It is December 1st and I have heard back from 5 schools. Is this normal?

[evenfeather]

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Out of the 34 schools I applied to, I've only heard back from 5... is this normal? I completed all of my secondaries late July and throughout August.

If this is expected, that's no big deal - just checking. But I thought I would have at least a decent chunk by now. Does this say something about my app, like maybe I'm borderline for an interview or something and they're waiting to see until later? Or does it not mean anything at all

edit: 1 interview, 2 holds, 2 rejections

 

[ontiquicuo]

What's "heard back"? If it's five IIs, you're golden. If it's five Rs, it's discouraging but not terminal.

Silence is normal. The modal response to my application way, "Thanks for applying."

 

[LizzyM]

You've had at least one interview before Thanksgiving so you are good. Now the Mardi Gras rule kicks in which is that you can't complain about not getting any offers until Mardi Gras which is mid-February 2026 (concurrent this year with Lunar New Year iykyk).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Read

HPSA Profile of the Admitted Applicant 2025 Report | HPSA

New research from HPSA reveals that while admissions achieve equitable outcomes across demographic groups, access to resources varies.

www.hpsa.org

Also fill out the HPSA Fall 2025 Applicant Experience Survey so that next year's applicants can determine whether their experience compares with yours as "normal."

 

[doc_J61]

Out of the 34 schools I applied to, I've only heard back from 5... is this normal? I completed all of my secondaries late July and throughout August.

If this is expected, that's no big deal - just checking. But I thought I would have at least a decent chunk by now. Does this say something about my app, like maybe I'm borderline for an interview or something and they're waiting to see until later? Or does it not mean anything at all

edit: 1 interview, 2 holds, 2 rejections

Make sure that you're complete at every school that you applied to. Check on your letter service company (not sure which one you used) to make sure that there were no snags there.

One interview is enough of course, but if something goes wrong you want to have some backup options.

Without more information about your application, I cannot say anything further with certainty.
Good luck with everything! 🙂

 

[chilly_md]

You could get another interview or two, but I would not expect a wave of them at this point.

Safer to assume most of the remaining schools are rejections. They tend to wait till spring to provide notice.