Making a School List

It is essential to select schools that are not only a good fit for you academically, but also a good fit for your values, skills, and interests, and that will help you become the professional you want to be. Take time to research programs prior to the application process.

Recommended School List Length

Program Type

Recommended List Length

Medicine: M.D.

15-18

Medicine: D.O.

12-15

Dental

12-15

Pharmacy

5-7

Physician Assistant

5-7

Optometry

5-7

Physical Therapy

5-7

Occupational Therapy

5-7

Veterinary Medicine

4-6

Why the Diamond?

The shape of the diamond represents both the order of institution importance and number of schools which should be reflected in your list. For example, state institutions in which you are a resident are the most essential schools on your school list; but they will likely not represent the majority of the list. Private institutions will likely constitute the majority of your list while public institutions in states outside of your residency will be in the minority.

Grad School selection Diamond

 

For a full guide and details on each step in applying to medical school, read the Pre-Health Application Guide.  

PRE-HEALTH RESOURCE CARD