Nervous about application; finances and school list.. suggestions needed

[ComfySouthern]

---

Members do not see this ad.

..

 

[Leopold23]

Here is some quick info*

1. 29 y/o black male- non trad
2. State of residence: Florida
3. Undergrad 2007-2012 Business/Accounting: 3.2 GPA (very few science classes), sGPA 2016-2018 3.7-3.8 (A in all upper level sciences Orgo Physics Etc.)
   
4. 2 year masters in psych 2016-2018: GPA 4.0
   
5. 509 (129/126/125/129)
6. ~750+ hours of clinical experience in hospital on psyche floor as part of master's degree
   
7. ~70 hours research
8. ~100 hours non-clinical volunteering
9. Collegiate athlete throughout undergrad
10. 50+ hrs shaddowing
11. Worked throughout undergrad and into recent years full time to support family

So far my school list has 36 schools. A good mix of targets and reaches (21 targets, the rest are heavy). My question is, how many secondaries might I expect? Also how much money should I have saved up for interviews.. If anyone has an idea please let me know..

Find out which schools send secondaries to everyone who applies. It’s probably listed on their website. You should expect a secondary from those. The rest may screen and selectively choose to send a secondary. Also check their website.

In terms of interviews, it depends where the schools are vs where you live. If you have to take a flight vs drive vs hope on the subway, etc. Also if they have a host vs hotel vs friend’s couch, etc.

 

[ComfySouthern]

Find out which schools send secondaries to everyone who applies. It’s probably listed on their website. You should expect a secondary from those. The rest may screen and selectively choose to send a secondary. Also check their website.

In terms of interviews, it depends where the schools are vs where you live. If you have to take a flight vs drive vs hope on the subway, etc. Also if they have a host vs hotel vs friend’s couch, etc.

Yes that is a very good starting point to consider, at least I can predict the number of secondaries. From what I heard most school do not screen at all. So that means I need to have about 3.6k ready to go then.. ouch

 

[Aurarice]

If you haven't already, I'd greatly advise looking into the Fee Assistance Program. Covers up to 16 schools on your application, and qualifying for FAP may allow you to waive a number of secondary application fees!
Eligibility criteria: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/eligibility/

 

[ComfySouthern]

If you haven't already, I'd greatly advise looking into the Fee Assistance Program. Covers up to 16 schools on your application, and qualifying for FAP may allow you to waive a number of secondary application fees!


I made just over the eligibility amount last year. I should have taken a small step back from my finances and I would have qualified

 

[ComfySouthern]

I made just over the eligibility amount last year. I should have taken a small step back from my finances and I would have qualified

 

[Aurarice]

Ahh darn.
The primary fee is $170 for the first school + $39 for each additional school (For 36 schools, that would be 170+(39*35) = $1535.
Then you've got to go through and check each school and see how much their secondaries are, and that'll be anywhere from $0 to $150+.
Then there's the issue with flights, hotel fees, and travel expenses. If you've got an amazing credit card with an incredible amount of points that can be put into travel, more power to you, but it'll be very pricey otherwise.

It'll all be worth it when you get that acceptance, though! Best of luck.