Early decision opinions?

[actoutfit]

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What are the advantages to applying early decision to my state school (Maryland). I just took the 1/31 MCAT, got a 31 S and my gpa is 3.56 (I had a terrible freshman year and have a 3.8+ average the past 3 years). I'm going to be graduating in May and would be thoroughly satisfied with an acceptance at Maryland. Is it worth applying early decision?

 

[Artimacia]

I've always been told not to go early decision because a) you don't know for sure if you'll get in and you'll waste a year because you can't apply to other schools during this time and b) you may find another school you like more

 

[146233]

In general, I'd advise against it. With your cGPA, I'd advise against it.

Typically, one should only apply ED somewhere if:

1. They won't go anywhere else, period.
2. Their application is extremely competitive.

That said, your best advice would come from calling the Maryland admissions office. Call them up and ask if they'll discuss your competitiveness for an Early Decision spot. Most medical schools will be quite honest with you if you'd fare better in the general applicant pool.

Of course, most medical schools, if they deny you Early Decision, will consider you with the general applicant pool. That means you get looked at at least twice. It also means you're at a disadvantage if you don't get in ED and have to suddenly apply to other schools.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

it's generally a good choice if you are an outstanding applicant and definitely want to go to that school. even then, it's best to contact the school and ask for an assessment regarding your competitiveness in the EDP. you don't want to get rejected from EDP, as Arti said, because it delays your app to other schools and is a huge setback for the rest of the cycle.

with the scant info you provided, i think you would be more competitive for regular admission.

 

[Bacchus]

I wouldn't do EDP.