Early Decision? Si o No?

[Catalyst]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm thinking about applying to Columbia early decision... for those of you who have applied, what are your feelings about early decision? My concern is that if I do apply early, I will have to withhold my applications from other schools and then possibly have a problem with being accepted to other schools after applying so late. What stats should one have to be a competitive candidate for early admission to Columbia? My GPA (3.73) is near Columbia's average, and I'm still waiting on April MCAT results. I also have done quite a few other things that I think fit well into their programs. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Sachin

 

[Jalby]

I'd say if you get a 34+, go ahead. Columbia is one of those schools that really like students who really like Columbia. What school did you come from again?? That might change my mind.

 

[Catalyst]

I'm from the University of Virginia if that makes any difference..

Sachin

 

[Jalby]

Good school. I stick to my 34. But to be honest, if you get a 34, you will get into a school as good as columbia that you prolly would like more. So it might not be in your best interest to do it.

 

[uniqueseraph]

I think your MCAT results will play a huge role here, so wait for them. And what do you mean by "I also have done quite a few other things that I think fit well into their programs"? 😕 🙄

 

[merlin17]

Hi there,

As you have figured out, applying ED is not an easy decision to make. If I were you I would try to contact someone at Columbia (probably dean frantz) and get his opinion about your chances. A 3.73/34 means you have a shot, but certainly not a guarantee at getting into a school at Columbia's level regular decision. I had slightly higher numbers than that and I am pretty sure that if I had not applied early in the regular admit cycle I would be without an acceptance at this point. Thankfully for me it worked out alright, but the process freaked me out a bit.

Another thing to try to find out before you decide is what the average GPA/MCATs are for students admitted to Columbia from UVA. Average accepted numbers don't mean very much unless you are looking at numbers for students like you. I might also see if you can pry from Columbia what the numbers look like for students accepted early decision. I have no clue what they are, but it is possible that they are much higher than the average for regular admit students. They also might give you some indication about what percentage of students who apply early get accepted. Some schools accept a good percentage of candidates who apply, others accept a lower percentage than they do regular admissions.

 

[dodo2]

For medical school admissions, early decision does not offer significant advantages. Stay away from early decision.

 

[Steinway]

check the website - for some reason I thought I read that they didn't have an ED program..

 

[alphabeta53]

Early decision during the undergraduate application process affords a certain advantage due to lower matriculation rates at the college level. For medical schools, the matriculation rates are much higher. The advanatge is thus completely negated. Early decision in medicine is meant for a student who knows that a "particular" school is the school for them. It doesn't necessarily "lower" the standards of admissions and the only advantage is that you find the school's decision at an earlier point. I strongly discourage you from this action until you consult with the Dean of Admissions for the school of interest and your pre-med advisor

AB

 

[merlin17]

Very good point Steinway...

http://t1.berlinprod.com/accounts/columbia/columbiasite8/applying.htm

Columbia doesn't even have early decision 🙄