Please read this handbook, this list of frequently asked questions, and the AMCAS online instructions before you call us with questions.
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I took courses before I began college in a “high school-college program”; do I need to list these courses on my application? |
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Yes, AMCAS and the other application services require all college courses to be listed and supported by official transcripts. |
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| 2. |
Do I have a premedical committee letter? |
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Many secondary applications ask this. And assuming your materials were received on time you should have a committee letter. |
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| 3. |
How many semester hours do Claremont Students carry? |
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One course unit of credit at JSD equals 4 semester hours of credit. |
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| 4. |
What about the confidentiality issue? Should I waive access to my recommendations or retain access? |
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While it is your legal right to have access, our advice is that you waive your access. Medical schools tend to put more weight on confidential letters, believing, rightly or wrongly, that the writers will be more candid in their opinions if the student does not see the letters. Because of this, “waived” letters may be more helpful to you. |
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| 5. |
If I retain my access, will the medical schools know? |
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Yes. If you retain access to your letter, they will be marked “non-confidential.” |
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| 6. |
If I have several letters of evaluation sent to my file will my advisor choose which ones to send? |
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No, I will consult with you about the general quality of a letter and indicate to you if I think a letter should be sent or not. However, you need to think carefully about whom you are requesting to write for you and choose wisely. Please consult Jodi if you need help with this process. |
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| 7. |
May I add letters after my committee letter has been sent? |
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Yes. Further letters will be sent as addenda. Please send Veronica or Jodi an update indicating what new letters to expect and what to do with those letters. |
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| 8. |
I am considering applying for Early Decision. If accepted, am I obligated to attend? |
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Yes, if you apply through early decision, you are not permitted to apply to any other schools until they make their decision, which could be as late as October. Think over your decision carefully. |
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| 9. |
My later academic performance is much better than my earlier work. Will that help my chances? |
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Yes. Medical schools like to see an “upward trajectory” in performance. |
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| 10. |
For post-bacs: My post-bac work is better than my undergraduate work, will that make a difference? |
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Yes. Medical schools look hardest at your most recent work and your science work. |
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| 11. |
What are competitive MCAT scores? |
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10s, or better on the verbal and science sections. If you have concerns about your scores, consult your premedical advisor. |
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| 12. |
I’m taking my last premed course this summer; should I wait for the grades before I submit my AMCAS application? |
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No. Send the application in early and send your last grade to individual schools as soon as you receive it. |
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| 13. |
Where should I apply? |
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Be aware of in-state/out-of-state ratios at schools. Look very closely at your state schools, where you probably have an advantage. Check the (Medical School Admissions Requirements Book) MSAR for the range of grades and MCATs (We have extra copies in our office). You will also be meeting with Jodi to look at this issue specifically. |
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| 14. |
What about state residency? |
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If you are in doubt, ask the school how residency is determined. |
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| 15. |
How will I know what school will be best for me? |
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That’s always a hard question. The attached “31 Questions I Wish I Had Asked” may be helpful. Use your interview day to learn more about the school. Make sure you have prepared before each interview by reading the schools website and looking over the print material you have received. Talk to students, alums, friends and relatives. Read everything you can find about the school. Make sure you talk to current Medical Students where you are interviewing so you can see what they like and dislike about the school. |
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| 16. |
Which schools require math and upper level biology courses? |
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See the appendices, “Math Requirements” and “Upper Level biology Requirements” for all U.S. medical schools during the most recent application cycle. This list will be periodically updated. You should check the requirements for each school to which you are applying by looking in the MSAR for 2005-2006 when it comes out this spring. |
