Most medical schools use a rolling admissions process, meaning that they evaluate applications as they receive them, rather than waiting until the deadline. This method provides the early applicant with a distinct advantage. Early applicants will be evaluated while there are plenty of interview spots and places in the class still available. As time passes and interview slots are filled and acceptances awarded, it becomes more difficult to obtain one of the remaining spots. One later applicant I spoke with relayed that an interviewer revealed to her that the class was full and the interview was only for consideration for the waitlist. Definitely not what you want to hear on interview day.
An applicant who submits the primary application by July 1 is in the first wave of applications, while a primary submitted by August 1 is still considered early in the cycle. As it gets later in August, time becomes more critical, so if you have not submitted your application yet, do so as soon as you possibly can. Also, remember that to retain the advantage you gained by applying early, you need to submit your secondaries in a timely manner. Letting those languish for weeks, or even months, means that you are losing crucial time. Conversely, if you sent in your primary application in late August or beyond, you can make up for some of that time by turning around your secondaries quickly.
Treat your medical school applications as a job. Make a schedule, block out time to work on the applications and don’t procrastinate. This way, you can give yourself the best chance of having your hard work pay off.
Need help finishing your primary or secondary applications? Contact Dr. Eaton at (626) 768-2154 or info@prehealthadvising.com for a free 20 minute phone consultation.