Struggling with what schools to apply to

[yenksd9]

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I have a few schools on my list, but can't decide where else to apply. I may be over thinking it some as I tend to do, but any suggestions would help. I would like to submit my application by this Friday so I can get on that "early applicant" list.

Background: Graduated with BS in Bioengineering High Distinction (top 6%), wrote an honors thesis, 70 hrs shadowing 2 dentists in 1 practice, lots of EC's (leadership and athletics)

cumulative GPA = 3.87
BCP GPA = 3.88
other science GPA (math, engr, etc..) = 3.81
Combined the BCP and other science = 3.83

I'll be taking the DAT's in August and from my prep so far I don't think I'll get below an AA of 20, and maybe even score as high as 23 or 24 if I study really hard for these next two months.

Being from Philadelphia my top schools are Temple and Pitt (mainly for price). Even though its pricey UPenn is on the list too due to locality, as well as University of Maryland, so that makes 4.

Ideally, I'd like to go someplace warm and preferably more urban (high pop. density). Price is also a factor but if I'm going private or out of state then the difference between a lot of them is pretty small considering how much you're already paying.

I'll probably apply to Tufts or NYU as back ups more or less because they're easier to get into, but NOVA sounds nice as does Louisville. LSU and UNC are not OOS friendly so I don't know if I should even bother.

Can anyone make any suggestions for me? I have the ADEA book, but I'm pretty overwhelmed with all of the options.

Thank you.

 

[njohns24]

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[AwesomeTeeth]

Don't bother with LSU and UNC if you're not a resident.

 

[omnipoDent]

Here are the admission averages from last cycle:

View attachment 19841

Unfortunately, it's very difficult to make realistic school suggestions for you when you have not taken the DAT yet. If you tank it, then it obviously changes how competitive you are as an applicant.

The schools you've mentioned are all good. You could also add Columbia. Best of luck.

 

[dantemac]

NYU, Tufts, Penn, Pitt, Temple, Maryland = Givens (all New England)

Perhaps even try a crack at BU or UMDNJ, but UMDNJ really loves NJ residents.

Perhaps for safety I would add Case Western, it's in Cleveland and they interview damn near everyone from out of state.

NOVA is a stretch. They receive so many applications that even the acceptances of the brighest students is narrowed.

Perhaps try Western, ASDOH, USC, etc. if you would like warm and sunny!