How Many Medical Schools Should I Apply To?

If you dream of becoming a doctor, the first step is to apply to a medical school. But medical school admission requirements are no joke, and it’s tough to get in. So one of the first questions on your mind is probably: “How many medical schools should I apply to?” 

While you may already have determined a particular school you wish to join, it is never wise to put all your eggs in one basket. Read on to learn more about the number of medical schools you can apply to, the best strategies, and more.

The Right Number of Medical Schools to Apply To

The right number of medical schools to apply to varies significantly depending on individual circumstances, including your academic profile, personal interests, and career goals. However, there are some general guidelines and considerations that can help you make a more informed decision, such as:

• Focusing on realistic chances of acceptance
• Having a strategic application process
• Considering the acceptance rates and school characteristics
• Avoiding overextension

Aiming for a strategic number of applications, typically between 10-17, can help you focus your efforts on schools where you have a realistic chance of acceptance without overextending yourself.

Read on for more information on the number of medical schools you should apply to. 

Medical School List

Creating a medical school list is essential for strategically selecting the most suitable medical schools to apply to, ensuring a balanced application strategy, and optimizing the use of resources. 

It allows you to tailor your applications to each school’s specific requirements and values, thereby increasing the chances of acceptance. Additionally, it helps manage costs by focusing efforts on competitive applications and tracking application status and deadlines.

What should a medical school list include?

A medical school list should include a balanced mix of safety schools, target schools, and reach schools. Here’s what each term means and how they contribute to your college list:

Safety Schools – These are institutions where you have a very high chance of being admitted, typically because your academic credentials (test scores and GPA) are at or above the mid-50% range of admitted students, and the acceptance rate is at least 50%. 

Including medical safety schools ensures you have a strong chance of being accepted into at least one college, regardless of your other applications. Including at least one in-state option as a safety school is recommended, as they often offer an admissions advantage over out-of-state applicants.

Target Schools – These are a good match for you regarding academic rigor, campus culture, location, and other factors. They will likely be your match, meaning your academic credentials and personal interests align well with the school’s offerings. It’s suggested to apply to between four and six target medical schools.

Reach Schools –These are the most challenging to get into on your list, often with acceptance rates below 25% and lower. They might be dream schools or institutions of higher prestige, rigor, or demand. 

Reach schools include Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions. It’s recommended to cap this part of your list at three to four schools, as applying to these schools can be time-consuming and expensive. 

Factors to Consider When Applying to Medical Schools 

When applying to medical school, several factors are crucial to choosing the right institution for your medical education and career. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors you must consider to increase your chances of getting into a medical school:

Tuition and Financial Aid

Medical school tuition is the first on the list of considerations. The cost of tuition and the availability of financial aid are paramount considerations when choosing a medical school. Medical education can be expensive, and understanding the tuition fees, as well as the availability of scholarships, grants, and loans, is essential. Investigate the school’s financial aid offerings, including merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and opportunities for student employment.

Location and college setting

The location of your medical school will be your home for at least four years, so it’s essential to choose a place where you can comfortably live. And if you are an international student, you should spend more time getting familiar with and researching your new home. Consider the proximity to your support system, whether you prefer a big or small city, transportation options, and housing availability. The college’s setting, whether urban, suburban, or rural, can significantly impact your lifestyle and learning environment.

Academic offerings

Look into the medical school’s curriculum, specialties, and research opportunities. The school’s mission, curriculum, and joint degree programs are essential considerations. Research opportunities can be precious for those interested in a career in research or specialized fields.

College and class size

The size of the medical school can shape your learning experience. Smaller schools can offer a more personalized and family-oriented environment, with smaller class sizes allowing closer relationships with faculty and peers. 

On the other hand, larger schools may offer a broader range of opportunities, including more research and a larger faculty with differing areas of expertise.

Campus culture

The culture of the medical school, including student life, demographics, and the diversity of the student body, can significantly impact your experience. A more homogenous student body might offer a close-knit community, while a more diverse student body can provide a broader range of perspectives and experiences. The school’s connection to a major university and a college campus can also influence your social support and academic opportunities.

Campus amenities and facilities

The medical school’s physical facilities and amenities can affect your comfort and learning experience. Consider the quality of the library, labs, clinical facilities, and other resources available to students. The availability of these resources can impact your ability to engage in hands-on learning and research.

How to Increase Your Chances During the Medical School Application Process?

Applying to medical schools can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of acceptance into your dream medical school. 

Stay positive throughout the process

Remember that rejection is a normal part of the process and does not reflect on your worth as a person or future physician. Use rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve for future applications. Seek support from friends, family, and mentors, and care for your physical and emotional health during this time.

Study hard and get good grades

Aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get into a top medical school. Develop effective study habits, such as creating a schedule, breaking down complex concepts, and frequently reviewing materials. Utilize academic resources like tutoring and study groups to stay on track.

Strengthen your medical school application

Your application is your opportunity to showcase your passion for medicine and your suitability for medical school. This includes a compelling personal statement, a list of extracurricular activities, and good MCAT scores. Many medical schools use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which allows you to submit one application to multiple programs.

Understand the admissions process

The admissions process typically involves a primary application, a secondary application (if your primary application is accepted), and an interview. Each phase provides an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications and passion for medicine. Aim to submit your primary application as early as possible and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or interviews.

Start preparing early

Start preparing for the medical school application process during your undergraduate degree. This includes solidifying your list of schools, understanding the application process, and developing a strong academic foundation. Early preparation can give you a solid shot at getting accepted.

Bottom Line

Choosing the specific schools to apply to can be a time-consuming and rigorous undertaking. You start conducting research on schools long before you begin your application process to get enough time to assess your options objectively.

At the American University of Antigua (AUAMED), our admissions experts can help you choose the dream schools for you and guide you through the medical school applications process. AUAMED medical school accepts both Canadian and American students. 

Undoubtedly, both U.S. and Canadian med school acceptance rates are extremely low, and going to AUAMED is beneficial because once you graduate, you can move back and do your residency in Canada or the U.S! Contact us today to make your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is applying to 30 medical schools too much?

Applying to between 20 to 30 schools is advisable, depending on the factors guiding your application. We advise students to apply to many medical schools if they are re-applicants or if they are concerned about the strength of their applications, including a lower GPA and MCAT scores.

Should I apply to 50 medical schools?

When it comes to medical education, applying to fewer schools usually means you have a lower chance of realizing your dream. So, with that in mind, it may be feasible to apply to as many as 50 medical schools. However, the AAMC reveals the median number of secondary applications completed is 17. Applying to too many schools may be taking on too much and spreading yourself too thin. 

When is it advisable to apply to more medical schools?

If you are worried about certain aspects of your medical school admissions process, apply to as many schools as possible. Some of the scenarios that indicate you apply to as many med schools as possible include:

• GPA 3.5 or lower
• MCAT score below 510
• Lack of extracurricular activities
• Mediocre letters of applications
• Re-applications

Does the location of the medical school determine my application?

Yes. The location of the medical schools could influence the average number of applications to make. Typically medical schools in California, New York, and other popular areas tend to receive the most medical school applicants. Because these are competitive locales, restricting your list of schools in these areas could affect your chances of getting accepted.

What is considered as a target medical school?

Target medical schools are those where your GPA and MCAT match or are close to the metrics for accepted students. It is advisable that you devote at least 50% of your primary application and secondary applications to target schools, 25% to safety schools, and 25% to reach schools.