Poll The Success of Applying Early

[homer21]

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I applied a little late last year. I didn't recieve near as many interviews as expected and now with no acceptances I am preparing for round 2. I am curious as to what month each successfull applicant returned most of his/her secondaries.

 

[AyCaramba]

I have heard about success stories from people who applied as early as possible or who waited until the night a secondary was due to submit it. The conventional wisdom is the earlier the better (as you no doubt have heard)
Personally, I returned all of my secondaries within 48 hours of receiving them, and this was after submitting my primary on the earliest possible day and having it verified in early June. Most secondaries come out in July, but there are some in late June or August. I got 10 interviews, 4 acceptances (and still waiting on 2 waitlists, withdrew from 2 waitlists), which is more successful than I really imagined that I would be.

Good luck! Complete things as early as possible (without rushing)!

 

[Farmerator]

I submitted the bulk of my secondaries in late September - I didn't end up getting as many interviews as I expected but ended up being accepted at 3 top 20 schools (although 2 were off the wait list). It's really hard to say whether the timing of secondaries had anything to do with getting fewer interviews than I expected, but who knows. I think that the best strategy is to get them in as early as possible... people who apply early do seem to be more successful... although that could just be because the type of people who apply earlier also tend to be people who have their act together and are probably very good applicants? Who knows. It certainly can't HURT to get them in early, especially if this is your second go-around and you have probably answered all the essay questions already. Just don't submit anything before you think it is the best it can be. Anyways, I got my secondaries in in September and was very happy with the results. Good luck!

 

[Infinitydrop]

I submitted some interviews in sept and some last possible day, and my interview return rate was the same. applied to 17 schools, 8 interviews, but had to wait until march for acceptances, which was stressful, so if you got your act together, just apply early.

 

[tennistycoon]

so i submitted the majority of my secondaries in august (i was studying abroad so i couldn't get them in sooner).

i ended up with 9 interview invites total (for pretty low/avg. stats--and no i'm not disadvantaged or a minority or anything).

I honestly think that the reason why i got invited to so many interview was because of persistence. i sent in updates to schools i hadn't heard from. i believe this is how/why i got my suny interviews (interviewed at upstate on the second to last day of interviews after being put on pre-interview hold in sept). i sent updates about activities i was involved with, new grades, classes, etc. i really believe that if you show a CONTINUED strong interest, a school may be more interested in interviewing you over someone who hasn't sent any updates.

of course this is only MY experience, and i know that it doesn't work for all schools because some schools don't even accept update letters (Albany). And there were definitely some schools that I sent updates to, but still didn't get an interview. But overall, i really believe that persistance is key.

Good Luck! =)

 

[tennistycoon]

i should also mention that yes - sending in secondaries the earlier is better. you'd be more likely to get a direct acceptance rather than a WL and then acceptance, because many schools "interview for WL spots" once feb/march roll around.

plus if u send in your secondaries early, you (for the most part-not true at all schools) get reviewed earlier, and have a chance at interviewing early in the season when only a few seats are already filled.

 

[twostep376]

I have heard about success stories from people who applied as early as possible or who waited until the night a secondary was due to submit it. The conventional wisdom is the earlier the better (as you no doubt have heard)
Personally, I returned all of my secondaries within 48 hours of receiving them, and this was after submitting my primary on the earliest possible day and having it verified in early June. Most secondaries come out in July, but there are some in late June or August. I got 10 interviews, 4 acceptances (and still waiting on 2 waitlists, withdrew from 2 waitlists), which is more successful than I really imagined that I would be.

Good luck! Complete things as early as possible (without rushing)!

I followed the same schedule with similar results.

 

[sickandtired]

Took the MCAT in late Aug..so I wasn't verified until late Sept.. I sent most of my secondaries in by the end of Sept/early Oct. I applied to 30 schools and got 17 interviews. I was accepted at 3 schools (1 a top 10). I had really good numbers 39 MCAT and 3.9 GPA at an Ivey.......still a bit disappointed in not getting as many top school interviews as I thought I would have (only 1 Ivey)... definitely because I was so late in the cycle.

Good luck and don't give up.......if you read the threads people are still getting accepted at great schools into June (myself included).

 

[Hifey]

I applied early (AMCAS) but I wasn't complete at a lot of schools until early august due to my LORs only being complete then. I still ended up receiving the majority of my interview invites in mid August thru early September. I ended up being waitlisted at 2 (my earliest ones/already withdrew), and accepted at the 3 last ones. I figured my interviewing skills just got better as I relaxed. My stats aren't amazing AT ALL and I ended up with more interviews and acceptances than expected. I would credit this in large part to applying early.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Hifey, since I live in NC, I would be interested in your stats (if just approximately) since you did get into Wake Forest. My stats aren't great either...just wondering if I have a shot at Wake Forest or UNC.

 

[jleelee]

MCAT in early August 09
AMCAS application submitted the day after my MCAT score was released (early September 09)
AMCAS verification in early October
Secondaries completed by the end of October
9 interviews, 7 acceptances and 2 waitlists