*~*~* Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2012-2013 *~*~*

[TXKnight]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I was wondering what you guys think is the best format i.e most appealing for the activities under the sections of extracurricular,volunteer,etc and work experience.
bullet or short paragraph?

 

[ManBroDude]

I was wondering what you guys think is the best format i.e most appealing for the activities under the sections of extracurricular,volunteer,etc and work experience.
bullet or short paragraph?

I initially went with the bullets but realized you can weave a story and a bit of character if you write it out in prose format. It's also way easier to put positive spins and tie it with why this or that helped me to become a great future doctor.

 

[ManBroDude]

I have also seen instructions to apply to one school (that is a stretch or don't really care about) so it is verified..... Should I submit my application June 1st WITHOUT designating a school (is this even possible)? I guess I am just confused as to WHAT needs to be completely filled out in order to submit the app June 1st so that it can start getting verified.

Apply to one middle-of-the-road school that you don't particularly love. IT TAKES 4-6 WEEKS JUST TO HAVE YOUR GRADES VERIFIED BY AACOMAS, so the earlier to start this process, the better your chances in this rolling admissions game. You can add the schools later by checking the boxes: super easy.

You may not be Mr. Perfect, but you might be Mr. Perfect Right Now as far as adcoms are concerned.

 

[hmania]

I applied for FAP and it says on the application that it was received. Does the fee waiver cover interfolio?
I went into interfolio to create an account and it says I have one already.I never applied for one. I am totally lost.

 

[bananaz]

I applied for FAP and it says on the application that it was received. Does the fee waiver cover interfolio?
I went into interfolio to create an account and it says I have one already.I never applied for one. I am totally lost.

I don't have an answer to that unfortunately, but I'm wondering where on the application it says your FAP submission was received?

 

[hmania]

under other documents tab. I am guessing that this is the confirmation that I have received it? Can anyone else confirm this or does FAP send out a confirmation email.

 

[SoulinNeed]

How should we handle the description for EC activities. Should it just be a short statement on our duties? Or should we talk about what we learned or felt about the experience? I'm guessing the former cause 750 characters isn't that much, right?

 

[ddd15]

How far back do you think one should go when including work experience? I'm a local student, so I have typically only worked during my summers of undergrad.

So far I have two jobs listed (one starting in august) and the other a job from last summer.

Thanks!

 

[MedPR]

Still haven't gotten my FAP decision back.. Applied over a week ago.

Also, does anyone know if secondaries need to be written as well as the PS? It's taking me several drafts and the help/revisions from many people to put out a good PS.. If each secondary requires that much work I don't know if I'll get them all finished! 🙁

 

[MedPR]

Btw, someone asked about whether or not shadowing should be grouped. The AMCAS thread has a FAQ and in that FAQ is a suggestion to group all your shadowing experiences into one. Verbatim:

10. What category should I list Physician Shadowing under?
Physician shadowing is best included under the "Other" designation.

Some other recommendations when listing physician shadowing: It is not necessary to include hours/week. Group all of your shadowing together, giving a total hours for each physician and a grand total at the end. Additional relevant information such as their title ("MD" or "DO"), level of training if not an attending (resident, fellow, etc.), or other notes about the shadowing (i.e. shadowed only during office hours for a surgeon, only during image reading for a radiologist, etc.) can be included. There's no need to describe what shadowing is.

 

[crappyjones123]

How does one enter grades for a class that was withdrawn from for medical reasons (had to undergo back surgery)? On the transcript, just a plain old withdrawal is mentioned as W, medical withdrawal are listed as WM.

 

[MedPR]

Who do we call to find out if X course will count for Y credit (i.e will a class I took count for biochem). Is it ok to just talk to anyone in the admissions office?

 

[Postictal Raiden]

If I have retaken the course twice, how would I list the repeats on AACOMAS? Should I do the following:

Bio 101= D "Repeat 1"
Bio 101= C "Repeat 2"
Bio 101= A "Last Repeat 1"
?

Should the sequencing be in chronological order? I have taken course at two different CC's simultaneously. Should I keep jumping back and forth between transcripts to ensure that the sequencing is in correct historical order?

Also, in terms of multiple withdrawals in the same course, do I need to label them as repeats, or simply Withdrawals:

Bio 101= W
Bio 101= W
Bio 101= A "none"
?

 

[nirvikalpa]

If I have retaken the course twice, how would I list the repeats on AACOMAS? Should I do the following:

Bio 101= D "Repeat 1"
Bio 101= C "Repeat 2"
Bio 101= A "Last Repeat 1"
?

I believe it goes:

Bio 101= D "Repeat 1"
Bio 101= C "Repeat 1" (again)
Bio 101= A "Last Repeat 1"

The numbers only change when the course changes (I am pretty sure, someone correct me if I am wrong please).

Should the sequencing be in chronological order? I have taken course at two different CC's simultaneously. Should I keep jumping back and forth between transcripts to ensure that the sequencing is in correct historical order?

"Applicants should list the original class as a re- peat, i.e., “Repeat,” and then list the final time the course is taken as “Last Repeat.” All repeated courses should be coded in sequence."

 

[TriagePreMed]

Also, in terms of multiple withdrawals in the same course, do I need to label them as repeats, or simply Withdrawals:

Bio 101= W
Bio 101= W
Bio 101= A "none"
?

+1 I would like to know also.

Does anyone know if I should list research where I got a stipend from the school as a job or EC?

 

[Postictal Raiden]

If I have retaken the course twice, how would I list the repeats on AACOMAS? Should I do the following:

Bio 101= D "Repeat 1"
Bio 101= C "Repeat 2"
Bio 101= A "Last Repeat 1"
?

Should the sequencing be in chronological order? I have taken course at two different CC's simultaneously. Should I keep jumping back and forth between transcripts to ensure that the sequencing is in correct historical order?

Also, in terms of multiple withdrawals in the same course, do I need to label them as repeats, or simply Withdrawals:

Bio 101= W
Bio 101= W
Bio 101= A "none"
?

I also would like to know if I should type "0" under the grade category for withdrawn courses. Thank you

 

[MedPR]

Is anyone else grouping all of their shadowing experiences together? If so, how are you formatting the description box? Here is an example of how I have it right now, but I'm not sure if it is correct.

Cardiologist John Doe, MD. I shadowed Dr. Doe for a total of 40 hours

Rheumatologist John Doe, MD. I shadowed Dr. Doe for a total of 50 hours

Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist John Doe, DO. I shadowed Dr. Doe for a total of 20 hours including surgeries and office visits

 

[QualityProcess]

Is anyone else grouping all of their shadowing experiences together? If so, how are you formatting the description box? Here is an example of how I have it right now, but I'm not sure if it is correct.

I did mine like this:

I have shadowed three doctors at ABC Hospital: Dr. X, D.O., Dr. Y, M.D., and Dr. Z, M.D. Doctors X and Y work in the Emergency Department, and I have shadowed them for a total of 88 hours. My experiences in the Emergency Department have encouraged my interest in a career in Emergency Medicine, which is why I pursued employment with Company DEF. Dr. Z allowed me to observe a discectomy, which was an incredible experience, and he has invited me back to observe additional neurosurgical procedures.

 

[MedPR]

I did mine like this:

I have shadowed three doctors at ABC Hospital: Dr. X, D.O., Dr. Y, M.D., and Dr. Z, M.D. Doctors X and Y work in the Emergency Department, and I have shadowed them for a total of 88 hours. My experiences in the Emergency Department have encouraged my interest in a career in Emergency Medicine, which is why I pursued employment with Company DEF. Dr. Z allowed me to observe a discectomy, which was an incredible experience, and he has invited me back to observe additional neurosurgical procedures.

That looks like a good method, but I have shadowed five doctors each at different hospitals/clinics and in two different states. Think I could do it your way still? 😕

 

[QualityProcess]

That looks like a good method, but I have shadowed five doctors each at different hospitals/clinics and in two different states. Think I could do it your way still? 😕

sure, if you can fit it within the character limit. Just make sure it's an organized response.

 

[hmania]

Lets just say if you made the dean's list several times.... It states in the instruction manual that
"Repeated experiences should be entered only once. For
example, an applicant who makes the Dean's List each
term should enter this only once, and note in the explanation that this occurred multiple times."

No explanation tab for us... so I am thinking to make each time a record. Are you guys doing the same?

 

[TriagePreMed]

Lets just say if you made the dean's list several times.... It states in the instruction manual that
"Repeated experiences should be entered only once. For
example, an applicant who makes the Dean’s List each
term should enter this only once, and note in the explanation that this occurred multiple times."

No explanation tab for us... so I am thinking to make each time a record. Are you guys doing the same?

If it says don't do it multiple times, why do you think it's acceptable to do it multiple times? Just write "Dean's List - 6 Times" and put the latest award on the date.

 

[MedPR]

If it says don't do it multiple times, why do you think it's acceptable to do it multiple times? Just write "Dean's List - 6 Times" and put the latest award on the date.

What if you made Dean's list at two different schools? Two entries? Or "Dean's List - 5 times, 2 schools"?

 

[MedPR]

Explanation for academic probation? Here's what I typed. What do you all think?

I was placed on Academic Probation for my first two semesters of undergraduate because I neglected my studies. My maturity level and level of commitment to my education were severely lacking. I did not adjust well to the new environment or to being away from home and my school work was significantly affected. As I became better adjusted and more focused I began to work harder and find great enjoyment in the coursework. Since then, my GPA has shown a steep uphill trend.

Though the blemish will never be removed from my academic transcript, I continue to use it as a reminder of how far I've come both as a student and as a person. I am not proud of those semesters of unacceptable academic performance, but accepting them and moving forward has helped shape who I am today.

 

[TriagePreMed]

What if you made Dean's list at two different schools? Two entries? Or "Dean's List - 5 times, 2 schools"?

Personally, I don't think the distinction warrants 2 entries or specifying 2 schools. Nevertheless, your second format would still be fine.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Is anyone else grouping all of their shadowing experiences together? If so, how are you formatting the description box? Here is an example of how I have it right now, but I'm not sure if it is correct.

I'm using this format:

Dr. Joe Smith, D.O.
Internist/Cardiologist
Ohio General Hospital
Total time: 20 hours

Dr. John Doe, M.D.
Clinical Neurology
Southern Neurology Center, Inc.
Total time: 20 hours.

 

[MedPR]

I'm using this format:

Dr. Joe Smith, D.O.
Internist/Cardiologist
Ohio General Hospital
Total time: 20 hours

Dr. John Doe, M.D.
Clinical Neurology
Southern Neurology Center, Inc.
Total time: 20 hours.

Ah that's a great format. Are you going to include the grand total of hours as well?

 

[TriagePreMed]

Ah that's a great format. Are you going to include the grand total of hours as well?

Only as a part of the next box asking for the total hours.

 

[MedPR]

Only as a part of the next box asking for the total hours.

Ah right, forgot about that box 😀 Thanks.

 

[drshark]

I volunteer @ an ER, but regularly listen to the doctors and watch them do procedures, should I count hours towards shadowing? Since its technically volunteer?

 

[UIHawkDoc]

I used grade replacement for about 4 grades and during 0 interviews was it even brought up. I received interviews at 7 schools, so it can't have been all that big of a deal to adcoms...

What was your cum and science GPA when you applied (hopefully you remember?)? I'm doing 4 grade replacements as well

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I also would like to know if I should type "0" under the grade category for withdrawn courses. Thank you

Bump. Please someone tell me what to do.

 

[chicago5950]

--- Question ---

Does AACOMAS send your verified packet to schools even if you don't have an MCAT score yet? (but planning to take obv)

 

[TriagePreMed]

Bump. Please someone tell me what to do.

I wrote mine as "Grade = W, AACOMAS Grade = Withdrawn, Classification = Withdrawn." I believe this is correct because some schools have "WF" and there's an option for that called "Withdraw/Fail"

 

[virtuoso735]

How long does it take AACOMAS to receive MCAT scores from THx? I sent them a week ago and still don't have anything under "Official MCAT scores."

 

[virtuoso735]

How long does it take AACOMAS to receive MCAT scores from THx? I sent them a week ago and still don't have anything under "Official MCAT scores."

Solved. I messaged them and they added it per my request.

 

[MedPR]

Solved. I messaged them and they added it per my request.

messaged? How do you send them messages?

Edit: Nevermind.

 

[dntke1518]

There's a link called "Support" in the top right.

 

[MedPR]

There's a link called "Support" in the top right.

Didn't notice that. I just went to my messages and there was a link to send them a message.

 

[underdog12]

Do I need to pay before aacomas receives my transcripts and mcat score? I have not completed my application and so I cannot click "pay and submit". I wasn't sure if there was another place where I pay the baseline app fee to get everything in order before June 1st.

 

[MedPR]

AACOMAS is awesome. Sent them a message about my MCAT scores not showing up and ~30 minutes later they replied and had my MCAT scores added. Great service.

Do I need to pay before aacomas receives my transcripts and mcat score? I have not completed my application and so I cannot click "pay and submit". I wasn't sure if there there was another place where I pay the baseline app fee to get everything in order before June 1st.

No, you don't need to (and I don't think you can) pay until you submit your entire application.

 

[SoulinNeed]

Should the coursework that you list match exactly what is said on the transcript? My school uses a lot of abbreviations for classes. For instance, for "fundamental statistics", my official transcript reads "fundmntl statistics". Is it OK if I just write "Fundamental Statistics"?

Also, what should we list for EC descriptions? There are just 750 characters allowed, so should we just list our responsibilities when doing this? Or should we talk about our experience, and what we learned, etc.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Should the coursework that you list match exactly what is said on the transcript? My school uses a lot of abbreviations for classes. For instance, for "fundamental statistics", my official transcript reads "fundmntl statistics". Is it OK if I just write "Fundamental Statistics"?

I don't think it would matter, but there's no point in using the long form. It's better to play it safe.

 

[underdog12]

AACOMAS is awesome. Sent them a message about my MCAT scores not showing up and ~30 minutes later they replied and had my MCAT scores added. Great service.




No, you don't need to (and I don't think you can) pay until you submit your entire application.

OK, thanks!

 

[MedPR]

Should the coursework that you list match exactly what is said on the transcript? My school uses a lot of abbreviations for classes. For instance, for "fundamental statistics", my official transcript reads "fundmntl statistics". Is it OK if I just write "Fundamental Statistics"?

Also, what should we list for EC descriptions? There are just 750 characters allowed, so should we just list our responsibilities when doing this? Or should we talk about our experience, and what we learned, etc.

Just copy and paste the course names. It's much easier than typing it out and you don't run the risk of typos or any other errors.

I just listed my responsibilities.

 

[MedPR]

I wrote mine as "Grade = W, AACOMAS Grade = Withdrawn, Classification = Withdrawn." I believe this is correct because some schools have "WF" and there's an option for that called "Withdraw/Fail"

That's what I did too.

Who are we supposed to call to find out if X class counts for Y credit (biochem)?

 

[virtuoso735]

Has anyone had any update on their fee waiver application? I know there was a wave of approved requests about 1.5 weeks ago but I haven't heard of anything since about my fee waiver.

 

[SoulinNeed]

I know this has been answered, and I apologize, but how should we handle shadowing experiences? Should we lump it up, or should we do individual entries. I don't know how to lump it up, when they all happened at different times.

 

[MedPR]

Has anyone had any update on their fee waiver application? I know there was a wave of approved requests about 1.5 weeks ago but I haven't heard of anything since about my fee waiver.

Messaged them yesterday and was told it takes 2-4 weeks to process. Mine was "received" on the 15th.

 

[dntke1518]

I know this has been answered, and I apologize, but how should we handle shadowing experiences? Should we lump it up, or should we do individual entries. I don't know how to lump it up, when they all happened at different times.

Do different entries