Incomplete app early or complete app later?

[iqureshi7]

Is it better to send an incomplete app early (like just the CAF/usmle scores/transcript) early since some program with give invites just based on those things. Or is it better that you send it later when you have finished your PS, gotten your usmle step 2ck score, and at least 1 or 2 LOR? Ill probably get the rest of stuff in about 2 weeks. Will sending the app 2 weeks later hurt me? It seem like some people get invites in mid sept (granted smaller programs). I just don't want to not get some invites just b/c I sent some of the app later.

I would really appreciate aprogramdirector's input.

Thanks for your help in advance.

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[mrdowntoearth]

Along the same line, is the selection process based on first-come-first-served basis? How much do we lose if we don't submit our ERAS 2 wks or 1 month later?

 

[DCMDtobe]

CAn you even apply without a complete personal statement?

 

[yaah]

Don't worry about the two weeks.

I wouldn't submit until you can submit everything within your control (i.e. the CAF, the personal statement, and all your letters have been requested). If you haven't finished any of these, get on it now.

The things beyond your control (i.e. when letters get uploaded, your transcript, etc) are beyond your control once you request them.

 

[Maitreyi]

Along the same lines: I've done MY part of the app process, but several of my letter writers have turned out to be flakes and take ages to send anything in. I don't want to bug them but - what's the best way to ensure that they send stuff in? And, can I release my app if my part is done and I have at least one letter?

How early is early enough if you are applying to competitive programs?

Thanks!

 

[yaah]

As I said, take care of everything under your control. The only thing really under control with your letters is that you asked for them with sufficient advance time. Letters do not need to be in the week you submit, it's important that they be there by the time you interview. I suppose some programs might wait for them all to get in, but if that's the case then they aren't going to offer interviews early anyway because they are still waiting for the deans letter, transcript, etc.

This is not "ages," it is still early. If you are really nervous talk to your deans office and ask them their opinion. Or send the letter writer a note saying you have now submitted your application and thank them again for writing you a letter. But don't do this every three days until they get it done. Most important thing is to just relax.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I agree with advice on this thread.

Applying now vs 4 weeks from now (or even 8 weeks) is really no big deal. Apps should be in by Nov 1st.

Applying with an incomplete application is no big deal. ERAS lets us filter out incomplete apps, and we simply ignore them until they are complete.

The most competitive programs won't even look at apps until after Nov 1st.

 

[ESPNdeportes]

I agree with advice on this thread.

Applying now vs 4 weeks from now (or even 8 weeks) is really no big deal. Apps should be in by Nov 1st.

Applying with an incomplete application is no big deal. ERAS lets us filter out incomplete apps, and we simply ignore them until they are complete.

The most competitive programs won't even look at apps until after Nov 1st.

The only way I can see it as a big deal is the earlier you get offered interviews, the more choices of dates you have. So if you have limited time or are trying to combine multiple interviews on one trip, having the most possible dates open is your safest bet.

 

[forex]

I agree with advice on this thread.

Applying now vs 4 weeks from now (or even 8 weeks) is really no big deal. Apps should be in by Nov 1st.

Applying with an incomplete application is no big deal. ERAS lets us filter out incomplete apps, and we simply ignore them until they are complete.

The most competitive programs won't even look at apps until after Nov 1st.

1) These incomplete applications will be in the trash forever since programs are receiving NEW COMPLETE applications everyday?

2) What might be an advantage to apply early (because the program will not touch incomplete applications until it becomes complete)?

 

[mlw03]

2) What might be an advantage to apply early (because the program will not touch incomplete applications until it becomes complete)?

some programs do review incomplete applications, and i did receive a few interview invites before all of my LoRs were in. that said, i agree with all the advice that says to just get what you control in and give occasional, gentle reminders to letter writers to get the letters turned in.

 

[efex101]

The benefit of sending in ERAS incomplete now is the possibility of early interviews with more choices for dates. I submitted w/o ALL my LORs and have received interviews.

 

[icare4u]

I submitted my app with no LOR's at all and received one interview. Then my program director sent in his letter about 1 1/2 weeks later, and I got 5 more interviews. I got those last 5 interviews within a 2 day period, so I think somebody is looking at those letters when they come in. I don't know if they hold that file aside waiting or what, but that is what's happening to me. I still have two letters to go to make it complete,but I'm hoping today they will get those in.
Keep in mind my numbers are not that great, but I feel like my personal statement is really good, and I had a pretty big improvement from my step 1 to step 2.

 

[RockfordWF]

Just about every programs tells you to submit your application prior to recommendation letters.

I have 2 interviews so far, and only 1 letter in. The letter is from a non-academic physician in a different specialty.