Question regarding SF Match processing time

[dri]

Hi everyone,

I had hoped to submit my application by now, but I am still waiting on one of my letters of rec. It's been quite frustrating, as I had requested the letter some time ago and followed up with regular reminders. Nonetheless, this is the position I am in. The earliest I can get the letter is this Monday (8/17) and I plan to overnight my app to SF Match that day so that it arrives in SF in the AM on 8/18. Every source I have read says that it "takes up to three weeks" for SF Match to process and distribute the application. If this is true, this would put me at high-risk of missing the deadline for those programs with a 9/1 deadline. Based on your previous experience, how long does it take for SF Match to turnaround an app?

I hesitate to even ask, since there is not anything I can do to change my current situation, but my curiosity/neuroses has/have gotten the better of me.

Thanks

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[lateophthoapp]

I sent my application package overnight on 8/13, arrived as expected on 8/14 and was processed that same day. I was also really nervous about getting my app in because of the stated processing time; I emailed/texted my letter writers 3 times each. Hopefully this helps allay some of your anxiety.

 

[dri]

I sent my application package overnight on 8/13, arrived as expected on 8/14 and was processed that same day. I was also really nervous about getting my app in because of the stated processing time; I emailed/texted my letter writers 3 times each. Hopefully this helps allay some of your anxiety.

Thanks! That does make me feel better. Even if my experience differs form yours, at least it's a little piece of mind in the meantime.

 

[Hopefulone09]

My application was marked received 7/24/2014 and still hasn't been processed

 

[DrZeke]

My application was marked received 7/24/2014 and still hasn't been processed

Call them. They may be missing or waiting on something.

 

[123eyes]

My application was marked received 7/24/2014 and still hasn't been processed

@lateophthoapp What do you mean by "processed"? You mean that it was marked as 'received', not as 'uploaded', correct? That's what @HopefulOne's says too, and all of ours, until the next week or two when it's 'uploaded'.

 

[dri]

@lateophthoapp What do you mean by "processed"? You mean that it was marked as 'received', not as 'uploaded', correct? That's what @HopefulOne's says too, and all of ours, until the next week or two when it's 'uploaded'.

Thanks 123Eyes, that's an important point. What I am really interested in is how long it takes an application to go from "Received" status to "Distributed" status. From Hopefulone09's response it sounds like it might take the full three weeks, which is... disappointing.

I must admit, the whole SF Match process seems unnecessary and poorly executed. I'm assuming most others have had a experiences similar to mine re: software bugs. It seems like they add little-to-no value for the $500+ we pay. I'm also assuming that the programs pay them a hefty sum to receive our applications. Seems like a pretty profitable gig for uploading a few thousand documents to the internet once a year.

 

[123eyes]

Thanks 123Eyes, that's an important point. What I am really interested in is how long it takes an application to go from "Received" status to "Distributed" status. From Hopefulone09's response it sounds like it might take the full three weeks, which is... disappointing.

I must admit, the whole SF Match process seems unnecessary and poorly executed. I'm assuming most others have had a experiences similar to mine re: software bugs. It seems like they add little-to-no value for the $500+ we pay. I'm also assuming that the programs pay them a hefty sum to receive our applications. Seems like a pretty profitable gig for uploading a few thousand documents to the internet once a year.

No, not necessarily 3 weeks. SF Match collects all apps submitted and processed prior to a given date (last year around 8/20), and then distributes those to programs on that date. You will be emailed a 'batchmerge' message on that date, indicating your app has been sent to programs, and your status will change on the website. Even folks who submitted their app on 6/1 are sitting on the 'received' status, as far as I know. It's kind of like 9/15 for ERAS, except SF doesn't tell us the date in advance, and we aren't sure of processing time. Based on last year's thread, it ranges from 1-2 weeks, again keeping in mind that no apps are 'uploaded' prior to the initial distribution date (i.e. the 8/20 of last year).

 

[dri]

No, not necessarily 3 weeks. SF Match collects all apps submitted and processed prior to a given date (last year around 8/20), and then distributes those to programs on that date. You will be emailed a 'batchmerge' message on that date, indicating your app has been sent to programs, and your status will change on the website. Even folks who submitted their app on 6/1 are sitting on the 'received' status, as far as I know. It's kind of like 9/15 for ERAS, except SF doesn't tell us the date in advance, and we aren't sure of processing time. Based on last year's thread, it ranges from 1-2 weeks, again keeping in mind that no apps are 'uploaded' prior to the initial distribution date (i.e. the 8/20 of last year).

Ah, thank you. That is very helpful! Would you happen to know how quickly subsequent batches follow the first? In other words, if SF Match does not process my application prior to the initial batch going out, have I missed my chance at meeting the September first deadline of some programs? Thanks again!

 

[Hopefulone09]

I called they said today or tomorrow. Agreed its ridiculous that it's taking this long.

 

[lateophthoapp]

@lateophthoapp What do you mean by "processed"? You mean that it was marked as 'received', not as 'uploaded', correct? That's what @HopefulOne's says too, and all of ours, until the next week or two when it's 'uploaded'.

@123eyes - yes, I meant received. sorry about the confusion.