Secondary/Interview Dates Question

[49HWK]

Whats up everyone. I have decided to study abroad in spain this fall semester, graduate in december, and would like to be a part of 2007 medical school class. I am somewhat concerned about my ability to complete secondaries before I leave (late august) and not being able to interview until I get back (late December). Any thoughts?? Will I possibly be able to finish the secondaries in that short of time and if not, would it be possible to do them abroad? Is late december really late to start interviewing?
For anyone who has completed the application/interview process and can help me out I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

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[GA_MDhopeful]

Whats up everyone. I have decided to study abroad in spain this fall semester, graduate in december, and would like to be a part of 2007 medical school class. I am somewhat concerned about my ability to complete secondaries before I leave (late august) and not being able to interview until I get back (late December). Any thoughts?? Will I possibly be able to finish the secondaries in that short of time and if not, would it be possible to do them abroad? Is late december really late to start interviewing?
For anyone who has completed the application/interview process and can help me out I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

going abroad is a great experience.....

BUT, in my humble opinion, the semester that you're applying/interviewing for med school is not a good time to be leaving the country.

yes, you may somehow be able to finish your secondaries before august (but not likely because some schools may not have even sent them to you before then), but even so, you may be offered interviews during the time you're gone and have to reschedule them for later in the season. interviewing later = disadvantage. when at all possible, you want to be doing things as early as possible. i've been told this all the time and now finally realize how utterly true it is: the earlier you apply/interview, the better chance you have of getting in.

 

[49HWK]

Any other imformation would be helpful, such as when was the most common time for interviews and completion of secondary applications? Please help!

 

[LizzyM]

Any other imformation would be helpful, such as when was the most common time for interviews and completion of secondary applications? Please help!

If you get your AMCAS application in as early as possible, you should have secondaries to complete in July and August. I started reading applications in August 2005 so I know that some applicants were "complete" that early. With the supplemental, send a letter stating that you are abroad from date to date and you will be available for interviews after date. This might be a problem at the schools that close interview season early (such as NYU) but many others are still interviewing in Jan,Feb,Mar and if they like you in August they will put your application aside and ask you to come for an interview after you return. Schools will make an effort to interivew highly qualified applicants who are going abroad (it is an asset) and they will work with you to find an interview time that works for you.

Another thing about the supplementals. Aren't many of them now done electronically so you wouldn't have to worry about paper? As long as you have an internet connection, you could do them from your temporary location.