Really having a difficult time deciding how many schools to apply to

[agb2782]

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Hi all! I've read through the sticky and everything, but I still am having a tough time deciding on a number of schools, and any recommendations would be appreciated. Here's a quick break down of my stats:

White Male, Illinois Resident, First-time applicant
Cumulative GPA/Science GPA: 3.85/3.82
DAT: 21 AA, 20 TS, 19 PA, (20 Bio, 18 GC, 21 OC, 21 RC, 26 QR)

Shadowing: Around 70 hours shadowing a general dentist and orthodontist

Extracurriculars: President of my social fraternity (around 100 members), around 200 hours volunteering in ERs, elementary schools, nursing homes, and more. In addition, member of a global health club on campus and service fraternity. Work as a manager at the campus recreation center.

I know that my stats are decent, and I feel that I'm walking a fine line between over-applying and wasting money (I can't possibly attend more than 6 interviews, logistically, because I go to school in the middle of Missouri and couldn't miss all that time) and shooting myself in the foot by not applying enough places.

At this point in time, I plan on applying to UIC, SIU, Michigan, Indiana, and 3 other schools (taking recommendations!). If anyone could weigh in on what an appropriate number of schools to apply to would be, I would be really thankful.

Thank you in advance!

- A

 

[persenmi]

I would recommend getting the "ADEA Guide To Dental Schools" book and use that data to determine which schools give you the best chances. This information will significantly help you narrow your search down.

It has the same info for every school such as: pre-reqs, oos interviewed, oos accepted, etc.

 

[bing12]

you have competitive stats. I would say 8-10 schools would be good.
I have provided an attachment to show you how many students from Illinois attend various dental schools. the number in between the ( ) is the amount of students that attend that school from Il. Go to the attachment, and go to around page 36.
-NYU (3)
-TUFTS (4)
-Midwestern ( 13)
Marquette ( 10)
Creighton (5)

 

[dansou5]

First of all you have great stats! lol dont think you are just a decent applicant.

What is your overall goal, ie do you want to stay near Illinois or the midwest, do you want to specialize...

 

[jhanago]

I was in the same boat as you with stats and figured I should apply to 20 schools. This is because 10 schools = like 900 or something and 20 = 1700 plus secondaries comes to like 1800 for 10 and like 3k for 20. Then interviews you can pick and choose what you would like. This way, if you dont get in.. you wont have to pay another 1800 - 3000 again for a reapplication. Another grand for a damn near GUARANTEE to get in was a much better investment then risking a reapplication and losing a year of income etc etc. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Jenna2010]

I would apply to more schools than that. Last year's cycle was so competitive (according to Ohio State's rejection letter which was seriously so informative) and this year might be just as bad. You are planning on applying to like seven schools and say you can go on six interviews.... that means that you are assuming you can get an interview at almost every school you apply to... in my opinion, that is very risky. Beyond that, you are assuming that an interview is an acceptance. Again, that is not necessarily the case. Apply to as many schools as you would likely attend and can stretch to afford. You are gambling with more than a money issue, its also a year of your life. Just my opnion.

Best of luck.

 

[agb2782]

Thanks for the input. I wasn't planning on specializing, and I would ideally like to stay near the Midwest.

So, to that end, what are some Midwest schools that are OOS-friendly? Creighton? Marquette? Iowa?

 

[dansou5]

Thanks for the input. I wasn't planning on specializing, and I would ideally like to stay near the Midwest.

So, to that end, what are some Midwest schools that are OOS-friendly? Creighton? Marquette? Iowa?

You have case and marquette, that are in the midwest and OOS friendly. You could also try for Detroit Mercy.

 

[dantemac]

Detroit Mercy, NYU, Pitt, Case...

I agree with everyone else that you need to apply to more scores. There are no guarantees. You only help your chances by applying more places.