Having already completed the undergraduate admissions process, you may be familiar with the concept of an early decision application. Certain medical schools offer a similar admissions option, albeit one with more restrictions.
For example, choosing to apply to medical school via early decision means that you can’t have any applications open at other programs until you receive a final admissions decision about your first-choice — that is, early decision — school.
[Learn more about applying to medical school.]
If you have decided to explore the early decision admissions process as a potential route to medical school, carefully consider your status as an applicant, as well as the caveats of such an admissions process before you submit your application. Take the time to research prospective medical schools in the following ways before applying early decision.
1. Gather and compare admissions data: Medical schools seek applicants who ideally suit their programs — both in the early decision and regular admissions pools.
Before applying early decision to any medical school, gather admissions data on what the school is looking for in applicants and assess how you compare to the typical admitted student in that program.
Do you possess the average GPA and MCAT scores, at minimum? Is your research and volunteer experience comparable to other successful applicants at that school? If you intend to apply to an American or Canadian medical school, the Medical School Admissions Requirements database contains a wealth of data for your perusal.
Applying early decision does not exempt you from meeting your chosen medical school’s standards, and it is crucial that you evaluate where you stand in comparison to those requirements before you apply.
Early decision acceptance rates vary from program to program, and the American Medical College Application Service still opens at the same time. Prepare as you would for a typical admissions cycle but remember that competition may be stiffer and your application deadline will be sooner.
[Learn strategies to select the right medical school to attend.]
2. Speak to successful early decision applicants: Though you may find it difficult to gain a personal perspective on the early decision application process, since fewer individuals may choose this route, seek out former early decision applicants when at all possible.
Some programs may be willing to connect you to current students who applied via early decision. But if they cannot or will not, the internet is another option — medical school discussion boards often host rich discussions on a variety of topics.
Ask what attracted these students to this admissions option, how they selected their early decision program and what they believe went well or was stressful during the application process. In addition to admissions statistics, first-person accounts may help you decide whether early decision is the right choice for you.
[Speak with current medical students when deciding where to enroll.]
3. Visit and evaluate the program’s suitability: It is understandably difficult to commit to being in a certain environment for four years without first experiencing the environment.
As you search for the ideal early decision medical school, be sure to visit and engage with current students and faculty members at those institutions that most interest you. Can you picture yourself in that environment? Do you relate to the students, and are their goals similar to yours?
Do any faculty members have research that is particularly appealing to you, and would they allow you to assist in that research?
Before you apply to any program early decision, try to envision yourself at the school. Then, ask yourself if the program will best serve your educational, personal and professional goals.
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Determine Whether to Apply Early Decision to Medical School originally appeared on usnews.com
