Applying without breaking the bank

[dent_wannabe]

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What are some good strategies to avoid breaking the bank when applying? I am not fortunate enough to have my parents' financial support for the application process.

Most dental students and dentists told me that they applied to over 10 schools, with a few of them exceeding 20. I can definitely see how 20 or more is not warranted, and was told that doing so can sometimes raise questions about your judgement. It seems like between 10 and 15 is the most common. That can come out to be over $2000 in just application fees alone.

On the other hand, my own dentist and her daughter (who is also a dentist) made the risky move of applying to only one school (their state school) - they obviously both got in. That definitely helps to save money, but my orthodontist told me that doing this (or even just applying to too few schools) can come across as "you don't really care" - basically, they might interpret it as "if I get into this school, then I will be a dentist, if I don't, then whatever".

So anyways, I want to apply to enough schools such that it won't seem like I don't care, but I can't really afford to apply to even the average number of schools that they typical applicant applies to. What would be a doable number?

My GPA and DAT are basically on par with the average matriculant at most schools. Not the Harvard level (so I obviously won't be applying there), but in line with most reputable schools like Michigan (my target school).

 

[HKSZYU]

You say you don't want to "come across like you don't care." Come across to whom? Schools have no way of knowing which other schools you applied to. Even in the uncommon scenario that they ask, they don't care, and you can keep your answer to that kind of question vague if it really makes you uncomfortable. There is no award for applying to the most schools.

In terms of how many schools to apply to, it comes down to your stats. If your stats are low, you'll need a wide-net approach. If you're stats are at or above most schools published ranges you can be more selective. I'd also make sure you're applying only to schools that you could realistically see yourself going to. Ask yourself what geographies are you willing to accept? What debt burden is tolerable? That can help whittle your number down.

 

[DangHotpotato]

You also have to account for supplemental fees, which most schools will ask for. You can tack on another $35-$80 per school. I applied to 12 schools, and all in I paid around $2,000. I saved up my own money throughout undergrad by working. If you have a competitive transcript, then you should apply to your top 3 schools that you would accept above all over invitations received, and 5-10 more schools that your credentials would be outstanding in (from what multiples deans of admissions have advised)

 

[crumps]

So in ordero for us to really tell you howmany schools you should apply to shout also kinda depends on your stats. If you are really good above average I'd say like 5 with varying levels and very careful choosing. This is assuming you trying to save money yet still maximize on chance of acceptance. Also not really sure how other schools would even know what other schools you applied to unless they ask in an interview. They will never know. Plus I would argue that if you only apply to one school that it's not that you "don't care" but that you REALLY like THIS SPECIFIC SCHOOL. I applied to two schools actually and that was my response when asked that question in the interview

 

[dent_wannabe]

I have a 23 AA/20 PAT DAT, and 3.62 overall/3.56 science GPA. I feel that this is considered in line with the published ranges for the majority of dental schools?

 

[dhy01265]

I have a 23 AA/20 PAT DAT, and 3.62 overall/3.56 science GPA. I feel that this is considered in line with the published ranges for the majority of dental schools?

lol pretty sure those stats are top of the line and schools will be asking u to come. i applied to 4 schools and got in. No point applying to places where you do not want to go. For example, if u don't like an urban setting, don't bother applying to schools in major cities like BU/Tufts/NY etc.

 

[dent_wannabe]

lol pretty sure those stats are top of the line and schools will be asking u to come. i applied to 4 schools and got in. No point applying to places where you do not want to go. For example, if u don't like an urban setting, don't bother applying to schools in major cities like BU/Tufts/NY etc.

I'm pretty set on going to Michigan if I get in, because I am a Michigan resident and thus doing the investment vs return analysis, it makes most sense for me to go to Michigan.

 

[gizmokitty96]

You can apply for the fee assistance program, and that will take down the cost of three dental schools!
Also i think most schools will waive the supplemental fee if you forward them your approved FAP documents

 

[dent_wannabe]

You can apply for the fee assistance program, and that will take down the cost of three dental schools!
Also i think most schools will waive the supplemental fee if you forward them your approved FAP documents

I can't qualify because of my parents' income… AADSAS doesn't care that my parents would not contribute to my application costs.

 

[gizmokitty96]

I can't qualify because of my parents' income… AADSAS doesn't care that my parents would not contribute to my application costs.

Oh i see, well in that case if i were you I would apply to the schools that are the closet by, and the most likely to accept you. That way you save on the application, and plane tickets to potential interviews.
I do not know if there is a magic number of schools to apply too, last cycle I applied very late (november) and to 7 schools, and I only got waitlisted at 1, this cycle I have about 17 schools, and I am applying early, so hopefully applying early will make the difference.
My advice to you would just be apply early, with your stats I really think you'll be fine.

 

[Bigjt1420]

Apply to U of M, Detroit Mercy, Indiana (go for a scholarship), Midwestern IL (expensive: again go for a scholarship), and apply to all schools that give you In State tuition after 1 year I’d residency like my school I’m going to, UNLV).

All in all, you’re probably wanting to apply to 5-10 schools with your stats.

P.S. I’m a UM alumnus and worked at that dental school during undergrad/ part of the exec board of the pre dental club. Great program! Good luck