How to answer who many schools question

[UnderdogMD]

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I don't understand why schools ask how many other schools have you applied to 😡. Why is it any of their business? Is it so hard to understand that I don't want to go through this process again. Does applying to less schools show that I am dedicated and more committed vs more schools as being desperate.

So, what is the most tactful way of answering this question when you have applied to 25+ schools?

Obviously I can't tell them what I feel like saying.

 

[ryandote]

I don't understand why schools ask how many other schools have you applied to 😡. Why is it any of their business? Is it so hard to understand that I don't want to go through this process again. Does applying to less schools show that I am dedicated and more committed vs more schools as being desperate.

So, what is the most tactful way of answering this question when you have applied to 25+ schools?

Obviously I can't tell them what I feel like saying.

I think you need to tell them straight up. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but I think that each school can see each other school that you have applied to. I think they get to see your complete AMCAS application, including that list of schools at the bottom.

As for tact, make sure you have a impressive, specific reason to be interested in their school.

 

[postbacker]

My answer would be "I applied to all of the med schools that seemed like a good fit for me because I plan on going through this process one time only."

Screw 'em if they want details...none of their darn business...

Also keep in mind by the time you are in interviews (where I assume this question comes up), the number of schools that you are really looking at will be much smaller than the number of primary apps, and that might be a number you would be comfortable giving them...

 

[nick_carraway]

I think you need to tell them straight up. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but I think that each school can see each other school that you have applied to. I think they get to see your complete AMCAS application, including that list of schools at the bottom.

As for tact, make sure you have a impressive, specific reason to be interested in their school.

I think that adcoms were only able to see the list of schools applicants applied to last year due to a computer glitch that was quickly solved.

They don't get to see which schools applicants are in contact with until March 15, correct?

 

[glamqueen]

I've seen this question posted before, and yes, I believe last poster is right. They can't see until a later date, so right now - you are safe. And during most of the cycle too.

 

[trichomoniasis]

My answer would be "I applied to all of the med schools that seemed like a good fit for me because I plan on going through this process one time only."

that implies that you will get in to at least one medical school, don't you think that will come off as cocky? Also, how do you plan on answering the "what if you don't get in anywhere this cycle" question?

Screw 'em if they want details...none of their darn business...

is that your answer for when they press you for details? "with all due respect dr. so and so, screw you."

Also keep in mind by the time you are in interviews (where I assume this question comes up), the number of schools that you are really looking at will be much smaller than the number of primary apps, and that might be a number you would be comfortable giving them...

if you're uncomfortable with either the number or telling people the number of schools you are applying to, you might want to investigate that further before proceeding.

 

[UnderdogMD]

if you're uncomfortable with either the number or telling people the number of schools you are applying to, you might want to investigate that further before proceeding.

I think you are missing the point. I am neither uncomfortable with the number or telling them. I am uncomfortable with what the adcom will think once I tell them. It does not take a genius to figure out that for some reason there is a stigma associated with applying to a large number of schools.

I like the answer about applying to schools "as I felt comfortable as" but what happens if they press the issue. I am not good at faking amnesia and saying I don't remember seems very shady (even to me).

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

I dunno why people get bummed over this question.

I think there are really only a handful of good answers.

One, I applied to X number of schools in MY state/region because I want to stay as local as I can.

Two, I applied broadly all over the US. I'm from the west coat, went to undergrad on the east coast, and really would like to experience life anew somewhere. I cannot completely evaluate a program from reading online so as invites come in, I am further researching places and accepting places I would feel peace at. I espically came to this program because blah blah.


I think people miss the reason for this question. I do not think an interviewer really cares how many places you applied to but rather that you have some logical thinking and reasoning behind where you applied....and espically WHY you applied to their school if it is off the beaten path of your lifes journey...

 

[Karen12345]

I think you need to tell them straight up. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys, but I think that each school can see each other school that you have applied to. I think they get to see your complete AMCAS application, including that list of schools at the bottom.

As for tact, make sure you have a impressive, specific reason to be interested in their school.

Based on what I read in the MSAR, schools are not supposed to see where you applied. After May 15, they can see where you have been accepted. My understanding is if you apply to a particular school and get rejected, no school other than the one you applied to should know. When schools receive processed AMCAS application, the list of your schools is NOT there.

 

[etf]

some schools - tulane and bu come to mind - ask that you send them a hard copy of your entire amcas "as a prevention against errors in transmission." i think that the only valid purpose of this would be to see the list of schools you applied to.

 

[TheRealMD]

I dunno why people get bummed over this question.

I think there are really only a handful of good answers.

One, I applied to X number of schools in MY state/region because I want to stay as local as I can.

Two, I applied broadly all over the US. I'm from the west coat, went to undergrad on the east coast, and really would like to experience life anew somewhere. I cannot completely evaluate a program from reading online so as invites come in, I am further researching places and accepting places I would feel peace at. I espically came to this program because blah blah.


I think people miss the reason for this question. I do not think an interviewer really cares how many places you applied to but rather that you have some logical thinking and reasoning behind where you applied....and espically WHY you applied to their school if it is off the beaten path of your lifes journey...

*stores information for future reference*

 

[Phoenix.]

Yeesh. I thought that sending a copy of your AMCAS app was just an optional for Tulane. The way they phrased it made it sound like they merely suggested that you attach a copy of your AMCAS app just in case they didn't get it electronically. So, I sent my secondary in today, and didn't include a copy of my AMCAS. Guess I'll call them tomorrow and see if they'll acknowledge that they already have my primary. If not, I'll just have to send it separately, but I would definitely take off the section that lists all of my schools. Unless they ask for that specifically, I don't see why they should be privy to it.

 

[Dookter]

Yeah, this is a tough one. I only applied to 7 schools [I know, kind of stupid]. But still, I was asked directly at at least 3 interviews where I had applied, why, and where I would attend. It was pretty easy to answer these in style since I only applied to 7 schools, but I can imagine it would be tough had I applied to 25-40 schools. I think giving a non-answer or dodging the question would probably look bad. I think honesty is the best policy. However, I think delivery is key. You will not honestly care a ton about all the schools on your list, but that doesn't mean that you can't express the interest you do have in whatever school is interviewing you. I have widely different feelings about the schools where I applied, but there were distinct things that made each of them stand out for me. All you have to do is find out what those things are.

 

[UnderdogMD]

Yeesh. I thought that sending a copy of your AMCAS app was just an optional for Tulane. The way they phrased it made it sound like they merely suggested that you attach a copy of your AMCAS app just in case they didn't get it electronically. So, I sent my secondary in today, and didn't include a copy of my AMCAS. Guess I'll call them tomorrow and see if they'll acknowledge that they already have my primary. If not, I'll just have to send it separately, but I would definitely take off the section that lists all of my schools. Unless they ask for that specifically, I don't see why they should be privy to it.

I like the way you think.👍

 

[alwaysaangel]

I think people miss the reason for this question. I do not think an interviewer really cares how many places you applied to but rather that you have some logical thinking and reasoning behind where you applied....and espically WHY you applied to their school if it is off the beaten path of your lifes journey...

This it right on.

Usually the question comes as "what other schools did you apply to" not how many. And if you just give a general explanation of your thinking you'll be fine.

Eg. I applied to some schools in New York and DC because I am interested in living on the east coast for a while after living in California my whole life. I applied to some schools in Kentucky because my mothers whole side of the family is there and it would be nice to spend some time there. I applied to all the UCs simply because in the end when it comes time to make decisions I want to have those as options for financial reasons if no other school can offer me aid.

That was the gist of my answer. Just be honest and general - can't go wrong.

 

[gotmeds?]

I don't understand why schools ask how many other schools have you applied to 😡. Why is it any of their business? Is it so hard to understand that I don't want to go through this process again. Does applying to less schools show that I am dedicated and more committed vs more schools as being desperate.

So, what is the most tactful way of answering this question when you have applied to 25+ schools?

Obviously I can't tell them what I feel like saying.

What's wrong with giving them a straight answer? It's a simple question.

 

[SIREN]

I dunno why people get bummed over this question.

I think there are really only a handful of good answers.

One, I applied to X number of schools in MY state/region because I want to stay as local as I can.

Two, I applied broadly all over the US. I'm from the west coat, went to undergrad on the east coast, and really would like to experience life anew somewhere. I cannot completely evaluate a program from reading online so as invites come in, I am further researching places and accepting places I would feel peace at. I espically came to this program because blah blah.


I think people miss the reason for this question. I do not think an interviewer really cares how many places you applied to but rather that you have some logical thinking and reasoning behind where you applied....and espically WHY you applied to their school if it is off the beaten path of your lifes journey...

Both are excellent answers. 🙂

 

[postbacker]

that implies that you will get in to at least one medical school, don't you think that will come off as cocky? Also, how do you plan on answering the "what if you don't get in anywhere this cycle" question?


is that your answer for when they press you for details? "with all due respect dr. so and so, screw you."



if you're uncomfortable with either the number or telling people the number of schools you are applying to, you might want to investigate that further before proceeding.

Ummm, YEAH, that is my answer, verbatim...

 

[deleted128562]

Actually, I believe the correct answer to the question is:

"I have applied to your school only. I recognize that I statistically only have a small chance of getting into this particular school even with a competitive app, but I just can't help myself. You see, ever since I was 2 years old I have dreamed of coming to (name of school). For prom I asked my date to wear your school colors and when she didn't, I left her on her doorstep. Even mentioning the name of your institution causes me to become aroused, and being here is the most erotic experience I have ever had."


I'm with you Underdog. I honestly don't see why a med school would need to know your "thought process" as why you applied to the schools you did. ("Gee, because I thought these are schools that might accept me and I want to go to med school you dope??") I think it's more that they seem to have serious complexs akin to those of paranoid girlfriends/boyfriends. "Did you just look at that other girl? Oh my gosh, you looked at her didn't you? Don't even speak to me you cad." Except with med schools it's "Did you look at that other med school? Oh my gosh, you looked at it didn't you? Don't even speak to me you jerk.... (ADCOM runs off crying).

 

[alwaysaangel]

I'm with you Underdog. I honestly don't see why a med school would need to know your "thought process" as why you applied to the schools you did. ("Gee, because I thought these are schools that might accept me and I want to go to med school you dope??") I think it's more that they seem to have serious complexs akin to those of paranoid girlfriends/boyfriends. "Did you just look at that other girl? Oh my gosh, you looked at her didn't you? Don't even speak to me you cad." Except with med schools it's "Did you look at that other med school? Oh my gosh, you looked at it didn't you? Don't even speak to me you jerk.... (ADCOM runs off crying).

You're the kind of person who will be asked in a late interview "what would you do if you didn't get accepted this year" (after some poor school has already acepted you) and you will tell the interviewer "I already got in so thats a moot point"

If you're already having trouble jumping through a few simple hoops such as interview questions then you're gonna have a hell of a time.

Be yourself and answer all interview questions honestly. Its not that complicated. Its not a trap designed to trick you. Its not some elaborate ruse to make you look dumb. Its a series of questions that leads an interviewer to the answer to two things: 1) Has this person really thought about why they want to go into medicine or are they just doing it because mommy and daddy bought them a stethoscope when they were 4. and 2) Does this person really want to attend OUR school.

If you guys can answer questions honestly and logically you will have no problems getting through interviews. If you're going to pout about how every question is an invasion of privacy then you're gonna have a hell of a time. The people who bitch the the interviewers about how questions "aren't fair" or "aren't any of their business" or who give curt answers that clearly display they believe one of those two things are the people who get the godawful ethics questions. I wish you luck.

Thats it. Anything beyond that is bizarre conspiracy theories from a bunch of neurotic premeds.

 

[Phoenix.]

You're the kind of person who will be asked in a late interview "what would you do if you didn't get accepted this year" (after some poor school has already acepted you) and you will tell the interviewer "I already got in so thats a moot point"

If you're already having trouble jumping through a few simple hoops such as interview questions then you're gonna have a hell of a time.

Wait, I don't understand what's wrong with answering a question like "what would you do if you didn't get in?" with "actually, I'm lucky to have an acceptance already." That's an honest answer. Why is it so terrible?

 

[mvenus929]

Wait, I don't understand what's wrong with answering a question like "what would you do if you didn't get in?" with "actually, I'm lucky to have an acceptance already." That's an honest answer. Why is it so terrible?

Because the question is being used to determine your devotion to medicine, or if you have a backup plan (depending on how the question is phrased). It's a 'what if' question, and you should answer it as such, even if you have gotten an acceptance. Besides, if you answer that you already have an acceptance, it might come off as you saying 'I'm only doing this because you invited me... I don't NEED to be here, and you need to prove to me that you want me here, else I'll go elsewhere'.

That's how I see it, anyway.

 

[armybound]

Because the question is being used to determine your devotion to medicine, or if you have a backup plan (depending on how the question is phrased). It's a 'what if' question, and you should answer it as such, even if you have gotten an acceptance. Besides, if you answer that you already have an acceptance, it might come off as you saying 'I'm only doing this because you invited me... I don't NEED to be here, and you need to prove to me that you want me here, else I'll go elsewhere'.

That's how I see it, anyway.

Yep.

It's all a game, and only the adcomms know the rules.

 

[alwaysaangel]

Wait, I don't understand what's wrong with answering a question like "what would you do if you didn't get in?" with "actually, I'm lucky to have an acceptance already." That's an honest answer. Why is it so terrible?

1) Its arrogant.
2) Everyone should be able to understand that by asking that they're trying to see what else you're going to do to get in, or what alternate careers you may persue. Its yet another way to see into your thought process and plans. They don't care whether you already have an acceptance or not. If they did - they would have asked. But they didn't instead they asked a HYPOTHETICAL question "what would you do if you didn't get in this year."

 

[alwaysaangel]

Yep.

It's all a game, and only the adcomms know the rules.

See I disagree, I think anyone who takes 2 seconds to wonder why an adcomm would ask x, y or z can understand the rules just as easily as the adcoms. The problem is too many premeds want to take things 100% face value without regard to intent.

 

[Phoenix.]

See I disagree, I think anyone who takes 2 seconds to wonder why an adcomm would ask x, y or z can understand the rules just as easily as the adcoms. The problem is too many premeds want to take things 100% face value without regard to intent.

I think a lot of this is game playing. Especially the "how many schools have you applied to?" I don't see why this matters. Do they hold it against you if you applied broadly because you want to get in this cycle? Do they want to hear that they're the only one? I don't see why this is such an important question to ask.

As for what your plans would be if you didn't get in, I suppose whether or not it's a game depends on if there's a "right answer" they're looking for (i.e., your dedication to medicine answer). If the only correct answer is "I would work on my app and reapply," then, yes, it's a game. Some of us are older non-trads who don't have the luxury of time, or things to fix in our apps. If no school feels we're a fit and we've applied broadly and early with good stats, what would be the point of reapplying without end?

 

[alwaysaangel]

I think a lot of this is game playing. Especially the "how many schools have you applied to?" I don't see why this matters.

Because they want to see your logic in how you applied to other schools to see if they fit into your logic or are some bizarre outlier (eg. applying to all east coast schools and ONE Cali school would be a red flag. Applying to all top 20 schools and then a non-ranked school would be a red flag. Applying to all secular schools and then Loma Linda would be a red flag) They want to see how THEY fit into your overall goals in medicine and seeing what other kinds of schools you applied to tells them that

As for what your plans would be if you didn't get in, I suppose whether or not it's a game depends on if there's a "right answer" they're looking for (i.e., your dedication to medicine answer). If the only correct answer is "I would work on my app and reapply," then, yes, it's a game. Some of us are older non-trads who don't have the luxury of time, or things to fix in our apps. If no school feels we're a fit and we've applied broadly and early with good stats, what would be the point of reapplying without end?

So be honest. Its a game to see your thought process. It doesn't mean there is a right answer. I told all four schools I interviewed at that hell no I wasn't going to reapply. If I got rejected from the 20+ schools I applied to then I was going to take their word for it that I shouldn't be a doctor and go into NP or PA. I still get the patient contact, and most of the things I want out of medicine. I have neither the time nor the money to apply again.

I got accepted into all 4 schools.

There is not just the right answer. Unless by right answer you mean an honest, well thought out answer.

 

[Phoenix.]

Because they want to see your logic in how you applied to other schools to see if they fit into your logic or are some bizarre outlier (eg. applying to all east coast schools and ONE Cali school would be a red flag. Applying to all top 20 schools and then a non-ranked school would be a red flag. Applying to all secular schools and then Loma Linda would be a red flag) They want to see how THEY fit into your overall goals in medicine and seeing what other kinds of schools you applied to tells them that

I understand that there are a few oddballs here on SDN who apply to and interview at schools that they don't want to go to, but don't withdraw. However, I think that those applicants are far from the norm. For most of us applying, we understand that this is a total crapshoot, and apply everywhere and anywhere that we would be happy to get into and go to. For the person that applies to all east coast schools and one CA school, that doesn't mean that they wouldn't go to that CA school if they got in. It may be that they've ranked that particular CA school higher than a number of their east coast schools.

I only applied to two west coast schools, but I would be ecstatic to go to either. Same with Texas - only one, but I'd faint if I got in. While I would ideally like to go to a school in Chicago, and have applied to all of them, there are a number of schools in my very broad list that I might prefer over a Chicago school. A lot of it will depend on what I learn about schools after a first-hand visit. If someone asks me if I've applied to all IL schools, and I say yes, I would hate for them to take that to mean that I wouldn't love to go to their OOS med school.

Ok, I'll let this drop now. I just don't think this is a great question to ask given the unpredictable nature of med school applications. If I've applied to a school, it means that I am interested in going there. I wouldn't otherwise be wasting their time or mine.

 

[deleted103644]

I think that adcoms were only able to see the list of schools applicants applied to last year due to a computer glitch that was quickly solved.

They don't get to see which schools applicants are in contact with until March 15, correct?

I was under the impression they only get to see the schools you were accepted to, and not where you applied. After all, they only care what other choices you have on the table, why should they be interested in where you applied except maybe for a slightly creepy voyeuristic/big brotherish thrill? For all the people starting the process, they are probably just asking this to get a sense of how likely you are to attend their school if you get an acceptance - you'll notice that top tier schools do not ask you about other applications.

As for how to answer this question on an application, first and foremost follow this principle (for this and all AMCAS/secondary questions)... DON'T LIE!!!! Legally speaking, anything you say that misrepresents yourself on your application gives medical schools the right to rescind your acceptance or even degree at any point in the future. They probably wouldn't over something like this, but do you really want to risk it?

Give them a rough idea of how many schools you are applying to, and maybe include a few words about why you their school is unique in the bunch. You will find there is no such thing as a safety school because many/most schools will reject applicants they don't think would actually attend. Good luck everyone.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I understand that there are a few oddballs here on SDN who apply to and interview at schools that they don't want to go to, but don't withdraw. However, I think that those applicants are far from the norm. For most of us applying, we understand that this is a total crapshoot, and apply everywhere and anywhere that we would be happy to get into and go to. For the person that applies to all east coast schools and one CA school, that doesn't mean that they wouldn't go to that CA school if they got in. It may be that they've ranked that particular CA school higher than a number of their east coast schools.

No it doesn't mean they wouldn't want to so long as they have logical reasoning behind it.

Ok, I'll let this drop now. I just don't think this is a great question to ask given the unpredictable nature of med school applications. If I've applied to a school, it means that I am interested in going there. I wouldn't otherwise be wasting their time or mine.

So come up with a single theme they have in common be it location, emphasis on research, etc. etc. etc. and explain that you chose schools with x, y, and z because of a, b and c aspects of your personality.

Thats all they want to hear.

 

[Karen12345]

some schools - tulane and bu come to mind - ask that you send them a hard copy of your entire amcas "as a prevention against errors in transmission." i think that the only valid purpose of this would be to see the list of schools you applied to.

I find it surprising because I didn't think such thing would even be legal. Oh well.

 

[Phoenix.]

Regarding Tulane's request that you attach a copy of your primary app, when I read the instructions, it sounded like it was more of a precaution in case there was a problem with electronic transmission from AMCAS. So, I didn't include my primary when I sent the secondary yesterday.

I called Tulane today, and the woman in the admissions dept said not to worry about it. She said that they haven't even received the primaries into their electronic database yet from AMCAS (which I thought was weird since AMCAS supposedly sent them on June 21st), and that they probably wouldn't even be ready to access apps in their database at all until another two weeks. She told me to check back in two weeks if I was concerned, and ask then if they received my AMCAS primary. If they haven't, then I could send a copy of the primary by mail at that time.

So, the bottom line is that it really does seem that they're just distrustful of the electronic app system. I don't think this is a devious attempt to see where else you are applying, and if I do send them a hard copy of my primary, I'll certainly redact the info about my other schools. I can't imagine they would have a problem with that.

 

[peptidoglycan]

some schools - tulane and bu come to mind - ask that you send them a hard copy of your entire amcas "as a prevention against errors in transmission." i think that the only valid purpose of this would be to see the list of schools you applied to.

Just to clear the air on why Tulane requests AMCAS:

Several years ago, when AMCAS was fairly new and a new iteration came out every year, there was a MAJOR glitch in the system, and several (or all, I don't remember) schools couldn't download everyone's info even once AMCAS supposedly made it available. Some schools delayed their process until the system kinks were worked out, and others had applicants send them their whole AMCAS to bypass the broken system. Anyway, fast forward a year or two and Katrina hits. The admissions office at Tulane fires half its people because the university cut jobs and the those left were too busy to change the system back. Anyway, here we are now and they have been having people send them the whole AMCAS for 3 or 4 years and probably nobody in the office even remembers why they ask for it, but they do and they have no reason to stop.

So, if you don't like sending your list, cut that page out or cut off the bottom of the page where it's shown. They don't care where else you're interviewing and you shouldn't get your panties in a wad over it.