2nd time applying, should I try a third?

[Dent654]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm currently at a loss. This is my second time applying, and it's really not looking like I'll get an acceptance this cycle based on my DAT retake score. I applied to 10 schools my first cycle with a 19 DAT and 3.4 gpa, got 3 interviews (2 rejections, 1 waitlist turned rejection). I graduated with a 3.5, joined a post bac, am not doing well (~3.0 gpa), retook the DAT and got a 19 again but bombed the ochem section this time (14, yikes). I've had 2 interviews (out of 14) this cycle, but don't see myself getting any acceptances with that DAT and my average GPA.

At this point I've been in school for 6 years with the idea of getting into dental school, and I feel like all my eggs are in this basket but I don't know if it's even possible at this point. Obviously I would need to retake the DAT, and I do think I could do well. I'm confident that I could get a 20, maybe a 21, if I retook. I could do a masters to try to increase my GPA, but I'm really suffering from academic burnout and I'm not sure how successful I'd be. I would strongly consider taking a year off school to assist and save money. I've already worked as a DA for 2 different dentists and am certified.

I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything with my life. All my friends have graduated and are starting their careers while I'm still taking classes, living on loans, and eating ramen for 2 meals a day as a 24 year old. Even if I'm accepted for the class of 2026, I'd be starting at 26, graduating at 30/31. I majored in a STEM field but have no research, so all I could do with my undergrad degree is work in education. I've been thinking about another professional track, maybe PA, PT, or law, but I'm not sure they'd want a candidate that is clearly pursuing a plan B.

Has anyone here known anyone that was successful their 3rd application cycle?

 

[Mr. Handsome boy]

Yeah, I know someone who finally got into a school after 3rd cycle. I would say try to retake your DAT and get a higher score (21+). And maybe work on your interview skills since you had interviews but didn't get acceptances.
And also, graduating at 30/31 is pretty common.

 

[HowIMetYourMolar]

I agree that graduating at 30/31 is pretty normal. What schools are you applying to? I think applying broadly like 18-20 schools would be more reasonable. I graduated dental school this year, but when I applied to dental school in 2016 I applied to 18 schools and I had a 3.5 gpa, 3.3 science, 19 DAT (all sections 18+) with lots of leadership, good personal statement and rec letters. I got 15 interviews and decided to attend an Ivy League dental school. I felt incredibly lucky and blessed and I know it’s gotten more competitive over the years so May not exactly a good comparison, but in my opinion NYU, Midwestern, Tufts, Touro, LECOM and the new dental school in Sacramento, CA Northstate are all good options and “less competitive”. I know people who have applied twice and successfully made it the third time, but you’ve got to go all in and out your best foot forward! There’s always hygiene school too but you will love the investment in yourself in the future.. a couple years of hardship for a lifetime of happiness ! DM me if you have more questions, happy to help~

 

[PerioDont]

I'm currently at a loss. This is my second time applying, and it's really not looking like I'll get an acceptance this cycle based on my DAT retake score. I applied to 10 schools my first cycle with a 19 DAT and 3.4 gpa, got 3 interviews (2 rejections, 1 waitlist turned rejection). I graduated with a 3.5, joined a post bac, am not doing well (~3.0 gpa), retook the DAT and got a 19 again but bombed the ochem section this time (14, yikes). I've had 2 interviews (out of 14) this cycle, but don't see myself getting any acceptances with that DAT and my average GPA.

At this point I've been in school for 6 years with the idea of getting into dental school, and I feel like all my eggs are in this basket but I don't know if it's even possible at this point. Obviously I would need to retake the DAT, and I do think I could do well. I'm confident that I could get a 20, maybe a 21, if I retook. I could do a masters to try to increase my GPA, but I'm really suffering from academic burnout and I'm not sure how successful I'd be. I would strongly consider taking a year off school to assist and save money. I've already worked as a DA for 2 different dentists and am certified.

I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything with my life. All my friends have graduated and are starting their careers while I'm still taking classes, living on loans, and eating ramen for 2 meals a day as a 24 year old. Even if I'm accepted for the class of 2026, I'd be starting at 26, graduating at 30/31. I majored in a STEM field but have no research, so all I could do with my undergrad degree is work in education. I've been thinking about another professional track, maybe PA, PT, or law, but I'm not sure they'd want a candidate that is clearly pursuing a plan B.

Has anyone here known anyone that was successful their 3rd application cycle?

Firstly you need to do some soul searching.

ignore your supposedly successful friends - that is irrelevant. do you really want to be a dentist? why? write down some reasons. write down where you see yourself in 10 years - what kind of life do you want? how do you get there?

if the answer is yes to dentistry, you need to firstly get on track with your post bac. Pick up your grades. maybe take some time off, and give it 2 months of solid study for the DAT and get a 23+. you will have a very high chance of getting in at that point.

You can also just take some time off, don't take any classes and keep working if you really feel burned out. That will help you re-evaluate what you want to do. additionally, I don't think PT/PA/law really care or notice if this is your "plan b" unless you explicitly mention that.