Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Alpha Omega Alpha?
A: AOA is the premier academic and now socially conscious
group award in US Medical schools, which reflects effort throughout the
4 year period.
Q: How do I join AOA?
A: Criteria for election into Alpha Omega Alpha varies according to the chapter. How the process works at Wayne State is different depending on whether a student is being elected during their junior or senior years of medical school. It is important to understand that this process is subject to minor changes at the discretion of the current leadership. However, the system that is currently used has remain unchanged over the past 3 years. It is important to note that the process is blinded to prevent any bias on the part of those doing the ranking.
Q: What criteria are used for Junior AOA selection?
A: During the fall, the current president and vice-president of AOA will receive a list of approximately the top 10% of the 3rd year class based on cumulative class rank from years 1 and 2. These students will be sent an application via email where they will describe their extra-curricular activities; specifically community involvement, leadership positions, and research. These applications will then be returned to the Office of Student Affairs. The president and vice-president will then use a grading system to rank the applications and submit that list to the administration. This data will be used in a formula to develop the final rank list based on the following break down:
Class Rank = 80%
Extra-curricular Rank = 20%
The final list will then be reviewed by the AOA board and administration to determine the final ranking. The number of students chosen varies each year according to class size, but is typically 6%. The students who rank within the top 6% are then notified of their acceptance. Those who do not receive an application as a 3rd year, or who do not make the final list should not be discouraged as more students will be elected during their 4th year. The final notification usually takes place sometime around the end of October or beginning of November.
Q: What criteria are used for Senior AOA selection?
The process for senior applicants is very similar to that described above for juniors. The main difference is the inclusion of USMLE Step-1 scores in the criteria for election. Also, there is the issue of declaring AOA status on the ERAS application. AOA status is specifically put under the Profile section of ERAS, not because it is considered extra important, but so it can be changed after you submit your application in early September. If you feel there is a good chance you may be elected into AOA, select the option on ERAS that states AOA elections are held later in the year. Then when you learn whether or not you were elected into AOA in October, you may change your status on ERAS and the next time the programs download your application it will be updated.
As for the process, in the fall the current president and vice-president will receive approximately the top 20% of the 4th year class based on cumulative class rank from years 1, 2, and 3. These students will be sent an application via email where they will describe their extra-curricular activities; specifically community involvement, leadership positions, and research. These applications will then be returned to the Office of Student Affairs. The president and vice-president will then use a grading system to rank the applications and submit that list to the administration. This data will be used in a formula to develop the final rank list based on the following break down:
Class Rank = 70%
Extra-curricular Rank = 20%
USMLE Step-1 Rank = 10%
The final list will then be reviewed by the AOA board and administration to determine the final ranking. The number of students chosen varies each year according to class size, but the AOA constitution dictates that no more than 16% of a graduating class may be members of AOA. Thus, we take as many students as possible, although this is not necessarily the case for other chapters. Since 6% of the class was inducted during their junior year, that leaves 10% to be elected as seniors. The 4th year applicants who rank within the top 10% (excluding the 6% who are already members) are then notified of their acceptance sometime in October.
Q: Who can I contact with questions regarding AOA at Wayne State?
A: Please contact the AOA president, Paul H. Kim at pkim@med.wayne.edu or AOA vice president, Bianca Gruber at bgruber@med.wayne.edu
Q: Who can I contact with questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the AOA website at Wayne State?
A: Please contact the webmaster, Paul H. Kim at pkim@med.wayne.edu
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