a little nervous

[Gina Bina]

Hello all,
first time posting...just a few opinion questions...How many schools is about average to apply to? What do schools really look at when they get your application - is it just a numbers game or do they really assess the "whole application"? And if anyone as any good advice on this whole process, feel free to let me know! Thanks!!
~ Gina

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[Raptor]

Gina Bina,
I want to be the first one to WELCOME you to the SDN !!! I am sure you are going to like it because so far I do. Well, to answer you question at hand...
How many schools is about average to apply to?
It all depends on where you want go, preference, what you can afford for applications,et cetera. I think the more stellar you are the less schools you apply to. But then again, it all depends on what you want to do.
What do schools really look at when they get your application - is it just a numbers game or do they really assess the "whole application"?
Medical school look beyond your numbers. By looking at your Extracurricular activities (EC'S), Personal Statement (PS),& research experience. Things that make you stand out from the rest. Anybody can make a 4.0 if they study all the time and they know that. They are looking for the well rounded applicant. Although, my professor told me that GPA and MCAT get you into the door and good EC'S, volunteering, PS, research makes you real competitive applicant. "Oh no I am starting to talk like my advisor, thats bad" Also if you mess up your first year, you have hope because they want to see upward trends. Hope this helps. Well, if you have any other question feel free to IM me anytime. Good luck

 

[Femtochemistry]

Welcome to SDN!

I see you live in PA (me too), the avg. number of schools a person applies to is in the 20's. I am applying to 27 schools. You should apply to ALL PA schools: you're chances are better in-state than out-state. Here's the list to PA schools that you should apply to:
<a href="http://www.mcphu.edu/medschool/" target="_blank">MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine </a>

<a href="http://www.tju.edu/" target="_blank">Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University</a>

<a href="http://www.hmc.psu.edu/college/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania State University </a>

<a href="http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/" target="_blank">University of Pennsylvania </a>

<a href="http://www.dean-med.pitt.edu/" target="_blank">University of Pittsburgh </a>

<a href="http://www.temple.edu/medschool/" target="_blank">Temple University </a>

Good luck!

 

[mpp]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Femtochemistry:
•the avg. number of schools a person applies to is in the 20's. •••••The average number of schools people have applied to in the past is around 12 (11.6 on average). Check the <a href="http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/famg32001.htm" target="_blank">AAMC National Applicant Data</a>.

 

[SMW]

Welcome, Gina Bina!! Make sure to check out <a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=010171" target="_blank">Jalbrekt's Complete Official Guide to Applying to MedSchool</a> wherein he's distilled the wisdom of last cycle's applicants!! You're gonna love SDN! Finding it is half the battle of getting into med school!!!