Not doing what you said on AMCAS?

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CaMD

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Last summer when I filled out AMCAS I said I was going to take 2 classes this spring, an English class and a molecular biology class. (I graduated a year ago and am working full-time.)

I've already fulfilled the science pre-reqs for all the schools I applied to except USC. They wanted an extra molebio which is why I said I'd take it. Now they haven't even bothered to interview me and I don't really want to take the class. Time, money, etc.

My question is, will it hurt my chances off the waitlist at various schools not to follow through with it? My understanding is that the future coursework I listed on AMCAS was not binding (right?) however it might look bad if I have to send schools a letter saying "by the way, I'm not bothering to take more science."

I appear to be the Waitlist Queen, so I think I'll have to continue to be in touch with schools all spring.

The other option I've thought of is just not bothering to tell them about the change in schedule. I think it's very unlikely that after accepting me they will say "wait, that was based on 1 extra science class."

I need to register for the coming semester soon so I would really appreciate getting as much feedback as I can. Thank you tons and good luck to everyone! :luck:
 
I doubt that will be what breaks your chances, but it's like reading tea leaves to determine whether it will or won't. I'm inclined to believe it won't since adcoms know students change their minds. I commented on this in a prior thread, and I said if the classes are "big-deal" classes like biochem or a research thesis, that might be bad.
 
CaMD said:
Last summer when I filled out AMCAS I said I was going to take 2 classes this spring, an English class and a molecular biology class. (I graduated a year ago and am working full-time.)

I've already fulfilled the science pre-reqs for all the schools I applied to except USC. They wanted an extra molebio which is why I said I'd take it. Now they haven't even bothered to interview me and I don't really want to take the class. Time, money, etc.

My question is, will it hurt my chances off the waitlist at various schools not to follow through with it? My understanding is that the future coursework I listed on AMCAS was not binding (right?) however it might look bad if I have to send schools a letter saying "by the way, I'm not bothering to take more science."

I appear to be the Waitlist Queen, so I think I'll have to continue to be in touch with schools all spring.

The other option I've thought of is just not bothering to tell them about the change in schedule. I think it's very unlikely that after accepting me they will say "wait, that was based on 1 extra science class."

I need to register for the coming semester soon so I would really appreciate getting as much feedback as I can. Thank you tons and good luck to everyone! :luck:


i dont think its a positive thing.....but i dont see it as a negative thing either...y dont you give the schools u applied to a call..and ask em?
 
I forgot to write what I am taking both the fall and spring semesters! Oh well! I am planning on writing a letter of interest stating my classes and my grades after my fall grades come out.
 
I have sort of a similar situation, although in my case it was for a thesis (not a research thesis though--an optional honors thesis for my BA that I decided not to write due to time issues). I listed the thesis as an upcoming course on AMCAS but am not going to finish it. I'm going to approach it by writing update letters to schools I am waiting to hear from, which it sounds like you're also doing, letting them know what I've been up to and basically just telling them to disregard the upcoming course that I listed on AMCAS. In your case, if it's just a couple of classes, I don't know if it's so crucial to let them know about the change; I doubt they would revoke an acceptance over something like that later, but if you want to play it safe and let them know I don't think it would hurt you to mention it in an update letter, putting a positive spin on it of course.
 
i think i may be in a similar boat.

only 5 credits of O-Chem (1 sem. of class and lab), most schools either require 8 credits or a full year.

since undergrad i got my master's in biomedical science, and if i do well on my MCAT in april, i hope to tell the adcomms to stuff it 😎 . there's no way i'm going to take another semester of O-chem just to be "complete".

adcomms have the right to waive any of their requirements- they don't exactly do it liberally though.
 
I have had two changes to my AMCAS listed courses. I know for UVA, I have to write them a letter explaining any changes I have made. I doubt this will screw anything up, but you never know.....
 
i'd say just call the schools and mention your change in plans. as long as none of the schools require the classes you're not going to take, it probably won't matter two licks to them.
 
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