Introduction
Deciding how many medical schools to apply to is a crucial step in the journey to becoming a doctor. With the competitive nature of medical school admissions, applicants often grapple with the question of how many applications are enough to maximize their chances without overwhelming themselves.
Understanding the Application Process
Before diving into numbers, it's essential to understand that applications are submitted through different services:
- American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for MD programs
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for DO programs
- Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) for Texas schools
The AAMC reports that successful medical school applicants typically apply to 15-17 schools on average, though this number shouldn't be taken as a universal rule.
Key Factors to Consider
Academic Profile
- GPA and MCAT Scores: Compare your academic credentials with average statistics of accepted students using resources like MSAR
- Strong Stats: May need fewer applications
- Average Stats: Consider 15-20 schools
- Below Average Stats: May want to expand to 25-30 schools
Financial Considerations
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Primary application | ~$170 (first school) |
| Additional schools | ~$40 each |
| Secondary applications | $50-150 per school |
Pro Tip: Look into the AAMC Fee Assistance Program if costs are a concern.
School Selection Strategy
Create a balanced list using this distribution:
- Reach Schools: Schools where your credentials are below average (20-25%)
- Target Schools: Schools where your credentials match the average (50%)
- Safety Schools: Schools where your credentials are above average (25-30%)
Timeline Considerations
The application cycle spans nearly a year:
June: Primary applications open
June-September: Secondary applications
August-March: Interviews
October-May: Acceptances
Special Considerations
Non-Traditional Applicants
- Career changers
- Gap year students
- Military experience
- Unique backgrounds
Geographic Preferences
- In-state vs. out-of-state acceptance rates
- Regional biases
- Willingness to relocate
- State residency requirements
Quality Over Quantity
Focus on:
- Tailoring applications to each school
- Meeting all deadlines
- Maintaining application quality
- Strong personal statements
- Meaningful extracurricular activities
Additional Resources
- AAMC's Fee Assistance Program
- Kaplan's Medical School Application Timeline
- The Princeton Review's Guide to Medical School Applications
- Student Doctor Network
Remember that submitting strong applications to fewer schools is better than sending weak applications to many schools. While most applicants find success with 15-25 well-chosen schools, your specific situation may warrant adjusting this range up or down based on your unique circumstances, qualifications, and goals.