What is the best way to choose schools to apply to?

[premedmind]

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To be honest, I don't believe I will be at all competitive for MD schools with my June 18th 2009 MCAT. I would like to know how broadly, to apply and if any reach schools I should apply to. No sense in applying to tons of schools if all I can expect is a near guaranteed rejection. I am in the NY-metro area.

Non-science GPA: 3.8
MCAT: mid 20's (I know....that's why I'm putting a lot of emphasis on DO as well)
EC's: above average
LOR's: average I guess
Hispanic
My personal statement is also quite good if that matters

 

[acridknight]

i'm a big proponent of dart boards.

 

[acridknight]

check out the MSAR for MD schools and apply to the schools whose MCAT and GPA avgs are close to yours. if there is an MSAR for DO schools, check that out too. (i have no clue about DO schools, but as far as for allo school, i lived by the MSAR)

 

[premedmind]

check out the MSAR for MD schools and apply to the schools whose MCAT and GPA avgs are close to yours. if there is an MSAR for DO schools, check that out too. (i have no clue about DO schools, but as far as for allo school, i lived by the MSAR)

Thanks! I was just randomly adding schools to my AMCAS application and knew that I would probably end up regretting it with secondaries and all.

Any idea where I can buy the MSAR book (locally that is).

 

[acridknight]

MSAR = medical school application requirements

it's published each year by the AAMC. you can buy it directly from AAMC ( https://services.aamc.org/publicati...ion=Product.displayForm&prd_id=259&prv_id=318 ) or any other bookstore around you.

i bought my from a local B&N. they had to order it, though. if you buy it online, you'll prob wait for less.

also, unless you're applying to the newer schools, you don't need the newest MSAR. you can also try ebay to buy these older books.