Considering early decision....need some advice

[knight12]

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My number #1 school is UMDNJ-Newark and I'm considering apply for early decision. Unfortunately, the admissions office couldn't really give me any relevant input besides saying that I'm competitive for early decision. If anybody knows more about the program and what kind of numbers are needed to get in, I'd really appreciate it.

P.S. I'm a NJ resident and Rutgers-NB student, 3.75 gpa, 30P MCAT, good recs, good ecs

 

[DrBuro]

Obviously only you can make the decision. Personally I think early decision is very risky. You will probably get an interview there. If you do horribly on the interview though, then what? Then you have to apply everywhere else EXTREMELY late and have very little shot of getting in anywhere else. Unless you are absolutely positive that you will crush the interview, I would apply all over and try to show how interested you are in the school on the secondaries.

 

[tigress]

One reason I am not doing early decision is just in case I get into multiple schools, I'd like to be able to compare financial aid packages before deciding.

 

[Rzarecta]

Before this decision is made, it is imperative that you learn the percentages of accepted applicants in early decision and regular decision. Also, learn the post-interview acceptance percentages for both. Honestly, I would only apply early decision if I had at least a 50/50 chance, which isn't that likely. Your numbers are good, but your chances can definately be hurt by having to apply late. Med school acceptance is too much of a crapshoot for you to put all of your eggs into one basket.