how many schools to apply to

[bipster10]

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Hello, I've been posting a lot on here but I am really appreciating the comments.

Here are my stats yet again. 18AA 19TS 18 PA 3.5 science and total GPA

Lots of volunteering, shadowing, and active member in clubs on campus.

I know that my DAT's arent great, so to be as safe as I can, about how many schools should I apply to?

Thanks in advance guys, yet again!

 

[sfrice80]

10-15 if you can afford it. Apply smart though. Good Luck!

 

[mikexima]

how desperate are you to get in? i would apply to anything with 40% or higher out of state acceptance with similar average acceptance scores. Im a 3rd timer and im applying to 31

 

[bipster10]

.

 

[Relign]

Hello, I've been posting a lot on here but I am really appreciating the comments.

Here are my stats yet again. 18AA 19TS 18 PA 3.5 science and total GPA

Lots of volunteering, shadowing, and active member in clubs on campus.

I know that my DAT's arent great, so to be as safe as I can, about how many schools should I apply to?

Thanks in advance guys, yet again!

Applying to 25-30 schools seems good on May 1st, but once the secondary applications start to roll in you might second guess yourself. Assuming that you are an average candidate (19 DAT, 3.7gpa, 3.5 science, good amount of volunteer hours, and good personal essay), schools will want more information.

In addition to the ~$3000 you already spent with AADSAS/ADEA applying and sending DAT scores to each school [which I hear you no longer need to do], most schools require secondary applications including fee (lowest I paid was $35, the most was $85), essays, background checks, and more personal information (including an affidavit swearing you won’t consume alcohol :S Gotta love Loma Linda). You need to be really organized in order to ensure that your file is up to date at each school.

Finally if everything goes well, you will probably get quite a few interviews. In no discernable order or methodology, around August 1st, the calls will start coming in. Some schools will want you to be there in 2 weeks, while others are scheduling for January. Assuming you get 10-15 interviews, depending on where you live, you can expect to spend ~$7000 on plane tickets, room and board, and food.

Each school expects that you know how important THEY are to dentistry, so you will want to go over their website, brochures, etc. You will want to study previous interview questions from StudentDoctor, and have a good idea as to how you will fit into their program.

All in all, I would say that applying to that many schools is a good idea, but you will need to have a large pocket book, be really organized, and have a lot of time to travel.

Here is a tip: If you have had quite a few of really good interviews prior to December 1st, you might want to consider scheduling some interviews in December and January. National acceptance day is the 1st. If you get into your number one school, then there is no need to schedule an interview at your backup.

 

[AJS11]

how desperate are you to get in? i would apply to anything with 40% or higher out of state acceptance with similar average acceptance scores. Im a 3rd timer and im applying to 31

WHAT!!😱 I am applying to 10, and I thought that may be too much.

To how many schools is everybody else applying?

My pocket is hurting.

 

[bipster10]

WHAT!!😱 I am applying to 10, and I thought that may be too much.

To how many schools is everybody else applying?

My pocket is hurting.

I was thinking around 15 was a lot too man haha

 

[adizzle87]

It all depends on what your stats are, assuming at least a 19AA (without bombing RC)

Rough rule of thumb
3.5 = at least 6
3.0-3.5 = at least 10
Less than 3.0 = at least 15, I would enroll in a post-bac just in case

Like someone said earlier its important to apply smartly. If money is an issue and you can only apply to a small handful you probably don't want to spend it on a school that is out of reach. This happens very often and these people end up reapplying to more schools the next cycle.