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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a healthy, happy holiday. I'll resume the blog next week.

Thank you notes: Be swift

See my previous blog entries on thank you notes. The bottom line: They can't hurt and might help. Ensure you send your note immediately after the interview (day of or next day), as your candidacy will likely be discussed soon after your visit.

Contact me for mock interviews, and please see my testimonials page for some new comments about my work.

AMSA Featured Speaker

I've been invited to be a featured speaker at AMSA's 60th Annual Convention to be held in Anaheim this spring. I'm scheduled to speak on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 11:30am. In the past the American Medical Student Association's national meetings have been the largest annual gatherings of medical students in the United States. I'll be offering an interactive lecture called "Getting Into Residency: An Insider's Tips."

Contact me for personalized application assistance.

To Address or Not to Address (Deficiencies in Your Application): That is the Question

Whether to address weaknesses in your application during the interview is a difficult topic. Generally, what I recommend is as follows:

1. If you have a mild weakness (one mediocre grade/evaluation), there is no need to bring it up with the interviewer.

2. If, on the other hand, you have a major weakness (very low MCAT/failed the USMLE, large chronological gap, etc.) then you are better off addressing the issue head on. Think of the politicians who are caught in scandals: Those that 'fess up early manage their problems. Those that don't let the press interpret them. (I'm not saying that a weakness in one's application is equivalent to some politicians' misconduct; I'm just using this as an analogy.) If you have a glaring problem, go ahead and confront it head on. It will demonstrate integrity and will allow you to mold the admission committee's perception.

For individualized mock interview assistance, contact me. I am booking 2-3 weeks in advance, but I try to squeeze in clients sooner when I'm able.

Inquiring About Your Status

Please see my previous blog entry about contacting institutions regarding your status. When you call you can gently say, "I'm attempting to make some travel arrangements and was wondering if you could give me an update on my status." As long as you are polite, you won't hurt your candidacy. (Of course, if an institution specifically requests on their website or brochures that you not call, I would advise against it.)