How many out of state schools to apply to?

[sweeteepy]

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Hey guys,
I've heard that you should apply to about 10 schools total just to be on the safe side. So far, I've applied to the 3 in-state schools in Texas, and 5 out of state schools: Boston U, UCLA, UCSF, UOP, and UMDNJ. Do you all think I should apply to about maybe 3 more just to be safe? Or is this a good number given my scores?

DAT:
AA- 20
PAT-22
TS- 20 (Bio-22, G.Chem- 19, O.Chem- 20)

overall GPA- 3.69
science GPA- 3.53

I really want to get into UCLA...think i have a chance? =)

 

[nze82]

Hey guys,
I've heard that you should apply to about 10 schools total just to be on the safe side. So far, I've applied to the 3 in-state schools in Texas, and 5 out of state schools: Boston U, UCLA, UCSF, UOP, and UMDNJ. Do you all think I should apply to about maybe 3 more just to be safe? Or is this a good number given my scores?

DAT:
AA- 20
PAT-22
TS- 20 (Bio-22, G.Chem- 19, O.Chem- 20)

overall GPA- 3.69
science GPA- 3.53

I really want to get into UCLA...think i have a chance? =)

There's always a chance, but keep in mind that UCLA is extremely competitive. Besides, considering the fact that you're an out of state applicant, your chances might get hindered a little, because as you may or may not know, UCLA takes 73 in state applicants, and only 15 out of state applicants. So, you must be very competitive to be among those 15 people. UCSF and UoP are definitely not out of reach for you, specially UCSF. Of course, being a UC school, they too take 64 in state applicants and only 14 out of state applicants. Last year, I had AA:19 TS:20 PA:19 (GPA:3.85) and they (UCLA and UCSF) only interviewed me for their alternate list.
Have you had any undergrad research? Because UCLA LOVESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS research!! Any extra curricular work like volunteering and/or shadowing a dentist?
I'm sure you'll get into one of your state schools though, since TX almost doesn't take any out of state applicants and gives preference primarily to their own state residents.

Good Luck👍

 

[sfrice80]

Yeah you're stats are looking very competitive, its always good to be on the safe side but it seems like you would be in really good shape in state and pretty competitive as an out of state resident. UCLA is pretty damn competitive though and especially for out of state residents, but like nze said, you always have a chance. You gotta throw your application out to a few schools like that cuz you never know what could happen.

 

[sweeteepy]

Thanks you guys for your replies =)
That gives me a little more self-confidence haha.
And yes, I have done research. I've been working at a lab position as an undergraduate researcher for 1.5 years and I got my lab supervisor to write one of my rec letters for me. And i was a historian for an undergraduate research organization for 2 years.
I guess I'll still apply to UCLA just for fun. Thanks again! =P

 

[brightsmiles9]

Your scores are solid, CONGRATS! Good luck with the application process