Help me narrow down my list of schools

[bbenyammi]

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I am applying to dental school this cycle and I need a little help forming the list of schools I should apply to. My DAT scores were 23 AA, 22 TS, 22 PAT, 23 QR, 24 RC, 20 Bio, 21 GC, and 27 OC. My overall GPA is a 3.51 and I go to UCD. The list of schools I want to apply to include:
UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, Loma Linda, Western, Arizona, UNLV, NYU, Columbia, Tufts, BU

Any feedback on this list would be greatly appreciated. Should I add any schools? should I take any away? Any help would be awesome!

 

[BU2012]

As long as you APPLY EARLY, you should at least get interviews at most of the schools you applied to (assuming you're a CA resident). Your DAT scores are excellent, although your GPA doesn't match as well. Some schools like them to match, while others really don't care (Columbia, for example, prides itself on high DAT scores more than GPA).

My only advice is that unless you actually would consider going to NYU or BU, drop those two (NYU is too expensive and BU is probably the worst school on your list). I only applied to 5 schools, one of which was a safety school, and that was the only school that didn't contact me for pre-December interview (so I just withdrew on Dec. 1). Wish I had saved that money or applied to another reach school in retrospect.

If you're trying to hit up the East Coast, you would have a decent shot at landing an interview with some other quality schools: UNC, MUSC, UF, MD.

 

[bbenyammi]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Don't UNC and MUSC take mostly in-state residents?

 

[omnipoDent]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Don't UNC and MUSC take mostly in-state residents?

UNC and MUSC do take most in-state, but I believe your DAT and gpa are strong enough that it's worth applying.

I would look into USC's PBL (problem based learning) teaching method before you decide whether or not to apply. There are some people that seem to love the USC teaching method, and it may cause USC to jump up your list. It may also not sound like a style you would thrive under. I think it's simply something to consider when deciding on whether or not to apply.

You may want to search some threads about BU. I didn't apply, and I admit I have not seen the school, but there are reviews on here from those that are currently attending or have attended the school recently. I have read that the school may have some issues, but there are people on here that would be able to give you a more accurate picture of the school. You can weigh their opinions about whether or not BU sounds like somewhere you would like to apply.

Some schools I would recommend you consider applying to as well: Michigan, VCU, and UConn.

I want to echo what BU2012 said about applying early. Your should try to get your application submitted as quickly as possible.

Best of luck.👍

 

[BU2012]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Don't UNC and MUSC take mostly in-state residents?

MUSC reserves 15 slots (of 70) for OOS students. It is very expensive OOS, and they do not provide scholarships. However, it is top-five clinically and Charleston is one of the most underrated cities in America; simply the gem of the South. MUSC's clinics building is also brand new and the best I have seen, better at least than UNC, Columbia and Harvard.

UNC takes about the same number of OOS students, but would be more competitive. If you're from NC, it's not too hard to get in. But since you're OOS, it's a challenge, especially with your GPA. However, tuition is very inexpensive relative to other dental schools, and it may be the top clinical school in the country. They are building brand new facilities that should open up soon and be unparalleled. I wasn't a big fan of the culture there and decided it wasn't for me, but I think you should still apply.

I would apply to both of these schools if I were you. Two of the best clinical schools in the nation that give you options of whatever you want to do as long as you maintain good class rank.

Of the schools you listed, my personal choice would be UCSF or UCLA. But you should interview at several schools and make your own personal decision. Cost should be your number one factor, then where you will be happiest. Remember, ONLY YOU can choose where you want to go. Don't let the opinion of others, especially pre-dents, sway your decision.

Good luck, and congrats on great DAT scores!