Applying early (TMDSAS)

[SweetRain]

Hi all, I wasn't really sure where to post this question-

I found out today that TMDSAS application process opens up on May 1st. Does that mean if I have everything ready and complete my app within a week or so, this semester's grades won't count? I'm at a situation where this semester's grades might boost up my gpa a little more but our grades won't be finalized until mid-late may. I also have some shadowing planned on the first week of June. But with my mcat being on the lower side, I really think I should apply asap.
What do you guys think?

Also, I thought the app process starts in June so I told my LOR writers that it will be in June. Do I need to notify them of the new date if I do plan on applying in may?

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[fiat]

If I remember right, we had to send in spring grades before TMDSAS would send our applications to the schools. I wouldn't worry about putting summer stuff on the application, I did and nobody mentioned it.

I'd let your letter writers know what time you're shooting for, one of mine held me up for a long time (she had me rewrite my personal statement like 6 times). I think it was August before I got verified.

 

[bigslick]

First, you can submit your grades and then update TMDSAS by submitting a second transcript. I was on a quarter system, so I was told that I could submit my application without spring grades (I would have fall and winter grades reported, and then update later). However, if you are on the semester system, I would check to see if spring grades are required before you can submit. Also, you will have to submit transcripts whenever you receive new grades during this process (after summer school, after fall of senior year, etc.)

Second, it is not completely imperative that you submit May. If you submit anytime during May and early June, you are definitely in the "early" pile. Medical schools don't begin handing out interviews until mid-July for Texas if I recall correctly. But of course, if everything is ready, submitting as early as possible would be the best.

Third, it is always better to have letters in early. However, I think it looks bad to go back on your deadlines, but since it's still 2 months early, it might be fine.

For your scenario, if you don't have any shadowing experience as of now, you may want to hold off on submitting your application until early June so that you would be able to include the shadowing experience on your application and say that it is in continuing (Try to make sure it is a decent amount.. maybe like 20 hours). If you submit in May, you will not be able to include it at all. But of course, if you already have a lot of shadowing experience, then this wouldn't help. Also, depending on how low your MCAT is, you may want to retake it, but perhaps it is too late to schedule for an MCAT? Just don't underestimate the importance of GPA/MCAT..

 

[bigslick]

If I remember right, we had to send in spring grades before TMDSAS would send our applications to the schools. I wouldn't worry about putting summer stuff on the application, I did and nobody mentioned it.

I'd let your letter writers know what time you're shooting for, one of mine held me up for a long time (she had me rewrite my personal statement like 6 times). I think it was August before I got verified.

I actually volunteered abroad in June, and submitted my application when I came back in July. I got asked about it during my interviews, and I feel I was able to convey a good impression during that time. For example, for UTMB, I was able to tie it back to how UTMB may be a great fit b/c of their great opportunities in volunteering abroad, and ultimately I was accepted. Granted, that probably wasn't the only reason, but I wouldn't totally discount summer activities since it can only help.

However, +1 on making sure letter writers submit on time. Also have a plan B. I asked one of my letter writers in early April to submit by late May. In June, i reminded him (for like the 3rd or 4th time) and told him I really needed him to make sure that he submitted the letter, b/c I was going abroad and would not be able to make sure he submitted it. What ended up happening was when I came back, he didn't get it submitted, and he actually disappeared and I wasn't able to find him anymore. Long story short, I found another professor to write my letter, and I knew it was not going to be a strong letter (fell asleep everyday during lecture, did not try to get to know him during office hours, got only an A- in his class, he told me himself it was not going to be a strong letter), but b/c it was already late July I told him that I just wanted him to send a letter and didn't care if it was strong just so I could have my application complete. Thankfully, it worked out fine and the rest of my application was able to cover for it. However, once again, I would strongly advise against this and have a plan B just in case.

 

[SweetRain]

Thank you all for the quick response!
UTMB is actually one of my top choices and appreciate the comment 😀