Can a late app lead to (deferred) acceptance?

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z122

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It's unlikely that I'll complete my prep in time for the September 2015 MCAT. Unfortunately, that means I'd need to wait until January 2016, or later.

My question is assuming I get a good January MCAT score like 85th percentile with a 3.75 GPA and good EC's is there any possibility that a DO school would look at me in February? In browsing past threads, this seems possible, but I fear that this cycle could be harder on late apps. Obviously, I could submit the AACOMAS well before January.

Also, what about a deferred acceptance. Like "we're full but we like you enough to save a spot for 2017." Is that unheard of?

I realize I could just wait until the next cycle and apply DO and MD. I'm just trying to weigh the benefits of sending in an app this cycle.
 
If I were you I would wait until next cycle to apply. That way, you won't be in a huge disadvantage by applying late.

You don't want to be a reapplicant for next cycle because then you would have to rewrite all your primaries and secondaries with new experiences and new essays.
 
I suppose although if I did reapply, I may target different DO schools and it would be my first time applying MD.
 
Wait till next cycle. You're competitive for any DO and on/above the average for many MD schools.
 
Only if a school overbooks, in which case the Admissions Dean will get fired.

This is a rare event.

Just apply when you have the best possible app, even if it means sitting out a cycle.


It's unlikely that I'll complete my prep in time for the September 2015 MCAT. Unfortunately, that means I'd need to wait until January 2016, or later.

My question is assuming I get a good January MCAT score like 85th percentile with a 3.75 GPA and good EC's is there any possibility that a DO school would look at me in February? In browsing past threads, this seems possible, but I fear that this cycle could be harder on late apps. Obviously, I could submit the AACOMAS well before January.

Also, what about a deferred acceptance. Like "we're full but we like you enough to save a spot for 2017." Is that unheard of?

I realize I could just wait until the next cycle and apply DO and MD. I'm just trying to weigh the benefits of sending in an app this cycle.
 
Only if a school overbooks, in which case the Admissions Dean will get fired.

This is a rare event.

Just apply when you have the best possible app, even if it means sitting out a cycle.

I was wondering if late June is considered a "late" app? I'm waiting for AACOMAS to post my transcript, which probably won't happen until next week. Have I hurt my chances? Thanks 🙂
 
For DO schools the cycle is longer, so June is very early in the cycle. End of Dec in getting late, Jan even riskier!

Just to clarify: for DO apps, as long as I submit by the end of June, then I didn't hurt my chances at all and it's ok. But for MD apps, it's a different time-scale and I should apply asap. Is that correct?
 
Correct, but even with MD, while early is better, you're fine applying in July, and possibly early Aug as well.


Just to clarify: for DO apps, as long as I submit by the end of June, then I didn't hurt my chances at all and it's ok. But for MD apps, it's a different time-scale and I should apply asap. Is that correct?
 
I thought DO schools begin to start offering II's in end of August, which means it would be nice to have your application completed before the first week of August.

Earlier II's = earlier acceptances and less stress for the rest of the year/next year.
 
It's unlikely that I'll complete my prep in time for the September 2015 MCAT. Unfortunately, that means I'd need to wait until January 2016, or later.

My question is assuming I get a good January MCAT score like 85th percentile with a 3.75 GPA and good EC's is there any possibility that a DO school would look at me in February? In browsing past threads, this seems possible, but I fear that this cycle could be harder on late apps. Obviously, I could submit the AACOMAS well before January.

Also, what about a deferred acceptance. Like "we're full but we like you enough to save a spot for 2017." Is that unheard of?

I realize I could just wait until the next cycle and apply DO and MD. I'm just trying to weigh the benefits of sending in an app this cycle.
I sent out my secondaries in February the cycle I applied and was offered an acceptance pending an open seat which in turn became a deferred acceptance. I know the ATSU's do this specifically when their class is full.
 
I sent out my secondaries in February the cycle I applied and was offered an acceptance pending an open seat which in turn became a deferred acceptance. I know the ATSU's do this specifically when their class is full.
This is one anecdotal story.
It is highly recommended to NOT do that.
 
This is one anecdotal story.
It is highly recommended to NOT do that.
I wasn't suggesting it, but merely pointing out that there are schools that allow you to defer acceptance which was OPs original question. And I personally know two other February applicants who got accepted as well (Kirksville and ACOM) so it's not as rare as you would think. I personally think OP should apply next cycle as well to increase chances, but it's not like I'm an anomaly. Not everyone is on SDN and late applicants do get in.
 
I thought DO schools begin to start offering II's in end of August, which means it would be nice to have your application completed before the first week of August.

Earlier II's = earlier acceptances and less stress for the rest of the year/next year.

I started to receive IIs by ~July 20-somethingth last year, FWIW (I applied super early). I agree that it made everything way less stressful, and it was great to have my whole cycle settled by early October.
 
A few cycles ago, I did something similar-- I applied in the summer with a not-competitive MCAT, and then updated schools with a better score after the January test. This netted me two additional interviews in April, both of which led to wait-list spots. Deferred acceptances are unlikely.

It's very possible schools will look at you in February, but the odds of that turning into an acceptance aren't in your favor. I'd vote in favor of applying early in the next cycle instead of late in this one.
 
Thanks all for the input. I am leaning towards waiting until next cycle.
 
A few cycles ago, I did something similar-- I applied in the summer with a not-competitive MCAT, and then updated schools with a better score after the January test. This netted me two additional interviews in April, both of which led to wait-list spots. Deferred acceptances are unlikely.

It's very possible schools will look at you in February, but the odds of that turning into an acceptance aren't in your favor. I'd vote in favor of applying early in the next cycle instead of late in this one.

what was your mcat before?
 
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