Early Decision Medical School: Pros, Cons, Strategy + Full School List (2026 Guide)
What Is Early Decision for Medical School?
Early Decision (EDP) allows applicants to apply to one medical school early through AMCAS and receive a decision by October 1. If accepted, they must attend that school and cannot apply elsewhere.
Pros of Early Decision
- Shows strong commitment to one school
- Earlier acceptance decision
- Stronger narrative when aligned with school mission
Cons of Early Decision
- Can only apply to one school
- Risky if stats are not competitive
- Applying late elsewhere if rejected
MCAT King Expert Advice
Even though AMCAS deadlines allow later submission, we strongly recommend submitting in the first few days it opens (late May/early June) and having your MCAT score ready. Rolling admissions favor early applicants.
Early Decision Medical Schools
| # | Medical School |
|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
| 2 | Boston University School of Medicine |
| 3 | California University of Science and Medicine |
| 4 | Central Michigan University College of Medicine |
| 5 | Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University |
| 6 | Cooper Medical School of Rowan University |
| 7 | Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell |
| 8 | Drexel University College of Medicine |
| 9 | East Tennessee State University |
| 10 | Eastern Virginia Medical School |
| 11 | Florida International University |
| 12 | Florida State University |
| 13 | Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine |
| 14 | George Washington University |
| 15 | Indiana University School of Medicine |
| 16 | University at Buffalo |
| 17 | Temple University |
| 18 | Loma Linda University |
| 19 | LSU New Orleans |
| 20 | LSU Shreveport |
| 21 | Medical College of Georgia |
| 22 | Medical College of Wisconsin |
| 23 | Medical University of South Carolina |
| 24 | Meharry Medical College |
| 25 | Mercer University |
| 26 | Morehouse School of Medicine |
| 27 | New York Medical College |
| 28 | Rush Medical College |
| 29 | Rutgers New Jersey Medical School |
| 30 | Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson |
| 31 | Saint Louis University |
| 32 | Thomas Jefferson University |
| 33 | SUNY Downstate |
| 34 | SUNY Upstate |
| 35 | Stony Brook University |
| 36 | Texas Tech University |
| 37 | Tufts University |
| 38 | Tulane University |
| 39 | University of Alabama |
| 40 | University of Central Florida |
| 41 | University of Cincinnati |
| 42 | University of Connecticut |
| 43 | University of Hawaii |