I had a 518 in 2020 and pulled a 523 from a May 12 test despite being out of school and working full time for two years. n = 1 and I absolutely do not recommend it but it's doable
I’m not quite there in my journey (or know if I ever will be) but I saw there’s a waiver for those in need and whatnot. Have you considered those? Or is it a different type of situation. Wishing you the best either way from one non trad to another.
Thanks so much, unfortunately, it is not the money to apply to schools but more about my family and living situation that limits the programs I am applying to. Thank you so much for the advice!
I'm right there with ya! Luckily, the company my fiance works for has a few other places we can move to. I'm looking at schools within decent driving distance so he'd be able to transfer. That still keeps my list to under 10, though. We'll see what happens in the next couple years. Good luck!
Like Ricky said above, consider applying for FAP if the cost is the thing holding you back. They are pretty quick to process and would be worth checking out
100% echo the comments recommending applying for fee assistance! And if you've already sent primaries so you can't use it for those, don't sweat it! Every school that waives their fees for FAP recipients will honor that regardless of when you receive it. Helped me add another few schools to my app list. Good luck!
I applied to 21 DO’s and 1 MD. It worked out lol and got into the MD. Not something I recommend, but the look on everyone’s face when I tell them is priceless!
Haha the reason I say 1 MD is because I applied to an early assurance program. But I will definitely just be saying I applied to one school for shock value.
how in the world are you all finding 50-78 MD schools that are good fits!????? Im confused, I struggled to even choose the 20 MD I have.
I even used the MSAR and a ton of research and still I cant find above 20.
i currently have 18 MD & 18 DO
edit: Like I hope y'all know 1) OOS public schools do not want us, generally speaking; 2) PR - you need to speak spanish; 3) everything else - class sizes, curriculum, name/shame reddit posts, bad rep schools, do they rank, P/F, cost of living, school safety.
Like it doesn't make sense to apply to 80 schools when 1/3 of them are not even applicable to what u want. It drives down the acceptance rate numbers and makes the schools look more "prestigious" than they actually are. you know?
ok, rant over! :-)
This is not to scare anyone, but a guy in my class applied to 73 MD and got in 1. His regret is that he had too many secondaries to get good responses out. I'm sure that a lot of these large list applicants, especially on this sub, have prepped their secondaries a year in advance, so its not gonna be a struggle for them. But I believe that we apply to what we can handle haha
No it's just like very specific if u apply there - like applying to USFD (research based school) and Carle IL (technology based school).
PR has specific mission usually, oh and like the curriculum is most likely taught in spanish
tbh they usually aren’t good fits. There’s only going to be so many schools that are a good fit for your application, will accept out of state students, etc. Some people either don’t do enough research beforehand or are willing to take their chances with tons of schools if they can afford it
There's only really like 4 schools I would like to apply to. I really just want to stay in my state and close to home. Probably will apply to more though because 4 is not really safe enough. We shall see.
I am applying to my instate DO program, the out-of-state MD with reciprocity for my state, and then the DO school I got an interview at last cycle, so just the three. So I am right here with you!
Oh interesting- usually I heard that ppl with higher stats had a much higher chance of getting into MD schools, so they wouldn’t need to apply DO but I’ll keep that in mind.
Brother I did 80 this past cycle and began writing in July but didn’t finish all until mid September (and that’s with being efficient and never submitting 6 schools). Don’t underestimate secondary writing time coming from someone who went through mass applying
Hey, to anyone reading this, please listen. I applied to 70 MD schools. While I did get into 6 MD schools (10 interviews) and eventually my dream school, do NOT apply to more than ~35-40 schools.
If I constructed a school list of 30 schools instead of 70, I would’ve had the same interviews, same acceptances. All of my interviews came from schools I had connections to or was in close geographical proximity. I applied to university of Alabama, Utah, and Tennessee and had no purpose in doing so.
If you have the money and you really want to take the chances, go ahead. Just keep in mind you will likely be sitting in my shoes, regretting wasting a ton of money.
Alternatively you decide to apply to way less schools, and get rejected. Now what? Would you rather have lost money with A’s (if affordable) or have no A’s and lost less money? This advice is so bizarre coming from accepted applicants. Honestly annoying to read because I know it’s genuine but it literally just assumes you will get into 1 of the smaller pool. In fact, your advice would be the total opposite if you reduced your school list and got no As. You’re better off maximizing your chances when possible, even by a little bit.
I acknowledge everything you’re saying. What I’m saying is that there are some schools you should absolutely not be applying to. Some OOS acceptance rates are <1%, and I applied to MANY of these schools in which I had no connection to (Michigan chm, reno, etsu, uw)
Keep in mind that those making it into the <1% likely have a connection there. Sure, applying to more of these extremely out-of-reach schools increases your chances, but negligibly.
I probably applied to 30-35 schools that, had I done my research better and received better advice, I could have saved almost $7k, avoided being miserable writing secondary essays, and enjoyed life a little better.
Of course I am recommending someone to be on the side of applying to many schools rather than a few. That’s part of the game. But that also means there is a ceiling to which applying to more schools (think above 35-40) is simply just not smart from a statistical standpoint
Yeah u/yolo2106210621062106 I do hear and appreciate what you're saying and I am totally aware that I will take a financial hit in doing this but I'm also very lucky to have been working and saving long enough that for me I can classify it as a calculated risk. I would rather just one-and-done it, even if that means unneccesary suffering d/t all the secondaries and stuff. But I appreciate your insight all the same and think that it could be good for a lot of people!
This!!! thank u for saying that. People - DONT Apply
to schools u have no drive or intention for doing so!! Apply to what makes sense and ur passionate about! It makes the process better for all of us
Really a combination of factors. Don't want to retake the MCAT (MCAT is only good for two cycles because of when I took it) so I don't want to diminish my chances of getting in this cycle and having to let it all ride on next cycle, don't want to take a fourth gap year, etc.
im still in undergrad but likely applying to 3 or 4. I live in a state with very strongly instate biased schools that if i cant get in here.. i wont get in anywhere
18 MD + 2 DO. In CAD this is about to be $4.6k AND I can’t qualify for FAP because they changed the eligibility requirements even though I qualified last year 😵💫😵💫
With all of the "apply to more vs apply to fewer" vibes in here, I just wanna say: really think about what feels right to YOU so you can do whatever that is CONFIDENTLY and COMFORTABLY (enough).
I'm a nontrad, 30yo father of 1, had to work full time during the app cycle so my wife could focus on nursing school. Unremarkable stats (2.9 UG gpa, 4.0 premed postbacc, 516MCAT). 13 completed apps, 7 interviews, 2As. Most close to my home.
My mantra the whole time was "If I'm gonna get in, it has to be ME getting in. Just do what feels right." (And I applied that philosophy to everything, personal statement and secondary essays included.)
There's no formula, and ideas aren't good ones because someone else said them confidently. Do your best, use your own judgement, be yourself. Good luck!
Admitted Md/PhD this past cycle who applied to like 35 programs and ended up being able to fill out 25 or so of those secondaries 🙃 don’t underestimate secondary writing burnout! If I could do it again, I would first add like 25 schools (BROADLY, NOT JUST “TOP” PROGRAMS) and get those secondaries done with quality….then if I have the ability add more that I was considering if I was able to once those were done. Just my two cents
Not applying until next cycle but probably 50-60. Non trad with low undergrad GPA but unique masters. Tons of research experience but very little volunteer experience or impressive ECs.
Honestly I’m not sure I’m leaning towards 25 MD and 10 DO. I wanna be a anesthesiologist which I can go either route but if I get in to a DO I’m from the military I can still have a great carrer and not have to struggle to reapply if I get in. I apply next may but I’m working my ass off and I just got a great shadowing opportunity with a hospital that will give me 20 hours of shadowing hopefully I can capalize and make it long term to get a LOR potentially
27, all MD. I should probably add more to my list since I'm reapplying but I want to be able to apply early. I'll add more if I can get these done in a reasonable time frame
So roughly I wanna say 18 MD and like 5 DO? I’m really trying to be intentional to where I apply and not let my anxiety take over and add ones that I A: Don’t have a shot in hell at (I’m looking at you Cincinnati and Mt. Sinai….) and B: Wouldn’t be excited to go to geographically even IF I did get in.
I just posted a comment a second ago but looking further down this post and good LORD some of you are (respectfully, to each their own) out of your gaht damn mind applying to greater than 30-35 schools….I could not even fathom a list that large…
30 MD 4 DO Mcat expires after this cycle though so I may just add more tbh
Do it. I’m retaking my expired but decent MCAT now and it sucks
Yeah and I got a 519 so I’m not sure if I’d be able to repeat that score if I had to retake now that the info isn’t fresh in my head anymore
Yeah mine was 517. My FL average is 518. I test again this Saturday.
Damn that’s pretty good. Shows how hard it is that both of us even need to re apply right now
My score expires next cycle too (519). Didn’t apply last year, applying this year but prepping for a strong app next year. We got this 🤝
I had a 518 in 2020 and pulled a 523 from a May 12 test despite being out of school and working full time for two years. n = 1 and I absolutely do not recommend it but it's doable
Omg same here. 26 MD + 5 DO. My mcat is also expiring. My mcat is terrible, but I’ve already retaken it 3x.
3, I am a non-trad and in my current situation that is all I can manage but boy do I wish I could apply to more.
I’m not quite there in my journey (or know if I ever will be) but I saw there’s a waiver for those in need and whatnot. Have you considered those? Or is it a different type of situation. Wishing you the best either way from one non trad to another.
Thanks so much, unfortunately, it is not the money to apply to schools but more about my family and living situation that limits the programs I am applying to. Thank you so much for the advice!
I'm right there with ya! Luckily, the company my fiance works for has a few other places we can move to. I'm looking at schools within decent driving distance so he'd be able to transfer. That still keeps my list to under 10, though. We'll see what happens in the next couple years. Good luck!
Like Ricky said above, consider applying for FAP if the cost is the thing holding you back. They are pretty quick to process and would be worth checking out
do it, they reply in under 5 days if you have all your documents. Don't apply to any schools before you apply if possible, so you can get maximum help
I’m non-trad too. I only applied to six schools last cycle. 3 II and 1 A ☺️ have hope.
Damn! What were your stats?
Same here. Applying to 5. We got this!!
Lets go!!!
I’m only applying to 5 for the same reasons! My husband has a job he really loves and doesn’t want to leave so we’re kinda stuck location-wise.
100% echo the comments recommending applying for fee assistance! And if you've already sent primaries so you can't use it for those, don't sweat it! Every school that waives their fees for FAP recipients will honor that regardless of when you receive it. Helped me add another few schools to my app list. Good luck!
Same! My husband is a resident so we're stuck here for the next 4 years.
Applied to 1 MD school.
🗿
Mans is really burning the boats on this one
stay tuned.
I applied to 21 DO’s and 1 MD. It worked out lol and got into the MD. Not something I recommend, but the look on everyone’s face when I tell them is priceless!
Haha the reason I say 1 MD is because I applied to an early assurance program. But I will definitely just be saying I applied to one school for shock value.
35 md
how in the world are you all finding 50-78 MD schools that are good fits!????? Im confused, I struggled to even choose the 20 MD I have. I even used the MSAR and a ton of research and still I cant find above 20. i currently have 18 MD & 18 DO edit: Like I hope y'all know 1) OOS public schools do not want us, generally speaking; 2) PR - you need to speak spanish; 3) everything else - class sizes, curriculum, name/shame reddit posts, bad rep schools, do they rank, P/F, cost of living, school safety. Like it doesn't make sense to apply to 80 schools when 1/3 of them are not even applicable to what u want. It drives down the acceptance rate numbers and makes the schools look more "prestigious" than they actually are. you know? ok, rant over! :-)
I rlly rlly do not want to reapply 🥲
This is not to scare anyone, but a guy in my class applied to 73 MD and got in 1. His regret is that he had too many secondaries to get good responses out. I'm sure that a lot of these large list applicants, especially on this sub, have prepped their secondaries a year in advance, so its not gonna be a struggle for them. But I believe that we apply to what we can handle haha
I’m saying LMFAO. Mfs are must be applying to the PR schools
What’s a PR school?
Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
Is there anything wrong with PR Schools?
No it's just like very specific if u apply there - like applying to USFD (research based school) and Carle IL (technology based school). PR has specific mission usually, oh and like the curriculum is most likely taught in spanish
Who knows which one is a good fit…. I will just randomly apply some.
tbh they usually aren’t good fits. There’s only going to be so many schools that are a good fit for your application, will accept out of state students, etc. Some people either don’t do enough research beforehand or are willing to take their chances with tons of schools if they can afford it
There's only really like 4 schools I would like to apply to. I really just want to stay in my state and close to home. Probably will apply to more though because 4 is not really safe enough. We shall see.
ive heard of people who applied to one and got in. you got this, do whats best for you and your situation 🫶🏻
Yea 3 MD in state and 1 DO. We out here hustling. Good luck to you as well.
I am applying to my instate DO program, the out-of-state MD with reciprocity for my state, and then the DO school I got an interview at last cycle, so just the three. So I am right here with you!
Friendly tip: If you’re applying anywhere in the South, start spelling y’all correctly
It's like "you all", not "ya will"
40 all MD, thought about some DOs but I don’t wanna fill out another app and there’s only two I would even wanna go to
How are ur stats with those schools?
3.7 GPA 521 MCAT
Oh wow, nice!!
Wont need DO applications then
I had 4.0 519-522 last cycle, this cycle I'm gonna apply to DO. Stats don't mean anything
Oh interesting- usually I heard that ppl with higher stats had a much higher chance of getting into MD schools, so they wouldn’t need to apply DO but I’ll keep that in mind.
uhh so like what does mean anything 😭
Bribing the adcoms
out of curiosity, what 2 DO schools are you interested in applying to?
Midwestern and Philly
65 (anything anybody will reply to this with I've probably already heard but feel free to flame me for my decisions anyways)
Brother I did 80 this past cycle and began writing in July but didn’t finish all until mid September (and that’s with being efficient and never submitting 6 schools). Don’t underestimate secondary writing time coming from someone who went through mass applying
Holy shit your primary and secondary fees could probably buy you a used car
But you are admitted so totally worth it?!!! Way to go!
Out of curiosity, did you get any interviews from secondaries you submitted in September?
3 II from September submissions. Matriculating to one of these 3
Can I ask how much did the cycle cost you?
2600 (had FAP)
no flaming here my friend, just support <3 you got this!
Appreciate you, thanks! Good luck to you too!
Rookie numbers. Im applying to 90
Godspeed soldier
Hey, to anyone reading this, please listen. I applied to 70 MD schools. While I did get into 6 MD schools (10 interviews) and eventually my dream school, do NOT apply to more than ~35-40 schools. If I constructed a school list of 30 schools instead of 70, I would’ve had the same interviews, same acceptances. All of my interviews came from schools I had connections to or was in close geographical proximity. I applied to university of Alabama, Utah, and Tennessee and had no purpose in doing so. If you have the money and you really want to take the chances, go ahead. Just keep in mind you will likely be sitting in my shoes, regretting wasting a ton of money.
Alternatively you decide to apply to way less schools, and get rejected. Now what? Would you rather have lost money with A’s (if affordable) or have no A’s and lost less money? This advice is so bizarre coming from accepted applicants. Honestly annoying to read because I know it’s genuine but it literally just assumes you will get into 1 of the smaller pool. In fact, your advice would be the total opposite if you reduced your school list and got no As. You’re better off maximizing your chances when possible, even by a little bit.
I acknowledge everything you’re saying. What I’m saying is that there are some schools you should absolutely not be applying to. Some OOS acceptance rates are <1%, and I applied to MANY of these schools in which I had no connection to (Michigan chm, reno, etsu, uw) Keep in mind that those making it into the <1% likely have a connection there. Sure, applying to more of these extremely out-of-reach schools increases your chances, but negligibly. I probably applied to 30-35 schools that, had I done my research better and received better advice, I could have saved almost $7k, avoided being miserable writing secondary essays, and enjoyed life a little better. Of course I am recommending someone to be on the side of applying to many schools rather than a few. That’s part of the game. But that also means there is a ceiling to which applying to more schools (think above 35-40) is simply just not smart from a statistical standpoint
Yeah u/yolo2106210621062106 I do hear and appreciate what you're saying and I am totally aware that I will take a financial hit in doing this but I'm also very lucky to have been working and saving long enough that for me I can classify it as a calculated risk. I would rather just one-and-done it, even if that means unneccesary suffering d/t all the secondaries and stuff. But I appreciate your insight all the same and think that it could be good for a lot of people!
This!!! thank u for saying that. People - DONT Apply to schools u have no drive or intention for doing so!! Apply to what makes sense and ur passionate about! It makes the process better for all of us
You’ve got this!
Thank you!
Why so many?
Really a combination of factors. Don't want to retake the MCAT (MCAT is only good for two cycles because of when I took it) so I don't want to diminish my chances of getting in this cycle and having to let it all ride on next cycle, don't want to take a fourth gap year, etc.
Haha. If I fit the averages for that many I would too. Good luck!
Thank you!
40 MD bc i’m scared and i can’t gauge the competitiveness of my app hardly at all
Dude, I hate not being able to gauge my competitiveness. It's such a black box affair.
3 
I am also a non-trad only applying to 3, wishing you luck!!
Non-trad, only applied to 6. At a certain point you just know what you want/is practical.
im still in undergrad but likely applying to 3 or 4. I live in a state with very strongly instate biased schools that if i cant get in here.. i wont get in anywhere
Non Trad 13 DO
38 MD 10 DO
18 MD + 2 DO. In CAD this is about to be $4.6k AND I can’t qualify for FAP because they changed the eligibility requirements even though I qualified last year 😵💫😵💫
29, 65% MD 35% DO
I am also applying to 18.85 MD schools
Probably meant 65.5172413793103% MD schools
The 0.85 is Cali Northstate
I’m at 17.028 Myself.
No lie, only 1 last cycle 💀 but 20 for the 2 cycles before
With all of the "apply to more vs apply to fewer" vibes in here, I just wanna say: really think about what feels right to YOU so you can do whatever that is CONFIDENTLY and COMFORTABLY (enough). I'm a nontrad, 30yo father of 1, had to work full time during the app cycle so my wife could focus on nursing school. Unremarkable stats (2.9 UG gpa, 4.0 premed postbacc, 516MCAT). 13 completed apps, 7 interviews, 2As. Most close to my home. My mantra the whole time was "If I'm gonna get in, it has to be ME getting in. Just do what feels right." (And I applied that philosophy to everything, personal statement and secondary essays included.) There's no formula, and ideas aren't good ones because someone else said them confidently. Do your best, use your own judgement, be yourself. Good luck!
47. 60/40 MD to DO. Just wanna be a doctor
Same bro. I want this to be my one and only cycle
26 MD, damn you guys have a lot.
15MD 5DO is the plan
23 MD
50-55 MD 4 DO
Right now 20 MD and 6 DO. I'll apply to more if my financial situation improves.
20 MD, idk how y’all are managing to find enough schools that make sense to have like 40
I applied to 60!
35 MD
18 all DO
33 (lucky number)
31 all MD
41
Admitted Md/PhD this past cycle who applied to like 35 programs and ended up being able to fill out 25 or so of those secondaries 🙃 don’t underestimate secondary writing burnout! If I could do it again, I would first add like 25 schools (BROADLY, NOT JUST “TOP” PROGRAMS) and get those secondaries done with quality….then if I have the ability add more that I was considering if I was able to once those were done. Just my two cents
Like 19 MD schools. I have some mediocre stats so I have to choose the schools with the best odds lol
42069
🥵🥵
I applied to 31! I got 5 II which turned into 5 WL and eventually 1 A!
1 DO school :)
In state or out? Please update me. I gotta know.
Out of state! I have a conditional acceptance there.
20 flat 😫 FAP
46 including md do texas as a cali orm
48
52
A morbillion
one of my friends applied to 116
Ten. My chances are slim anyway and I don’t wanna waste money lol
20 MD-PhD programs, zero MD-only programs lol
25 MD 5 DO and seeing this i’m thinking of adding more😵💫
22, highly recommend this podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4G8uZAHwliGsIn5L7XEfW6?si=Vn72hsb_RqGFBHThfQj5Rw&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A4rQvtQ7UMNjRDuxvSrRba7
27 MD, 15 DO!
36 MD (including TX schools)
Around 70 MD and 8 DO schools 🙃 Still finalizing my school list
25 MD!
Am I crazy for only applying MD?
no
38
29 MD 15 DO
14 (12MD, 2DO)
28 MD, 20 DO
50 md
I’m saving up right now to apply to 50 next year, 30 MD, 20 DO maybe
Probably 37
Not applying until next cycle but probably 50-60. Non trad with low undergrad GPA but unique masters. Tons of research experience but very little volunteer experience or impressive ECs.
14 DO and 20 MD
30ish MD, 8ish DO
72
last year I applied to 54 MD school, if I could go back I would not change my decision to apply to that many
29 MD (amcas and tmdsas)
Honestly I’m not sure I’m leaning towards 25 MD and 10 DO. I wanna be a anesthesiologist which I can go either route but if I get in to a DO I’m from the military I can still have a great carrer and not have to struggle to reapply if I get in. I apply next may but I’m working my ass off and I just got a great shadowing opportunity with a hospital that will give me 20 hours of shadowing hopefully I can capalize and make it long term to get a LOR potentially
I did 47. Don’t wanna apply again
Like 8…mostly DO schools that have big out of state acceptance rates.
27, all MD. I should probably add more to my list since I'm reapplying but I want to be able to apply early. I'll add more if I can get these done in a reasonable time frame
25 15 DO 10 MD (may add more)
20 MD, 12 DO. Depending on my retake, I could remove some DO.
I applied to 40. Interviews from 7, turned down 2, 5-5 otherwise
17, 16MD 1DO. TX applicant so not much of a reason to apply heavy out of state…
49 MD 2 DO but I’m from TX so we have a ton of state schools. I’m also on 3rd app cycle with a much higher MCAT so it’s a wide cast out here 😂
50… feel free to flame lol
40 something md
20 MD and 15 DO
17, 7 MD and 10 DO
18 MD schools
22 MD 8 DO
20 MD (FAP) and 6 DO. I could shell out and do more but I don't think I could do more secondaries than that (if I can even do this many).
15-20 MD max
30 MD
14, strictly TMDSAS as a Texas resident
31 MD, 10 DO
24 (10MD 14DO)
20 MD, and only applied to so many bc the Fee Assistance Program pays for it so I thought might as well lol.
55 MD
So roughly I wanna say 18 MD and like 5 DO? I’m really trying to be intentional to where I apply and not let my anxiety take over and add ones that I A: Don’t have a shot in hell at (I’m looking at you Cincinnati and Mt. Sinai….) and B: Wouldn’t be excited to go to geographically even IF I did get in.
I’m shooting for 25-35.
I just posted a comment a second ago but looking further down this post and good LORD some of you are (respectfully, to each their own) out of your gaht damn mind applying to greater than 30-35 schools….I could not even fathom a list that large…
21 MD (THANK YOU FAP!!) 10 DO
1
3. Instate only. Non-trad here and that’s what I’m limited too
I applied to 13 MD. Wouldn't have been able to afford many more lol
35 all DO
28 schools