*~*~*~*Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2018-2019*~*~*~*

[Lucca]

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Disclaimer: I did not write this thread - it has been passed down through the eons by pre-allo staff.

It is that time of year again!



The AMCAS Application will be opening SOON! This is a place for all things AMCAS related so that we don't flood the first page. All threads created after this one will be merged into this thread. All previously created threads that are bumped will be re-directed here, and closed if bumped again.
Reminder: Each thread has a search function!! PLEASE use it!!.

Also, one of your first resources should be the source itself. Almost any basic question you have about AMCAS can be found by reading the AMCAS FAQ and the AMCAS instruction manual. Please try to find your answer before posting your question.
The AMCAS FAQ can be found here and the instruction manual can be found here.

This thread is brought to you by the Pre-Allopathic Volunteer Staff. Ask away, and good luck!!

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AMCAS FAQ from 2012 through 2017; please let us know if there are any changes. Will be continuously updated as new information is brought to light.

General Submission/Big Picture Questions

1. When does AMCAS open? How soon can I submit?
The AMCAS application opens on May 1st, 2017, and you can submit starting June 1st, 2017.

2. When can I start uploading my transcripts to AMCAS?
As soon as the application opens, on May 1st.

3. How should I organize my information in the Work and Activities Section?
The Pre-Allo staff has created a new thread that compiles some of the best bits of information and contains a FAQ for the Work and Activities section. That thread can be found here. Please post questions regarding this section into that thread.

4. What about Letters of Rec?
Funny you should ask. There is a thread for that too.

5. What should I include in my personal statement?
Wouldn't you know....there is a thread for that too. Check out the Official Personal Statement Reader Thread for some great advice.

6. How is AMCAS different from prior years?
See these threads for more information : http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=804620 and http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=807218

7. What is all of this about being a reapplicant?
AMCAS will only show you are a reapplicant to each of the individual schools you have applied to previously. No school at anytime during the AMCAS process can see if you have previously applied to any other school, nor can it see any other school your are currently applying to. No school except the individual school your are reapplying to can see any part of your previous AMCAS application, and only if they have kept it on file, which most schools do. AMCAS does not provide your previous application to any school, whether a reapplicant or not. Every MD school can see if you have been accepted previously at an MD school. While AMCAS guidelines do allow individual schools on their secondary applications to ask if you had ever previously applied to medical school, the question does not appear to be widely used. It is more common for individual schools to ask if you have ever been accepted previously matriculated at any medical school, which would include allopathic, osteopathic, or off-shore.

8. What parts of the AMCAS application can I change after submitting? If I change these things, will I have to wait longer?
You can add and assign LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
You can change your name, current address, and alternate names
You can add a future MCAT test date

Several other things that can be found here on the AMCAS official site.
No, you will not have to wait longer once you re-submit.

9. How long does it take to get verified after submitting?
It varies. Generally, the later you submit, the longer it takes. You can look at last year's verification times here.

10. When do secondaries come out?
This varies from school to school. If you are interested in a particular school, your best bet is to check out that school's specific thread in the "School Specific Discussions" forum.

11. What are some important dates that I should know?

this will be updated once AMCAS releases dates

Transcript/Coursework Questions

12. What about transcripts in general? Tell me everything!
Once the AMCAS application opens in May, you will be given an AMCAS ID number. You are also then able to add schools (and the dates you attended those schools) into AMCAS. When you do this, you will be able to print a transcript sheet that contains your AMCAS ID number on it for each school. When you go to order your transcripts, have your school include this sheet with the transcripts to be sent.
12a. I know this was asked in question 3 above....but do I really really really have to include every transcript?
Yes, you MUST include transcripts from all colleges you have ever attended. You cannot send the transcripts yourself (as in, getting a copy into your hands, and then sending it to AMCAS); they have to come from the school directly to be considered official.
12b. Do I have to include the AMCAS sheet when sending in my transcripts? What happens if I don't?
You should really include this sheet; giving AMCAS any chance to lose your transcripts is a bad idea. However, I can tell you from personal experience that one of the 8 transcripts I had to send was done online, and I was unable to include the sheet. I gave instructions for them to write my AMCAS ID on the envelope, and it got there fine. But again....making more work for AMCAS employees or giving them an excuse to lose your stuff is never a good idea.

13. What about in-progress courses, or courses I know I am going to take over the summer? What about Pre-reqs I am taking over the summer?
There is a chance for you to list all future courses on the AMCAS application. No, you can not update these grades later in AMCAS, but you CAN update individual schools later with these grades. This is actually a perfect opportunity for you to send an Update Letter to schools telling them again how much you love them, and telling them what you've been up to.

14. I took a class at a community college while I was in high school. Do I still need to report that transcript?
Yes. If you don't, you are risking being found out and having a school revoke an acceptance.

15. My spring grades don't come out until May/June/July/Whatever. Should I wait until I get them to submit my application?
If you decide you want to apply as early as possible, your spring grades would not be on your transcript. This is a judgement call. If your spring grades matter a LOT (they contain 3 prereqs, all As, and this is the first time you've taken a full load), wait until they come in before you send your transcripts in.

If not (they result in a minimal impact to your GPA, have only 1 prereq, and don't show anything special), go ahead and submit and plan to send updates to schools. Sending them some good grades is a good reason to contact them later if you've had a lot of silence from them. You are at a greater advantage being early than having more grades that will barely impact your GPA.
I would also suggest "rushing" transcripts whenever possible. The peace of mind is worth the extra money.
Also, keep in mind; you can submit without transcripts. The problem is that you will not be verified without them.

16. Does AMCAS begin verifying my coursework once they receive my transcripts?
No. AMCAS only verifies coursework once you submit your application. AMCAS will send you an email notifying you of the date they receive your transcript and the school that sent it, but that doesn't mean that your coursework is being verified.

17. Do I need to send in my transcript again, even if I sent it in last year?
Yes. See here AMCAS® FAQs

18. Will medical schools notice that a class included a lab?
In addition to selecting the "Combined Lecture and Lab" radio button, it is recommended that you add "and Lab" to the end of the course name. The 2012 AMCAS instruction manual says this:
AAMC for Students, Applicants, and Residents
If you disagree with a change that AMCAS made, then submit an "Academic Change Request" form found on the Main Menu of your AMCAS application, but be prepared to back up your claim.

20. Help! What do I do with my AP classes?
Read through the AMCAS instruction manual, particularly page 41. For additional information on specific schools that accept AP credit, see this thread.

21. How do repeat courses average into the AMCAS application?
Both classes will need to be listed when you enter your information into AMCAS, and they will both be used when calculating your final GPA. If you want, you can this of this as "averaging" the grade, with the full amount of credit being equal to both classes together. Example: 3 units of C, class is retaken for 3 units of A. The final calculation would be 6 units of B.

22. Can I have my school send in a digital copy of my transcript? What email address do I send it to?
AMCAS has started accepting eTranscripts from some institutions that have registered with them. Consult your pre-health advisement office to see if this is available for your school. Your registrar will still need to send the eTranscript directly to AMCAS (AMCAS does not accept transcripts via email from applicants).

This FAQ is a work in progress. Please feel free to make suggestions in this thread or via PM for its contents; both questions and answers.

If you think something should be added to the FAQ, you see something that needs to be updated, or for any other concerns, tag @WedgeDawg, @gyngy, @Lucca, or @Ismet in one of your posts (or PM us!). If you do this, it's a HUGE HUGE HUGE help if you post the link to your source in your post!

Thanks and best of luck everyone!

LINK TO LAST YEAR'S THREAD

 

[Lucca]

Credit to @gonnif for this brief summary of application advice posted in another thread:

1) You dont get into medical school because your application is first; you get in because your application is good.
2) You need to have solid MCAT scores and therefore should have nearly 100% time, energy, and focus into MCAT prep without distraction
3) You need to have a a highly polished AMCAS primary therefore should have nearly 100% time, energy, and focus into the primary without distraction
4) trying to split your time, energy and focus as you want to above in order to be first is one of the most common mistakes a premed can do
5) You do not enter the AMCAS verification queue until your Primary Application and ALL transcripts have been received
6) If you get verified, you will be TRANSMITTED to the schools during the first wave
7) Application and candidate evaluations timeline varies widely by school may not done in a linear, chronological order. EDP, High achievers, URM, family of alumni, feeder schools, associated UG programs, linked postbaccs, and other factor may push an app forward in the process.
8) There are usually 3 main phases in processing application
----A) Initial Screening/Evaluation: A hybrid of automatic GPA/MCAT screen plus human for "quick review" of application. Used to for general priority and, in some cases, which team/subcommittee gets application. In some cases preset criteria can lead to II
----B)Full Evaluation: This is where evaluator/reader/team/subcommittee will fully evaluate all sections of primary, secondary, and LOR and generally summarize in broad categories or point system. This essentially becomes your priority for adcom review and II. This function may be split up among several evaluators and may go to a team or subcommittee for II decision
----C) Full adcom: this is where your fully evaluated application is reviewed and voted on by adcom for II on later on for acceptance/WL/rejection

********AMCAS 2019 Timeline Summary (post count #003)************
-AMCAS May 2, 2018, Primary application opens up. Can send formal requests for transcripts from your schools and letter requests to your letter writers.
-AMCAS May 31, 2018, Completed primary applications with all ECs, PS, and course information can be submitted. You enter the verification queue only when both completed primary application and alltranscripts have been received.
-AMCAS June 29, 2018, begins transmission verified applications (though some schools have secondaries sent to contact info upon submission to AMCAS)
-Verification peak is about August 1st and takes 20 days
-Most Primary Apps are transmitted early July thru early September
-Secondaries timelines can vary widely as to when to they are sent out from almost immediately upon submissions to 3 months, though most are in the range 1-3 weeks after transmission.
-Letters via AMCAS are processed/transmitted separately from primary
-Letters can be added after primary has been submitted and transmitted and are mostly not needed until secondary reviews at the earliest.
-There are usually 3 main phases in processing application
----1) Initial Screening/Evaluation: A hybrid of automatic GPA/MCAT screen plus human for "quick review" of application. Used to for general priority and, in some cases, which team/subcommittee gets application. In some cases preset criteria can lead to II
----2)Full Evaluation: This is where evaluator/reader/team/subcommittee will fully evaluate all sections of primary, secondary, and LOR and generally summarize in broad categories or point system. This essentially becomes your priority for adcom review and II. This function may be split up among several evaluators and may go to a team or subcommittee for II decision
----3) Full adcom: this is where your fully evaluated application is reviewed and voted on by adcom for II on later on for acceptance/WL/rejection
-Application and candidate evaluations timeline varies widely by school may not done in a linear, chronological order. EDP, High achievers, URM, family of alumni, feeder schools, associated UG programs, linked postbaccs, and other factor may push an app forward in the process.
-Most adcoms dont start meeting for review of evaluated applicants until at least mid-August, more likely September, though some reviews may be done earlier for groups mentioned above. Evaluation may start almost immediately at schools.
-Submitting Primary Application June is Early, July Medium, August Late
-Having Primary verified and transmitted to school by end of August is normal speed
-Having Secondary and all LORs complete to school by Labor Day is early/ontime. By late or end of September is about middle/normal speed, by end of October is about late.
--After that point you will generally start getting impacted by the number of applications submitted, the finite number of interview slots, and seats given by rolling admissions. This isnt an absolute date nor is it a fixed timeline. It should be used as a guideline

Getting primary in on time does matter because of all the other items that follow it. But applicants often see the beginning and not understanding how it flows from there. Additionally, how each school then opens a file, reviews them on GPA, MCAT, and other factors, and what order they wind up in a queue has less to do with when the primary arrives then when the secondary is completed and received. Since the majority of schools, I dare say, send out pre-transmission, unscreened, or minimal cut off screened secondaries, this is probably a larger factor in where you wind up in the queue for 1) reading an application and 2) decision on interview invite. As I have said previously, and will undoubtedly say dozens of time during this 2019 application cycle (see count above) review of apps is not simply done in a linear chronological order. High achievers, URM, family of alumni, feeder schools, associated UG programs, linked postbaccs, and other factor may push an app forward in the process.


Updated: More Links

2019 AMCAS Application Webinar
2019 AMCAS Applicant Guide
AMCAS Overview Part I
AMCAS Overview Part II
AMCAS Overview Part III
AMCAS Application Tutorial - How to Enter Basic Course Work
AMCAS Application Tutorial - How to Enter AP Course Work
AMCAS Application Tutorial - How to Enter Current/Future Course Work
AMCAS Application Tutorial - How to Enter Study Abroad Course Work
AMCAS Tutorial - How to Add Letter of Evaluation Entries & Assign them to Med Schools
AMCAS Course Classification Guide
Participating Medical Schools and Deadlines
How to Apply to Medical School with AMCAS®
Sections 1-3 of the AMCAS® application: Your Background Information
Section 4 of the AMCAS® application: Course Work
Section 5 of the AMCAS® application: Work and Activities
Section 6 of the AMCAS® application: Letters of Evaluation
Section 7 of the AMCAS® application: Medical Schools

 

[Lucca]

Post Reserved

 

[PreMedMissteps]

if a student is taking some graduate level classes while he still is an undergrad, will the grad level classes be included in AMCAS reported GPAs for an undergrad? Or will they get reported separately as if the student took them after they got their BS?

 

[PreMedMissteps]

1) If the graduate classes will count to UG degree, then they will count as UG GPA on AMCAS
2) If the graduate classes will be used for a grad degree, then assign as Grad GPA
3) If the graduate classes are not counted towards any degree, then count as Grad GPA

Below is a listing of the AMCAS rules on this (p27 & p33 of 2018 AMCAS Applicant Guide)

Assign Postbaccalaureate (PB) status to any undergraduate-level coursework you enrolled in:
° After receipt of your initial BA/BS degree
° While enrolled in a graduate program, if coursework is not applied to a graduate degree
• Assign Graduate (GR) status to any professional or graduate-level coursework that is not applied
to an undergraduate degree.
If you attempted graduate-level coursework while formally enrolled in an undergraduate program,
credit for the graduate coursework is counted toward the undergraduate degree requirements:
• Do not assign GR status to any professional or graduate-level coursework applied to an undergraduate
degree. The graduate-level coursework should be listed under the appropriate status (FR, SO, JR,
SR, PB) at the time the courses were attempted.
If you have attempted undergraduate-level coursework while formally enrolled in a graduate program
and the undergraduate coursework does not count toward the graduate degree requirements:
• If you previously earned a bachelor’s degree, you should list the undergraduate-level coursework
under PB status and not under GR status. If you have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree,
the undergraduate-level coursework should be assigned to the appropriate undergraduate
status (FR, SO, JR, SR).
If you have enrolled simultaneously in undergraduate and graduate programs (e.g., bachelor’s/
master’s dual degree):
• The graduate-level coursework will count toward a graduate degree and should be listed under
graduate status at the time the courses were attempted. The undergraduate-level coursework
should be assigned the appropriate undergraduate status (FR, SO, JR, SR).
If you have enrolled in a dual-degree program and the graduate-level coursework will count toward
both the graduate and undergraduate degrees:
• The graduate-level coursework should be listed under both the appropriate undergraduate
and graduate academic statuses.

Thanks a bunch!!!!

 

[buckoh24]

Couple of questions:

1. When reapplying (I got IIs this cycle), should we ask for the same LORs and additional or try to get a new set? Im planning on adding my 3 original+3 more (PI, non science LOR, volunteer supervisor)
2. Tho activities from high school arent normally considered, what about activities when taking duel enrollment courses? Last 2 years of high school I was full time at a state college and those grades contributed to my cGPA/sGPA.
3. Are you considered a reapp at that school if you did not complete the secondary?
4. I did not mark myself disadvantaged previously due to thinking it was only relevant for low SES. I grew up rural and went to a low performing public school, hence why I did duel enrollment (we had a bunch of funding cuts which cut AP classes and clubs/sports). Would it be seen negatively to mark it now?

 

[mariposas905]

This information about AMCAS and submission is wrong correct? Admissions Dates & Deadlines 2018-2019 - Miller School of Medicine Admissions

I'm confused. Can someone confirm when AMCAS opens this year? And when it can be submitted to medical schools?

 

[Neuro244]

If I already input all of my information for all the schools that I attended last year on the 2017-2018 application under the "schools attended" tab on AMCAS but didn't end up applying last year, can I reuse the same transcript request form when sending the request to my respective schools? I'm asking because I'm just wondering if the "Transcript ID" on the transcript request form will change from year to year. FYI, I'll be sending these from the registrar's office in the physical form, not through an ePDF, since they're not approved senders for that. Having said that, I would imagine that I can just download these request forms now, since the transcript ID is only used for the purposes of electronic transcripts. Moreover, nothing has changed about the schools I attended/classes I took since last year, so I'm thinking if I download those request forms now, it saves me the hassle of downloading them later after refilling out the entire application. Let me know if this question makes sense to you. Thanks

 

[buckoh24]

If I already input all of my information for all the schools that I attended last year on the 2017-2018 application under the "schools attended" tab on AMCAS but didn't end up applying last year, can I reuse the same transcript request form when sending the request to my respective schools? I'm asking because I'm just wondering if the "Transcript ID" on the transcript request form will change from year to year. FYI, I'll be sending these from the registrar's office in the physical form, not through an ePDF, since they're not approved senders for that. Having said that, I would imagine that I can just download these request forms now, since the transcript ID is only used for the purposes of electronic transcripts. Moreover, nothing has changed about the schools I attended/classes I took since last year, so I'm thinking if I download those request forms now, it saves me the hassle of downloading them later after refilling out the entire application. Let me know if this question makes sense to you. Thanks

Also to piggy back off this: can you use the same letter of rec request forms as the last application cycle?

 

[Neuro244]

This might sound like a dumb question, but since AMCAS doesn't start processing your coursework until you "submit your application" then it's possible to send in all your transcripts to AMCAS before physically inputting in any of your coursework on the primary application right? Meaning I don't have to physically fill out all of my coursework on my application before I can send in all my transcripts to AMCAS right?

 

[Neuro244]

Also to piggy back off this: can you use the same letter of rec request forms as the last application cycle?

When I asked about that last year since I wanted to do that this year, I recall someone responding and saying that you can't since the ID letter or something of that nature that would be generated would be different. I would double check though.

 

[Neuro244]

Correct but you need to wait until AMCAS opens so you can get a transcript ID

Ah I see, so the earliest I could do that would be May 2nd which is when they open. Okay thanks

 

[Neuro244]

Do California Medical schools first need to see your MCAT score before even considering your application? To be more specific, I've heard that CA med schools won't even look at your application if you haven't submitted your MCAT score, let alone send you a secondary application. Also, if your GPA and MCAT scores (once submitted) don't meet a particular threshold, not only will they not consider your primary application, but they won't even bother with sending you a secondary application. This is because it gets filtered through an algorithm/computer (not even a real person in this case) that only considers certain numbers as "worthy/good enough". Can someone comment on the validity of this? Thanks in advance.

 

[Neuro244]

Submitting an application with an MCAT score is one of most common and worst mistakes a premed can make (except single throwaway school for verification)-

1) a large majority of medical schools across the country will not begin any prelminary evaluation or screening of your application until you have a valid MCAT score
2) a fraction of medical school will send out unscreened secondaries without any consideration or review of your GPA/MCAT score
3) a fraction of schools will have a basic screening that may is based on a large part of your MCAT and GPA. This is likely automated and has a low threshold
4) a fraction of schools have a more indepth screening prior to sending out secondaries

My complete process/timeline summary post
*~*~*~*Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2018-2019*~*~*~*

So let's say I'm taking my MCAT on June 16th 2018 and I won't be receiving my results until July 18th 2018. Assuming I have everything else input into my primary application and only 1 "throwaway school for verification", I'm planning on submitting it as soon as I can in June so it can get processed and verified.

1. For the throwaway school, should it be a school you don't really plan on attending since you're terming it a "throwaway school", and so it'll just be used for the purposes of verifying your application, or should it be considered a school you want to attend?

2. Considering this is my particular situation, do you recommend sending in everything (minus the MCAT score and maybe a couple of letters of recommendation) as early in June as possible, or what would be the most practical and efficient timeline to submit everything?

3. Do you happen to know which majority of med schools have an automated process for screening your application based on solely MCAT and GPA? I've heard this is pretty common among the UC med schools in California, as well as the top tier ones in California (i.e. Stanford).

4. Based on your bolded comment I should just go ahead and submit my application without an MCAT score, and only use one school as a throwaway school so I can get my application verified right?

 

[803746]

I attended the same institution for my bachelor's (2010-2015) and post-bacc courses (Spring 2017- Fall 2017). How should I list the dates on AMCAS, e.g. 2010-2015, or 2010-2017? Thanks

 

[Lucca]

Bumping for primary opening day

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

So, when adding my major at an institution I took courses at but did not graduate from, do I add all the majors I had at that institution? I changed my major a lot when I was young and immature lol. I had like 4 majors at one of my colleges.

 

[Eagleye2]

so i took a winter course at a community college where i live, do i still list that as a "summer school only"?

 

[Eagleye2]

Just list it winter term

im in the schools attended section, so when you say "list it as winter term" you mean just list the dates being december to january?

 

[Lucca]

If I obtained credit for a course through a university exam (not CLEP, not the AP exam) then how should I list it in my coursework? Right now I’m putting P/F because that’s what the exam was, but it shows up next to my AP coursework on my Transcript

 

[803746]

If these are on a single transcript and the post bacc was informal/DIY (eg you just took classes on your own), then list it once
If these are on two transcripts or if the post bacc was formal, you may need to list it twice

If on one transcript, you can list it twice and note transcript exception for postbacc as courses are on UG transcript. I would suggest this way as it will make it clear to adcom you did postbacc work.

If you were enrolled in more than one program at an institution (e.g., undergraduate and graduate), create a separate entry for each program. Please request separate transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate programs.

They are on the same transcript and it was DIY PB, so I will list the school twice and transcript exception for the second (PB) entry, correct? Thank you!

 

[mariposas905]

I have a couple of (kinda detailed) questions about inputting school info in AMCAS:

1. If I took non-degree coursework at my undergrad institution after I graduated, would I include this in the time frame for when I attended? For example, if I did undergrad from 2011-2015 and then took non-degree coursework in Fall 2016, would I put "I attended this school from Aug 2011-May 2015" OR "...from Aug 2011-Dec 2016?" Should I make two separate entries for the timeframe? 😕

2. I took summer courses at a community college in two different years. Should I say I attended this school from 2011-2013 and indicate "summer school only?" OR make two different entries - one for 2011 summer and another for 2013 summer for the same school?

3. If you edit your school info after ordering transcripts according to the generated transcript ID, does this change your transcript ID for that school?

4. I transferred schools and indicated different majors at both schools. Should I still list the major I indicated for School #1 even though I transferred from this institution and did not get my degree in said major?

Would appreciate the help! 🙂

 

[Neuro244]

When filling out info under schools attended, I have a couple of detailed questions:

1. When choosing "Program type", would classes at a community college be considered "junior college", or "undergraduate"?

2. If I took classes (pre-med prerequisites not associated with my major-i.e. Psychology) after receiving my degree (i.e. Bachelors of Arts), at a community college, then would the "program type" for that school be considered "post-baccalaureate undergraduate"?

3. Somewhat similar to Mariposas question above. If I took classes at a community college from lets say 2010-2016, and I received my Bachelors degree in 2013. This implies I took classes at the community college both BEFORE receiving my BA and AFTER receiving my BA. Would I still list this as either Junior college/undergraduate, or how would that work exactly?

 

[Neuro244]

1. Does stating that you received a Federal Pell Grant while you were an undergraduate student make it harder to receive financial aid from medical schools when matriculating/getting in/being reviewed?

2. When they ask "How have you paid or did you pay for your post-secondary education?", are they referring to after receiving your Bachelors degree, or your entire college career, or what exactly?

 

[Lucca]

1. Does stating that you receive a Federal Pell Grant while you were an undergraduate student make it harder to receive financial aid from medical schools when matriculating/getting in/being reviewed?

2. When they ask "How have you paid or did you pay for your post-secondary education?", are they referring to after receiving your Bachelors degree, or your entire college career, or what exactly?

post-secondary refers to all education after high school

 

[initialize]

Really dumb question, but we were supposed to click on the “2019 application” and not the “2018 application”, correct? For those of us wishing to attend med school in 2019?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Neuro244]

and I will try to give you a couple of detailed answers


Technically, they are junior colleges so that what they should be listed as


Yes postbacc. Anything you have taken after earning a Bachelors is post-bacc



It would be two entries. One from before you earned a degree as junior college; one from after you earned a degree. Since all classes will come on a single transcript, you will need to note transcript exception

Where/how on the form do you note a "transcript exception"?

 

[mariposas905]

and I will try to give you a couple of detailed answers


Technically, they are junior colleges so that what they should be listed as


Yes postbacc. Anything you have taken after earning a Bachelors is post-bacc



It would be two entries. One from before you earned a degree as junior college; one from after you earned a degree. Since all classes will come on a single transcript, you will need to note transcript exception

Does this include non-degree graduate courses taken? Because AMCAS only has a section for "post-bacc undergraduate" not "post bacc graduate courses" so I'm confused. Also, what is the difference between junior college and undergraduate? Do all community colleges come under the junior college classification for AMCAS purposes?

 

[kuzy]

Let's go class of 2023! WOO!!

 

[mariposas905]

Thanks for the answers to my questions! I looked into the transcript exception tab and found that we need to submit a reason to AMCAS why this is so. These are the reasons:

Use this form to explain why you believe AMCAS does not require a transcript from this school.

Exception Reason *

Canadian CEGEP or Grade 13 Program.
Current/Future coursework (spring, summer, fall).
Multiple Degree or Consortium/Cross Registration Program with no separate transcript available.
Foreign Institution or Study abroad program sponsored by U.S., U.S. territorial or Canadian institution- Credits transferred.
Foreign Institution - No Credits transferred.

Was credit for this college transferred to another institution?*
Yes
No


My reason is that I took non-degree grad courses after undergraduate studies at the same university, and these show up on one transcript. So, would I select the highlighted reason above (option #3)? That seems like the best one, although it's not the accurate reason 😕 Should I send AMCAS an email explaining my situation?

These non-degree credits I gained will transfer into an actual graduate program I am attending this summer. So, my answer for the second question would be 'yes' right? I think that's what it is asking for but I wanted to confirm!

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

So, I completed a vocational program for surgical technology (an OR tech program) at a nonaccredited vocational tech school. I originally asked AMCAS about it, and they told me not to list it. Unfortunately, my degree granting institution decided to include it on my transcript and list a bunch of random credits on there. I'm not sure where they got those credits from, as the actual program was a single class that had one final exam at the end and a final number grade. There is no transcript.

Long story short, I am waiting for AMCAS to call me back and tell me whether I need to list the school or not. If I do, how should I list the coursework, since it's only one course? Just the name of the program? There is no transcript, and I can't ask the school because they don't exist anymore.

 

[Neuro244]

After you enter school info (see pic 1)
You will get a screen on transcripts and here you indicate no transcript needed (see pic 2)

View attachment 233180


View attachment 233181

1. Once I choose no, for the reason, would I pick "Current/Future coursework (spring, summer, fall)"?

2. Then it asks Was credit for this college transferred to another institution?* Well if I used these credits to transfer it to a University so that I could get my BA degree, then obviously the answer would be yes, right?

 

[mariposas905]

1. Once I choose no, for the reason, would I pick "Current/Future coursework (spring, summer, fall)"?

2. Then it asks Was credit for this college transferred to another institution?* Well if I used these credits to transfer it to a University so that I could get my BA degree, then obviously the answer would be yes, right?

Actually it looks like the answer is only yes if it was transferred to one of the schools you already listed on AMCAS, not to any new schools you haven't attended yet...I am going to use my credit for a grad program at a new school that obv isn't on AMCAS since I haven't been there yet. But when I click yes, it doesn't give me an option to add this new school

It's a confusing question lol

 

[ChickRick16]

Hi! This might be a dumb question, but should I answer "yes" to the question: "Have you or members of your immediate family ever used federal or state assistance programs?" if I am currently receiving Medicaid? I am not URM by any means, so I am worried about how this might be perceived by medical school admissions. My parents wanted me to get Medicaid so that they did not have to worry about my medical expenses, although I am still on their insurance just in case...

 

[Neuro244]

Actually it looks like the answer is only yes if it was transferred to one of the schools you already listed on AMCAS, not to any new schools you haven't attended yet...I am going to use my credit for a grad program at a new school that obv isn't on AMCAS since I haven't been there yet. But when I click yes, it doesn't give me an option to add this new school

It's a confusing question lol

Right that makes sense to me, but what about the answer to the first question I posted? I'm thinking I would pick the same choice as you "Multiple Degree or Consortium/Cross Registration Program with no separate transcript available". since I don't have any current or future coursework coming up.

 

[Neuro244]

If I'm creating separate entries for a college that I took classes at after receiving my Bachelor's degree, and the dates were from:

A. 1/2015-12/2015 and then B. 6/2016-8/2016

Should I list this as ONE ENTRY with a continuous timeline, OR should I list this as TWO separate entries since there was a 6 month gap, and list entry "B" as "summer school only" under "other options"? Does a 6 month gap justify me listing it as TWO entries, or once again is it best to just report it as ONE entry?

FYI-I already listed this school as a main entry for my college coursework, so if I was to create 2 MORE separate entries for this school, it would be a total of 3 entries just for this one community college.

Thank you!

 

[mariposas905]

Right that makes sense to me, but what about the answer to the first question I posted? I'm thinking I would pick the same choice as you "Multiple Degree or Consortium/Cross Registration Program with no separate transcript available". since I don't have any current or future coursework coming up.

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure about that question either since this option isn't fully accurate for our situations. But @gonnif said to pick that one, so that's what I am putting in too!

 

[someonenew22]

I'm not sure if this is the right place but I just filled out the Fee Assistance Program today as my family qualifies for it and I was wondering how long it takes to process. Will I have an answer in time to apply early in June? Should I wait until I get a response or would it be better to just submit at least to one school early June if I don't get one before then. Without the Fee Assistance benefits I can only afford about 8 schools and I was hoping to apply to 13 to 15 schools. Thanks.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure about that question either since this option isn't fully accurate for our situations. But @gonnif said to pick that one, so that's what I am putting in too!

You could also just call amcas. They have a question line and are very helpful. That’s not to say @gonnif‘s advice isn’t good. But if you want to verify, just call.

 

[Neuro244]

If a school is an approved sender for sending ePDF transcripts to AMCAS (meaning they ask you for both your AAMC ID and the Transcript ID), then can we simply fill that information out upon our request WITHOUT ATTACHING THE TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM, OR do we still have to attach the transcript request form to our transcripts EVEN IF THEY ARE APPROVED SENDERS OF ePDF transcripts?

Thanks

 

[Eagleye2]

You kinda have 4


I would make two separate entries one for UG and one for postbacc. If they are on the same transcript, you will need to note transcript exception for the PB

https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fast...1bf6e3/2019-amcas-applicant-guide.pdf#page=17
If you were enrolled in more than one program at an institution (e.g., undergraduate and graduate),
create a separate entry for each program. Please request separate transcripts for your undergraduate
and graduate programs.



You can do it either way, though showing two separate entries as "summer only" would be "more" accurate. But if they come on one transcript, you need note transcript exception


Well, it shouldnt but I wouldnt chance it as

https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fast...1bf6e3/2019-amcas-applicant-guide.pdf#page=18
If you change or delete a school entry, you’ll lose all degrees, majors, minors, and coursework
you have entered for that school. The application gives a warning before confirming deletion.



You should be accurate and truthful so yes, indicate the major you had at school #1 at the time you attended

to the question about changing your college and transcript ID, I actually did this accidentally by putting my community college as an undergraduate instead of a junior college, so I went back and switched it. Luckily, the transcript ID DID NOT change which was fortunate because i already sent transcript info to the school.

 

[Neuro244]

Is anyone else getting the "You cannot begin any other section until you have completed the Identifying Information and Schools Attended sections.", despite finishing both sections? All the check marks are green, I checked it 10 times and even have all my transcripts in, but it still won't let me continue with my application.

I actually spoke with AMCAS earlier today and I got the same error message it was showing me a red X under colleges and wouldn't let me move forward with the application, but there was no issue on my application. They said they've been having technical issues because they've been a bit backed up because so many people are working on the application. I'm going to talk to somebody from AMCAS about it tomorrow but she said at this point there's nothing that I can do I don't have the authority or the ability to do anything.

 

[Neuro244]

I'm glad I'm not the only with this problem! Super annoying but I guess it's understandable from their end. Apparently they have a scheduled maintenance tomorrow morning so hopefully that fixes it, but if not I'm definitely going to give them a call.

Yeah I hope that fixes the issue as well. The wait to talk to them wasn't too bad, probably like 5 or 6 minutes. Glad I could help.

 

[pbsdrinkingwhale]

So I'm inputting my courses and one course is in the Psychology department, but the content is most definitely Biology, and I want it to count into my STEM GPA. The course is named "Biological Concepts in Development" and is basically an anatomy class for the brain.

My question is: Is it possible to contact AMCAS now with the course syllabus to ensure that I get the STEM classification when I submit?

 

[XOXO123]

Question, my major as it appears on my transcript is technically X major, concentration in Y. However, everyone at my school refers to the concentration only when speaking about my major, my letter writers will refer to the concentration only, there isn't even really an X Department for the major, the department is for the concentration. When listing the major on the application should I put X, because it's the one that technically says major on the transcript (although the name of it is extremely vague sounding), or Y because it more accurately portrays what my professors and I view as my major? Wasn't sure if this was something that's at my discretion or if it MUST match the transcript

 

[buckoh24]

Last year I marked myself as rural childhood but on my final app it said it was an underserved area. Does that mean they dont think I was from a rural area? Im writing my disadvantages essay about rural school education/healthcare availability and dont know if the designation of rural vs underserved would affect me (since I dont come from a low SES background but talked about the rural aspect)

 

[Premed0523]

Does anyone know how I am supposed to enter my degrees if I am receiving both a BS in chem and an AS in business on May 2018 from the same school? Do I have to enter the school twice, or can I put both of them under the same school entry. If I put them under the same school entry how can I designate which major is for which degree?

 

[PopeKnope23]

I have credit earned from dual-enrollment courses I took in high school through my CURRENT undergrad institution. On my current college transcript, it lists my Undergraduate Record beginning in Fall 2015, but AMCAS will only let me select "High School" and won't let me select "freshman" for year of school because my high school graduation is 2016. Anyone have any ideas of what to do? I most definitely need to choose "Freshman" because that was my status while taking those courses in hs.

 

[buckoh24]

I have credit earned from dual-enrollment courses I took in high school through my CURRENT undergrad institution. On my current college transcript, it lists my Undergraduate Record beginning in Fall 2015, but AMCAS will only let me select "High School" and won't let me select "freshman" for year of school because my high school graduation is 2016. Anyone have any ideas of what to do? I most definitely need to choose "Freshman" because that was my status while taking those courses in hs.

I had the same situation. Since you didnt have a HS diploma yet, its still considered high school. I would say to designate it as such and start your fall 2016 semester as sophomore semester. I had 2 years of duel enrollment and went 4 years after that but my AMCAS had High School while my first year at my 4 year school was designated as being a junior on my transcripts when I started.

 

[Dancing247]

Regarding "Year in School" designation: If I hit 35 credits in the spring of my Freshmen year, but still have one other courses to add for that quarter, do I list the year in school as "Sophomore" for the one remaining course?

Also, a course with "Incomplete" (e.g. "2.0/I") is or is not counted in the credit count? It counted towards the GPA.