18 schools = too many?

[Svart Aske]

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My overall GPA is 3.72, science GPA is about 3.6. AA 21, TS 22, PAT 21. I'm avoiding the schools with low out-of-state acceptance rates but would rather not suffer private school tuition. I also want to feel safe due to bad prior experiences with college application (didn't apply smart).

Right now my list is 18 schools but I'm also trying to save a few bucks and not look desperate to adcoms. What number of schools do you think is reasonable for my stats?

 

[Ranelar]

10 would probably be safe.

 

[nydds25]

Those stats are considered high end. Here is something you may want to consider. Eliminate schools right now from your list of 18 that you would really rather not go. If you apply now, you may get 15+ interviews before December 1st... and feel pressured into attending all of them. That is a lot of travel expenses.

 

[DentalRocks09]

wow..ya thats definitely way too many schools for an individual with those stats...i would stick with 6-8 schools. dont waste ur money..ur in awesome shape..good luck

 

[nitrolegs]

my dentist who was on an admissions committee actually said he liked students that applied to a lot of schools...he says it shows that they really want to be dentists and don't just want to stay in their home state...just another way of looking at it. 👍

 

[somethinpositiv]

10 would probably be safe.

👍

 

[keliao]

10 its good dont waste your money...shouldnt be too worried...u got great stats..

 

[UCfan]

my dentist who was on an admissions committee actually said he liked students that applied to a lot of schools...he says it shows that they really want to be dentists and don't just want to stay in their home state...just another way of looking at it. 👍

My dentist says the same thing over and over again too 🙂. However his status is excellent, he will get into anywhere he wants.

 

[somethinpositiv]

My overall GPA is 3.72, science GPA is about 3.6. AA 21, TS 22, PAT 21. I'm avoiding the schools with low out-of-state acceptance rates but would rather not suffer private school tuition. I also want to feel safe due to bad prior experiences with college application (didn't apply smart).

Right now my list is 18 schools but I'm also trying to save a few bucks and not look desperate to adcoms. What number of schools do you think is reasonable for my stats?

I like making lists, so if I were you, I would at least apply to these 4 schools (and why):

1. UW (you'll probably get in, and thus, your other acceptances won't matter much)
2. UoP (3 years - that's 1 extra year of earning potential)
3. UPenn (you'll likely get the Dean's Scholarship, a $100K scholarship)
4. Buffalo (one of the best values in the country)

Add 4-6 more schools, with a few schools that fit your score range, and a couple of reach schools (maybe Harvard, why not).

 

[Svart Aske]

I like making lists, so if I were you, I would at least apply to these 4 schools (and why):

1. UW (you'll probably get in, and thus, your other acceptances won't matter much)
2. UoP (3 years - that's 1 extra year of earning potential)
3. UPenn (you'll likely get the Dean's Scholarship, a $100K scholarship)
4. Buffalo (one of the best values in the country)

Add 4-6 more schools, with a few schools that fit your score range, and a couple of reach schools (maybe Harvard, why not).

Thanks for the suggestions. I had planned to apply to all of those schools except UoP. I didn't know that it was only 3 years, though, so I will probably add it. I guess students there don't get a break during the summer?

 

[Omenino]

way too rich

 

[yamu010]

you got good stats... don't waste your money. 😎

 

[allstardentist]

you got good stats... don't waste your money. 😎

exactly

 

[bigasianpianist]

its best to apply to as many as possible. but with your stats n stuff just apply to the ones that YOU want to get into specifically, and you'd be able to shave off 5 or 6 schools if not more.

 

[Mister Incisor]

what's more important to you, having a safety net of schools to get in at, or the time/money/effort needed to apply to 18.

personally, if I had your numbers I'd cut it down significantly to 7-10.

 

[ryanaj]

I applied last year with just slightly lower stats and I think I applied to way too many schools (20). I ended up declining interview invites because there was no way I could go interview at 11 schools. I would cut it down a bit. However, keep in mind that you can always decline an interview but you can't get one if you didn't apply. Also remember that your stats are what get you looked at, but your extracurriculars are what make you stand out from the rest of the pile of applications. So if you have weak EC's 18 may not be a bad number. Good luck!