Applying to all schools?

[NguyenDDS]

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Hi there 🙂

Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to apply to ALL dental schools (minus tops schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS)????? I know the fees will be high.... but if I could afford it, is there such thing of "too many schools"?

 

[notin]

i think you're not much more likely to get in if you apply everywhere vs applying to 15 or so. if money is no object i see nothing wrong with applying everywhere.

 

[dental815]

Hi there 🙂

Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to apply to ALL dental schools (minus tops schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS)????? I know the fees will be high.... but if I could afford it, is there such thing of "too many schools"?

If you elminate top schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS... then you're not applying to ALL dental schools...

 

[molar3]

woops nvm

 

[NguyenDDS]

If you elminate top schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS... then you're not applying to ALL dental schools...

I suppose your right 😳

 

[NguyenDDS]

i think you're not much more likely to get in if you apply everywhere vs applying to 15 or so. if money is no object i see nothing wrong with applying everywhere.

Okay, thanks! 🙂

 

[rockclock]

you've got to be shi++ing me...this is a ridiculous idea even if you are mr. money bags over here.

 

[Maygyver]

I suggest you just do some simple research and apply to schools appropriate to your situation.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi there 🙂

Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to apply to ALL dental schools (minus tops schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS)????? I know the fees will be high.... but if I could afford it, is there such thing of "too many schools"?

well... once you eliminate the "best" schools (i.e the harder ones) and non-friendly OOS... then your down to like 25 schools

25 is a bit much, but if you can afford it (and afford the airfare) go for it.

Whats your DAT + GPA combo ?

 

[NguyenDDS]

well... once you eliminate the "best" schools (i.e the harder ones) and non-friendly OOS... then your down to like 25 schools

25 is a bit much, but if you can afford it (and afford the airfare) go for it.

Whats your DAT + GPA combo ?

Hi dentalworks, I haven't taken the DAT yet, but I will be next week. My cGPA is around 3.53. sGPA around 3.33. And my BCP is around 3.09 As you all can see, I'm at a disadvantage and feel like my chances increase with the more schools I apply.

I thank God that my parents agreed that they will pay for my application fees after I expressed to them that it will cost a few thousands.

 

[NguyenDDS]

you've got to be shi++ing me...this is a ridiculous idea even if you are mr. money bags over here.

Hello rockclock, why is it a ridiculous idea? Just wondering on other's opinions. 🙂

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi dentalworks, I haven't taken the DAT yet, but I will be next week. My cGPA is around 3.53. sGPA around 3.33. And my BCP is around 3.09 As you all can see, I'm at a disadvantage and feel like my chances increase with the more schools I apply.

I thank God that my parents agreed that they will pay for my application fees after I expressed to them that it will cost a few thousands.

Yeh odds are against you, but 25 schools are for you.

Question: In the even you get 25 rejections (lets hope it never comes to this) I know your doing some major post-bacc work this coming Fall & Spring, will your parents be generous again next year?

 

[NguyenDDS]

Yeh odds are against you, but 25 schools are for you.

Question: In the even you get 25 rejections (lets hope it never comes to this) I know your doing some major post-bacc work this coming Fall & Spring, will your parents be generous again next year?

That's a scary thought Do you think the probability of that happening is high? Well they said they'll support me financially with any applications as long as I try to get somewhere in life 🙂

 

[dentalWorks]

That's a scary thought Do you think the probability of that happening is high? Well they said they'll support me financially with any applications as long as I try to get somewhere in life 🙂

No.

I wasn't trying to scare you, I just wanted you to realize your odds of acceptance next year are alot higher than this year. Since you have a good chunk of change to apply, from a strategic point of view, its best if you used that kinda money on next years application.

But if you've decided to apply this year, I wish you all the best (perhaps you can make a better decision after the retake?)

 

[Maygyver]

Why not wait 1 week until your DAT when people can actually give you useful feedback? Your BCP is really low. So you will need good scores to make up for that. Best of luck, but you should just wait a week until you have all the information that schools will look at before asking for advice.

 

[molar3]

God bless parents..............😍
gluck w/ur dat nguyen! hopefully this will help out your app. also have u started your postbacc yet? or are you just out of undergrad? i forget

 

[THRILLOFDAFILL]

Why not wait 1 week until your DAT when people can actually give you useful feedback? Your BCP is really low. So you will need good scores to make up for that. Best of luck, but you should just wait a week until you have all the information that schools will look at before asking for advice.

i agree, wait til you get back your dat scores. If you get a 23, then your chances are much better. When are you going to take the test exactly?

 

[NguyenDDS]

No.

I wasn't trying to scare you, I just wanted you to realize your odds of acceptance next year are alot higher than this year. Since you have a good chunk of change to apply, from a strategic point of view, its best if you used that kinda money on next years application.

But if you've decided to apply this year, I wish you all the best (perhaps you can make a better decision after the retake?)

Thanks for your feedback, dentalworks! 🙂 I'll probably at least try to apply this year. It won't hurt. And the only thing that I will lose is money, I suppose.

Why not wait 1 week until your DAT when people can actually give you useful feedback? Your BCP is really low. So you will need good scores to make up for that. Best of luck, but you should just wait a week until you have all the information that schools will look at before asking for advice.

Will do! Thank you! I think I'm just so distracted... and need to get back to studying 🙂

God bless parents..............😍
gluck w/ur dat nguyen! hopefully this will help out your app. also have u started your postbacc yet? or are you just out of undergrad? i forget

Hehe Thanks molar3!!! Well, I can graduate if I want, but I'm not applying for graduation until I raise my GPA. So, I'm taking more classes in Fall and Spring. These classes aren't necessary for my degree, but at the same time... I don't have a bachelor's degree yet. So, I guess you can say it's sort of like a postbacc? 😛

 

[NguyenDDS]

i agree, wait til you get back your dat scores. If you get a 23, then your chances are much better. When are you going to take the test exactly?

A 23???? That's pretty high... but it doesn't hurt to aim high 🙂 My Topscore scores need a lot of work then... I'm taking it next week. June 1 on the dot 😀

 

[Assimilation]

Personally, I feel using this "shotgun" method to get in to dental school is a complete waste. It could end up being a waste of A LOT of money (if you consider AADSAS fees, supplementary app fees, airfare/travel money to and from interviews, hotels, acceptance deposits etc.), a waste of both your time and many of the schools' time.
Take some time evaluating what you want out of a dental school aside from just becoming a dentist, and narrow your focus to schools that you will be satisfied with.
If you are really that worried about getting in this cycle, you won't be doing anyone any favors by wasting time and money. It might make better sense to take a year off to strengthen your application. In any case, you should spend your time making quality applications to fewer schools, rather than trying your chances at as many schools as you can throw yourself at.

 

[Double Bonded]

well... once you eliminate the "best" schools (i.e the harder ones) and non-friendly OOS... then your down to like 25 schools

25 is a bit much, but if you can afford it (and afford the airfare) go for it.

Whats your DAT + GPA combo ?

Out of curiosity what is considered "out of state friendly" in terms of % of all enrollees from out of state?

I was thinking that 30-40% accepted from OOS would be an acceptable number. Is that too high/low?

 

[dentalWorks]

Out of curiosity what is considered "out of state friendly" in terms of % of all enrollees from out of state?

I was thinking that 30-40% accepted from OOS would be an acceptable number. Is that too high/low?

I just look at the 25 from this list:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8260135&postcount=1

But yeh, 30% and higher is OOS friendly

 

[Doc Smile]

Hi there 🙂

Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to apply to ALL dental schools (minus tops schools like Harvard and schools that don't accept OOS)????? I know the fees will be high.... but if I could afford it, is there such thing of "too many schools"?

Yes. That is a HUGE waste of money. You can nickel and dime your way into poverty or wealth. I choose to spend my money wisely (and my parents money too). I hope you dont plan on riding mommy and daddy's bank role once you graduate dental school. I would consider that pathetic. so you better start being money conscious now.

sorry for being blunt/condescending

 

[Maygyver]

Yes. That is a HUGE waste of money. You can nickel and dime your way into poverty or wealth. I choose to spend my money wisely (and my parents money too). I hope you dont plan on riding mommy and daddy's bank role once you graduate dental school. I would consider that pathetic. so you better start being money conscious now.

sorry for being blunt/condescending

Or during dental school for that matter.😱

 

[Doc Smile]

Or during dental school for that matter.😱

+1👍

gotta grow up sometime.

 

[John Durian]

Yes. That is a HUGE waste of money. You can nickel and dime your way into poverty or wealth. I choose to spend my money wisely (and my parents money too).

Agreed. Just because it's not your money doesn't mean your parents didn't earn it. I mean, unless they're like a CEO of some Fortune 500 and are compensated millions a year... it would be verrrry wasteful to apply to all/most of the schools.

Buy an ADEA guide and rank all the schools based on GPA/DAT (or look up doc toothache's excel sheets). Then look at the "Where should I apply to" sticky here on SDN. Then try to save money and apply to 15 schools, 20 at most.

 

[bing12]

Or during dental school for that matter.😱

why? i know my parents offered to help me out significantly with Dental school next year..that was part of their motivation to succeed, eventually to help their children out. NOT SAYING you should spend ur rents money irresponsibly. I think there are some who may envy others who get help from outside resources.

 

[NguyenDDS]

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[NguyenDDS]

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[lnngu]

I'm not sure where all this hate is coming from either. The only drawbacks to applying to more schools are the time and money investments. The benefit is obviously that it increases your chances of getting in (by at least 4% per school, right, or is that a simplistic way of doing it?)
Deciding if it is worth it and where the money will come from is the OP's prerogative. I wouldn't doubt that her parents will gladly pay any fees as long as she gets in this cycle (to be honest, my own family urged me to apply to all the schools as well.)

Anyhoo, long story short: you can't apply to too many schools, but there's a point where you'll reach diminishing returns.

 

[justdandi]

If you could afford it, you should apply to all the schools you have a chance of getting in. I'm sure there's a point of diminishing return, but, in my way of thinking -- what if that one school you decide to NOT apply to is the only school that would've given you an acceptance?

My financial situation won't let me apply to more than 10 schools or so; but if I could, I'd definitely apply to all the schools I can.

(And besides, you don't have to go to all the interviews, which is where a lot of money would be required. The more interview invites you have, the more choices you have.)

 

[Double Bonded]

I just look at the 25 from this list:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8260135&postcount=1

But yeh, 30% and higher is OOS friendly

Ahh thank DW.

 

[Maygyver]

I can see where some people are going with the whole money issue. No need to worry, I don't use my parent's money uncontrollably or unreasonably. I rather have that money spent on my applications than on clothes, cars, going out, or whatever floats people's boat. But you have to understand that I have the type of parents who are working for their children and are thinking about their children when they work. I'm pretty sure most parents do too. They know I will take good care of them in the future 🙂

Anyhow, I will approach applying with caution 👍

I think that having to pay for things yourself, and sort out the loans is a pretty important step in maturing. My parents have been more than helpful for undergrad, but I told them not to worry about dental school. I'd rather my parents enjoy the money they earned than have to work a few extra years just to pay for me, when I will be fine in the long run. I think it's one thing to have your parents help you "significantly" with dental school, but to expect them to pay for everything seems a little silly to me. Parents can be great parents without throwing money at kids, and likewise, paying for schooling doesn't automatically make someone a good parent. If you make it to dental school, your parents obviously have done a good job raising you, no matter whether they pay for your post-grad education or not. Personally, it would bother me knowing that my parents essentially gave me 350,000 that they worked hard for. I'd much rather them enjoy their lives than make mine a little bit easier. Just my 2 cents though.

 

[rav4182]

I think that having to pay for things yourself, and sort out the loans is a pretty important step in maturing. My parents have been more than helpful for undergrad, but I told them not to worry about dental school. I'd rather my parents enjoy the money they earned than have to work a few extra years just to pay for me, when I will be fine in the long run. I think it's one thing to have your parents help you "significantly" with dental school, but to expect them to pay for everything seems a little silly to me. Parents can be great parents without throwing money at kids, and likewise, paying for schooling doesn't automatically make someone a good parent. If you make it to dental school, your parents obviously have done a good job raising you, no matter whether they pay for your post-grad education or not. Personally, it would bother me knowing that my parents essentially gave me 350,000 that they worked hard for. I'd much rather them enjoy their lives than make mine a little bit easier. Just my 2 cents though.

👍 agree. im reapplying this cycle to 20 schools, but im paying the whole way myself. gotta learn to fend for yourselve sooner or later if you want to survive the real world.

 

[dentalWorks]

Come on guys, lets stick to the main point of the thread.

OP wanted to know if it was a good idea to apply to whole bunch of schools.... not whether using his parents money is the right thing to do.

 

[NguyenDDS]

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[Maygyver]

Thanks DentalWorks!!

But I have to admit though.... it's pretty entertaining reading people brag that they're financially independent 😛

Anyhow, it seems to me that applying to as many reasonable schools as I can is a good option. It increases chances... it's like buying a whole bunch of lottery tickets to win the lottery 🙂 Thanks everyone!

Okay.


Isn't this what everyone does? Obviously you shouldn't apply to all schools or apply to 1 school. It's not too tough to narrow them down. Don't apply to schools that you won't go to, and don't apply to schools you won't get into.

 

[molar3]

if you think it will increase your chances of being accepted for this upcoming cycle then yes defly apply to as many schools as u want/will look as your situation favorably/consider your app. your finances is no ones business.....or how ur parents spend their money. if you dont get in and need to spend money on a postbacc again thats no ones business........
to one person 100 dollars could be breaking the bank and to another 1million dollars aint no big thang.
who cares. no ones business.


hows last minute DAT prep goin nguyen? do u feel confident?

 

[rockclock]

if your app is so bad that you need the statistical benefit of applying to 50+ schools in order to have any kind of shot at getting in, you shouldn't be applying.

 

[NguyenDDS]

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[NguyenDDS]

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[rockclock]

I'm not sure if my app is 'so bad.' I believe the only bad part about my app is my low BCP GPA. It's still over the cutoffs though. So, I'm not really sure how bad my app really is.

your GPA looks fine and it sounds like you're going to have solid DAT scores. just apply to a reasonable number of schools. you're not going to be able to go to 40 interviews anyway, or even have the endurance to fill out that many secondaries. if your parents really have such little faith in you or if they're just loose with their money, have them wire a few g's to my paypal account...

 

[rockclock]

Personally, I feel using this "shotgun" method to get in to dental school is a complete waste. It could end up being a waste of A LOT of money (if you consider AADSAS fees, supplementary app fees, airfare/travel money to and from interviews, hotels, acceptance deposits etc.), a waste of both your time and many of the schools' time.
Take some time evaluating what you want out of a dental school aside from just becoming a dentist, and narrow your focus to schools that you will be satisfied with.
If you are really that worried about getting in this cycle, you won't be doing anyone any favors by wasting time and money. It might make better sense to take a year off to strengthen your application. In any case, you should spend your time making quality applications to fewer schools, rather than trying your chances at as many schools as you can throw yourself at.

+1

This post best sums up the good advice people have been trying to give you throughout this thread, and it hasn't even been quoted once...

 

[rockclock]

I know what you mean bing12 🙂 My parents offered to pay for my whole dental school if I get accepted. I feel that there are some who may feel bitter because they don't receive help financially.

No one's bitter. If you were a good student who had worked hard to get a good GPA and DAT and put together a solid application, no one would be faulting you or your parents here. We'd be complimenting you.

Instead, you have a sub-par to par application (pending good DAT scores) that's a reflection of the work you've put in thus far and are recklessly wasting money you didn't earn. That's why you're getting these responses. You sound like a spoiled little brat.

 

[molar3]

hmmmm i wonder if you had a 3.9 gpa and a 25AA and u wanted to apply a bunch of schools (25+ or w/e) if everyone would be calling you a spoiled brat still.

 

[NguyenDDS]

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[NguyenDDS]

hmmmm i wonder if you had a 3.9 gpa and a 25AA and u wanted to apply a bunch of schools (25+ or w/e) if everyone would be calling you a spoiled brat still.

😀 🙂 😛

 

[dentalWorks]

Pretending I'm someone else and reading back at my posts/replies and not knowing my background.... I can somewhat see why I may sound like a "spoiled little brat." Sorry if that may have offended anyone or pissed people off...... But in the end, no one knows each other on here or their life background or what they've been through, so please try to not judge or assume things.

Anyhow, I don't know how or why this thread shifted topics... I just wanted to know if applying to most schools would be reasonable (minus financial topics).

I didn't think you were a spoiled brat.... I mean, its not like your taking your parents money and dropping it in a casino or buying hookers

 

[justdandi]

I didn't think you were a spoiled brat.... I mean, its not like your taking your parents money and dropping it in a casino or buying hookers

Yes. And quite frankly, it's more sensible to try your best to get in this cycle, rather than to apply to too few schools, not get in anywhere, and have to waste even more money next cycle.

 

[NguyenDDS]

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