Applying reach?

[ZeaL6]

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Is there anything wrong with applying to a decent bit of reach schools? I plan on applying to 20-25 schools. I'm an Ohio resident with tons of EC's (little research so far) and a 3.74cGPA and 3.7ish sGPA with a huge upward trend (4.0 past 2 years). I took my MCAT and expect a 30+ (most likely 31-32 but you never know with the curve!).

I'm going to apply to all ohio schools besides Case (5), Western Michigan, NYMC, RFU, Drexel, VCU, EVMS, Louisville, and maybe 1 or 2 more low tiers, but whats the harm in the rest being more highly ranked? I dont necessarily mean top 20, but schools such as Boston, Baylor, Colorado, Oregon, Pitt, Washington, Virginia, UNC, Mayo, Wake Forest? Is there any chance at these schools if I get a 32-34 when I receive my scores on June 25?

 

[carnelian]

If you have the money and time, then I would say go for it. Just make sure you save them for after you've finished the secondaries for more realistic choices so you don't get burned out. The process is quite random; you'll never know what comes your way. Don't leave any regrets~

 

[ZeaL6]

bump

 

[Goro]

For some peopel, "reach" means "I'm statistically possible of getting accepted". In reality, it means "I'm going to make a donation to this school in the form of an application fee"

Low MCAT #s will pretty much cut you out of the running for OOS public schools, which play to the home team, and must explain why they're supplementing thier tax money on your tuition.

MCATs in the low 30s are significantly below avg for some of those schools (like Wash U, which avg's 38!)

So be realistic.

Is there anything wrong with applying to a decent bit of reach schools? I plan on applying to 20-25 schools. I'm an Ohio resident with tons of EC's (little research so far) and a 3.74cGPA and 3.7ish sGPA with a huge upward trend (4.0 past 2 years). I took my MCAT and expect a 30+ (most likely 31-32 but you never know with the curve!).

I'm going to apply to all ohio schools besides Case (5), Western Michigan, NYMC, RFU, Drexel, VCU, EVMS, Louisville, and maybe 1 or 2 more low tiers, but whats the harm in the rest being more highly ranked? I dont necessarily mean top 20, but schools such as Boston, Baylor, Colorado, Oregon, Pitt, Washington, Virginia, UNC, Mayo, Wake Forest? Is there any chance at these schools if I get a 32-34 when I receive my scores on June 25?

 

[ZeaL6]

I meant University of Washington, not Wash U! Their numbers are way too high. University of Washington 90%ile is like 36, though I realize the WWAMI contract makes it difficult. Anyone have any other input? Or know of anyone who got accepted to a reach school they thought they didn't have much hope for but tried anyway?