Applying to 15+ Schools!

[iammrprez]

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Hi,

I am applying to 15+ schools for the 2013 cycle to increase my chances of getting admitted. Do the schools see how many schools I am applying to? And would it look bad on my application?

Also, if I submit my pharmcas application in August for 5 schools, does that mean I can not resubmit my pharmcas for the others schools at a later date?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you 🙂

 

[The Recoverer]

Hi,

I am applying to 15+ schools for the 2013 cycle to increase my chances of getting admitted. Do the schools see how many schools I am applying to? And would it look bad on my application?

Also, if I submit my pharmcas application in August for 5 schools, does that mean I can not resubmit my pharmcas for the others schools at a later date?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you 🙂

😀 No worries mate..............I AM APPLYING TO 27 SCHOOLS. Sounds like a good idea. now, I HAVE heard rumors that schools you apply to can see how many other schools you are applying to through pharmcas, just not which ones. but this is JUST a rumor so do not take my word for it. Call pharmcas.😎

I am confused about your second question. Once you finish your PharmCas application and submit it, all pharmcas designations you have chosen will receive it. You cannot choose which applications get mailed first or last, they all get mailed at the same time. hope that cleared up any confusion

Also why do you want them to be sent out at different times? 😕 The only reason I could see would be PCAT scores but that doesn't matter as schools usually do not make the final decision until all PLANNED grades and PCAT scores are in. 👍

 

[owlegrad]

Also why do you want them to be sent out at different times? 😕 The only reason I could see would be PCAT scores but that doesn't matter as schools usually do not make the final decision until all PLANNED grades and PCAT scores are in. 👍

No I don't think that is right. They accept you 'conditionally' based on the idea that your future academic preformance will be similiar to your past. Most times it is as simple as "don't fail any future prereqs". 😀

 

[The Recoverer]

No I don't think that is right. They accept you 'conditionally' based on the idea that your future academic preformance will be similiar to your past. Most times it is as simple as "don't fail any future prereqs". 😀

hmmm good point. I have a PCAT planned though but my applications will be submitted weeks before I even take the PCAT. bummer. I hope they don't base it off my last PCAT = comp 71 😱, before they see my new score (Assuming it's higher)

 

[297point1]

We can't see how many schools you have applied to.

If we accept you...we can see how many schools you have been accepted to. (But not which schools specifically)

If you accept our offer...we can see how many other schools you have accepted offers to. (But not which schools specifically)

 

[iammrprez]

I am confused about your second question. Once you finish your PharmCas application and submit it, all pharmcas designations you have chosen will receive it. You cannot choose which applications get mailed first or last, they all get mailed at the same time. hope that cleared up any confusion

Also why do you want them to be sent out at different times? 😕 The only reason I could see would be PCAT scores but that doesn't matter as schools usually do not make the final decision until all PLANNED grades and PCAT scores are in. 👍[/QUOTE]

The reason why I want to apply at different times is because I am taking my PCAT in September and retaking a few courses in fall semester so I want to have all those scores ready for the later schools. I want to apply early to the schools that don't require a PCAT score first in August. So is it possible or not? Thanks.

 

[The Recoverer]

We can't see how many schools you have applied to.

If we accept you...we can see how many schools you have been accepted to. (But not which schools specifically)

If you accept our offer...we can see how many other schools you have accepted offers to. (But not which schools specifically)

Oh wow. Hi 297point1. It's a rare and awesome opportunity to see a school admin on here. Do you mind if I ask you a simple question?

Everyone says to apply early if your stats are below average. but really, how beneficial is it to apply early? You'll still be competing with other students will killer stats...😱

 

[pharmerbird]

Can I just say that is A LOT of schools!!! Doesn't it cost money per school you apply to? Why are you applying to so many different ones!?

 

[The Recoverer]

Can I just say that is A LOT of schools!!! Doesn't it cost money per school you apply to? Why are you applying to so many different ones!?

been saving money since last year. I have barely enough. I need to apply to a lot of schools because my GPA is just the bare minimum. All the other parts of my apps are strong though~😳

 

[pharmerbird]

been saving money since last year. I have barely enough. I need to apply to a lot of schools because my GPA is just the bare minimum. All the other parts of my apps are strong though~😳

Gotcha. Are you applying all over the US or in a specific area? And just curious but could you apply to just a couple at first and as the application cycle progresses add on schools to apply to on Pharmcas? I have no idea if that's an option or not but would seem like a good idea.

 

[The Recoverer]

Gotcha. Are you applying all over the US or in a specific area? And just curious but could you apply to just a couple at first and as the application cycle progresses add on schools to apply to on Pharmcas? I have no idea if that's an option or not but would seem like a good idea.

pharmcas does not offer that option. Unfortunately I do not have the luxury to apply later in the cycle. Applying early is KEY for subpar applicants like me 🙁

 

[The Recoverer]

Can I just say that is A LOT of schools!!! Doesn't it cost money per school you apply to? Why are you applying to so many different ones!?

ALSO best of luck to you my friend!!

 

[pharmerbird]

ALSO best of luck to you my friend!!

You too! My science GPA isn't all that good either so I will be applying early too and studying my butt off for the PCAT

 

[The Recoverer]

You too! My science GPA isn't all that good either so I will be applying early too and studying my butt off for the PCAT

You will do great! make sure to read about some of the new changes they made to the PCAT, might be to your favor. more biochem and A&P: http://www.pcatweb.info/PCAT-Updates.php

😎

 

[amicable7]

Hi The Recoverer, PLEASE, do not apply to 27 schools. You will regret at the end, trust me.
Let me tell you this, group the schools into classes, and make your personal ranking of the schools(considering cost, distance and everything). Even the least ranked school should be a school that you wouldn't mind going. Please do not apply to a school that you don't see yourself attending. Apply to the schools that do rolling admissions first, apply to just about 2 of them (they must have significant difference on your ranking), read previous thread to know when first interviews are conducted for each school and make sure they both do not have interviews at the same time.If the higher ranked school accepts you then ignore all the other schools that fall below it(saves you time and money) and apply to 2 more top schools. Now you have an edge on the other candidates since you'll be more relaxed at the next interviews and more experienced. If the opposite happens then apply to 2 schools that are above this school and 1 top school (according to your rankings). It's just simple, if a top notch school accepts you, it makes you aware of your stand with the applying class so you push for 2 more top schools and hopefully one of them will accept you, and that makes your decision easier. If the opposite happens, this is when things get tricky, you would have to apply to 2 schools that you ranked above that school and 2 top notch, this will cost you more but that's probably where you stand. After all if none of them accepts you then you just have to attend the one that accepted you. If none of your 2 initial schools accepted you, then try to lower your expectations, apply to 2 more schools within or below that same rank, 2 schools in the middle and 1 top school and keep your fingers crossed. That's the whole meaning, benefit and trick to applying early. So you see, regardless of what happens the maximum number of schools you ended up applying is 7(considering the worst case) and not 27( which is just wasteful). Start this whole process by September or latest by October, you'll be surprised to see so many people starting their application in January.
All the best. Everyone I know got into a school, even the ones that weren't prepared and were just trying their luck. Don't stress too much about this, there are some schools that will even accept you without supplemental application. Don't waste money, for you'll regret doing that. The days of waiting a whole year to apply again is over.
Hope this helps.

 

[hye345]

Hi The Recoverer, PLEASE, do not apply to 27 schools. You will regret at the end, trust me.
Let me tell you this, group the schools into classes, and make your personal ranking of the schools(considering cost, distance and everything). Even the least ranked school should be a school that you wouldn't mind going. Please do not apply to a school that you don't see yourself attending. Apply to the schools that do rolling admissions first, apply to just about 2 of them (they must have significant difference on your ranking), read previous thread to know when first interviews are conducted for each school and make sure they both do not have interviews at the same time.If the higher ranked school accepts you then ignore all the other schools that fall below it(saves you time and money) and apply to 2 more top schools. Now you have an edge on the other candidates since you'll be more relaxed at the next interviews and more experienced. If the opposite happens then apply to 2 schools that are above this school and 1 top school (according to your rankings). It's just simple, if a top notch school accepts you, it makes you aware of your stand with the applying class so you push for 2 more top schools and hopefully one of them will accept you, and that makes your decision easier. If the opposite happens, this is when things get tricky, you would have to apply to 2 schools that you ranked above that school and 2 top notch, this will cost you more but that's probably where you stand. After all if none of them accepts you then you just have to attend the one that accepted you. If none of your 2 initial schools accepted you, then try to lower your expectations, apply to 2 more schools within or below that same rank, 2 schools in the middle and 1 top school and keep your fingers crossed. That's the whole meaning, benefit and trick to applying early. So you see, regardless of what happens the maximum number of schools you ended up applying is 7(considering the worst case) and not 27( which is just wasteful). Start this whole process by September or latest by October, you'll be surprised to see so many people starting their application in January.
All the best. Everyone I know got into a school, even the ones that weren't prepared and were just trying their luck. Don't stress too much about this, there are some schools that will even accept you without supplemental application. Don't waste money, for you'll regret doing that. The days of waiting a whole year to apply again is over.
Hope this helps.

I'm surprised it took 14 posts before someone called them out on the craziness of applying to that many schools 🙂

Applying to 15 schools = going on 15 different interviews, probably across the country (depending on where you applied). You think the PharmCas and Supplemental app fees are a pain? Wait until you see the travel and hotel bills

I also thought my stats were mediocre, and I was originally ready to apply to around 12 schools... I'm glad people talked me out of it.

 

[Super Sayn]

Gotcha. Are you applying all over the US or in a specific area? And just curious but could you apply to just a couple at first and as the application cycle progresses add on schools to apply to on Pharmcas? I have no idea if that's an option or not but would seem like a good idea.

I was skimming the thread and don't know if the question was really answered yet, but you can add on schools after you submit your PharmCAS application. The first school is $150 and every school after that will be an additional $50. I would try to submit your PharmCAS early on even if it's to 1 or 2 schools so that PharmCAS can process your application. After that, each time you request for your application to be sent to additional schools, PharmCAS will charge you and mail it out during the next mailing cycle. Hope this answers your question.

 

[The Recoverer]

Hi The Recoverer, PLEASE, do not apply to 27 schools. You will regret at the end, trust me.
Let me tell you this, group the schools into classes, and make your personal ranking of the schools(considering cost, distance and everything). Even the least ranked school should be a school that you wouldn't mind going. Please do not apply to a school that you don't see yourself attending. Apply to the schools that do rolling admissions first, apply to just about 2 of them (they must have significant difference on your ranking), read previous thread to know when first interviews are conducted for each school and make sure they both do not have interviews at the same time.If the higher ranked school accepts you then ignore all the other schools that fall below it(saves you time and money) and apply to 2 more top schools. Now you have an edge on the other candidates since you'll be more relaxed at the next interviews and more experienced. If the opposite happens then apply to 2 schools that are above this school and 1 top school (according to your rankings). It's just simple, if a top notch school accepts you, it makes you aware of your stand with the applying class so you push for 2 more top schools and hopefully one of them will accept you, and that makes your decision easier. If the opposite happens, this is when things get tricky, you would have to apply to 2 schools that you ranked above that school and 2 top notch, this will cost you more but that's probably where you stand. After all if none of them accepts you then you just have to attend the one that accepted you. If none of your 2 initial schools accepted you, then try to lower your expectations, apply to 2 more schools within or below that same rank, 2 schools in the middle and 1 top school and keep your fingers crossed. That's the whole meaning, benefit and trick to applying early. So you see, regardless of what happens the maximum number of schools you ended up applying is 7(considering the worst case) and not 27( which is just wasteful). Start this whole process by September or latest by October, you'll be surprised to see so many people starting their application in January.
All the best. Everyone I know got into a school, even the ones that weren't prepared and were just trying their luck. Don't stress too much about this, there are some schools that will even accept you without supplemental application. Don't waste money, for you'll regret doing that. The days of waiting a whole year to apply again is over.
Hope this helps.

Amicable! I just read your post word for word and realized how stupid applying to 27 schools was. Thanks for the kick in the butt! I'm gonna go some weeding and hopefully narrow it down to 7 or 8. Just realized 27 schools means a LOT of writing 😱

 

[The Recoverer]

All the best. Everyone I know got into a school, even the ones that weren't prepared and were just trying their luck. Don't stress too much about this, there are some schools that will even accept you without supplemental application. Don't waste money, for you'll regret doing that. The days of waiting a whole year to apply again is over.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the confidence boost! I'm glad I found about this student doctor website! people on here are really helpful! That's not something I see everyday! 👍

 

[amicable7]

Thanks for the confidence boost! I'm glad I found about this student doctor website! people on here are really helpful! That's not something I see everyday! 👍

👍 I'm glad I could help.

 

[seaswim]

I see you've decided to narrow down your options, but I want to add that many schools like to ask "why this school?". Knowing specifics about that many schools is possible, but does require some work on your end. Good luck.

 

[BeerMePlease]

As hye345 said, hotel costs and traveling costs are ALOT more than the application fees. You should rank the schools then when you start getting the interviews, go to the ones that are your top choices imo. Goodluck and try not to stress out.

 

[297point1]

Oh wow. Hi 297point1. It's a rare and awesome opportunity to see a school admin on here.

It's not as rare as you think- there are a bunch of us on here. I'm one of the few who uses the correct label.

Everyone says to apply early if your stats are below average. but really, how beneficial is it to apply early? You'll still be competing with other students will killer stats...😱

For the mediocre applicant, schools that offer rolling admissions are your friend. When sizing up the mediocre (but ultimately acceptable) applicant, the AdCom at a rolling admissions program has to ask itself two questions:

- Are we going to get better applicants later in the cycle?
- If we pass on this student now, will they be there later if we need them?

If the answer to both questions isn't a definitive and resounding YES, then you've got a shot to get admitted.

Disclaimer: This is the case at present, at least until one SDN member's research into deposit policies blows up the whole concept of rolling admissions.🙂

 

[30Percent]

I'm surprised it took 14 posts before someone called them out on the craziness of applying to that many schools 🙂

Applying to 15 schools = going on 15 different interviews, probably across the country (depending on where you applied). You think the PharmCas and Supplemental app fees are a pain? Wait until you see the travel and hotel bills

I also thought my stats were mediocre, and I was originally ready to apply to around 12 schools... I'm glad people talked me out of it.

If you're applying to 15+ schools the applicant probably isn't the most competitive so they are unlikely to get 15 interviews. Plus once you're accepted at 2-3 schools you usually stop going on interviews unless the next school is your dream school.

 

[The Recoverer]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the great advice! Although I have narrowed down my schools list, I will still be applying to many more schools than other applicants. I didn't get in last cycle and I am really determined. I have been saving my money like mad (eating PB and Js all year), heck, I've got enough money to apply to 40 schools (NOT GOING TO THOUGH LOL). The point is, people on here are correct. I am giving it my all but I predict up to 1 if not 0 interviews. Therefore, I'd rather apply to more.

I understand everyone's reasoning and I agree with you guys. But dude, my Cumul GPA is like a 2.5~2.6.😳😳 I don't have the luxury of applying to 5 or 6 schools.
I will be bringing out my greatest strengths instead of weaknesses and applying early. 😎

Pharmcas opened today, I have already request all my transcripts and all my references are in progress. 👍👍

 

[The Recoverer]

If you're applying to 15+ schools the applicant probably isn't the most competitive so they are unlikely to get 15 interviews. Plus once you're accepted at 2-3 schools you usually stop going on interviews unless the next school is your dream school.

👍

 

[30Percent]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the great advice! Although I have narrowed down my schools list, I will still be applying to many more schools than other applicants. I didn't get in last cycle and I am really determined. I have been saving my money like mad (eating PB and Js all year), heck, I've got enough money to apply to 40 schools (NOT GOING TO THOUGH LOL). The point is, people on here are correct. I am giving it my all but I predict up to 1 if not 0 interviews. Therefore, I'd rather apply to more.

I understand everyone's reasoning and I agree with you guys. But dude, my Cumul GPA is like a 2.5~2.6.😳😳 I don't have the luxury of applying to 5 or 6 schools.
I will be bringing out my greatest strengths instead of weaknesses and applying early. 😎

Pharmcas opened today, I have already request all my transcripts and all my references are in progress. 👍👍

I noticed from your other thread you said you were applying to all pre-candidate and candidate schools. Did you not apply to any unaccredited schools last application cycle?

 

[schamj01]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the great advice! Although I have narrowed down my schools list, I will still be applying to many more schools than other applicants. I didn't get in last cycle and I am really determined. I have been saving my money like mad (eating PB and Js all year), heck, I've got enough money to apply to 40 schools (NOT GOING TO THOUGH LOL). The point is, people on here are correct. I am giving it my all but I predict up to 1 if not 0 interviews. Therefore, I'd rather apply to more.

I understand everyone's reasoning and I agree with you guys. But dude, my Cumul GPA is like a 2.5~2.6.😳😳 I don't have the luxury of applying to 5 or 6 schools.
I will be bringing out my greatest strengths instead of weaknesses and applying early. 😎

Pharmcas opened today, I have already request all my transcripts and all my references are in progress. 👍👍

Good luck. I hope that you're able to get in this round.

 

[The Recoverer]

Good luck. I hope that you're able to get in this round.

THANK YOU! YOU TOO!! Teamwork! I hope every SDNer gets in! 😍

 

[The Recoverer]

I noticed from your other thread you said you were applying to all pre-candidate and candidate schools. Did you not apply to any unaccredited schools last application cycle?

I did not apply to any unaccre, pre cand, or candida schools last cycle 🙁 because I was an idiot and applied to only a couple.

 

[chinita009]

what are the risks associated to applying to non-accred schools (cand/pre-cand)? have schools been denied full candidacy before, even after being granted "Candidate" status? Thanks!

 

[Doulos]

😀 No worries mate..............I AM APPLYING TO 27 SCHOOLS.

That seems like overkill to me. I was thinking of applying to about 10. Is 20+ apps par for the course?

 

[owlegrad]

That seems like overkill to me. I was thinking of applying to about 10. Is 20+ apps par for the course?

Only in medicine.