Applying to only one or two schools?

[fayevalentine]

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Hello fellow SDNers,

I am a non-trad, and have several reasons why I would not want to leave my state for an OOS school (including family obligations, owning a home, SO's career would not enable him to move, money, etc.). I understand there is a huge chance I will not be accepted the first time I apply, in which case I would work on strengthening my application and reapply the next cycle.

I was just wondering if anyone can offer some insight as to how dental schools may view an applicant that only applies to one or two schools. I have heard that some schools may see this as a positive, as you are committed to their school, while others may think you are not dedicated enough to the field to apply broadly. Just wondering what you guys think about this.

Thanks to all who respond! 🙂

 

[CleverThought]

As far as I know, they cannot see how many schools you applied to. So, unless they ask you in the interview where else you have applied, they have no way of knowing.

 

[sjv]

They won't know unless they ask.

 

[ziggy1104]

Hello,

I can't really offer much insight (sorry ) but can offer a little support for what it worth.

In same boat as you. Have a son, husband owns a business, own a home, etc. it just wouldn't be financially smart (or even feasible) to move.

I think many schools will view this as a positive. They want to know if they accept you, you're going to attend and they don't have to waste time guessing. Just my hopeful opinion lol

Good luck 🙂

 

[Glimmer1991]

I only applied to 5, and it was a non-issue.

 

[AMilman]

For all the time and effort it takes to complete the application, I would apply to as many schools as you can afford. Maximize your cycle! I know I'm glad I did!

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

Hello fellow SDNers,

I am a non-trad, and have several reasons why I would not want to leave my state for an OOS school (including family obligations, owning a home, SO's career would not enable him to move, money, etc.). I understand there is a huge chance I will not be accepted the first time I apply, in which case I would work on strengthening my application and reapply the next cycle.

I was just wondering if anyone can offer some insight as to how dental schools may view an applicant that only applies to one or two schools. I have heard that some schools may see this as a positive, as you are committed to their school, while others may think you are not dedicated enough to the field to apply broadly. Just wondering what you guys think about this.

Thanks to all who respond! 🙂

I wish ihad only applied to about three schools, I think you have a good idea. I got accepted to every school and felt that 8 was overkill. As long as you are qualified and have all the prerequisites you should be fine .

 

[Admissions to Medicine]

Hello,

During the main application season, schools do not know what other schools you have applied to. However, if your stats meet the average for those admitted to your desired program(s), what you can do is highly focus your application strategy so that it is very clear that you must remain in your home state. Adcoms will pick up on this and might view your application in a positive light. Stay positive! - Admissions to Medicine

 

[fayevalentine]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! Best of luck to you all 🙂.

 

[MBlue16]

I wish ihad only applied to about three schools, I think you have a good idea. I got accepted to every school and felt that 8 was overkill. As long as you are qualified and have all the prerequisites you should be fine .

I think you need to also make the decision based on your stats. I know you guys (Glimmer and toothbrushbuddy) have high stats, which makes it okay for you to apply to fewer school. That's not the case with me. I applied to 16 schools on my first year, didn't make it. I applied again to 18 schools this year, got accepted to one. 🙂

However, if you are absolutely positive that you are not moving out of the state, then you don't really have any other choice.

 

[JCLewis90]

I only applied to 3 schools, and it wasn't a problem as far as I know.

It's good to apply to as many schools as possible.. IF you can afford to, and IF you would actually be willing to go to the other schools. If you get accepted to somewhere you don't want to go, then you could just be throwing money down the drain. I only saw myself going to schools that were either in my home state or one state away. Had nothing to do with how badly I want to be a dentist because I definitely want that more than anything.

I think dental schools understand that it costs a lot of money to apply to all those schools, and not everyone is in the position to move across the country. But if you are in the position to do so, that is awesome and increases your chances of getting in somewhere.

You'll be fine!

 

[thirstyscholar]

Fair plan. Be sure to communicate with your state schools ahead of time.

 

[yogipatel]

Non-trad here too (32 yo, changing careers from software engineering). I think it depends on the school and the confidence you have in your application. I only applied (and got in) to one school, UW.

During the interview, one of the interviewers asked me where else I'd applied and specifically noted down that I was "UW only". I also tried to make a point to the interviewers that WA is where I intend on staying (I'm a WA resident) and practicing. It didn't make sense to me to go to another state, leave my support network, pay more money, and build a network of peers that in all likelihood won't be in the place I end up practicing. Additionally, my SO will be starting NP school soon, and as a big part of her support network, it'd be important for me to stay here. They seemed to agree with that and didn't question it further.

To echo what a few others have said — try to view your obligations as *positives* and not negatives. Dental schools get tons of applications from kids right out of college. Having life experience and responsibilities shows maturity and consistency. The college kids don't usually have much to show in that regard 🙂

Good luck!