Difference between being complete early July vs mid-late august?

[gardensoflife]

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Hi all, I hope this topic hasn’t been done in but I couldn’t find an answer to my specific question. I know that mid-late August is considered “on time,” but here is my question. All things remaining equal, do you think that a high stat applicant who submits in late August would have had a better chance if they submitted the same application early July? If so, how significant is the difference?

I ask because I’m basically in that exact boat and I’m wondering if it’s worth finishing my secondaries to T20s. For background, I have a 4.0/522 and good extracurriculars that fit what I think is a compelling narrative. However, I think I can achieve my career goals any US med school, and I’m not very pressed about it being highly ranked.

I’ve complete at 20 schools so far, and I have it in me to do 20 more by the end of August. So far I’ve applied pretty much equally across the board (1/4 low, 1/4 mid, 1/4 high, 1/4 top tier). My question is, for the remaining secondaries - is my time better spent at this point focusing on mid-low tier schools or should I continue applying high? My logic being that if I’m at too much of a disadvantage by submitting late August, I’d rather focus my energy on schools that are more likely to accept me anyway.

 

[coramDeo]

Is there that much of a disadvantage to completing in late August vs. July...?

 

[gardensoflife]

your disadvantage here isnt being late August, it is applying to 40 schools, including tier that are likely outside of your target. With your stats, assuming you have similar qualities ECs, 20 well targeted schools was more than enough. So it is too late? Without knowing which schools are left it is impossible to answer.

Appreciate the advice, thank you! I think I was stressing too much over submitting “late” and just trying to get in somewhere and not worrying enough about fit. However I’m gonna take now until end of August to really hone in on 10 or so applications to remaining schools that I think are the best fit for me with my career goals.

I do have another question - my application and activities are very public health oriented, specifically toward issues of mental illness and racially/ socio economically marginalized groups. I already have a school list of course but I’m very open to adding schools / rearranging priority depending on which schools are best for my goals. Does anyone know of any schools off the top of their head that I should apply given my interests?

Again thanks so much for your help and input so far.

 

[LizzyM]

Your interests might go over well at a couple of the Ivies but your interests aren't enough if you don't fit their profile with regard to MCAT & GPA. There are a load of schools that offer MPH degrees through a school of public health or a program in public health within the medical school and some of those, particularly if some faculty are working in mental health, might be a good fit for you. Post your details in a "what are my chances" post to get a list of schools from someone who knows more about lists than I do.

You should have all secondaries and letters in by Labor Day. You've got a couple weeks.