Secondary Timeline Question

[MDScribe]

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Hi,

I had a quick question about the timeline for getting secondaries in. While I certainly understand the mentality for getting them in ASAP, I did have one question.

If you do not have a complete application, is there any advantage to rush to get the secondaries in? Am I wrong to believe that an Ad Comm will usually not consider an application until the file is complete?

In my case, I am studying hard to take the MCAT August 1st (for the 1st time). My AMCAS app has been verified and was sent out. My letters are sent as part of a committee letter packet, and will be sent to AMCAS as soon as my MCAT score is released. My estimate is schools will probably get my MCAT + Letter Packet by the 2nd-3rd week of September.

My plan is to focus on the MCAT now and hit the secondaries when I am finished with the MCAT. With this timeline my secondaries will still be submitted before my file is complete. This way, as soon as my MCAT score & letters arrive, my app will be ready for review by the Ad Comm.

I am wondering if I am at a disadvantage by not getting the secondaries in immediately? From some of the secondary e-mails I have gotten today, it seems many Ad Comms will start reviewing the apps on a rolling basis as soon as the file is complete.

I understand there may not be an easy or definitive answer to this question, but appreciate any advice you all may have.

Thanks!

 

[Lamel]

I'd like to ask a similar question to this. Does it matter to submit secondaries early if your LORs won't be in? Do schools still send out interview invites without LORs being in?

 

[Ismet]

Some schools ask that you complete your secondary within a certain time frame after receiving them (such as 2 weeks). Obviously you should abide by their suggestion. But for the most part, you can wait until August to write the secondaries. Schools will wait to see your MCAT score and LORs before offering interviews.

It's a little late for this now since you submitted AMCAS already, but for any future applicant's reading this, since you don't have your MCAT score yet, it is advisable just to submit AMCAS with one school initially so that you can get verified, then add the rest of the schools later on when you have your MCAT score.

Do schools still send out interview invites without LORs being in?

Usually no. A couple schools might.