Why I Only Applied to 7 Dental Schools (And Got Into 3 of Them)

When you're an international dentist applying to U.S. dental schools, there's a lot of pressure to apply everywhere.I've seen people apply to 20–25 schools, spending thousands of dollars—just hoping something sticks. But I knew I didn't want to approach my future like that. Instead, I made a strategic decision: To apply to just 7 schools. And to make every one of them count.

🎯 My School List

I chose programs that made sense for my background, priorities, and goals.Here's where I applied:

• NYU
• Rutgers
• Michigan
• Washington
• Loma Linda
• USC
• UCLA

I wasn't just looking at rankings. I looked at:

• ✔ Curriculum focus
• ✔ Clinical exposure
• ✔ Location and lifestyle
• ✔ International student support
• ✔ Total cost of attendance
• ✔ Visa flexibility
• ✔ Likelihood of acceptance with my profile

I treated this like an investment—not just an application. Every school I applied to had to make sense on paper and in real life.

🎓 The Results

Out of the 7 schools I applied to:

• I was invited to 4 interviews: NYU, Rutgers, Loma Linda, and USC
• I was waitlisted at Loma Linda
• I was accepted to 3 schools

I ultimately chose USC—not just because of the name, but because of the fit. The program matched my vision of the kind of dentist I want to become, and the environment inspired me to grow personally and professionally.

💡 What This Strategy Gave Me:

• I saved over $5,000 in unnecessary application fees, transcripts, travel, and test report submissions
• I saved dozens of hours filling out duplicate forms and preparing for schools that didn't align with my path
• I saved my mental energy by staying focused instead of scattered
• Most importantly, I aligned with the schools that were a true fit—and it showed in my results

🧠 Why This Matters

Applying to dental school isn't just about numbers. It's about clarity, alignment, and intention. You don't need to apply to 24 schools to get in.You

📘 If you want to do the same, I created a step-by-step guide + research spreadsheet that shows you exactly how I built my school list strategically, with 25+ criteria to help you compare programs, prioritize wisely, and apply with confidence.

Click here to get the School Selection Strategy Guide + Spreadsheet. Save money. Save time. Apply smarter—and get the results you deserve.need to apply to the right schools—and tell the right story.