Picking schools

[myu74]

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Hi all! I am happy to say this is my first post, and hopefully the first of many!

I am currently picking out schools to apply to and I was wondering if anyone had any advice pertaining to the range of schools one should apply to? How many "long shot," "hopeful," "go for it," and "high change" schools should you have on your list?

Many thanks for your input!

 

[Goobs]

Not sure what high change is, but I aimed for 1/3 1/3 1/3 for a total for 21 schools.

 

[fourhumours]

Not sure what high change is, but I aimed for 1/3 1/3 1/3 for a total for 21 schools.

probably a good strategy....if I could redo it I would probably do something like 3/8 reach 4/8 middle 1/8 "safety" out of 24 total

so 9 reach
3 "safety" (no such thing)
12 middle

 

[Chir0nex]

Yeah, I tried to do the 3 tier system, but depending on stats you may not have any real safety options. I personally applied to 25 schools, and about 2/3 were school in which I was at or within 1 point of the school average for MCAT scores. and then another 1/3 schools where I was 2+ point below the average.

 

[tennisguitar]

It depends on your stats and circumstances. If you have the time and money and are diligent, you really don't need to put a limit on the number of apps you submit. But be reasonable in where you apply. Also know that reach schools often care as much or more about applicant experiences as they do about the applicant grades and MCAT (as long as those are up to par). For instance, even if a particular school has an average matriculating MCAT around the national average, the school might still be a reach if it puts a disproportionate emphasis on service, and you don't have relevant experiences. Research the schools' mission statements, class environments, etc. to get a feel for the people they attract.

 

[Ost3oclast]

It depends on your stats and circumstances. If you have the time and money and are diligent, you really don't need to put a limit on the number of apps you submit. But be reasonable in where you apply. Also know that reach schools often care as much or more about applicant experiences as they do about the applicant grades and MCAT (as long as those are up to par). For instance, even if a particular school has an average matriculating MCAT around the national average, the school might still be a reach if it puts a disproportionate emphasis on service, and you don't have relevant experiences. Research the schools' mission statements, class environments, etc. to get a feel for the people they attract.

Pretty good advice here. OP, it all depends on stats in the beginning though. You need to meet that numerical cut off for further consideration. If your stats are great, remember to still throw in safeties. Its a crapshoot sometimes.