Stanford Early Decision?

[jerew]

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Hello, I am considering applying Early Decision at Stanford, but I'm not sure what the benefits are, and if it is right for me, assuming Stanford is my #1 choice. Any thoughts on if I would make the cut, and if it wise/unwise to try and lock down my top school through EDP or regular?

3.8 GPA, applied physics major at ivy league school (known for this particular physics program)
42S MCAT
Not a URM or anywhere close (also, from Minnesota)
4.0+ in pre-med classes, lots of challenging upper level physics

Am taking a year off (during application year) to obtain MA in Physics at large state school (they will fully fund me, so that's why I am going)

*Semi-prestigious fellowship at school recognizing work and service commitment
*1 summer research at Columbia (radiation oncology)
*500+ hours research on campus in biophysics group. (no publications so far)
*3 semester TA in intro physics class
*1 semester grader for upper level physics class
*Will be a full-time TA for Organic Chem this summer
*250 hours volunteering in two hospitals, one as head volunteer (or coordinator or whatever)
*150 hours volunteering in other non-health things
*A few (maybe very few) small EC's, but nothing to write home about
*Maintained a job, be it good or bad (factory work, teaching, research, grocery store work, etc) throughout college and during breaks. I like to work...
*Very strong recs

EDP seems like a big risk, so I kind of want to know what chance I have and any other details you could spare on the whole process.

THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

Hello, I am considering applying Early Decision at Stanford, but I'm not sure what the benefits are, and if it is right for me, assuming Stanford is my #1 choice. Any thoughts on if I would make the cut, and if it wise/unwise to try and lock down my top school through EDP or regular?

3.8 GPA, applied physics major at ivy league school (known for this particular physics program)
42S MCAT
Not a URM or anywhere close (also, from Minnesota)
4.0+ in pre-med classes, lots of challenging upper level physics

Am taking a year off (during application year) to obtain MA in Physics at large state school (they will fully fund me, so that's why I am going)

*Semi-prestigious fellowship at school recognizing work and service commitment
*1 summer research at Columbia (radiation oncology)
*500+ hours research on campus in biophysics group. (no publications so far)
*3 semester TA in intro physics class
*1 semester grader for upper level physics class
*Will be a full-time TA for Organic Chem this summer
*250 hours volunteering in two hospitals, one as head volunteer (or coordinator or whatever)
*150 hours volunteering in other non-health things
*A few (maybe very few) small EC's, but nothing to write home about
*Maintained a job, be it good or bad (factory work, teaching, research, grocery store work, etc) throughout college and during breaks. I like to work...
*Very strong recs

EDP seems like a big risk, so I kind of want to know what chance I have and any other details you could spare on the whole process.

THANKS SO MUCH!

ur STATS are sick...42S mcat? haha, i thought that only happens in the movies

if i were u, i would apply to only top 10 schools, harvard, hopkins, stanford, etc...during the normal cycle..it would suck if stanford rejects u for some WEIRD reason...and u have to wait another year

 

[Handy388]

ur STATS are sick...42S mcat? haha, i thought that only happens in the movies

if i were u, i would apply to only top 10 schools, harvard, hopkins, stanford, etc...during the normal cycle..it would suck if stanford rejects u for some WEIRD reason...and u have to wait another year

paging OnlyNeedOneYes

paging ONOY

 

[BlueElmo]

Holy Crap, OP. That is some crazy stats.

I wouldn't ED though. Why do it when your stats are competitive for Harvard, JHU, WashU, etc. I agree with above and would only apply to Top 10 schools though.
Man, crazy people do exist after all.😱

 

[ksmi117]

Holy Crap, OP. That is some crazy stats.

I wouldn't ED though. Why do it when your stats are competitive for Harvard, JHU, WashU, etc. I agree with above and would only apply to Top 10 schools though.
Man, crazy people do exist after all.😱

Please please don't apply only to top 10 schools. Apply to a few safeties just in case. It's better to do that than have to apply again. I think you'll get in to a great school, but you never know what could happen. Also, I wouldn't do EDP, if you don't get in, you'll be super late for the rest of the schools. Both of these chances, while slim, are enough to apply regular decision and to at the very least 1 or 2 safeties, IMO.

 

[drareg]

Hello, I am considering applying Early Decision at Stanford, but I'm not sure what the benefits are, and if it is right for me, assuming Stanford is my #1 choice. Any thoughts on if I would make the cut, and if it wise/unwise to try and lock down my top school through EDP or regular?

3.8 GPA, applied physics major at ivy league school (known for this particular physics program)
42S MCAT
Not a URM or anywhere close (also, from Minnesota)
4.0+ in pre-med classes, lots of challenging upper level physics

Am taking a year off (during application year) to obtain MA in Physics at large state school (they will fully fund me, so that's why I am going)

*Semi-prestigious fellowship at school recognizing work and service commitment
*1 summer research at Columbia (radiation oncology)
*500+ hours research on campus in biophysics group. (no publications so far)
*3 semester TA in intro physics class
*1 semester grader for upper level physics class
*Will be a full-time TA for Organic Chem this summer
*250 hours volunteering in two hospitals, one as head volunteer (or coordinator or whatever)
*150 hours volunteering in other non-health things
*A few (maybe very few) small EC's, but nothing to write home about
*Maintained a job, be it good or bad (factory work, teaching, research, grocery store work, etc) throughout college and during breaks. I like to work...
*Very strong recs

EDP seems like a big risk, so I kind of want to know what chance I have and any other details you could spare on the whole process.

THANKS SO MUCH!

WOWWWW. i would love for you to be my doctor man haha.

 

[shindotp]

I don't get the 4.0+... Are you counting A+'s as 4.3? AMCAS doesn't do that...

But wow, your application is what I daydream about having!

 

[chiz2kul]

Hello, I am considering applying Early Decision at Stanford, but I'm not sure what the benefits are, and if it is right for me, assuming Stanford is my #1 choice. Any thoughts on if I would make the cut, and if it wise/unwise to try and lock down my top school through EDP or regular?

3.8 GPA, applied physics major at ivy league school (known for this particular physics program)
42S MCAT
Not a URM or anywhere close (also, from Minnesota)
4.0+ in pre-med classes, lots of challenging upper level physics

Am taking a year off (during application year) to obtain MA in Physics at large state school (they will fully fund me, so that's why I am going)

*Semi-prestigious fellowship at school recognizing work and service commitment
*1 summer research at Columbia (radiation oncology)
*500+ hours research on campus in biophysics group. (no publications so far)
*3 semester TA in intro physics class
*1 semester grader for upper level physics class
*Will be a full-time TA for Organic Chem this summer
*250 hours volunteering in two hospitals, one as head volunteer (or coordinator or whatever)
*150 hours volunteering in other non-health things
*A few (maybe very few) small EC's, but nothing to write home about
*Maintained a job, be it good or bad (factory work, teaching, research, grocery store work, etc) throughout college and during breaks. I like to work...
*Very strong recs

EDP seems like a big risk, so I kind of want to know what chance I have and any other details you could spare on the whole process.

THANKS SO MUCH!

Sick dude. But I wldnt never advice EDP for any reason. BUT even tho u dont get in EDP, your stats MIGHT make up for applying later...may.
But dude, just go all the way. The risks of EDP r not worth it IMO.

paging OnlyNeedOneYes

paging ONOY

lol

 

[zpiff]

Don't do early decision. You will potentially lose out on comparing financial aid packages.

 

[BlueElmo]

Please please don't apply only to top 10 schools. Apply to a few safeties just in case. It's better to do that than have to apply again. I think you'll get in to a great school, but you never know what could happen. Also, I wouldn't do EDP, if you don't get in, you'll be super late for the rest of the schools. Both of these chances, while slim, are enough to apply regular decision and to at the very least 1 or 2 safeties, IMO.

My bad, yeah OP you should also have some safety schools in mind.

Oops, I forgot that we have ksmi, whose stats are also out of this world.🙂

 

[DukeMurken]

Hey there,

I'd like to just answer the question and say, I think you have an phenomenal chance if you apply EDP, and I would consider doing it if you're 100% sure Stanford is where you want to go.

As others mentioned, you are competitive all over, but I think their advice may stem on their own desires to go to the other schools. What I don't think what other people are realizing and something you didn't really mention is why you think Stanford is your top choice. Do you have a significant other or kids etc. that makes you want to go there?

Though I tend to think you're so competitive that you should apply all over and make a decision later, if there is a strong pull you have to Stanford, and you want to save money, I don't think you are risking it at all. In addition, your stats are strong enough that I think you could apply later and still be noticed anyways.

Good luck!

 

[Appless]

personally I always say EDP is a big mistake unles you have some amazingly compelling reason to do so. And a compelling reason doesnt = stanford is a good school thats well respected. If for example, you cant leave the state because you have 3 kids or something who are all settled thats understandable, but even then, there are many good schools in cali so i wouldnt do EDP. Maybe you have a sick mother or something you need to stay near so once again maybe another good EDP reason. We would need to know your reason but the fact is that if standford rejects you, you will be very late in applying which may hurt your chances. Though even then, someone with your stats will be noticed fast.

 

[dw2158]

ur STATS are sick...42S mcat? haha, i thought that only happens in the movies

what movies are you watching?

 

[jerew]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I talked to some other people today, and they agreed with most of you that EDP is too limiting. And I would also say I don't have as compelling a reason to attend Stanford as those that were mentioned. It's sort of been a dream of mine for many many years for various reasons, and I feel 98% sure that if were to get in, I would go. It sounds like maybe the admission advantage for EDP isn't THAT much stronger than just doing regular admissions, so if that is the case, I may agree that 98% doesn't cut it.

I really appreciate SDN advice too, so thanks again. Counselors sometimes give wishy-washy answers rather than telling it like it is.

To ask one more question, and I may just post a new thread with this question: What are some well respected schools that may give merit aid? I might be more inclined to add a safety if I knew I was also chancing at some funds. I know Wash U (obviously NOT a safety) said they have like 16 full-merit scholarships, but I feel a full-ride at Wash is like getting hit by lightning... about as rare and about as random. Any thoughts since I have a thread going?

 

[jerew]

I don't get the 4.0+... Are you counting A+'s as 4.3? AMCAS doesn't do that...

But wow, your application is what I daydream about having!

Yes, my bad. I forgot that the GPA adding is different for AMCAS than for my school. 🙁 Normal GPA should be same though.

 

[qmcat]

To ask one more question, and I may just post a new thread with this question: What are some well respected schools that may give merit aid? I might be more inclined to add a safety if I knew I was also chancing at some funds. I know Wash U (obviously NOT a safety) said they have like 16 full-merit scholarships, but I feel a full-ride at Wash is like getting hit by lightning... about as rare and about as random. Any thoughts since I have a thread going?

WashU, Vanderbilt, U Michigan, U Pitt... there are probably more, but I can't remember right now.

 

[shemarty]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I talked to some other people today, and they agreed with most of you that EDP is too limiting. And I would also say I don't have as compelling a reason to attend Stanford as those that were mentioned. It's sort of been a dream of mine for many many years for various reasons, and I feel 98% sure that if were to get in, I would go. It sounds like maybe the admission advantage for EDP isn't THAT much stronger than just doing regular admissions, so if that is the case, I may agree that 98% doesn't cut it.

Jerew, last June, I was 100% sure that I would attend Stanford if admitted. I went there for undergrad, my family and friends were in the area, I had PIs I wanted to continue working with, I was extremely involved at their free clinic, and I was interested in a particular Scholarly Concentration. I had really compelling reasons to want to go to Stanford, but I was advised not to risk it. Jonnie Perez from Stanford admissions told me that about 5 ppl apply EDP every year and maybe 0-1 get in. It doesn't seem worth it at all! There's no advantage, and its a huge risk.

I think my application was about as strong as yours, though we had different emphases, obviously.

Instead of applying EDP at Stanford, I applied really early to 14 of the top schools (by US news research rankings, anyway). You can see my MDApps for details. While I did get into a few great schools, I was waitlisted at Stanford! I'm so glad I didn't apply EDP! As somebody who was very very seriously considering Stanford EDP last year, I echo what's been said already and strongly discourage it.

if i were u, i would apply to only top 10 schools, harvard, hopkins, stanford, etc...during the normal cycle..it would suck if stanford rejects u for some WEIRD reason...and u have to wait another year

Please please don't apply only to top 10 schools. Apply to a few safeties just in case.

Unless you have a weird personality quirk and your interviewers hate you.... I personally think that you're most likely going to be okay if you apply to just the "top 10" schools. Then again, what do I know? More likely than not, you'll get a bunch of interviews and you'll be accepted at a subset of those. I did the same thing where I only applied to top schools, and everybody was telling me to add some "safeties" just in case, but I decided to risk it. If you apply *early*, that's even better, because you'll probably get in somewhere on October 15th. I got into U Mich and UCSD on October 15/16th, which took much of the pressure off for the rest of the application year.

To ask one more question, and I may just post a new thread with this question: What are some well respected schools that may give merit aid? I might be more inclined to add a safety if I knew I was also chancing at some funds. I know Wash U (obviously NOT a safety) said they have like 16 full-merit scholarships, but I feel a full-ride at Wash is like getting hit by lightning... about as rare and about as random. Any thoughts since I have a thread going?

WashU, Vanderbilt, U Michigan, U Pitt... there are probably more, but I can't remember right now.

Yea, I was going to mention WashU, Vandy, and Michigan. That's one of the reasons I applied to those, and I got a great offer from Michigan but not from WashU/Vandy. Ultimately, I think I may end up choosing UCSF over $$$ at Michigan, though.


Good luck with your application!!! You seem like a great candidate and I hope you'll be happy wherever you end up attending!

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

what movies are you watching?

the movie "21"...where that whiz kid from MIT gets into harvard medical school with a 44 MCAT...i know 42 is not 44..but its damn close and SICK

 

[gah1]

the movie "21"...where that whiz kid from MIT gets into harvard medical school with a 44 MCAT...i know 42 is not 44..but its damn close and SICK

Ben Stiller got a 42 in "Meet The Parents."

 

[dw2158]

the movie "21"...where that whiz kid from MIT gets into harvard medical school with a 44 MCAT...i know 42 is not 44..but its damn close and SICK

Ben Stiller got a 42 in "Meet The Parents."

ooookay... i was making a joke, suggesting that movies revolving around MCAT scores are a bit lame. nevermind.

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

ooookay... i was making a joke, suggesting that movies revolving around MCAT scores are a bit lame. nevermind.

haha. harold and kumar go to white castle isnt a lame movie..kumar got a 45 MCAT!!

 

[jerew]

Kumar got a 45?! That's probably why he's working for Obama now after a fellowship with House.

 

[handetalc]

Please please don't apply only to top 10 schools. Apply to a few safeties just in case. It's better to do that than have to apply again. I think you'll get in to a great school, but you never know what could happen. Also, I wouldn't do EDP, if you don't get in, you'll be super late for the rest of the schools. Both of these chances, while slim, are enough to apply regular decision and to at the very least 1 or 2 safeties, IMO.

agreed

 

[PandaBrewMaster]

Jerew, last June, I was 100% sure that I would attend Stanford if admitted. I went there for undergrad, my family and friends were in the area, I had PIs I wanted to continue working with, I was extremely involved at their free clinic, and I was interested in a particular Scholarly Concentration. I had really compelling reasons to want to go to Stanford, but I was advised not to risk it. Jonnie Perez from Stanford admissions told me that about 5 ppl apply EDP every year and maybe 0-1 get in. It doesn't seem worth it at all! There's no advantage, and its a huge risk.

I think my application was about as strong as yours, though we had different emphases, obviously.

Instead of applying EDP at Stanford, I applied really early to 14 of the top schools (by US news research rankings, anyway). You can see my MDApps for details. While I did get into a few great schools, I was waitlisted at Stanford! I'm so glad I didn't apply EDP! As somebody who was very very seriously considering Stanford EDP last year, I echo what's been said already and strongly discourage it.





Unless you have a weird personality quirk and your interviewers hate you.... I personally think that you're most likely going to be okay if you apply to just the "top 10" schools. Then again, what do I know? More likely than not, you'll get a bunch of interviews and you'll be accepted at a subset of those. I did the same thing where I only applied to top schools, and everybody was telling me to add some "safeties" just in case, but I decided to risk it. If you apply *early*, that's even better, because you'll probably get in somewhere on October 15th. I got into U Mich and UCSD on October 15/16th, which took much of the pressure off for the rest of the application year.





Yea, I was going to mention WashU, Vandy, and Michigan. That's one of the reasons I applied to those, and I got a great offer from Michigan but not from WashU/Vandy. Ultimately, I think I may end up choosing UCSF over $$$ at Michigan, though.


Good luck with your application!!! You seem like a great candidate and I hope you'll be happy wherever you end up attending!

👍

What she said, basically.

Especially this part:

If you apply *early*, that's even better, because you'll probably get in somewhere on October 15th. I got into U Mich and UCSD on October 15/16th, which took much of the pressure off for the rest of the application year.

With your numbers, you're probably going to get an auto-invite from Michigan, and well, you have a very good chance of getting in too, on October 15th. So any school that you might not go to over Michigan (a fantastic program), well..........

Then again, there is always a good argument for erring on the side of caution

Good luck! You'll do great

 

[yallo]

Also, add the University of Chicago to the list of schools that are (relatively) generous with merit aid.

 

[jerew]

Wow shemarty you have an awesome application! Thanks for the advice too, and based on that it looks like SDN really answered my Stanford question. I've been working on my school list and I think it's quite similar to yours.

Harvard
Johns Hopkins
Washington U in St. Louis
Penn
UCSF
Duke
Stanford
UCLA
Yale
Columbia
Chicago
Cornell
Northwestern (any thoughts on this one? How is their financial aid?)
Mayo
Minnesota
Michigan
Pittsburgh? (again, merit aid possibility?)

I'm trying to narrow it down a bit, since this seems maybe a BIT much. From my first draft, I cut:

Brown, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, Mount Sinai, NYU

Any thoughts on the list? I'm surprised at how soon this is all coming up... a few months and I need to send out!

 

[branch]

Please please don't apply only to top 10 schools. Apply to a few safeties just in case. It's better to do that than have to apply again. I think you'll get in to a great school, but you never know what could happen. Also, I wouldn't do EDP, if you don't get in, you'll be super late for the rest of the schools. Both of these chances, while slim, are enough to apply regular decision and to at the very least 1 or 2 safeties, IMO.

I've heard that "safeties" reject applicants who have very high stats because they know those applicants won't attend if offered admission. Is there any truth to this?

 

[ksmi117]

I've heard that "safeties" reject applicants who have very high stats because they know those applicants won't attend if offered admission. Is there any truth to this?

Possibly... which is kinda sad. 🙁 I mean it's kinda logical though. If you don't seem all that interested in the school via the secondary app (let's face it, you'll put more effort into the top schools' apps anyway), then the school is going to assume that you'll take an acceptance to a top program over theirs anyway. So why should they waste the effort in offering you an interview or an acceptance where there are plenty of people out there who would love to go to the school with not so great stats.

I'm really hoping this doesn't happen to me. I mean I think I would pick a top school over my state schools, but they are so cheap and idk... I guess I'll just hafta seem super super excited about LSU when I do their secondary.

Edit: Hey! We're like twins!! GPA and MCAT (even the all section scores)

 

[branch]

Possibly... which is kinda sad. 🙁 I mean it's kinda logical though. If you don't seem all that interested in the school via the secondary app (let's face it, you'll put more effort into the top schools' apps anyway), then the school is going to assume that you'll take an acceptance to a top program over theirs anyway. So why should they waste the effort in offering you an interview or an acceptance where there are plenty of people out there who would love to go to the school with not so great stats.

I'm really hoping this doesn't happen to me. I mean I think I would pick a top school over my state schools, but they are so cheap and idk... I guess I'll just hafta seem super super excited about LSU when I do their secondary.

Hey I just noticed we have the same academic profile 😛

You should be less worried with those number. I'm a Canadian applicant, so have to compete with the other international students for the few spots 🙁

EDIT: haha, I replied before I saw the last part of your msg 😛

 

[Steeler7588]

I've heard that "safeties" reject applicants who have very high stats because they know those applicants won't attend if offered admission. Is there any truth to this?

Yeah, some schools will do this. In some cases, they might not think the student's showing enough interest. In others, especially schools that get a ton of applications because of where they're located (DC, Boston come to mind) it's just a matter of sorting through the applications and protecting their yield.

 

[Sach]

OP- is your MCAT 42S or 37Q or 35P?

35P

37Q (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7395630#post7395630)

42S

Atleast, your 3.8 GPA is consistent all across....lol

 

[ksmi117]

OP- is your MCAT 42S or 37Q or 35P?

35P

37Q (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7395630#post7395630)

42S

Atleast, your 3.8 GPA is consistent all across....lol

I think s/he retook on 1/30 and got a 42S

 

[jerew]

OP- is your MCAT 42S or 37Q or 35P?

35P

37Q (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7395630#post7395630)

42S

Atleast, your 3.8 GPA is consistent all across....lol

Hah, I was waiting for that... Big secret, I made up my MCAT score the first time, based on what I projected. I was looking for help with my school list because my med counselor said I should start thinking about it, and I really wanted SDNs opinion. And of course, no one's rates school lists without knowing an MCAT score (and ppl gefaw at "I project my score to be (insert high score)"). AMCAS practice tests averaged 39, and I got a real 42 when I took it for the first time recently. I would never have PROJECTED a 42, that's just silly. Everything else should be consistent!

Please don't destroy me for this! I hope this wasn't TOO big of a forum breach of etiquette... I did quite a bit of research on my school list from the first post a while ago, as I am now thanks to a lot of good advice from really knowledge pre-med colleagues! Once again, I really appreciate the help! I feel a bit behind the curve in knowing ABOUT med schools...