Advice on when to submit to AMCAS

[21Rush12]

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Hi all, I am a rather long-time lurker of SDN, and although there's a lot to wade through on here, I have found no better and more comprehensive resource to help with this (obnoxious) process.

Background on me:
Fairly traditional student, BS Biology, 1 year undergrad research, five years continuous EMS experience (paid and volunteer), the most awesome internship/assistant position in a med/ped office, and 3.4s/3.4cGPA. I am applying for admission to the 2015 starting class.

My question is, I took the 7/24/14 MCAT and won't have a score until mid to late August. I know that early application is key, especially for borderline stats. My best practice exam (one of the AAMCs) was 8p/12v/13b, and I am certain that my physics improved (always been weak spot, I have tutored gen chem for years). I'd say a reasonable guess at my score would be 33-35, which I would be proud to have. So, do I submit to AMCAS before scores are in, or do I wait for them to upload first? I'd hate to miss out on some earlyish application benefits, but my stats are such that even with my upward trend(2.2 at comm. college to a 3.7 streak in a four-year) I am afraid to give a bad impression if my app arrives without an MCAT. Any thoughts on advantages or disadvantages?

Again, you guys are (largely) the best help out there. Glad to finally be a part of it!

 

[Goro]

I think the gestalt is to send an app to a "throw-away" school, so that you'll be verified, and then wait for score.

Hi all, I am a rather long-time lurker of SDN, and although there's a lot to wade through on here, I have found no better and more comprehensive resource to help with this (obnoxious) process.

Background on me:
Fairly traditional student, BS Biology, 1 year undergrad research, five years continuous EMS experience (paid and volunteer), the most awesome internship/assistant position in a med/ped office, and 3.4s/3.4cGPA. I am applying for admission to the 2015 starting class.

My question is, I took the 7/24/14 MCAT and won't have a score until mid to late August. I know that early application is key, especially for borderline stats. My best practice exam (one of the AAMCs) was 8p/12v/13b, and I am certain that my physics improved (always been weak spot, I have tutored gen chem for years). I'd say a reasonable guess at my score would be 33-35, which I would be proud to have. So, do I submit to AMCAS before scores are in, or do I wait for them to upload first? I'd hate to miss out on some earlyish application benefits, but my stats are such that even with my upward trend(2.2 at comm. college to a 3.7 streak in a four-year) I am afraid to give a bad impression if my app arrives without an MCAT. Any thoughts on advantages or disadvantages?

Again, you guys are (largely) the best help out there. Glad to finally be a part of it!

 

[21Rush12]

Thanks goro...I assume you mean list only one school on AMCAS at first just to get the ball rolling? I wasn't aware that that was possible, sorry for the ignorance of nuance. Not being URM and having stats I consider to be pretty poor compared to my peers makes me worried about getting even IIs, let alone an acceptance. This was my first post, I'm pretty new here and it can be hard to tell where I stand.

 

[kyamh]

Thanks goro...I assume you mean list only one school on AMCAS at first just to get the ball rolling? I wasn't aware that that was possible, sorry for the ignorance of nuance. Not being URM and having stats I consider to be pretty poor compared to my peers makes me worried about getting even IIs, let alone an acceptance. This was my first post, I'm pretty new here and it can be hard to tell where I stand.

Yes, Goro meant that you should apply to only one school and then add schools after (if) you feel confident. Good luck!

 

[LizzyM]

The first day to submit was in June. the first batch of applications were sent to medical schools about a month ago and some schools sent secondaries immediately after that. Some schools have already begun sending interview invites. In general, submitting your AMCAS application after July 4th is not "early". At this point, you are going to write your application which should take at least 48 hours, maybe much longer if you haven't crafted your personal statement. You will submit that with the name of at least one medical school where you'd like to be considered and you'll have your transcripts sent for verification (comparison with what you entered on your application). It could take 4-6 weeks to be verified because there is a backlog at the AMCAS office. So, if you submit by August 1, your application might be verified and sent to the med schools by September 15th. You will then need to turn around the secondaries which may take you to October 1. This is pretty late... I'd say it is likely to be in the last 25% of all applicants that a school sees. You might be able to turn around the secondaries more quickly if you pre-write based on cues that have been posted online but that will only shave off 2 weeks.

You have missed out on all the "early application" benefits. At this point, you have to decide if "better late than never" is your motto or if you'd take a gap year and have your application ready to send on June 1, 2015.

 

[21Rush12]

Thank you LizzyM, I suppose the timeline for me is moot at this point. I am not so ill-prepared as you think; my application and letters are nearly complete and transcripts are already sent. I guess the main concern is with MCAT score release timing. However, if processing will take that long by AMCAS, it seems like today will be the day I press that submit button.

P.S. I can't believe the legendary LizzyM is talking to me!

 

[terp720]

Thank you LizzyM, I suppose the timeline for me is moot at this point. I am not so ill-prepared as you think; my application and letters are nearly complete and transcripts are already sent. I guess the main concern is with MCAT score release timing. However, if processing will take that long by AMCAS, it seems like today will be the day I press that submit button.

P.S. I can't believe the legendary LizzyM is talking to me!

you should take a look at the verification thread to see how quickly people are being verified. It seems like they are doing better than last year, but it's possible if you submit today/soon, your scores may actually be back by the time you are verified.

 

[21Rush12]

Thank you terp. I'm neurotically checking for grammar on my whole app and I think I will finally put the finish on my PS. Hello, $808 app fee.