In just a few days, many of you will want to submit your medical school primary application. You’ve probably heard that you have to click “send” on the first day possible – which this year is May 28, 2024 – if you want your best shot. But just how true is that?
But an inferior application cancels out that advantage, no matter how early you submit it. If you’re rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, the quality of your personal statement and extracurricular activities could suffer, or you might incorrectly enter information about your coursework, resulting in a verification delay.
Also, keep in mind that AMCAS does not transmit anything to medical schools . On that date, all verified primary applications will be forwarded, whether they were submitted on the first possible day or a few days later. In previous years, applications submitted at any time during the first week made this first release. In other words, applications from candidates who spent an extra week polishing their primary reached their selected med schools on the same day as those of applicants who rushed to submit on the first day.
This approach can also help you manage your secondaries. Staggering your school choices, adding two or three each week, will keep you from being overwhelmed with secondaries coming all at once. Of course, you should only do this for schools that have automatic secondaries; if applications are instead screened for secondaries at your target program, you’ll want your application reviewed as soon as possible.
This article was originally posted on blog.accepted.com
The AMCAS primary deadline: Myth versus reality
It is true that an early primary submission offers an advantage. With fewer applications ahead of it and an open slate of interview spots, your application has a better chance to shine.But an inferior application cancels out that advantage, no matter how early you submit it. If you’re rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, the quality of your personal statement and extracurricular activities could suffer, or you might incorrectly enter information about your coursework, resulting in a verification delay.
Also, keep in mind that AMCAS does not transmit anything to medical schools . On that date, all verified primary applications will be forwarded, whether they were submitted on the first possible day or a few days later. In previous years, applications submitted at any time during the first week made this first release. In other words, applications from candidates who spent an extra week polishing their primary reached their selected med schools on the same day as those of applicants who rushed to submit on the first day.
A better strategy for acceptance in 2024-2025
Submit your AMCAS primary as early as possible, when it is as strong as it can possibly be.
This might mean later in June or even July. If you’re a truly outstanding candidate, it’s not impossible to be accepted with an even later submission, though it does get progressively more difficult as the competition increases. Just keep in mind that AMCAS can take up to six weeks to verify primary applications during the busy season.Select your schools strategically.
Only a single school is required to kick-start the verification process, and additional schools can be added later without delaying your application. If you’re waiting on your MCAT score, you can apply to one school initially and add more after you see how you did. Your primary application is forwarded to the chosen program immediately, once your initial AMCAS verification is completed.This approach can also help you manage your secondaries. Staggering your school choices, adding two or three each week, will keep you from being overwhelmed with secondaries coming all at once. Of course, you should only do this for schools that have automatic secondaries; if applications are instead screened for secondaries at your target program, you’ll want your application reviewed as soon as possible.
When you feel confident that your primary application is strong, take time to double- and triple-check everything.
Once you hit the submit button, you’re not allowed to change most parts of your application.This article was originally posted on blog.accepted.com
