HELP! How does Early Decision work?

[p1neappleju1ce]

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I've been considering applying early decision for this upcoming admissions cycle until I came across the fact apparently, you can only apply regular decision to other schools only after the school you applied early to has given you a decision?

I remember when applying to colleges in high school, we were able to apply early decision to one school, and simultaneously apply to other schools through regular decision. It just seems strange that on PTCAS you would have to wait for the decision from your ED school before you could even apply to other schools. Do you guys know if this is definitely the case or am I misunderstanding what they are saying?

If this is true, why would anyone apply early decision to a program? If the applicant isn't accepted, wouldn't they essentially put themselves at a huge disadvantage considering decisions come in by late September and they would not be able to send the rest of their applications out until after?

I mean I could be misunderstanding this whole thing, so some explanation/clarification/help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ptlover]

http://www.ptcas.org/ptcas/public/earlydecision.aspx?navID=10737426886



This should answer your questions. You also have to accept the offer if offered admission and are not allowed to apply anywhere else

 

[p1neappleju1ce]

Okay yeah that's where all my questions are stemmed from, thanks for trying though! ^_^

The information on PTCAS doesn't answer any of my questions. So it looks like it is true that you can only apply early, wait for the decision, then decide to apply to other schools if you are denied/deferred admission. I was hoping someone who has applied early decision in the past can comment and give me comments/feedback on the process?

So here are my questions:

1) Do you guys think it's worth applying ED?
2) Is ED used as advantage in admissions like it was when applying to undergrads?
3) When do programs let you know their decision by?
4) If it is in late September, and you are denied/deferred, aren't you in a disadvantage scenario where you have to apply to other schools so late in the application cycle?

Please help!

 

[ptlover]

Okay yeah that's where all my questions are stemmed from, thanks for trying though! ^_^

The information on PTCAS doesn't answer any of my questions. So it looks like it is true that you can only apply early, wait for the decision, then decide to apply to other schools if you are denied/deferred admission. I was hoping someone who has applied early decision in the past can comment and give me comments/feedback on the process?

So here are my questions:

1) Do you guys think it's worth applying ED?
2) Is ED used as advantage in admissions like it was when applying to undergrads?
3) When do programs let you know their decision by?
4) If it is in late September, and you are denied/deferred, aren't you in a disadvantage scenario where you have to apply to other schools so late in the application cycle?

Please help!

ED is worth it based off of your stats. You have to make sure to meet the minimum requirements for ED. ED is worth it if you are confident in your stats and if that is 100% the school you want to attend. From my understanding programs inform you in September. September is awfully late to apply to most schools especially those with rolling admission. If the school has a firm deadline after September you may be able to swing it. Depends. Some schools may have a firm deadline which gives you more time to apply but sometimes gives you a later interview date- they can fill the class earlier but still offer you an interview all to just put you on a wait list. This happened to me my second time applying. Just wanted to tell you so you're informed. From experience I am glad I didn't apply ED because what I thought was my number one school ended up being a school I didn't want to attend. I ended up choosing to attend a school that was in the middle of my list - BUT I'm so happy I did because I was able to pick and choose between the schools. Its nice to have your options open in my opinion. Unless you have toured the school, met faculty, talked to current students etc . And also asked yourself the question "Can I see myself here" all before applying. And you are 100% with your choice then go for it. But ED is risky in the sense that you may or may not get in. Some schools do fill their class off of ED but not all. ED just gives you a seat sooner than everyone else, sort of that security - which I get is tempting. But like I said many times in this post be sure so that way months from now you're happy with your choice.

 

[starrsgirl]

I think ED can be a great option for some people who have a little bit weaker numbers AND also plan to apply other schools with regular admissions deadlines of October and later. When you apply to ED, it's a smaller applicant pool and the school and you might get a more thorough review. If you don't have any rolling admission schools targeted on your list, I think ED is a great option. (Make sure you like the school).

 

[davidtheusername]

You can talk to schools about how much it increases your odds. I know of schools that take almost their entire class from early decision. Some schools it matters less. I did early decision, but that was because I only applied to one school. I loved that I didn't have to stress out as long as regular applications. It hurts you if you're applying to places with rolling admissions though.