The Official 4/26/13 MCAT Thread

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In lieu of the other threads popping up, I thought it'd be good for those of us taking the test to identify ourselves 👍

I'm not planning on following a rigid study schedule until January, but I think I'm going to watch a single video off of wikipremed daily to lightly review.

Good luck to everyone... we will crush this exam..

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Everybody having fun chugging through AMCAS?

I need to rewrite my PS... :-/

 

[HotHamH2O]

Do I personally need to drop off this bloody transcript request form at the registrar office of every school I attended?

 

[milski]

I need to rewrite my PS... :-/

Lucky you, I need to write mine... :-/

 

[milski]

Do I personally need to drop off this bloody transcript request form at the registrar office of every school I attended?

I'd love to find out that too. My school has an online form for transcript requests and I don't see how to attach the form without visiting the office. There is some talk about PDF transcripts in the manual but it's unclear which schools are approved and how to request them.

 

[HotHamH2O]

And do we list things that didn't count as credit on our transcript, i.e. fire academy, ambulance operations driving course?

 

[msj6403]

I'd love to find out that too. My school has an online form for transcript requests and I don't see how to attach the form without visiting the office. There is some talk about PDF transcripts in the manual but it's unclear which schools are approved and how to request them.

It depends on schools. In my school, it's necessary to be there personally and give the hard copy of the request form. If you can, you may do it online.

However, I still think that it's better to do it personally and know for sure that you definitely sent it to AMCAS, as opposed to freaking out in June/July when AMCAS didn't happen to receive the transcript you sent through online and your application gets delayed for weeks.

In short, I would do it personally even if you can request online. Do it correctly now, so that you won't worry about it later.

And do we list things that didn't count as credit on our transcript, i.e. fire academy, ambulance operations driving course?

If it's in your transcript, put it in AMCAS word for word verbatim. I think you can put 0 for the credit box. If not, I am not sure.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

Do I personally need to drop off this bloody transcript request form at the registrar office of every school I attended?

No, just print out the AMCAS transcript request & the schools transcript request online and fax it to them.

 

[Moxess]

And do we list things that didn't count as credit on our transcript, i.e. fire academy, ambulance operations driving course?

I'm putting everything. You can put 0 in the box for "credits." Better to include too much than too little in my opinion.

 

[HotHamH2O]

Called my schools. They charge $10 per transcript sent (WTF!!). I have to go there personally, pay, print out the transcript, and have them attach the request form. Fml

 

[HotHamH2O]

Anybody else not complete there BA/S in 4 years and change their major a bajillion times? I have 100 credits alone at my junior college. How did you guys determine your freshman/sophomore/junior/senior designation? Do you do it according to your graduating major? Sorry, but AMCAS is ridiculous.

 

[milski]

Anybody else not complete there BA/S in 4 years and change their major a bajillion times? I have 100 credits alone at my junior college. How did you guys determine your freshman/sophomore/junior/senior designation? Do you do it according to your graduating major? Sorry, but AMCAS is ridiculous.

It's based on credit accumulated at the start of the semester/quarter. They have the exact numbers in the manual but for me all classes after 45 credits are considers sophomore, all after 90 junior and so on.

 

[Back 5]

Anybody else not complete there BA/S in 4 years and change their major a bajillion times? I have 100 credits alone at my junior college. How did you guys determine your freshman/sophomore/junior/senior designation? Do you do it according to your graduating major? Sorry, but AMCAS is ridiculous.

Is AMCAS different than AACOMAS? AACOMAS gives you a breakdown of each year based on # of credits. It's under their faq or something like that.

 

[HotHamH2O]

Is AMCAS different than AACOMAS? AACOMAS gives you a breakdown of each year based on # of credits. It's under their faq or something like that.

Idk. I figured I would finish AMCAS first since its more imperative that I get that in sooner.

 

[Back 5]

Idk. I figured I would finish AMCAS first since its more imperative that I get that in sooner.

You submit AACOMAS June 1, AMCAS June 28 I believe.

 

[vagusnerve]

You submit AACOMAS June 1, AMCAS June 28 I believe.

No, you can submit AMCAS June 4th. They don't send your info to schools until the 28th, which I think is odd...

 

[Albein]

No, you can submit AMCAS June 4th. They don't send your info to schools until the 28th, which I think is odd...

They don't send it until the 28th!? Are you sure? So what's the sense in submitting it as soon as it's allowed. I'm assuming even if you submit the 15th, it'll be verified before they send the first batch out.

 

[johnnyscans]

They don't send it until the 28th!? Are you sure? So what's the sense in submitting it as soon as it's allowed. I'm assuming even if you submit the 15th, it'll be verified before they send the first batch out.

Supposedly that as long as you submit it anytime from the 4th to the 15th it's in the first batch, then anything after that is in the second batch.

Anyone have any additional information?

 

[vagusnerve]

They don't send it until the 28th!? Are you sure? So what's the sense in submitting it as soon as it's allowed. I'm assuming even if you submit the 15th, it'll be verified before they send the first batch out.

I stand corrected, they actually send your info on the 26th. I have no idea their reasoning behind this, but they did this last cycle and I guess they're sticking with the same plan this cycle. The AAMC likes to make us wait haha

 

[MedGrl@2022]

You submit AACOMAS June 1, AMCAS June 28 I believe.

Do you think AACOMAS sends their applications out sooner than AMCAS?

 

[Albein]

Anyone else getting less and less sleep each night? I've slept total of 8 hours in the last 3 nights.

 

[Sphenoid927]

Anyone else getting less and less sleep each night? I've slept total of 8 hours in the last 3 nights.

Oh no! That's not good. I have put the test out of my mind pretty much. I am distracted by finals, so that "helps", but I also realize it's all out of my control right now. I hate not having any idea how I did and I hate waiting, but until that score pops up I am SOL!

 

[Albein]

Oh no! That's not good. I have put the test out of my mind pretty much. I am distracted by finals, so that "helps", but I also realize it's all out of my control right now. I hate not having any idea how I did and I hate waiting, but until that score pops up I am SOL!

Yeah I didn't think about it at all first 2 weeks and now it's all I think about. I'm worried because I didn't struggle on PS like everyone else did (or at least I don't remember). And on the practice tests when I struggled I did well, when I didn't I bombed :/

 

[Sphenoid927]

Yeah I didn't think about it at all first 2 weeks and now it's all I think about. I'm worried because I didn't struggle on PS like everyone else did (or at least I don't remember). And on the practice tests when I struggled I did well, when I didn't I bombed :/

That stinks that you are feeling this way. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way, if it makes any difference. I wish these ridiculous exams did not get us all so worked up the way they do. Many of us are smart and compassionate and may or may not be great standardized test takers and the fact that one single exam causes such anxiety and sleeplessness is just wrong. Getting into medical school is not easy, of course, so anxiety and worry are part of the territory, but the power of the MCAT to take our minds hostage is craziness. There is so much more to any one applicant than a single test score. A high score does not necessarily equal an excellent doctor to be and a less than "insert magic score here" does not necessarily mean someone is sub-par or will not make an excellent physician. It may "predict" future USMLE, but does a good USMLE make a good doctor? I argue there is much more to being a good physician than that as well. There are some who can excel in everything and that's great, but most of us are human and have good days and bad, strengths and weaknesses and that is just the way it is. Striving for your best is always right thing to do, but letting certain aspects of this pre-med journey take over one's life does not make for a balanced life. It's hard to find balance as it is, but the pre-med path can really take over everything and it's important all of us try our best to take a step back, too, and just be proud of where we are. Okay, off my soap box. Anyway, I have by no means mastered a balanced life nor have I avoided excessive MCAT/pre-med stress, but I'm trying.

 

[johnnyscans]

I stand corrected, they actually send your info on the 26th. I have no idea their reasoning behind this, but they did this last cycle and I guess they're sticking with the same plan this cycle. The AAMC likes to make us wait haha

When does your information need to be submitted by for it to be sent on the 26th? Any idea?

 

[DeFused]

I just called my school and they said they absolutely do NOT attach anything to the official transcripts when they are mailed out - even if I was to mail them the transcript request form or bring it to them in person. They said they would include my AACOMASID - would this be alright?

 

[Roxas]

That stinks that you are feeling this way. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way, if it makes any difference. I wish these ridiculous exams did not get us all so worked up the way they do. Many of us are smart and compassionate and may or may not be great standardized test takers and the fact that one single exam causes such anxiety and sleeplessness is just wrong. Getting into medical school is not easy, of course, so anxiety and worry are part of the territory, but the power of the MCAT to take our minds hostage is craziness. There is so much more to any one applicant than a single test score. A high score does not necessarily equal an excellent doctor to be and a less than "insert magic score here" does not necessarily mean someone is sub-par or will not make an excellent physician. It may "predict" future USMLE, but does a good USMLE make a good doctor? I argue there is much more to being a good physician than that as well. There are some who can excel in everything and that's great, but most of us are human and have good days and bad, strengths and weaknesses and that is just the way it is. Striving for your best is always right thing to do, but letting certain aspects of this pre-med journey take over one's life does not make for a balanced life. It's hard to find balance as it is, but the pre-med path can really take over everything and it's important all of us try our best to take a step back, too, and just be proud of where we are. Okay, off my soap box. Anyway, I have by no means mastered a balanced life nor have I avoided excessive MCAT/pre-med stress, but I'm trying.

That was prophetic 👍

 

[vagusnerve]

When does your information need to be submitted by for it to be sent on the 26th? Any idea?

It probably depends on when you send your transcripts in. If they're already in by the time you apply, then they verify all your classes and if you inputted it correctly so it shouldn't take long. I'd say officially send in your app that week of the 4th and your info should be sent by the 26th. I had a friend who missed a period in her class name input so they delayed her app because it wasnt the exact same as her transcript.

 

[vagusnerve]

Also, I'm tired of waiting for the scores. I just wanna knowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I keep remembering questions I got wrong on the PS and being annoyed at myself for being an idiot. Everyone who asks me how I did get so confused when I tell them it takes a month to grade a computerized test. Chop chop aamc, this waiting game is bull.

 

[Albein]

That stinks that you are feeling this way. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way, if it makes any difference. I wish these ridiculous exams did not get us all so worked up the way they do. Many of us are smart and compassionate and may or may not be great standardized test takers and the fact that one single exam causes such anxiety and sleeplessness is just wrong. Getting into medical school is not easy, of course, so anxiety and worry are part of the territory, but the power of the MCAT to take our minds hostage is craziness. There is so much more to any one applicant than a single test score. A high score does not necessarily equal an excellent doctor to be and a less than "insert magic score here" does not necessarily mean someone is sub-par or will not make an excellent physician. It may "predict" future USMLE, but does a good USMLE make a good doctor? I argue there is much more to being a good physician than that as well. There are some who can excel in everything and that's great, but most of us are human and have good days and bad, strengths and weaknesses and that is just the way it is. Striving for your best is always right thing to do, but letting certain aspects of this pre-med journey take over one's life does not make for a balanced life. It's hard to find balance as it is, but the pre-med path can really take over everything and it's important all of us try our best to take a step back, too, and just be proud of where we are. Okay, off my soap box. Anyway, I have by no means mastered a balanced life nor have I avoided excessive MCAT/pre-med stress, but I'm trying.

wow, thank you so much for that. and likewise. i hope we all did considerably better than we think we did.

It probably depends on when you send your transcripts in. If they're already in by the time you apply, then they verify all your classes and if you inputted it correctly so it shouldn't take long. I'd say officially send in your app that week of the 4th and your info should be sent by the 26th. I had a friend who missed a period in her class name input so they delayed her app because it wasnt the exact same as her transcript.

really?! a period? i didn't realize they were that *nal. I'm going to wait until this semester's grades are in which will probably take me well into late May since classes only end tomorrow.

 

[vagusnerve]

wow, thank you so much for that. and likewise. i hope we all did considerably better than we think we did.



really?! a period? i didn't realize they were that *nal. I'm going to wait until this semester's grades are in which will probably take me well into late May since classes only end tomorrow.

Yup, gotta remember those periods and dashes. Ex. if the transcript has your class name as BIOL-496 and you just put BIOL 496 then they wont accept it. Thats why you should send a copy of the transcript to yourself so you wont make those silly mistakes.

 

[johnnyscans]

It probably depends on when you send your transcripts in. If they're already in by the time you apply, then they verify all your classes and if you inputted it correctly so it shouldn't take long. I'd say officially send in your app that week of the 4th and your info should be sent by the 26th. I had a friend who missed a period in her class name input so they delayed her app because it wasnt the exact same as her transcript.

Gotcha. So aim to have the stuff on "my end" done by the 4th.

 

[Moxess]

Yup, gotta remember those periods and dashes. Ex. if the transcript has your class name as BIOL-496 and you just put BIOL 496 then they wont accept it. Thats why you should send a copy of the transcript to yourself so you wont make those silly mistakes.

I dunno about that. The AMCAS instruction manual (or the tutorial video, I forget which one) says that if the name of the course cannot fit, you can use a logical abbreviation. It seems like, if they allow such freedom, a missed period should not result in sending your application back.

But this raises a question for me: the course names on my transcript are already abbreviated, so should I use those abbreviations? I feel like if I write ErTrnStSng then no one will know what class that actually is....

 

[Albein]

I dunno about that. The AMCAS instruction manual (or the tutorial video, I forget which one) says that if the name of the course cannot fit, you can use a logical abbreviation. It seems like, if they allow such freedom, a missed period should not result in sending your application back.

But this raises a question for me: the course names on my transcript are already abbreviated, so should I use those abbreviations? I feel like if I write ErTrnStSng then no one will know what class that actually is....

I had the same question when I was looking over my course work last night.

 

[vagusnerve]

Ok, so I called the AAMC this morning and the guy told me that the course number (aka BIOL 496) needs to be the exact same as appears on transcript, with the correct spacing and symbols as the transcript but the course name (physiology or whathaveyou) can be the long form if its abbreviated weird, as long as they can still recognize it. Didn't want to confuse anyone so I called the source 🙂

 

[marathonoflife]

Hi guys, fellow 4/26-er here,

I've been following this thread and it's been super super helpful, but havn't had anything useful to contribute/ask until now (mainly because I think I blacked out due to stress and do not remember a single thing about that test on 4/26)!

I have a really stupid question:

I'm entering info into the work/activities section of AMCAS (also I completely agree re: the previous conversation about how ridiculously insane it is to have to list contact info for each one!!!) and realized there seems to be a three digit limit on the amount of hours you can input. As in the highest could be 999 hrs - but what if I'm trying to input time for something that I did continuously for multiple years?

Just wanted to see if maybe it's only a problem on my end, or if anyone has run into the same issue.

 

[Back 5]

Well, at least we can all agree that DO>MD for application services!



AACOMAS is sooooo much easier and intuitive than AMCAS for entering your information.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Reading this thread makes me feel guilty. Since the mcat, I have been very lazy. I only did few changes in my PS and that's it. Other than that, I'm still in search for a job. Perhaps, I should exploit the free time I have now and get my AACOMAS filled out. I'm soooooooooo lazy.

 

[Sphenoid927]

Hi guys, fellow 4/26-er here,

I've been following this thread and it's been super super helpful, but havn't had anything useful to contribute/ask until now (mainly because I think I blacked out due to stress and do not remember a single thing about that test on 4/26)!

I have a really stupid question:

I'm entering info into the work/activities section of AMCAS (also I completely agree re: the previous conversation about how ridiculously insane it is to have to list contact info for each one!!!) and realized there seems to be a three digit limit on the amount of hours you can input. As in the highest could be 999 hrs - but what if I'm trying to input time for something that I did continuously for multiple years?

Just wanted to see if maybe it's only a problem on my end, or if anyone has run into the same issue.

Not a stupid question! I think if it is something such as a job or a very long term volunteer activity or what not, if you have consistently participated in this activity on a weekly basis, I would try to average the weekly hours and put that # in for the hours (for exp: input 20 hours for a 20 hours on average per week p/t job) and then in the explanations/descriptions explain that this was a weekly (or whatever) commitment during the begin and end dates. I am sure there are lots of us with jobs that are long term that we cannot possibly estimate total hours for, so this seems a reasonable solution. Anyone else have thoughts or come up with something else?

 

[ihatebluescrubs]

Hi guys, fellow 4/26-er here,

I've been following this thread and it's been super super helpful, but havn't had anything useful to contribute/ask until now (mainly because I think I blacked out due to stress and do not remember a single thing about that test on 4/26)!

I have a really stupid question:

I'm entering info into the work/activities section of AMCAS (also I completely agree re: the previous conversation about how ridiculously insane it is to have to list contact info for each one!!!) and realized there seems to be a three digit limit on the amount of hours you can input. As in the highest could be 999 hrs - but what if I'm trying to input time for something that I did continuously for multiple years?

Just wanted to see if maybe it's only a problem on my end, or if anyone has run into the same issue.

I had the same problem. What I did was that I just use the "repeat event" and each repeat will give you a new box that has a max 999 hrs as well.

 

[Sphenoid927]

I had the same problem. What I did was that I just use the "repeat event" and each repeat will give you a new box that has a max 999 hrs as well.

I thought about repeat event, too, but that seemed well, redundant, especially if it is something that has been done continuously for say, several years. Though, it is another option.

 

[marathonoflife]

Thanks so much! Yea I think it makes sense to ballpark an average and then put in the description further details as to the time commitment.

On one hand I wish time would move faster so we could all get our scores, but on the other hand I wish it would slow down so I could have more time to write (well scribble nonsense until it turns into an essay really)...

 

[HotHamH2O]

Well, at least we can all agree that DO>MD for application services!



AACOMAS is sooooo much easier and intuitive than AMCAS for entering your information.

I was just telling my wife about this. Also the fee assistance doesn't require parents info which I thought was absolutely ridiculous because I have two kids and a wife. I don't live with my parents anymore.

 

[Greedo]

Thanks so much! Yea I think it makes sense to ballpark an average and then put in the description further details as to the time commitment.

On one hand I wish time would move faster so we could all get our scores, but on the other hand I wish it would slow down so I could have more time to write (well scribble nonsense until it turns into an essay really)...

Haha this is exactly how I feel about writing my PS! So far, it's a few fragments of nonsense with no organization or point. I haven't written anything like this since, I don't know, college admissions essays?

 

[Status Sciaticus]

The day is getting closer.... and I am caring less and less lol

 

[Albein]

This personal statement is so hard to work on. I've been "at it" for 2 hours and wrote 2 thoughts down and how I can elaborate them. I may just start typing away and then continue to edit it. Anyone have tips?

 

[MedGrl@2022]

This personal statement is so hard to work on. I've been "at it" for 2 hours and wrote 2 thoughts down and how I can elaborate them. I may just start typing away and then continue to edit it. Anyone have tips?

Just write all your ideas... and let it all flow... you will start coming up with themes... think about doctors that you have shadowed and how you want to emulate them... what is your philosophy of medicine? What does being a doctor mean to you? Why do you think you would make a great doctor? Why do you want to go to medical school? What are your experiences with health care that make you want to be a physician, etc.?

Get a book of medical school personal statements if you need more ideas.

Best of luck! 🙂

 

[MedGrl@2022]

The day is getting closer.... and I am caring less and less lol

I am just thinking more and more about how I should be studying for the next MCAT. But I am working on my applications instead.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

Does anyone have any advise on this:

I graduated 6 years ago. I am getting an LOR from my pre-medical committee. I have one science (biology) professor, who was also my academic advisor and the advisor of a national biological honor society that I founded on my campus.

Does it matter the type of science professor that I get my second letter of recommendation from? I have another co-advisor of my national biological honor society that was my molecular biology professor and I shined in that class.

I could also get my organic chemistry professor, but I dont think we conversed that much outside of the year that I took organic chemistry. I did win an award for organic chemistry that year though.

These are all professors from my undergraduate days. I have a 3.78 GPA in Biochemistry and Psychology... so I did not have a reason to go back to school.

I will also have letters from my PI and supervising post-doc at NIH. I should also have two LORs from DO's (one that I worked with for an entire summer in 2006) and possibly one LOR from an MD that I have shadowed and worked with currently (but not for much time).

Which science professor should I use? Should I do both? Is this too many LORs? I know it is more than required but I graduated 6 years ago.

Please advise!!! 🙂

 

[Albein]

Does anyone have any advise on this:

I graduated 6 years ago. I am getting an LOR from my pre-medical committee. I have one science (biology) professor, who was also my academic advisor and the advisor of a national biological honor society that I founded on my campus.

Does it matter the type of science professor that I get my second letter of recommendation from? I have another co-advisor of my national biological honor society that was my molecular biology professor and I shined in that class.

I could also get my organic chemistry professor, but I dont think we conversed that much outside of the year that I took organic chemistry. I did win an award for organic chemistry that year though.

These are all professors from my undergraduate days. I have a 3.78 GPA in Biochemistry and Psychology... so I did not have a reason to go back to school.

I will also have letters from my PI and supervising post-doc at NIH. I should also have two LORs from DO's (one that I worked with for an entire summer in 2006) and possibly one LOR from an MD that I have shadowed and worked with currently (but not for much time).

Which science professor should I use? Should I do both? Is this too many LORs? I know it is more than required but I graduated 6 years ago.

Please advise!!! 🙂

I would have other people confirm this, but I would get a letter from someone who can talk about your character as well as your academics. The orgo professor who you didn't converse much with I feel is useless.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

I would have other people confirm this, but I would get a letter from someone who can talk about your character as well as your academics. The orgo professor who you didn't converse much with I feel is useless.

I thought we had a great relationship that one year that I took her class. I found organic chemistry fascinating and I was ALWAYS asking her questions during and around class. But after organic chemistry ended I rarely saw her and this was like 7-8 years ago. She came to a presentation that I was going to make my senior year though. I think she was fond of me but again this was 7-8 years ago.