Reapply in 2014/2015 cycle. Help needed

[music24]

Hello, I am planning on reapply for dental schools in 2014-2015 cycle.

I have about 150 shadowing hours with 2 general dentists. I have a 3.56 oGPA and a 3.49 sGPA. My (2nd attempt) DAT score was:

PAT: 20
QR: 17
RC: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

Applied to 20+ schools this cycle and I even applied really early (on the 1st day). Got 4 interviews (1 rejected, 3 waitlisted). Not sure if I will get in this cycle so I am already prepping for the next.

I am wondering if I should retake the DAT. I talked to a couple schools; some said that I need a 21+ on each section while some said that my scores are good enough. I really don't know whether or not if I should retake the DAT. I have already tried twice and I am afraid that I might blow the last chance. Plus with the new bio section (not sure if ADA has changed it yet), I don't even know how to study for that. I am torn. It's about 2 months from the next cycle and I really don't know what to do. What do you guys think?

Aside from that, I am planning to take more undergrad classes to improve my GPA. But unfortunately, the smaller college campus near my house doesn't offer that many classes. So I am not even sure if I should take them (evolution, field bio, genetics, analytical chem, etc). I am also thinking about shadowing different specialists and maybe even volunteer at the dental office.

Guys, what do you think I should do about the DAT? Should I retake it? Does anyone know if they have already changed the bio section? I have destroyer, AP Cliff, and AP Barron and I don't know if they will be useful if ADA changed the section…..

And what else do you think I will do to become a stronger candidate? Please help. Any input would be great.

Thanks!

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[#kalel]

Hello, I am planning on reapply for dental schools in 2014-2015 cycle.

I have about 150 shadowing hours with 2 general dentists. I have a 3.56 oGPA and a 3.49 sGPA. My (2nd attempt) DAT score was:

PAT: 20
QR: 17
RC: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

Applied to 20+ schools this cycle and I even applied really early (on the 1st day). Got 4 interviews (1 rejected, 3 waitlisted). Not sure if I will get in this cycle so I am already prepping for the next.

I am wondering if I should retake the DAT. I talked to a couple schools; some said that I need a 21+ on each section while some said that my scores are good enough. I really don't know whether or not if I should retake the DAT. I have already tried twice and I am afraid that I might blow the last chance. Plus with the new bio section (not sure if ADA has changed it yet), I don't even know how to study for that. I am torn. It's about 2 months from the next cycle and I really don't know what to do. What do you guys think?

Aside from that, I am planning to take more undergrad classes to improve my GPA. But unfortunately, the smaller college campus near my house doesn't offer that many classes. So I am not even sure if I should take them (evolution, field bio, genetics, analytical chem, etc). I am also thinking about shadowing different specialists and maybe even volunteer at the dental office.

Guys, what do you think I should do about the DAT? Should I retake it? Does anyone know if they have already changed the bio section? I have destroyer, AP Cliff, and AP Barron and I don't know if they will be useful if ADA changed the section…..

And what else do you think I will do to become a stronger candidate? Please help. Any input would be great.

Thanks!

You need to retake the DAT. Study your butt off and get 22AA+ and you should be good for some schools.

 

[ILLchief]

your GPA is high enough to get in somewhere... but if you didnt get in while applying to 20+ schools then you gotta do something different. what other specific ECs do you have other than shadowing? did you apply to OOS-friendly schools? you will prolly have to retake your DAT and bump that AA to at least 19-20.

also, work on your interviewing skills! 3 waitlists/1 rejection most likely means you didn't interview as well as you thought.

 

[remowilson]

def. you need better DAT. You already had twice and this will be your last one. More than 3 DAT hurts your chance. Your GPA is good so don't waste time on more classes. instead spend time on DAT. Good luck!

 

[music24]

Yeah, it was very discouraging.. I applied to 20+ including a lot of OOS-friendly schools (NYU, Tufts, Boston, Creighton, Pitt, Buffalo, Midwestern in AZ and a bunch more), but I didn't hear anything from them. I thought I would at least get an interview from Tufts with my stats, but they rejected me right now. I am not sure what's going on there. As far as ECs go, while in school, I had many leadership positions ranging from President to webmaster. The main community service things that I did were Habitat for Humanity and Relay For Life. I also play a couple music instruments. As far as research goes, I started volunteering for my chemistry professor about 2 and a half years ago. I finished up with one project and she had me continue with the other one. So I am still doing that.

And yeah, no acceptance after interview probably means I bombed my interview.. Do you guys know if the schools are really hard on re-applicants?

 

[customx]

Retake DAT
Volunteer in a dental related capacity
Edit your personal statement
Do research

You need to aim for a 20+ for AA and TS.

 

[music24]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my post guys, I really appreciate it. So I am going to study my butt off and shot for at least 21. As long as we are on this topic, here are the studying materials that I think I am going to use. Free feel to let me know what you think.

BIO
- KBB, Cliff Bio, Barron Bio, Chad quizzes, DAT destroyer, DatQvault, DAT Boothcamp

CHEM
- Chad’s, DAT destroyer, DAT Boothcamp

OCHEM
- Chad’s, DAT destroyer, DAT Boothcamp

PAT
- Crack the PAT, DATQvault, DAT Boothcamp

RC
- Crack the DAT, DatQvault, DAT Boothcamp

Math
- Chad’s, Crack the DAT, DAT Destroyer, DAT bootcamp

Practice Exams:
- Topscore
- ADA DAT (2009)

For those that had used DatQvault, do you think I should buy the complete bundle? Are the chem, ochem, and pat sections helpful?

Thanks again guys!

 

[ILLchief]

no it actually helps you more that you're a reapplicant showing your diligence. i would definitely increase any dental related experiences though (volunteering in dental clinics, etc)... if you use those DAT materials you will be golden. just literally study nonstop like your life depends on it!

 

[customx]

Read Cliffs once, then use Feralis' notes. The notes use a lot of what is in Cliffs but expand on it. It's the ultimate resource for bio in my opinion

 

[BabyShades]

Hello, I am planning on reapply for dental schools in 2014-2015 cycle.

I have about 150 shadowing hours with 2 general dentists. I have a 3.56 oGPA and a 3.49 sGPA. My (2nd attempt) DAT score was:

PAT: 20
QR: 17
RC: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

Applied to 20+ schools this cycle and I even applied really early (on the 1st day). Got 4 interviews (1 rejected, 3 waitlisted). Not sure if I will get in this cycle so I am already prepping for the next.

I am wondering if I should retake the DAT. I talked to a couple schools; some said that I need a 21+ on each section while some said that my scores are good enough. I really don't know whether or not if I should retake the DAT. I have already tried twice and I am afraid that I might blow the last chance. Plus with the new bio section (not sure if ADA has changed it yet), I don't even know how to study for that. I am torn. It's about 2 months from the next cycle and I really don't know what to do. What do you guys think?

Aside from that, I am planning to take more undergrad classes to improve my GPA. But unfortunately, the smaller college campus near my house doesn't offer that many classes. So I am not even sure if I should take them (evolution, field bio, genetics, analytical chem, etc). I am also thinking about shadowing different specialists and maybe even volunteer at the dental office.

Guys, what do you think I should do about the DAT? Should I retake it? Does anyone know if they have already changed the bio section? I have destroyer, AP Cliff, and AP Barron and I don't know if they will be useful if ADA changed the section…..

And what else do you think I will do to become a stronger candidate? Please help. Any input would be great.

Thanks!

Why the heck did they say to make a 21+ every section?

 

[usero]

You need to retake the DAT. Study your butt off and get 22AA+ and you should be good for some schools.

If only everyone could get at least in the 98th percentile.

 

[music24]

If only everyone could get at least in the 98th percentile.

Yeah... I am really stressed about it!

 

[ICUrunning]

Yeah... I am really stressed about it!

What did you get on the DAT the first time?

 

[music24]

What did you get on the DAT the first time?

very embarrassing..... I believe it was

17 AA, TS, Bio, Chem, OChem, RC
18 Math
19 PAT

 

[fayevalentine]

very embarrassing..... I believe it was

17 AA, TS, Bio, Chem, OChem, RC
18 Math
19 PAT

Don't be embarrassed! You should be proud that you were able to work harder and improve your scores. Perhaps if you work even harder this time, you could improve them more.

I don't think anyone else has mentioned either of these, but you may want to consider totally rewriting your PS to make it stellar. Also consider asking new people for letters of recommendation. Perhaps a better PS/LOR would get you more interviews?

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

Hello, I am planning on reapply for dental schools in 2014-2015 cycle.

I have about 150 shadowing hours with 2 general dentists. I have a 3.56 oGPA and a 3.49 sGPA. My (2nd attempt) DAT score was:

PAT: 20
QR: 17
RC: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

Applied to 20+ schools this cycle and I even applied really early (on the 1st day). Got 4 interviews (1 rejected, 3 waitlisted). Not sure if I will get in this cycle so I am already prepping for the next.

I am wondering if I should retake the DAT. I talked to a couple schools; some said that I need a 21+ on each section while some said that my scores are good enough. I really don't know whether or not if I should retake the DAT. I have already tried twice and I am afraid that I might blow the last chance. Plus with the new bio section (not sure if ADA has changed it yet), I don't even know how to study for that. I am torn. It's about 2 months from the next cycle and I really don't know what to do. What do you guys think?

Aside from that, I am planning to take more undergrad classes to improve my GPA. But unfortunately, the smaller college campus near my house doesn't offer that many classes. So I am not even sure if I should take them (evolution, field bio, genetics, analytical chem, etc). I am also thinking about shadowing different specialists and maybe even volunteer at the dental office.

Guys, what do you think I should do about the DAT? Should I retake it? Does anyone know if they have already changed the bio section? I have destroyer, AP Cliff, and AP Barron and I don't know if they will be useful if ADA changed the section…..

And what else do you think I will do to become a stronger candidate? Please help. Any input would be great.

Thanks!

I think your GPA is good and you've done a lot of shadowing, I would get more extensive volunteer experience and re-write your personal statement and either ask for a copy of your LORs and make sure that they are positive or get new LORs. Are you sure you took all the required pre -requisites? You could also trying studying differently for the DAT this time by taking a DAT class or personal study, whatever you didn't do last time.

 

[Kend]

you need at least 200 hrs of shadowing. I went to a dental impression program last few months and that what they told me....
But you really need to retake the DAT though.
My ts was 19.... I did good on the science area (21) but screwed up bad on the QR and RC (14 and 16 respectively)
I also think that destroyer alone will not enough!! You should also consider dat boot camp or topscore.
you already took it twice, so you really need to study hard for this next one (if you planning to retake) because its your last chance to improve your DAT score. Anyway, gl mate! I'm also planning to retake it in early/late of June.

 

[music24]

Thanks for the supports and encouragements guy! I am really really stressed this time tho. I took my DAT about a year ago and now, I have say I don't quite remember anything. I am starting from square 1 again. I am most worried about the Bio and RC section. Those 2 are my weakest sections and yet the dental schools care about the most. So @Kend , what did you do to study for the science to get 21's? Destroyer + boothcamp + topscore? Good luck on your exam too! Keep me posted! @ToothbrushBuddy, how did you study for yours? I studied on my own because a lot of people said that Kaplan course isn't helpful. I already invested so much money on the studying materials and I don't really have spare money for the 2000+ kaplan course.

To answer the questions you guys have.. Here is some more info about me. Unlike a lot of people, I discovered my passion in dentistry relatively late (Junior year in college). So I wasn't a bio major. In fact, I was a business major and ended up just taking all the pre-reqs in the last 2 years in college. During the application process, I took a couple more upper bio classes to show the dental school that I am serious about it. With that said, I am very limited to the LORs. I am weaker in my bio classes (A- average) so I only asked my general bio prof. for one. I also got one from my general chem prof. (who is also my research professor), the dentist that I did most shadowing with, and my business prof. I didn't get to read the letters because I waived the right to, but the pre-health adviser at my school read them and told me that they were good. She didn't give me anymore details tho. But I think they should be the best 4 letters I can get.

Other than the DAT, my PS is the other one that bothers me a lot. I thought I wrote a really good one; I had at least 10 people read through it and gave me advices. I considered myself a non traditional student because being a dentist wasn't a childhood dream. My PS was about how I found my way to dentistry and such. Would any of you guys mind reading my PS and give me some pointers? And also, for those that are already in D school, would you be able to show me your PS so that I can see what people actually write about? If you are not comfortable about it, it's fine. I don't mind.

As for now, here is what I am planning to do. Still trying to study for the DAT. I am pretty slow because I don't remember that much. My plan is to retake it end of May or early June, but if I don't feel ready, I am going to postpone it to August (at the latest) because I still want to apply early and get pre-dec interviews. I am also going to do more shadowing as many of you suggested (both shadowing different specialties and volunteer at a dental clinic). On top of all that, I need to rewrite my PS and brush up my interviewing skills... So much to do and so little time... :'(

 

[fayevalentine]

Other than the DAT, my PS is the other one that bothers me a lot. I thought I wrote a really good one; I had at least 10 people read through it and gave me advices. I considered myself a non traditional student because being a dentist wasn't a childhood dream. My PS was about how I found my way to dentistry and such. Would any of you guys mind reading my PS and give me some pointers? And also, for those that are already in D school, would you be able to show me your PS so that I can see what people actually write about? If you are not comfortable about it, it's fine. I don't mind. :'(

Hi music, a lot of people here on SDN will be willing to review your PS, myself included. Here is a good place to find other willing reviewers: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...t-readers-c-o-2019-application-cycle.1048901/. Be a little cautious though about sending your PS out to just anybody - I am a pre-dent, and although I would never do this myself, there could be a few pre-dents out there that would be willing to steal content from the PS you worked so hard to write. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I would stick to people already accepted .

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

Thanks for the supports and encouragements guy! I am really really stressed this time tho. I took my DAT about a year ago and now, I have say I don't quite remember anything. I am starting from square 1 again. I am most worried about the Bio and RC section. Those 2 are my weakest sections and yet the dental schools care about the most. So @Kend , what did you do to study for the science to get 21's? Destroyer + boothcamp + topscore? Good luck on your exam too! Keep me posted! @ToothbrushBuddy, how did you study for yours? I studied on my own because a lot of people said that Kaplan course isn't helpful. I already invested so much money on the studying materials and I don't really have spare money for the 2000+ kaplan course.

To answer the questions you guys have.. Here is some more info about me. Unlike a lot of people, I discovered my passion in dentistry relatively late (Junior year in college). So I wasn't a bio major. In fact, I was a business major and ended up just taking all the pre-reqs in the last 2 years in college. During the application process, I took a couple more upper bio classes to show the dental school that I am serious about it. With that said, I am very limited to the LORs. I am weaker in my bio classes (A- average) so I only asked my general bio prof. for one. I also got one from my general chem prof. (who is also my research professor), the dentist that I did most shadowing with, and my business prof. I didn't get to read the letters because I waived the right to, but the pre-health adviser at my school read them and told me that they were good. She didn't give me anymore details tho. But I think they should be the best 4 letters I can get.

Other than the DAT, my PS is the other one that bothers me a lot. I thought I wrote a really good one; I had at least 10 people read through it and gave me advices. I considered myself a non traditional student because being a dentist wasn't a childhood dream. My PS was about how I found my way to dentistry and such. Would any of you guys mind reading my PS and give me some pointers? And also, for those that are already in D school, would you be able to show me your PS so that I can see what people actually write about? If you are not comfortable about it, it's fine. I don't mind.

As for now, here is what I am planning to do. Still trying to study for the DAT. I am pretty slow because I don't remember that much. My plan is to retake it end of May or early June, but if I don't feel ready, I am going to postpone it to August (at the latest) because I still want to apply early and get pre-dec interviews. I am also going to do more shadowing as many of you suggested (both shadowing different specialties and volunteer at a dental clinic). On top of all that, I need to rewrite my PS and brush up my interviewing skills... So much to do and so little time... :'(

Well, I went about studying for the DAT a different way than most. After using the normal study material and studying on my own about four hours a day for five months and having my husband crack the whip, I decided that I wanted to get paid for studying so I started working for a student success program tutoring chemistry and biology. As the saying goes, you learn more teaching than being a student. It really ingrains the subject matter into your brain.

As for the 25 I got in RC, I just love to read and always have read anything and everything just for fun, so sorry I couldn't give you better advice there! You could just read science or pathophysiology textbooks and answer the end of chapter questions for practice ( I did that a lot)

But hey, you know what? I think you will get off a wait list this application cycle and be starting dental school in August. Lots of people seem to get in off wait lists. Are the schools you got on the wait lists for expensive private schools? Because plenty of people turn down those to go to their cheaper state schools. And you will already have great business savvy as a dentist because you majored in it !

 

[music24]

Well, I went about studying for the DAT a different way than most. After using the normal study material and studying on my own about four hours a day for five months and having my husband crack the whip, I decided that I wanted to get paid for studying so I started working for a student success program tutoring chemistry and biology. As the saying goes, you learn more teaching than being a student. It really ingrains the subject matter into your brain.

As for the 25 I got in RC, I just love to read and always have read anything and everything just for fun, so sorry I couldn't give you better advice there! You could just read science or pathophysiology textbooks and answer the end of chapter questions for practice ( I did that a lot)

But hey, you know what? I think you will get off a wait list this application cycle and be starting dental school in August. Lots of people seem to get in off wait lists. Are the schools you got on the wait lists for expensive private schools? Because plenty of people turn down those to go to their cheaper state schools. And you will already have great business savvy as a dentist because you majored in it !

I really hope you are right @ToothbrushBuddy ! That would totally make my day. Out of the 3 schools, there is only 1 expensive private school... So lets hope for the best!

 

[music24]

Hi music, a lot of people here on SDN will be willing to review your PS, myself included. Here is a good place to find other willing reviewers: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...t-readers-c-o-2019-application-cycle.1048901/. Be a little cautious though about sending your PS out to just anybody - I am a pre-dent, and although I would never do this myself, there could be a few pre-dents out there that would be willing to steal content from the PS you worked so hard to write. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I would stick to people already accepted .

Thanks for the heads-up @fayevalentine. I will keep that it mind.

 

[music24]

Guys, I am running into another problem and I really need your advices....... I recently talked to my dentist and she suggested that I should do the 1 year non thesis bio master. She said that dental school is 100 times harder than what you think. Schools want to see that you are able to handle the load and don't crack under the pressure. It is very important to show them then.

I do agree with her in some levels; I think a master degree will only be beneficial. But I have to take the GRE if I want to do the master. I don't think it's a good idea to take 2 standardized exams together within 2 months. Master program starts in the summer so the deadline is approaching very soon. What do you think I should do?

 

[gentlerwave]

Your GPA is good so there is no reason to do a masters. I would just stick to the plan and focus on improving your DAT. You know your weaknesses, so working on those two sections asap. You can still take the DAT in late June (I took it on 06/28) and still have everything in early enough. Otherwise, I agree with what others have said. If your school offers mock interview service, definitely check it out. Good luck!

 

[ICUrunning]

Guys, I am running into another problem and I really need your advices....... I recently talked to my dentist and she suggested that I should do the 1 year non thesis bio master. She said that dental school is 100 times harder than what you think. Schools want to see that you are able to handle the load and don't crack under the pressure. It is very important to show them then.

I do agree with her in some levels; I think a master degree will only be beneficial. But I have to take the GRE if I want to do the master. I don't think it's a good idea to take 2 standardized exams together within 2 months. Master program starts in the summer so the deadline is approaching very soon. What do you think I should do?

Your gpa is really good. I do not think a masters is needed at all. Concentrate on the DATs and rock them.

 

[Hippo529]

If you're considering taking the GRE I can tell you that it is very similar to the SATs. I took it just cause it was half off and I did pretty well without studying at all. So don't stress too much about it.

 

[Psychohexane13]

Guys, I am running into another problem and I really need your advices....... I recently talked to my dentist and she suggested that I should do the 1 year non thesis bio master. She said that dental school is 100 times harder than what you think. Schools want to see that you are able to handle the load and don't crack under the pressure. It is very important to show them then.

I do agree with her in some levels; I think a master degree will only be beneficial. But I have to take the GRE if I want to do the master. I don't think it's a good idea to take 2 standardized exams together within 2 months. Master program starts in the summer so the deadline is approaching very soon. What do you think I should do?

Agree with the others. You don't need to do a masters at all with that GPA.

 

[music24]

Ah! Thank you so much guys! I feel much better! Just going to stick with the old plan and destroy the DAT!