1st Cycle Failure-Need Advice

[AdobeGainz]

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I applied this last cycle to 10 schools, and have been rejected to 8 so far. No interviews, nothing.

SGPA: 3.3
OGPA: 3.4
DAT: 19AA, 17TS , 22 PA, 23 QR

I am a bio major/finance minor. I figured the finance minor would help set me apart a little bit, as I have also taken many upper level finance courses. In addition, I have taken the science prerequisites to almost every dental school out there (all of the harder upper level bio courses). I have relatively good EC’s: one dental internship, been an ortho assistant for over 500 hours, 100 volunteering hours through Mayo Clinic, and 100s of shadow hours. In addition, I am an amateur bodybuilder on my way to becoming a pro. I will most likely get a 4.0 this last semester before I graduate in May. I know I have relatively low stats but am super down and trying to pick myself back up. Here is where I need advice; should I focus on a DAT retake to help offset the low TS and lower GPA? Or focus on some post-bacc courses to boost my GPA? I have talked to a few adcoms and they said my DAT was fine, which surprises me. I will continue assisting throughout this gap year. This cycle has completely humbled me. I know I have much lower stats than most of you on here, but I’m hoping to hear anyone else’s advice who has had success. Thank you!

 

[Brady=GOAT]

You need to retake the DAT. The 17 TS is holding you back. Also are any of your science scores below 17? That would be another red flag.

Your GPA is fine if you get a 21-22 for your AA and TS

 

[AdobeGainz]

You need to retake the DAT. The 17 TS is holding you back. Also are any of your science scores below 17? That would be another red flag.

Your GPA is fine if you get a 21-22 for your AA and TS

Yeah my gen chem score was a 16. That’s what killed me. I didn’t think I did that bad on it when taking it. I definitely will focus on the DAT and retake for improvement. I know some schools have a cut off of 17 in all sections so that might be it. I tried applying to schools with lower stats and higher OOS acceptance rates

 

[predentalstudent132]

I was in an almost identical position with a 3.3 and 19 last cycle, retook dat and did half a masters and now I’m accepted, it’s not one or the other. Do both

 

[FlossyLady1]

Food for thought: I have finally been accepted after 3 years with a 18 AA and 3.66 ogpa. Yes, retaking the DAT is always the best option. For some reason schools care more about if you can take a standardized test and answer questions about types of jaw-less fish than anything else.

Keep up the dental assisting. It is very valuable for learning things in the field.

Apply to at least 15 schools. Get the guide if you are serious about making an objective decision based on your stats. 2017-2018 ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools

 

[kimball]

Retake. I had a similar GPA so that’s not what’s holding you back


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[yasc]

Yeah my gen chem score was a 16. That’s what killed me. I didn’t think I did that bad on it when taking it. I definitely will focus on the DAT and retake for improvement. I know some schools have a cut off of 17 in all sections so that might be it. I tried applying to schools with lower stats and higher OOS acceptance rates

My stats are very similar to yours except I got a 15 in gen chem. I applied very broadly though and got waitlisted to 2 schools so far which is better than a rejection I suppose. Your GPA is fine especially if you think you'd get a 4.0 this semester and I wouldn't do a master's if I were in your position but You should definitely retake the DAT.

 

[Cren+ist]

It all depends on where you apply.

3.35 oGPA
3.2 sGPA
19 AA 17 TS

1 pre-dec interview. 2 post-dec interviews. 2 acceptances and 1 wait-list.

You probably wont get into Harvard or UNC, but you can get into other schools. I have two classmates who got 18 AA and they were accepted to USC, and the other to Roseman and Indiana.

 

[jing jing e]

most schools if not all put alot of weight into DAT scores since it's a standardized test. which makes sense because it's the only way you can compare applicants without undergrad difficulty bias. so unless you have an extraordinary story to tell they will most likely disregard you. DAT isn't just a part of the application. it's THE thing that makes admission panels take interest in you and make them pay attention to you. and apply early

 

[toothyprincess]

I have very close stats to yours!! Same GPA, slightly higher DAT. I have been fortunate enough to have received 5 interviews. Of those interviews I have been given 3 acceptances and 2 waitlists--waitlisted at my top choice.. fingers crossed! I'm not saying any of this to brag but to say, it all depends on where you apply!! You need to apply broadly, and not just to big state schools! I applied to 15 schools and I feel like this made all of the difference. I realize money plays a huge factor in where and how many schools people apply to, but just my two cents 🙂

 

[AdobeGainz]

I truly do appreciate the advice from all of you! It’s very hard to deal with being rejected from every school but that’s just the reality of it. I need to buckle down and work even harder. SDN has been a great source of knowledge for me and I take all of your advice with a full heart. Congratulations to all who have been accepted this year! I thought I applied pretty broadly but I didn’t apply broadly enough it sounds like!

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

Study for and then crush the DAT.
I had a similar GPA, and got 3 pre-dec interviews, with 2 Dec 1st acceptances and the other was a wait-list. Don't worry about the GPA too much.

You can do it. I have SO many second cycle classmates at my school. Keep the dream alive, and just push. You got this =)

 

[sobertiger]

I had similar GPAs as you. Slightly lower, in fact. Applied to 14, got 4 pre-dec interviews and 1 post-dec interview. 2 acceptances on Dec 1 so I ended up declining 2 interviews.

I went into the cycle with very little confidence so I was honestly surprised with the results. I think my DAT score (22 AA/22 TS) was the difference maker.

Your GPA is fine. Retake the DAT and go for broke. You should snag some interviews next cycle. Good luck!

 

[WaveRace]

The above advice is all solid. Additionally, don't underestimate how important school choice is. Applying to 10 schools will only net you good results if you're applying to schools that you realistically have a shot at. Look at GPA/DAT ranges, #OOS seats per class, etc.

 

[sukhdo]

For people who reapplied, how did you come up with the letters of recommendations? I graduated last year and most likely have to reapply. Do i need to provide new ones or will they still have my old letters?

 

[FlossyLady1]

For people who reapplied, how did you come up with the letters of recommendations? I graduated last year and most likely have to reapply. Do i need to provide new ones or will they still have my old letters?

Just ask them again kindly and inform them of your situation.