The biggest advantage of applying through and Early Decision Program (EDP) is that you will not have to go through the somewhat agonizing yearlong process of waiting to hear from multiple medical schools since you are guaranteed to learn the outcome of your application by October 1. Nor will you have to incur in the high cost of applying to and interviewing at several schools, paying multiple deposits, etc. However, the biggest drawback is that as an EDP candidate, you may apply to only one medical school (AMCAS or non-AMCAS participating, or AACOMAS) and cannot apply to any other medical school until that particular medical school releases you by October 1. Because you most likely won't learn the outcome of your application until some time in September, if you are not admitted, you will need to turn around and start your application with all the other medical schools somewhat later in the process, which will have a negative impact on your candidacy at schools that operate on aggressive rolling admissions.
If you are considering applying for EDP, remember that you will have to take the MCAT early in the process, may only target one school, and will need to submit all application materials, including transcripts, to AMCAS (for AMCAS participating schools) by August 1. For non-AMCAS participating schools and for osteopathic schools, contact the specific schools for detailed information. If you are not accepted via EDP and are formally notified by that school to that effect, or you don't hear from that school by October 1, you may apply to other medical schools.
To see whether an allopathic medical school offers such a program, consult AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements. For osteopathic schools, see their individual websites and check the Osteopathic College Information Book
Advisor Tip: If you are considering applying EDP, we wholeheartedly recommend that you set up a consultation with an admission officer at that medical school before you attempt to apply through the school's EDP. While admission officers cannot predict the outcome of your application, they can tell you how your profile compares to those who were admitted through EDP in previous years.