What you should do is aim to apply to approximately 20-25 schools and then adjust the number upward or downward depending on the following factors:
1. Apply to your state school(s) and any other nearby medical schools that may have reciprocity between states.
2. Apply to your undergraduate institution if they have a medical school – especially if you have had the opportunity to do research or clinical work at the school or an affiliated hospital.
3. Apply to private schools that are a good match academically with your credentials.
4. Explore the mission of each school and select schools that you match well in terms of your experiences, goals, and focus.
5. Consider finances when applying – the more schools you apply to, the more application fees you’ll have to pay.
2. Apply to your undergraduate institution if they have a medical school – especially if you have had the opportunity to do research or clinical work at the school or an affiliated hospital.
3. Apply to private schools that are a good match academically with your credentials.
4. Explore the mission of each school and select schools that you match well in terms of your experiences, goals, and focus.
5. Consider finances when applying – the more schools you apply to, the more application fees you’ll have to pay.
You need to balance a realistic number of schools with your best chance of success. Your residency, minority or disadvantaged status, and financial constraints are all important factors in addition to those I’ve mentioned above. But remember, you never know which aspect of your application will attract a school – some schools value research, some have a strong mission working with the underserved, some have a primary care focus…so don’t limit yourself too much, but rather select schools that align well with your strengths.
Related Resources:
• Med School Selectivity Index
• How Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To?
• How Your Academic Statistics Should Influence Your Medical School Choices
--------------------• How Many Medical Schools Should You Apply To?
• How Your Academic Statistics Should Influence Your Medical School Choices
This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
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