Early Decision Applications

Applying Early Decision should be considered only after consultation with both the Bowdoin health professions advisor and the dean of admissions at the medical school of application.
This decision requires extremely careful thought because an ill-advised Early Decision Application may significantly weaken your chances for acceptance at other schools in this application year. Allopathic schools which have an Early Decision Program indicate this participation in MSAR. The deadlines for application are firm with specific rules governing the process. These rules are spelled out in the AMCAS Instructions and must be followed carefully. It is important to be aware that if you apply under an Early Decision Program, you may not apply to any other U.S. medical school (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) for the current entering class until you have been released/rejected by the Early Decision school, or until the October 1 deadline for notification has passed. Any application submitted in violation of this rule will result in an AMCAS investigation.  Some osteopathic schools offer Early Decision, as well. This information is included in the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book and on the individual schools’ websites.