General Early Decision Program

[Question]

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Hi Everyone!
My question is, when would the experts here recommend applying as an early decision applicant? When would they not? If I do not apply early decision, how do I still make sure that this school knows that they are my top choice?

— Experts please respond to this post —

 

[Med Ed]

If you are considering early decision you need to schedule a meeting with the admissions dean (or a rep who actually works in the admissions office). Adcom members are great but they don't run the show.

The admissions dean will look at your situation and advise whether or not it is a good or not good idea to apply early decision. The committee will have the final say. Generally speaking, successful early decision applicants are highly qualified and would do fine in the general applicant pool. For reapplicants or those prepping for an MCAT retake, it does not bode well.

In short, weaker applicants sometimes think that applying early decision will somehow strengthen their hand, but that is not the case. Unless the admissions dean flashes you the green light this move is ill advised.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I would not do early decision. I cannot recommend you apply early decision unless you are clearly a strong applicant for the school.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Yes, I would apply regular decision then based on this feedback. As mentioned earlier, strong ED candidates will come in with few yellow flags, and it would be down to a compelling reason to be admitted early given that most ED applicants would be strong candidates in the RD pool. By applying ED, you lock yourself from applying RD to other schools until August/September, and that puts your application in the "premed anxiety late" period.