how many school to apply to

[TouchofVersed]

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So I am filling out the AMCAS app and am wondering a few things:

how many schools should one apply to (primary apps)?

do med schools know all the school an applicant applied to?

thanks,

max

 

[ZeusonRoids]

So I am filling out the AMCAS app and am wondering a few things:

how many schools should one apply to (primary apps)?

do med schools know all the school an applicant applied to?

thanks,

max

Depends on a bunch of factors Max. We need to know
1. Aprox. gpa/MCAT
2. Type of EC's
3. What state are you from (Texas has lots of schools with pretty low standards...while Cali is freaking tough for in-state people to even get into a single state school)
4.What types of schools are you going to plan to apply to (if they are all top 10 schools...then I would add more even if you have GREAT mcat/gpa.

Schools do not know what other schools you have applied to. (I think they eventually find out March 15th...but all your interviews and (most) decisions will have been made by then.

 

[Transmogrifier]

I think applying to fewer than 10 is uncommon (and possibly foolish) and having 15 or 20 or more is not unheard of. You've got to apply broadly no matter who you are.

 

[PremedIowa]

My advisor says 6-12, I counsel my advisees to apply to 8-15 to allow them to go for a few more reach schools. If you want more specific advice, feel free to post your stats and EC's.

 

[TouchofVersed]

Ok, I have a 3.6 GPA with a 3.5 BCPM GPA I am going to be a senior. I am from California.

I got a 34Q on MCAT (13B 8V 13P).

I have been volunteering in the ER for 2 years.
I started doing research in the ER 6 months ago.
I also shadowed an ER physician for 40 hours.

Have mentored an underpriveledged HS student his junior/senior year. (I helped him with SATs and college apps/scholarships)

I am part of my Club Judo team for 2 years.

I plan on continuing the ER,mentoring,Judo throughout senior year.
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I plan on sending 45 primaries and about 30 secondaries(if I get enough back).

good idea?

thanks,

Max

 

[SteinUmStein]

How many "backup" schools (yes, I know there is no such thing as a sure admission to any medical school) do I need to apply to with these stats:

Cum. GPA: 3.95
Sci GPA: 3.9ish
MCAT: PS 14, VR 13, BS 11, Writing Q

Some ECs:

Music Ensembles (alto sax)
CNA, experience in an Alzheimer's Unit
Volunteer at a hospital for 2 years
Shadowing in a few different areas
Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
NIH Biomedical Research Training Grant

 

[JJMrK]

Ok, I have a 3.6 GPA with a 3.5 BCPM GPA I am going to be a senior. I am from California.

I got a 34Q on MCAT (13B 8V 13P).

I have been volunteering in the ER for 2 years.
I started doing research in the ER 6 months ago.
I also shadowed an ER physician for 40 hours.

Have mentored an underpriveledged HS student his junior/senior year. (I helped him with SATs and college apps/scholarships)

I am part of my Club Judo team for 2 years.

I plan on continuing the ER,mentoring,Judo throughout senior year.
----------------------
I plan on sending 45 primaries and about 30 secondaries(if I get enough back).

good idea?

thanks,

Max

Don't send a primary to a school if you don't plan to send a secondary, too. That's just a waste of money. In your situation I'd say 20-30 schools, but fill out everything.

 

[drareg]

I keep getting conflicting answers. Do medical schools now how many schools you apply to? And is it bad to apply to 35 schools?

thanks