*~*~* Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2016-2017 *~*~*

[odysseus827]

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When this issue happened, why did you proceed to the next step and submit your application? You should have called AACOMAS and notified them of this issue and asked them what is the proper solution.

Try calling again, this all depends on the representative that answers the phone, some are more helpful than others. If they still don't change it for you, then you can opt out to emailing individual schools and let them know of your gpa issue and send them updated transcripts. Sorry to hear this happened to you, AACOMAS are backwards sometimes with their policies.

I'm going to just keep calling and hope for the best. To answer your question, I wanted to get my application verified asap, even with the retakes my grades are below average. Apply early people say. My MCAT was just a few days away... hindsight is always 20/20 certainly a lapse in judegment.

 

[GreyF0X]

I recently called AACOMAS about their professional transcript entry service and was told that I would be able to approve the coursework on the transcript before they submit it for finalization, I'm really debating about whether or not I should go this route. The only downside are the $$ and that the verification process is done after submitting an application to a school but isn't that the same case if I entered the courses manually?

I was going to send in my transcripts to AACOMAS, I see that you can print out a transcript request from each institution you attended. Do I have to submit these letters manually or can I just ask my school to submit my transcript to AACOMAS electronically? I feel like the latter would be more time and cost effective.

 

[BelieveMeChile]

How long does it take AACOMAS to verify transcripts? Do I have to "submit" my application first? One of my transcripts arrived on the 16th and my other hasn't arrived yet (both ordered on the 10th so I'm kinda pissed it hasn't gotten there yet). I'm kinda scared that I put something in wrong at some point haha. What if I'm verified and my GPA is insanely low because AACOMAS is terrible? My god that would be a tremendous waste of money. I guess I can't really submit until I have my MCAT scores on June 14th...

Could I submit to one school to get verified and see if they did my GPA calc right until I get my MCAT score, then submit to the rest? I'd hate to pay 800+ dollars to get screwed over by AACOMAS

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[sc7dr]

How long does it take AACOMAS to verify transcripts? Do I have to "submit" my application first? One of my transcripts arrived on the 16th and my other hasn't arrived yet (both ordered on the 10th so I'm kinda pissed it hasn't gotten there yet). I'm kinda scared that I put something in wrong at some point haha. What if I'm verified and my GPA is insanely low because AACOMAS is terrible? My god that would be a tremendous waste of money. I guess I can't really submit until I have my MCAT scores on June 14th...

Could I submit to one school to get verified and see if they did my GPA calc right until I get my MCAT score, then submit to the rest? I'd hate to pay 800+ dollars to get screwed over by AACOMAS

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They verify your transcripts after you hit submit. I submitted yesterday, on Sunday 5/22 and got verified today, Monday 5/23. And yes you can submit to a throwaway school until you get your MCAT score. Most people choose MSUCOM (due to their high tuition) or LUCOM (unless you're fine with the highly religious environment).

 

[BelieveMeChile]

They verify your transcripts after you hit submit. I submitted yesterday, on Sunday 5/22 and got verified today, Monday 5/23. And yes you can submit to a throwaway school until you get your MCAT score. Most people choose MSUCOM (due to their high tuition) or LUCOM (unless you're fine with the highly religious environment).

Hahaha I've been sitting here cursing at AACOMAS through their website because they weren't verifying. I'm an idiot. How long does it take to get transcripts, generally? It has now been 9 business days since I requested both my transcripts. One got there on the 16th and the other has not arrived yet, however the day that my first one arrived they sent me two emails and two notifications saying that my "transcript has arrived!," yet both said they were from 1 university. Is it possible they have both, yet they accidentally put it in as coming from the same institution?


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[coffee-doc]

DO you guys think it would be in my best interest to verify AFTER summer classes for the GPA repair? Or verify now and update during the academic update period (September 1st)?

Pre sGPA: 3.14
Post (suspected) sGPA:3.35
MCAT: 503 with a probably better one incoming June 7th.
Pretty crazy research EC's. Just got word that I am gonna be first author on a new paper that could honestly change cancer treatment forever

 

[sc7dr]

Hahaha I've been sitting here cursing at AACOMAS through their website because they weren't verifying. I'm an idiot. How long does it take to get transcripts, generally? It has now been 9 business days since I requested both my transcripts. One got there on the 16th and the other has not arrived yet, however the day that my first one arrived they sent me two emails and two notifications saying that my "transcript has arrived!," yet both said they were from 1 university. Is it possible they have both, yet they accidentally put it in as coming from the same institution?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

My transcripts took 6 business days to reach AACOMAS. I would try to contact AACOMAS to check the status of that second one and let them know about the e-mail situation. On the FAQ page it says to resend the transcripts if it doesn't reach them after 10 business days so go ahead and give them a call.

 

[sc7dr]

I recently called AACOMAS about their professional transcript entry service and was told that I would be able to approve the coursework on the transcript before they submit it for finalization, I'm really debating about whether or not I should go this route. The only downside are the $$ and that the verification process is done after submitting an application to a school but isn't that the same case if I entered the courses manually?

I was going to send in my transcripts to AACOMAS, I see that you can print out a transcript request from each institution you attended. Do I have to submit these letters manually or can I just ask my school to submit my transcript to AACOMAS electronically? I feel like the latter would be more time and cost effective.

I honestly would save the $$ and manually enter the courses myself if I were you. It is tedious but it really isn't all that bad. But really it's up to you--the verification process is the same either way.
AACOMAS requires transcripts to be sent in directly from the school through a hard copy so they do not accept electronic copies. You don't have to send in the transcript request form. If you're ordering the transcript online through your university's transcript request site, just include your CAS ID on a separate line when you fill out the address. I had no problem with AACOMAS matching my transcripts to my application when I sent my transcripts in this way.

 

[Espressso]

I'm having a difficult time submitting letters from Interfolio to AACOMAS.... For some reason, I've had no issues sending them to AMCAS, but I have no idea how to send them to AACOMAS.

I'm reading the instructions from the interfolio website, and when I enter all the information on the "create evaluation request" form on AACOMAS, it won't let me "save this evaluation request"

Anyone have this issue before? Anyone know how to solve this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Straw Hat]

When your LORs are uploaded to the application do you have the option of choosing which LORs you want sent to particular schools or are all LORs on your app sent to every school you've selected to apply to?

 

[lnguyen1412]

When your LORs are uploaded to the application do you have the option of choosing which LORs you want sent to particular schools or are all LORs on your app sent to every school you've selected to apply to?

Unfortunately all the letters will be sent to the school.

I did upload all 5 letters up there include 2 physicians, 2 professors and 1 volunteer coordinators.

To add for his question, I don't know how the school going to find out what letter belong to physician or professors. I checked the pdf version of my application, the occupation of all letter recommendators are blank.

 

[Straw Hat]

Unfortunately all the letters will be sent to the school.

I did upload all 5 letters up there include 2 physicians, 2 professors and 1 volunteer coordinators.

To add for his question, I don't know how the school going to find out what letter belong to physician or professors. I checked the pdf version of my application, the occupation of all letter recommendators are blank.

In the letters themselves the writer should be putting their credentials at the end and in the body they should be writing about how they know you (taught you, worked with you, etc).

As for all the letters being sent, if that's the case that is pretty lame imo. I have plenty of letters but two of them I was planning on using only for one school because they went to that school. So it'd be nice to be able to designate which letter goes where.

 

[Robotfishbrain]

Hey guys, I'm sorry if this was answered previously, but does anyone know the official first day we can submit primaries? I know last year it was June 15th, but I can't find any information anywhere about this year.

 

[dramatrauma]

Hey guys, I'm sorry if this was answered previously, but does anyone know the official first day we can submit primaries? I know last year it was June 15th, but I can't find any information anywhere about this year.

AACOMAS changed their rules again this year, and there's no actual "submit by" date. Completed applications can be sunmitted ASAP. If you read above in this thread, some posters have already submitted.

 

[Robotfishbrain]

AACOMAS changed their rules again this year, and there's no actual "submit by" date. Completed applications can be sunmitted ASAP. If you read above in this thread, some posters have already submitted.

Wow thanks for the information. I am ready to submit so I will go ahead and do so. I hope I didn't screw myself over by not knowing this until now. Has anyone received secondaries yet???

 

[dramatrauma]

Wow thanks for the information. I am ready to submit so I will go ahead and do so. I hope I didn't screw myself over by not knowing this until now. Has anyone received secondaries yet???

DO schools do not begin receiving applications until June 15th. So no ine has received any secondaries yet. You're not even close to being late.

 

[pizza1994]

does anyone know when it is recommended to get reference letters in by?. I already submitted without letters yet...but what is a good time to submit them...

 

[Robotfishbrain]

does anyone know when it is recommended to get reference letters in by?. I already submitted without letters yet...but what is a good time to submit them...

I was told by the time you're ready to submit your secondaries you should already have them in so your entire application is complete.

 

[lnguyen1412]

They verified fast. I submitted yesterday and they already have mine verified.

 

[DameJulie]

I honestly would save the $$ and manually enter the courses myself if I were you. It is tedious but it really isn't all that bad. But really it's up to you--the verification process is the same either way.
AACOMAS requires transcripts to be sent in directly from the school through a hard copy so they do not accept electronic copies. You don't have to send in the transcript request form. If you're ordering the transcript online through your university's transcript request site, just include your CAS ID on a separate line when you fill out the address. I had no problem with AACOMAS matching my transcripts to my application when I sent my transcripts in this way.

A friend of mine sent his transcript to AACOMAS using "PDF" delivery since it was the automated option when I select AACOMAS from the recipient dropdown menu. FYI

 

[DameJulie]

I am confused about the "professional transcript entry" by AACOMAS. Can anyone clarify if I got the timeline wrong?
Submit entire AACOMAS app -> transcript entry (up to 2 weeks) -> application send back to me to finalize and approve all coursework, although I can't change any other part of the application --> submit again and have AACOMAS verify my app
Please correct me if anything is wrong. Thank you!

 

[GreyF0X]

I am confused about the "professional transcript entry" by AACOMAS. Can anyone clarify if I got the timeline wrong?
Submit entire AACOMAS app -> transcript entry (up to 2 weeks) -> application send back to me to finalize and approve all coursework, although I can't change any other part of the application --> submit again and have AACOMAS verify my app
Please correct me if anything is wrong. Thank you!

I called and asked them more about this service. They told me that whenever you submit your app, make sure it is complete, they will start the entry process. After taking 1-2 weeks to enter your course work they will contact you and inform you to make sure everything is correct. This is where you can dispute any inaccuracies made by their service, the dispute process, depending on however many mistakes there are, can take time themselves. After verification, you will be able to get your AACOMAS C/S grades and submit your completed app.

 

[pizza1994]

does anyone know if for the non-science reference...does a psychology prof count as non-science?

 

[medschoolplease123]

really want to submit the application just so I know exactly what my sGPA, non sGPA, and cGPA are but then again I want to get as many of my friends to read and edit my personal statement... *sigh* oh the dilemma. Haha. Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[lnguyen1412]

really want to submit the application just so I know exactly what my sGPA, non sGPA, and cGPA are but then again I want to get as many of my friends to read and edit my personal statement... *sigh* oh the dilemma. Haha. Anyone else in the same boat?

You can use the gpa calculator to find out. I have a topic in the same forum about it. I calculated myself and it turned out exactly to what AACOMAS verified.

 

[medschoolplease123]

You can use the gpa calculator to find out. I have a topic in the same forum about it. I calculated myself and it turned out exactly to what AACOMAS verified.

Do you have the post? Mind linking it to me?

 

[lnguyen1412]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/gpa-calculator-for-do.1201225/ here you go @medschoolplease123

I made this easier version to use. It calculated my GPA very closed to the AACOMAS, (maybe like 0.01 different)
it should give u general idea where u stand

 

[medschoolplease123]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/gpa-calculator-for-do.1201225/ here you go @medschoolplease123

I made this easier version to use. It calculated my GPA very closed to the AACOMAS, (maybe like 0.01 different)
it should give u general idea where u stand

LOL I didn't know you made that. that's awesome! But a lot of the courses are different. I calculated mine by hand but I just wanted to double check with a calculator that maybe AACOMAS provided. Do you know if AACOMAS gives you a non-science GPA? I know they have a sGPA (physics, chem, bio) and then cGPA, but do they report a non-science GPA; hopefully not math really f*ed me over freshman year. 🙁

 

[lnguyen1412]

LOL I didn't know you made that. that's awesome! But a lot of the courses are different. I calculated mine by hand but I just wanted to double check with a calculator that maybe AACOMAS provided. Do you know if AACOMAS gives you a non-science GPA? I know they have a sGPA (physics, chem, bio) and then cGPA, but do they report a non-science GPA; hopefully not math really f*ed me over freshman year. 🙁

They do report non-science GPA.
Math is your non-science GPA. You just need to input as I instruct in the guidelines. The outcome should be very correct. I did not make one for non-science GPA because I only worry about oGPA and sGPA. but yeah, if you want to calculate non-science GPA, just sum the courses that was not belong to science category.

 

[Runner14]

Can anybody tell me what to do with the prerequisites section? I have been scouring the internet and cant find an answer. Do I just put the classes that fill the prerequisite or all classes that would fit. For example, I have bio 1 and 2 with lab. Do I also ad micro, anatomy, phys, etc. ? This is the last thing holding up my app and would love ot hear what you guys have done! Thanks!

 

[lnguyen1412]

Can anybody tell me what to do with the prerequisites section? I have been scouring the internet and cant find an answer. Do I just put the classes that fill the prerequisite or all classes that would fit. For example, I have bio 1 and 2 with lab. Do I also ad micro, anatomy, phys, etc. ? This is the last thing holding up my app and would love ot hear what you guys have done! Thanks!

I only put in what they required and minimum units that satisfy the prerequisite requirements. I don't list all the courses though.

 

[medschoolplease123]

I only put in what they required and minimum units that satisfy the prerequisite requirements. I don't list all the courses though.

I put in all of them, even the ones where I didn't do as well as I would have liked. Was there any problems with you only entering in the minimum required when they verified your app? @NecrotizingFascitis

 

[lnguyen1412]

I believe it should have no problem when they verified it.

 

[medschoolplease123]

Hey guys. So i got a question. During your experience section did you write about everything relating back to medicine? So for example i use to be in a religious club and we did volunteer work. If you guys have a similar experience did you say "...this is how medicine can help me" or whatever? Thanks!

 

[DameJulie]

I called and asked them more about this service. They told me that whenever you submit your app, make sure it is complete, they will start the entry process. After taking 1-2 weeks to enter your course work they will contact you and inform you to make sure everything is correct. This is where you can dispute any inaccuracies made by their service, the dispute process, depending on however many mistakes there are, can take time themselves. After verification, you will be able to get your AACOMAS C/S grades and submit your completed app.

Thank you! So I assume that means I need to complete the WHOLE app for them to enter my coursework instead of trying to multi-task (filling out the rest of the app while they enter). Is this new this year? I wonder how previous applicants felt about this. Wish AMCAS had this service as well...

 

[GreyF0X]

Thank you! So I assume that means I need to complete the WHOLE app for them to enter my coursework instead of trying to multi-task (filling out the rest of the app while they enter). Is this new this year? I wonder how previous applicants felt about this. Wish AMCAS had this service as well...

You're welcome. Yes, you have to make sure your app is 100% complete and submitted before they can start the process. I don't know why they don't just enter the courses if you're already paying for the service but I guess they just want you to have your entire app completed before they start. I believe they started this service last year, not sure, but it is recent.

 

[DameJulie]

You're welcome. Yes, you have to make sure your app is 100% complete and submitted before they can start the process. I don't know why they don't just enter the courses if you're already paying for the service but I guess they just want you to have your entire app completed before they start. I believe they started this service last year, not sure, but it is recent.

I see. Yeup I agree with you. I wish they could just enter our coursework before we completely submit the app so it saves time and anxiety...but I am already grateful that they provide such service!!

 

[medschoolplease123]

just out of curiosity, but why don't you guys just enter the coursework by yourself? I did and it wasn't that bad... thoughts?

 

[lnguyen1412]

I also did it on my own and they verified it just fine.

It is saved more time in my oppinion

 

[femmegoblue]

Does anyone know what the verification time is running now?

 

[MAF3]

Guess I freaked out before checking out AACOMAS' instructions. Basically courses taken at other institutions are still valid.

View attachment 203758

not if you are a re-applicant... new policy that i was told changed 2-3 days into this cycle lol AACOMAS is a joke

No longer allowing grade replacement from different institution. what I've been told.

yup... only if you are a re-applicant and were verified in a previous cycle. in which case repeats have to be at the same university.

 

[lnguyen1412]

I have 3 questions:

1. I received an email from AACOMAS telling me that they received one of my transcripts on 18May. However it is not showing up on the application itself. So I emailed them, they told me they never received it... So I am assuming it is still on its way there and/or being inputted into the system. (I tried calling again multiple times, no answer). Should I resend? (AMCAS and TMDSAS have both received this transcripts so I know my school has sent it out)
2. Can you submit the application before transcripts arrive?
3. How accurate do you have to be regarding inputting "pre-requisites" in the "course materials" section for each individual school, especially for things like Behavioral sciences? The only course I have taken that strictly falls under this category is Psychology, but a lot of the schools are asking for 6 credits, so I marked a bunch of courses that only tangentially relates to social/behavioral sciences (i.e., humanities, environmental sciences, philosophy, linguistics, and a "behavioral neuroscience" class".

thank you.

Concerning your behavioral science requirements, I did email all the schools using behavioral as one of their requirements. Beside MarianU using sociology, most schools in my list (WVSOM, Touro-NV, Western,...) follow AACOMAS guidelines. I did this because I have ethnic studies and I wonder if they accepted, they said they do.

You can submit the application before transcript arrived, it just they will NOT start the verification process before they receive your transcript.

 

[femmegoblue]

Gonna bump my question: how long is verification taking for people so far?

 

[lnguyen1412]

Gonna bump my question: how long is verification taking for people so far?

I submitted my apps on Monday morning. Tuesday morning it already verified

 

[femmegoblue]

I submitted my apps on Monday morning. Tuesday morning it already verified

WHAT that's crazy! Ok thank you, I hope I have the same luck as I submitted today.

 

[femmegoblue]

I submitted my apps on Monday morning. Tuesday morning it already verified

Monday as in this past Monday three days ago?

 

[Doctor_Strange]

Two questions regarding course classification:

1) I took a course called "Research Ethics" that was not taught by the Biology department i.e. not listed as BIOxxx, but MHUxxx (Medical Humanities). I think there was enough science going on here to be labeled under "Bioethics". My questions is, what is the best subject to categorize this course so as to count towards my sGPA?

2) Took a course called "Introduction to Clinical Ethics" also listed as MHUxxx, and this for sure was a science-heavy course. I don't know what subject categorization would be the most optimal? I was thinking "Medicine" since it is clinical, but perhaps "Bioethics"?

Any other insights regarding these two courses? I was told AACOMAS looks first at the course name, and if needed will look at the department which it was taught in...

edit: this may some minute, but it absolutely relates to my sGPA and so I want to ensure no obstacles when AACOMAS reviews such courses!

 

[lnguyen1412]

Monday as in this past Monday three days ago?

Yes

 

[femmegoblue]

Two questions regarding course classification:

1) I took a course called "Research Ethics" that was not taught by the Biology department i.e. not listed as BIOxxx, but MHUxxx (Medical Humanities). I think there was enough science going on here to be labeled under "Bioethics". My questions is, what is the best subject to categorize this course so as to count towards my sGPA?

2) Took a course called "Introduction to Clinical Ethics" also listed as MHUxxx, and this for sure was a science-heavy course. I don't know what subject categorization would be the most optimal? I was thinking "Medicine" since it is clinical, but perhaps "Bioethics"?

Any other insights regarding these two courses? I was told AACOMAS looks first at the course name, and if needed will look at the department which it was taught in...

edit: this may some minute, but it absolutely relates to my sGPA and so I want to ensure no obstacles when AACOMAS reviews such courses!

Since Bioethics refers to "the ethics of medical and biological research", I would categorize it as Bioethics. Same for the Clinical ethics. Both, I would say fall into the category. And even if a class isn't titled as something, it can still count in the category. For example, my writing/english heavy Women's Studies classes I still categorized as English for pre-reqs and I had no problem for it being counted. That's my 2 cents.

 

[DrH2O]

Quick question. My "Course Title" section fits when typing but when I click save it's cut off but if I edit its all still there. Should I shorten the course titles or are they not supposed to fully show?