3.3 GPA, 21 DAT - No Interviews - Where to Apply Next?

[deleted1010413]

I was hoping that with my experiences, extracurriculars, and DAT I would be able to be more selective with schools I applied to. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case as I haven’t gotten an interview in two cycles now (I understand this cycle isn’t quite complete yet, but I have no hope left). I feel that I meet or exceed every admission requirement for most schools except for my lower GPA and not participating in research. Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot? I know I can thrive in dental school, I just need my shot to prove it!


Date of submission: fee received 8/6
Overall GPA: 3.32
Science GPA: 3.18
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.19
DAT score (AA/TS/PAT): 21/19/26
State of Residence: Oregon

Major: Microbiology
Minor: Chemistry
Minority: No
Reapplicant: Yes
Nontrad: No

Shadowing Experience: 200+ hours: general, ortho and perio. Also, took a tour of a dental lab and attended OHSU's Dive into Dentistry Program.
Volunteering Experience: Many hours - Mobile Dental Van as a Dental Assistant, Blood Drives, Tutor, etc.
Employment: ~600 hours so far as a Dental Assistant
Research: None
Other Extracurriculars: Collegiate Athlete - 4 hrs/weekday and additional recruiting or travel on weekends (AKA – no study time or lunch breaks all through college). Microbiology Lab TA.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Presidential Scholarship, Holliday Family Scholarship, Larsen Family Scholarship, Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship
Personal Statement Strength: Very strong – have experiences seeing the impact of poor oral health on family members, I describe how that and a love for anatomy have led me to want to improve the lives of others through dentistry.
LOR type and strength: General Dentist I shadowed for ~ 60 hours and have known my whole life – good (his wife had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he admittedly didn’t put as much effort into it as he would like to have)
College Track and Field Coach – great
Microbiology Lab Instructor – great
Microbiology Advisor/Professor – great
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere:
The GPA disadvantage part 1 - in addition to being an athlete with no study time, my sophomore year my roommate was suicidal leading to any ounce of free time being spent making sure she was still alive, had nothing she could harm herself with, and was going to counseling – this is evident by my lowest GPA happening my sophomore year. Luckily, she is doing better now, and we still keep in touch.
The GPA disadvantage part 2 - I went to a very rural high school which only offered 4 AP courses (2 of which were calculus - derivative and integral) and 0 IB courses, so I was honestly very ill prepared for college, despite my best efforts.
OHSU dream school - I would love to attend OHSU, as I am a 7th generation Oregonian (my family came on the Oregon trail and we still own some of the original homestead property) and love it here. I love the school and have had positive interactions with the students and staff. Unfortunately, I had a conversation with their assistant dean of admissions it sounds like OHSU does not review applications very holistically. From my understanding GPA is a high priority, and there is little consideration for the type of major (other than science vs non-science), extracurriculars or the course-load. This is my second cycle applying and after my conversation with their staff it sounds like I don’t have a chance. Attending a post-bacc or master’s program would be my absolute last resort, as it feels like a huge waste of money and time.
School list:
Oregon Health and Science University
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of California San Francisco
University of Colorado
University of Minnesota
University of Washington
University of North Carolina
Interviews: None 😵


To reiterate my question: Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot?

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[macsak]

I was hoping that with my experiences, extracurriculars, and DAT I would be able to be more selective with schools I applied to. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case as I haven’t gotten an interview in two cycles now (I understand this cycle isn’t quite complete yet, but I have no hope left). I feel that I meet or exceed every admission requirement for most schools except for my lower GPA and not participating in research. Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot? I know I can thrive in dental school, I just need my shot to prove it!


Date of submission: fee received 8/6
Overall GPA: 3.32
Science GPA: 3.18
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.19
DAT score (AA/TS/PAT): 21/19/26
State of Residence: Oregon

Major: Microbiology
Minor: Chemistry
Minority: No
Reapplicant: Yes
Nontrad: No

Shadowing Experience: 200+ hours: general, ortho and perio. Also, took a tour of a dental lab and attended OHSU's Dive into Dentistry Program.
Volunteering Experience: Many hours - Mobile Dental Van as a Dental Assistant, Blood Drives, Tutor, etc.
Employment: ~600 hours so far as a Dental Assistant
Research: None
Other Extracurriculars: Collegiate Athlete - 4 hrs/weekday and additional recruiting or travel on weekends (AKA – no study time or lunch breaks all through college). Microbiology Lab TA.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Presidential Scholarship, Holliday Family Scholarship, Larsen Family Scholarship, Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship
Personal Statement Strength: Very strong – have experiences seeing the impact of poor oral health on family members, I describe how that and a love for anatomy have led me to want to improve the lives of others through dentistry.
LOR type and strength: General Dentist I shadowed for ~ 60 hours and have known my whole life – good (his wife had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he admittedly didn’t put as much effort into it as he would like to have)
College Track and Field Coach – great
Microbiology Lab Instructor – great
Microbiology Advisor/Professor – great
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere:
The GPA disadvantage part 1 - in addition to being an athlete with no study time, my sophomore year my roommate was suicidal leading to any ounce of free time being spent making sure she was still alive, had nothing she could harm herself with, and was going to counseling – this is evident by my lowest GPA happening my sophomore year. Luckily, she is doing better now, and we still keep in touch.
The GPA disadvantage part 2 - I went to a very rural high school which only offered 4 AP courses (2 of which were calculus - derivative and integral) and 0 IB courses, so I was honestly very ill prepared for college, despite my best efforts.
OHSU dream school - I would love to attend OHSU, as I am a 7th generation Oregonian (my family came on the Oregon trail and we still own some of the original homestead property) and love it here. I love the school and have had positive interactions with the students and staff. Unfortunately, I had a conversation with their assistant dean of admissions it sounds like OHSU does not review applications very holistically. From my understanding GPA is a high priority, and there is little consideration for the type of major (other than science vs non-science), extracurriculars or the course-load. This is my second cycle applying and after my conversation with their staff it sounds like I don’t have a chance. Attending a post-bacc or master’s program would be my absolute last resort, as it feels like a huge waste of money and time.
School list:
Oregon Health and Science University
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of California San Francisco
University of Colorado
University of Minnesota
University of Washington
University of North Carolina
Interviews: None 😵


To reiterate my question: Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot?

what are your complete subsection scores on the DAT?
are you URM?

 

[deleted1010413]

AA: 21 PAT: 26 TS: 19 QR: 18 RC: 28 BI: 20 GC: 21 OC: 16 ( I realize OC is a weak spot. But I got As in OC class so I figured that would help balance things out a little). And I am not a minority.

 

[macsak]

AA: 21 PAT: 26 TS: 19 QR: 18 RC: 28 BI: 20 GC: 21 OC: 16 ( I realize OC is a weak spot. But I got As in OC class so I figured that would help balance things out a little). And I am not a minority.

how many schools did you apply to last cycle and how many interviews did you get this year and last?

 

[deleted1010413]

All 10 above last year and OHSU, UW, CU and ASDOH this year because I really thought I had a great shot at OHSU. As last year they deemed me a "competitive applicant" and after not getting an interview told me I would likely get one if I finished my senior year strong and got more dental experience. So I raised my GPA from a 3.2 to a 3.3, have been working as a dental assistant. This cycle I have not been deemed a "competitive applicant" again and sounds like the 3.3 might not ever be enough to pass their preliminary review and get anyone to consider at the rest of my application. I realize I probably put all my eggs in too few baskets, which is why I am hoping for some tips!

 

[macsak]

All 10 above last year and OHSU, UW, CU and ASDOH this year because I really thought I had a great shot at OHSU. As last year they deemed me a "competitive applicant" and after not getting an interview told me I would likely get one if I finished my senior year strong and got more dental experience. So I raised my GPA from a 3.2 to a 3.3, have been working as a dental assistant. This cycle I have not been deemed a "competitive applicant" again and sounds like the 3.3 might not ever be enough to pass their preliminary review and get anyone to consider at the rest of my application. I realize I probably put all my eggs in too few baskets, which is why I am hoping for some tips!

so you only applied to 4 schools this year?
and didn't get any interviews either year?
ouch

 

[deleted1010413]

so you only applied to 4 schools this year?
and didn't get any interviews either year?
ouch

Yep. Dumb. I know. I technically haven't been rejected by 3 of the 4 this year. So I am still in the running, but my odds are not looking to good. There are plenty of people getting interviews and acceptances from all 4 of the schools with stats very similar to mine (in some cases even lower with less extracurriculars and experience). So I don't believe these are "reach" schools, I just think that my application hasn't even really been considered for whatever reason. At OHSU I know it is the GPA. Which is extremely frustrating, because I am prepared. I took a very challenging course through college with Microbiology, being an athlete, and on an academic scholarship that required a minimum number of hours/term. I know I am ready, yet there are students getting accepted without completing the prerequisites, despite having already completed undergrad and who have no plan to complete those prerequisites before August. At this point I am mainly just confused as to what is making applicants who didn't even take basic prerequisite courses like anatomy better suited than I am.


Anyways... back to what I can actually change because that is what matters.


Do you have any suggestions on schools I should apply to? Either where I would be competitive or where they take time to review whole applications? Or are you just here to chuckle at my poor unfortunate soul?

 

[macsak]

Yep. Dumb. I know. I technically haven't been rejected by 3 of the 4 this year. So I am still in the running, but my odds are not looking to good. There are plenty of people getting interviews and acceptances from all 4 of the schools with stats very similar to mine (in some cases even lower with less extracurriculars and experience). So I don't believe these are "reach" schools, I just think that my application hasn't even really been considered for whatever reason. At OHSU I know it is the GPA. Which is extremely frustrating, because I am prepared. I took a very challenging course through college with Microbiology, being an athlete, and on an academic scholarship that required a minimum number of hours/term. I know I am ready, yet there are students getting accepted without completing the prerequisites, despite having already completed undergrad and who have no plan to complete those prerequisites before August. At this point I am mainly just confused as to what is making applicants who didn't even take basic prerequisite courses like anatomy better suited than I am.


Anyways... back to what I can actually change because that is what matters.


Do you have any suggestions on schools I should apply to? Either where I would be competitive or where they take time to review whole applications? Or are you just here to chuckle at my poor unfortunate soul?

chuckle? not even close
I feel bad that you didn't ask before the cycle started about your plan to apply to only 4 schools
all 4 are not "reach" schools, but you need to have a larger number of schools you are in-range or above range for
so, for example, your first year list should have been much larger
and UNC and UCSF are too far of a reach for your stats, they are easily among the top 5 most difficult OOS public schools
and you only have three private schools
your reach schools would be the other OOS publics and then a bunch of private schools
as an example, loma linda if you are religious (doesn't only have to be SDA), both midwesterns, asdoh/atsu, mosdoh, western, roseman
research the mission statement of each school and take your picks
the private schools can value outreach/volunteerism/etc more than publics and view things more holistically
you could even reach further across the country, but I thought I would start from the west since you are in OR

let me know if you need further clarification

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I was hoping that with my experiences, extracurriculars, and DAT I would be able to be more selective with schools I applied to. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case as I haven’t gotten an interview in two cycles now (I understand this cycle isn’t quite complete yet, but I have no hope left). I feel that I meet or exceed every admission requirement for most schools except for my lower GPA and not participating in research. Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot? I know I can thrive in dental school, I just need my shot to prove it!


Date of submission: fee received 8/6
Overall GPA: 3.32
Science GPA: 3.18
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.19
DAT score (AA/TS/PAT): 21/19/26
State of Residence: Oregon

Major: Microbiology
Minor: Chemistry
Minority: No
Reapplicant: Yes
Nontrad: No

Shadowing Experience: 200+ hours: general, ortho and perio. Also, took a tour of a dental lab and attended OHSU's Dive into Dentistry Program.
Volunteering Experience: Many hours - Mobile Dental Van as a Dental Assistant, Blood Drives, Tutor, etc.
Employment: ~600 hours so far as a Dental Assistant
Research: None
Other Extracurriculars: Collegiate Athlete - 4 hrs/weekday and additional recruiting or travel on weekends (AKA – no study time or lunch breaks all through college). Microbiology Lab TA.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Presidential Scholarship, Holliday Family Scholarship, Larsen Family Scholarship, Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship
Personal Statement Strength: Very strong – have experiences seeing the impact of poor oral health on family members, I describe how that and a love for anatomy have led me to want to improve the lives of others through dentistry.
LOR type and strength: General Dentist I shadowed for ~ 60 hours and have known my whole life – good (his wife had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he admittedly didn’t put as much effort into it as he would like to have)
College Track and Field Coach – great
Microbiology Lab Instructor – great
Microbiology Advisor/Professor – great
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere:
The GPA disadvantage part 1 - in addition to being an athlete with no study time, my sophomore year my roommate was suicidal leading to any ounce of free time being spent making sure she was still alive, had nothing she could harm herself with, and was going to counseling – this is evident by my lowest GPA happening my sophomore year. Luckily, she is doing better now, and we still keep in touch.
The GPA disadvantage part 2 - I went to a very rural high school which only offered 4 AP courses (2 of which were calculus - derivative and integral) and 0 IB courses, so I was honestly very ill prepared for college, despite my best efforts.
OHSU dream school - I would love to attend OHSU, as I am a 7th generation Oregonian (my family came on the Oregon trail and we still own some of the original homestead property) and love it here. I love the school and have had positive interactions with the students and staff. Unfortunately, I had a conversation with their assistant dean of admissions it sounds like OHSU does not review applications very holistically. From my understanding GPA is a high priority, and there is little consideration for the type of major (other than science vs non-science), extracurriculars or the course-load. This is my second cycle applying and after my conversation with their staff it sounds like I don’t have a chance. Attending a post-bacc or master’s program would be my absolute last resort, as it feels like a huge waste of money and time.
School list:
Oregon Health and Science University
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of California San Francisco
University of Colorado
University of Minnesota
University of Washington
University of North Carolina
Interviews: None 😵


To reiterate my question: Since GPA is such a big factor for many schools, does anybody have any suggestions for schools that take a more holistic approach to their review process, and might give an Oregon resident a shot?

Metrics are still very important for everyone, and holistic review helps when it comes to tailoring the class according to the missions of each school. Your science subscores and your BCP are confirming each other in your science preparation compared to other applicants. As it stands, that last resort for a SMP may be your best shot forward.

As for schools, I would think about staying close to home with many of the newer schools or private schools with large enrollments. Your state school OHSU is a given, so work very closely with and pay attention to advice given by students and staff your network with there. Your references also need to help you with their support for you and your application. I would push myself to attend any recruitment fairs, including the ADEA GoDental fair if you can afford to go physically, or the virtual fair if you cannot.

 

[giannis]

Your sGPA is well below the average of matriculants. Your DAT score is also not great. It's just inflated by your RC score. 19TS is relatively low and arguably the most important section.
You need decent numbers for schools to even take a look at your application, but you don't even have the foundation

Only option is an SMP. DO NOT reapply without increasing your GPA, new DAT score, etc.

 

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

I applied this cycle with 3.1sGPA 3.4oGPA 19TS 19 AA

I think your problem was that you applied to many competitive schools that had high GPA requirements. I had no problem getting interviews this cycle (5) and acceptances (3)

My advice is retake your DAT if you don't have the money to do a masters. Increase shadowing and volunteer hours if you can. And apply broadly. I applied to private schools and a few public schools. Look at the averages to the schools your applying to see your chance

 

[hoosdoingdentistry]

I applied this cycle with 3.1sGPA 3.4oGPA 19TS 19 AA

I think your problem was that you applied to many competitive schools that had high GPA requirements. I had no problem getting interviews this cycle (5) and acceptances (3)

My advice is retake your DAT if you don't have the money to do a masters. Increase shadowing and volunteer hours if you can. And apply broadly. I applied to private schools and a few public schools. Look at the averages to the schools your applying to see your chance

Do you mind if I ask which schools you applied to?

 

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

Rugters, Temple, Tufts, Boston, UNE, Buffalo, NYU, Stony, UConn, Howard, touro

Interviewed at Boston, UNE, Touro, Buffalo, nyu

accepted NYU, UNE, buffalo

 

[mikedental]

definitely need to apply to around 10+schools with your lower GPA

 

[updat]

which schools would you recommend?

 

[giannis]

Rugters, Temple, Tufts, Boston, UNE, Buffalo, NYU, Stony, UConn, Howard, touro

Interviewed at Boston, UNE, Touro, Buffalo, nyu

accepted NYU, UNE, buffalo

NY resident?
Touro, Buffalo, NYU isn't that easy for OOS.

 

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

NY resident?
Touro, Buffalo, NYU isn't that easy for OOS.

Yeah I'm in state. NYU has a fairly large amount of out of state students this year. Buffalo does accept many out of state students but usually in state students go to buffalo just because it's easier to get their liscence and living in buffalo isnt easy for most LOL

 

[flosslikeaboss1]

Rugters, Temple, Tufts, Boston, UNE, Buffalo, NYU, Stony, UConn, Howard, touro

Interviewed at Boston, UNE, Touro, Buffalo, nyu

accepted NYU, UNE, buffalo

Have you decided which school you will be attending?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Wow. This thread got hijacked.

Sent from my SM-N960U using SDN mobile

 

[nsudental]

I applied this cycle with 3.1sGPA 3.4oGPA 19TS 19 AA

I think your problem was that you applied to many competitive schools that had high GPA requirements. I had no problem getting interviews this cycle (5) and acceptances (3)

My advice is retake your DAT if you don't have the money to do a masters. Increase shadowing and volunteer hours if you can. And apply broadly. I applied to private schools and a few public schools. Look at the averages to the schools your applying to see your chance

What schools did u interviewed and accepted?

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

OP I’d apply to a SMP program and not dental schools for this year.

 

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

What schools did u interviewed and accepted?

Interviewed and accepted to

Boston university, Touro, NYU, UNE, and Buffalo

 

[deleted835710]

Rugters, Temple, Tufts, Boston, UNE, Buffalo, NYU, Stony, UConn, Howard, touro

Interviewed at Boston, UNE, Touro, Buffalo, nyu

accepted NYU, UNE, buffalo

How did your NYU interview go? I thought mine went well and I have 3.6 GPA, have my masters of science in genetic engineering, 21TS, 21AA, tons of shadowing and volunteer HOWEVER I'm from the midwest - maybe this had an effect, I got waitlisted.

 

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

How did your NYU interview go? I thought mine went well and I have 3.6 GPA, have my masters of science in genetic engineering, 21TS, 21AA, tons of shadowing and volunteer HOWEVER I'm from the midwest - maybe this had an effect, I got waitlisted.

I wouldn't say it went good or bad. I honestly couldn't tell because the people who interviewed me seemed to not really care or rather did not give any signs that they liked me.

The first interviewer asked some hard questions such as why are my grades low, why did i take my dat so early, and why i should be chosen despite my low scores. The second interviewer we barely talked for more than 5 minutes. He only asked basic questions such as how do i study and never asked any questions that went beyond my application.

 

[Dr. Smile]

AA: 21 PAT: 26 TS: 19 QR: 18 RC: 28 BI: 20 GC: 21 OC: 16 ( I realize OC is a weak spot. But I got As in OC class so I figured that would help balance things out a little). And I am not a minority.

Honestly, you are right about people getting accepted with similar stats (GPAs and DAT) but one thing that stood out to me is your low OC and RC subscores. I know many schools now have their cut off at 17 all across sections and big emphasis on RC (after sciences). So like many mentioned before, I would def. retake the DAT and apply broadly (15+). Also utilize admission advising service at private schools. Reach out to them and ask for their opinions/ feedbacks on your application. If you can wait for another year, do a post bacc/ SMP and retake the DAT before re-applying in 2021 and your chance will significantly increase.

 

[gettingbread]

AA: 21 PAT: 26 TS: 19 QR: 18 RC: 28 BI: 20 GC: 21 OC: 16 ( I realize OC is a weak spot. But I got As in OC class so I figured that would help balance things out a little). And I am not a minority.

You need to retake the DAT. You absolutely have the potential to be strong in organic chemistry this score does not reflect your capabilities. Orgo classes are more in depth and challenging than the DAT questions.
Raise that score and you can lift the TS too. Since you were a strong student I really recommend you aim for a 20+. The organic chemistry section is extremely high yield. Studying the most important concepts can make a great difference for your score, unlike bio, for example, which is super broad and therefore takes a long, long time to study for.
QR is the least important section, but I’d aim to raise it a point or two higher if you have time. Best of luck!

AA: 21 PAT: 26 TS: 19 QR: 18 RC: 28 BI: 20 GC: 21 OC: 16 ( I realize OC is a weak spot. But I got As in OC class so I figured that would help balance things out a little). And I am not a minority.