How many schools did everyone apply to?

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I am wondering how many schools everyone applied to. I have heard that you should apply to 4-6 at least. I was thinking 3-4. Should I do more? I also read that it is okay to send more than the required number of references. That way if one is late in coming you have a better chance of getting them in a timely fashion. If they all do get there than that is fine and that grad schools don't really mind extra paper work. What is everyone's experience with these topics.

The more questions I get answered the more I come up with.

I applied to 3 schools. I think 6 schools is a bit much, but if you are truly interested in all of them, go for it. It's not worth it if you really don't want to go there though. I'm sure it's okay to send in more than the required references, but I wouldn't go too overboard. One or two extra probably wouldn't be a big deal. I sent the people that I asked for recommendations a thank you card about 1 or 2 weeks before the deadline. This helped remind them that the recommendation needed to be sent.

Specializes in public health, heme/onc, research.

I applied to 4 schools. One of the professors that wrote my recommendations said that I should pick two more schools (apply to 6 total). But I was pretty confident I would get in to at least one of the schools I applied to. and I didn't have the money to apply to more schools. After being accepted to two programs I withdrew my other applications. I think four is enough. All the schools I applied to required 3 recommendations but I sent four.

I would recommend that you do a self managed application. Get all your official transcripts, have your recommendations sent back to you (sealed, signed, unopen). Then when you have all the paper work together send it all in to that school. That way the school get everything from you at one time and might be less likely to lose it.

Specializes in med surg, icu.

I applied to 1 school, but 2 different programs... and got into my 1st choice program early (before they started the other 2 interview groups). I haven't heard from the 2nd one yet... but I already mailed my letter of intent, so it won't really matter either way.

I had 3 other programs (starting spring 2007) as my backup plans in case plan a and plan b didn't work... it's always good to have a backup plan.

There were a lot of entry masters programs I didn't know about previously (UCSF, CSUS, etc.)... but I don't really mind. I really loved the atmosphere of Samuel Merritt College (the whole smaller college feel... I've never been in an academic class bigger than 20 or so students when I did my undergrad, and I really liked that), and the interview experience confirmed my wanting to be there.

6 schools sounds like a lot... considering that you have to pay an application fee each time... and order transcripts... and get letters of recommendation done for each program. I think 3 or 4 with a decent backup (in case things don't work) is a good balance...

Specializes in Graduating in 2009.

I think 6 sounds like a lot, too. I applied to 3, which was plenty (although I was thinking of a fourth...).

I sent in only the required number of recommendation letters and it all turned out ok, but the suggestion of a having an extra one just in case one is late or lost seems like a good idea.

Good luck!

i only applied to one school because there was only one school i was fixated on going to and i refused to consider the possibility of not getting in at the time. luckily, things worked in my favor and i'm in my first semester there now. in hindsight though i think it's probably best to apply to at least 2 or 3 schools. good luck!

Hello,

I applied to only one school because as the last reader said, that's the one I was fixated on. I too am in my first semester with 3 more to go.

Good luck

3, but I wish I had saved my money and only applied to the two I was really considering - but everyone (all my professors) said that I should really AT LEAST apply to three schools, but they really recommended 6. My answer was that I can't *afford* to apply to six schools!

Thanks, everyone for applying. It was very helpful. I am thinking about applying to 3 or 4. I might ask for 1 extra reference. Does anyone recommend an on-line program for adult health?

Specializes in ACNP-BC.

I only applied to one grad school because it was the only one I really wanted to go to based on location, cost of the program, etc. Luckily I got in! :) They required only 3 recommendation letters, but I sent in 4 because I knew I could get 4 really good ones & I wanted to be sure I had the best chance of getting in. :)

its hard to say. i applied to 4 but got into all of them, so looking back i wish i would have applied to less and saved some money--at the same time i didn't think i would get into any of them!:uhoh3: Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. I would say apply to three, tops. Call the schools and give them your profile (ie. GRE scores, GPA, various accomplishments) and ask their honest opinion--they will tell you if you'd be a competitive applicant.

Good Luck!:roll

Specializes in acute care.

I applied to three (UMass Worcester, MGH and Yale) and got into one of them(MGH). It might not be a bad idea to do 4 or 5, to reduce the chances of not getting in anywhere, which I was really starting to think was going to happen to me but fortunately it didn't. This applies even if you're a competitive applicant, as I feel that I was.

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