Feedback on schools list, how many schools to apply to

[bwc]

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Schools I plan on applying to:
Michigan
Detroit Mercy
Case Western
Pitt
Boston

Maybe, but questionable:
Penn (idk if my stats are competitive enough)
USC and NYU (parents claim cost of living should justify not wasting money applying)

State of residency: Michigan
GPA: Overall 3.62, BCP 3.48, Science 3.56
DAT: PAT 20, QR 28, RC 26, Bio 18, GenChem 23, OChem 21, TS 20, AA 23
LOR: Physics instructor, Chem instructor, Dentist, Pre-health advisor
Shadowing hours: 100

With the exception of Michigan, I have pretty much ruled out schools that favor in state students. I have also ruled out schools which I would not satisfy their coursework prerequisites with what I have. I have also ruled out schools which will not be content with the four letters of rec I have secured. If I do get into Michigan, I am pretty sure that is where I will end up due to it being financially best for me.

Also, how many schools should a typical applicant apply to? I feel that 7 or 8 schools is probably a baseline as to how many schools I should apply to, but my parents keep arguing that is "too many" despite me being the one who has to pay for it (neither of them are in healthcare so they do not understand).

 

[887194]

Good start. I would say aim for around 8-10 schools depending on how many top programs you want to apply to. Go ahead and add Penn. You could also add some of these: Maryland (IS-tuition after 1st yr), UCSF (IS- tuition after 1st yr), UCLA (IS-tuition after 1st yr), UNLV(Instate tuition after 1st yr), Temple, UOP (3-year program).

 

[deleted678432]

Good start. I would say aim for around 8-10 schools depending on how many top programs you want to apply to. Go ahead and add Penn. You could also add some of these: Maryland (IS-tuition after 1st yr), UCSF (IS- tuition after 1st yr), UCLA (IS-tuition after 1st yr), UNLV(Instate tuition after 1st yr), Temple, UOP (3-year program).

UCSF and UCLA might be a little competitive for OP’s stats, especially because they’re OOS unfriendly

 

[887194]

UCSF and UCLA might be a little competitive for OP’s stats, especially because they’re OOS unfriendly

They are top programs but I think OP has a decent shot. UCSF's AA is at a 21.4 paired with a 3.6ish GPA and UCLA is at 22AA paired with a 3.7ish GPA. Worst case scenario OP loses a few hundred dollars, but best case scenario, OP gets in a top program on the "cheaper" end. Just something worth considering.

 

[Harvard Dental Student]

I would rather apply to too many schools than be stuck with awful options or having to reapply next year. Keep it within reason as @Penntist.Alex mentioned - (7-10) is reasonable.

 

[bwc]

@Penntist.Alex given that you seem to be a current Penn student, do you think my stats may give me a reasonable shot there?

Also, should my 18 in bio be considered a major cause for concern? Many people have advised me to not retake the DAT because if I do not improve a lot, it will reflect negatively.

 

[887194]

@Penntist.Alex given that you seem to be a current Penn student, do you think my stats may give me a reasonable shot there?

Also, should my 18 in bio be considered a major cause for concern? Many people have advised me to not retake the DAT because if I do not improve a lot, it will reflect negatively.

You have a shot there, but I can't quantify a number for you. It's tricky with the IVY leagues as people with very high stats get rejected all the time. One piece of advice I can give you is to write killer secondary answers to Penn and the other top programs. They place a lot of emphasis on them and oftentimes look at the secondary first before deciding to look at the rest of your application. I don't think the 18 in Bio is a major concern. You meet all cut-offs and the rest of your scores solid. Don't retake.

 

[deleted678432]

They are top programs but I think OP has a decent shot. UCSF's AA is at a 21.4 paired with a 3.6ish GPA and UCLA is at 22AA paired with a 3.7ish GPA. Worst case scenario OP loses a few hundred dollars, but best case scenario, OP gets in a top program on the "cheaper" end. Just something worth considering.

Agreed