Does is look bad if I apply to only 1 school?

[lmnguye4]

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I heard Nova secondaries asks which DO and MD schools you applied to. Will it look bad if I only applied to Nova? What do you all think? 🙄

 

[Ibn Rushd]

Not that my opinion matters for much, but I don't think it would look bad. I actually think it's a unique opportunity for you to really express your interest in the school and to expand on why you're a good fit.

 

[slick27]

I wouldn't put all your eggs into one basket. You might have a bad interview, or something else might happen. Apply to at least a couple.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

^^Agreed. Why only the one school? Plenty of really really really good applicants DO NOT get into all the schools to which they apply--including their top choice. Plus there's no way you could know everything about every school right now, so how could you know Nova is the perfect place for you?

Is this just based on geography/family/significant other?

LECOM-B has a great program in FL too, though it's Problem Based Learning. I'd recommend at least expanding your app to apply there too, if you like PBL (some people don't--It's just a personal preference thing).

 

[MossPoh]

Nova really doesn't care. I applied to over 30 and it was not even mentioned by Nova. I'm probably going there next year. I think it is stupid to apply to only one school and bank on what is essentially a 10-20% shot depending on how strong your stats are.

 

[AMEHigh]

I don't think it looks bad. Obviously statistically speaking you'd be a lot better off applying to more than 1 school.

However, I know several people that only applied to 1 school or schools only in 1 city because they didn't/couldn't uproot their family or their spouse had a great job in the area, etc.

 

[MossPoh]

That is more because they don't want to rather than not being able to. Most situations, excluding the really podunk areas, the spouse can find a job. They may have to uproot one time or another. It sucks, but that is part of the deal with becoming a doctor.

 

[binko]

I asked this question at OUCOM and they said it doesn't look bad. They don't know where you've applied unless you tell them anyway.

 

[thethethe]

can somebody explain what problem based learning is?

 

[nlax30]

can somebody explain what problem based learning is?

Check here first, the PBL thread in the Mentor subforum: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=410585

Can also search for 'PBL' or 'Problem Based Learning' as there are numerous threads with people explaining what they did or didn't like. Also keep in mind that each school integrates it somewhat differently, so some may throw in a little "PBL" here and there with a more traditional curriculum while others are strictly "PBL" style.

 

[Premed Worrier]

I heard Nova secondaries asks which DO and MD schools you applied to. Will it look bad if I only applied to Nova? What do you all think? 🙄

If you think you have a good chance, go for it. Good Luck.

 

[Punchap]

There's no question about it, I would apply to at least three schools.

I'd at least recommend that for people who can't afford to waste any more time out of school/work.

If you're looking to show NOVA that they're your number one choice, send them a letter of intent. Keep your options as open as possible at this stage.

 

[Anita817]

There's no question about it, I would apply to at least three schools.

Agreed. I am mentally putting all my eggs in one basket at a school where I am a well qualified applicant, I am an instate resident, and my father is on the faculty. HOWEVER, I am also applying to 10 OTHER SCHOOLS because even the thought of possibly having to put my life on hold for another year is terrifying to me. I guess if it doesn't worry you as much, or if you would be unwilling to become a doctor anywhere else, then go ahead. My opinion: better safe than sorry.

 

[ShyRem]

I was rejected by schools i thought I would be a shoe in at, and received interviews at reach schools.

Don't even try to fathom how the monkey on the stairs will be throwing your application -- he's likely to miss the "we'll interview/accept" bin when it comes time to throw your application.

 

[lmnguye4]

Thanks everyone for your replies! 🙂 I took your advice into consideration and decided to apply to 3 schools.... I would add more but I only have so much money. 🙄

Thanks! And Good luck to everyone else who may be applying this year!

 

[Semicolon]

I asked this question at OUCOM and they said it doesn't look bad. They don't know where you've applied unless you tell them anyway.

You do tell them. They ask for a list of all the MD/DO schools you've applied to and their admission status on the secondary.

 

[engineeredout]

I got interviews at 4/9 DO schools I applied to. Don't ask me why four others (one I withdrew from) didn't interview me, I don't have a clue. I think that dysnomia wasn't aligned correctly with saggitarius.


Apply to more than one!

 

[Gold 5]

Thanks everyone for your replies! 🙂 I took your advice into consideration and decided to apply to 3 schools.... I would add more but I only have so much money. 🙄

Thanks! And Good luck to everyone else who may be applying this year!

My .02cents, apply to a few more. you can always cancel interviews if you get into your dream school. ShyRem is 110% right on how this process works. Good Luck

 

[nurse2do]

While I'm pre-med on a three year plan, I will be applying to only one school. My reason for this is being a single mom with a toddler, my local D.O. school is the only school feasible at this time. Of course, I'm finishing my pre-reqs over the next three years and my situation may change. But for now, that's my plan.

 

[binko]

You do tell them. They ask for a list of all the MD/DO schools you've applied to and their admission status on the secondary.

Assistant admissions director told me they don't ask 😕

 

[MossPoh]

While I'm pre-med on a three year plan, I will be applying to only one school. My reason for this is being a single mom with a toddler, my local D.O. school is the only school feasible at this time. Of course, I'm finishing my pre-reqs over the next three years and my situation may change. But for now, that's my plan.

I don't understand why a toddler makes one school the only feasible option. Are there other reasons? If it is because you have family there that can help care for the child or the father wanting you to stay in the state then it is understandable, but if it is just you and the kid then apply away for the sake of safety of getting into a school. I've seen far more bad things happen from applying to one school than good.

 

[Krisss17]

^^Agreed. Why only the one school? Plenty of really really really good applicants DO NOT get into all the schools to which they apply--including their top choice. Plus there's no way you could know everything about every school right now, so how could you know Nova is the perfect place for you?

Is this just based on geography/family/significant other?

LECOM-B has a great program in FL too, though it's Problem Based Learning. I'd recommend at least expanding your app to apply there too, if you like PBL (some people don't--It's just a personal preference thing).

Ironically, Chocolate Bear, I'm wondering about the same question the OP posed, but LECOM-B is my first (and really) only choice. At first it was the idesa of proximity since I do live in Bradenton, but the more and more I learn about LECOM-B, it's getting harder and harder to consider other medical schools.

The only thing I can suggest to the OP is to make sure that your application is as competitive as possible...make sure your GPA, MCAT, ECs, etc. are in tiptop shape and be prepared that you are taking a big chance. Has it happened that an applicant got into their first and only school? Yes, but it is a big risk. I do wish you super good luck though .

 

[beckhunter116]

Assistant admissions director told me they don't ask 😕

At Nova they ask, other schools may or may not ask.

 

[beckhunter116]

Ironically, Chocolate Bear, I'm wondering about the same question the OP posed, but LECOM-B is my first (and really) only choice. At first it was the idesa of proximity since I do live in Bradenton, but the more and more I learn about LECOM-B, it's getting harder and harder to consider other medical schools.

The only thing I can suggest to the OP is to make sure that your application is as competitive as possible...make sure your GPA, MCAT, ECs, etc. are in tiptop shape and be prepared that you are taking a big chance. Has it happened that an applicant got into their first and only school? Yes, but it is a big risk. I do wish you super good luck though .

There is PBL at LECOM-Erie though so you may want to look into that too, so at least you would have 2 schools to apply to.

 

[p30doc]

At Nova they ask, other schools may or may not ask.

Nova asks but they don't care, if you applied to a lot. I listed all ~45 schools I applied to and they didn't have a problem with that. OP you should really apply to more than 3 schools if you are serious about being a doctor, this process is so random because there are so many qualified applicants vying for few positions, you never know who will give you love or the cold shoulder.

 

[The Poet Sings]

Nova asks but they don't care, if you applied to a lot. I listed all ~45 schools I applied to and they didn't have a problem with that. OP you should really apply to more than 3 schools if you are serious about being a doctor, this process is so random because there are so many qualified applicants vying for few positions, you never know who will give you love or the cold shoulder.

how much did you spend to apply to so many?!?

 

[Krisss17]

There is PBL at LECOM-Erie though so you may want to look into that too, so at least you would have 2 schools to apply to.

Actually, that is a thought I had...with LECOM having PBL in its now 3 locations, I would definitely look to those as 1, 2 and 3. While I would like to stay where I am at...if I got accepted into either of the other two locations, I'd still feel be happy.

 

[lmnguye4]

Actually, that is a thought I had...with LECOM having PBL in its now 3 locations, I would definitely look to those as 1, 2 and 3. While I would like to stay where I am at...if I got accepted into either of the other two locations, I'd still feel be happy.

What is PBL (Problem based learning)? I've heard of it but I never knew what it was.... What is that and how do they incorporate that into their school curriculum?

 

[Krisss17]

What is PBL (Problem based learning)? I've heard of it but I never knew what it was.... What is that and how do they incorporate that into their school curriculum?

I would definitely do a search, and also look at the LECOM-B threads as PBL is their only pathway.

What I love about it is that you will be assigned a particular case and you really have to research multiple angles of what is going on. It seems to bring the practical aspects to the forefront. Also, it makes all the different sciences come more to life. For example, instead of just taking biochemistry in a lecture setting, you learn how it actually fits into medicine.

I've also read that it really makes a difference when taking the COMLEX and USMLE exams.

Definitely do a search!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

To Krisss and others, more than just the LECOMs have PBL. Lots of schools are integrating PBL into their curriculum, and a few others have **dedicated** PBL pathways, just like the LECOMs. Just an FYI. 🙂

 

[Krisss17]

To Krisss and others, more than just the LECOMs have PBL. Lots of schools are integrating PBL into their curriculum, and a few others have **dedicated** PBL pathways, just like the LECOMs. Just an FYI. 🙂

Thanks, CB...I'm realizing that (which is 👍)! PunkmedGirl just gave me 4 that I'm going to research on (wvsom, nycom, umdnj-com and oucom).

 

[Semicolon]

Thanks, CB...I'm realizing that (which is 👍)! PunkmedGirl just gave me 4 that I'm going to research on (wvsom, nycom, umdnj-com and oucom).

In NYCOM it's called "DPC"...it's the same exact thing, just so there's no confusion. 😛

 

[Krisss17]

In NYCOM it's called "DPC"...it's the same exact thing, just so there's no confusion. 😛

Thanks, Semicolon. I'm originally from LI and while part of me would love to move back up there, the tuition alone scares the heck out of me...add in the high cost of living, I'd be surprised to get out of the 4 years owing less than $300K. As a nontrad pursuing primary care, I don't know if it is financially feasible. I also haven't been as impressed with the PBL (DPC) of nycom compared to Lecom. If given a choice between lecom-e and nycom, I would definitely go with lecom-e. But that is just me!

 

[TeamZissou]

Don't even try to fathom how the monkey on the stairs will be throwing your application -- he's likely to miss the "we'll interview/accept" bin when it comes time to throw your application.

Great summary of the logic behind the admissions process. You can try all you want to figure out how it works but believe me there is NO method or reason to the madness. Thus your best bet is to apply to any school you could possibly fathom yourself going to. You really don't know much about a school except for its location, so my advice is to go on as many interviews as you can and rule out schools after. My opinion on schools changed A LOT during my interviews as you try to get a feel for the school/campus and surrounding area.