Secondaries.... when do we stop expecting them

[Engrailed]

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For most of the schools that Ive submitted to, Ive received secondaries and some I have not (It’s been close to a week since AMCAS transmission).

Should I expect that they’ve tossed my app to the side? Or is it that some schools send them out in batches?

Pls advise. Thanks!

 

[keanureaves]

It's been a week since verified? I'd say take a step back, take a deep breath, and keep waiting.

 

[Engrailed]

Secondaries can take 1 day to 4 weeks to arrive. Some schools do screen applications. Even schools that do not screen, may "throttle back" secondaries in order to reduce workflow in their offices. I have had applicants submit July and get Secondaries November.

It's been a week since verified? I'd say take a step back, take a deep breath, and keep waiting.

Where is that Xanax heh.....
Also, just a question on the content of secondaries.
Is it enough to answer the question succinctly and well polished or should it be as thoroughly well polished/interesting etc as the personal statement?
(not sure how much time I should be spending per essay, not that I am submitting anything half baked)

 

[Cornfed101]

Where is that Xanax heh.....
Also, just a question on the content of secondaries.
Is it enough to answer the question succinctly and well polished or should it be as thoroughly well polished/interesting etc as the personal statement?
(not sure how much time I should be spending per essay, not that I am submitting anything half baked)

Polished, but don't spend 3 months on a single essay (that's what the PS is). It should be a balance. Rember that you are likely writing a lot of these, but also keep in mind that once you do 10-15 they start getting more repetitive and you can use the same stories and experiences.

For your original question, it depends on which schools you applied to, but most schools will send you a secondary at some point if you have a pulse. And by a pulse, I mean a 3.0 and a 500 MCAT.

 

[NickNaylor]

Some schools will not send you a secondary until your AMCAS application is verified. Assuming the same process occurs as when I applied, this can sometimes take a significant amount of time, thus you may not receive some secondaries for a while. Many schools don't wait for verification.

I would say it's unlikely that you're going to receive many secondaries after October/November unless a school rigorously screens secondary applications.

 

[sophop]

.... most schools will send you a secondary at some point if you have a pulse. And by a pulse, I mean a 3.0 and a 500 MCAT.

Well, shoot. Been 2 years, but I guess there's still hope that I'll hear from Davis.....