* * 2009-2010 Application Season * * Post AACOMAS Questions HERE!!!

[Semicolon]

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You can literally enter anything that you've done (not just academically or medically-related ECs) in your application, but you should only enter something if you've already done it. If you think it's positive and can help you in any shape, way, or form, then include it.

 

[Semicolon]

1) are there any examples of written extracur, vol, comm. serv section online? i'm having a hard time deciding what kind of a style I should write this section. should it be lists of responsibilities/tasks, short but descriptive paragraphs, or resume like descriptions? any help is appreciated.
2) should i follow the same format/style when i fill out the work experience section?

thanks in advance!

You can write those sections in any form that you feel comfortable with. You can use bullets (like on a resume) or you can write your descriptions in paragraph form. People have done both and either way is fine.

My PS looks all screwy in terms of format when put in the AACOMAS PS box. I have separated my paragraphs, but when I go to "View Application Summary" everything is strung together in one large paragraph. Has this happened to anyone else? Is formatting even something I can change? Thanks

I remember the formatting being strange for me as well. I believe if you transfer your PS from Notepad instead of Word (which does its own formatting), you may not have this issue, but I honestly don't remember too well.

Mine did the same thing. I'm sure a lot if not all other applicants are having the same issue. I wouldn't worry about it.

This has probably been asked, but does the 3-6 weeks for processing apply to those who got their applications in early? I mean should those who submitted on day one expect to wait six weeks before their app is processed? Does anyone have a good time frame for those who apply during the first week of the cycle?

Yeah, even if you submitted during the first day of the cycle, it'll still take them just as long to verify your application.

"2. Due to an agreement, you must report all MCAT scores, but unlike for AMCAS, the THx system does NOT automatically release scores to AACOMAS; you must release them manually."

Follow-up Question:
sorry if this was asked before, but how do you release scores manually? do i call, email, or mail a form in?

You do neither. As CB stated, you simply log into the THx system where your MCAT score is listed, then from there request for your scores to be sent to AACOMAS.

So I just realized that I have to take an additional "behavioral science" class for certain D.O. school requirements. Do I say that the class is planned on my AACOMAS, and will it compromise my application? Also, since I've already graduated, I will have to take this class at a JC. Also, would linguistics count for a behavioral science?

You do not need all requirements fulfilled before you apply, you need them before you matriculate. Your application won't suffer because of this, don't worry. Just be sure to take the class this coming school year. 🙂

It's hard to say if linguistics counts as behavioral science. It's a subfield of anthropology, some of which does fall under behavioral science. If you want the most accurate answer, it's best to ask the schools themselves.

so if you were awarded research grants, which paid a stipend, for two different research projects, that would go under work experience? would you just mention under that position that you did X and Y research, and presented it at research conferences?

Yep, you've got the right idea. 👍

 

[binko]

you should only enter something if you've already done it.

Right, so if I'm chosen as an executive board member for this organization, should I put that? Because (assuming I find out on Friday I got it) I was already appointed by the current board to this position. So does that part count as something I've already done?

 

[Anita817]

I was a competitive dancer for about 16 years. I was with one company during HS (and grade school) and it consumed about 25 hours/week outside of school. I joined a company near my school and danced through college, but only about 8 hours/week outside of school (in addition to the dance classes I took through the university). I competed and performed internationally, and spent summers in New York of Los Angeles taking classes and auditioning. I've been out of college for 2 years now, and only danced about an hour/week last year (did not compete at all) and have not danced at all this year. I've been wondering whether to enter this experience as it was a HUGE part of most of my life (and I have even less substantial things like honoraries already listed), but it's really not a part of my life anymore. Also, how would I account for the fact that I danced at different companies and committed different amounts of time over the years? And the total amount of time spend over 16 years? That's going to be a ridiculous number. If I'm not sure whether to list it at all, surely listing it as 2 entries is going overboard, right?

 

[Anita817]

My PS looks all screwy in terms of format when put in the AACOMAS PS box. I have separated my paragraphs, but when I go to "View Application Summary" everything is strung together in one large paragraph. Has this happened to anyone else? Is formatting even something I can change? Thanks

My advisor said saving a PS in "rich text format" will prevent this from happening. I have not done it myself yet, so not sure about it's effectiveness.

 

[binko]

I was a competitive dancer for about 16 years. I was with one company during HS (and grade school) and it consumed about 25 hours/week outside of school. I joined a company near my school and danced through college, but only about 8 hours/week outside of school (in addition to the dance classes I took through the university). I competed and performed internationally, and spent summers in New York of Los Angeles taking classes and auditioning. I've been out of college for 2 years now, and only danced about an hour/week last year (did not compete at all) and have not danced at all this year. I've been wondering whether to enter this experience as it was a HUGE part of most of my life (and I have even less substantial things like honoraries already listed), but it's really not a part of my life anymore. Also, how would I account for the fact that I danced at different companies and committed different amounts of time over the years? And the total amount of time spend over 16 years? That's going to be a ridiculous number. If I'm not sure whether to list it at all, surely listing it as 2 entries is going overboard, right?

That really sound like it should be listed to me.

 

[Grey Wind]

AACOMAS received anyone's transcripts yet?

 

[chocolaterie]

AACOMAS received anyone's transcripts yet?

Yes, some of them.

 

[beckhunter116]

Yes, some of them.

Ditto!

 

[beckhunter116]

Right, so if I'm chosen as an executive board member for this organization, should I put that? Because (assuming I find out on Friday I got it) I was already appointed by the current board to this position. So does that part count as something I've already done?

Yes, if you KNOW you will be doing it then you can list it. Just try to be as accurate as possible in the hours and details. So if you find out on Friday, try to discuss with a member how much you will be doing and what exactly you are going to be doing.

 

[Gither]

Hey all... Just had a quick question.

When do we need our letters of recs sent to the schools? While we submit the secondary applications? If so, around August? I'm asking this because one of the DO's I shadowed said they would write one. I still have not received it. I left the nurse a message and I am still waiting for the doc to call me back.

Thanks in advance!

 

[beckhunter116]

Hey all... Just had a quick question.

When do we need our letters of recs sent to the schools? While we submit the secondary applications? If so, around August? I'm asking this because one of the DO's I shadowed said they would write one. I still have not received it. I left the nurse a message and I am still waiting for the doc to call me back.

Thanks in advance!

Yes, typically everyone turns LOR in with secondaries (those could come out as early as july or later like August). Of course, you could join interfolio and have them turn their letter in now so you don't have to worry about it. Hope that helps.

 

[Gither]

Thanks! Definitely reduced some stress confirming this. 🙂

 

[sobolem]

I am a non-traditional applicant, I haven't taken a science class in years but I am doing molecular medicine research. I was not pre-med in undergrad, so I never had an advisor or committee. Can I use my research supervisor who is an assistant professor as a science faculty reference? What are my other options regarding science faculty references? I do have one DO letter.

 

[KB24]

Iv been volunteering at the same doctors clinic on and off since my sophomore year of high school what do you guys think would be an accurate number of hours to put for the application. I think that it would have to be close to like 800 but i think a number like that would seem outrageous to the schools even though that's how much it must be close to

 

[beckhunter116]

Iv been volunteering at the same doctors clinic on and off since my sophomore year of high school what do you guys think would be an accurate number of hours to put for the application. I think that it would have to be close to like 800 but i think a number like that would seem outrageous to the schools even though that's how much it must be close to

I don't think that is an insane number as you have been doing it for years. Just realistically add your hours up and don't exaggerate!

 

[Semicolon]

Right, so if I'm chosen as an executive board member for this organization, should I put that? Because (assuming I find out on Friday I got it) I was already appointed by the current board to this position. So does that part count as something I've already done?

I personally do not feel it right to mention something that has not happened yet. While you may have been elected to a position, you have not served any amount of time in that position or performed activities under that position as of yet, so I would not put it down, but it is completely up to you...

And yeah, I would definitely put down the dancing as an EC, even if you have to separate it into two entries. Just try to put a spin on it that tells a little about yourself (motivation, perseverance, endurance, etc.).

 

[Semicolon]

I am a non-traditional applicant, I haven't taken a science class in years but I am doing molecular medicine research. I was not pre-med in undergrad, so I never had an advisor or committee. Can I use my research supervisor who is an assistant professor as a science faculty reference? What are my other options regarding science faculty references? I do have one DO letter.

I believe it can only be considered a science faculty letter if you've actually taken a science course in which your research supervisor was the professor. There have been other non-trads in your position, however, so my advice would be to contact the schools themselves about their science faculty requirement.

 

[bcgans]

Sorry to ask the question again but its really bugging me. I can't find a format that makes my PS look "correct." Is this even an issue? I feel like ad coms are going to look at it and say "this person did not even care about formatting his PS correctly." Is this just an absurd idea? Did anyone submit without worrying about this? I'm sorry for being a neurotic premed.

 

[Anita817]

Sorry to ask the question again but its really bugging me. I can't find a format that makes my PS look "correct." Is this even an issue? I feel like ad coms are going to look at it and say "this person did not even care about formatting his PS correctly." Is this just an absurd idea? Did anyone submit without worrying about this? I'm sorry for being a neurotic premed.

Did the rich text format not work? I'd be interested to know when I get around to doing mine...

 

[bcgans]

Did the rich text format not work? I'd be interested to know when I get around to doing mine...

It's weird: When I copy and paste it in the application, it actually looks fine. Spacing is good. But, when I go to the "view summary" - which I'm assuming is what ad coms see - its all one paragraph. The only way I've found to remedy this is to put a full line of space between each paragraph when I enter it originally. However, this uses up more space and brings your total count up (I'm hovering around 4500 now).

Hmmmm.. I dunno what I'll do.

 

[Black Adder]

So under "Scholarships" are you only supposed to list scholarships that you received while you were an undergrad? I have a few scholarships for college that I received while I was in high school can these be listed? I know you're not supposed to write about things from high school on a medical school application but since these are "scholarships"....

 

[kdizzy]

I have been thinking about signing up for a July MCAT (3rd time taking it) but am unsure. Would it be wise to submit my application with the 2 they already have and not list a third "to be taken" and then if I do end up taking it, I can inform them that I took the MCAT again?


MCAT😛S-10 VR-8 BS-9
MCAT2😛S-10 VR-8 BS-11
MCAT3:??????

 

[Semicolon]

So under "Scholarships" are you only supposed to list scholarships that you received while you were an undergrad? I have a few scholarships for college that I received while I was in high school can these be listed? I know you're not supposed to write about things from high school on a medical school application but since these are "scholarships"....

If it was a college scholarship, then yes, you can include it.

I have been thinking about signing up for a July MCAT (3rd time taking it) but am unsure. Would it be wise to submit my application with the 2 they already have and not list a third "to be taken" and then if I do end up taking it, I can inform them that I took the MCAT again?


MCAT😛S-10 VR-8 BS-9
MCAT2😛S-10 VR-8 BS-11
MCAT3:??????

You already asked this in another thread, and I responded there. 😀

 

[binko]

Can I put awards I received in High School? I won the poetry prize (which actually included a little money) three years out of four... it isn't very impressive but would show that I write, which I don't think is mentioned anywhere else.

 

[mic2377]

Hi All,
Just a quick Q regarding entering stuff "work/activities" stuff in AACOMAS.

I currently work in EMS, and following completion of a higher level of certification this spring, I was asked by my teacher to become an instructor this next semester as I was one of the top students in the class. I will be taking the class in June/July this summer, and starting my teaching during the Fall semester.

I would really like to include this on my app., but I am not sure it appropriate. If so, how would I list it? Is it taboo to list something that has not occurred yet?

Also, I did use the "search" function, but I didn't find anything......

 

[binko]

Hi All,
Just a quick Q regarding entering stuff "work/activities" stuff in AACOMAS.

I currently work in EMS, and following completion of a higher level of certification this spring, I was asked by my teacher to become an instructor this next semester as I was one of the top students in the class. I will be taking the class in June/July this summer, and starting my teaching during the Fall semester.

I would really like to include this on my app., but I am not sure it appropriate. If so, how would I list it? Is it taboo to list something that has not occurred yet?

Also, I did use the "search" function, but I didn't find anything......

I just asked about this in the AACOMAS q's thread.

 

[Semicolon]

Can I put awards I received in High School? I won the poetry prize (which actually included a little money) three years out of four... it isn't very impressive but would show that I write, which I don't think is mentioned anywhere else.

Sorry, but high school doesn't really count unless it somehow applied to your college career. But realistically, that award wouldn't do anything for your application anyway. 😉

 

[Semicolon]

Hi All,
Just a quick Q regarding entering stuff "work/activities" stuff in AACOMAS.

I currently work in EMS, and following completion of a higher level of certification this spring, I was asked by my teacher to become an instructor this next semester as I was one of the top students in the class. I will be taking the class in June/July this summer, and starting my teaching during the Fall semester.

I would really like to include this on my app., but I am not sure it appropriate. If so, how would I list it? Is it taboo to list something that has not occurred yet?

Also, I did use the "search" function, but I didn't find anything......

You shouldn't really list anything that you haven't put any hours or effort into as of yet. However, that doesn't mean you can't mention it in secondaries or interviews if it ever came up.

 

[swamprat]

You shouldn't really list anything that you haven't put any hours or effort into as of yet. However, that doesn't mean you can't mention it in secondaries or interviews if it ever came up.

really? I have heard differently. I mean I guess everyone has their own opinion on things, but why not?

 

[Anita817]

So under "Scholarships" are you only supposed to list scholarships that you received while you were an undergrad? I have a few scholarships for college that I received while I was in high school can these be listed? I know you're not supposed to write about things from high school on a medical school application but since these are "scholarships"....

Ok, so I know you're supposed to enter college scholarships, but what about the date? Do I list the when it was awarded (i.e. during senior year of HS) or when it took effect (when I began college)? If it's a renewable scholarship, does it get listed more than once?

 

[antapolar]

I have been thinking about signing up for a July MCAT (3rd time taking it) but am unsure. Would it be wise to submit my application with the 2 they already have and not list a third "to be taken" and then if I do end up taking it, I can inform them that I took the MCAT again?


MCAT😛S-10 VR-8 BS-9
MCAT2😛S-10 VR-8 BS-11
MCAT3:??????

This quesiton prob goes under what are my chances 😛 But you have good enough MCAT, don't worry about it. I applied with a very similar score as yours (same VR) too. Just apply early as in now, you should have a shot. But not sure what's your other criteria? depending on ur gpa/ECs.

 

[kdizzy]

This quesiton prob goes under what are my chances 😛 But you have good enough MCAT, don't worry about it. I applied with a very similar score as yours (same VR) too. Just apply early as in now, you should have a shot. But not sure what's your other criteria? depending on ur gpa/ECs.

thanks for the replies, i was wondering if it would be acceptable for me to do that though; ie. to apply without listing that I am taking another MCAT and if I decide to take an MCAT would I be able to update them when my score comes out in August?

About my stats I have a 3.68 science and cum gpa, and have been published, worked in labs, shadowed, have been on a DII varsity team, and am working 15 hours/ week

 

[antapolar]

thanks for the replies, i was wondering if it would be acceptable for me to do that though; ie. to apply without listing that I am taking another MCAT and if I decide to take an MCAT would I be able to update them when my score comes out in August?

About my stats I have a 3.68 science and cum gpa, and have been published, worked in labs, shadowed, have been on a DII varsity team, and am working 15 hours/ week

If you really feel incline to re-take your MCAT, even though i don't see a reason to. Then yeah its fine to submit but you should probably indicate on AACOMAS that you will be taking one then update it later.

From your other criterias, sounds like you maybe considering MDs? because you definitely has the marks for DOs now without re-take MCAT, but the choice is entirely up to you.

 

[justh0ang]

I too would not mention it on the primary app unless you've actually got concrete hours put in. Its almost close to lying on your app. Who knows what might happen in a few months or during the fall. Should you end up not teaching EMS, it would look bad when schools ask you about that. Wait until your secondaries (which come around fall) to put that activity. It'll still be just as good.

 

[binko]

I too would not mention it on the primary app unless you've actually got concrete hours put in. Its almost close to lying on your app. Who knows what might happen in a few months or during the fall. Should you end up not teaching EMS, it would look bad when schools ask you about that. Wait until your secondaries (which come around fall) to put that activity. It'll still be just as good.

But saying you were selected to do something is not the same as just saying you will do something, if we're talking about the philosophical acceptability of including this or whatever.

In my mind, this is okay:
"After an application and interview process I was appointed by the outgoing board members to the position of executive vice president of student org X for the coming academic year"

while this is not:
"I will become the vice president of student org X and I will do a lot of good stuff"

It seems to me the former is almost like an "awards and honors" entry, since even if you haven't done it yet, the fact you were chosen tells something about your character and qualifications and the group's confidence in you. I just wouldn't enter hours.

 

[mrsmith]

Here's what the description would look like if I were to include it:

"My group is best described as a meta-band, a loose community of electronics-influenced people who have drifted in and out of projects together over the course of a few years. Much of our work deals with technology as both an isolating and connecting influence in society. My contributions include writing song lyrics, doing album cover layout, performing live, music arrangement and production, conceptual planning, and helping assemble custom instruments for a traveling interactive sound-art installation."

Also, should I include it if my German class self-published a book of translated poems, that I contributed to?

Oh, and I just applied for a position on executive board in a student organization for next year. If I get that (I'll know Friday) should I list it, even though it hasn't started yet? It was kind of involved, and required an interview where I had to wear a suit and stuff.

If I were in your shoes, I would definitely list your involvement in the band/group as an EC activity. It seems like a very unique quality and shows that you're a well rounded person.

As for listing the position on this student group's executive board, I think you can mention it as an EC as long as you mention it is planned and not completed. It might be better to mention it in your PS, since it'll let you talk about what you plan on doing with this board rather than what you have done already. Either way, I'd try and find some way to mention it in your primary app so the schools are aware of you having this position (assuming you get it, and I am crossing my fingers that you do).

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[kdizzy]

If you really feel incline to re-take your MCAT, even though i don't see a reason to. Then yeah its fine to submit but you should probably indicate on AACOMAS that you will be taking one then update it later.

From your other criterias, sounds like you maybe considering MDs? because you definitely has the marks for DOs now without re-take MCAT, but the choice is entirely up to you.

I'm just looking for a good fit and want to be able to have the best options a my disposal. I feel like I can get a better MCAT, but I'm not entirely sure I want to go through the process again. I'll probably end up applying to both MD and DO.

 

[Semicolon]

really? I have heard differently. I mean I guess everyone has their own opinion on things, but why not?

justh0ang expressed my opinion on this topic quite accurately. 🙂

But saying you were selected to do something is not the same as just saying you will do something, if we're talking about the philosophical acceptability of including this or whatever.

In my mind, this is okay:
"After an application and interview process I was appointed by the outgoing board members to the position of executive vice president of student org X for the coming academic year"

while this is not:
"I will become the vice president of student org X and I will do a lot of good stuff"

It seems to me the former is almost like an "awards and honors" entry, since even if you haven't done it yet, the fact you were chosen tells something about your character and qualifications and the group's confidence in you. I just wouldn't enter hours.

If you consider it an honor or an award, then you can put it in that section, where hours are not required. However, you should not put this down as an activity or experience since that implies that you've already spent time on it, which would be lying in a sense.

 

[Semicolon]

Ok, so I know you're supposed to enter college scholarships, but what about the date? Do I list the when it was awarded (i.e. during senior year of HS) or when it took effect (when I began college)? If it's a renewable scholarship, does it get listed more than once?

This isn't an issue, so you shouldn't worry about it. Enter it however you feel is more accurate and comfortable. I would enter it as a single entry covering the entire time that the scholarship was in effect.

 

[mic2377]

The way I was planning to approach it was not to enter it as hours, etc., but to mention that I had been selected.

It is concrete that I was nominated for a position, and I am indeed registered for the instructor methodology class.

I'll just register it as an award, and mention any progress/hours spent on it during secondary time.

Thanks for your help.....

 

[binko]

justh0ang expressed my opinion on this topic quite accurately. 🙂



If you consider it an honor or an award, then you can put it in that section, where hours are not required. However, you should not put this down as an activity or experience since that implies that you've already spent time on it, which would be lying in a sense.

Hours are not required on the EC's portion either. If you don't enter them, that slot doesn't show up. Only a start date is required. Awards doesn't allow you to put in any explanation. Heck I can't even fit the whole organization title in for most of them.

 

[swamprat]

For institutional action, what does it mean when it says "if yes, were you ever denied readmission?" Idk whether to put "no" or "n/a" ?

 

[simbalimba]

I know that for AACOMAA they have grade forgiveness, if you do bad in a class and retake it they replace the first grade with the second NO averaging. But for this to occur do I have to take the class at the same school? I took calculus 1 the first time at my university but did very bad in it, I took it again at a community college and did much better. Will this work or do I need to take it at the original institution? Thanks.

 

[Black Adder]

How long does it take AACOMAS to recieve/process your transcripts? I had my transcripts sent to both AACOMAS and AMCAS at the same time about 2 weeks ago. AMCAS recieved my transcript within 6 days and sent me an email confirming that they recieved it, while I've heard nothing from AACOMAS. I'm not really worried about this, but I was just curious how long it took for other people.

 

[Black Adder]

I know that for AACOMAA they have grade forgiveness, if you do bad in a class and retake it they replace the first grade with the second NO averaging. But for this to occur do I have to take the class at the same school? I took calculus 1 the first time at my university but did very bad in it, I took it again at a community college and did much better. Will this work or do I need to take it at the original institution? Thanks.

You can retake it at a community college, I'm pretty sure that's what most people do since it's cheaper.

 

[scaredoflife]

AAMOCAS take about 3-4weeks for transcript to be received. I had that experience last year.

 

[beckhunter116]

How long does it take AACOMAS to recieve/process your transcripts? I had my transcripts sent to both AACOMAS and AMCAS at the same time about 2 weeks ago. AMCAS recieved my transcript within 6 days and sent me an email confirming that they recieved it, while I've heard nothing from AACOMAS. I'm not really worried about this, but I was just curious how long it took for other people.

They have already received one of mine.

 

[Watchmeollie]

So I have just finished a 9 month long, intense, and interesting dietetic internship. I am writing my PS about part of it, and have entered it into my educational info (I received grad credit for it). Can I enter it anywhere else? I feel like just listing it under education doesn't really do it justice, but I'm not sure its appropriate for "additional academic, professional, and personal profile" ... anyone else with an internship entering it there?

Thanks!

 

[Watchmeollie]

So I have just finished a 9 month long, intense, and interesting dietetic internship. I am writing my PS about part of it, and have entered it into my educational info (I received grad credit for it). Can I enter it anywhere else? I feel like just listing it under education doesn't really do it justice, but I'm not sure its appropriate for "additional academic, professional, and personal profile" ... anyone else with an internship entering it there?

Thanks!

So when I said "additional academic..." I meant either work experience or extracurricular, since additional academic, while sounding wonderful, is actually just looking for your osteopathic background. I lose 🙂

Seriously though, where would you put an unpaid internship?
help me out 😀