"safety schools"

[bwc]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have seen quite a few mentions of "safety school" here. For dental school, does the concept of "safety school" even exist?

When applying to colleges, people used "safety school" to describe the idea that if your stats exceed that of their average matriculant by at least a decent amount, then barring extenuating circumstances, you are guaranteed admission. For dental schools, all I hear is that it is always a crap shoot, and even if your stats are well above that of their average matriculant, there is not even close to a guarantee that you will even be offered an interview.

 

[zToothinator]

I have seen quite a few mentions of "safety school" here. For dental school, does the concept of "safety school" even exist?

When applying to colleges, people used "safety school" to describe the idea that if your stats exceed that of their average matriculant by at least a decent amount, then barring extenuating circumstances, you are guaranteed admission. For dental schools, all I hear is that it is always a crap shoot, and even if your stats are well above that of their average matriculant, there is not even close to a guarantee that you will even be offered an interview.

I don’t think “safety schools” exist. I’ve heard some programs might even reject your application without interview if your stats are too high from their average because they’ll think you’re more likely get a spot at a other school and don’t want to waste time.

 

[Jlm50]

I didnt get an interview at any of my "safety schools" and accepted at my 2 top choices.

 

[887194]

The way I classify safety schools is: You have a higher chance of admittance at this school. It is not a guarantee in any sense.

 

[tattooeddentist]

I didn't interview at any of my safety schools. Save your money/ use your money wisely and apply to the schools you can see yourself attending. Best luck!

 

[weaselodeath]

Agree with everybody here! A school may seem like a safety school because it has low average acceptance DAT scores and GPA, but that should tell you that perhaps they do not value those things and having a higher than average score for them won’t really carry you there the way that it would at a school that has high average hard stats.

 

[bwc]

So basically, you shouldn't apply to a certain school merely for the sake of having a school where your stats exceed the averages?

 

[weaselodeath]

So basically, you shouldn't apply to a certain school merely for the sake of having a school where your stats exceed the averages?

It's hard to exactly say no, but I would say probably not. You need to find a school where you fit the culture. If you can't find another reason to go to a school besides them being likely on paper to admit you then I'd say you probably won't end up being a good fit there and they probably won't even interview you. If you want to dig into the place and find a reason why you want to go there besides "it's a dental school that exists," then things might be better for you!