June 21st too late to turn in transcript?

[katiesb]

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I am a senior and my spring grades will be released on June 21st by the latest (hopefully earlier because I only have one final). Is this too late? My GPA is a 3.24, and if I get decent grades this quarter, I could raise my GPA to a 3.27-3.29. Is this enough to matter? Also, having all A's this quarter would look good considering my low GPA. Should I try to get my application in ASAP, or wait it out so I have my final grades?

FYI: I have 32 MCAT, 300 hours hospital volunteering, about 300 hours as a pediatrics MA, and not so strong LORS.

 

[Mattabet]

I'd be very wary of any delay in getting your AMCAS submitted. There's this snowball effect where even a few days can mean a difference of weeks in processing time. A ton of people are going to submit the first day, which means they're going to get processed and considered before yours. First considered means the first interview spots are going to go to that group, and you can quickly find yourself out of the running as classes fill up.

If at all possible, get that application in ASAP and update later when your transcript comes out. When adcoms finally get around to seeing it in the fall, they'll have your update, and can give it the consideration it deserves.

 

[OpalOnyx]

I'd be very wary of any delay in getting your AMCAS submitted. There's this snowball effect where even a few days can mean a difference of weeks in processing time. A ton of people are going to submit the first day, which means they're going to get processed and considered before yours. First considered means the first interview spots are going to go to that group, and you can quickly find yourself out of the running as classes fill up.

If at all possible, get that application in ASAP and update later when your transcript comes out. When adcoms finally get around to seeing it in the fall, they'll have your update, and can give it the consideration it deserves.

I'll second this. Very sound advice.

 

[AnotherDork]

I'd be very wary of any delay in getting your AMCAS submitted. There's this snowball effect where even a few days can mean a difference of weeks in processing time. A ton of people are going to submit the first day, which means they're going to get processed and considered before yours. First considered means the first interview spots are going to go to that group, and you can quickly find yourself out of the running as classes fill up.

If at all possible, get that application in ASAP and update later when your transcript comes out. When adcoms finally get around to seeing it in the fall, they'll have your update, and can give it the consideration it deserves.

I completely disagree with the previous two posts. At my school (obv N=1, but the process seems like it translates to other schools pretty readily), the first month or so is just administrative stuff- putting stuff in folders, getting them ready to be looked at by faculty, and they don't even really start looking at them until August or September. It's a common misconception (I chalk it up to pre-med neurosis) that you ABSOLUTELY MUST submit on the day that it opens or else you'll be left in the cold. When people say "apply early," they mean like "end of June or July," rather than October.

I think you're fine waiting until June 21. I have more information on this subject that I don't want to post publicly. PM me for more info if you want. Good luck.

 

[BlueElmo]

Also AMCAS GPA won'te updated if you do submit spring grades later.

 

[BlueElmo]

Also, OP, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to apply with 3.24-3.29 and a 32 unless you are URM...

 

[katiesb]

I know 3.24 is not good, that's why I'm doing everything I can to give my application a boost (like submitting on the very first day). Basically I am trying to weigh which has a bigger influence: possibly high spring grades and a 0.05 GPA increase, or submitting my application as early as possible.

 

[TMP-SMX]

I'd say wait for your grades. Just make sure your LORs and secondaries are ready to go.

Though you are definitely going to want to apply broadly. No matter how you slice it the GPA is not stellar. The 32 is better than average but not really enough to compensate for the GPA though. Have you had class retakes? DO schools allow for grade replacement and that might help you a bit if you are willing to go that route and you may improve your application chances. Even for people with good GPAs and 30+ MCAT scores there are no guarantees.

 

[LiveUninhibited]

I don't think those 20 days are going to make or break you. I'd be a little worried about late July and say it's not worth it if it was summer grades that won't come out til August. Applying early is a definite rule of thumb, but you have a legit reason for the small delay.

 

[scarletgirl777]

I am a senior and my spring grades will be released on June 21st by the latest (hopefully earlier because I only have one final). Is this too late? My GPA is a 3.24, and if I get decent grades this quarter, I could raise my GPA to a 3.27-3.29. Is this enough to matter? Also, having all A's this quarter would look good considering my low GPA. Should I try to get my application in ASAP, or wait it out so I have my final grades?

FYI: I have 32 MCAT, 300 hours hospital volunteering, about 300 hours as a pediatrics MA, and not so strong LORS.

Tough call. You're a senior, so you really could go ahead and apply without spring grades no problem. Also, that point boost will probably mean nothing, though if you happened to get straight As or near that during spring semester, that would make senior year look really good (AMCAS separates your grades out by year so this would stand out). At the same time, having your transcript in by the end of june is still "early." I think any decision is fine.

 

[katiesb]

Thanks for all of the input! I am so glad I found SDN, you guys are lifesavers!

 

[thesauce]

I wouldn't wait. To be honest, with that low of a GPA, a 0.05 increase is not going to matter much.

 

[dannyboy1]

another word of advice, with your GPA you should apply DO immidiately (unless you absolutely do not want to go DO). With your GPA you are unlikely to get into an MD school, so dont be like those applicants who realize in january that MD isnt gonna happen and then flood DO schools with apps, and have a harder time getting in since it is late in the cycle. With a 32 MCAT and upward trend you will probably get in to a DO school if you apply wisely. Good luck.

 

[TMP-SMX]

another word of advice, with your GPA you should apply DO immidiately (unless you absolutely do not want to go DO). With your GPA you are unlikely to get into an MD school, so dont be like those applicants who realize in january that MD isnt gonna happen and then flood DO schools with apps, and have a harder time getting in since it is late in the cycle. With a 32 MCAT and upward trend you will probably get in to a DO school if you apply wisely. Good luck.

I wouldn't say that. The GPA is not low. I'd recommend the OP applies to both MD and DO schools especially state schools and well-placed private schools.