Too late to apply?

[oceanicvibe]

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Hi SDNers,

So I plan on taking Orgo 1 and 2 next summer (2019), and right when I finish, take the DAT so that all the info is fresh. Is it too late to apply (submit my app when my DAT scores come back) in mid August to September right after I finish Orgo?

I want to apply next year and I wasn't sure what was considered "too late" since everyone says to apply early (aka June/July)

Please help!

Thanks

 

[ppaa]

I personally think it's too late. I took my DAT in July, it was verified mid August. I applied to 13 schools first week of June, got 3 pre-dec interviews, 5 post-dec interviews. I would've felt a lot more secure if I took the DAT earlier or applied a year late because ideally you want to do all your interviews before Dec and get in on Dec 1. I still haven't heard back from some post-dec schools (one of them is my top choice) probably because the class is full and they are waiting for April 1st.

 

[doc toothache]

The rush to June 1; the myth of the early bird advantage.

 

[artist2022]

So I had a positive experience doing this, but I am the exception, not the norm. I studied all summer for the DAT, and took it early August, and submitted my application near the end of August, where it was verified in 3 business days. I did only get 2 pre-Dec interviews, but 6 post-Dec interviews (4 of which I chose not to attend), and 1 acceptance on Dec1st, my top choice. Honestly, it just all depends on how you do. I had a positive experience due to a high DAT, which helped with me submitting so "late".
If you take the DAT right after orgo and you score very well (23+), I would say apply asap and see how the cycle goes. If you get in, you'll be saving a year (versus thinking you're too late and applying in 2020 instead).
If you don't score well, then I wouldn't apply and would instead plan for a retake (if under 20), strengthen other parts of your app, and apply the following year, 2020.

Basically, make sure you score well so you don't have to lose a year! Look at this thread for recent breakdowns & tips! DAT Breakdown Compilation Thread (future test takers, look here!)

Also, I took Orgo 1 & 2 in back-to-back 5 week sessions, getting an A & A-. Let me know if you need any help!

Good luck!

 

[stressedscholar]

I also had a positive experience with applying pretty late. I took the DAT early August but was travelling and didn't finish my application until the end of September (wasn't verified until mid October). I only had 2 interviews pre December but got accepted to both on Dec 1st. I had 7 interviews post December and got accepted to 6, waitlisted at 1. The whole process varies per person though cause I know someone who applied earlier than me, but was only on her second interview when I was on my last. It really depends on what schools you apply to as they all seem to work by their own schedule.

To be honest though, applying late tends to drag out the interview process a lot more. I had 2 interviews in Nov, 2 in Dec, 4 in Jan, 1 in Feb so I really had to have a flexible schedule for an extended period of time. And since post Dec interviews only give you a couple of weeks to make a deposit if accepted, I ended up making 3 different deposits cause I interviewed at my top choices later in the cycle.

Ultimately if you have good stats, you're going to get into multiple schools but the process itself is just more stressful. At many of my interviews, I was told that it was the last round of interviews the school was doing so I was competing with the most amount of applicants for the least amount of spots.

 

[DDSDCMUU]

I did what you are thinking of doing this past cycle. While it is stressful and it is always better to apply as early as possible, it is possible. I was able to get 9 interviews and scored a 26 in o chem, which I feel is because I had just finished the class. Good luck!

 

[dmddillydilly]

It's not too late to apply. Definitely do it! I was hesitant and wasn't fully submitted until the last day of August I believe - still got in somewhere!