I placed 3 calls to admissions offices today: to Penn, NYU, and Harvard, all of which my app has been complete since mid-August and I have heard nothing except that my app is complete.
Here is what I was told over the phone:
Penn: (didn't ask for my info so gave me a generic answer based on my situation)
-Told me that within a week of your app being designated complete it enters a review committee. If you are not chosen for an interview immediately, your app enters a series of competitive screenings, which could take up until January.
-Bottom line: somewhat helpful, but I may have to keep waiting until Jan. ARRGHHH.
NYU: (Asked for my SSN)
-Told me my app has been reviewed once and no interview decision was made
-Told me my app will be reviewed again in January: ARRGHHH.
Harvard: (asked for my AAMC #)
-First go through an automated voicemail system telling you that interview invites go out on a continuing basis until mid-January
-When I spoke to a live person, I was only told that my app was complete and "that is the only information we can give out by request." (
Hope this info is helpful. I was hesitant to call and waited a long time before doing so (as is evidenced by the fact that my apps have been complete since mid-Aiugust at these schools), but am not sure that I learned a whole lot from placing these calls except that I need to keep waiting. I almost feel like rejections would have been preferable as they would provide some sort of closure.