How helpful is applying early?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>It's often said that applying early to medical schools is helpful. Exactly how great of a help is it, though?</p>

<p>Is there a notable increase in admissions chances for students who have completed their primary applications in June, as compared to the total average of applicants accepted? Would that quality as applying sufficiently early?</p>

<p>And finally, a really basic question that I just don't know about: Most medical schools have rolling admissions, right?</p>

<p>Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere on these forums. I searched for it, but I only found helpful suggestions to take the MCATs and apply to schools early.</p>

2

<p>It used to be a significant advantage. </p>

<p>However, with the MCAT being offered 22 times a year, everyone is applying early. Thus, it's now almost a requirement to apply early. You will be at a HUGE disadvantage by applying late and no advantage/disadvantage if you apply early.</p>

<p>Most med schools have rolling admissions.</p>

3

<p>It's important.</p>

<p>Your AMCAS should be in by August 1st at the absolute latest. But earlier is better.</p>

4

<p>I'm totally unfamiliar with the AMCAS. Is it possible to complete it in one week? Would that be difficult? Is that common?</p>

5

<p>It has the required personal statement so no, one week is not enough time - you need to have been preparing this ahead of time so that you get the appropriate editing and revising completed. Plus the system to fill in your undergraduate coursework is somewhat confusing, and thus time consuming. Further, it also is where you list your Post-Secondary Experiences, and I know lots of people (including myself) who had friends and family look over the descriptions of those and make editing/revising suggestions.</p>

6

<p>And the AMCAS isn't complete until MCAT scores are in, correct?</p>