*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2020-2021~*~*

BU Medical Sciences
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dindy555 said:
Hey so I turned in my primary app a month or so ago. I feel like I messed up on the activities section. I only really wrote briefish descriptions for my activities. Will this impact my application? I'm scared that I won't get any interviews because I didn't elaborate on my activities
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As long as you were able to explain what was going on then you should be fine. The caliber of your activities is what matters the most in terms of your extracurriculars.
 
Thanks! I was scared that not explaining why I did each activity, especially a long description would prevent me from getting in
 
Hi, is basic-science (lab) research considered "Extracurricular activities"? I could not see a place for basic-science research. Thank you.
 
thelaughingliberal said:
Hi, is basic-science (lab) research considered "Extracurricular activities"? I could not see a place for basic-science research. Thank you.
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I think it would be fine if you placed it there, but if you have a publication tied with it you could list it as an achievement as well.
 
The usual expected turn around time to send back secondaries is 2 weeks right? Does anybody know specifically in regards to VCOM? I know they usually have a rolling admissions. Thanks!
 
If I have a hospital volunteer experience where I volunteered in 2 different departments in two intervals over a 1.5 year time period, do I list this as one experience and just set the start/end date to cover all of it? I have a volunteer experience in a different state in between that interval so I'm worried they may think I'm inflating my dates?
 
AquaticSunrise13 said:
The usual expected turn around time to send back secondaries is 2 weeks right? Does anybody know specifically in regards to VCOM? I know they usually have a rolling admissions. Thanks!
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I’d post this question in one of VCOM specific threads.
k_med said:
If I have a hospital volunteer experience where I volunteered in 2 different departments in two intervals over a 1.5 year time period, do I list this as one experience and just set the start/end date to cover all of it? I have a volunteer experience in a different state in between that interval so I'm worried they may think I'm inflating my dates?
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You could create a separate activity for them so it’s not all lumped together because they will still see the hours, or you can mention you worked into two different departments in the description and keep them together.
 
For the experiences section, is it ok to group similar activities (ie shadowing) together? I did this for AMCAS, but I'm not too familiar with the formatting with AACOMAS. If so, should I list the hours as the total hours for each activity listed under that entry?
 
bluedvs said:
For the experiences section, is it ok to group similar activities (ie shadowing) together? I did this for AMCAS, but I'm not too familiar with the formatting with AACOMAS. If so, should I list the hours as the total hours for each activity listed under that entry?
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I would probably list them separately for the sake of the contact information.
 
anyone have any insight on adding on an (old) activity to your AACOMAS after its been transmitted to schools but before you've been marked complete? will schools receive my updated app or do I need to contact each of them separately to have it added to my file now that I'm at the secondary stage? I want to go back and add my DO shadowing in its own category. I completely forgot to do this before submission (or even put it with my other shadowing) bc I assumed every school would specifically ask why DO/DO experience on their secondaries but a few didn't. adding an activity would save me so much more time than trying to rewrite my essays and force in DO shadowing where it doesn't fit the specific prompt. any help is much appreciated!
 
Hi! I made a mistake on my aacomas aap which I only realized after submission and verification! I labelled my father as a female ! so on the app it says father but female ! I already contacted aacomas and they said nothing can be done about this! should I be worried?
 
Is it still early enough in this cycle if I submit my primary w/o an MCAT this Friday? I'm scheduled to take my MCAT August 29th but want to reschedule it to September 11th, but I'm not sure if my score release would be considered too late?
 
madamedoctor said:
anyone have any insight on adding on an (old) activity to your AACOMAS after its been transmitted to schools but before you've been marked complete? will schools receive my updated app or do I need to contact each of them separately to have it added to my file now that I'm at the secondary stage? I want to go back and add my DO shadowing in its own category. I completely forgot to do this before submission (or even put it with my other shadowing) bc I assumed every school would specifically ask why DO/DO experience on their secondaries but a few didn't. adding an activity would save me so much more time than trying to rewrite my essays and force in DO shadowing where it doesn't fit the specific prompt. any help is much appreciated!
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Yes it will update your application for schools.

Hope143 said:
Hi! I made a mistake on my aacomas aap which I only realized after submission and verification! I labelled my father as a female ! so on the app it says father but female ! I already contacted aacomas and they said nothing can be done about this! should I be worried?
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Don’t worry about it. It is a silly mistake but Adcoms are not going to deny you over it. They likely won’t even see it.
UnPocoLoco said:
Is it still early enough in this cycle if I submit my primary w/o an MCAT this Friday? I'm scheduled to take my MCAT August 29th but want to reschedule it to September 11th, but I'm not sure if my score release would be considered too late?
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The cycle is still early so you will be good to go!
 
If I completed some courses during a study abroad, but received direct credit for it from my University, and is demonstrated on my University transcript as such, should I still indicate that these courses were taken abroad on the AACOMAS Transcript Entry?
For the AMCAS I omitted it for simplicity sake and as there was no foreign transcript able for me to receive, etc.
 
It's my first time posting at SDN, and sorry if this is kinda long.

I have a question regarding incorrect transcript entry on my primary application (which has been verified). One of my intro biology classes (BIOL 2) is classified under "Not applicable" when it should be "Combined Lab and Lecture" like the other intro biology classes (BIOL 1 & BIOL 3). I contacted the ACCOMAS support team more than a couple times now (over 2 weeks) to fix the error. While they've fixed other errors on my transcript, I noticed that this class is the only that doesn't get fixed no matter how many times I contact the support team (I know because I keep checking the application PDF). Does this mean AACOMAS thinks it's not a combined lab/lecture class, or does this mean I just need to keep contacting them about it?

I've been playing with the idea of sending my application to schools even with this error, but I'm not sure if I will meet the prerequisites for Biology. On my transcript I have Intro BIOL 1, 2 & 3, all combined lab/lecture classes each with 5 quarter units. Most medical schools say they require 2 semester LAB hours... So if on the transcript I only have BIOL 1 & 3 as "combined lab/lecture" do I meet the prerequisites?
I also have Anatomy 1 & 2 classes, each with 5 quarter units, and a Microbiology class with 3 quarter units (all are combined lab/lecture), BUT I'm not 100% sure if schools consider this as part of Biology prerequisite.

So my question is - should I send my application to schools even with this error since it's been 2 weeks and they haven't made the correction??
 
AquaCherry said:
It's my first time posting at SDN, and sorry if this is kinda long.

I have a question regarding incorrect transcript entry on my primary application (which has been verified). One of my intro biology classes (BIOL 2) is classified under "Not applicable" when it should be "Combined Lab and Lecture" like the other intro biology classes (BIOL 1 & BIOL 3). I contacted the ACCOMAS support team more than a couple times now (over 2 weeks) to fix the error. While they've fixed other errors on my transcript, I noticed that this class is the only that doesn't get fixed no matter how many times I contact the support team (I know because I keep checking the application PDF). Does this mean AACOMAS thinks it's not a combined lab/lecture class, or does this mean I just need to keep contacting them about it?

I've been playing with the idea of sending my application to schools even with this error, but I'm not sure if I will meet the prerequisites for Biology. On my transcript I have Intro BIOL 1, 2 & 3, all combined lab/lecture classes each with 5 quarter units. Most medical schools say they require 2 semester LAB hours... So if on the transcript I only have BIOL 1 & 3 as "combined lab/lecture" do I meet the prerequisites?
I also have Anatomy 1 & 2 classes, each with 5 quarter units, and a Microbiology class with 3 quarter units (all are combined lab/lecture), BUT I'm not 100% sure if schools consider this as part of Biology prerequisite.

So my question is - should I send my application to schools even with this error since it's been 2 weeks and they haven't made the correction??
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I would get that error fixed no matter how many times it takes if it’s going to affect how your application will stack up against their requirements. Also, Microbiology will count as part of your Biology GPA but I believe only a few schools actually require it. The rest count it as an elective biology course.
 
If you retake the MCAT this cycle, does it automatically get uploaded to AACOMAS or do you have to manually submit it? And if not manually submitted, does it ever transmit?
 
Trippin Tryptophan said:
If you retake the MCAT this cycle, does it automatically get uploaded to AACOMAS or do you have to manually submit it? And if not manually submitted, does it ever transmit?
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You would still have to upload it to AACOMAS once it is released.
 
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I'm planning on submitting my AACOMAS primary this month and submitting as many secondaries as possible during September and October?
Will I be okay or am I considered late? My stats are 3.89 and 508 and I think I have a decent amount of experience. I shadowed a DO for a very short period of time so was unable to get a letter, especially due to COVID-19. However, I do have MD letters.

The schools I was interested in applying first to are CCOM, KCU, LECOM, BCOM, Touro, WesternU, NOVA, Rocky Vista. I was planning on adding more to this list as well.
 
futuredoctorinshallah2024 said:
I'm planning on submitting my AACOMAS primary this month and submitting as many secondaries as possible during September and October?
Will I be okay or am I considered late? My stats are 3.89 and 508 and I think I have a decent amount of experience. I shadowed a DO for a very short period of time so was unable to get a letter, especially due to COVID-19. However, I do have MD letters.

The schools I was interested in applying first to are CCOM, KCU, LECOM, BCOM, Touro, WesternU, NOVA, Rocky Vista. I was planning on adding more to this list as well.
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Plenty of time, especially with your stats my friend. I would consider adding MUCOM, DMU-COM, and PCOM-Philly as well.
 
If I add a LoR to my AACOMAS after my primary application has already been sent out to schools. Will they be able to receive it?
 
LordCommander said:
If I add a LoR to my AACOMAS after my primary application has already been sent out to schools. Will they be able to receive it?
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Yes it will be uploaded and they will receive the LOR to confirm on your secondary application status typically a few days later.
 
Hey everyone! Quick question. If I wanted to add an old activity to my application but have already submitted almost all of my secondaries would schools notice/care/would that negatively hurt me?
 
(I am already verified after submitting my primary 10 days ago) So after graduating last year in May 2019, I started working as a research assistant. I worked as a research assistant from July 2019-December 2019. On the activity section I put July 2020-December 2020. So far I have submitted my primary to 9 schools. What do I do now?

Edit: 1) Is there a way AACOMAS can correct it before I submit my primary to some other schools too?
2) What do I do about the schools that I have already submitted my primary to?
 
Hi, I have a question about Academic Update for AACOMAS. I have gotten two different answers from their phone number vs live chat,

I have two "in progress" semesters in my app - Summer 2020 and Winter 2021. Summer 2020 I took Physics 2, completed it, and have a final grade but had not done the academic update because I still have the upcoming Winter 2021 semester. Winter 2021 will have my last physics (quarter system) and an English class.

On the phone, they said to just wait until all courses have been completed to update my grades and send updated Transcripts. This seemed consistent because on the AACOMAS website it says you can only do Academic Update once. On Live Chat, the customer service rep said if I did not submit my transcript from the Summer Semester, then I would not get verified.

Does anyone have any insight on this?? Super confused, and stressed because I might be running out of time? Do transcripts have to be received before this academic update period ends?
 
Is it too late to submit DO primaries at this point? I finally heard back from a physician regarding an LoR and didn't want to apply without one so I figured I wouldn't apply DO this cycle. Now that I have this letter, is there any reason not to apply? Is it unreasonably late in the cycle now?
 
-FRET- said:
Is it too late to submit DO primaries at this point? I finally heard back from a physician regarding an LoR and didn't want to apply without one so I figured I wouldn't apply DO this cycle. Now that I have this letter, is there any reason not to apply? Is it unreasonably late in the cycle now?
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It is still not too late to submit a primary application especially if your stats are average or above-average.
 
LordCommander said:
(I am already verified after submitting my primary 10 days ago) So after graduating last year in May 2019, I started working as a research assistant. I worked as a research assistant from July 2019-December 2019. On the activity section I put July 2020-December 2020. So far I have submitted my primary to 9 schools. What do I do now?

Edit: 1) Is there a way AACOMAS can correct it before I submit my primary to some other schools too?
2) What do I do about the schools that I have already submitted my primary to?
Click to expand...

I would not worry about it too much, most ADCOMS will recognize it was a mistake, but you can mention it in the secondary application if there is a optional box to mention anything you would like to tell the ADCOMS (if you really want to). Also, I don't think AACOMAS can correct it once your primary application has been verified and sent to schools (I'm not 100% on this though).
 
PapaGuava said:
I would not worry about it too much, most ADCOMS will recognize it was a mistake, but you can mention it in the secondary application if there is a optional box to mention anything you would like to tell the ADCOMS (if you really want to). Also, I don't think AACOMAS can correct it once your primary application has been verified and sent to schools (I'm not 100% on this though).
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Thank you for taking out the time in responding to my post. Yes, AACOMAS can not delete or edit activities once the my primary has been verified. I think I will send an update email to schools about the mistake I made, and will make use of the prompt "anything else" to let other schools know. Thank you!
 
PapaGuava said:
It is still not too late to submit a primary application especially if your stats are average or above-average.
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How below average would you consider an sGPA of 3.1 and a cGPA of 3.46 (AMCAS calculations)?? I also had an unfortunate MCAT score drop of 507—>501...
 
-FRET- said:
How below average would you consider an sGPA of 3.1 and a cGPA of 3.46 (AMCAS calculations)?? I also had an unfortunate MCAT score drop of 507—>501...
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I still think you would be fine to apply to some schools this cycle since for DO medical schools it is still fairly early in the cycle. I would begin working on it ASAP though.
 
@PapaGuava Hi, I have submitted my AACOMAS app today. I am awaiting for my last transcript to post so that processing can begin. I am just wondering, is it still considered 'early' at this point. I have seen that by Nov. is when primary and secondaries should be in. Thanks!
 
mddoc said:
@PapaGuava Hi, I have submitted my AACOMAS app today. I am awaiting for my last transcript to post so that processing can begin. I am just wondering, is it still considered 'early' at this point. I have seen that by Nov. is when primary and secondaries should be in. Thanks!
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Hey there,

I wouldn't consider it early now but depending on your stats you should be able to receive interviews during this cycle. I would keep a good pace in terms of finishing secondary applications.
 
Hello,
I had one experience in one of my major courses where we, as a class, contributed to original research. I received a normal numerical grade. How do I list the experience, since it is obviously not "extracurricular experiences"?
 
I have not submitted my primary to any schools yet, but AACOMAS locked my Experiences section, and I cannot edit the descriptions for my activities. I thought I was able to edit anything before submitting, so I had simply put placeholder descriptions until I was ready to revise... Is this normal? It seems like I am still able to edit all my other sections (Personal info, Academics, etc.) but just not the Experiences.
 
primary71 said:
I have not submitted my primary to any schools yet, but AACOMAS locked my Experiences section, and I cannot edit the descriptions for my activities. I thought I was able to edit anything before submitting, so I had simply put placeholder descriptions until I was ready to revise... Is this normal? It seems like I am still able to edit all my other sections (Personal info, Academics, etc.) but just not the Experiences.
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That is strange. Are you sure you haven't submitted?
 
Trying to send two updated extracurriculars and a LOR from a DO to a school since my interview but there doesn't seem to be an option to resubmit the app? Do you only get this update option if you change course grades or test scores? Trying to figure out how they would get the updates or if they are automatically sent. The school sent emails and asked us to upload the updates on our aacomas application. Any info is appreciated.
 
From white trash to MD said:
Trying to send two updated extracurriculars and a LOR from a DO to a school since my interview but there doesn't seem to be an option to resubmit the app? Do you only get this update option if you change course grades or test scores? Trying to figure out how they would get the updates or if they are automatically sent. The school sent emails and asked us to upload the updates on our aacomas application. Any info is appreciated.
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I believe there should be an update application button somewhere in the application screen. New letters would be sent over to them via the AACOMAS panel. You can email them just in case as well.
 
Obviously the AACOMAS application hasn't opened yet, but I have a question for those of you that applied in this current cycle. When entering your activities, do they ask for the position name AND the organization name, so I don't have to waste characters stating these in the actual 600 character description? I read somewhere that they only ask for the position name and you have to work the organization name in the 600 character description. Can someone clarify?

Thanks!
 
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Starbuck44 said:
Obviously the AACOMAS application hasn't opened yet, but I have a question for those of you that applied in this current cycle. When entering hour activities, do they ask for the position name AND the organization name, so I don't have to waste characters stating these in the actual 600 character description? I read somewhere that they only ask for the position name and you have to work the organization name in the 600 character description. Can someone clarify?

Thanks!
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Someone else can chime in and correct me if I’m wrong, but when I had completed it a few years back, it had asked for an organization name as well. So I wouldn’t imagine they changed it now.
 
So if you got an acceptance but also have waitlist spots on multiple schools, do you have to email the waitlist schools to have your name removed from the waitlists? Or do you just wait until they potentially offer you a spot on the waitlist and then decline?
 
dindy555 said:
So if you got an acceptance but also have waitlist spots on multiple schools, do you have to email the waitlist schools to have your name removed from the waitlists? Or do you just wait until they potentially offer you a spot on the waitlist and then decline?
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You can email them to remove your name from the list
 
If I did a clinical activity for one day (12 hours) because it was an opportunity that I got through a class, would it be advised to not list this on my application under activities? The issue is that I couldn't continue this activity due to it being 5 hours away from me but I wanted to help out during my spring break. Thank you for the advice in advanced! 🙂
 
onestep_05 said:
If I did a clinical activity for one day (12 hours) because it was an opportunity that I got through a class, would it be advised to not list this on my application under activities? The issue is that I couldn't continue this activity due to it being 5 hours away from me but I wanted to help out during my spring break. Thank you for the advice in advanced! 🙂
Click to expand...
I mean if it was a meaningful experience you could talk about I don't see an issue with it.
 
I am not sure if I'm on a waitlist for another school. Should I email my current accepted school that they are my committed choice prior to May 15?
 
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