To apply through the Early Decision Program, applicants must follow these guidelines:
- Apply to only one U.S. medical school by the stated deadline date (August 1* for schools that participate in AMCAS);
- Not to apply through the Early Decision Program if they have already submitted an initial or secondary application (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) to a U.S. medical school for the current entering class.
- Attend only this school if offered a place under the Early Decision Program to familiarize yourself and comply with the school-specific Early Decision Program policies and agreements of the program to which you were accepted, including any school-specific impacts if you decide to change programs types and apply to other medical schools.
If these guidelines are met, applicants will be notified of the school's admission decision by October 1.
If not accepted under the Early Decision Program, applicants will automatically be placed in the regular applicant pool by the school and may then apply to additional schools. Early Decision Program regulations apply to both AMCAS and non-AMCAS participating schools. Not all medical schools offer admission through the Early Decision Program; check medical schools' admission requirements to verify a school's participation. Since most participating schools only admit a small portion of their entering class through the program, only applicants with an excellent chance of admission to a particular school should apply under this program.
Medical School Admission Requirements®
Before submitting an Early Decision Program (Early Decision Program) application, students are encouraged to review the Medical School Admission Requirements site. This powerful online database allows students to browse, search, sort and compare individual U.S. and Canadian medical schools and BS/MD programs. This tool includes specific Early Decision Program data including deadline dates and specific residency requirements.
*If August 1 or October 1 falls on a weekend/holiday, the deadline will apply to the next business day.
