When applying to medical school in the U.S., you can submit one Early Decision Program application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Most accredited medical schools accept applications only through the AMCAS and maintain separate rules than the regular decision process. The Early Decision deadline to submit all documents is August 1 and you will receive a decision by October 1. Carefully read the application requirements as some schools only allow in-state applicants to apply early.
Although medical school selection committees consider various factors, your MCAT score plays a major role. You must study for the MCAT exam, especially if your science grades and overall grade point average is mediocre. Ideally take the test before May 1, so that you receive your scores by June 1 or in time to apply through the Early Decision Program.
Under the Early Decision Program, you cannot apply to other schools until you receive your admission decision. If you are accepted by your Early Decision school, then you must attend that school and you are prohibited from applying anywhere else.
Regular decision applicants can submit applications early---meaning before the final deadline. You should work on other applications while you wait for the early admission decision, so that you are not significantly delayed if rejected by your early decision school. Remember that the AMCAS verification process can take up to six weeks after you submit your application. For example, if you are rejected by your early school on October 1 and send other applications on November 15, then the medical schools might not receive your application until mid to late December.
Regardless of when you apply to medical school, the entire process is very expensive. The MCAT registration cost is $210 and the AMCAS application fee is $160 plus $30 for each subsequent school. Determine if you are eligible for a MCAT or medical school application fee waiver or reduction (to $85) based on your family's income and federal poverty guidelines.