*~*~* Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2016-2017 *~*~*

Getting into Med School is Hard? Not with BeMo.
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
AlteredScale

AlteredScale

Full Member
Staff member
Administrator
Volunteer Staff
Verified Member
10+ Year Member
Physician
Verified Expert
Joined
May 10, 2013
Messages
9,049
Reaction score
8,528
This thread will open at the opening of the 2016-2017 application cycle. As dates from last year for reference:
May 5th was the day AACOMAS opened to applications
June 15 was when schools began receiving information from applicants.

Please use this thread to ask any questions specific to the AACOMAS application.

Ask away and good luck!

Last years AACOMAS question page is right here.
Members don't see this ad.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
reposting:

For DO applications is there a limit to how many work experiences we can input? Is 15 the general recommendation?
 
So I chose to rollover my application from last cycle and I noticed that two of the chemistry labs I took are listed as 3 credit hours instead of the correct 1 credit hour on my transcript. Since it is locked, I cannot fix it. If I contact AACOMAS about this, how long do you guys think it will take to fix? This is actually lowering my sGPA by .1 points. I'm not sure if it matters but I was just wondering.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
So I opened an application last cycle and did not apply anywhere... I was just a curious pre-med and wondered what it looked like. In AACOMAS it says I'm reapplying even though I'm not at all. Will I appear as a re-applicant to medical schools?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
How do I specify if a course had lab included if it is not explicitly mentioned in my official transcript? Someone in the thread from last year said we should add "(with lab)" in the course title like "General Biology 1 (with lab)". Can someone confirm this?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
NecrotizingFascitis said:
So I opened an application last cycle and did not apply anywhere... I was just a curious pre-med and wondered what it looked like. In AACOMAS it says I'm reapplying even though I'm not at all. Will I appear as a re-applicant to medical schools?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...
had the exact same issue as well!
 
Is it wrong of me to be claiming Anatomy and Physiology (plus labs for both) as biology credits? I feel like most schools accept this. I only have one Bio 1 + Lab since I got AP credit for it in high school. I'd hate to have to take biology II if I can just claim my other "bio" classes to fill that need


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
How do we list research experience?
Extracurricular?
Non-Healthcare/Community Engagement?
 
If you get paid to do molecular research involving animal models (but no patient contact) is this
Non-Healthcare Employment, Extracurricular activities or Healthcare Experience?
 
I know I am blowing up this thread I apologize.

For Achievements section, I was debating putting my percentile for the ACS Exam for Gen Chem I/II and Organic Chem I/II.
I scored pretty good on those tests > 90 percentile.

I just asked my professor what my raw score was and we calculated my percentile on the spot. The only thing that makes me nervous about this is one of the tests was the 2003 version.

You guys think thats inappropriate to put something like this in the achievements section? If so characterizing it as "honor" might be better?

Thanks,
 
getfat said:
I think @BelieveMeChile is right any non-clinical research should be characterized as extracurricular.
Click to expand...

But isn't an extracurricular more like campus club/sport team? I feel like it can be non-healthcare employment? I'm not too sure at all
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Would volunteering in a nursing home where I engage in conversation with a resident who suffers from depression and take her on walk be "healthcare experience' or "Non-healthcare volunteer or community enrichment" ?
 
If you are getting paid as a RA but if not I want to lean towards extra curricular


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
pizza1994 said:
Would volunteering in a nursing home where I engage in conversation with a resident who suffers from depression and take her on walk be "healthcare experience' or "Non-healthcare volunteer or community enrichment" ?
Click to expand...

I would definitely advocate for that being a healthcare experience.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
but is there a specific address? I found that already but when I request my transcript on my universities website it asks for an address (line 1, line 2 etc).

NecrotizingFascitis said:
AACOMAS Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9137
Watertown, MA 02471


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...
 
medschoolplease123 said:
but is there a specific address? I found that already but when I request my transcript on my universities website it asks for an address (line 1, line 2 etc).
Click to expand...

Not sure.. I just made that address work (my university had a similar format is what it sounds like.) I don't know how P.O. boxes work to be honest so I figured it was something to do with that for as to why the address looked weird/incomplete. If it doesn't work I'll let you know. I sent the request Wednesday last week so I should find out soon.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
NecrotizingFascitis said:
Not sure.. I just made that address work (my university had a similar format is what it sounds like.) I don't know how P.O. boxes work to be honest so I figured it was something to do with that for as to why the address looked weird/incomplete. If it doesn't work I'll let you know. I sent the request Wednesday last week so I should find out soon.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...

thank you very much! Please let me know. I am going to request the transcripts be sent after my final semester grades were submitted and available to us. (which is the 16 of this month). How long does it take for AACOMAS to get the transcripts and verify everything?
 
medschoolplease123 said:
thank you very much! Please let me know. I am going to request the transcripts be sent after my final semester grades were submitted and available to us. (which is the 16 of this month). How long does it take for AACOMAS to get the transcripts and verify everything?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure.. I opted for the $65 fee for them to do transcript entry for me (I'm lazy and worried ill mess something up) so it may different. It's been 4 business days so far. On the site I think it said it usually takes 10 but I'm not sure if that is after they receive the transcripts you send (probably) or including the time from when you originally sent your transcripts (doubtful.)


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
Ahh okay. Yeah I gotcha. Well I plan on just entering in mine; just because I can use that $65 towards application process money I planned on saving and just spending during the app cycle. Have you decided on your school list yet?
NecrotizingFascitis said:
I'm not sure.. I opted for the $65 fee for them to do transcript entry for me (I'm lazy and worried ill mess something up) so it may different. It's been 4 business days so far. On the site I think it said it usually takes 10 but I'm not sure if that is after they receive the transcripts you send (probably) or including the time from when you originally sent your transcripts (doubtful.)


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...
 
ysera555 said:
So I chose to rollover my application from last cycle and I noticed that two of the chemistry labs I took are listed as 3 credit hours instead of the correct 1 credit hour on my transcript. Since it is locked, I cannot fix it. If I contact AACOMAS about this, how long do you guys think it will take to fix? This is actually lowering my sGPA by .1 points. I'm not sure if it matters but I was just wondering.
Click to expand...
I was in a similar boat. Reapplicant with roll-over, noticed error on verified courses. I sent a ticket asking for a fix on one of my terms that was in the wrong year. They replied quickly with the fix, but then I noticed that it unlocked the entire transcript entry for that particular school, thus free to edit. But that also meant that it became unverified. I contacted them again and they responded that the transcripts will be re-verified upon submission. So it really depends, is .1 worth having to go through re-verification? I think so, plus it's still pretty early in the game and you have to submit at some point anyway assuming you haven't submitted yet.
 
BelieveMeChile said:
Is it wrong of me to be claiming Anatomy and Physiology (plus labs for both) as biology credits? I feel like most schools accept this. I only have one Bio 1 + Lab since I got AP credit for it in high school. I'd hate to have to take biology II if I can just claim my other "bio" classes to fill that need


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Same question here. Bio II at my school is plant based and no human health related majors take it.
 
2 Questions:

1) At my school, I took summer courses in 2 sessions, although the courses are grouped as "Summer [year]" on my transcript. Do I divide my courses into Summer 1 and Summer 2 or combine them on AACOMAS?

2) I took MCDB (Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology) and EEMB (Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology) courses, but these do not correlate exactly with the subjects on AACOMAS. Can I list these as Biology?
 
medschoolplease123 said:
thank you very much! Please let me know. I am going to request the transcripts be sent after my final semester grades were submitted and available to us. (which is the 16 of this month). How long does it take for AACOMAS to get the transcripts and verify everything?
Click to expand...

The address worked. 1 of 2 transcripts arrived at AACOMAS this morning.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
Please help me.

Some relevant info:

I'm taking the MCAT 8/4 so it won't be available until 9/7 . I understand that you don't need you LORs for your AACOMAS application to be verified. My DO is super busy and I don't believe he'll get my letter out anytime soon. One of my professors is teaching abroad until end of summer ( I should've asked earlier... doh! But we had a great relationship and he says he can give me a stellar LOR ). I also won't be able to get a letter from the hospital I volunteer at until I complete the program at the end of summer. So three of my best LORs won't be available anytime soon.

My questions are as follows:
1. Should I just go ahead and verify the app and apply to my desired programs without the LORs/MCAT?
2. Should I verify my app, wait for the LORs/MCAT, then apply for my programs?

Thanks in advance for your help and I hope this question helps others.
 
Got some questions for y'all.
So it looks like AACOMAS calculates sGPA as

Biochem, Biology/Zoology, Inorganic Chem, Organic Chem, Other Science, and Physics

and the non-science GPA as

Behavioral Science, English, Math, Other Non-Science
___________________________________________

So my questions pertains to two classes of mine in particular: Wetland Environments: EVR 4027 , and Medical Terminology: HSC 4537

In the "Other Science" section of the sGPA, it breaks down to a whole bunch of nonsense and then two of interest: Environmental Science, and Health Sciences

Does EVR 4027 constitute as 'Environmental Science?
And does HSC 4537 constitute as 'Health Sciences'?

Also important information:
In the 'English' section of non-science GPA, Medical Terminology is listed as a non-science. BUT the course code sort of lists it as a 'Health Sciences' class, so would it affect my sGPA?

Sorry if this seems overly meticulous and annyoing.
 
coffee-doc said:
Got some questions for y'all.
So it looks like AACOMAS calculates sGPA as

Biochem, Biology/Zoology, Inorganic Chem, Organic Chem, Other Science, and Physics

and the non-science GPA as

Behavioral Science, English, Math, Other Non-Science
___________________________________________

So my questions pertains to two classes of mine in particular: Wetland Environments: EVR 4027 , and Medical Terminology: HSC 4537

In the "Other Science" section of the sGPA, it breaks down to a whole bunch of nonsense and then two of interest: Environmental Science, and Health Sciences

Does EVR 4027 constitute as 'Environmental Science?
And does HSC 4537 constitute as 'Health Sciences'?

Also important information:
In the 'English' section of non-science GPA, Medical Terminology is listed as a non-science. BUT the course code sort of lists it as a 'Health Sciences' class, so would it affect my sGPA?

Sorry if this seems overly meticulous and annyoing.
Click to expand...
Where can I even see this stuff? Like my calculated GPA and such?

I've looked and can't find it anywhere. Am I blind?

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Can I start sending in official transcripts before I submit my application? I have a whole ton of institutions (like 10) to send transcripts from so I want to start sending some now incase something goes wrong. I still have one class in progress so I won't be submitting my application until Mid-June. Thanks!
 
NecrotizingFascitis said:
So I opened an application last cycle and did not apply anywhere... I was just a curious pre-med and wondered what it looked like. In AACOMAS it says I'm reapplying even though I'm not at all. Will I appear as a re-applicant to medical schools?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...

Did you ever find out if schools will see you as a reapplicant?
 
Hey, question! Can we submit our application without having our letters of recommendation submitted? I was under the impression this wasn't going to open until June 15th for submission so I'm scrambling to get this all done on time
 
pewpew23 said:
Can I start sending in official transcripts before I submit my application? I have a whole ton of institutions (like 10) to send transcripts from so I want to start sending some now incase something goes wrong. I still have one class in progress so I won't be submitting my application until Mid-June. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Yes, send all your official transcripts before you submit. AACOMAS has to have all your official transcripts before they will begin verifying your application.
 
nemourspremed said:
Hey, question! Can we submit our application without having our letters of recommendation submitted? I was under the impression this wasn't going to open until June 15th for submission so I'm scrambling to get this all done on time
Click to expand...
Yes, you can submit this primary app without your LORs. But, LORs are required to be submitted with your secondaries. Sometimes schools want your secondaries submitted within just a couple days of you receiving them, so just make sure your LORs will be ready by early/mid July if you submit in mid June.
 
BelieveMeChile said:
Where can I even see this stuff? Like my calculated GPA and such?

I've looked and can't find it anywhere. Am I blind?

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
AACOMAS won't have calculated GPAs available until after your app is submitted and verified. :(
 
LoachesohMY said:
Please help me.

Some relevant info:

I'm taking the MCAT 8/4 so it won't be available until 9/7 . I understand that you don't need you LORs for your AACOMAS application to be verified. My DO is super busy and I don't believe he'll get my letter out anytime soon. One of my professors is teaching abroad until end of summer ( I should've asked earlier... doh! But we had a great relationship and he says he can give me a stellar LOR ). I also won't be able to get a letter from the hospital I volunteer at until I complete the program at the end of summer. So three of my best LORs won't be available anytime soon.

My questions are as follows:
1. Should I just go ahead and verify the app and apply to my desired programs without the LORs/MCAT?
2. Should I verify my app, wait for the LORs/MCAT, then apply for my programs?

Thanks in advance for your help and I hope this question helps others.
Click to expand...
LORs aren't mandatory with the primary app, so you can wait a little longer on those.

Technically, there's no point in submitting an app without an MCAT because schools won't look at your app anyway without it. Instead, to save time, submit your app to a throwaway to get it verified. Then, you can immediately submit to your actual schools of interest once your MCAT score is available.
 
DoctorCupcake said:
LORs aren't mandatory with the primary app, so you can wait a little longer on those.

Technically, there's no point in submitting an app without an MCAT because schools won't look at your app anyway without it. Instead, to save time, submit your app to a throwaway to get it verified. Then, you can immediately submit to your actual schools of interest once your MCAT score is available.
Click to expand...
is there a way to update your AACOMAS if you've submitted and your score comes in after?
 
Hello, quick question. For the release authorization question for experiences, do we have to put yes? I want to write no because some of the people I worked with are retired or no longer work at the organization. Would it look bad if I write no?
 
DoctorCupcake said:
AACOMAS won't have calculated GPAs available until after your app is submitted and verified. :(
Click to expand...
That's so stupid! Does that mean I might be applying to schools where I don't hit stat cutoffs? I mean I've calculated my own stuff but what if I'm wrong? They really should change that.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
BelieveMeChile said:
That's so stupid! Does that mean I might be applying to schools where I don't hit stat cutoffs? I mean I've calculated my own stuff but what if I'm wrong? They really should change that.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
If anything, you could initially submit to schools without strict cutoffs, and then, after verification, submit to the schools with the cutoffs if you meet their criteria.
 
DoctorCupcake said:
If anything, you could initially submit to schools without strict cutoffs, and then, after verification, submit to the schools with the cutoffs if you meet their criteria.
Click to expand...

Any suggestion on a school like that? I was advised to do a "throwaway" school to get verified first because I haven't taken the MCAT yet (June) and i want to incorporate this cutoff idea as well. I don't know what school to choose...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
NecrotizingFascitis said:
Any suggestion on a school like that? I was advised to do a "throwaway" school to get verified first because I haven't taken the MCAT yet (June) and i want to incorporate this cutoff idea as well. I don't know what school to choose...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Click to expand...
I would suggest a school with high IS bias (like Rowan if you're in the Pacific Northwest) or one of the newer, less established schools. Or basically any other school you would never want to attend, even if you were admitted.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
DoctorCupcake said:
I would suggest a school with high IS bias (like Rowan if you're in the Pacific Northwest) or one of the newer, less established schools. Or basically any other school you would never want to attend, even if you were admitted.
Click to expand...

If only the Caribbean had DO schools


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
BelieveMeChile said:
Where can I even see this stuff? Like my calculated GPA and such?

I've looked and can't find it anywhere. Am I blind?

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

you you just gotta calculate it yourself from what I understand. there is a way to see your AACOMAS GPA but only after course transcript is complete.
I just opened an excel file and opened an unofficial transcript in two separate windows, and anything that's biology/chemistry/physics related, I mark down.
I mark down for each class:
Credit hours x Grade
And then credit hours x 4

add up the two columns and then divide to get a percentage. Then multiply by 4 to get a sGPA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Does thw AACOMAS application ever ask you to enter your ACT scores? Because i got an email from LECOM telling me about using my act and gpa scores to determine if i am eligible for the school...
 
medschoolplease123 said:
Does thw AACOMAS application ever ask you to enter your ACT scores? Because i got an email from LECOM telling me about using my act and gpa scores to determine if i am eligible for the school...
Click to expand...

That's specific for LECOM. I don't think any other school does anything like that.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

PapaGuava
  • Sticky
*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2023-2024~*~*
2 3
Replies
117
Views
10K
purkinjekitty
purkinjekitty
PapaGuava
2022-2023 Official AACOMAS Verification Thread
Replies
11
Views
3K
wpw2021
W
PapaGuava
*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2022-2023~*~*
2 3
Replies
148
Views
12K
chilly_md
chilly_md
N
AACOMAS Fee Waiver?
Replies
1
Views
205
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
PapaGuava
*~*~Official AACOMAS Questions Thread 2021-2022~*~*
2
Replies
70
Views
11K
drthedude
D
Top