Early Decision

[Shjanzey]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

After working out the math, I decided that I couldn't pass up Early Decision.

It works out to roughly 36% chance of getting accepted Early Decision versus a 4% chance in regular application.

If I get an invite to interview that metric jumps to 60%, versus 37%.

The negative is that if I don't get picked for ED, then I send my apps to other schools in October O_O

Wish me luck 😀

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Are your stats above average for the school you want to apply early decision at? Do you have ECs that fit well with the school's mission? If you aren't fairly sure the school will take you, this could be a mistake. You can't just look at acceptance percentages. Sure, the school accepts 36% of early decision applicants, but that's because the people who apply early decision have such great stats that they could already be certain of an acceptance somewhere. They would have had a higher than average chance of acceptance at that same school even if they hadn't applied early decision.

 

[wholeheartedly]

You can't just look at acceptance percentages. Sure, the school accepts 36% of early decision applicants, but that's because the people who apply early decision have such great stats that they could already be certain of an acceptance somewhere. They would have had a higher than average chance of acceptance at that same school even if they hadn't applied early decision.

This unfortunately is true. My state school gave a presentation on this and when discussing early decision they suggested you only apply that what if your stats are above the schools average and have a very strong application otherwise. They are only going to pick people they know they want over anyone else who might apply in the regular application cycle.

 

[MedSchoolMama]

Good Luck!!!!

I had not even considered this option. Do you mind sharing your stats? I wonder if it is the better way to go....

 

[Shjanzey]

All of you that mentioned the percentages are correct. I obviously was paraphrasing a bit.

As for my stats, I fall right in the middle (maybe slightly above average for what was accepted in Early Decision last year), so the decision to submit the ED application was extremely difficult. I called the Dean of admissions before submitting my application, she didn't try to push me one way or another, but that was helpful...there was no gaping reason for her to tell me not to.

I am also a reapplicant and it is an instate institution, with tons of EC that fulfills their mission statement. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[BearKat]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I have unfortunately picked early decision for my first choice school. I didn't realize that my stats should be higher than the averages, I am slightly below. I thought it would greatly increase my chances by letting them know that the school is my first choice. Now that my application and secondary has been submitted, is it now too late to switch over to regular admissions?

I'm very worried.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I have unfortunately picked early decision for my first choice school. I didn't realize that my stats should be higher than the averages, I am slightly below. I thought it would greatly increase my chances by letting them know that the school is my first choice. Now that my application and secondary has been submitted, is it now too late to switch over to regular admissions?

I'm very worried.

You should probably call the school's admissions department to find out.

 

[NCOldie]

Do some schools roll over applicants into regular admission who are not accepted for Early Decision or are they just rejected completely?

 

[gyngyn]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I have unfortunately picked early decision for my first choice school. I didn't realize that my stats should be higher than the averages, I am slightly below. I thought it would greatly increase my chances by letting them know that the school is my first choice. Now that my application and secondary has been submitted, is it now too late to switch over to regular admissions?

I'm very worried.

I bet they will release you if you ask. That's what we do.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Do some schools roll over applicants into regular admission who are not accepted for Early Decision or are they just rejected completely?

Not positive, but I think how it works is if you aren't accepted then you are free to apply wherever you want. The problem is that's like in october which is pretty late in the application cycle.

here's the AMCAS link

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/programs/138218/msar_collection_medschool_programs.html

 

[muddyduck7]

The reason why the acceptance percentages are higher is that there is such a selection bias. For the most part, only really qualified applicants with really compelling reasons will apply early decision. If you are not above the school's averages, and you don't have a significant reason why you want to go to that school above all others (e.g. it is the only school near your disabled / ailing parent), applying ED will probably not help your admission chances. If you don't get in ED, your application cycle is significantly delayed and is probably sunk as you will only really stand a chance at non-rolling schools (which tend to be more top heavy) and even then there will be fewer interview slots left.

If you want to show schools that they are your definite number one choice, you can write a letter of interest before an interview (if you haven't heard back from them in a couple months after applying), and a letter of intent after interviewing. You can also express how much you liked the schools in thank you letters. I think that all else being equal, such actions (if done tactfully) can put an application over the top.

If you have already applied ED, I would recommend prewriting (or at least mulling over) secondaries for other schools just in case you do not get accepted.

 

[StephanieZ]

While we're on the subject of ED, I have a question: If you apply ED and get rejected, you can apply elsewhere, but obviously you are disadvantaged because you are late. However, if you are rejected and placed into the regular applicant pool, are you also late at the school you applied ED at? Will they look at your application as having been in, say, June, assuming that's when you were complete for ED? Or will they consider your regular decision application as being submitted in October after you were released from ED? And do they reinterview for regular decision, or just consider your ED interview as your interview?