How many schools should I apply to

[chris1010]

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This is my first post on SDN. I am wondering how many schools I should apply to because I am looking at my list of schools on AMCAS (29 total) and I notice this monumental figure of $1000. I am a NY resident with a 3.55 gpa (cum and sci) and a 30 MCAT. Is this number of schools overkill for me? Also any suggestions on where to apply?

Thanks!

 

[principessa]

This is my first post on SDN. I am wondering how many schools I should apply to because I am looking at my list of schools on AMCAS (29 total) and I notice this monumental figure of $1000. I am a NY resident with a 3.55 gpa (cum and sci) and a 30 MCAT. Is this number of schools overkill for me? Also any suggestions on where to apply?

Thanks!

I don't know what competition is like for state schools in NY, but I would think you could halve your list and be fine.

 

[velo]

all of them

 

[stifler]

30 is a normal number. my friend who is applying now for md/phd programs who attends NYU is applying to that many....but she is super rich and yea..

 

[skypilot]

15 should be plenty. You will probably end up at a SUNY so focus your efforts there.

 

[chris1010]

do you think I have a legitimate chance, based on numbers alone, at being competitive to out-of-state schools in the mid to upper tier?

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

do you think I have a legitimate chance, based on numbers alone, at being competitive to out-of-state schools in the mid to upper tier?

Upper tier? No, unless you have done something amazing during your undergrad years.
Mid tier? Depends on the school, but definitely apply to the ones that interest you.

 

[Bones2008]

I agree that you should cut it down to 15-20.

 

[treetrunk]

Yeah 30 is way too many. You have to give yourself time for your classes next year and to fill out all the secondaries.

 

[treetrunk]

I am applying to no more than 15 and I would recommend 15-20 given your stats.

 

[chris1010]

I am applying to 11 schools in NY and given that I also thought I should apply to wide range of schools out of state. Are there certain schools given my numbers that I should consider?

 

[skypilot]

You will probably end up at SUNY so these are your backup schools. Just make sure they are in areas you wouldn't mind being in.

 

[woolie]

Well, you just never know about the Suny's. I interviewed at Upstate, but was flat out rejected at all the others - 😱

I was invited to interview around the country and then I was accepted to ANOTHER state school, where I am matriculating as an out-of-state student. And this school has a tougher reputation than the Suny's so go figure. I say, apply once, apply broadly and then when it's all over you'll know that you did your very best and you'll be in school somewhere.

Do you want to ask yourself in a year or so, "should I have applied to XYZ school?" No, so just close your eyes and burn up that MasterCard with application fees. They will just be a painful part of the whole application year but you'll feel great when it's all over. 🙂

 

[chris1010]

Woolie,

Thanks a lot for your response. That's the way I have been feeling, in that I really do not want to have any regrets about this application cycle. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and shell out the cash. Any recommendations on out of state schools to apply to?? All suggestions welcome.