In just a few days, many of you will want to submit your medical school primary application. You’ve probably heard that you have to click “send” on the first day possible – which this year is May 28, 2024 – if you want your best shot. But just how true is that?
The AMCAS primary deadline: Myth versus reality
It is true that an early primary submission offers an advantage. With fewer applications ahead of it and an open slate of interview spots, your application has a better chance to shine.
But an inferior application cancels out that advantage, no matter how early you submit it. If you’re rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, the quality of your personal statement and extracurricular activities could suffer, or you might incorrectly enter information about your coursework, resulting in a verification delay.
Also, keep in mind that AMCAS does not transmit anything to medical schools . On that date, all verified primary applications will be forwarded, whether they were submitted on the first possible day or a few days later. In previous years, applications submitted at any time during the first week made this first release. In other words, applications from candidates who spent an extra week polishing their primary reached their selected med schools on the same day as those of applicants who rushed to submit on the first day.
A better strategy for acceptance in 2024-2025
Submit your AMCAS primary as early as possible, when it is as strong as it can possibly be.
This might mean later in June or even July. If you’re a truly outstanding candidate, it’s not impossible to be accepted with an even later submission, though it does get progressively more difficult as the competition increases. Just keep in mind that AMCAS can take up to six weeks to verify primary applications during the busy season.
Select your schools strategically.
Only a single school is required to kick-start the verification process, and additional schools can be added later without delaying your application. If you’re waiting on your MCAT score, you can apply to one school initially and add more after you see how you did. Your primary application is forwarded to the chosen program immediately, once your initial AMCAS verification is completed.
This approach can also help you manage your secondaries. Staggering your school choices, adding two or three each week, will keep you from being overwhelmed with secondaries coming all at once. Of course, you should only do this for schools that have automatic secondaries; if applications are instead screened for secondaries at your target program, you’ll want your application reviewed as soon as possible.
When you feel confident that your primary application is strong, take time to double- and triple-check everything.
Once you hit the submit button, you’re not allowed to change most parts of your application.
What Accepted can do for you
Submitting your AMCAS primary is an important step in your journey to become a doctor. Here are some of the many ways we can help make sure your first step is successful:
- School selection – Helping you find the best programs where you are competitive
- Personal Statement – Making your personal statement stand out with a compelling story that highlights your individuality and shows your commitment to medicine
- Activities and Most Meaningful Experiences – Ensuring that your experiences complement your personal statement and demonstrate the qualities medical schools want to see
Check out our AMCAS Admissions Services and work one-on-one with an advisor to create an impressive, well-written, compelling application that will highlight your competitive edge and help you get accepted.
Since 2001, Cydney Foote has advised hundreds of successful applicants for medical and dental education, residency and fellowship training, and other health-related degrees. Admissions consulting combines her many years of creating marketing content with five years on fellowship and research selection committees at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She’s also shared her strategy for impressing interviewers in a popular webinar and written three books and numerous articles on the admissions process. Want Cydney to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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