dunno about the deadline question.. as far as the rural area question goes, you can give it a shot, and it's possible they'll want you to explain why you consider that a disadvantage, but i'm not sure that it'll fly. in general, it refers to either a) URMs or b) financially disadvantaged students. if you also suffer from some sort of mental or physical disability that doesn't prohibit you from obtaining a full medical educatiom but has required certain accomodations in the past, you may also be considered. but geography alone? that's a tough sell.