Final school list...

[ksmi117]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Ok so... as Tuesday approaches and brings with it the opening of the AMCAS application, I want to make sure that my list of school is where I want it.

All my detailed stats, etc. are on my mdapps... but summary - 4.0/40Q, lots of student org. involvement, 2 years of research - poster presentation this coming summer, average-ish clinical experience (def. doing more of that this summer)

My List:
Baylor
Duke
Emory
Harvard
Johns Hopkins
LSU-New Orleans
LSU-Shreveport
U. of Alabama
U. of North Carolina
U. of Virginia
Vanderbilt
Wake Forest
Yale

Opinions?

 

[GoSpursGo]

I think this list could use a LITTLE more pruning... here, I'd just narrow it down to this:

My List:
Baylor

😉

 

[cpants]

Good list. I would consider adding a few more of the lesser-name privates to your list. While you will likely get in to several of the schools on your list, it might be nice to have a few acceptances at places that really want you and could possibly offer you a lot of aid.

 

[ksmi117]

Good list. I would consider adding a few more of the lesser-name privates to your list. While you will likely get in to several of the schools on your list, it might be nice to have a few acceptances at places that really want you and could possibly offer you a lot of aid.

Any suggestions for schools that aren't in huge, huge cities and aren't that cold??? 🙂

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

it seems like u're a southern bell...and only want to stay in the dirty south. so apply to WashU? they're stats hungry and they give a lot of merit scholarships

also u applied to UNC and Wake and not DUKE? and another southern school...UTSW?

 

[ksmi117]

it seems like u're a southern bell...and only want to stay in the dirty south. so apply to WashU? they're stats hungry and they give a lot of merit scholarships

also u applied to UNC and Wake and not DUKE? and another southern school...UTSW?

Haha... been through discussions about all of these schools before.

WashU - I'm really on the fence about this one. I love that they have merit money, but I'm not exactly on speaking terms with a person who goes there, so I don't know how happy I'd be there.

Duke - it is on my list. 😀

UTSW - I don't really want to fill out the TMDSAS... Is that a bad reason not to apply there?

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

u added 3 cold schools (harvard, yale, and jhop) but didnt add UPENN, Columbia, Michigan, Cornell, NorthWestern, and Chicago?

also, cali schools are not that COLD..haha...apply to stanford, UCLA and UCSF

 

[ksmi117]

u added 3 cold schools (harvard, yale, and jhop) but didnt add UPENN, Columbia, Michigan, Cornell, NorthWestern, and Chicago?

also, cali schools are not that COLD..haha...apply to stanford, UCLA and UCSF

Yes, there are cold schools on my list... I want to see what they are like. Penn was on my list for awhile. Still on the fence about that one. All the others... I'd like to stay away from NYC and Chicago.

Cali schools are far away though. I like the east-ish coast.

 

[cpants]

How about Tulane? That seems like a no-brainer for you.

 

[longhorn09]

You can be that picky because you have the stats to do so. Applying to schools that you don't wanna go is just a waste of money. You will surely get in some of the schools in your list.

 

[cpants]

You can be that picky because you have the stats to do so. Applying to schools that you don't wanna go is just a waste of money. You will surely get in some of the schools in your list.

Could be a waste of money, or you could decide to go there when you get a full ride. Or better yet, if you get a fat financial aid package, you can use it as leverage to get more money from the schools you do want to go to. Plus I'm sure there are more schools she wouldn't mind going to.

 

[GoSpursGo]

WashU - I'm really on the fence about this one. I love that they have merit money, but I'm not exactly on speaking terms with a person who goes there, so I don't know how happy I'd be there.

UTSW - I don't really want to fill out the TMDSAS... Is that a bad reason not to apply there?

Well, applying to WashU doesn't commit you to going there or anything 😛 At this stage of the game, I don't think anyone really knows how "happy" you'll be anywhere, so why not apply there and you might find you love that place so much and they throw so much money in your general direction that you decide you really want to 🙂

TMDSAS luckily upgraded their website this year, so it's no longer so archaic. My understanding is that it's basically like copy-pasting your AMCAS into some new boxes; it might take an extra couple of hours, but I think it's worth it--UTSW is a great school. Of course, I'm biased, having done 2 summers of research there, but I'd give it a shot if all it costs is like ~3 hours of your time. Their secondary is also really, really short to make up for the trouble you spend filling out the TMDSAS, AND they have auto-invites for people who have high enough stats, aka you. So I can see a lot of reasons for applying to UTSW.

 

[WaterBird]

With this list, you will get in somewhere. However, with your numbers and generally well-rounded app (but nothing that sticks out a lot on a quick read) you have a great shot at any school in the country, but I think this list is a little short since the top schools are so ridiculous. I would add a few more top schools.

Some ieas:
I agree with the other person who suggested WashU - your reason for not applying there is you have an enemy who is a current student?

You say you want to avoid NYC/Chicago: what about Pitt and Penn? Both cities are a bit more manageable for people who aren't big city folk, and both are amazing schools. I know Harvard is Harvard, but if you are willing to consider that, Boston is colder than Philadelphia.

Cali might be worth checking out given your weather preference - it sounds like you've never lived far from home, but once you're getting on an airplane it's not super different to go N versus W. UCLA, Stanford and USC all don't have IS preference. (UCSF does, and might be a bit foggy for your sunshiny self). It might be worth checking out.

 

[ksmi117]

With this list, you will get in somewhere. However, with your numbers and generally well-rounded app (but nothing that sticks out a lot on a quick read) you have a great shot at any school in the country, but I think this list is a little short since the top schools are so ridiculous. I would add a few more top schools.

Some ieas:
I agree with the other person who suggested WashU - your reason for not applying there is you have an enemy who is a current student?

You say you want to avoid NYC/Chicago: what about Pitt and Penn? Both cities are a bit more manageable for people who aren't big city folk, and both are amazing schools. I know Harvard is Harvard, but if you are willing to consider that, Boston is colder than Philadelphia.

Cali might be worth checking out given your weather preference - it sounds like you've never lived far from home, but once you're getting on an airplane it's not super different to go N versus W. UCLA, Stanford and USC all don't have IS preference. (UCSF does, and might be a bit foggy for your sunshiny self). It might be worth checking out.

Yeah, I know, my reasons for not applying to certain places are weird. I'm not applying to Harvard just cause it's Harvard. My mom's family lives in Boston, and I go there a lot, so I think that's one place I could handle.
WashU... yes, that's the reason. I don't feel like going into the details, but I'm positive I'd pick somewhere else over WashU (even if it does have nice merit-based aid).
I'm not sure what my thing against Cali is. I was considering Stanford but it just seemed so out of place with all the others. USC - yeah, I go to undergrad at LSU... that's not happening.
See this is why I posted this. Picking schools is a hard thing to do. I don't want to spend so much money on apps, but I do want to find a school that's a good fit for me.

 

[longhorn09]

With this list, you will get in somewhere. However, with your numbers and generally well-rounded app (but nothing that sticks out a lot on a quick read) you have a great shot at any school in the country, but I think this list is a little short since the top schools are so ridiculous. I would add a few more top schools.

Some ieas:
I agree with the other person who suggested WashU - your reason for not applying there is you have an enemy who is a current student?

You say you want to avoid NYC/Chicago: what about Pitt and Penn? Both cities are a bit more manageable for people who aren't big city folk, and both are amazing schools. I know Harvard is Harvard, but if you are willing to consider that, Boston is colder than Philadelphia.

Cali might be worth checking out given your weather preference - it sounds like you've never lived far from home, but once you're getting on an airplane it's not super different to go N versus W. UCLA, Stanford and USC all don't have IS preference. (UCSF does, and might be a bit foggy for your sunshiny self). It might be worth checking out.

Are you sure UCLA don't give strong IS preference? They only accept 20 something OOS students last year according to the spreadsheet.

 

[JJMrK]

Are you sure UCLA don't give strong IS preference? They only accept 20 something OOS students last year according to the spreadsheet.

UCLA and UCSF are two CA schools well known for taking a lot of OOSers.




ksmi, you're being really picky, but I think your stats have earned you that right. What about Tulane? In your state, and a good safety.

If I were you I'd add a bunch more in Chicago, NY, and CA. But I don't have your weather stipulations.

 

[STLINI]

Yeah, I know, my reasons for not applying to certain places are weird. I'm not applying to Harvard just cause it's Harvard. My mom's family lives in Boston, and I go there a lot, so I think that's one place I could handle.
WashU... yes, that's the reason. I don't feel like going into the details, but I'm positive I'd pick somewhere else over WashU (even if it does have nice merit-based aid).
I'm not sure what my thing against Cali is. I was considering Stanford but it just seemed so out of place with all the others. USC - yeah, I go to undergrad at LSU... that's not happening.
See this is why I posted this. Picking schools is a hard thing to do. I don't want to spend so much money on apps, but I do want to find a school that's a good fit for me.

Can I just say I LOVEEEE this method of picking schools, most definitely guilty of this myself. But off the top of my head I can't think of too many reasons for an LSU fan to hate USC. Not that them being USC isn't reason enough.

 

[ksmi117]

Can I just say I LOVEEEE this method of picking schools, most definitely guilty of this myself. But off the top of my head I can't think of too many reasons for an LSU fan to hate USC. Not that them being USC isn't reason enough.

That little co-Nat'l Champs thing in 2003. LSU won the Nat'l Championship, ergo LSU is the only Nat'l Champion. And it seems that we'll never get to play them to see who really is better (of course the teams are the same 6 years later, but still). 😡

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

That little co-Nat'l Champs thing in 2003. LSU won the Nat'l Championship, ergo LSU is the only Nat'l Champion. And it seems that we'll never get to play them to see who really is better (of course the teams are the same 6 years later, but still). 😡

everyone in there right mind knows that USC was better than LSU that year..thats why the "experts" and AP voted them NATIONAL CHAMPS...

reggie bush and matt leinart over some track guys at LSU? come on

 

[ksmi117]

everyone in there right mind knows that USC was better than LSU that year..thats why the "experts" and AP voted them NATIONAL CHAMPS...

reggie bush and matt leinart over some track guys at LSU? come on

See, these are the problems with the BCS. But USC isn't the only school that's gotten screwed by it, it just seems that this was the only year that people threw a fit over who got the title. It's no secret that the "experts" pretty much hate the SEC, God knows why, but w/e it's in the past, and I was at the 2007 Nat'l Championship game. Amazing. 🙂

 

[cpants]

I essentially already said this, but the thing your list lacks is a few middle of the road private schools. You have your "reach" schools, at which you will be very competitive, but nothing is guaranteed. You have your state schools, which are almost sure acceptances for you. What you need is a few places at which you will be extremely competitive and which will be dying to have you attend. These are the schools that will be wanting to offer you huge aid, since you will drive their stats up.

What you don't want to happen is you get rejected from all the big names and you are left with only the LSU's as options. Having a couple more acceptances in hand will give you more options and possibly leverage to drive aid higher at a place you would prefer to go.

The first place that came to mind was Tulane, as it's in your home state. I would apply there and to a couple other comparable schools which interest you.

 

[ksmi117]

I essentially already said this, but the thing your list lacks is a few middle of the road private schools. You have your "reach" schools, at which you will be very competitive, but nothing is guaranteed. You have your state schools, which are almost sure acceptances for you. What you need is a few places at which you will be extremely competitive and which will be dying to have you attend. These are the schools that will be wanting to offer you huge aid, since you will drive their stats up.

What you don't want to happen is you get rejected from all the big names and you are left with only the LSU's as options. Having a couple more acceptances in hand will give you more options and possibly leverage to drive aid higher at a place you would prefer to go.

The first place that came to mind was Tulane, as it's in your home state. I would apply there and to a couple other comparable schools which interest you.

👍 Thanks!

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

See, these are the problems with the BCS. But USC isn't the only school that's gotten screwed by it, it just seems that this was the only year that people threw a fit over who got the title. It's no secret that the "experts" pretty much hate the SEC, God knows why, but w/e it's in the past, and I was at the 2007 Nat'l Championship game. Amazing. 🙂

haha..u got this all wrong, the SEC teams are beloved by the experts, that's why the SEC always have the most top 25 teams in polls and teams in bowl games.

Ever wonder why LSU was voted in the national championship game in 2007 with TWO losses? USC was screwed once again by the BCS

 

[Appless]

I think we all can agree USC is the best each year 😉. If only they would stop falling asleep one game a year against some horrid pac 10 team...

 

[ksmi117]

haha..u got this all wrong, the SEC teams are beloved by the experts, that's why the SEC always have the most top 25 teams in polls and teams in bowl games.

Ever wonder why LSU was voted in the national championship game in 2007 with TWO losses? USC was screwed once again by the BCS

They really aren't though. The experts almost always choose against the SEC teams, or at least from what I've seen. I think it's gotten better in recent years, but teams like USC and Notre Dame will always be favorites because they have been around forever. You can't tell me that USC has always deserved their high rankings either.

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

USC have always deserved their high rankings, pete carroll is GOD and SEC football is boring anyways...bunch of 10-9 LSU-Auburn games with great defense, a ton of 2 yard runs, and no passing. BOREDOM...

anyways, if u attend medical school next year with ur current list, u won't have any legit football teams to root for. haha

 

[ksmi117]

USC have always deserved their high rankings, pete carroll is GOD and SEC football is boring anyways...bunch of 10-9 LSU-Auburn games with great defense, a ton of 2 yard runs, and no passing. BOREDOM...

anyways, if u attend medical school next year with ur current list, u won't have any legit football teams to root for. haha

Sorry our football is so boring. I will admit that good defense makes for an uneventful game, but exciting =/= best. Haha, no matter where I went, I'd never cheer for anyone but LSU, so might as well go somewhere boring, right??

 

[GoSpursGo]

Sooo... NBA playoffs? 😀

 

[ksmi117]

Sooo... NBA playoffs? 😀

Shoo. We're discussing worthwhile sports here.

 

[BJPENNSTATE]

Sooo... NBA playoffs? 😀

go away, the spurs are washed up and duncan is on the downhill of his career. even tony longoria parker cant help them, and btw, manu is actually 43 years old

 

[GoSpursGo]

Shoo. We're discussing worthwhile sports here.

Sorry, I only see you guys talking about a sport where a bunch of old men gather in a smokey room and throw darts to determine a national championship, rather than, say, let the teams prove who's best on the field

 

[aRnonymous]

Personally, I would also add UCLA, UCSD, Mayo, U of Michigan, and Stanford... but that's just me. Who knows, you might visit a place for an interview and fall in love with it!

 

[STLINI]

That little co-Nat'l Champs thing in 2003. LSU won the Nat'l Championship, ergo LSU is the only Nat'l Champion. And it seems that we'll never get to play them to see who really is better (of course the teams are the same 6 years later, but still). 😡

Oh my god I'm not really sure how I forgot about that, ok I don't blame you for hating them. In fact every year I want my school to just declare themselves the national champs. But I am going to have to agree with whoever said the experts love the SEC. I'm pretty sure ESPN gave me the privilege of watching at least 2 SPRING games out of the SEC a couple weeks ago.

Unfortunately USC probably does deserve their rankings most years. They are without a doubt the single most talented team on paper every single year, and yet always seem to screw up against some average Pac-10 team, much to my delight.

 

[aRnonymous]

Btw, just to give you a ballpark figure, a girl I know from my school was doing a chemistry degree with a 4.0 and a 41 on the MCAT. She applied to something like 13 schools and got acceptances at 10 of them, with a lot of them offering significant financial aid. She'll be attending Pritzker on a full tuition scholarship in the fall

 

[JJMrK]

See, these are the problems with the BCS. But USC isn't the only school that's gotten screwed by it, it just seems that this was the only year that people threw a fit over who got the title. It's no secret that the "experts" pretty much hate the SEC, God knows why, but w/e it's in the past, and I was at the 2007 Nat'l Championship game. Amazing. 🙂

Playoffs, anyone?

 

[Handinhand]

Who knows, you might visit a place for an interview and fall in love with it!

I agree with this one. Maybe not come to Wisconsin and prance around in the snow with us cheeseheads, but if you go a little more north I think you could be pleasantly surprised. I feel like the midwest is pretty close to the south as far as community; we have pretty big cities spread all over, but also the smaller town thing too if you want to get away for a day or two.

 

[longhorn09]

Personally, I would also add UCLA, UCSD, Mayo, U of Michigan, and Stanford... but that's just me. Who knows, you might visit a place for an interview and fall in love with it!

I don't think it's worth to apply UCSD as it only accept tiny to none OOS. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[longhorn09]

I essentially already said this, but the thing your list lacks is a few middle of the road private schools. You have your "reach" schools, at which you will be very competitive, but nothing is guaranteed. You have your state schools, which are almost sure acceptances for you. What you need is a few places at which you will be extremely competitive and which will be dying to have you attend. These are the schools that will be wanting to offer you huge aid, since you will drive their stats up.

What you don't want to happen is you get rejected from all the big names and you are left with only the LSU's as options. Having a couple more acceptances in hand will give you more options and possibly leverage to drive aid higher at a place you would prefer to go.

The first place that came to mind was Tulane, as it's in your home state. I would apply there and to a couple other comparable schools which interest you.

Good strategy, thx man!

 

[BlueElmo]

Apply to UCSF and Stanford, ksmi. Maybe we'll actually see each other.😱