How many schools should I apply to?

[hdkyu10]

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Hello! Just looking for some advice ahead of the 2017-2018 cycle. I'm a Virginia resident.

My oGPA is 3.57, sGPA 3.43
DAT: GC 20, OC 23, PAT 23, RC 21, QR 20, BIO 21. TS 21, AA 21
Volunteering: 235 hours, mostly mission trips and dental assisting at free clinics. This number will go up to ~300+ by June
Shadowing: 140 hours, will go up as well

I realize that my GPA isn't super competitive, but I'm hoping that my other stats will help. I'm looking to apply to most east coast and west coast schools. How many should I narrow it down to?

 

[rhemsley]

Your stats should be good for multiple acceptances. Just apply to schools you can afford/are cheaper, you'll thank yourself later. As far as a number, I applied to like 7 and I felt that was about right.

 

[DC206R]

As many as you'd like. I'd say 10-15.

 

[577455]

I would vote for 8-10. Secondaries and interviews are expensive. You have solid stats.

 

[deleted696582]

I'd say 8.

 

[tyjacobs]

Hello! Just looking for some advice ahead of the 2017-2018 cycle. I'm a Virginia resident.

My oGPA is 3.57, sGPA 3.43
DAT: GC 20, OC 23, PAT 23, RC 21, QR 20, BIO 21. TS 21, AA 21
Volunteering: 235 hours, mostly mission trips and dental assisting at free clinics. This number will go up to ~300+ by June
Shadowing: 140 hours, will go up as well

I realize that my GPA isn't super competitive, but I'm hoping that my other stats will help. I'm looking to apply to most east coast and west coast schools. How many should I narrow it down to?

where did you go to school if you are comfortable sharing

 

[hdkyu10]

where did you go to school if you are comfortable sharing

I'm graduating from UVA in May!

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

The real answer is as many as you can afford or work to save for. Time and time again, there are so many qualified applicants that have better scores and credentials and find themselves as reapplicants. Don't limit your chances by applying late and applying to too few schools.

Doesn't matter how good you are, there is ALWAYS someone better.

Just my two cents.

 

[tyjacobs]

Hello! Just looking for some advice ahead of the 2017-2018 cycle. I'm a Virginia resident.

My oGPA is 3.57, sGPA 3.43
DAT: GC 20, OC 23, PAT 23, RC 21, QR 20, BIO 21. TS 21, AA 21
Volunteering: 235 hours, mostly mission trips and dental assisting at free clinics. This number will go up to ~300+ by June
Shadowing: 140 hours, will go up as well

I realize that my GPA isn't super competitive, but I'm hoping that my other stats will help. I'm looking to apply to most east coast and west coast schools. How many should I narrow it down to?

sci GPA slightly below average but you are coming from a good school which should help
DAT score pretty much at average to which one gets accepted with

volunteering and shadowing looks good

I think applying to 10 schools would be your best bet -- i suggest you include private schools like temple, BU, tufts, NYU, touro, Upenn (slight reach, wouldnt be that surprised if you got interview) on this list

 

[hdkyu10]

I think my dream school is VCU because it's so much cheaper than going OOS. Do you guys think I'm competitive for VCU? What can I do to better prepare myself before applications?

 

[MaizeGoBlue]

I think my dream school is VCU because it's so much cheaper than going OOS. Do you guys think I'm competitive for VCU? What can I do to better prepare myself before applications?

I think you are competitive, I have similar stats to you and I got an interview as an OOS.
Also, I would recommend plugging in the cost of the schools you want to apply to into an interest/tuition raise calculator. This will stop you from applying to schools that look appealing at first, but end up being too expensive when all is set and done (I know from experience.)

 

[tyjacobs]

I think you are competitive, I have similar stats to you and I got an interview as an OOS.
Also, I would recommend plugging in the cost of the schools you want to apply to into an interest/tuition raise calculator. This will stop you from applying to schools that look appealing at first, but end up being too expensive when all is set and done (I know from experience.)

to be honest at OP, stats aren't that spectacular so I'd apply to the expensive private schools because with you honestly never know how admissions will work -- worst case scenario is that you don't apply to the private schools -- only state schools -- and you somehow get no interviews

make the call of if you want to go to the interview based on how many interviews you get TBH

 

[Hungryh1pp09]

I think my dream school is VCU because it's so much cheaper than going OOS. Do you guys think I'm competitive for VCU? What can I do to better prepare myself before applications?

I have similar stats and was recently accepted at VCU. I applied to 12 schools btw. Good luck 😀

 

[hdkyu10]

I have similar stats and was recently accepted at VCU. I applied to 12 schools btw. Good luck 😀

Congratulations! You'll love it