Benefits of Applying Early

[HowDidIGetHere]

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I'm going to be applying for the 2014 cycle coming up, and I was wondering the benefits of applying June 1st v. July 1st, etc. Does a month really make that much of a difference?

 

[dsoz]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=920583&highlight=Verification&page=14

Go to the last page. People that applied June first were verified in 4 days, while those that applied July first were verified in 19 days. That is assuming that transcripts were in on the first day as well.

I was verified by 7/13 (I had to wait for one transcript that was waiting for a spring term grade to be posted). I was in the first few interviews at many schools, and the first interview day at COMP-NW. I feel it gave me the advantage of having early acceptances, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing I will be in med school next year at an early date. My first acceptance was in mid-October.

Good luck

dsoz

 

[Mosonik]

DSOZ makes some good points.

I just want to add that while I sent in my primary on day 1 (which I think is a good idea) I did not submit my secondaries until the beginning of August which in many cases was 1 month + some since I was offered them. I was out of the country and couldn't get to it but it didn't appear to make a difference as most schools just sit on the secondaries until August (sometimes September) until beginning review. There are a few exceptions, like LECOM, but for DO they are few.
The holdup/delays in the beginning of the cycle is generally from AACOMAS and not the schools so keep that in mind.

 

[backsideattack1]

It can vary from school to school, but my state school states that they review the strongest applicants first and then save the lower tier applicants for later in the cycle. If you are a weaker candidate, it makes it better for you to apply later to this school, but this is not the case for others. Now, if you have high stats, it's best to apply early because the pool is smaller at the time, and this works for my state school

I think this apply later thing only applies to my state school so it will be in your best interest to apply early for other schools

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Applying early means you're processed earlier means youre interviewing earlier means you're fighting for seats, not wait list positions.

Needless to say, there's a reason why most people will tell you applying early is an extra LizzyM point added to your application.

 

[coolingglasses]

I'm going to be applying for the 2014 cycle coming up, and I was wondering the benefits of applying June 1st v. July 1st, etc. Does a month really make that much of a difference?

Yes.

 

[ACOM2017]

I'm going to be applying for the 2014 cycle coming up, and I was wondering the benefits of applying June 1st v. July 1st, etc. Does a month really make that much of a difference?

You are competing for a seat with thousands of other applicants. Less than 40% of applicants are accepted. Applying as early as possible guarantees you will be competing with less students initially for interview spots. Applying day one also shows the schools how dedicated and driven you are to become a physician.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

Does applying early imply that you have ALL your materials in such as LOR, transcript verified, Personal statement in and verified AACOMAS?

Or does it simply mean that you are verified via AACOMAS, that is transcript verified AACOMAS application filled out, minus the LORs which could come maybe a little after you are AACOMAS verified?

 

[a1b2c3d4]

If your app is ready to submit on June 1st, do so. There's no reason to wait and risk regretting your decision later.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

Does applying early imply that you have ALL your materials in such as LOR, transcript verified, Personal statement in and verified AACOMAS?

Or does it simply mean that you are verified via AACOMAS, that is transcript verified AACOMAS application filled out, minus the LORs which could come maybe a little after you are AACOMAS verified?

I have heard of some schools reviewing apps that don't have all the LORs, but I think for the most part you want to have everything in at the same time. I submitted with all my rec letters but without my MCAT score. I submitted in July and my MCAT score was out in August. I was interviewed a lot later in the season than I would have hoped, but I got accepted to a school for a late interview, so it's not all bad.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Earliest possible is best. Is there a significant advantage getting your app in by June vs July... Not really. However after July things start to go downhill quickly so it is best to put yourself in a situation where you have every including secondaries done by August. This is really the line. You want to be marked complete by August. This puts you in the front of the line. Being verified can take alot longer as the season progresses and the longer this take the longer it take for schools to send you a secondary. However most secondaries go out in late July to mid August so if you can be verified by then you are fine.

If you have some kind of reason not to turn your app in by June 1st ( MCAT score is not one of those reasons) then wait otherwise get that app in. If for example you are applying the SMPs or post bacc programs and you haven't heard back by June 1 then it is best to wait until you know.

 

[HowDidIGetHere]

So you can still submit to AACOMAS on June 1st without your MCAT score, get all your information verified, and then submit your MCAT score once it comes in? I'll be taking the May 23 MCAT so my score shouldn't be in til around late June.

 

[backsideattack1]

So you can still submit to AACOMAS on June 1st without your MCAT score, get all your information verified, and then submit your MCAT score once it comes in? I'll be taking the May 23 MCAT so my score shouldn't be in til around late June.

Yeah, I did that. Not sure if it takes longer to be considered complete if you do it that way, but you can do it.

 

[Docility]

Does anyone know if I can have my transcripts sent in a couple of weeks before the first day to submit? They'll just keep them on file till my application is submitted, right? 😕

 

[Wipeout416]

Does anyone know if I can have my transcripts sent in a couple of weeks before the first day to submit? They'll just keep them on file till my application is submitted, right? 😕

Yep. Just like the app opens up a month or so early so you can fill it out..

 

[DocGodfather]

Is it May 15th for both AMCAS and AACOMAS when transcripts are accepted, and apps open up to fill in grades? Trying to figure out what day I should visit the 5 different schools I took classes at to order the transcripts lol.

 

[pre med 2014]

So you can still submit to AACOMAS on June 1st without your MCAT score, get all your information verified, and then submit your MCAT score once it comes in? I'll be taking the May 23 MCAT so my score shouldn't be in til around late June.

If your GPA is lower and you are planning a high MCAT split I would wait to submit with the MCAT so they don't throw your app in the trash based on GPA.

Otherwise, if your GPA is good it won't matter if you submit with or without MCAT

 

[pre med 2014]

Yep. Just like the app opens up a month or so early so you can fill it out..

So when do you send transcripts them? Do you order them May 1st and you are safe?

 

[Dark Ace]

I have a related question. Would having a lot of credits (>160) possibly delay the verification of your app?

 

[dsoz]

Is it May 15th for both AMCAS and AACOMAS when transcripts are accepted, and apps open up to fill in grades? Trying to figure out what day I should visit the 5 different schools I took classes at to order the transcripts lol.

I had nine different institutions. Another non-trad this year reported eleven. Most schools can be requested online, by email, or through snail mail. You don't need to go to each school in person, just open your wallet. Each transcript has a fee from $5 to $20.

So when do you send transcripts them? Do you order them May 1st and you are safe?

Yes. As soon as you start your AMCAS or AACOMAS application you can start typing in all your classes. You can also print out a transcript request page and send it to your college. The college processes the request and sends the transcripts out.

I have a related question. Would having a lot of credits (>160) possibly delay the verification of your app?

They process in order received, not by how many credits. They will do yours first if they receive your transcripts and application first. It has to do with the date that they receive ALL your transcripts and he date that you submit the primary.

Good luck to all. If I can answer any other questions I will. I want to help because I had so much help from this site. Feel free to PM me any private questions.

dsoz

 

[Docility]

Yes. As soon as you start your AMCAS or AACOMAS application you can start typing in all your classes. You can also print out a transcript request page and send it to your college. The college processes the request and sends the transcripts out.

Most of the schools I've attended have online transcript request systems, so sending the AMCAS/AACOMAS forms wouldn't really work. Would it be okay if I just have them include my AMCAS/AACOMAS ID numbers in the mailing address? 😕

Thanks, dsoz...you rock! 🙂