Should I apply only to NC schools?

[FutureDDShopeful]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This is my first time posting... Is it wise to only apply to 2 schools in NC? I have so many many friends applying to only NC schools with super high DATs and when I check here it makes me nervous to do this...


Stats:
Emory grad. 3.69 sGPA, 3.84 oGPA, NC resident, URM (black female)
DAT: 20 AA
I have 300 hours of working as a dental assistant and good ECs
Schools: UNC, ECU

Should I add GRU and Tenn?

 

[I want to go to there]

With your DAT score, I wouldn't advise it. Even if it was high, I still wouldn't. Apply to at least 8. Potential benefits outweigh the cost.

 

[Weakfart]

You could add Meharry and Howard if you wanted a safety.

 

[fischook]

You should be fine... But I had similar stats as you, interviewed at both, and wait listed at both. I had my heart set on one of them but instead I will be heading OOS and I'm glad I had applied to more OOS schools. The thought of reapplying just for two schools is tough, at least for me. Good luck!

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

Thanks, I thought of Meharry but it costs so much. I'm trying to stay away from private schools. I thought I should apply to state schools nearby. It doesnt seem like they are OOS friendly though?

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

I have my heart set of UNC but I think everyone from here does though. I was confused by what ECU is looking for... there seems to be no rhyme or reason except state residency ...

 

[Weakfart]

In general, you're going to have a difficult time applying to state schools outside your residence so private would be your best bet. Up to you if you on what you want to do though.

 

[fischook]

I have my heart set of UNC but I think everyone from here does though. I was confused by what ECU is looking for... there seems to be no rhyme or reason except state residency ...

Yeah ECU is hard to figure out. Not to be cocky but I thought at least I'd get in there. They interview almost everyone that applies and what they look for is def a mystery. I had tons of service, volunteer, shadowing, and lived/worked with the underserved. One of my interviewers told me word for word he would vouch for me. Who knows? I would play it safe and put a few more schools

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

Yeah ECU is hard to figure out. Not to be cocky but I thought at least I'd get in there. They interview almost everyone that applies and what they look for is def a mystery. I had tons of service, volunteer, shadowing, and lived/worked with the underserved. One of my interviewers told me word for word he would vouch for me. Who knows? I would play it safe and put a few more schools

I saw that looking at last years threads. A lot of people who got into UNC didnt get into ECU. For UNC they told me residency (or being from a state nearby) and academics are the two major components while ECU emphasized more service and being from an underserved area of NC was important. What part of NC are you from?

 

[fischook]

Born and raised in Charlotte but lived/worked in rural parts of Montana and Idaho. I think me being from a populated county and living outside of the state for a little bit worked against me, even though I was confirmed a resident. Btw at the interviews they have your county right under your name tag. I suspect they take that into consideration as their main goal is to provide dentist in rural and underserved areas of NC.

 

[fischook]

What part of NC are you from?

 

[kholley25]

I know some dentists who were on the admission committe of ecu. I think the county you reside(d) in matters more than people realize. They know most students will return to their home county so they choose applicants who they think will most likely return to serve in undeserved areas.

There are also "non cognitive" variables they measure through the essays and interview. I think they actually have a way to quantitate these variables to compare applicants. Obviously, academics are much less of a concern to them: they're choosing people who best fit their mission.

 

[Kittenz]

I too am an Emory grad. I was also a part of the pre dent club last semester, so I'm sure we've met. Nevertheless, you need to apply to more. UConn comes to mind especially since you're rightfully concerned with costs. It's cheaper than most public schools since you get cheap in-state tuition starting your 2nd year and P/F with pretty much always having >90% of students go on to a residency. Next I'd apply to UCSF, which gives in-state tuition after one year too, but its costs are more (especially living costs), but still less than private schools while maintaining a sense of prestige (not really important). Buffalo also gives in-state tuition after 1 year and is cheaper than both that I have already listed, but it's not a desirable destination due to weather. The first 2 also give an edge in specializing/gpr while maintaining affordability. Oh, and don't add GRU or Tenn.

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

I too am an Emory grad. I was also a part of the pre dent club last semester, so I'm sure we've met. Nevertheless, you need to apply to more. UConn comes to mind especially since you're rightfully concerned with costs. It's cheaper than most public schools since you get cheap in-state tuition starting your 2nd year and P/F with pretty much always having >90% of students go on to a residency. Next I'd apply to UCSF, which gives in-state tuition after one year too, but its costs are more (especially living costs), but still less than private schools while maintaining a sense of prestige (not really important). Buffalo also gives in-state tuition after 1 year and is cheaper than both that I have already listed, but it's not a desirable destination due to weather. The first 2 also give an edge in specializing/gpr while maintaining affordability. Oh, and don't add GRU or Tenn.

I graduated in 2011. I don't like snow much so I don't think I could live that far up north. I'm close to my family so I would not want to go too far away. This is my first time applying.

 

[Kittenz]

Then we haven't met, but my advice still applies 😉

Oh and I'm from FL, but I looked forward to moving across the country. Your call though. I should be more informative. Your other alternatives to my last advice is to apply to many private schools, which I would do regardless of whether or not you applied to the schools I advised you to apply to previously.

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

Then we haven't met, but my advice still applies 😉

Oh and I'm from FL, but I looked forward to moving across the country. Your call though.

Thanks! I may add Meharry in there or Nova... just to see .. Theres so few d-schools 🙁 I wish Emory still had one but then again it would be $$$$$

 

[dp93]

add WVU. good OOS% and very cheap.

 

[fischook]

Why not VCU? I was accepted but did not decide to go there. You would have a great shot there and it's close to home. I really liked the school and they are in the middle of some great renovations. Richmond is eh though

 

[Faux]

UNC mentioned several times that it sometimes takes students several cycles to get UNC. Out of all my interviews, they were really the only one to empathize that for whatever reason.

So, apply for more schools if you're willing to leave.

 

[tarheel616]

UNC mentioned several times that it sometimes takes students several cycles to get UNC. Out of all my interviews, they were really the only one to empathize that for whatever reason.

So, apply for more schools if you're willing to leave.

I currently go to UNC and this has been mentioned during every admissions conversation I've had at the dental school.

To the OP: I would add Maryland and UT-Memphis. A lot of people I know from NC have had success applying to these schools.

 

[Kittenz]

Maryland is expensive as heck as OOS (60k a year in just tuition). I liked the Meharry choice through. I spent a lot of time with dental students at GRU when dental assisting, that's why I advised against applying there as OOS. They don't take kindly to OOS.

 

[FutureDDShopeful]

I currently go to UNC and this has been mentioned during every admissions conversation I've had at the dental school.

To the OP: I would add Maryland and UT-Memphis. A lot of people I know from NC have had success applying to these schools.

Thanks so much! I will add in VCU and Meharry!

 

[ECUGIRL28]

Yeah ECU is hard to figure out. Not to be cocky but I thought at least I'd get in there. They interview almost everyone that applies and what they look for is def a mystery. I had tons of service, volunteer, shadowing, and lived/worked with the underserved. One of my interviewers told me word for word he would vouch for me. Who knows? I would play it safe and put a few more schools

ECU is veryyyy big on research.