2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
I am confused :scared: 😕 about the work and activities section.
I have about 9 activities, not including publications, awards, and research.
Here are my questions:

1. Can I list the publications in one section? All three were in the school journal.
2. Can I list the awards in one section? None of them are too stellar--it is the same old Dean's list, president's list, some certification awards, RA award, a school scholarship for performance and GPA. Since some of these are work related awards, should I list them in the description section of the activity?
3. Should I write in full sentences or bullet format suffices? At the moment, I have just pasted my resume description into the description section.
4. I used to work in one section of the hospital, and then I transferred over from being a PCU volunteer to a patient companion? Should I count this as one activity and just tell them the progression from one to another, or have two different sections for both? Currently, they count as separate activities.
5. Should I explain what my research was about, or just give the title of the paper, and who I worked with?

Thanks to whoever responds 😀😉
 
My AMCAS says that I have a total undergraduate semester hours of "91.7" and then I have 48 hours of AP credit. Is that enough for universities?
 
I am confused :scared: 😕 about the work and activities section.
I have about 9 activities, not including publications, awards, and research.
Here are my questions:

1. Can I list the publications in one section? All three were in the school journal.
2. Can I list the awards in one section? None of them are too stellar--it is the same old Dean's list, president's list, some certification awards, RA award, a school scholarship for performance and GPA. Since some of these are work related awards, should I list them in the description section of the activity?
3. Should I write in full sentences or bullet format suffices? At the moment, I have just pasted my resume description into the description section.
4. I used to work in one section of the hospital, and then I transferred over from being a PCU volunteer to a patient companion? Should I count this as one activity and just tell them the progression from one to another, or have two different sections for both? Currently, they count as separate activities.
5. Should I explain what my research was about, or just give the title of the paper, and who I worked with?

Thanks to whoever responds 😀😉

1. Since these are all part of the same journal you can list them together and just list the citations in the description. But keep a separate tab for the research/lab work description and use that to describe what your research was about and what your roles were.
2a. I'd probably list the RA stuff separately including the awards from your academic awards. keep academic and work awards separately.
2b. Only list awards that are significant and make you stand out. Things like dean's list I'd only list if you had lots of empty slots. doesn't seem all that important to list since most kids with high GPAs get it and that's most premeds applying to med school. They can decipher if you've been on dean's list just by looking at your GPA. But yes if need be group the awards.
3. As I always say on here, and I see this question every other day, choose the format that you feel most comfortable with. Use the one that you can market yourself the best with. If you do this more easily with bullets use that. if you do it with paragraph mini essays, then do that. Do what you feel most comfy with as different adcoms like different things but both are acceptable forms of doing the description.
4. Either way is fine. If you were in each dept for significant amount of times that you can write two separate entries then separate it. Otherwise I'd just combine it if you were in one section longer and then moved to the other division later and don't have much to say about it.
5. Explain your research. who you work with is in the contact info so don't repeat that in the description
 
I have a pretty stupid question but I really don't have the time to search through all 40 pages.

Do you have to submit your primary before sending your transcript to be verified? Or do I just need to have completed the course work section? Because I'm re-writing my mcat on July 2nd, so I really haven't had time to work on my work activity list or the essay yet.
Also, are LORs required to complete the primary or secondary? Is 2 weeks sufficient for my supervisor to write me a LOR provided that I give her a rough draft? (she requested this, I considered it a bit unethical, so I'm getting one of my co-workers to write the rough draft for me and hand it directly to my supervisor).
 
1. Since these are all part of the same journal you can list them together and just list the citations in the description. But keep a separate tab for the research/lab work description and use that to describe what your research was about and what your roles were.
2a. I'd probably list the RA stuff separately including the awards from your academic awards. keep academic and work awards separately.
2b. Only list awards that are significant and make you stand out. Things like dean's list I'd only list if you had lots of empty slots. doesn't seem all that important to list since most kids with high GPAs get it and that's most premeds applying to med school. They can decipher if you've been on dean's list just by looking at your GPA. But yes if need be group the awards.
3. As I always say on here, and I see this question every other day, choose the format that you feel most comfortable with. Use the one that you can market yourself the best with. If you do this more easily with bullets use that. if you do it with paragraph mini essays, then do that. Do what you feel most comfy with as different adcoms like different things but both are acceptable forms of doing the description.
4. Either way is fine. If you were in each dept for significant amount of times that you can write two separate entries then separate it. Otherwise I'd just combine it if you were in one section longer and then moved to the other division later and don't have much to say about it.
5. Explain your research. who you work with is in the contact info so don't repeat that in the description

Thanks so much. I appreciate your help. This applying to med school bit is incredibly confusing. 😕😛:laugh:
 
I have a pretty stupid question but I really don't have the time to search through all 40 pages.

Do you have to submit your primary before sending your transcript to be verified? Or do I just need to have completed the course work section? Because I'm re-writing my mcat on July 2nd, so I really haven't had time to work on my work activity list or the essay yet.
Also, are LORs required to complete the primary or secondary? Is 2 weeks sufficient for my supervisor to write me a LOR provided that I give her a rough draft? (she requested this, I considered it a bit unethical, so I'm getting one of my co-workers to write the rough draft for me and hand it directly to my supervisor).

I'll try to answer whatever I can. I have the same transcript question, but the rest I have some idea. I actually AMCAS with some of the same questions. LORs are not required for you to submit the primary. Neither is the MCAT score. You should submit the primary ASAP so all the coursework can get verified. In order to do that, many students just apply to one school, and then decide later on when they receive their new MCAT where else to apply.
As for the LOR, I would suggest using the committee letter system at your school. I have heard from my premed advisor that it looks bad when you skip over that system. And you should typically give all the people you ask at least 3-4 weeks. When asking for a recommendation, you should give them or personal statement or at least something indicating why you want to be a doctor, transcripts from school, a cover letter asking what you want them to highlight, and any paperwork you may have done for this person. For your supervisor, I would grab the chance to say infinite good things about you instead of giving it to a co-worker. And through the online system, it only takes a day or less for everything to be put together once the recommender is ready to submit.
 
Hey guys,
Three last questions: one is the same as the person before.
1. Can I send my transcripts to be verified before submitting my primary? I am actually graduating in August, so do I have to wait till August to send in the stuff, or can I just send it in right now. There is no new coursework, just some student record hassels.
Second question is for works and activities:
2. I will be doing research as a student volunteer at a prestigious eye hospital, but this doesn't start till mid-August. Can I still include it in the work and activities section, and if not, can I add this later on when the work does start? From what I have heard, you cannot add more stuff to the primary after it has been submitted, unless it is LOR or MCAT.
3. Is there an advantage to getting the LOR in as soon as possible, and will I be at a severe disadvantage if it gets done near mid-October. Just wondering.

Thanks to whoever responds.
 
My AMCAS says that I have a total undergraduate semester hours of "91.7" and then I have 48 hours of AP credit. Is that enough for universities?

If you've completed your undergrad degree, you're fine. I have 90 hours, in addition to 46 AP credits and I completed my degree. Some schools, like University of South Carolina, say your AP credits can only take up 25% of your total hours, but I think they just want to make sure you spend a full 3 years in school. I asked a while ago, because otherwise I would've had to be in school for another full year for it to count.

I have a pretty stupid question but I really don't have the time to search through all 40 pages.

Do you have to submit your primary before sending your transcript to be verified? Or do I just need to have completed the course work section? Because I'm re-writing my mcat on July 2nd, so I really haven't had time to work on my work activity list or the essay yet.
Also, are LORs required to complete the primary or secondary? Is 2 weeks sufficient for my supervisor to write me a LOR provided that I give her a rough draft? (she requested this, I considered it a bit unethical, so I'm getting one of my co-workers to write the rough draft for me and hand it directly to my supervisor).

Your transcript must be at AMCAS in order to be verified. Whether you submit before or after your transcript arrives really does matter, but they won't put you in line to be verified until all your transcripts are there.

Once you submit your application, you cannot make any changes to any section except the LOR section, the contact information section, and the medical schools section... you can update your contact information and add more LORs and schools, and assign your letters to schools. That's it. So, you will have to finish your activity list and your personal statement.

As far as your letter, it depends on your writer. I requested all my writers get the letter in in about a month, but I think all of them submitted it within a week. My work supervisor actually sat down as soon as I gave her the request and wrote the letter and submitted it within an hour. It was creepy.
 
Hey guys,
Three last questions: one is the same as the person before.
1. Can I send my transcripts to be verified before submitting my primary? I am actually graduating in August, so do I have to wait till August to send in the stuff, or can I just send it in right now. There is no new coursework, just some student record hassels.
Second question is for works and activities:
2. I will be doing research as a student volunteer at a prestigious eye hospital, but this doesn't start till mid-August. Can I still include it in the work and activities section, and if not, can I add this later on when the work does start? From what I have heard, you cannot add more stuff to the primary after it has been submitted, unless it is LOR or MCAT.
3. Is there an advantage to getting the LOR in as soon as possible, and will I be at a severe disadvantage if it gets done near mid-October. Just wondering.

Thanks to whoever responds.

1. yes but you need to make sure all your grades are entered into amcas before you send the transcript. Even then no "verification" takes place until submission.

2. No you cant include it, its kinda useless...LizzyM had a great quote about this....but the point is dont do it. You can update the schools and it can give you a reason to write them keeping your app "fresh" while showing your interest. you are right about not updating the amcas app but you can update almost every school, only UCD and a few others come to mind that do not take any real updates.

3. The only advantage is that you can not be "complete" at a school until your LORS are recieved. You could fill out the entire secondary and essay prompts but it wont mean much unless lors are coming along with them.
 
Hmm... this might be a technical issue, but my advisor and I are both stumped here.

I've filled out everything on my AMCAS, and tried to push the button last night, but unfortunately, it won't let me because it says my Letter of Evaluation section is incomplete.

I have my advisor's Committee letter entered and assigned to all 17 of my schools, but she has not yet written it or submitted it to AMCAS. She assures me that AMCAS does not need to receive the LoE before I submit my application. However, I don't see any options on the page for skipping/deferring this.

Short version: how do I submit my AMCAS without the LoE?
 
Hmm... this might be a technical issue, but my advisor and I are both stumped here.

I've filled out everything on my AMCAS, and tried to push the button last night, but unfortunately, it won't let me because it says my Letter of Evaluation section is incomplete.

I have my advisor's Committee letter entered and assigned to all 17 of my schools, but she has not yet written it or submitted it to AMCAS. She assures me that AMCAS does not need to receive the LoE before I submit my application. However, I don't see any options on the page for skipping/deferring this.

Short version: how do I submit my AMCAS without the LoE?
did you at least fill out your letter writers to get the letter ids? If so i dont know whats wrong, i submitted w/o having my letters in.
 
did you at least fill out your letter writers to get the letter ids? If so i dont know whats wrong, i submitted w/o having my letters in.

Yep, I have the letter entered with the ID# assigned. The letter is assigned to all of my schools.

*continues scratching head*

EDIT: Mmmkay, I went and tried clicking the 'print letter request form' button and clicking 'continue' on the 'edit details' page, and between the two of those, one of them apparently did the trick, and I can submit now. Woohoo!
 
Last edited:
I know A+ counts as a regular A on AMCAS but does A- count as a regular A also? and does B- and B+ count as regular B ?

Thanks🙂
 
A+ and A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
...
 
I think A+=A=A-= 4.00 for AMCAS, and the same for Bs, Cs, Ds....right?
 
I think A+=A=A-= 4.00 for AMCAS, and the same for Bs, Cs, Ds....right?

No. The first reply is correct.
A+ = A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D = 1.0
F = pay your school's registrar 100,000,000 to remove from your transcript.
 
I'd have a 3.7 with my A+'s 🙁 Oh well, hopefully they still get looked at somewhat!
 
"We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 06.15.09. Please Note: Submission of the application is now open. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009."

Does this mean that none of the apps are being sent into the schools until the 24th? In other words, my submission on around the 12th will be received at the same time as those submitted on the first or second (assuming mine is verified)?
 
"We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 06.15.09. Please Note: Submission of the application is now open. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009."

Does this mean that none of the apps are being sent into the schools until the 24th? In other words, my submission on around the 12th will be received at the same time as those submitted on the first or second (assuming mine is verified)?

Yes, as long as you're verified by the 24th your app will be sent to schools the same time as someone who was verified the 2nd.
 
Yes, as long as you're verified by the 24th your app will be sent to schools the same time as someone who was verified the 2nd.

So I guess I freaked out for no good reason, haha.
 
"We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 06.15.09. Please Note: Submission of the application is now open. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009."

Does this mean that none of the apps are being sent into the schools until the 24th? In other words, my submission on around the 12th will be received at the same time as those submitted on the first or second (assuming mine is verified)?

Merging with the 2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread.
 
I know A+ counts as a regular A on AMCAS but does A- count as a regular A also? and does B- and B+ count as regular B ?

Thanks🙂

I think A+=A=A-= 4.00 for AMCAS, and the same for Bs, Cs, Ds....right?

longhorn09, that's how TMDSAS does it, but AMCAS keeps the +/- for everything but A+.

Merging with the 2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread.
 
longhorn09, that's how TMDSAS does it, but AMCAS keeps the +/- for everything but A+.

Merging with the 2009-2010 AMCAS Questions Thread.

Actually A+ = A but not A-. A- = 3.7 for AMCAS.

Edited cuz this isn't directed towards you Gospursgo but the person you qouted aka longhorn whatever their name is.
 
Slightly confused on this: Do my LORs have to be sent to AMCAS and received before I submit my amcas?

Thanks 🙂
 
I am confused :scared: 😕 about the work and activities section.
I have about 9 activities, not including publications, awards, and research.
Here are my questions:

1. Can I list the publications in one section? All three were in the school journal.
2. Can I list the awards in one section? None of them are too stellar--it is the same old Dean's list, president's list, some certification awards, RA award, a school scholarship for performance and GPA. Since some of these are work related awards, should I list them in the description section of the activity?
3. Should I write in full sentences or bullet format suffices? At the moment, I have just pasted my resume description into the description section.
4. I used to work in one section of the hospital, and then I transferred over from being a PCU volunteer to a patient companion? Should I count this as one activity and just tell them the progression from one to another, or have two different sections for both? Currently, they count as separate activities.
5. Should I explain what my research was about, or just give the title of the paper, and who I worked with?

Thanks to whoever responds 😀😉

1 & 2: You can probably combine publications and awards into one section.
3: Either way.
4: I would probably combine them, but it's up to you.
5: I had a section for research that talked a little bit about my research and then a separate section for presentations and abstracts.
 
Hey guys,
Three last questions: one is the same as the person before.
1. Can I send my transcripts to be verified before submitting my primary? I am actually graduating in August, so do I have to wait till August to send in the stuff, or can I just send it in right now. There is no new coursework, just some student record hassels.
Second question is for works and activities:
2. I will be doing research as a student volunteer at a prestigious eye hospital, but this doesn't start till mid-August. Can I still include it in the work and activities section, and if not, can I add this later on when the work does start? From what I have heard, you cannot add more stuff to the primary after it has been submitted, unless it is LOR or MCAT.
3. Is there an advantage to getting the LOR in as soon as possible, and will I be at a severe disadvantage if it gets done near mid-October. Just wondering.

Thanks to whoever responds.

1. It won't be verified until you submit it. You should send your transcripts ASAP so that once you click submit the verification process can begin.
2. Don't include things you haven't done yet. What you can do is talk about it in secondaries and interviews.
3. Yes, there is an advantage, and yes you will be at a pretty large disadvantage if you're complete in mid-October. Many schools have sent out acceptances by that time.
 
Yep, I have the letter entered with the ID# assigned. The letter is assigned to all of my schools.

*continues scratching head*

EDIT: Mmmkay, I went and tried clicking the 'print letter request form' button and clicking 'continue' on the 'edit details' page, and between the two of those, one of them apparently did the trick, and I can submit now. Woohoo!

I think clicking "continue" did it for you.
 
"We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 06.15.09. Please Note: Submission of the application is now open. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009."

Does this mean that none of the apps are being sent into the schools until the 24th? In other words, my submission on around the 12th will be received at the same time as those submitted on the first or second (assuming mine is verified)?

Yes.
 
Does anyone know exactly what AMCAS verifies? I am under the impression they are just comparing your the grades you entered to the transcripts they receive.

All AMCAS verifies is that the grades/year course taken/course info listed/status at time ie FR, SO, JR or SR. I just received an email from AMCAS yesterday indicating that my application had been verified. They made a few corrections as well ie I put SO when I was still considered FR status.
 
For "current/future" courses, I put a couple courses I was planning on taking next year. If I have to change my schedule around and end up switching one of the courses for something else, do I actually have to notify the medical schools/AMCAS? Especially if its something as simple as switching one psych elective or another? Thanks in advance.

I did the same thing, and from what I understand about future courses, they won't hold you to anything you put down. If they ask you about the classes, you can explain you shifted your schedule around. Since those courses won't be calculated into your AMCAS GPA's, I don't see where the harm will be.

However, that is just my thoughts. Anyone disagree?
 
I have a pretty stupid question but I really don't have the time to search through all 40 pages.

Do you have to submit your primary before sending your transcript to be verified? Or do I just need to have completed the course work section? Because I'm re-writing my mcat on July 2nd, so I really haven't had time to work on my work activity list or the essay yet.
Also, are LORs required to complete the primary or secondary? Is 2 weeks sufficient for my supervisor to write me a LOR provided that I give her a rough draft? (she requested this, I considered it a bit unethical, so I'm getting one of my co-workers to write the rough draft for me and hand it directly to my supervisor).

Since you are in a time crunch, I will help you out. Even though most of your questions have already been answered.

1) AMCAS can't verify your grades vs your official transcripts until you submit the primary app. You can't submit your AMCAS until AMCAS has your transcripts on file.

2) It is not uncommon for LOR writers to be too lazy to write a letter for a student. I don't see it as unethical for you to write a draft, provided that you don't fabricate events to make yourself look better. If you say what you did, and discuss some experiences that you had, that is what your LOR writer should be doing anyway. I don't see how your co-worker will do a better job crafting your rough draft, or how you feel that makes a difference in terms of the ethics, but to each his own.

I hope that helps, best of luck to you on your uncoming MCAT.

*Lastly some friendly advice. I had a friend last year who was in your position (ie retaking his MCAT in July). Keep in mind that your application won't even be looked @ by medical schools regardless of if you submit your Primary in June, until they get that MCAT back. That means your Primary app won't be read until mid-August. And at that time, you will be way behind all the other applications that submitted their primaries (and had their applications verified with their MCAT scores) in June/July or even early August. You won't get secondaries until probably September or even October. And at that point, since most medical schools are on a rolling admissions basis, most of the spots will be gone.

Back to my friend...Poli Sci BA from UCLA, 3.7 BCPM, 31 MCAT, research experience, volunteer clinical, physician shadowing in India, and didn't get secondaries till September/October. He didn't get accepted to a single U.S. Medical School. He is starting Saint George University in the Caribbean this August, which is wonderful for him. However, had he waited another year, and applied in early June, he most likely would have gotten into some U.S. schools. It sounds like you are in the same boat that he is.

My advice for what it is worth, is to wait until next year to apply. Spend the next year strenghthening your application. Nail your MCAT, and apply the first week of June. If you choose to move forward, unless your MCAT is a 35+ and your BCPM is above a 3.7, you will probably share my buddies fate.

Good luck.
 
My AMCAS says that I have a total undergraduate semester hours of "91.7" and then I have 48 hours of AP credit. Is that enough for universities?

If you received a BA or BS from a university, then it should not matter how many units you have. Will you be graduating or have you already graduated with a Bachelor's?
 
I have a pretty stupid question but I really don't have the time to search through all 40 pages.

Do you have to submit your primary before sending your transcript to be verified? Or do I just need to have completed the course work section? Because I'm re-writing my mcat on July 2nd, so I really haven't had time to work on my work activity list or the essay yet.
Also, are LORs required to complete the primary or secondary? Is 2 weeks sufficient for my supervisor to write me a LOR provided that I give her a rough draft? (she requested this, I considered it a bit unethical, so I'm getting one of my co-workers to write the rough draft for me and hand it directly to my supervisor).

You have NO ethical conflict writing a draft of a letter requested by your supervisor (or prof - I know profs who ask students to write their own letter and submit it to him). It is up to the supervisor (or prof) to make changes and submit the letter with his/her signature attached. At that point, any ethical considerations are his and his alone.

Frankly, you should write the letter and write it exactly the way you would like it to read.
 
I'm wondering the same thing. This is my first cycle. Do I put repeat next to the old AND the newer course. Or do I just put repeat on the old course or just on the new course.
 
stupid question but please help me: for those of you who apply at the end of your third year, I know that AMCAS lets you submit your apps beginning in June. But I don't get my grades for 3rd year spring quarter till it ends which isn't until around June 20th or something.
1.So does this mean that I have to wait till I actually get my grades before I can submit my apps?

2. If i wait till then to get my grades and send my transcript, would I be late in the process? since they probably won't get my transcript till July, and then i'll be able to submit my apps?

3. Otherwise, those who apply at end of third year,can you guys tell me how you do it?

Thank you!!! 🙂
 
Last edited:
If our letters are sent through VirtualEvals, any idea how long it takes for AMCAS to "receive" them?

I checked in here to ask if this was even necessary. If my letters are sent through virtual evals, do I also need to have them sent to AMCAS?

Can the schools using the AMCAS system also get them through VE (like they have every year in the past), or do we have to go through AMCAS?
 
stupid question but please help me: for those of you who apply at the end of your third year, I know that AMCAS lets you submit your apps beginning in June. But I don't get my grades for 3rd year spring quarter till it ends which isn't until around June 20th or something.
1.So does this mean that I have to wait till I actually get my grades before I can submit my apps?

2. If i wait till then to get my grades and send my transcript, would I be late in the process? since they probably won't get my transcript till July, and then i'll be able to submit my apps?

3. Otherwise, those who apply at end of third year,can you guys tell me how you do it?

Thank you!!! 🙂

Students on the quarter system tend to have more terms behind them without the spring quarter than students on the semester system, so it's not quite as necessary for you to wait until the end of Spring quarter. But yeah, if you're not getting verified until July, you'll be a bit behind.

I checked in here to ask if this was even necessary. If my letters are sent through virtual evals, do I also need to have them sent to AMCAS?

Can the schools using the AMCAS system also get them through VE (like they have every year in the past), or do we have to go through AMCAS?

The schools that participate in the AMCAS letter service will only take letters through AMCAS, not VE or Interfolio, or any other letter service. You should have your letters sent from VE to AMCAS.
 
The schools that participate in the AMCAS letter service will only take letters through AMCAS, not VE or Interfolio, or any other letter service. You should have your letters sent from VE to AMCAS.

Thank you. I'm sorry to hear all of the schools are so ******ed (they can't get on the same page), but thank you for the information.
 
stupid question but please help me: for those of you who apply at the end of your third year, I know that AMCAS lets you submit your apps beginning in June. But I don't get my grades for 3rd year spring quarter till it ends which isn't until around June 20th or something.
1.So does this mean that I have to wait till I actually get my grades before I can submit my apps?
You'll be fine. I don't think you have to wait, but I don't think waiting will put you at a huge disadvantage.
2. If i wait till then to get my grades and send my transcript, would I be late in the process? since they probably won't get my transcript till July, and then i'll be able to submit my apps?

3. Otherwise, those who apply at end of third year,can you guys tell me how you do it?
I'm on semesters, so I waited until grades were posted and sent transcripts afterward. I ended classes around May 20th and had to wait until June 16th before my transcripts were received by AMCAS.

Thank you!!! 🙂
.
 
Thank you. I'm sorry to hear all of the schools are so ******ed (they can't get on the same page), but thank you for the information.

LOL. Yah people should just use the VE/Interfolio letters to send it to amcas. Even if they have professors send it there. I think eventually all the schools that use AMCAS will have that service as the means of taking letters but it will take time. Right now its pretty good that the majority are on board as last year it was only a few but not even half as many as this year.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top