School List?

[rlaxkdl]

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With less than three months remaining, I’ve been thinking about which schools to apply to for this upcoming cycle. I’ve managed to narrow my list to eighteen schools, but I think that fifteen schools should suffice with my stats. Please give me advice on my list such as which schools I should take off my list or any OOS-friendly (and cheap) schools to include.

Statistics:
oGPA = ~3.6
sGPA = ~3.5
DAT = 26AA, 26TS, 23PA

I have AP credits for the first two quarters of general chemistry, but did take the last of the series (5 credits) and have taken upper-level courses to supplement this. All the schools on my list allow AP credits.

I have (or will have) ~400 hours of job shadowing, ~700 hours of volunteering, and ~500 hours of research.

School List:
1. University of Southern California
2. University of California Los Angeles
3. University of California San Francisco
4. University of the Pacific
5. University of Connecticut
6. University of Louisville
7. University of Maryland
8. Boston University
9. Tufts University
10. University of Detroit Mercy
11. University of Michigan
12. Columbia University
13. New York University
14. Case Western Reserve University
15. Oregon Health & Science University
16. University of Pennsylvania
17. University of Pittsburgh
18. University of Washington (in-state)

My biggest concerns are that the public schools on my list might be OOS-unfriendly (no need to tell me UCLA is OOS-unfriendly because I already know...) and that I have too many schools with averages above mine.

Also, if anyone could tell me whether or not any of these schools are international-unfriendly, that would be great.

Thank you!

 

[Typical Average Student]

I think your list is good with your stats.
I would recommend taking out your "safety net" schools, which I assume would be Louisville, Maryland, Tufts, and Case Western.
Additionally, VCU has very cheap tuition so it's worth a shot applying there.

 

[ultimateballer07]

With less than three months remaining, I’ve been thinking about which schools to apply to for this upcoming cycle. I’ve managed to narrow my list to eighteen schools, but I think that fifteen schools should suffice with my stats. Please give me advice on my list such as which schools I should take off my list or any OOS-friendly (and cheap) schools to include.

Statistics:
oGPA = ~3.6
sGPA = ~3.5
DAT = 26AA, 26TS, 23PA

I have AP credits for the first two quarters of general chemistry, but did take the last of the series (5 credits) and have taken upper-level courses to supplement this. All the schools on my list allow AP credits.

I have (or will have) ~400 hours of job shadowing, ~700 hours of volunteering, and ~500 hours of research.

School List:
1. University of Southern California
2. University of California Los Angeles
3. University of California San Francisco
4. University of the Pacific
5. University of Connecticut
6. University of Louisville
7. University of Maryland
8. Boston University
9. Tufts University
10. University of Detroit Mercy
11. University of Michigan
12. Columbia University
13. New York University
14. Case Western Reserve University
15. Oregon Health & Science University
16. University of Pennsylvania
17. University of Pittsburgh
18. University of Washington (in-state)

My biggest concerns are that the public schools on my list might be OOS-unfriendly (no need to tell me UCLA is OOS-unfriendly because I already know...) and that I have too many schools with averages above mine.

Also, if anyone could tell me whether or not any of these schools are international-unfriendly, that would be great.

Thank you!

Remove USC, BU and Pitt in my opinion. Add Harvard as a reach. Maybe add UNC even though it's OOS-unfriendly.

 

[jokersmiles]

School List:
1. University of California Los Angeles
2. University of California San Francisco
3. University of the Pacific
4. University of Connecticut
5. University of Maryland
6. University of Detroit Mercy
7. University of Michigan
8. Columbia University
9. Case Western Reserve University
10. Oregon Health & Science University
11. University of Pennsylvania
12. University of Washington (in-state)

Your stats match well with these schools so apply to them since they all average around 3.6 GPA
your GPA is above that of NYU, Tufts, Pittsburgh, Boston, Louisville so I would remove these unless you want to use them as backups
which honestly you don't need any backups with your stats.
And USC is too expensive. Don't apply to any more than 15 schools.

Good luck to you!

 

[ncide]

Additionally, VCU has very cheap tuition so it's worth a shot applying there.

Is this considered cheap?

 

[ColumbiaOrtho]

Descent GPA and DAT scores! I think you have a great chance with those ECs also. May I ask you what year are you?

 

[musicplease]

With less than three months remaining, I’ve been thinking about which schools to apply to for this upcoming cycle. I’ve managed to narrow my list to eighteen schools, but I think that fifteen schools should suffice with my stats. Please give me advice on my list such as which schools I should take off my list or any OOS-friendly (and cheap) schools to include.

Statistics:
oGPA = ~3.6
sGPA = ~3.5
DAT = 26AA, 26TS, 23PA

I have AP credits for the first two quarters of general chemistry, but did take the last of the series (5 credits) and have taken upper-level courses to supplement this. All the schools on my list allow AP credits.

I have (or will have) ~400 hours of job shadowing, ~700 hours of volunteering, and ~500 hours of research.

School List:
1. University of Southern California
2. University of California Los Angeles
3. University of California San Francisco
4. University of the Pacific
5. University of Connecticut
6. University of Louisville
7. University of Maryland
8. Boston University
9. Tufts University
10. University of Detroit Mercy
11. University of Michigan
12. Columbia University
13. New York University
14. Case Western Reserve University
15. Oregon Health & Science University
16. University of Pennsylvania
17. University of Pittsburgh
18. University of Washington (in-state)

My biggest concerns are that the public schools on my list might be OOS-unfriendly (no need to tell me UCLA is OOS-unfriendly because I already know...) and that I have too many schools with averages above mine.

Also, if anyone could tell me whether or not any of these schools are international-unfriendly, that would be great.

Thank you!

With your high stats I would apply to only 10 schools
UCSF, UoP, UConn, Maryland, Michigan, Columbia, Case Western, Oregon, UPenn, Washington are all fair game for your DAT and GPA

add Tufts or NYU as an ultimate backup if you want.

 

[Typical Average Student]

Is this considered cheap?

O__O nevermind then lol.... Damn internet... I trusted you!! I saw 29k when I did a quick search, I remembered someone telling me it was cheap during one of my interviews.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

School List:
1. University of California Los Angeles
2. University of California San Francisco
3. University of the Pacific
4. University of Connecticut
5. University of Maryland
6. University of Detroit Mercy
7. University of Michigan
8. Columbia University
9. Case Western Reserve University
10. Oregon Health & Science University
11. University of Pennsylvania
12. University of Washington (in-state)

Your stats match well with these schools so apply to them since they all average around 3.6 GPA
your GPA is above that of NYU, Tufts, Pittsburgh, Boston, Louisville so I would remove these unless you want to use them as backups
which honestly you don't need any backups with your stats.
And USC is too expensive. Don't apply to any more than 15 schools.

Good luck to you!

No offense, but that's not the greatest advice... Just because his GPA may be above the average of these schools doesn't mean he would get in for sure and just because his GPA is around the average of the schools you left doesn't necessarily mean he will get in either.
That said, OP your stats are excellent, especially your DAT. Keep Washington for sure and base the rest of your schools around price, location (east vs west coast, city vs rural area), and if there is anything particular you've heard that you like about the program (for example, UConn is p/f, UoP is 3 years, etc). I would apply to no more than 10 and no less than 6.
Good luck! And it didn't hit me that the next cycle is only 3 months away until your post. That's crazy! Time flies I guess lol.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[rlaxkdl]

Based on all the feedback I got, this is what my new list is looking like:

1. University of Southern California (I know the general consensus is to take it off, but I feel like I should have at least one West coast school with averages below mine…)
2. University of California Los Angeles (again, I know it’s a bit of a reach but my heart is really set on it)
3. University of California San Francisco (location)
4. University of the Pacific (the three years is really a plus for me + location)
5. University of Connecticut (if anyone could give me more insight!)
6. Tufts University (lower averages than me)
7. University of Michigan (cheap?)
8. Columbia University (a bit of a reach)
9. New York University (may just decide to apply to either Tufts or NYU and not both)
10. Case Western Reserve University (some insight?)
11. University of Pennsylvania (reach)
12. University of Pittsburgh (cheap?)
13. University of Washington (in-state)

I’m also debating between Maryland, Detroit Mercy, Oregon, and Boston. Also, does anyone know how OOS-unfriendly UNC is? I know they accepted 24 of the 1283 OOS students that applied, but it’s hard putting those numbers in perspective. I’ve heard great things about the school, but I’d rather not make futile attempts. Harvard may also be too much of a reach for me…

I used the ADEA Guide (+ the official school websites if provided) to calculate what the costs would be for all 4 years (3 for UoP):

1. University of Southern California = $396,051 (guide), $452,553 (website)
2. University of California Los Angeles = $337,822 (guide)
3. University of California San Francisco = $368,587 (guide)
4. University of the Pacific = $420,399 (guide)
5. University of Connecticut = $359,123 (guide), $391,133 (website)
6. Tufts University = $402,821 (guide), $422,975 (website)
7. University of Michigan = $358,185 (guide), $366,559 (website)
8. Columbia University = $393,861 (guide)
9. New York University = $437,193 (guide), $471,964 (website)
10. Case Western Reserve University = $370,262 (guide), $396,894 (website)
11. University of Pennsylvania = $426,559 (guide), $440,572 (website)
12. University of Pittsburgh = $321,513 (guide)
13. University of Washington = $290,080 (guide), $357,778 (website)

Maryland = $394,592 (guide)
Detroit Mercy = $360,399 (guide)
Oregon = $385,562 (guide)
Boston = $374,846 (guide)

I’ve definitely taken costs and location into consideration, but I’m having a harder time with curriculum and the specific qualities that makes a school unique. It feels like all the schools have the same generic motto (“life long learners!” + “health professional leaders!”). How did you all approach your lists? I know it’s based on personal preference and that you’ll get a feel when you actually visit the campus during interviews, but what about when you’re choosing where to apply?

 

[rlaxkdl]

Out of the original 18 schools on your list, I interviewed at 7 and would be happy to share my experience at each. I personally loved UConn, Michigan, and Pitt, and was also a fan of Columbia and Penn.

What were the seven schools? And did you particularly dislike any of the schools? If you have time, I'd love to read your personal experiences.

 

[rlaxkdl]

Descent GPA and DAT scores! I think you have a great chance with those ECs also. May I ask you what year are you?

I will be graduating early in June 2017.

 

[musicplease]

1. University of Southern California USC is not worth it its too expensive, you can go to enjoy your 4 years but you will regret it after
2. University of California Los Angeles Chances are slim that you would get in but if you have some extra cash go ahead
3. University of California San Francisco Again, chances are slim
4. University of the Pacific If you want to specialize then I hear that UoP is not a good option
5. University of Connecticut Out of State stats are a lot higher than in state to be considered competitive, they are out of state unfriendly
6. Tufts University Expensive but in a good city and mostly accepts out of state
7. University of Michigan Not cheap if you are out of state resident
8. Columbia University This is not a reach, because of your DAT you are competitive, good for specializing
9. New York University Expensive but use it if you want to be careful
10. Case Western Reserve University You are competitive for this but they have a low overall acceptance rate of 2%
11. University of Pennsylvania This is not a reach, again you are competitive for this as well, good for specializing
12. University of Pittsburgh You are very competitive for this and it is a bit cheaper than others, not significantly.
13. University of Washington (in-state) Top Choice

I’m also debating between Maryland, Detroit Mercy, Oregon, and Boston. Also, does anyone know how OOS-unfriendly UNC is? I know they accepted 24 of the 1283 OOS students that applied, but it’s hard putting those numbers in perspective. I’ve heard great things about the school, but I’d rather not make futile attempts. Harvard may also be too much of a reach for me…

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...at-are-my-chances-read-if-this-is-you.635046/

I’ve definitely taken costs and location into consideration, but I’m having a harder time with curriculum and the specific qualities that makes a school unique. It feels like all the schools have the same generic motto (“life long learners!” + “health professional leaders!”). How did you all approach your lists? I know it’s based on personal preference and that you’ll get a feel when you actually visit the campus during interviews, but what about when you’re choosing where to apply?

-Penn, Columbia, (maybe UCLA) focus more on specializing so less clinical experience.
-UCSF is Pass/Fail
-UConn has good specialization rates
-Case Western, USC, Harvard have some PBL (Problem Based Learning)
-NYU, Tufts have a large class size
-Tufts, Detroit Mercy, UoP, Case Western, NYU I would argue have the best clinical experience
-Boston and USC I hear do not have very good programs, some problems with Oregon as well

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

[.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Based on all the feedback I got, this is what my new list is looking like:

1. University of Southern California (I know the general consensus is to take it off, but I feel like I should have at least one West coast school with averages below mine…)
2. University of California Los Angeles (again, I know it’s a bit of a reach but my heart is really set on it)
3. University of California San Francisco (location)
4. University of the Pacific (the three years is really a plus for me + location)
5. University of Connecticut (if anyone could give me more insight!)
6. Tufts University (lower averages than me)
7. University of Michigan (cheap?)
8. Columbia University (a bit of a reach)
9. New York University (may just decide to apply to either Tufts or NYU and not both)
10. Case Western Reserve University (some insight?)
11. University of Pennsylvania (reach)
12. University of Pittsburgh (cheap?)
13. University of Washington (in-state)

I’m also debating between Maryland, Detroit Mercy, Oregon, and Boston. Also, does anyone know how OOS-unfriendly UNC is? I know they accepted 24 of the 1283 OOS students that applied, but it’s hard putting those numbers in perspective. I’ve heard great things about the school, but I’d rather not make futile attempts. Harvard may also be too much of a reach for me…

I used the ADEA Guide (+ the official school websites if provided) to calculate what the costs would be for all 4 years (3 for UoP):

1. University of Southern California = $396,051 (guide), $452,553 (website)
2. University of California Los Angeles = $337,822 (guide)
3. University of California San Francisco = $368,587 (guide)
4. University of the Pacific = $420,399 (guide)
5. University of Connecticut = $359,123 (guide), $391,133 (website)
6. Tufts University = $402,821 (guide), $422,975 (website)
7. University of Michigan = $358,185 (guide), $366,559 (website)
8. Columbia University = $393,861 (guide)
9. New York University = $437,193 (guide), $471,964 (website)
10. Case Western Reserve University = $370,262 (guide), $396,894 (website)
11. University of Pennsylvania = $426,559 (guide), $440,572 (website)
12. University of Pittsburgh = $321,513 (guide)
13. University of Washington = $290,080 (guide), $357,778 (website)

Maryland = $394,592 (guide)
Detroit Mercy = $360,399 (guide)
Oregon = $385,562 (guide)
Boston = $374,846 (guide)

I’ve definitely taken costs and location into consideration, but I’m having a harder time with curriculum and the specific qualities that makes a school unique. It feels like all the schools have the same generic motto (“life long learners!” + “health professional leaders!”). How did you all approach your lists? I know it’s based on personal preference and that you’ll get a feel when you actually visit the campus during interviews, but what about when you’re choosing where to apply?

UNC is very OOS unfriendly. However, if it's somewhere you'd really like to be, you'll regret not applying. I yolo'd and applied. Didn't work there, but worked at a couple other places I didn't expect it to. I think I had comparable stats to you (higher GPA, lower DAT) which means both of my scores were above average to everywhere I applied (didn't apply to the ivy league ones because I don't care about prestige and they're really expensive). I didn't get interviews everywhere, so clearly stats are not the only indicator. I honestly made my list based on location (east coast). In hindsight, I should have narrowed it down a little more (city vs. rural). But yeah. Just pick some places you like and have at it. Also use the prices from the website over the prices in the guide. It's an expensive application process, but if you can afford a few hundred extra dollars, you can apply to all 13 of those. If you get like 10 interviews, you can defer the ones you like the least until after Dec 1 and later maybe decline them all together. If you get 2 interviews, you'll be grateful you applied to so many places.