<p>All,</p>
<p>My son is planning to apply to around 20 BS/BA/MD programs. Considering the low acceptance rates for the combined programs, he wanted to apply wide. However college counselor has been discouraging him from doing that. Yes he is aware that here is lots of work with regards to essays, applications, tracking the due dates.</p>
<p>How many colleges are you planning to apply? Do yo think 20 is too much.</p>
<p>Please advice. Thank you.</p>
<p>20 seems a bit excessive to me. </p>
<p>20 is fine with the breakdown of 14 combined programs and 6 regular programs. Common app allows maxiumum of 20 colleges.</p>
<p>Thank you for your feedback.</p>
<p>@upstream is that the absolute maximum number of schools or is that saying that you can only have 20 schools on your dashboard at one time (I.e. once you submit your application to one school, that frees up a slot for another school)?</p>
<p>@onlythebest13 @bsmdcan 20 is the maximum number for Common App… but you can also apply to more programs via Universal College Application. Try to apply widely and ascertain what each program is seeking in its applicants… e.g. VCU favors students with extensive volunteer experience even with average gpa and test scores, whereas RPI seeks students with research background. Also, try to visit their campuses for the tour, information session and interview if time permits. Essays are very important as well, and thus one should tailor each essay for that particular program. Good Luck!</p>
<p>@upstream thank you for your information! Do you go to a BS/MD program? </p>
<p>@bsmdcan, I don’t think 20 is too much. I think more importantly is making 100% sure that the BS/MD program is the right fit for him, specifically once he gets an acceptance and has several choices. Honestly, that can be very hard to know at age 18. Different med schools have different strengths and different mission statements - i.e. some are primary care oriented, etc. I think the financial aspect is important to take into consideration as well since BS/MD programs don’t always have good scholarship support.</p>
<p>What also throws a wrench into the system is Obamacare with respect to how medicine will be practiced, so people who are practicing medicine now will be practicing differently than physicians of the future.</p>
<p>Apply to as many programs as you want. But make sure the quality of your program-specific essays is top-notch. Once you get tired/bored, your essay quality will go down. At that point, you won’t get an interview at a program with a poorly thought out essay.</p>
<p>Thank you Roentgen and jayelectronica. My son is determined to study medicine, with low acceptance rates, we want to apply wide to ensure admission. Yep, we see the challenges with the essays already, hopefully he wont loose the momentum.</p>