Medical Schools with Early Decision Programs

List of US Medical Schools with Early Decision Programs

Below is a full list of US medical schools that offer early decision programs.

1. University of Alabama School of Medicine
2. University of South Alabama College of Medicine
3. California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine
4. Loma Linda University School of Medicine
5. University of Connecticut School of Medicine
6. George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
7. Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
8. Florida State University College of Medicine
9. University of Central Florida College of Medicine
10. USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
11. Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
12. Mercer University School of Medicine
13. University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine
14. Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
15. Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
16. Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
17. University of Illinois College of Medicine
18. Indiana University School of Medicine
19. University of Kansas School of Medicine
20. University of Kentucky College of Medicine
21. University of Louisville School of Medicine
22. Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
23. Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
24. Tulane University School of Medicine
25. Boston University School of Medicine
26. Tufts University School of Medicine
27. University of Massachusetts Medical School
28. University of Maryland School of Medicine
29. Central Michigan University College of Medicine
30. Wayne State University School of Medicine
31. Saint Louis University School of Medicine
32. University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
33. University of Mississippi School of Medicine
34. Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
35. University of Nebraska College of Medicine
36. Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
37. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
38. Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
39. University of New Mexico School of Medicine
40. University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
41. Albert Einstein College of Medicine
42. Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
43. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
44. New York Medical College
45. State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
46. State University of New York Upstate Medical University
47. Stony Brook University School of Medicine
48. Northeast Ohio Medical University
49. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
50. Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
51. Drexel University College of Medicine
52. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
53. Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
54. Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
55. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
56. Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
57. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
58. Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
59. University of South Carolina School of Medicine
60. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
61. East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
62. Meharry Medical College
63. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
64. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
65. Eastern Virginia Medical School
66. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
67. University of Vermont College of Medicine
68. Medical College of Wisconsin
69. West Virginia University School of Medicine

What is an Early Decision Program and Why Apply?

Early Decision Programs (EDPs) are special admissions options offered by some medical schools that allow applicants to apply to their top-choice school before the regular admissions cycle begins, i.e., these are not really a part of the rolling admissions process. The concept behind an EDP is straightforward: if you have a clear first-choice medical school, you apply there early, and if accepted, you agree to attend that school and withdraw all other applications.

This route can be particularly attractive for applicants who are strongly tied to a specific school or area. Perhaps this is the school where your parents or mentors studied, it's located in your hometown, or it offers a specialized program perfectly aligning with your career goals. But these are not the only reasons. Another and maybe more important reason to apply to an EDP is that you know that you are a perfect candidate for a school. For example, you know that they give preference to students with great research experience and you have super quality research experience on your medical school resume - this could be reason to apply. Essentially, if you think you've got experiences and qualities that make you a very competitive candidate for this school - then you can consider an EDP. Applying via EDP shows your chosen school that you are highly committed and interested in their program specifically, which could make your application more appealing.

The medical school application timeline for EDPs is typically much earlier than the regular admissions process. Applications are usually due in the summer, and schools generally notify applicants of their decisions by mid-October. It's important to note that EDPs have very specific rules:

Each medical school with early decision program has unique criteria and guidelines for their EDP, so it's crucial to research and understand the medical school requirements of the particular program to which you are applying.

By applying to a school's EDP, you're demonstrating to the admissions committee that the school is your top choice and you're fully committed to attending if accepted. This commitment can make you stand out as an applicant. However, applying through an EDP also comes with its own set of pros and cons, which we will explore in the next section.

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Should You Apply to Medical School Early Decision Programs?

It's ultimately up to you, but here are some things to consider about EDPs. Here're some of the pros:

Focus: you are really focused on one school and you can make sure that you meet all of the requirements and criteria for it. When you apply to multiple schools at the same time, you have to make things like your medical school personal statement or your activities sections a lot more general. You do not want to tailor your documents to a specific school. But that's exactly what you can do with EDP applications! You can really showcase right away that you are the perfect candidate. This kind of focus can really make your medical school application stand out.

Reduced Application Stress: This is closely connected to the first point, but EDPs can help reduce the stress of juggling multiple applications – imagine having to avoid juggling all the medical school secondary essays! With EDPs, you can just remain dedicated to making yourself the perfect applicant for one school only.

Early Notification: This is also closely related to the previous points, but with EDP you have less time to wonder whether you will be going to medical school or not. EDPs typically notify applicants of their decision by mid-October, which can mean less waiting and uncertainty compared to the regular admissions process. So if you get accepted, you are free to start your med school preparations and just relax in terms of applications. If you do not, then you turn your efforts to other applications, but with considerable knowledge about the application process under your belt.

Financial Savings: Applying to multiple schools can be expensive. By applying to just one school through the EDP, you could potentially save on application fees.

Demonstrated Interest: Applying through an EDP shows the school that they are your top choice. This demonstrated interest may enhance your application.

So, with so many pros, you must be wondering what the cons are:

Limited Choices: This should not be something that concerns a true EDP applicant, but just a reminder, you will only get to apply to one EDP. If this bothers you, then you might not be the best candidate for this application process. You can only apply to one school. The big drawback is that if you're not accepted, you'll need to quickly apply to other schools, which can put you behind in the regular admissions timelines.

Competitive: Early decision programs can be highly competitive because many highly motivated and qualified applicants use this process. Essentially, this is not a great option for students who look for the easiest medical schools to get into. What makes EDP competitive is that students who typically apply are just like you - determined to attend this school.

Binding Commitment: If accepted, you are obligated to attend the school and withdraw all other applications. This leaves no room for comparing offers or financial aid packages from different schools. If you withdraw after accepting an early decision offer, it could potentially affect your future applications. Medical schools communicate with each other, and a breach of this agreement might be looked upon unfavorably by other schools if you apply again in the future.

High Standards: Schools often expect EDP applicants to be highly qualified, as they represent an investment for the school. It's not unusual for schools to expect EDP applicants to have higher than average MCAT scores and GPAs. So if you’re a student who is wondering how to get into medical school with low GPA or how to get into medical school with low MCAT, then EDPs are not for you.

Remember, the choice to apply through an EDP should be made thoughtfully and strategically. It's vital to do your research, understand the school's specific EDP guidelines, and realistically assess your competitiveness as an applicant.

How to Apply to Medical Schools with Early Decision Programs

Applying to medical schools with early decision programs requires careful planning and preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

Review the List of Medical Schools with Early Decision Programs:

This step is necessary for those who do not have a chosen school yet. Many EDP applicants do not even need to do this step because they know exactly the school they want to pursue. But if you are not one of them, it's totally normal to start your research now.

Review our list above of the schools that offer EDPs. As you evaluate each program, consider how well the school aligns with your career goals and personal preferences. Remember, you can only choose to apply to one program, so carefully review the list we provide above and see which of the programs speak to you.

Check the Eligibility Requirements:

Whether you already have a school in mind or you chose one after after you created a short list of potential programs you're interested in, you need to make sure that you meet ALL of the school's requirements and more. Every school has unique eligibility criteria for its EDP. Typically, they are looking for candidates who are academically strong and have a genuine interest in their program. Ensure that you meet these requirements before you apply. For example, do you meet their GPA and MCAT requirements? Did you complete all of the medical school prerequisites that they list? Did you gain enough volunteer hours for medical school? Did you gain enough shadowing hours for medical school? Did you gain enough clinical hours for medical school? Make sure to exceed all of the minimum requirements. This is an EDP application, you want to dot all your i's and cross all your t's.

Prepare Your Application Materials Early:

You will need to submit a primary application through AMCAS or TMDSAS. This will include your academic records, MCAT scores, medical school personal statement, and activities sections. Start preparing these materials well in advance to ensure your application is complete and presents you in the best light. We would recommend starting to gather all your application materials at least 3-4 months before the application opens.

Request Letters of Recommendation:

Medical school recommendation letters are a critical part of your application. Reach out to professors, mentors, or employers who can vouch for your abilities, dedication, and suitability for the medical profession. Make sure they understand the EDP's time-sensitive nature and the earlier submission deadline. Ask them at least 3 months before the deadline so they have enough time to prepare the best possible letter for you.

Submit Your Primary Application:

EDPs have earlier deadlines, often in August, so be sure to submit your application on time. The exact deadline will vary by school, so check each school's website for the most accurate information.

Prepare Your Secondary Application:

Most schools will ask for medical school secondary essays as part of their EDP. You will need to answer a series of questions or prompts designed to learn more about you and why you are pursing the specific program you’re applying to. This is especially important for EDPs!

Prepare for Interviews:

If your application is well received, you'll be invited for an interview. This is your chance to showcase your interpersonal skills, passion for medicine, and commitment to the school. Be sure to practice your interview skills and prepare answers to common medical school interview questions.

Remember, applying through an EDP is a binding agreement. If accepted, you're committed to attending that school and cannot apply to other schools during the regular admissions process. Therefore, only apply to an EDP if you're certain that the school is your top choice and you'd be happy to attend if accepted.

Tips for Early Decision Program Applicants

Applying for an Early Decision Program (EDP) is a significant decision, and if you've decided to take this route, here are some practical tips to increase your chances of acceptance:

Choose Your School Wisely:

Since you can only apply to one school via EDP, ensure the school you select is truly your first choice. How to choose a medical school is a very rigorous process in this case. Research its values, curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student culture to ensure it aligns with your career goals and personal preferences.

Showcase Your Connection:

Use your personal statement and AMCAS Work and Activities (or other activities sections) to demonstrate your connection with the school. Highlight any relevant experiences, such as a summer internship or research projects, that you completed, or any other extracurriculars for medical school you may have pursued. For instance, if you've conducted a research project or internship at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, it's important to emphasize this experience in your application. Talk about the skills you gained, the mentors you met, and how this experience influenced your decision to apply to the school.

Highlight Your Commitment:

Show the school that you're committed to them and to the medical profession. You can do this by highlighting your academic achievements, clinical experiences, volunteer work, or other relevant experiences. And most importantly, tie these experiences to the school you’re applying to. This can involve mentioning any consistent voluntary work you've done at local clinics or hospitals, which show your sustained interest in healthcare. If you've taken advanced courses in biology or chemistry, or if you've received an award for a science project, these are all worth mentioning. Don’t forget to make it clear that your experiences and skills are closely tied to the values and mission of the school you’re applying to.

Apply As Soon as EDP Application Opens:

You want to apply to your chosen program as soon as it’s available to you. Do not wait. Make sure that all your application components are ready to be submitted as soon as the application opens. You want to showcase that they are your number one choice? Apply with no delays.

Ace Your Interviews:

Interviews are a common part of the EDP process, typically taking place in late September or early October. This can vary, however, so confirm the timeline with your chosen school. In terms of preparation, research the school's values, recent news, and any notable faculty members or alumni. Be ready to explain why you're a good fit for the school and the medical profession.

Understand the Requirements:

The requirements for EDP can be similar to those for regular admissions but may also include additional elements. Generally, schools look for a strong academic record, typically well above the median GPA and MCAT scores for accepted students, as well as a clear commitment to a career in medicine. This could be demonstrated through research experience, clinical exposure, or meaningful volunteer work. Remember to verify the exact requirements of the EDP at your chosen school by checking their official website or contacting their admissions office.

For EDPs, you just want to go above and beyond the requirements. We say this for every application - and you should really work to always exceed the expectations - but EDPs are EDPs for a reason: make sure that you meet and exceed the expectations.

Have a Backup Plan:

In case you're not accepted into the EDP, be prepared to submit applications to other schools promptly. Gather all necessary documents and materials for a smooth transition to the regular application process if needed.

Applying through an EDP can be a strategic move if you have a clear first-choice school and are a strong candidate. With careful preparation, thorough research, and a deep understanding of the school's mission and values, you could increase your chances of being accepted.

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Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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