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

Med School Insiders
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
MrReno said:
yeah. i saved each time i entered a new EC, work experience, etc. really paranoid about losing all the information, but i guess it didn't really matter after losing it all. i spent all day entering it all back in. but its frustrating. hope others didn't have to redo things like i did.
Click to expand...

I've noticed that AACOMAS will spazz out sometimes and will act like I haven't entered in any information at all. And I'm just like, "Girlfriend, I know you didn't!" This has happened a couple of times and my information has always come back. Just log out and log back in and the info is there. I would always be careful though to save everything all the time, as they may log you out after a certain period of time for inactivity. Not sure if the latter is true, but a lot of the time with secure applications/forms, it's true.
 
Longshanks said:
I'm having some difficulty with figuring out how to add in AP classes as well. I received credit for them at my university, and they took care of some intro classes (including the first semester of intro bio) but my official transcript that I received after graduation doesn't have them included.. though they were on other internal reports I could print out when I attended and told me what requirements and credit fulfillments I still had to make. Unless they're on the 2nd page of my transcript, I scanned the first page and e-mailed it to myself a while ago so I don't remember. But if they aren't on my official transcript, does anyone know about how I can prove I received credit for them, other than the fact that if you added up the credits on my official transcript it would come up 16 short of the total (I have 16 AP credits)?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

They must be on your official transcript; there's no reason why they wouldn't be if those classes gave you credit at that particular college. Try to look at the full official transcript, or just simply go talk with the registrar and figure out how to get documentation of those classes (if it actually isn't on your transcript).
 
mickc said:
Hello again,
I'm filling out the DO application, and I got to the part where I enter the actual courses I took in college. The part I am not sure what to enter is my nursing courses. I attended nursing school (Cerritos College, Nursing) and received an ADN out of it so I can practice as an RN after I took the NCLEX. It's not a regional license; I can practice anywhere I want in the US. Nursing is considered a professional degree, is it not? This is what it says at the website:



Thank you for your help.

Mick
Click to expand...

Did you get a bachelor's degree, or just the ADN? If you only got the ADN, your courses must be listed as undergraduate.
 
Im a RN and I listed all my nursing courses under plain old undergraduate classes.
 
Semicolon said:
They must be on your official transcript; there's no reason why they wouldn't be if those classes gave you credit at that particular college. Try to look at the full official transcript, or just simply go talk with the registrar and figure out how to get documentation of those classes (if it actually isn't on your transcript).
Click to expand...

Yeah, I won't say specifically what school it is but its a well known northeast public university and the registrar office is extremely combative and won't even discuss my transcript over the phone or request by mail. I need to physically be there. I remember when I was applying to grad school and I was still a student there, I requested transcripts to be sent months ahead of time and still almost missed my deadlines 😕. Luckily, I'll be visiting there anyway later in the week so I can just ask them then.
 
I would not consider an RN a professional degree in the aacomas sense as one usually obtains it upon earning a bachelors degree. I think the segment you pasted from the instructions applies to people who maybe earned a bachelors degree is something else, but then did unrelated coursework at a professional school in say, massage therapy or vetrinary technician---or even EMT training.
 
The professional courses are explained in the instructions and they give a couple good examples. I would consider your ADN/ASN with your RN to be undergraduate level and I believe that AACOMAS will agree. Vet tech, EMT and similar are listed as professional courses (I am/was an EMT).

Plus if you did well in them it only helps your application!
IamAriDO
 
On the Transcript Request Form that you print out on the AACOMAS website, are you guys able to print your name and all the other information? Or are you guys writing it in by hand? When I print it out it's just a blank form where it seems like you have to write in the information. Is this supposed to happen? It seems a bit antiquated, and the AMCAS transcript request form automatically has all your information on the form and all you have to do is sign it at the bottom.
 
Black Adder said:
On the Transcript Request Form that you print out on the AACOMAS website, are you guys able to print your name and all the other information? Or are you guys writing it in by hand? When I print it out it's just a blank form where it seems like you have to write in the information. Is this supposed to happen? It seems a bit antiquated, and the AMCAS transcript request form automatically has all your information on the form and all you have to do is sign it at the bottom.
Click to expand...

I was having the same problem, sometimes it would print the info and sometimes it wouldn't. I think i finally got it to print everything on the form by clicking on HOME, then on theright side it clicking on transript requests and then trying to print from there.
 
1. I have a question about the job category. I have had the same job since senior year in high school and I work there whenever I go home (all breaks, summer etc.). How would I enter that--if I did each one separately it would take 10 entries, but only once would seem to imply that I never stopped working there while I was in college--and would really interfere with the hours I put in.

Edited for second question.

2. I went to a military high school...so I have a jrotc rank...would that count as "...any military experience?"
 
classes for me don't end until may 29. should i wait until after that to give my transcript request form to my college? and how long will it take after aacomas receives it before i can submit my application, or can i submit before they get it?

also i took the 5/2 mcat, when i get the scores and submit them in june will it take a while for them to verify it.. or can i submit before that..

i'm confused about submitting and what i need verified in order to do so..
 
rotatedline said:
1. I have a question about the job category. I have had the same job since senior year in high school and I work there whenever I go home (all breaks, summer etc.). How would I enter that--if I did each one separately it would take 10 entries, but only once would seem to imply that I never stopped working there while I was in college--and would really interfere with the hours I put in.

Edited for second question.

2. I went to a military high school...so I have a jrotc rank...would that count as "...any military experience?"
Click to expand...

1. I would enter it as a single entry and simply explain in the description that you only worked there during school breaks at home.

2. I'm not sure whether or not it can be considered military experience, but including it won't hurt you.

diamondclub said:
classes for me don't end until may 29. should i wait until after that to give my transcript request form to my college? and how long will it take after aacomas receives it before i can submit my application, or can i submit before they get it?

also i took the 5/2 mcat, when i get the scores and submit them in june will it take a while for them to verify it.. or can i submit before that..

i'm confused about submitting and what i need verified in order to do so..
Click to expand...

You can submit your application before they receive the transcripts and before they receive the MCAT, but the verification process will not begin until they receive the transcripts (it will still be verified without MCAT).
 
I'm filling out the courses for a community college which I went to full-time, part-time, and took a break for a couple of years... Eventually applied for and got two degrees at the same time. I entered all my grades in, but I don't know where to put the second degree. If I had done them consecutively, I would have made two entries, but they overlapped quite a bit. Any ideas? Does it need to be listed? Maybe just mention it somewhere else?
 
i seriously doubt that going to a military school or JROTC counts as military experience. i believe they're getting at the actual active duty/reserve/national guard experience.
 
I requested my MCAT scores to be released to AACOMAS a while ago but they haven't shown up on my application yet. Should I be worried? Should I call AAMC or AAMCOMAS and see what's up?
 
katiesb said:
I requested my MCAT scores to be released to AACOMAS a while ago but they haven't shown up on my application yet. Should I be worried? Should I call AAMC or AAMCOMAS and see what's up?
Click to expand...

When are you applying for? Is this a new mcat score for the upcoming Class of 2013 (starting this fall 2009) or for the next application period? If it is for the next application period, it still might be a little early. Not being an applicant at this time, I think AACOMAS only opens in May (and it is only the 10th), and I think for the AAMCAS, that opens in June (I believe).

If you can give some more information, someone might be able to get right to the heart of the matter.

Good luck:luck:
 
MrReno said:
i seriously doubt that going to a military school or JROTC counts as military experience. i believe they're getting at the actual active duty/reserve/national guard experience.
Click to expand...

Ya that is what I'm assuming, I said no--it just threw me off a little.
 
katiesb said:
I requested my MCAT scores to be released to AACOMAS a while ago but they haven't shown up on my application yet. Should I be worried? Should I call AAMC or AAMCOMAS and see what's up?
Click to expand...
I am having this problem too. AACOMAS never replies back to my emails or voice mails. This is not for new Mcat score.
 
Same deal here, I submitted my MCAT score to AACOMAS the day it opened (May 1st). Looking at the MCAT Thx, the status was sent but AACOMAS still say they have no received any scores. I'm not worried though, it'll be there sometime/someway and I haven't submitted yet so maybe it will be process and "verified" after I pay $$ and submit my app.👍
 
Hey guys I wouldn't worry about it. If the MCAT Thx system says they were sent AACOMAS should receive them. My experience last year is that AACOMAS lagged behind AMCAS by a few weeks for everything.

If it gets to be mid June and you are still having a problem you will have to give them a call. I tried emailing them a couple times last year and NEVER got back a response. Your best bet is just to call them early in the morning as soon as they open up their phone lines.

As far as the timeline for stuff goes, you can have your AACOMAS done on the first day (what I did) and you still won't receive your secondaries until sometime in August. So just try to have your secondaries submitted by September and that is still VERY VERY early.

I know it's a stressful process but let me tell you it's a marathon so just sit back and let it play out because it won't likely be finalized until one year from now.

Best of luck!👍
 
I have a question about how AACOMAS handles W and WF. I have one WF on my transcript, but my school does not include it in gpa calculations. Will AACOMAS then not include it in their calculations?
Also, regarding recommendation letters, is there a optimum number to send? I have my school's pre-med committee letter and a letter from a DO, but I've seen on SDN where some applicants send in 3-6 letters. Do i need to ask for more letters, or are the two I have sufficient?
 
OK cool, I'm just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one having this problem Thanks everyone!
 
jmass233 said:
I have a question about how AACOMAS handles W and WF. I have one WF on my transcript, but my school does not include it in gpa calculations. Will AACOMAS then not include it in their calculations?
Also, regarding recommendation letters, is there a optimum number to send? I have my school's pre-med committee letter and a letter from a DO, but I've seen on SDN where some applicants send in 3-6 letters. Do i need to ask for more letters, or are the two I have sufficient?
Click to expand...

I believe the WF will be calculated in your AACOMAS GPA.

Regarding LOR, obviously you need the the minimum which you have. After that I feel like if you have other people who can write a STRONG letter then yes go for more. You want letters that will highlight other areas than the committee letter (academic ability) and DO letter (physician stamp of approval).
 
One of the schools I attended didn't go by "semester hours" as listed on the coursework page. Instead, it was credits...with each class equaling 1 credit (unless it was a lab or something, then it was 0.25 credits). Do I equate that into semester hours as most schools have or leave it as it is on my transcript and only put 1 or 0.25 into the "semester hours" section?
 
So I'm a little confused as to where to put my undergraduate research experience on the 2010 AACOMAS. I did research for 13 months, but the first 6 months I didn't get paid, but got paid after. I'm debating whether I should put it under the "work experience" section or the "extracurricular" section. Maybe some of you were in the same boat? Any help will be great!
 
I am still having trouble with the chronological order of my work experience, extracurriculars/volunteer, and awards section. I want each section to start from most recent to least recent. Each section is moving my entries around and is not in chronological order. aacomas said they are going to fix it soon. I want to submit within the next day or two. Does anyone have it working for them and in chronologival order or does everyone have their entries all out of order?? If everyone has it out of order then I am not worried, but I don't want to be one of only people with this problem. Thanks for any feedback.
 
wishintobedoc said:
I am still having trouble with the chronological order of my work experience, extracurriculars/volunteer, and awards section. I want each section to start from most recent to least recent. Each section is moving my entries around and is not in chronological order. aacomas said they are going to fix it soon. I want to submit within the next day or two. Does anyone have it working for them and in chronologival order or does everyone have their entries all out of order?? If everyone has it out of order then I am not worried, but I don't want to be one of only people with this problem. Thanks for any feedback.
Click to expand...

One thing in my employment section is out of order, I haven't entered my EC yet.
 
i had the same thing last year when I filled out my application. I put the volunteer (non-pay) one under my extracurricular section, while the pay one under my (pay) section. However, I don't think it is a great deal between where you put it, just make sure you explain well and in some sort of order.
 
Should undergraduate research (independent study) go under "work experience" or "extracurricular"? Does it even matter?

Thanks!
 
wishintobedoc said:
I am still having trouble with the chronological order of my work experience, extracurriculars/volunteer, and awards section. I want each section to start from most recent to least recent. Each section is moving my entries around and is not in chronological order. aacomas said they are going to fix it soon. I want to submit within the next day or two. Does anyone have it working for them and in chronologival order or does everyone have their entries all out of order?? If everyone has it out of order then I am not worried, but I don't want to be one of only people with this problem. Thanks for any feedback.
Click to expand...

Mine's all in order in the application summary and they put it from oldest to newest.
 
Does a science LOR count from any professor that taught a science class, as considered by AACOMAS?
 
HawkGuy said:
One of the schools I attended didn't go by "semester hours" as listed on the coursework page. Instead, it was credits...with each class equaling 1 credit (unless it was a lab or something, then it was 0.25 credits). Do I equate that into semester hours as most schools have or leave it as it is on my transcript and only put 1 or 0.25 into the "semester hours" section?
Click to expand...

Do not leave it as is; you should try your best to convert your credits into semester hours. If I remember right, a credit is worth 4 semester hours, but check on that.

wishintobedoc said:
I am still having trouble with the chronological order of my work experience, extracurriculars/volunteer, and awards section. I want each section to start from most recent to least recent. Each section is moving my entries around and is not in chronological order. aacomas said they are going to fix it soon. I want to submit within the next day or two. Does anyone have it working for them and in chronologival order or does everyone have their entries all out of order?? If everyone has it out of order then I am not worried, but I don't want to be one of only people with this problem. Thanks for any feedback.
Click to expand...

There have been quite a few people with this problem; I wouldn't worry about it much.

UWBadger24 said:
Should undergraduate research (independent study) go under "work experience" or "extracurricular"? Does it even matter?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I would put that under extracurricular since you were not being compensated for it.

msb1190 said:
Does a science LOR count from any professor that taught a science class, as considered by AACOMAS?
Click to expand...

Yes, as long as you were in that particular class with that professor.
 
Two questions:

1) Is it true that most (if not all DO schools) do not accept mcat scores older than 3 years?
2) Do we HAVE to report all mcat scores if we took it more than once, or can we just send them the best score as long as it's not older than 3 years old?

thanks!
 
The THx system sends everything if you've taken any MCAT since 1995 or something like that (maybe 2001), so you have no choice about that. And yes, both MD and DO schools do not accept an MCAT older than three years, though the other night while looking through requirements I saw one doesn't accept a score older than two years (was this midwestern??)
 
How long does it take for an official MCAT score to show up? I started my application on the first day, and I've yet to see my score come up, "officially." I've verified that AAMC/MCAT ID number as well, so I know it's right. The page says something like, "scores are updated daily." Why hasn't mine gotten there yet?

Is anyone else in the same shoes?
 
Ibn Rushd said:
How long does it take for an official MCAT score to show up? I started my application on the first day, and I've yet to see my score come up, "officially." I've verified that AAMC/MCAT ID number as well, so I know it's right. The page says something like, "scores are updated daily." Why hasn't mine gotten there yet?

Is anyone else in the same shoes?
Click to expand...

From my last year's experience...they take several weeks...yes...several weeks despite their "update daily" note. You can try to give them a call to confirm, I wouldn't recommend e-mail since that takes a long time too. Besides, the AACOMAS just open, they'll need some time to go through the application. No worries.
 
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!
 
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
 
Unlearner said:
Two questions:

1) Is it true that most (if not all DO schools) do not accept mcat scores older than 3 years?
2) Do we HAVE to report all mcat scores if we took it more than once, or can we just send them the best score as long as it's not older than 3 years old?

thanks!
Click to expand...

1. The rough answer is yes, but you should check the CIB for info on the last MCAT accepted by each school.

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.
 
bcgans said:
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
Click to expand...

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?
 
"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?
 
Hey, I had my MCAT scores sent to the AACOMAS application and it took less than a day...

I do remember going into some page on the AACOMAS application trying to change my email address, and seeing a spot for "other ID numbers" or something, so I typed in my AMCAS ID number. I think this might be necessary in order to match your AMCAS appication (which the AAMC, and thus MCAT, knows is you) with a corresponding AACOMAS application to have your scores sent over. I don't know if you've done this already, but if you haven't you should give it a try and maybe your scores will show up.
 
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?
 
Semicolon said:
I would put [research experience]that under extracurricular since you were not being compensated for it.
Click to expand...

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?
 
Unlearner said:
"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?
Click to expand...

You login to the THx system and select AACOMAS as the recipient, if I remember correctly.

Moving to the AACOMAS Questions thread.
 
Apologies if this has been asked before (I feel it must have been, but didn't find a thread on it).

I was putting only strictly academic/med-related things on my AACOMAS list of extracurriculars... but should I put my electronic art/band on there? What about informal hobbies that I spend a lot of time on? I don't want to look like I'm grasping at straws, but I don't want to leave off anything that might make a favorable impression either.
 
Wondering the same here too. I'm a beat-maker aka "producer" and have worked with several artists. not sure if i should add it or not, but i do spend a lot of time in the studio recording my "hits" 😀
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
AACOMAS 2025 high stat applicant, school list/questions
Replies
6
Views
2K
Premedhopeful2256
P
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2025-2026~*~*
Replies
13
Views
2K
Maidenless??
M
Meli001
Do I need to disclose an expunged institutional action on AACOMAS application?
Replies
1
Views
342
Goro
Goro
premed1234543212
AACOMAS Verification timeline
Replies
2
Views
1K
betablocker_bby
betablocker_bby
D
AACOMAS CNA Class
Replies
1
Views
652
idkjustchooseone
idkjustchooseone
Top