Applying Early Decision versus Simply Applying Early?

[BiffTheFlashRogers]

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I am leaning heavily towards one program in particular as my #1 (SUNY Upstate Medical University), but feel handicapped by the Early Decision requirement of not being allowed to apply to other programs until I hear back from my ED school.

Part of me feels like it would be more beneficial to simply apply to all of the programs I wish I apply to as soon as humanly possible and get my app in front of them early. Then again, I have no experience with the whole process...thoughts?

 

[dd_dpt2014]

I applied early decision to a school and it has been my biggest regret. Since the school took forever to make its decision, I ended up sending my applications out late September, which by then a lot of fellow applicants were starting the interview process. I recommend just applying early. As far as I know, a very very select few candidates get chosen for early decision. Although I am going to my number one choice now, I believe my delay in applying hindered my acceptance to another school ( I got put on the weight list.) I hope this helps! If you have any questions feel free to ask 🙂

 

[BiffTheFlashRogers]

Okay cool, pretty similar to what I guessed. Glad to hear it worked out for you in the end! Thank you for the response!

 

[hopefulptny]

I'm not EXACTLY sure how early decision works, but some of the programs I know had their classes filled with early decision applicants and like 8 seats left for regular applicants. Also, some schools do the following: if they don't consider you competitive in the early decision applicant pool (usually the gpa and gre requirements are higher for early decision, but again not all schools) but you are still a qualified applicant...they push you down to the regular applicant pool and thats not bad since you will be still be considered as early applicant. This is what I've heard from others.

Your best bet is to definitely ask individual programs that you are interested in.