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[deleted1004199]

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[Catalystik]

Hi everyone, I started the cycle strong and received my secondaries in early August. However, I didn't submit most of them until September-October. Most of my state schools went in during September and several in the first week of October. I'm now left with a few OOS schools that I'm rushing to get in. I've done my research and it seems like late applicants are at a huge disadvantage unless they have rockstar stats.

My MCAT is 515 and cGPA 3.59 (with strong upward trend). I'm ORM, low SES, disadvantage and first gen. My ECs are good, nothing very special though. Much of my clinical exp, community service, and research has been with underserved communities (along with the theme for my essays and PS). I'm working on a first author manuscript to submit by the end of this year too.

The reason I took so long on my application was due to work and COVID. I've been working as a public health nutritionist for the past 1.5 years. While medicine is my ultimate goal, I wanted to stay committed to my job, especially during COVID when cases shot up this summer and things got really busy. I ended up leaving the position last month to work in epidemiology for COVID at my health dept. Even though my hours are a little more flexible, that job got hectic and I had to prioritize responding to local outbreaks. 1) I was wondering if it would do me any good to reach out to my state schools that I applied late and be honest with them as to why I took almost 2 months to submit my secondary apps and explain the situation. 2) Is this common practice or would it be acceptable? If it is, what's the best way of going about it? I'd appreciate any help and guidance as it's my first cycle, thank you all!!

1) An explanation for a late application will not help your chances.
2) Giving one would not be common practice.

 

[deleted1004199]

1) An explanation for a late application will not help your chances.
2) Giving one would not be common practice.

Thank you for your response. I probably won’t send anything then. I just didn’t want schools to think I didn’t prioritize them and I figured some might appreciate me being honest

 

[Goro]

Thank you for your response. I probably won’t send anything then. I just didn’t want schools to think I didn’t prioritize them and I figured some might appreciate me being honest

Med schools are not like jealous dates, sitting around with a stopwatch to see who will ask them to the Big Dance first.

 

[deleted1004199]

Med schools are not like jealous dates, sitting around with a stopwatch to see who will ask them to the Big Dance first.

LOL that’s a funny way to put it. I thought that was where the “2 week rule” came from though. I figured it had something to do with showing that you don’t care enough if you didn’t follow the rule

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Med schools are not like jealous dates, sitting around with a stopwatch to see who will ask them to the Big Dance first.

Aren’t there some needy schools though?

LOL that’s a funny way to put it. I thought that was where the “2 week rule” came from though. I figured it had something to do with showing that you don’t care enough if you didn’t follow the rule

No it’s mainly suggested because you have a better chance the earlier you are complete. Only a handful of schools actually have a firm rule in place

 

[gyngyn]

LOL that’s a funny way to put it. I thought that was where the “2 week rule” came from though. I figured it had something to do with showing that you don’t care enough if you didn’t follow the rule

If the school gives you a required response time, you must follow it.
Otherwise, two weeks is just a loose guideline. No explanation needed.

 

[Goro]

Aren’t there some needy schools though?

Yes, but that still doesn't mean that one should explain something that marks the writer as anxious and neurotic.

You explain to your mom or your SO as to why you were late, not to a medical school.

 

[deleted1004199]

Thank you for the explanations everyone, appreciate your responses!!