As someone who has read most of the ERAS PDWS user guide, this response is as annoying as it is correct. Nearly every program uses filters (especially medicine) to cut down the application pool to a manageable size. Some are very relaxed and will only filter out people who have egregious problems like felony convictions. Others are more stringent such as minimum board scores or research requirements. These filters include a filter for number of LORs submitted, presumably to capture people who have the required number LORs in (understanding that LORs sometimes come in after apps are submitted). Also, a filter for 'missing core documents' (such as personal statement) can be applied. All applications that get through these filters are then assigned to a reviewer within the PDWS. It is the responsibility of the reviewer to read your application and either make comments to the PD or select you for an interview. How many times and how often the program applies the filters (as a marker of 'complete applications') and assigns applications to reviewers is up to the program, but I imagine they keep refreshing until their published application deadline. Rumor has it that some programs will only do this once, which in your case, is bad news if you missed that hidden deadline. In your case, I think you are lucky that you forgot both, as you are probably being held up from review by missing LORs rather than a missing PS (which would look careless). I would talk to your advisor/PD. They might suggest you apply to a few more programs to be safe. I can't imagine this is the first time this has happened.
There's no point in talking to your advisor. Although that might have been a good plan in late August.
