Need help deciding where to apply and how many schools.

[blew22]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,
I've been trying to come up with a list of dental schools to apply to but I've been having difficulty creating a list/ figuring out how many schools to apply to. I've purchased the ADEA explorer subscription, but I am still having difficulty. I sort of drafted a preliminary list, but after looking at the schools in the list, I realize it may be top heavy and that many of the schools I'm applying to outside of California weight OOS residents negatively in the application. My two dream schools are UCSF and UCLA, but I hear they are difficult to get into. I would like to stay in California so I pretty much put all the schools on the list as of now. Also, how many schools do students normally apply to? Would 10 be too little?

Any help with where to apply to would be greatly appreciated!


Date of submission: 5/11/21
Overall GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.90
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.93
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 27 AA/ 26 TS / 30 RC/ 23 Bio/ 28 GC/ 30 OC/ 30 PAT / 22 QR
State of Residence: California

Undergrad Attended: USC
Major: Chemistry
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 150+ General, ~50 specialties (endo, oral surgery, perio, ortho)
Volunteering Experience: 200+ public health education work (4 years); Leadership council my 3rd year and Co-president my 4th year. Volunteer EMT at University for 2 years ~ 100 shift hours.
Employment: 150+ Scribe of Emergency department
Research: Research on tagging biomolecules (around 1 year's worth). Not the most involved, probably the weakest part of my app.
Other Extracurriculars: Hours and type; includes athletics, military, leadership, etc.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Dean's List every semester.
LOR type and strength: Medium to very strong
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags:
School list:
1)UCSF
2)UCLA
3)USC
4)UOP
5)Harvard
6)Columbia
7)Upenn
8)Oregon
9)Washington
10)Michigan
11)Loma Linda
12)Pomona

 

[2thPirate🦷]

tbh with your stats and ECs you’ll get multiple interviews and acceptances as long as your PS checks out and you interview well. Maybe look into more OOS friendly schools and apply to those as well, but from the looks of it you’re most likely staying in Cali given your stats, great job and good luck👍🏼

 

[1942]

Hello,
I've been trying to come up with a list of dental schools to apply to but I've been having difficulty creating a list/ figuring out how many schools to apply to. I've purchased the ADEA explorer subscription, but I am still having difficulty. I sort of drafted a preliminary list, but after looking at the schools in the list, I realize it may be top heavy and that many of the schools I'm applying to outside of California weight OOS residents negatively in the application. My two dream schools are UCSF and UCLA, but I hear they are difficult to get into. I would like to stay in California so I pretty much put all the schools on the list as of now. Also, how many schools do students normally apply to? Would 10 be too little?

Any help with where to apply to would be greatly appreciated!


Date of submission: 5/11/21
Overall GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.90
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.93
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 27 AA/ 26 TS / 30 RC/ 23 Bio/ 28 GC/ 30 OC/ 30 PAT / 22 QR
State of Residence: California

Undergrad Attended: USC
Major: Chemistry
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 150+ General, ~50 specialties (endo, oral surgery, perio, ortho)
Volunteering Experience: 200+ public health education work (4 years); Leadership council my 3rd year and Co-president my 4th year. Volunteer EMT at University for 2 years ~ 100 shift hours.
Employment: 150+ Scribe of Emergency department
Research: Research on tagging biomolecules (around 1 year's worth). Not the most involved, probably the weakest part of my app.
Other Extracurriculars: Hours and type; includes athletics, military, leadership, etc.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Dean's List every semester.
LOR type and strength: Medium to very strong
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags:
School list:
1)UCSF
2)UCLA
3)USC
4)UOP
5)Harvard
6)Columbia
7)Upenn
8)Oregon
9)Washington
10)Michigan
11)Loma Linda
12)Pomona

With your profile you should receive interview invites to a majority of the schools you apply to.

10-15 schools is a reasonable amount to apply to. I’d consider adding a few more privates/safety schools to your list just in case (Touro/Western). Also consider adding UNLV and Maryland. Theres a high likelihood you will be able to remain in CA (if that’s your preference). Don’t even worry. You’re solid.

 

[raider49]

Congratulations on an impressive resume. Great academics with a superb DAT to back it up. If I were you, with such great numbers, I would try to make cost my number #1 overwhelming concern. You have strong enough stats to have a legit shot at solid OOS schools that offer in state after a year. Not saying cheap OOS schools are easy to get into, but you have the stats of the few people they would be likely to take. Being from Cali I could see how it would be tough to move to less desirable locations, but you should consider UConn, Buffalo and Stony Brook. I understand these locations are very different than what you are used to, but offer very "reasonable" tuition for dental school. Getting through school with the least amount of debt will provide with the best life afterwards, not necessarily the specific school in my mind. Mostly I would consider adding UConn, small school with P/F and cheap tuition after a year. With such great stats I would really urge you identify and focus on the cheapest schools. Unless of course you/your family have the means to pay in full for any school of your choosing, then stick with the nice weather!

 

[blew22]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll definitely look at some more OOS friendly schools and others that are more tuition friendly.

Really appreciate the helpful input!