Why would anyone apply early decision?

[Pup5]

Schools encourage people with stellar MCAT and GPA to apply early decision, and they usually have set minimum score requirements. This tells me that applying ED - unlike when you were applying to colleges - doesn't really "boost" your chance of admission because you'll be competing against highly competitive applicants. The only benefit - if you want to call it that - of applying ED is getting your decision earlier than other people, and that seems to be really it... .... if you get in, that is.

In fact, applying ED for applicants with the school's average GPA and MCAT seems to have far more potentially negative consequences. If you're rejected from ED, you're screwed because you'll be applying to other schools very late.

So my honest question is, why would ANYONE apply ED? Even if they had amazing MCAT and GPA, it doesn't make sense that they should risk the chance of getting fcked over and limit themselves to only one school (even if they really love that school).

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[Coltuna]

I've always wondered this same thing. People getting accepted regular decision in August seems pretty early to me.

 

[OnePodRanger]

I do agree with you. ED, to me, does not guarantee you a better opportunity than some one who probably applied around late of July. Again, having people applying to ED does increase the possibility of the admissions office to look at your application first and not have problems with it.

 

[popopopop]

I'd guess location and family/relationships. Not everyone can uproot them-self and move across the country.

 

[hurtem&healem]

You're right in that those applying with the school's average MCAT and GPA absolutely should not apply ED. The schools themselves explicitly state that only exceptional candidates should apply ED. So, the only time it's a good decision, imo, is if you are far beyond their average for stats and have amazing ECs. The advantage, presumably, is the school knows without a doubt they are your top choice and, in theory, that may sway them to accept you.

I've always wondered this same thing. People getting accepted regular decision in August seems pretty early to me.

I didn't realize this was in the DO forum and was going to say that MD schools cannot release any decisions before Oct. 15, except for ED applicants. For DO you're absolutely right, it makes even less sense

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Essentially for those with state schools that can't uproot and move across the country. Many of my classmates only applied to the two in state schools (I'm OOS at my school)

 

[sdhere1234]

The only school that does a TRUE early decision is New Jersey Medical School. He interviewed July 1st then was accepted a week later. Imagine having your acceptance early July?

Also, if they don't accept you through ED, they throw you into the normal applicant pool right away so you can apply to other schools.

 

[Coltuna]

Applying ED as a DO applicant has no upside whatsoever. Like I can't think of a scenario where it would help an applicant.