I decided to apply Early Decision to UMass Medical which meant that I had to have my primary completed by August 1 and the secondary completed by September 1. I knew I had a fair shot at getting in since I fit the profile of the kind of applicant they usually accept but it was still quite a gamble, especially considering I was barred from submitting even my primary application to any other school until I heard from UMass. I was interviewed with about five other applicants in mid-September and, as with all schools participating in the Early Decision Program, UMass informed me of their decision by October 1. As an EDP applicant you must attend the school if accepted, but that's the whole point, so I had the whole process done with fairly early on and could enjoy my last year of college. I recommend this path to anyone who has a good shot at getting in to a particular school and knows they definitely want to go there.
