When do programs start reviewing applications?

[NoveltyFree]

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Hi. I realize that interviews are already being given out by some programs, but I was wondering if the timing for invites has changed this year? I've read from an old post that most programs don't start really looking at applications until Nov 1st. Is that still the case this year? Or has there been any changes where more programs are looking at applications earlier?

 

[gutonc]

Hi. I realize that interviews are already being given out by some programs, but I was wondering if the timing for invites has changed this year? I've read from an old post that most programs don't start really looking at applications until Nov 1st. Is that still the case this year? Or has there been any changes where more programs are looking at applications earlier?

Completely unchanged timeline from prior years. 6 years ago I received my first invite on 9/1, a few more (maybe 7 or 8) trickled in over the next 4-6 weeks, then the flood after MSPEs are out. Different programs in different specialties review apps and send invites at their own pace. But trust me, almost everybody is starting to look at apps already.

Think about it, if you're a PD at a mid-level university IM program with 40 slots, you need to interview 300-400 folks which means you need to give out 400-600 interviews. And you probably received 2000-5000 applications for those spots. If you wait until Nov 1 to even start reviewing applications you risk not being able to recruit applicants you want because other programs will have already offered them interviews and they may not have enough time/money/interest to come to your program.

 

[horhay1241]

Any idea if they wait until all your documents are available before they make the interview decisions? I'm still waiting on a LOR and I'm wondering if this is holding my app up or not. Thanks

 

[NoveltyFree]

Completely unchanged timeline from prior years. 6 years ago I received my first invite on 9/1, a few more (maybe 7 or 8) trickled in over the next 4-6 weeks, then the flood after MSPEs are out. Different programs in different specialties review apps and send invites at their own pace. But trust me, almost everybody is starting to look at apps already.

Think about it, if you're a PD at a mid-level university IM program with 40 slots, you need to interview 300-400 folks which means you need to give out 400-600 interviews. And you probably received 2000-5000 applications for those spots. If you wait until Nov 1 to even start reviewing applications you risk not being able to recruit applicants you want because other programs will have already offered them interviews and they may not have enough time/money/interest to come to your program.

Are the MSPE letters still being released on Nov 1st this year?

 

[Quartz]

Are the MSPE letters still being released on Nov 1st this year?

Yes

 

[gutonc]

Any idea if they wait until all your documents are available before they make the interview decisions? I'm still waiting on a LOR and I'm wondering if this is holding my app up or not. Thanks

Some do, some don't. Some may offer interviews to some people but put other apps in the maybe pile until the app is complete.

No way to know, don't freak yourself out about it.

 

[memento2007]

Any idea if they wait until all your documents are available before they make the interview decisions? I'm still waiting on a LOR and I'm wondering if this is holding my app up or not. Thanks

I don't think they wait for all LORs.
I only have one LOR in and got 3 interviews now.
I am just an average student with average board scores from average school. 🙂
Good luck with your application.