What Late Medical School Applicants Need to Know

Applying early is one of the most important -- if not the most important -- medical school admissions strategies. But what do you do if, come August, you have yet to finish your primary application? It's important to know if you should still submit your materials and understand the risks of applying to medical school late.

-- How will submitting a late application hurt my chances?

Most medical schools operate according to a rolling admissions process, with roughly 44 percent of applicants receiving an acceptance letter. Under rolling admissions, schools can accept a great applicant on the first day of admissions season, or on day 60.

By August, application committees will have their choice of qualified students who submitted their applications on time. And because medical schools interview a limited number of applicants, you may be automatically rejected if there are no interview spots remaining.

[Follow a medical school application timeline.]

-- How late is too late to apply, and what should I do if it is?

The American Medical College Application Service opens in May for data entry, and it begins to transmit applications to schools in early June. Although the deadlines for many medical schools fall in October, some range as late as December.

Because AMCAS must verify your application prior to its transmission, the wait is shortest in May, when it's just a few days. By the end of July, the delay may be several weeks long.

In short, September is simply too late to submit an application to medical school. August is borderline. Submitting in or before mid-July is reasonably safe, and June is ideal.

Exceptions do exist, of course, so be certain to speak to your academic adviser to determine whether you have an aspect of your application that distinguishes you enough to ensure you earn an interview despite the much stiffer autumn competition. Otherwise, it is time to seriously consider whether you should apply in the next cycle.

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-- What might rescue a late application?

If you plan to apply late in the cycle, you must have application elements that unequivocally prove your ability to flourish in medical school. Your GPA, MCAT score and letters of recommendation should be very competitive. In fact, delaying your MCAT test date to improve your performance is sometimes wise, as June dates will count toward the current cycle.

If you took additional course work to improve your grades, these grades should be accessible to schools by July. Extracurriculars that may benefit you include clinically-focused volunteer work or research that leads to national publication. Institutional recognition such as a university award can also add weight to your application.

If you have a strong application, you might even consider applying to less competitive schools where your odds are greater. If you are offered an interview despite applying late, prepare amply and well in advance, as this can help you maximize the interview.

[Get answers to questions medical school applicants are afraid to ask.]

-- What is the benefit of waiting for the next cycle?

There are many reasons why applying in the next cycle might benefit you. It can be disappointing to face the prospect of not attending medical school when you initially planned to, but being realistic is key.

Applying to medical school is expensive. You may spend several thousand dollars on applications, and this does not include travel and lodging for interviews. Spending hard-earned funds on a late application may not be the wisest option. Waiting until the next cycle will allow your application data to speak for itself.

In addition, U.S. medical schools value maturity in their applicants, and a gap year that is used wisely can greatly enhance your admissions portfolio.

While applying to medical school late is not recommended, some students may still ultimately receive an acceptance letter. Before you proceed, consider your options and the strength of your profile, and then choose the best path for you.

Vipinjeet Sandhu is a professional MCAT tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. He earned his bachelor's degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia College of Columbia University. He holds an M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine.