How many schools should i apply to?

[ecdoesit]

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Are 4 Dental schools enough or should I apply for more?
I have a 3.7GPA, Academic DAT 22, PAT 18.
2 years plus research experience and some dental experience.

 

[UBTom]

It can be enough... If I was in your shoes looking to apply to four schools, I would apply to one "reach" school, two "reasonable chances of getting in" schools, and one "safety" school.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Your DAT and marks are excellent, but nothing is sure in the application cycle.

I'd apply to six. The monetary difference between 4 and 6 schools in minimal, and it increases your chances.

 

[ItsGavinC]

And as usual, do some research on the schools. Are there schools in your state of residence? Out-of-state students have a hard time at public state schools, even with stats as great as yours. Apply wisely!

 

[ecdoesit]

I am a californian.
I applied to UCLA, UCSF, UMaryland, and USC.
I think I am safe to get into USC.
Are these school selection good enough?

 

[UBTom]

Hmm...

Since you mentioned California, that changes things a bit. If I was in your position I would apply to all five California schools-- UCLA, UCSF, UOP, USC, Loma Linda. California schools are notoriously competitive, public or private, even for in-staters. If you want to stay in California, you should maximize your chances of getting into a school there by applying to all five.

University of Maryland is a state school. Since you are an out-of-stater in Maryland, expect difficulties getting in there.

It's probably a good idea for you to apply to some out-of-state private schools without state preferences to round out your application. Lots of people consider NYU as a "safety" school for instance..

Good luck!

 

[ecdoesit]

Not sure about UOP, I heard they focus on personality. I am not a very energetic person. But quite possibly Loma Linda

 

[ecdoesit]

Forgot to say thanks.

Is there other schools that accepts more out-of-state students?

 

[Bickle]

I heard that maryland does accept quite a few out of state students.

 

[UBTom]

This quote is from Maryland's dental school website at http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/admissions/dds.asp :

"Residency

There are no specific residency requirements for admissions, although Maryland residents receive preferential consideration. International students should understand that they are ineligible to receive financial assistance from federal or state programs and must meet all University-monitored visa requirements. Information on the regulations for the determination of residency status for admissions and tuition, as well as specific information for international students, may be obtained from..."


Who knows, maybe you will get lucky and apply during a year when not too many Marylanders are interested in dentistry. 😀

My opinion: Apply, yes, but don't pin all of your hopes on just that one school... Especially if you are not a Maryland resident.

HTH!

 

[ecdoesit]

i checked their stat for 2002, Umaryland had many non-resident attended. Let's hope that's the trend.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I would apply to more schools if I were you. I don't think you'll have much luck at Maryland.

How did you choose Maryland, by the way? There are other schools that would give you better odds.

 

[ecdoesit]

should i apply to some schools as well? like NYU, BU, Case? What other schools would you recommend?

Like I said in the other forum, I really like the DDS/PHD, program in Maryland. So want to focus on that. and Umaryland is probably the only school that is not super expensive, but accepts out-of-state students