A2Z S3 E04: Applying Early Decision

Let's talk about the pros and cons of applying Early Decision.
You can leave questions in the comments below or email at Dean Z at [e-mail] and put A2Z Vlog in the subject.
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Other helpful links:
A2Z Blog: experience.law.umich.edu/a2z/
Michigan Law Admissions: experience.law.umich.edu/
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Intro music by Jacob Sigman.

[@jessemosqueda1603]

Great episode! I would to see an episode on your joint programs such as the JD/MBA.

[@valerieclaire7261]

Dean Z, you always speak on a topic right when I need it most!

[@julianerose]

Love the new intro music! Kudos to Dustin

[@lexlo]

Can you discuss non traditional students going to law school, 30,40,50 up? Do you think its a good idea. How many of the students that are admitted are non traditional?

[@minjikang9967]

Absolutely love all of your videos, and I find them very helpful! Once again, thank you, Dean Z!

[@umichlaw]

So glad to hear you find them helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@hotboyheze6617]

If you apply early and get test scores back at a later date will the later test scores be considered?

[@umichlaw]

Yes!

[@themccarthyproject8654]

Dean Z, I will say someone withdrawing from an early decision application doesn’t necessary imply that they applied to two schools ED.
For example, I want to apply to my dream school which is a bit of a reach ED. I am also applying to some even better schools RD, but I don’t see those as realistic options. You can bet though if a school like Georgetown accepts me before my ED state school application gets a decision, I’m going to withdraw.
Please correct me if I’m wrong in assuming you can just withdraw from an ED application for genuine reasons like that. I understand how wrong it is if you apply to multiple schools ED, but if you don’t and just happened to get accepted to somewhere better on a RD I don’t see any harm in withdrawing.

[@umichlaw]

I agree, there is nothing ethically questionable about your proposed path-but it’s a bit of a dangerous game! If you get in to both schools on the same day, what will you do? You’re putting yourself in a position where you may want to make an ethically dubious choice. That said-I do understand the pressure candidates feel. Still, I think the best course is to reserve ED for your *true* dream school-the term “better” to describe a school that isn’t the school you say is your dream school makes me think you and I define “dream school” differently.

[@themccarthyproject8654]

@@umichlaw That’s true, it is a dangerous game. I think if that scenario were to happen you should honor the commitment. The only time I see it ethical to withdraw is if you got the “better” decision before any decision from your ED school.
That is true about the differing definition of dream school. I think some may have dream schools tailored to their realistic options, like for me Florida State is by far my top choice. However, I am also applying to some really big reach schools. I can see someone else in the same position getting into a huge reach school they didn’t think they would, and withdrawing from their ED (if it were appropriate and they hadn’t made a decision)
Thank you for the response and explanation, I’ve had to teach myself all of this and only even learned about early decisions just over a month ago. This was just based off inferences I made, and it’s very helpful to hear the perspective of an actual school and get a proper explanation.