Important Announcements Pertaining to AACOMAS (DO medical school application) for fall 2011

AACOMAS is pleased to announce that the 2011 AACOMAS Application launched at noon today, May 3, 2010. As of 2:00 pm, over 500 applicants have started their 2011 applications.

1) 2011 AACOMAS will launch in the afternoon of May 3, 2010 – Eastern Time.

2) New for 2011: Applicants may work on their AACOMAS application throughout the month of May. They will only be able to submit their 2011 AACOMAS application on/after June 1, 2010.

3) New for 2011: All applicants applying in the 2011 cycle must submit their most current Spring coursework transcript with posted grades. We will not begin to process applications until Spring grades are posted.

4) New for 2011: Applicants will be able to access a comprehensive 2011 AACOMAS Instructions Booklet that will aid them in successfully completing their application. Advisors will also find this instruction publication useful when assisting applicants.

5) New for 2011: AACOMAS has changed the address to which applicants should send transcripts. Please have transcripts sent to:
AACOMAS

1900 L Street, NW, Suite 603
Washington, DC 20036

Note that processing of transcripts sent to AACOMAS at its Chevy Chase, MD address will not be delayed; however, sending transcripts to the above address is preferred.

6) Roll-over feature: For past applicants that are re-applying in 2011, the roll-over feature will be available for their use.

7) For applicants students applying for Fall 2011 admission, we strongly recommend that they review the 2011 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book that includes descriptions of all of the osteopathic medical colleges, admissions criteria, minimum entrance requirements, supplementary application materials required, class size, application deadlines, and tuition.

8. Deadlines vary amongst the Osteopathic Medical Colleges. AACOMAS recommends applicants submit their completed, paid application by December 1, 2010 for best consideration. The majority of the medical colleges have a February 1st deadline. Normal processing time is 3-6 weeks.

9) The on-line AACOMAS Application Support Center is an integrated part of the application system which we encourage applicants to use when they have questions or need to make updates on their application. Dedicated staff respond to applicants through this system and a written log is established.

10) MCAT scores must be released to AACOMAS through the THx system. Applicants must provide their MCAT/AAMC number (8-digits beginning with 1) in their AACOMAS application. Their AACOMAS application is then electronically matched to their score(s).

11) Applicants may submit their AACOMAS application without a set of MCAT scores. They simply indicate “Planned” in the MCAT section of their application.

12) Personal Statement: 4,500 characters (this includes spaces).

13) GPA Calculations: Math courses are included as a “Non-Science” in AACOMAS GPA calculations.

14) Repeated Coursework: The most recent repeated course grade is included in AACOMAS calculated GPAs – repeated courses are not averaged.

15) Prerequisite Coursework: Only grades of C or better are included in prerequisite verification.

16) Lastly, AACOMAS staff processed over 100,000 applications for more than 13,000 applicants in the 2010 cycle.

Please read the instructions, be accurate, complete, and early, review your materials before you submit, and make sure that you “authorize release to their Advisor” if you are comfortable doing so.

Sincerely,

Gina M. Moses, M.Ed.
Associate Director of Application Services
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231

Posted May 3, 2010 in Getting Ready to Apply, Osteopathic Items