Thanks for the info, if I applied early september would there be any interviews in January? For me the issue more is my vacation days from work, not the travel it self.
If your stats are decent
(1) Do not apply everywhere. Apply to the places you could really see yourself living. If you don't like living in big cities then don't apply to Temple and NYC. If you hate the Midwest don't apply to Des Moines. The places you dislike will just be interviews you turn down.
(2) Recognize that you'll be applying at the front of the line and that closure is wonderful thing. Get it over with and get your acceptance in. There's still plenty of room to get in during January, but wouldn't you like to go into Thanksgiving and Christmas with everything resolved?
(3) Recognize that once you get your application verified your phone and email will be ringing off the hook and they will be calling you asking you when you can interview. See #1. However - I would recommend politely deferring when they call. Tell them you are excited to interview, but you'd like to get all your interviews in order (ie. wait until you receive all the interviews you are going to receive). This may take as long as 3 weeks, but it can save you some expensive plane tickets. Don't jump the gun and assume that what you receive week 1 is all you will get. Some of the schools respond a little slower.
(4) Recognize that once you interview you will likely start receiving acceptances and they will want you to commit and put down a deposit.
(5) Call Scholl and ensure that they have received your letters (if you want to go there). From my personal experience (not saying its the rule) they will not offer interviews without all of your letters being received. So followup and make sure they have everything they need.
(6) If you apply early and don't get into your first choice schools you can apply to schools further down your list. The application window for podiatry is long - save your backups for last. They don't know they are your backup and if you apply to everyone at first they'll be calling on day one.
