Early Decision question

[BlueElmo]

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hey guys, I heard if you apply ED to one school, then your AMCAS is not released to all the other schools you are applying to until October, which would put you at a disadvantage if you don't end up getting accepted into ED.
So my question is, is it worth it to apply to ED to a school? And are ED applicants' stats generally better/stronger than regular applicant' stats?
Harder to get accepted in ED than through regular admissions?

 

[236116]

hey guys, I heard if you apply ED to one school, then your AMCAS is not released to all the other schools you are applying to until October, which would put you at a disadvantage if you don't end up getting accepted into ED.
So my question is, is it worth it to apply to ED to a school? And are ED applicants' stats generally better/stronger than regular applicant' stats?
Harder to get accepted in ED than through regular admissions?

Only if you're absolutely positively sure you want that school.

The stats are better and it's harder.

You are not permitted to apply to any other schools until you are rejected from the ED school.

 

[Zaibatsu]

I applied early decision to my state school because I was completely positive I wanted to go there due to the in-state tuition and proximity. The benefits are that you will know before anyone else and not have to go through the worrying that accompanies the end of the application process (generally there is a higher chance of acceptance disregarding any legal troubles). Also, you will save a lot of money/time on other applications and fees. However I think there is a dimished chance for scholarships and obviously you are somewhat limiting your options available until you hear back from your ED school.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

My MSAR is a little dated, but I doubt much has changed since 2004

48% of EDP applicants were accepted via EDP
15% of EDP applicants were rejected EDP but accepted via the regular process
37% of EDP applicants were not accepted by any school

Compare with the regular pool: 48% accepted versus 50% rejected.

So EDP applicants in general were a smidge more likely to be accepted than regular applicants. But the numbers don't tell the whole story.

Most EDP applicants are strong candidates for the school they apply to. For example, my school requires 3.7+ GPA, 30+ MCAT, and state residency to apply EDP. They also suggest you discuss your candidacy with the office of admissions prior to applying -- basically to gauge your competitiveness (i.e., a pre-application screening).

So if you look at that again, and read between the lines, you'll see that most EDP candidates are likely to be accepted anyway. Their advantage was not applying EDP, but having a solid application.

The only point in applying EDP is if you really want/need to go to one particular school. The risk is huge, because if you don't make EDP you are behind in the process at other schools. For most people I would say it's not worth the risk, but I and three of my medical school classmates were crazy enough to do EDP. The process worked for me.

 

[Forthegood]

You need to be middle of the pack or better in numbers, and really sure that is where you want to matriculate...

I did it. My choice was easy. I loved the school, the town is a blast, and the price is right. It fit. That's the key. Find the school that fits. If you are sure, EDP isn't a big risk. If you are unsure, it is a stupid, unnecessary risk.