Is it too late to submit secondaries in early September with low stats?

[flagellamonster]

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So, I submitted 18 secondaries throughout August but still have 5-6 more that just haven't been done.

I have a 31 MCAT (10 PS/11 BS/10 VR) and a 3.1 cGPA (with significant upward trend going from 2.5ish on multiple semesters to 3.8 on last few semesters and 3.6 at a post bacc). I know my stats aren't great but getting another degree wouldn't even be enough to really recover from the GPA issues. Basically, it is what it is.

Has anyone with low stats gotten IIs and acceptances by submitting secondaries around now (first week of September)?

 

[PugsAndHugs]

So, I submitted 18 secondaries throughout August but still have 5-6 more that just haven't been done.

I have a 31 MCAT (10 PS/11 BS/10 VR) and a 3.1 cGPA (with significant upward trend going from 2.5ish on multiple semesters to 3.8 on last few semesters and 3.6 at a post bacc). Trust me, I know my stats aren't great but getting another degree wouldn't even be enough to really recover from the GPA issues. Basically, it is what it is.

Has anyone with low stats gotten IIs and acceptances by submitting secondaries around now (first week of September)?

Assuming that money isn't an issue AND your secondaries are done (or very close to done), I would submit the rest of the secondaries. The weak GPA is going to hold you back a lot so to maximize your chances I would send out all of the secondaries. Better than thinkng "What If" later on.

 

[moisne]

You should file them. My latest one was november or december (the week of the deadline)

 

[NYCdude]

It's not super late but you're definitely pushing it. Just bang 'em out and get the rest of them sent by this weekend.

 

[emma2015]

I'm in a similar situation, but have a competitive GPA and lower MCAT - I'm still working on secondaries (most of which I received in the last week). Also wondering how "late" this really is and how much that actually affects chances at competitive schools.

 

[yjj8817]

End of September for completion of file (primary, secondary, LOR, MCAT) is a "normal" speed

When you say this, do you mean submitting everything (verified primary, LOR, secondaries, MCAT score) by end of september? Or do you mean the schools telling the applicants that "your file is complete and is now ready for review"?

Is there a very long delay between these two?

 

[winterwind_23]

When you say this, do you mean submitting everything (verified primary, LOR, secondaries, MCAT score) by end of september? Or do you mean the schools telling the applicants that "your file is complete and is now ready for review"?

Is there a very long delay between these two?

From my experience applying and being complete at 38 schools, most schools automatically mark you as complete once all of those items are in. There are a few schools that take a few days or weeks to mark you as complete. I submitted my secondaries in July and early August, so I'm not sure if it changes as the cycle goes along.

 

[Agent Mango]

Since the question is about when an applicant submits, it means that you have everything is in the file (including verified primary and the rest). As for when the schools 1) inspect file for completion, 2) mark the file as complete and/or ready review, 3) read and/reviewed by adcom, 4) evaluated and/or actions decided (II, reject, held for later review), those are fully school specific and no general rule can be stated.

BTW, by end of October for the above is generally late, but not extremely so. Remember schools have several thousands applications to review so things take a while to flow. Remember, this is talking about the file being complete from an applicant point of view, not first submission. So all items are in the file, all the letters, MCAT, secondary, primary.)

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a quick question. I've applied EDP but am preparing for worst case scenario. If I am deferred to the regular applicant pool, would it be best to just wait until next year to broadly apply? 3.9+ GPA, MCAT 30<X<34, well above average EC's.

 

[mikil100]

End of September for completion of file (primary, secondary, LOR, MCAT) is a "normal" speed

EDIT: disregard. just read above



When you say completion, do you mean when a student has it submitted, or when it goes into the "under review, waiting for an II" stage?

 

[mikil100]

Neither, I mean exactly what I said. That your file has all items in it. It means complete. That doesnt mean it has gone directly review or evaluation. Processing that goes on after that point may differ by school, not be directly chronological, have a multi-stage review/evaluation, or other variations

The word complete can be confusing in the context of medical school applications because of some schools stating "your application is now complete!" even when you you actually submitted the application in its entirety a month ago. Thanks for the help

 

[Agent Mango]

Yes, EDP is a very risky proposition as it sets you far back in the review cycle. However, with your GPA you can certainly target schools this cycle, even though its late. I rarely advise to apply EDP

The problem is I won't know of the decision until late September to early October, which means I would be well behind. Does applying to 5 or so schools sound like a good plan? Or if I'm going to apply at all, should I go all out with my 15-20? I am just hesitant because of the lateness in the cycle. I'd really hate to be a reapplicant at that many schools.

And yes, I know EDP was a risky proposition. Truthfully, there isn't a school I would attend if accepted to my IS school, so I just went with it. I don't regret my decision, but I am just trying to have a backup plan.

I appreciate your input!