How late is being complete at schools in mid-August?

[AZFutureDoc]

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I tried searching, and I couldn't find a satisfactory answer to my question. I have to wait until mid-July to submit my AMCAS, meaning I won't be verified until mid-August (transcripts are already received). I am 100% sure that I'll be able to "pre-write" all my secondaries using the threads here on SDN during the time that my app is being verified, meaning that I'll be able to send out secondaries mid-August and finally have everything in then. How late am I? I know it depends on my stats and the school, but I'm waiting for my MCAT score, and I haven't had time to calculate my GPA by breaking it down into science and non-science. Both GPAs will be between 3.6 and 3.7, and I am very confident that my MCAT will be above 30. I read somewhere that LizzyM said most schools don't start really start looking at apps till the end of July anyways, but I also know how incredible being "early" is. I'm freaking out, but I just want to know what to expect, so I would appreciate any input. Thanks a ton for your help!

 

[UnclePhil]

I was complete at most schools by mid September I think. I really don't think it made THAT big of a difference. I suppose I could have gotten more interviews at some of the schools that give out earlier interviews (like Pittsburgh or Case Western), but otherwise, I think I did ok as far as interviews go. Schools DO keep interview spots open for the reason that a lot of students do not submit applications until later.

 

[AZFutureDoc]

I was complete at most schools by mid September I think. I really don't think it made THAT big of a difference. I suppose I could have gotten more interviews at some of the schools that give out earlier interviews (like Pittsburgh or Case Western), but otherwise, I think I did ok as far as interviews go. Schools DO keep interview spots open for the reason that a lot of students do not submit applications until later.

Thanks for the encouragement. Anyone else willing to give their opinion?

 

[jm192]

I think I submitted August 5thish---so it may have been September when I was complete and everything. I wasn't as savvy with SDN as I should have been, and didn't work on secondaries until I received them. Knowing that those are there, and writing them in advance will be a great time saver. That said, I was pretty borderline, and got interviews/acceptances despite submitting when I did. Even better, I originally decided NOT to fill out a secondary, and then changed my mind. They heard back from me in December, and then invited me to interview.

I think you'll be fine.

 

[AZFutureDoc]

I think I submitted August 5thish---so it may have been September when I was complete and everything. I wasn't as savvy with SDN as I should have been, and didn't work on secondaries until I received them. Knowing that those are there, and writing them in advance will be a great time saver. That said, I was pretty borderline, and got interviews/acceptances despite submitting when I did. Even better, I originally decided NOT to fill out a secondary, and then changed my mind. They heard back from me in December, and then invited me to interview.

I think you'll be fine.

Thanks!

So when do interview invites start coming out, on average? Also, is there a gap between when you send in your secondary, and when you're complete? Or does the schools system mark you as complete the second you submit it and pay?

 

[jm192]

Thanks!

So when do interview invites start coming out, on average? Also, is there a gap between when you send in your secondary, and when you're complete? Or does the schools system mark you as complete the second you submit it and pay?

Interview invites begin I believe in August. But, again, you'll be fine. I actually have no idea about the other part. I would guess it would take around 2 weeks, just b/c they're going to review your letters and your secondary.

 

[Onres]

Thanks!

So when do interview invites start coming out, on average? Also, is there a gap between when you send in your secondary, and when you're complete? Or does the schools system mark you as complete the second you submit it and pay?

This varies by the school quite a bit. But as long as you are complete in August you'll be fine. I wasn't complete until late september (I took a really late MCAT due to health issues), and I got 5 interviews. 2 States, 2 Ivies, and another top 20. So it's doable. Granted, I think if I would have been able to submit and be 100% done earlier I probably would have had at least more interviews, if not acceptances. But it's all good because you only need 1. 🙂

 

[gravitywave]

complete in August isn't late for MD, anywhere.

 

[NickNaylor]

Not late. I was complete around 8/7 last year. Don't think it mattered at all.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Same answer. I wasn't complete at most places till Early-Mid August and started getting interviews for late August-September. Basically if you're complete in August you'll probably start getting the earlier interviews for September-October.

 

[AZFutureDoc]

Thanks for the help guys. Very reassuring. I'm feeling good again!