later AACOMAS and secondary submission dates (post-Dec) has given me some hope in still applying for this application cycle.

Or am I going to be too late? 😕

Any words of advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

No way apply that late, a lot of schools don't require one (10<) including your state DO school AZCOM. I would look into schools that don't require one. When you get a DO LOR then add some school you like that require it.

 

[Drc17]

Hey guys I am new to this site so pardon me if I am writing in the wrong place. I am applying to DO school (hoping for NOVA (NSU)) to begin in fall 2009. I am taking the MCAT in january 2009. I was told by the school to go ahead and send my application without the mcat score. When should I send my transcripts as I will still be taking classes up to my graduation in april 2009. Do you think I could get a secondary application without an MCAT score?

 

[metalmd06]

I would advise against it, but I applied in January and I was accepted (albeit after a conditional Med-Prep program at NYCOM). Good Luck!

 

[cateyezz]

i just wanted to know how bad would it be if i were to use my MD PS for the DO application? wud they check? I mean i spent soo much time perfecting the PS and its not geared towards any type of medicine...i just wana be a doctor (sooo bad i mite add) and so i do not want to delay the apps any more than what they are rite now...any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Bacchus]

That is late in the cycle but possible. My friend interviewed at PCOM in January or February and got an acceptance notice in April. However, she was rather lucky.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

i just wanted to know how bad would it be if i were to use my MD PS for the DO application? wud they check? I mean i spent soo much time perfecting the PS and its not geared towards any type of medicine...i just wana be a doctor (sooo bad i mite add) and so i do not want to delay the apps any more than what they are rite now...any help would be greatly appreciated

This is perfectly acceptable and commonly done. The only limiting factor is the decreased character limit in AACOMAS vs. AMCAS.

 

[MotherGoose]

Hey guys. I sent my apps in on June 26th. For those of you who have already been verified, when did you send your primary in? And what did your status say on AACOMAS when you were verified? Thanks!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Hey guys. I sent my apps in on June 26th. For those of you who have already been verified, when did you send your primary in? And what did your status say on AACOMAS when you were verified? Thanks!

You won't know you are verified via the application page. You will get secondaries or you can email to confirm. You should give it 6 weeks before being concerned. That's 6 weeks from the last necessary materials reaching AACOMAS. If your transcripts were received after 6/26, 6 weeks would start upon the last transcript receipt.

 

[Turkelton]

On actual application you're allowed more words if you don't double space, is it okay to do this? Thanks.

 

[engineeredout]

On actual application you're allowed more words if you don't double space, is it okay to do this? Thanks.

Doesn't seem to matter, since you really can't format it like a word document anyway.

 

[hopefuldoc35]

so I have a question for the aacomas apps... If I took a physiological psych class is that a behavioral science or a bio/zoology? the entire class was about the physiology of the brain but since it as 'psychology' in its name Im not sure where to put it... that and I don't want to get in trouble for lying on the apps!!! please help!

 

[hopefuldoc35]

oh and how late am I if I have not sent out my applications yet? I'm so new to this and I really don't have any idea if I'm doing things correctly.

 

[engineeredout]

so I have a question for the aacomas apps... If I took a physiological psych class is that a behavioral science or a bio/zoology? the entire class was about the physiology of the brain but since it as 'psychology' in its name Im not sure where to put it... that and I don't want to get in trouble for lying on the apps!!! please help!

Base the category on content of the course, not on the name.

 

[RySerr21]

so I have a question for the aacomas apps... If I took a physiological psych class is that a behavioral science or a bio/zoology? the entire class was about the physiology of the brain but since it as 'psychology' in its name Im not sure where to put it... that and I don't want to get in trouble for lying on the apps!!! please help!

you won't get in trouble! don't worry. at the very worst, AACOMAS will reclassify your course if they feel you catogorized it incorrectly. There's no penalty. I'd say you should classify it as whatever you want it to be under. If you didn't do so hot and you dont want it under your science GPA, then put it under psychology. If you aced it and it will boost your science GPA, then try to sneak it in as a biology type course. In the end it wont really matter b/c they will move it if they want to. To be honest, I think it will be classified as psychology, but you have nothing to lose bu classifying it as bcpm course.

edit: you aren't late yet, but you want to submit ASAP to get in line for verification b/c AACOMAS is taking 3-6 weeks to get it complete. In the meantime, you can get ahead on your secondaries!

 

[SJonathan]

Here's a new one -

On my transcripts, I have a group of four .25 credit hour classes that I NEVER signed up for. Obviously they are all listed now as "No Credit". (Actually, oddly enough, one of them shows up as "credit" - no idea why). I'm currently working with my school's transcript office to get them removed.

When I reported my grades to AACOMAS, I didn't enter those grades because they should soon be removed from my transcript. But the problem is, they're on the transcripts that I sent in to AACOMAS. Do you think this discrepancy will delay me from being "verified"?? I sent AACOMAS an email about it, but now I'm getting worried - I really don't want to risk one more delay in my application.

 

[Revilla]

so I have a question for the aacomas apps... If I took a physiological psych class is that a behavioral science or a bio/zoology? the entire class was about the physiology of the brain but since it as 'psychology' in its name Im not sure where to put it... that and I don't want to get in trouble for lying on the apps!!! please help!

I think you classify it according to which department offered it. Was it offered through the Biology Department or the Psychology Department?

 

[hopefuldoc35]

If I am a volunteer for 2 different areas at a hospital, am I allowed to put both in the same volunteer section or do I have to start a different record for it? I dont mind starting a different record but it does seem a bit redundant

 

[Chocolate Bear]

If I am a volunteer for 2 different areas at a hospital, am I allowed to put both in the same volunteer section or do I have to start a different record for it? I dont mind starting a different record but it does seem a bit redundant

I'd do whatever seems clearest and portrays you in the best light. These should always be your guiding factors. Oh, and not irritating adcoms! Consider it a tug-o-war between the three. You're "allowed" to do whatever you want. No one is policing. If two activities should be grouped together, then do it. 👍

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Here's a new one -

On my transcripts, I have a group of four .25 credit hour classes that I NEVER signed up for. Obviously they are all listed now as "No Credit". (Actually, oddly enough, one of them shows up as "credit" - no idea why). I'm currently working with my school's transcript office to get them removed.

When I reported my grades to AACOMAS, I didn't enter those grades because they should soon be removed from my transcript. But the problem is, they're on the transcripts that I sent in to AACOMAS. Do you think this discrepancy will delay me from being "verified"?? I sent AACOMAS an email about it, but now I'm getting worried - I really don't want to risk one more delay in my application.

I hope you don't have plans on Monday. I'd sit on hold until I talked with someone to notify them. It wouldn't be the end of the world, in the worst case scenario, which would be that they're included in your app. However, it would look odd, and I personally would try to keep this from happening. Really not the end of the world, and I don't think it should cost you much time in the verification process.

 

[jrs98]

Can I correct spelling mistakes after I have submitted my application to AACOMAS? Do I need to call them? I made mistakes on my personal statement, one of my job descriptions, and one of my classes.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Can I correct spelling mistakes after I have submitted my application to AACOMAS? Do I need to call them? I made mistakes on my personal statement, one of my job descriptions, and one of my classes.

They opened up mine and made a correction for another type of error. You should send a VERY DETAILED message through the SUPPORT link in the app. Worked for me. If you don't get a response and are worried about being verified before they would correct it (3-6 wks after completion and submission of app), try calling them. You really don't want spelling errors on the final version. Good luck.

 

[hopefuldoc35]

on my extracurriculars, I'm using bullets instead of paragraphs and my descriptions are pretty concise. Is this a bad way to go?
for example, my volunteer record looks something like this

• Clean beds
• Stock linens
• Make trauma packets
• Assist patients to restrooms or give them directions to different area of the emergency department
• Check up on all patients and ask if they need anything
• Help the nurses, technicians, and occasionally physicians

should I add some warm and fuzzies to this or what?!?! I'm not very good at BS-ing

 

[prionsRbad]

on my extracurriculars, I'm using bullets instead of paragraphs and my descriptions are pretty concise. Is this a bad way to go?
for example, my volunteer record looks something like this

• Clean beds
• Stock linens
• Make trauma packets
• Assist patients to restrooms or give them directions to different area of the emergency department
• Check up on all patients and ask if they need anything
• Help the nurses, technicians, and occasionally physicians

should I add some warm and fuzzies to this or what?!?! I'm not very good at BS-ing

This is exactly how to do it and is the preferred format amongst Adcoms. 👍

 

[TruthSerum44]

Okay so I've got a question!

My file was apparently released on 7/9/2008 (finally...I submitted on 6/5/2008), and upon viewing the file that was released to medical schools, I realize I made an error when inputing my prior coursework. I labeled a class titled "Freshman Seminar" as "Other Non-Science" when it was actually an English class. Usually this would not be a big deal, but I have only taken one other English class, so this puts me under the required number of English credits!

I know the medical schools have my official transcript which will show the class as an English credit and thus put me at the required number of English credits, but is there anything I can do to update the improperly labeled coursework section of the AACOMAS application? Thanks 🙂

 

[Live4Life]

Okay so I've got a question!

My file was apparently released on 7/9/2008 (finally...I submitted on 6/5/2008), and upon viewing the file that was released to medical schools, I realize I made an error when inputing my prior coursework. I labeled a class titled "Freshman Seminar" as "Other Non-Science" when it was actually an English class. Usually this would not be a big deal, but I have only taken one other English class, so this puts me under the required number of English credits!

I know the medical schools have my official transcript which will show the class as an English credit and thus put me at the required number of English credits, but is there anything I can do to update the improperly labeled coursework section of the AACOMAS application? Thanks 🙂

Contact AACOMAS or else send an update email to each of the medical schools to which you applied.

 

[engineeredout]

They recieved (and updated aacomas) with my transcript in a week and a half. Not bad. I guess I just wait to be verified now.

 

[Casey]

I have a 4 credit English class and then a few education classes that fulfilled my English requirements at my university. If anyone has a similar situation as me did you write this at the bottom of your personal statement like the directions said or not?

Thanks!

 

[engineeredout]

Wouldn't seem to me like something you'd put in the personal statement, but hey what do I know?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Well, the instructions said to write it on the bottom of the PS if applicable. That being said, it feels odd to do this. I would definitely type a few dashes or something to offset the sentence from the PS.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Wait, who says you have to include English classes taken in your PS???

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Wait, who says you have to include English classes taken in your PS???

From the AACOMAS Instructions for completing Colleges and Coursework:

English Requirement: If you fulfilled your undergraduate institution's English requirement with a course(s) outside of the English Department, list the appropriate course(s), up to six semester hours, as English. Make a notation that this course(s) was approved as fulfilling your English requirement by your institution at the end of the Personal Statement.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

From the AACOMAS Instructions for completing Colleges and Coursework:

English Requirement: If you fulfilled your undergraduate institution’s English requirement with a course(s) outside of the English Department, list the appropriate course(s), up to six semester hours, as English. Make a notation that this course(s) was approved as fulfilling your English requirement by your institution at the end of the Personal Statement.

You sir are THE application zen master

 

[Collide]

From the AACOMAS Instructions for completing Colleges and Coursework:

English Requirement: If you fulfilled your undergraduate institution’s English requirement with a course(s) outside of the English Department, list the appropriate course(s), up to six semester hours, as English. Make a notation that this course(s) was approved as fulfilling your English requirement by your institution at the end of the Personal Statement.

I never knew that. Thanks for the info!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

You sir are THE application zen master

Maybe I'll put that on a tshirt. 👍

 

[thriftnuh]

yeah i have a similar situation and just added a line at the end of my PS but i made it clear that it was not part of my PS, just a statement to clarify that requirement.

 

[joshhamyanks]

I sent in my primary to AACOMAS on July 4th. Anyone know how long itll take them to verify it, and where on there app site it will it say it has been verified?

Thanks

 

[joshhamyanks]

...and AMCAS had all my transcripts when i submitted my application on july 4th

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I sent in my primary to AACOMAS on July 4th. Anyone know how long itll take them to verify it, and where on there app site it will it say it has been verified?

Thanks

3-6 weeks. It will say Released DATE on the front page.

 

[EEL08]

Sounds strange to me to be honest. There's no way I would end the flow of my personal statement to talk about english requirements. There is plenty of time to deal with that later. Just my 2 cents. 😎

 

[hypnix]

Submitted June 20 and still not verified or released or whatever. Oh well, MD secondaries are keeping me busy so I'm fine if other people are taking forever to get verified as well 🙂

 

[Dissected]

Plus I used every single character that I could!! i think I had like 4496/4500 characters. No room to talk about english classes!

 

[Dr. Syzygy]

I used the search function but couldn't find any information about my question...

I read somewhere that AACOMAS treats B+ and B- grades the same as B's with the same applying to all the other letter grades. Unfortunately my university only has only + and regular grades (A 4.0, B+ 3.5, B 3.0, C+ 2.5, C 2.0, D 1.0, F 0.0). I have quite a few B+'s and 2 C+'s.

If these grades are going to be down graded to 3.0's my gpa is going to get screwed atleast .1 of a gpa point (3.5 to 3.4). I was just wondering if this was true so that I won't be in for a surprise when I actually calculate my gpa on AACOMAS. 😕

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I used the search function but couldn't find any information about my question...

I read somewhere that AACOMAS treats B+ and B- grades the same as B's with the same applying to all the other letter grades. Unfortunately my university only has only + and regular grades (A 4.0, B+ 3.5, B 3.0, C+ 2.5, C 2.0, D 1.0, F 0.0). I have quite a few B+'s and 2 C+'s.

If these grades are going to be down graded to 3.0's my gpa is going to get screwed atleast .1 of a gpa point (3.5 to 3.4). I was just wondering if this was true so that I won't be in for a surprise when I actually calculate my gpa on AACOMAS. 😕

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