When Do You Hear Back From Medical Schools for Interviews?

Waiting to find out if you’ve landed a medical school interview can feel like the longest stretch of the admissions process. Typically, many U.S. schools start sending invitations around mid-August and continue well into March. Canadian programs tend to be more uniform, often mailing out invites in January or February. Still, those timelines can vary significantly depending on each school’s admission style, your own application date, and how competitive the applicant pool is. Below, we break things down so you’ll know what to expect—and how to use your waiting period wisely.

When Do U.S. Medical Schools Send Interview Invites?

August to Early October: Rolling Admissions

Rolling admissions programs, such as Tulane or Michigan State, might contact early applicants as soon as mid-August. Because these schools fill spots on a first-come, first-served basis, candidates who apply and complete their secondary applications early often get interview invites sooner. If you’re aiming for a rolling admissions school, submitting your application as early as possible can be a major advantage.

October to December: Peak Season

Most med schools release the bulk of their interview invitations between October and December. Even if you were one of the first to apply, it’s not unusual for schools to wait until later in the fall before sending out invitations. This can feel nerve-wracking, but remember that committees usually review thousands of applications; it often takes time for them to identify the strongest candidates.

January to March: The Final Wave

Plenty of schools keep sending invites through March—or even beyond—especially if they use a waitlist system. Don’t assume it’s over if you haven’t heard back by January. Yale and UCLA, for instance, have been known to send out later invites because of their more complex review methods.

Pro Tip: Schools have different internal processes. A lack of response doesn’t necessarily mean rejection; some strong applicants only hear back later in the cycle.

When Do Canadian Med Schools Send Interview Invites?

Canadian schools typically don’t use rolling admissions, which makes their timetables more uniform. Most will send interview invites in January or February, with actual interviews happening between February and April.

That said, there are exceptions. Dalhousie, for example, has a late-July deadline, so their invites can appear around October, with interviews in November. Quebec schools and those in the Maritimes might have slightly different schedules, so be sure to check each program’s admissions webpage or consult MSAR for the most accurate information.

What Factors Affect When You’ll Hear Back?

1. Application Submission Date
   Rolling admissions schools, in particular, prioritize early submissions. Even at schools that don’t technically roll invites, applying late can push you into a more crowded pile.

2. Review Process
   Some programs (e.g., Georgetown, Stanford) thoroughly review each file, which can take longer. Others batch applications, reviewing them all together by a certain deadline.

3. Competitiveness of the Applicant Pool
   If a school sees a huge surge in applications, you might wait longer because the committee needs extra time to look at each file carefully.

4. Completeness of Your Application
   Missing elements—MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, or transcripts—can cause delays. Double-check that all your documents are in on time.

Estimating Your Interview Chances

To gauge your odds of landing an interview:

• Check Previously Accepted Profiles
  Many schools share average GPA, MCAT, and extracurricular stats for accepted students.

• Review Applicant-to-Interview Ratios
  Schools often invite two or three times the number of candidates they can accept.

• Look at Secondary Application Data
  Some schools send interview invites with secondaries, while others use secondaries to decide who gets an invite next. Doing well on secondaries can boost your invitation chances.

What to Do While You Wait

1. Start Prepping for Interviews Early

Don’t hold off until the invite arrives. Practice MMI or traditional interview questions ahead of time, since you might only get a couple of weeks’ notice for your actual interview slot. Mock interviews—especially with a mentor or friend who can provide honest feedback—can help you refine your communication skills and control any nerves.

Pro Tip: Different schools use different interview formats. Learn which format your target schools use, then tailor your prep accordingly.

2. Manage Your Stress

Yes, the wait can feel endless, but self-care goes a long way. Consider exercise, creative hobbies, or time with friends—anything that recharges you. It’s easy to obsess over email notifications, but mental well-being matters. Think of it as preparation for med school, which can be just as (if not more) stressful.

3. Send Update Letters (If Permitted)

If months pass and you have noteworthy achievements—like a published paper, new clinical experiences, or updated transcripts—you might send a concise update letter. However, do this only if the school’s policy allows it, and keep the letter straightforward. Overloading them with small updates might backfire.

4. Reflect on a Possible Next Cycle

If you get no interview invites by late interview season, it might be time to evaluate your application for potential reapplication. Did your MCAT score fall short? Did your GPA look weak compared to last year’s matriculants? Did you apply too narrowly? Use the waiting time to consider ways to fortify your candidacy.

5. Continue Building Your Profile

Keep adding experiences that align with your med school goals—such as volunteering, shadowing, or research. These not only deepen your understanding of healthcare but also give you new angles to discuss if you do land an interview or if you need to apply again.

Applying Strategically Next Time

If it comes to another cycle, apply early. Many schools operate on rolling admissions, so sending in materials at the beginning of the cycle can improve your likelihood of snagging an interview. Also, use resources like MSAR to confirm your GPA and MCAT are competitive for the schools on your list. It’s perfectly fine to have a “reach,” “target,” and “safety” mix—just be realistic about where you put your time and money.

Common Questions

1. Why are interview timelines so different across schools?
   Each program has its own admissions style and review process. Some roll, some batch, some need extra layers of committee input.

2. I applied early but haven’t heard anything—am I doomed?
   Not at all. Sometimes even early applicants wait until late fall or winter for an invite.

3. Should I memorize MMI or traditional interview answers?
   It’s better to know your main points but stay natural. Over-rehearsing can make you sound robotic.

4. Is it worth sending updates or letters of intent?
   Only if the school explicitly allows it—and if you have something truly substantial to share.

5. How many invitations do schools send?
   Many schools interview two to three times more applicants than they’ll eventually accept.

Final Note

No news isn’t bad news. Some strong applicants hear back late, especially at busy schools or those with thorough, multi-step reviews. While you wait, keep enhancing your profile and practicing interview skills. A calm, proactive approach can help you move from the stress of not knowing to the strategy of being prepared—so you’ll be ready when that invite finally arrives.

(Disclaimer: Each medical school may have its own unique process. Always confirm up-to-date policies with individual programs.)