Peak interview and acceptance experiences

[Califo Cat]

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Hey all, I recently stumbled upon this link from Wash U, (http://mstp.wustl.edu/admissions/PublishingImages/Interview Slots Available.jpg) and it got me thinking. Let's say you made two graphs that averaged the data from every U.S. M.D. program. The first graph would be "number of interviews granted" versus "month of application cycle" and the second graph would be "number of acceptances granted" versus "month of application cycle."

Now, I realize there's variation between schools, but I'm talking about the averages. So, when would each of these graphs peak? Would you see bell-shaped or bimodal curves? My guess is that the curves would be bell-shaped, and that interviews offered would peak in October, while admissions offered would peak in January. However, this is just based on stories from peers and from these online forums. Anyone care to share their experiences or hard data? Thanks a lot!

 

[WedgeDawg]

In my experience, the interview came before the acceptance.

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In all seriousness though, because schools operate on their own timetables, it would be hard to extract meaningful conclusions from a median peak value. However, for schools that are completely and transparently rolling, I would imagine acceptances go out as quickly as possible to try to nab the best applicants they can. Can't give you any hard data outside of my own experiences though (see MDapps profile for dates).

 

[Goro]

At my school, the earlier in the cycle, the grater the chance for acceptance. We get really picky about March, when we have the luxury of rationing seats.