*~*~*~*Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2013-2014*~*~*~*

[LaughingMan]

3 only.

Dang--had my writer make all these custom letters for no reason. That is so silly--I suppose I read AMCAS forwards custom letters.

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[whatbout2morrow]

Dang--had my writer make all these custom letters for no reason. That is so silly--I suppose I read AMCAS forwards custom letters.

Correct.

Your idea of having letter writers address the letters out to specific schools sounds cool, but one letter from each writer addressed to a generic receipient is all that is expected. For all the TMDSAS schools, it is one committee letter/two science LORs plus an additional LOR if you wish. These are the same letters all the schools receive.

 

[HopelesRomantic]

Sorry if this has already been covered, but after a quick search I didn't find the answer.

I understand that for the PLANNED ACTIVITIES section, it's okay to list all of your continued activities even if you previously indicated in another section that they would run until May 2014 or whatever.

Nonetheless, because each activity may fit the criteria for different categories (ex. community service AND leadership), which category would I select for that activity in the planned activities section? Do I make two nearly identical planned activities (one labeled community service and the other labeled leadership), or do I simply choose the most appropriate category?

Thanks!

 

[HopelesRomantic]

Sorry if this has already been covered, but after a quick search I didn't find the answer.

I understand that for the PLANNED ACTIVITIES section, it's okay to list all of your continued activities even if you previously indicated in another section that they would run until May 2014 or whatever.

Nonetheless, because each activity may fit the criteria for different categories (ex. community service AND leadership), which category would I select for that activity in the planned activities section? Do I make two nearly identical planned activities (one labeled community service and the other labeled leadership), or do I simply choose the most appropriate category?

Thanks!

bump

 

[PistolPete123]

I know it says to list things in multiple categories for whatever the experience applies to so I bet you can't go wrong putting it in multiple categories. I didn't though, because I listed them in my ongoing activities under multiple categories. Just what I did.

Also, is anyone waiting on their undergrad school to transmit their LOR(s)? (I'm just doing a HPE). I requested mine from my school two weeks ago and they said the letter writer still hadn't finished it, but my school ended the last week of April. Anybody know how that affects your application being sent to schools? Sorry, I know its very early still I just want to get it out of the way. Thanks.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Sorry if this has already been covered, but after a quick search I didn't find the answer.

I understand that for the PLANNED ACTIVITIES section, it's okay to list all of your continued activities even if you previously indicated in another section that they would run until May 2014 or whatever.

Nonetheless, because each activity may fit the criteria for different categories (ex. community service AND leadership), which category would I select for that activity in the planned activities section? Do I make two nearly identical planned activities (one labeled community service and the other labeled leadership), or do I simply choose the most appropriate category?

Thanks!

I personally would list it under the most appropriate category, but write the description in such a way that the reader would infer it falls under both. I don't think it should be a problem if you list it twice though.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

I know it says to list things in multiple categories for whatever the experience applies to so I bet you can't go wrong putting it in multiple categories. I didn't though, because I listed them in my ongoing activities under multiple categories. Just what I did.

Also, is anyone waiting on their undergrad school to transmit their LOR(s)? (I'm just doing a HPE). I requested mine from my school two weeks ago and they said the letter writer still hadn't finished it, but my school ended the last week of April. Anybody know how that affects your application being sent to schools? Sorry, I know its very early still I just want to get it out of the way. Thanks.

Your application gets transmitted to the school as soon as you hit submit, and then TMDSAS updates the school each time they receive a transcript, LOR, MCAT score, etc.

I do not know whether the school looks at the application before everything is in though.

 

[N7chell]

Quick question:
When you guys fill out the descriptions for your activities, are they always written in paragraph form? Is it ok to write it as a list?
For example:
-worked as.....
-helped with.....
-responsible for....

 

[oxnanaxo]

Quick question:
When you guys fill out the descriptions for your activities, are they always written in paragraph form? Is it ok to write it as a list?
For example:
-worked as.....
-helped with.....
-responsible for....

They say either list or paragraph is fine. But as far as formatting goes in TMDSAS activity section, you will see that when you hit save the listed items are strung together one after another (instead of each in separate lines). I personally wrote in paragraphs because of this formatting issue and to make it more readable.

 

[miss chievous]

Quick question:
When you guys fill out the descriptions for your activities, are they always written in paragraph form? Is it ok to write it as a list?
For example:
-worked as.....
-helped with.....
-responsible for....

They say either list or paragraph is fine. But as far as formatting goes in TMDSAS activity section, you will see that when you hit save the listed items are strung together one after another (instead of each in separate lines). I personally wrote in paragraphs because of this formatting issue and to make it more readable.

My friend did something unique that I may copy. Let me know what you guys think of this format (I copied and pasted this from my description).

Instructed patients in __________________________________ • Assigned tasks for ________________________ • Monitored patient condition during _______________________________

So it's pretty much bullet points like a resume. What do you guys think? Each description is separated by a •

 

[wiscomicro]

Okay, so I know the format has changed, with regards to the TMDSAS (no additional forms needed). I am going to be getting my letter writers to send in their letters within the next couple of days. I am using the electronic mail service provided by both TMDSAS and AAMC.

I was wondering if they need to include our AAMC and TMDSAS ID numbers in their letters, even if they are being sent electronically to these application services? I don't exactly know what kind of instructions my letter writers will receive. Did you guys tell them to include you ID number after the first time your name is mentioned in the letter. For example, Johnny Apple (TMDSAS:XXXXX)? Or not? Please let me know. Thanks.

Yes, I want to know the answer to this too. One of my letter writers is incredibly busy and I want to use a letter that's already uploaded to Interfolio for the AMCAS. I may just call TMDSAS tomorrow...

 

[ddukbokeeboi]

1) Does anyone know if it's possible to add more schools after one's application is verified? I know this is possible with AMCAS.

2) Does TMDSAS accept electronic transcripts?

Thanks!

 

[whatbout2morrow]

1) Does anyone know if it's possible to add more schools after one's application is verified? I know this is possible with AMCAS.

2) Does TMDSAS accept electronic transcripts?

Thanks!

1) http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/frwqAskedQ/02-ChangingYourApp.html

How do I add another school once I have submitted my application?
To add additional schools to your application, you must send an email request to TMDSAS at [email protected] or through the internal message system within the application. The request must be received by the application deadline.

Include your full name, TMDSAS ID and list the schools you would like added to your application.

If any additional information is needed, TMDSAS will contact you directly once the request has been received.

2) You might want to ask them directly. They respond pretty quickly.

 

[premed2000]

If I submit my TMDSAS application say, June 5th, how long does it take for my application to be verified and sent to the med schools? What if my LORs don't come in until say mid June?

 

[whatbout2morrow]

If I submit my TMDSAS application say, June 5th, how long does it take for my application to be verified and sent to the med schools? What if my LORs don't come in until say mid June?

It depends on how busy they get, but from other posters' experiences last year who submitted around that time, it may be processed within just a couple of days. Your application gets sent to medical schools as soon as it is verified regardless of whether or not LORs, MCAT scores etc have been received, and gets updated as soon as such items are received by TMDSAS. However, the school(s) you are applying to probably will not look at your application until everything is received.

 

[lovemango]

If I submit my TMDSAS application say, June 5th, how long does it take for my application to be verified and sent to the med schools?

Last year, I submitted my app to TMDSAS on June 15 and it was transmitted to all the schools on July 3.

 

[miss chievous]

Last year, I submitted my app to TMDSAS on June 15 and it was transmitted to all the schools on July 3.

Hey, how did you write out your descriptions last year? I feel like using complete sentences is a waste of space, so I've been using bullet points for my descriptions. What do you think?

 

[lovemango]

Hey, how did you write out your descriptions last year? I feel like using complete sentences is a waste of space, so I've been using bullet points for my descriptions. What do you think?

I think it's totally fine 🙂 I used dashes as bullet points for my descriptions, using complete sentences took up too many characters. This was how I formatted my description for being an ER scribe under Healthcare Activities as an example:

-Record the patient history, transcribe the physical exam, and input orders
-Update physician on lab and radiology findings
-Prepare discharge instructions
-Observed physician-patient relationship and interactions
-Observe ED procedures like intubation, fracture reduction, sutures, and LP

 

[miss chievous]

I think it's totally fine 🙂 I used dashes as bullet points for my descriptions, using complete sentences took up too many characters. This was how I formatted my description for being an ER scribe under Healthcare Activities as an example:

-Record the patient history, transcribe the physical exam, and input orders
-Update physician on lab and radiology findings
-Prepare discharge instructions
-Observed physician-patient relationship and interactions
-Observe ED procedures like intubation, fracture reduction, sutures, and LP

Awesome, that's exactly what I'm doing. Thank you!

 

[sprintuser]

It depends on how busy they get, but from other posters' experiences last year who submitted around that time, it may be processed within just a couple of days. Your application gets sent to medical schools as soon as it is verified regardless of whether or not LORs, MCAT scores etc have been received, and gets updated as soon as such items are received by TMDSAS. However, the school(s) you are applying to probably will not look at your application until everything is received.

I know that submitting your application earlier is better, but how is your "place in line" determined? Is it based on when your application submitted and processed or the date that everything is received?

 

[lovemango]

I know that submitting your application earlier is better, but how is your "place in line" determined? Is it based on when your application submitted and processed or the date that everything is received?

If you're talking about your "place in line" for getting looked at by the adcoms, the majority of schools won't review your application for interview consideration until everything is in, including MCAT scores and LORs. It definitely still helps to get your actual application turned into TMDSAS as soon as possible, though, so that you can avoid delays in verification and transmitting to the schools.

 

[sprintuser]

If you're talking about your "place in line" for getting looked at by the adcoms, the majority of schools won't review your application for interview consideration until everything is in, including MCAT scores and LORs. It definitely still helps to get your actual application turned into TMDSAS as soon as possible, though, so that you can avoid delays in verification and transmitting to the schools.

Let's say you take the mcat this summer and your score is not as high as you hope, but it's submitted to TMDSAS anyways. If you retake the MCAT on a later date this summer, and it's a better score, can you submit it the TMDSAS for consideration by the med schools who may have already looked at your application at that point?

 

[trs88]

Let's say you take the mcat this summer and your score is not as high as you hope, but it's submitted to TMDSAS anyways. If you retake the MCAT on a later date this summer, and it's a better score, can you submit it the TMDSAS for consideration by the med schools who may have already looked at your application at that point?

You don't need to submit your application again with the new mcat score. The second the have your new test date, go to your TMDSAS application, click on the MCAT section and add the new date. You can also remove the new test date if you like your scores later. I can't tell you what the adcoms do with an application like that, perhaps others will know.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

You don't need to submit your application again with the new mcat score. The second the have your new test date, go to your TMDSAS application, click on the MCAT section and add the new date. You can also remove the new test date if you like your scores later. I can't tell you what the adcoms do with an application like that, perhaps others will know.

I'm thinking better scores *might* result in interview offers if you did not receive any with your initial scores (if your scores were the only thing holding you back, that is). Of course, the later the MCAT, the harder it will be to obtain an acceptance.

 

[texas0214]

Hey all,
I have been messaging TMDSAS with a few questions and I thought I'd share answers:
1. My step-brother is a rising junior in college-my question is whether to classify him as "has attended college" or "is attending college" since he's halfway through to graduation. Does "has attended college" refer to after graduation?

is attending college

2. For the leadership roles section of activities: I have had several different roles within one student organization--should I list these separately?

list separately

3. As a Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major, several of my classes, even though they are neuroscience, have a neurology basis: do these get included in the sGPA?

more biological: science
more behavioral: other science
both get calculated in sGPA

4. My research lab is working on a publication for the next school year. I have the citation-should I put this in the "planned activities" section?

the perfect place to put this

5. for an award that I have received multiple times (Dean's List) should I list it every time I earned it since it shows up on my transcript as well multiple times?

our own discretion to put it once and say earned x number of times or list separately

6. my question: unique experience from a course that offered extensive clinical experience--good for an optional essay?

 

[caereax]

Filling out the "Terms Attended" section and had a question. For a semester or two I withdrew from the university to go do other things. There's still a record of me withdrawing, but there is no actual record of classes/attendance. Should I still fill this out as a term attended, or skip over it? Thanks.



(also, wow if I ever thought there was nothing more annoying than AMCAS it must have been before I saw TMDSAS)

 

[miss chievous]

Hey all,
I have been messaging TMDSAS with a few questions and I thought I'd share answers:
1. My step-brother is a rising junior in college-my question is whether to classify him as "has attended college" or "is attending college" since he's halfway through to graduation. Does "has attended college" refer to after graduation?

is attending college

2. For the leadership roles section of activities: I have had several different roles within one student organization--should I list these separately?

list separately

3. As a Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major, several of my classes, even though they are neuroscience, have a neurology basis: do these get included in the sGPA?

more biological: science
more behavioral: other science
both get calculated in sGPA

4. My research lab is working on a publication for the next school year. I have the citation-should I put this in the "planned activities" section?

the perfect place to put this

5. for an award that I have received multiple times (Dean's List) should I list it every time I earned it since it shows up on my transcript as well multiple times?

our own discretion to put it once and say earned x number of times or list separately

6. my question: unique experience from a course that offered extensive clinical experience--good for an optional essay?

I was told the opposite for number 5 (i.e. list multiple times)

 

[caereax]

Also, Goddamn it: CA schools have winter at the start of the year (Fall 06 -> Winter 07). TX schools have winter at the end of the year (Fall 06 -> Winter 06). How are we supposed to list that? I called and the lady said to list it according to the TX way but... wtf? When my transcripts come in with different years... how is that going to look?

 

[JJArms22]

Hey guys, unfortunately I'm not ready to submit as early as many of you, still, I have a couple questions. I had planned on submitting three letters: organic professor, doctor I shadowed, and a doctor whose office I volunteered as a CNA and shadowed as well. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but I'm getting the feeling that I should ask another professor. I honestly can't even think of one right now, and I realize it's almost June. I take my MCAT June 20th. I suppose I could ask asap and hopefully have it by the end of June. Also, can you guys explain how submitting the letters actually works? I understand we can use interfolio, but I don't really understand how that works. One last thing, there is a health advisor who can create an LOR packet for students but she requires two professor letters at least. Will I be at a disadvantage for submitting individual letters? Sorry if these questions have been asked already. Thanks for any help!

 

[captainfalcons]

Hi guys, I was hoping someone could clarify this for me.
If I get accepted off the waitlist for a school and accept the offer, does that mean I can't get accepted by any of the other schools I got waitlisted at?

 

[armybound]

Hi guys, I was hoping someone could clarify this for me.
If I get accepted off the waitlist for a school and accept the offer, does that mean I can't get accepted by any of the other schools I got waitlisted at?

you should still have the chance to get an offer from a school that you ranked higher on your list.

if you accept a waitlist offer from your #2, you should still be able to get an offer from your #1.

 

[miss chievous]

Anyone else stuck on this prompt? 🙁

Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not preveiously been presented.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Hey guys, unfortunately I'm not ready to submit as early as many of you, still, I have a couple questions. I had planned on submitting three letters: organic professor, doctor I shadowed, and a doctor whose office I volunteered as a CNA and shadowed as well. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but I'm getting the feeling that I should ask another professor. I honestly can't even think of one right now, and I realize it's almost June. I take my MCAT June 20th. I suppose I could ask asap and hopefully have it by the end of June. Also, can you guys explain how submitting the letters actually works? I understand we can use interfolio, but I don't really understand how that works. One last thing, there is a health advisor who can create an LOR packet for students but she requires two professor letters at least. Will I be at a disadvantage for submitting individual letters? Sorry if these questions have been asked already. Thanks for any help!

I was looking through the A&M website the other day and found this:

A minimum of two evaluations from professors are required. Letters of reference from employment supervisors, physicians, other medical personnel or research mentors are acceptable, but they must not be used in lieu of the minimum two professor letters.

http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/admissions/application-information.html#letters

I'm thinking that the other schools may have a similar policy as well.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Anyone else stuck on this prompt? 🙁

Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not preveiously been presented.

I thought this was optional. I'm going to leave it blank.

 

[armybound]

I thought this was optional. I'm going to leave it blank.

It's optional. I've heard admissions folks mention that they strongly prefer the questions answered if you have anything to add. If not, there's no point in stressing over it.

 

[NCKSD]

It's optional. I've heard admissions folks mention that they strongly prefer the questions answered if you have anything to add. If not, there's no point in stressing over it.

Right, more essays will just give them better insight on who you are as a person. Think about it this way, if a prompt asks you to write about a hardship you've encountered in your life and if not applicable please say so, and you dont write about it, they would be able to think "Oh so you have never encountered ANY hardship you can write about?"

Thats my .02

 

[JJArms22]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. Do you think asking a non-science professor would be okay? I emailed my physics professor just yesterday, but in the case that he doesn't agree, would asking my history professor be acceptable? I can't think of any other science professors other than my ochem professor who can distinguish between me and the hundreds of others.

 

[mckmac12]

Hello!

I searched around but couldn't really find a previous question like this: I'm trying to think of what to write for my diversity essay. The first thing that comes to mind is that I was an Anthropology/Archaeology major, and this gave me a unique perspective on medicine. However, I my personal statement is entirely about how I got from archaeology to dentistry, and I briefly (about 2 sentences) talk about the perspective that my major gave me. Is it repeating myself too much to talk about this again? I have other things I could piece together into a diversity essay, but this one seems the most organic.

Thanks, guys! 👍

 

[miss chievous]

I thought this was optional. I'm going to leave it blank.

Though it is optional, I have heard plenty of adcoms say they strongly recommend it.

 

[caereax]

Regarding # of LORs: is there any consensus regarding how many to send? The current application requires two; three are possible but "not encouraged," whatever the hell that means.

Does anyone know how sending two vs. three LOR impacts anything? Or what "not encouraged" means in real terms? Please, no baseless speculation.

 

[miss chievous]

Regarding # of LORs: is there any consensus regarding how many to send? The current application requires two; three are possible but "not encouraged," whatever the hell that means.

Does anyone know how sending two vs. three LOR impacts anything? Or what "not encouraged" means in real terms? Please, no baseless speculation.

I don't see how this is a question. Three isn't encouraged, so why bother? Send two. End of story.

 

[lovemango]

Regarding # of LORs: is there any consensus regarding how many to send? The current application requires two; three are possible but "not encouraged," whatever the hell that means.

Does anyone know how sending two vs. three LOR impacts anything? Or what "not encouraged" means in real terms? Please, no baseless speculation.

Some of the schools require 2 professor letters, so if you have a letter from a physician, employer, etc who knows you well, that can be your 3rd letter. I sent in 3 with my application last year - I had letters from my orgo, A&P, and English professors. The English professor actually knew me the best since I took classes with her 2 years in a row and I worked closely with her on several different things, so I'm pretty sure I had an awesome letter from her that helped.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

It's optional. I've heard admissions folks mention that they strongly prefer the questions answered if you have anything to add. If not, there's no point in stressing over it.

Though it is optional, I have heard plenty of adcoms say they strongly recommend it.

Time to open a new word document and get started then I guess -_- . I thought of skipping coz I had mentioned some in my PS.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. Do you think asking a non-science professor would be okay? I emailed my physics professor just yesterday, but in the case that he doesn't agree, would asking my history professor be acceptable? I can't think of any other science professors other than my ochem professor who can distinguish between me and the hundreds of others.

https://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/medical/application-instructions.html#eval_letters

It is recommended that your evaluators be current/former professors that can speak to your academic ability in the sciences.

 

[whatbout2morrow]

I don't see how this is a question. Three isn't encouraged, so why bother? Send two. End of story.

For those using a committee letter, we are only allowed one committee letter and one extra letter. My extra letter is going to be stronger than the committee letter, hence I'm going to submit it anyway. I guess it would be the same for those submitting two letters who have a very strong third extra letter.

I have an interfolio account setup to store other extra letters anyway, so it's not much of a hassle (DO letter for some of the DO schools who use AACOMAS, plus the MD schools I'm applying to via AMCAS allow extra letters).

 

[burntorange]

Quick question - is it okay or looked down upon to write about your own health-related problems that have influenced your decision in pursuing medicine as an option essay dealing with life experiences?

 

[PescadoAmor]

Hi all:

I'm not sure if this question has been addressed already, but does TMDSAS send reminders to letter writers to submit their letter? It's been a while since my request went out and my letter writer hasn't uploaded anything yet, so I was hoping they do this so I don't have to email him asking him why it isn't done yet...

 

[armybound]

You have to get on them about it.

 

[sambal]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to share some information on a special case concerning degrees from Quebec.

Canadian degrees are of course considered as equivalent to US degrees. However, at one specific place in the application guidelines, it says to get a credential report for Canadian degrees done in French (=$700). It turns out that this is not necessary. Someone at TMDSAS informed me that all that is required is an official translation of the transcript.

So, just in case there is someone out there who is in the same boat as me, save your dollaroos, because your degree doesn't need to be evaluated.
😀

 

[hookem29]

Fixed problem