How many schools should I look at applying to?

[ddslove789]

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I'm planning on applying this cycle and am stuck on how many out-of-state schools I should apply to. I'm a CA resident, and I'm planning on applying to all 6 CA schools. Anyone have suggestions on where else and to how many other schools I should apply? I'm posting my stats below for a better idea of where I stand:

Education:
- UCLA 3rd year
- Physiological Science Major
- College Honors Program
DAT:
- AA = 21
- TS = 21
- PAT = 23
GPA:
- Overall: 3.41
- Science: 3.47
Research:
- UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry, 6 months
Volunteer/Shadowing:
- 100+ hours of shadowing and volunteering under pedodontists, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and general practitioners

Thanks for any input/constructive criticism! 🙂

 

[4thMolar]

You have good DAT scores and an average GPA, so I think it would be in your best interest to apply to 10-15 schools in total. There are no guarantees, so it would be a shame to not get in anywhere if you only apply to CA schools with your stats.

 

[dentalWorks]

I'm planning on applying this cycle and am stuck on how many out-of-state schools I should apply to. I'm a CA resident, and I'm planning on applying to all 6 CA schools. Anyone have suggestions on where else and to how many other schools I should apply? I'm posting my stats below for a better idea of where I stand:

Education:
- UCLA 3rd year
- Physiological Science Major
- College Honors Program
DAT:
- AA = 21
- TS = 21
- PAT = 23
GPA:
- Overall: 3.41
- Science: 3.47
Research:
- UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry, 6 months
Volunteer/Shadowing:
- 100+ hours of shadowing and volunteering under pedodontists, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and general practitioners

Thanks for any input/constructive criticism! 🙂

Aside from the 6 you have... pick some out-of-state friendliest for here:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8260135&postcount=1

 

[ddslove789]

I was thinking of applying to 12-15 total (including the CA schools)...so is that a reasonable number to have a good chance of getting in somewhere? Or should I consider applying to more?

 

[dentalWorks]

I was thinking of applying to 12-15 total (including the CA schools)...so is that a reasonable number to have a good chance of getting in somewhere? Or should I consider applying to more?

I wouldn't do more.... you need to be careful.

good stats like yours + alot of schools = ALOT of interviews, they'll run you in the poor house.

My stats are about as good as yours, I applied to 18 and got 8 pre-december interviews 😱😱. I only went to 5 cause of the cost.

For every interview you decide to fly/hotel-stay in will cost you between $400-500 (assuming you use something like orbitz.com about 3 weeks ahead of time).

 

[John Durian]

With those stats, you'd probably get in somewhere. Ten schools will suffice.

LL requires a LOR from a religious leader, so be sure to get that before you apply. USC is super expensive, so that should also be a consideration.

Other schools: NYU, Michigan, UNLV, and Nova.

 

[ddslove789]

Thanks for the advice, all! It's much appreciated 🙂

 

[ddslove789]

I wouldn't do more.... you need to be careful.

good stats like yours + alot of schools = ALOT of interviews, they'll run you in the poor house.

My stats are about as good as yours, I applied to 18 and got 8 pre-december interviews 😱😱. I only went to 5 cause of the cost.

For every interview you decide to fly/hotel-stay in will cost you between $400-500 (assuming you use something like orbitz.com about 3 weeks ahead of time).

DentalWorks - If you don't mind me asking, when did you submit your app by?

 

[Maygyver]

I would say 10 or so. Post here what schools other than CA ones you would apply to. Honestly, if I were a Ca resident, I would just apply to 6 schools in CA unless you have something that makes you want to go to the west coast.

 

[dentalWorks]

DentalWorks - If you don't mind me asking, when did you submit your app by?

around Mid June

 

[ddslove789]

I would say 10 or so. Post here what schools other than CA ones you would apply to. Honestly, if I were a Ca resident, I would just apply to 6 schools in CA unless you have something that makes you want to go to the west coast.

I really would prefer to stay in CA, but I feel that I should apply to some OOS in case things don't pan out for me in state. I'm still trying to do research on OOS schools and would gladly welcome any input (good or bad).OOS schools I've been looking into are as follows (in no particular order):

BU​

Tufts​

Columbia​

NYU​

Creighton​

UNLV​

Oregon​

Arizona SOD​

Midwestern AZ​

Case​

U Penn​

U Pitt​

Temple​

Nova​

U Conn​

 

[dentalWorks]

I really would prefer to stay in CA, but I feel that I should apply to some OOS in case things don't pan out for me in state. I'm still trying to do research on OOS schools and would gladly welcome any input (good or bad).OOS schools I've been looking into are as follows (in no particular order):

BU​

Tufts​

Columbia​

NYU​

Creighton​

UNLV​

Oregon​

Arizona SOD​

Midwestern AZ​

Case​

U Penn​

U Pitt​

Temple​

Nova​

U Conn​

I would pay attention to OOS schools that allow students to change their OOS status to in-state after 1 year..... If done with the right schools (Like buffalo), you can cut tuiton by 1/2.

 

[Maygyver]

I really would prefer to stay in CA, but I feel that I should apply to some OOS in case things don't pan out for me in state. I'm still trying to do research on OOS schools and would gladly welcome any input (good or bad).OOS schools I've been looking into are as follows (in no particular order):

BU​

Tufts​

Columbia​

NYU​

Creighton​

UNLV​

Oregon​

Arizona SOD​

Midwestern AZ​

Case​

U Penn​

U Pitt​

Temple​

Nova​

U Conn​

I think UConn might be tough. I believe they take the majority of applicants from Conn and New England. Other than that, I think it looks pretty good, but others can maybe give more insight. I know Columbia likes high DAT's so you're probably pretty good there. Just make sure you only add schools that you would want to go to. I feel like you will get into some cali schools.