Application Strategy Advice

[JesseVenturaMD]

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Hello all,

First, this is not a WAMC thread (I'll save that for when I get my MCAT). I am a non-trad that is not interested in waiting until next cycle to apply for many reasons. Still, I am aware I have a less than ideal application timeline and am trying to make sure I have the best plan possible. All responses are appreciated.

I am applying to both DO and MD schools, knowing that my chances (especially for MD) are somewhat limited by applying late. Basically, I have one big black mark in my otherwise successful Post-Bacc. This would be a D+ in condensed Orgo II taken last summer. I received an A in the lab last semester, and will be retaking the same class this July with the grade coming out ~ August 15. To save some discussion, please take my word that I will be able to exit with an A this time (medically extenuating circumstances blah blah blah). I'll have my MCAT score in early August a well.

So, this is my plan:

- Complete AMCAS and AACOMAS, but do NOT submit for verification until final grade is in.
- Pre-write secondaries to the extent possible to facilitate quick turn around.
- I am planning on getting a letter of rec from this professor provided I earn an A (we have spoken about it). I do not need it numbers wise, but it seems like the last thing I can do to try to offset this poor grade (for MD).

Any other suggestions?

Is there any utility in using a "throwaway school" to verify my other grades? As in, will it potentially save time to wait for one grade to be verified rather than all of them across three institutions?

Lastly, I've read some things about verification talking longer in August and some about it taking less time? Anyone have experience with this?

Thank you in advance!

 

[candbgirl]

You do realize that if you submit ~ August 15 you probably won't be AMCAS verified until mid-late September. That's really late for MD. And it may take awhile to get processed at the schools etc. I don't know your stats or your ECs but it might be mid October before you are complete at some schools. By then interviews will be well under way and some acceptances offered. Just wanted to remind you of these possibilities.
There are threads and someone ( maybe Gonnif?) posted a chart with verification times. Try doing a search and it will maybe pop up. I just did it and if you search "verification" it should be the first in the list.

Good luck.

Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile app

 

[JesseVenturaMD]

Thank you both. Things do work out in the Princess Bride....

In reality, I know it's better to submit early for DO as well. However, my understanding is that the DO cycle goes longer and I should still be in decent shape there. I'll apply MD as well to see what happens. @Goro Am I being at all reasonable here? I'm willing to accept some increase in risk and very happy to go DO, but I certainly don't want to give myself no chance at all.

 

[JesseVenturaMD]

I am a bit more generous in timeline than Grand Dame of SDN @LizzyM
I would also add that the timeline is "candidate strength" sensitive. The weaker your application is, the less likely you will find success later in the cycle.

(2017 timeline posting counter #014)
-AMCAS Opens May 3rd, 2016 for entering data and requesting transcripts
-AMCAS primary can be submitted June 7th, 2016 in order to start the verification process
-AMCAS doesnt start transmitting verified applications until June 24th (though some schools have secondaries sent to contact info upon submission to AMCAS)
-Verification peak is about August 1st and takes 20 days
-Most Primary Apps are transmitted early July thru early September
-Letters via AMCAS are processed/transmitted separately from primary
-Letters can be added after primary has been submitted and transmitted and are mostly not needed until secondary reviews at the earliest.
-Most adcoms dont start meeting for review until at least mid-August, more likely September (though adcom staff may be doing early reviews).
-Submitting Primary Application June is Early, July Medium, August Late
-Having Primary verified and transmitted to school by end of August is normal speed
-Having Secondary and all LORs complete to school by end of September is normal speed, by end of October is about late.

@gonnif I don't want to be a pain here, just hoping you can clarify. In my scenario, what prevents me from being complete by the end of September? Very much appreciate your time and advice, even if it's a smack down!

 

[gyngyn]

@gonnif I don't want to be a pain here, just hoping you can clarify. In my scenario, what prevents me from being complete by the end of September? Very much appreciate your time and advice, even if it's a smack down!

By the end of September we have given out enough interviews to fill the calendar. There will be some reserved spots for otherwise excellent candidates, but not much else.