3.7 cgpa, 3.6 sgpa, 25AA 26 TS 24 PAT, International

[lulucavy]

Hello there, just took my dat today and I’m applying this following cycle! Just wanna get some advice on how many/ what schools to apply to!

Rn I’m looking at UCLA, UCSF, western, Loma Linda, u of P, USC, NYU, u of Pitt, DM, U of Mich, BU, Tufts, Stony Brook, UPenn, Columbia, Case Western, Nova ........(still expanding my list lol) (aiming for 20+ schools )

Research
- 2 yr at child language lab
- 1 yr working with a prof at orthodontics department on my project
- one publication (fourth author)

Leadership
-Treasurer and member of Board of Trustee for a yr at a nonprofit, overseeing the finance
- President for bone marrow donation club currently

Volunteer
-400 hrs at nonprofit, local stroke survivor group, preschool language program and reading tutor program

Dental shadowing
- low income dental program 100 hrs
- general + specialist 30 hrs

Weak point in application!!!
- got 2 B- on ochem on my third year
- need more shadowing hours

so I’m working on bringing my upward trend this year!


I’m looking to apply to 20+ schools due to my status ( international), any tips/ advice on improving my chances of getting in is greatly appreciated!!

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[macsak]

research carefully for schools that accept more than the average number of internationals

 

[serendipity30]

Case takes lots of international students, especially from Korea.
You will for sure get 5+ interviews but getting accepted is a different story.
What I learned from his cycle is that don't apply schools that you don't think you will go even if you get accepted.
I also applied about 20 schools, and it was a total waste. Yes, I was afraid, and I wanted to see if my LORs were good too.
If you practice your interview skills, then you are good to go!
Don't worry about two B-s since most of them just look at your total GPA and science GPA.
Good luck!

 

[lulucavy]

research carefully for schools that accept more than the average number of internationals

Thank you for the reminder! I will for sure do that!!

 

[lulucavy]

Case takes lots of international students, especially from Korea.
You will for sure get 5+ interviews but getting accepted is a different story.
What I learned from his cycle is that don't apply schools that you don't think you will go even if you get accepted.
I also applied about 20 schools, and it was a total waste. Yes, I was afraid, and I wanted to see if my LORs were good too.
If you practice your interview skills, then you are good to go!
Don't worry about two B-s since most of them just look at your total GPA and science GPA.
Good luck!

Thanks for your response!! Do you mind if I ask if you are international and have similar stats with me too?
Cuz I’ve been told that I should at least apply to 20-25 schools no matter how much I got on the Dat cus odds are there’s a very good chance I’m not gonna get accepted anywhere cus I’m international lol
I’m also preparing for dental schools in Australia just in case....

 

[lulucavy]

I personally know international students who have similar stats and they got into 4+ schools, both private and public. Are you happen to be from an Asian country though? Some people claim that international students from Asia have a lower chance of getting in because there are too many of them applying and schools have "quotas" for each nationality. But don't worry too much, you should be fine. Good luck!

Thanks for the info I was gonna focus on private schools only before my dat I guess I could also do some public just to try my luck ! And yes I’m from an Asian country too, dunno how the nationality gonna affect my chances here lol, I know most international students are prob from China/Korea

 

[serendipity30]

Thanks for your response!! Do you mind if I ask if you are international and have similar stats with me too?
Cuz I’ve been told that I should at least apply to 20-25 schools no matter how much I got on the Dat cus odds are there’s a very good chance I’m not gonna get accepted anywhere cus I’m international lol
I’m also preparing for dental schools in Australia just in case....

My stat is just a bit higher than yours but my pat I only got 19. I am not an international student.

Honestly, now I can say it was a waste of money but I would apply as many as possible and see what options you have, and probably that will make you feel comfortable too.

Some schools will ask you how many schools you have applied during the interview and this was the part that I didn't like to disclose, but I had no option but to tell them the truth.

I wouldn't worry too much at this point since some schools do like international students with high stats like you.

Wish you the best

 

[lulucavy]

My stat is just a bit higher than yours but my pat I only got 19. I am not an international student.

Honestly, now I can say it was a waste of money but I would apply as many as possible and see what options you have, and probably that will make you feel comfortable too.

Some schools will ask you how many schools you have applied during the interview and this was the part that I didn't like to disclose, but I had no option but to tell them the truth.

I wouldn't worry too much at this point since some schools do like international students with high stats like you.

Wish you the best

Thanks for the tip again!! Oh they actually do ask that questions lol? Good to know now! You too! Good luck in dental school!!

 

[OrphanageCaretaker]

I'd say your stats are phenomenal. Don't worry about the B-, no one cares about that lol. Apply smart, research schools that take international students using the ADEA Guide and then consider whether you'd actually attend those schools. Then pull the trigger and enter the credit card info and pray.