How many schools on AMCAS application?

[optimistique]

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How many schools did you send primary applications? Would you recommend lower or higher?

For 2006 applicants, how many schools will you designate?

 

[seethrew]

i think it depends on yer stats and $$ u have to throw around and availability to drag yer ass around the country. i started wit 20 and finished 17. declined 3 interviews. i prolly didnt need to do so many. 15 prolly would have been better fer me.

 

[Ambs]

I think the better question would be how many completed applications we submitted. I had more schools on my AMCAS than I actually completed. I think I had twenty-five on AMCAS and completed twenty. Looking back, I would have applied to about fifteen schools. I think in the beginning of this process, we're unsure and confused about many things, so it's hard to discriminate. Also, remember that some schools do pre-secondary screens whereas most schools automatically send secondaries.

The best answer to your question would be to critically assess your own situation: with your stats, LORs, ECs into account do you need to apply to a large number of schools to gain acceptance, or are you able to apply to less schools due to a more solid application? In the beginning of this process, I didn't limit myself geographically, but as time passed, I realized I actually did have strong preferences. That's something to think about. Also, I would encourage everyone to have a few dreams schools because this process is so random that NOBODY can predict your successes and rejections. On that same token, you should also apply to schools that have stats well within yours and some below. I think I categorized mine into below, right at, and above my stats, and I did fairly well in the game. I only had a few in both below and above stats categories with most schools falling into the right at category.

Sorry, that was a bit verbose. Good luck!

 

[Ambs]

i think it depends on yer stats and $$ u have to throw around and availability to drag yer ass around the country. i started wit 20 and finished 17. declined 3 interviews. i prolly didnt need to do so many. 15 prolly would have been better fer me.

Oooh, yeah: money. That's also a big factor. You will spend tons of money. It begins with your AMCAS fee. Then the secondary fees ($50 - $100 for each school), interviews (airfare, luggage i.e. garment bags & what not, your suit, toiletries, food, transportation, hotel, etc), deposits.

 

[Overeducated]

I made a preliminary list that ended up being like 37 schools (over $1200) I need to narrow it down a bit after getting my MCAT scores. Hopefully, I can get it to slightly below 30.

 

[akpete]

I had put 14 on my AMCAS aftering narrowing down a list of ~20. I completed 11. I think what would have helped me more than adding or taking away schools was an earlier application. My AMCAS was submitted Aug 1, but my letter writers were much slower - late Oct. I think my app year would have gone much differently with complete dates in Aug or Sept instead.

 

[tigress]

I'm going to decide when I get my MCAT score in June (I'm so sick of waiting!). If it's lower than I'd like I'm going to apply early decision to one school. If it's an okay score I have a list of about 10 or 11 schools to which I expect to apply.

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm going to decide when I get my MCAT score in June (I'm so sick of waiting!). If it's lower than I'd like I'm going to apply early decision to one school. If it's an okay score I have a list of about 10 or 11 schools to which I expect to apply.

I'm curious as to what the rationale behind that is. The schools I spoke with told me that only extremely solid candidates with great stats should apply early decision. Did you hear something different??

(I've been pondering it but don't like to take the chance.)

 

[DarkFark]

I could actually use some input if anyone wants to help. I'm a bit confused; I've got 19 schools entered into AMCAS, and I think it's too many, but I don't know which to cut. Heres the story:

To put it as briefly as possible 37Q MCAT, roughly 3.67 GPA (JHU), loads of clinical experience, research w/ a fellowship (no pubs), some ECs. I think this puts me in a strange place because my MCAT and clinical exp. is top-ten worthy, but my other stuff is just above average. I'm a 'tweener, and there arent that many like me on MDapps. So right now I've got:

-7 of the top ten (all the ones not on the west coast, which is too far for me). My thinking is I've got an outside shot at this due to the MCAT score- maybe out of these 7, 2 or 3 interview me and possibly one lets me in off the waitlist. Is this worth a shot, or should I knock a couple off?

-7 schools ranked 10-40. I think this is where I'm most likely to end up, and I'd be happy with that. Unlike the really top schools, which I would leave the northeast to go to, I was more picky with the location for these. From this group, I think I'll get a good chunk of inteviews and at least 1-2 acceptances.

-5 less competitive schools. protection- but is it too much? includes my 2 home state MD programs (NJ), 3 others.

I'm really looking to maximize my chances for a top school, because I think I have a shot at them, and I'd like to be in good position for the match. I wont be disappointed if I land a bit lower, but I'd be thrilled to get into a top program. I'm fine with spending the money to apply to this many schools, because I've seen it work for other people. Just dont want it to be wasted.

Thanks.

 

[LabMonster]

I started with about 25, I now have it down to 16. I would have likely started with more, but I used this equation <4.0 GPA + <40 MCAT + no Nature publication/primary author = Do not apply to anyplace in California, Texas, or Florida - WI resident.

I would like to apply at a few more, but why waste the time and money?

 

[optimistique]

Thanks for the insight.

I have been staring at a list of 24 schools. It is pretty balanced among 3 tiers of competitiveness. Also I have thought hard about where I would like to live and that has played a role.

This process is so expensive. I will try to narrow down further.

 

[dbutz02]

5 spot

 

[liverotcod]

I could actually use some input if anyone wants to help. I'm a bit confused; I've got 19 schools entered into AMCAS, and I think it's too many, but I don't know which to cut. Heres the story:

To put it as briefly as possible 37Q MCAT, roughly 3.67 GPA (JHU), loads of clinical experience, research w/ a fellowship (no pubs), some ECs. I think this puts me in a strange place because my MCAT and clinical exp. is top-ten worthy, but my other stuff is just above average. I'm a 'tweener, and there arent that many like me on MDapps. So right now I've got:

-7 of the top ten (all the ones not on the west coast, which is too far for me). My thinking is I've got an outside shot at this due to the MCAT score- maybe out of these 7, 2 or 3 interview me and possibly one lets me in off the waitlist. Is this worth a shot, or should I knock a couple off?

-7 schools ranked 10-40. I think this is where I'm most likely to end up, and I'd be happy with that. Unlike the really top schools, which I would leave the northeast to go to, I was more picky with the location for these. From this group, I think I'll get a good chunk of inteviews and at least 1-2 acceptances.

-5 less competitive schools. protection- but is it too much? includes my 2 home state MD programs (NJ), 3 others.

I'm really looking to maximize my chances for a top school, because I think I have a shot at them, and I'd like to be in good position for the match. I wont be disappointed if I land a bit lower, but I'd be thrilled to get into a top program. I'm fine with spending the money to apply to this many schools, because I've seen it work for other people. Just dont want it to be wasted.

Thanks.

Your application sounds fine for top schools. Your essay needs to be good, and then you need to be ready for interviews, but you'll get in at top 10 schools. Drop your lower interest middle tier schools, and all but your instate lower tier.

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

I have a friend who applied to 21 schools (because of black jack...he's from Vegas). This seems like a good number because theoretically, you have a 30% chance of getting an interview from any given school and another 30% chance of getting accepted after that. That cuts the list down to 7 for interviews and 2ish for acceptances. Sounds good to me 👍 ! I just wish the process wasn't so damn expensive 🙁 .

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

I could actually use some input if anyone wants to help. I'm a bit confused; I've got 19 schools entered into AMCAS, and I think it's too many, but I don't know which to cut. Heres the story:

To put it as briefly as possible 37Q MCAT, roughly 3.67 GPA (JHU), loads of clinical experience, research w/ a fellowship (no pubs), some ECs. I think this puts me in a strange place because my MCAT and clinical exp. is top-ten worthy, but my other stuff is just above average. I'm a 'tweener, and there arent that many like me on MDapps. So right now I've got:

-7 of the top ten (all the ones not on the west coast, which is too far for me). My thinking is I've got an outside shot at this due to the MCAT score- maybe out of these 7, 2 or 3 interview me and possibly one lets me in off the waitlist. Is this worth a shot, or should I knock a couple off?

-7 schools ranked 10-40. I think this is where I'm most likely to end up, and I'd be happy with that. Unlike the really top schools, which I would leave the northeast to go to, I was more picky with the location for these. From this group, I think I'll get a good chunk of inteviews and at least 1-2 acceptances.

-5 less competitive schools. protection- but is it too much? includes my 2 home state MD programs (NJ), 3 others.

I'm really looking to maximize my chances for a top school, because I think I have a shot at them, and I'd like to be in good position for the match. I wont be disappointed if I land a bit lower, but I'd be thrilled to get into a top program. I'm fine with spending the money to apply to this many schools, because I've seen it work for other people. Just dont want it to be wasted.

Thanks.

Your scores are GREAT but I would be scared to drop many schools from your list. Getting into med school seems like it’s almost up to luck! I have heard of people with 35+ MCAT scores with publications and clinical experience getting into middle tier schools (or no school at all). Maybe the interview counts for a lot. I talked to someone on Case Western's admissions board and he said that students at interviews who make it clear that they feel they deserve a spot in the class are most likely to be rejected. I think if you act very humble and have a great personal statement you should be able to get into a top 10, but keep your options open just in case. You never know what adcoms are thinking!

 

[DarkFark]

Your application sounds fine for top schools. Your essay needs to be good, and then you need to be ready for interviews, but you'll get in at top 10 schools. Drop your lower interest middle tier schools, and all but your instate lower tier.

Your scores are GREAT but I would be scared to drop many schools from your list. Getting into med school seems like it’s almost up to luck! I have heard of people with 35+ MCAT scores with publications and clinical experience getting into middle tier schools (or no school at all). Maybe the interview counts for a lot. I talked to someone on Case Western's admissions board and he said that students at interviews who make it clear that they feel they deserve a spot in the class are most likely to be rejected. I think if you act very humble and have a great personal statement you should be able to get into a top 10, but keep your options open just in case. You never know what adcoms are thinking!

Thanks for the input. My PS has gotten good reviews from the advising crew, I just need information on interviews (from this site perhaps). Lady Jubilee, I'm hoping that one way to protect myself from that sort of fluke is to apply early. I don't know how else to do it, because while my app could always use improvement, I dont really know of any weaknesses I need to specifically address right now.

 

[tigress]

I'm curious as to what the rationale behind that is. The schools I spoke with told me that only extremely solid candidates with great stats should apply early decision. Did you hear something different??

(I've been pondering it but don't like to take the chance.)

Well my choice for early decision would be Drexel. I'd be very happy to go there. Looking at my application with the MCAT, I could probably get into some middle tier or even higher schools (3.67 GPA, lower BCPM though, research, some nice awards, work experience, lots of leadership and some volunteering, a tiny bit of shadowing). I was doing well on my practice MCATs but I got a very very bad feeling from the real thing, which I think I sort of bombed. So if I did way below what I was getting on practice, my ap should still put me in the running for Drexel, but maybe not some of the more prestigious schools I'm considering (Emory, AECOM). Since Drexel is one of my very top choices no matter what my MCAT score is, I figure if my score isn't too competitive for the other schools I'll just let Drexel know that I love their school and hope I get in. Does this make sense or is it crazy? (My husband goes to Drexel, but I'm not sure if that would even factor into my own admission at all).

 

[MollyMalone]

Well my choice for early decision would be Drexel. I'd be very happy to go there. Looking at my application with the MCAT, I could probably get into some middle tier or even higher schools (3.67 GPA, lower BCPM though, research, some nice awards, work experience, lots of leadership and some volunteering, a tiny bit of shadowing). I was doing well on my practice MCATs but I got a very very bad feeling from the real thing, which I think I sort of bombed. So if I did way below what I was getting on practice, my ap should still put me in the running for Drexel, but maybe not some of the more prestigious schools I'm considering (Emory, AECOM). Since Drexel is one of my very top choices no matter what my MCAT score is, I figure if my score isn't too competitive for the other schools I'll just let Drexel know that I love their school and hope I get in. Does this make sense or is it crazy? (My husband goes to Drexel, but I'm not sure if that would even factor into my own admission at all).

Makes sense. 🙂

 

[waterlily]

my friend told me that he had a friend that applied to med school...and she applied to 100 schools! That's just outrageous. The highest I heard prior to this was 40

 

[DrBowtie]

For the average applicant, I have been told the standard proportion is 1:2:2.
I will prolly go with 5:10:10.

 

[Scrub MD]

For the average applicant, I have been told the standard proportion is 1:2:2.
I will prolly go with 5:10:10.

Proportion for what? Did I miss something?

 

[DrBowtie]

1(top tier):2(middle tier):2(lower tier)
So like if you apply to Harvard, you should have 4 other schools from the lower tiers too. Of course state of residence and other stuff shifts where schools sit. Just a bit of info I heard, use it if you'd like.

 

[Scrub MD]

That does sound good.

 

[optimistique]

Are all schools listed on the primary viewable by the other Ad coms?

 

[Smyle4Jenn]

Are all schools listed on the primary viewable by the other Ad coms?

The schools see a list of other schools you're applying to.

 

[DarkFark]

The schools see a list of other schools you're applying to.

I've heard that they do see them, I've heard they dont see them, from a myriad of different sources. Do you have any way of confirming this (like a link...)? I'm not doubting what you've said, but I'm just confused and looking for hard evidence to eliminate the confusion.

 

[Smyle4Jenn]

I've heard that they do see them, I've heard they dont see them, from a myriad of different sources. Do you have any way of confirming this (like a link...)? I'm not doubting what you've said, but I'm just confused and looking for hard evidence to eliminate the confusion.

My advisor who's on the medical school adcom said that schools do not see the number or list of schools on your application (at least not at my alma matter). Can anyone else verify this info?

 

[liverotcod]

My advisor who's on the medical school adcom said that schools do not see the number or list of schools on your application (at least not at my alma matter). Can anyone else verify this info?

Verified. AMCAS does not pass on your school list or quantity to schools.

From AMCAS Web Application Help guide

Following the calculation of your AMCAS GPA:

An e-mail notification informing you that your application has completed the verification process will be sent to you. Once you receive this notification, you should review your Course Work using the application's Print Application option. To request that a change be made to your application, or to challenge a change made during the verification process, use the application's "Change Notification Process" option available on the vertical menu located on the left-side of your application.

Application materials, including your AMCAS Application will be transmitted to your designated medical schools.

Medical schools do not receive a listing of the other schools to which you have applied.

 

[wetlightning]

ok, i'm a tx resident -- applying thru tmdsas so i figure i've got some safety schools (hopefully i'll match at one of the texas schools??)
3.91 gpa, mcat hopefully >30, english major, awards, publications, EC's, etc.
should i apply to a lot of the top tens plus quite a few in the 10-40 range? also, how many of the lower-tier schools do you guys think i should apply to?
right now i've got several of the top 10 schools, a bunch like wake forest, vanderbilt, boston U, dartmouth, etc.

i want to have a good balance, so i could definitely use some advice! thanks!

 

[wetlightning]

bump

 

[45408]

I started with about 25, I now have it down to 16. I would have likely started with more, but I used this equation <4.0 GPA + <40 MCAT + no Nature publication/primary author = Do not apply to anyplace in California, Texas, or Florida - WI resident.

I would like to apply at a few more, but why waste the time and money?

I squeaked Stanford on mine for the moment. 😛 I'm a WI resident as well. I've got four IL schools, two NY schools, and an assortment of other ones.