Blog Archives

AMCAS

Here’s a reminder that the 2013 AMCAS application is scheduled to open tomorrow, Tuesday, May 1; you will be able to submit your application as early as June 5.

The first day that AMCAS will begin transmitting application data to medical schools is June 29, which means an applicant who is really on top of things could receive secondary applications as early as the 29th!

I recommend watching the AAMC’s video for details about dates and changes to this year’s AMCAS.

Please contact me early for assistance. Last year some of my most organized clients were admitted to medical school as early as October.

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AMCAS Science Calculations

I receive a lot of questions about AMCAS‘ GPA calculations. (Please see previous blog entries on this topic.) One question in particular for those considering post-undergraduate science GPA boosts is the following: How does AMCAS calculate science classes taken after college graduation? Are they placed in the BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math) undergraduate or graduate category?

Post bacc courses are counted as part of the undergraduate GPA. Courses taken after graduation – unless specified as graduate courses in transcripts – are considered post bacc courses, so they are also calculated as part of the undergraduate GPA.

Hope this helps. Contact me for admissions assistance.

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What constitutes BCPM?

Which courses count for AMCAS’ BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics) classification versus their AO (All Other) category for GPA calculation?

The assignment is based on the course’s primary content and is determined by the applicant. However, if AMCAS considers the classification inaccurate, they will adjust the GPA calculation. Applications aren’t returned in these cases, so there should be no delay in processing, but one’s estimated GPA would be different than anticipated.

If an applicant disagrees with the adjustment, s/he can submit an Academic Change Request, including the course description found in the course catalog so that AMCAS can verify the primary content of the course.

Contact me for pre-med advice – the earlier the better for 2011 medical school applications.

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Calculating your GPA

I have found this document very helpful for applicants who are computing their GPAs for AMCAS. And once you’ve calculated your numbers, take a look at my blog entries on deciding where to apply to medical school.

Contact me for application help at Insider Medical Admissions.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: