Timing of Application... really make a difference?

[Merlin0082]

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So I'm about to apply this summer, and I've been told that getting the primary application submitted ASAP makes a big difference in getting in. I was wondering if this was a myth or true?

And does it also help to get secondary applications in ASAP too? Or just primary?

Thanks

 

[Siverhideo1985]

So I'm about to apply this summer, and I've been told that getting the primary application submitted ASAP makes a big difference in getting in. I was wondering if this was a myth or true?

And does it also help to get secondary applications in ASAP too? Or just primary?

Thanks

Get everything in as early as possible. This isn't a myth, I've heard it from two pre-med advisors, countless pre-meds, and even admissions staff at medical schools.

You have to do the work one way or another, it will make a big difference if you just do it as early as possible.

Good Luck!

 

[usermike8500]

It's extremely important to apply early. Prepare your application in advance and turn it in the millisecond AMCAS accepts primaries in June.

My biggest regret throughout my entire undergraduate experience is applying to med school in late July rather than early June. For the rest of my life, I will be wondering what would've happened had I gotten my application out with the first wave of applicants.

 

[Brushfire]

Yes, turning in your primary/secondaries early helps.

I was always of the mindset that in an application process that is already so competitive, you want to make sure you are early/on point with all the things you can control.

 

[aRnonymous]

I submitted my AMCAS in the middle of September, and let me tell you from my own personal experience that it makes a HUGE difference

 

[BlueElmo]

Does it makes a difference submitting in early June vs mid June?

 

[229141]

Does it makes a difference submitting in early June vs mid June?

I will guess no and say the thing that REALLY matters is that you're one of the first ones 100% complete with secondaries and all.

 

[usermike8500]

Does it makes a difference submitting in early June vs mid June?

Yes. I'd even say it matters what hour you submit your app. On the first day available, you can bet thousands of premeds who have been preparing for this moment since infancy are behind computers turning in their apps. It won't take long before your application, as brilliant as it may be, gets lost within the tens of thousands of med school applications. I'm sure we've all heard stories of the premed with a 4.0 and 41 MCAT score who doesn't make it into any medical schools because he/she applied late.

 

[BlueElmo]

Yes. I'd even say it matters what hour you submit your app. On the first day available, you can bet thousands of premeds who have been preparing for this moment since infancy are behind computers turning in their apps. It won't take long before your application, as brilliant as it may be, gets lost within the tens of thousands of med school applications. I'm sure we've all heard stories of the premed with a 4.0 and 41 MCAT score who doesn't make it into any medical schools because he/she applied late.

Are you being serious or sarcastic?

 

[Marjan Islam]

okay, I really doubt the HOUR matters. I'd say, 2+ weeks and onwards after applications open is when things may begin to hurt.

 

[usermike8500]

Are you being serious or sarcastic?

I'm being serious, but perhaps a little paranoid. I got burned this application cycle for applying late so I'm a bit overly impassioned about this issue. Maybe stressing over the hour the application is turned in is a little extreme, but still... with 7000+ applications going to each school, i think turning in your app early is a very high priority.

 

[kingofthehill]

Turn your application in yesterday, if you know what I mean.

 

[Shawnpremed]

Submitting on 1st day @ 00:00:00 EST may be extreme. The system will probably be slowest at that point. Might want to wait a few hrs or even a day.

But what about n/a spring quarter grades, as well as MCAT scores for those who like taking the 5/28 MCAT? Can you send in everything else BUT those grades/scores, then have these auto-sent later on once they arrive LATE JUNE? Has verification time exponentially increased by then?

 

[itsallthesame]

if i remember correctly...

the application can be submitted starting say June 0X; however, it's not until either late June or July 0X that AMCAS will actually send your apps to schools. I submitted about 2 weeks after the first possible day (although I think I'd had my transcripts mailed when that part first opened). My application was still OK'ed before the first day that medical schools received them. So mine went with the official first batch. so the real answer is: early is key; however, within the first three weeks of june you are no different from someone who submitted at the first possible second. just get all your courses entered correctly.