Early Decision
For the 2011 application cycle PTCAS has made an early decision option. They say in their most recent newsletter, "Beginning in the 2011-12 cycle, PTCAS will introduce a new Early Decision process that will allow applicants to apply to their first choice program through a binding application process. Applicants who choose to apply through early decision must submit their applications and all required materials by August 15, 2011. Early decision applicants should also complete the GRE and have scores sent by July 31, 2011, if the exam is required by their designated program. If accepted, early decision applicants will not be able to apply to other programs in PTCAS. Check the PTCAS Web page in June for more details and a list of.." (they left it cut off).
I'm still unsure of exactly how this works, but from what I understand, if you have a first choice school, you can submit your application (with GRE and other required materials) before August 15 and they will submit your application to only one program, which is your first choice. If you are accepted to that program you will not be allowed to apply to any other programs and you will be locked in at that school. This could be good because if you are accepted this early you will not have to go through all the waiting games and interviews and traveling for other programs. As I have stated in other parts of this site, it is a good idea to have a list of your priority programs so being able to get into your first choice without the hassle of all the other schools applications and interviews could be good.
Some questions that come to my mind when I look at this new process, and things you should ask PTCAS are:
-How long does the decision take for the priority program?
-Will there still be an interview?
-If I don't get accepted with early decision will it delay my application to other schools?
-Do programs give priority to early decision applicants?
-Will all programs be allowing early decision?
As you can see there are still many unanswered questions as far as the new early decision process and how it will work to the benefits it gives applicants. If I were applying this cycle I would be calling and emailing PTCAS looking for answers to all these questions well before the application cycle even opens. Don't wait until the last minute, I'm sure they will put out more information but the more information you can find out sooner, the better prepared you will be. Also, if you are able to, send any additional information you can to [email protected] so we can work together and help everyone out.
I'm still unsure of exactly how this works, but from what I understand, if you have a first choice school, you can submit your application (with GRE and other required materials) before August 15 and they will submit your application to only one program, which is your first choice. If you are accepted to that program you will not be allowed to apply to any other programs and you will be locked in at that school. This could be good because if you are accepted this early you will not have to go through all the waiting games and interviews and traveling for other programs. As I have stated in other parts of this site, it is a good idea to have a list of your priority programs so being able to get into your first choice without the hassle of all the other schools applications and interviews could be good.
Some questions that come to my mind when I look at this new process, and things you should ask PTCAS are:
-How long does the decision take for the priority program?
-Will there still be an interview?
-If I don't get accepted with early decision will it delay my application to other schools?
-Do programs give priority to early decision applicants?
-Will all programs be allowing early decision?
As you can see there are still many unanswered questions as far as the new early decision process and how it will work to the benefits it gives applicants. If I were applying this cycle I would be calling and emailing PTCAS looking for answers to all these questions well before the application cycle even opens. Don't wait until the last minute, I'm sure they will put out more information but the more information you can find out sooner, the better prepared you will be. Also, if you are able to, send any additional information you can to [email protected] so we can work together and help everyone out.