3rd Time Applicant... Seeking Advice!

[Say Cheeze]

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Hey guys!

I was hoping to find people who have been on the same boat as me who have successfully gotten into dental school or even any advice/input on my chances this cycle.

This will be my third time applying and safe to say I'm starting to lose hope. The first time around I knew my stats were not great but I applied anyways towards the end of the cycle to test my luck (to no surprise, I was rejected w/o interviews). The second time was while I was completing my masters in biomedical science (I had completed one semester at the time), I received an interview oos at Nova in December and was waitlisted. I spoke to the dean of admissions for two of my state schools last year and one of them said to retake my DAT because its starting to get old (took it in Nov 2016). The other just advised me to reapply with my old score.

Some background information on me, I am a non-traditional applicant (26yo). I graduated from undergrad in 2015 and have been working as a dental assistant for 3 years. After undergrad I retook some classes I got a "C" in and then enrolled in a masters the following semester. I also have good volunteering and have held various jobs since high school.

I was planning to retake my DAT earlier this month but some unfortunate family events led me to delay it. However, I am planning to retake it and update my application later this month. Obviously I am wanting to aim for a 22+ on my score this time around, but would that be enough to offset my low gpa?

I am a Texas resident and I've applied to all three Texas schools. I also wanted any advice on which oos schools I would have the best chances at getting in to? Finances are an issue so I'm looking to apply to a max of five oos schools that won't cost me an arm and a leg for cost of attendance. I don't mean to be picky but the dentist I work for has highly advised against applying to schools that will acquire 500K debt. Also, if I apply now to oos schools, am I considered late in the cycle?

I'm not here to justify my low stats, they have been the result of a chaotic few years. However, I'm starting to lose hope at this point and I find myself looking at other careers I may be passionate about, but I can't sleep at night knowing I've committed so much time and money trying to pursue dentistry and now even considering giving up.

Sorry for the bombard of questions, and thanks for the help in advance!

My stats are below:
oGPA: 3.26
sGPA: 3.06
masters: 4.0
DAT: 20 TS: 20

 

[RSX JDM Integra]

Your story parallels mine exactly.

My undergrad oGPA and sGPA was 3.3 and 3.3. I took the DAT the first time and winged it. My scores were slightly under average for the time and I applied anyways. To no surprise, I got no interviews to 15 schools that I applied to.

I learned to apply for a master's to be more competitive and after a semester like yourself, I applied again. I had a 3.8 during my application. Still no interviews to 10 schools that I applied to.

My 3rd time applying, I made sure I took the DAT again and had similar scores you had. That was the cycle I got in and had multiple interviews and multiple acceptances.

Long story short, don't lose hope. I graduated from dental school this year and yeah, it took 3 cycles but I never lost hope. Neither should you. You'll get there as long as you apply to the right schools.

With your situation, it's going to be hard to get into a state school like Baylor and the 2 other Texas schools. State schools tend to be very competitive due to the cost of attendance. I myself had to go OOS and I'm paying roughly 500k in loans. It doesn't worry me much because most OOS schools are going to run you at least 350-400k if you are pulling full loans without financial help.

Good luck in your future endeavors. Should you need help, please PM me

 

[Say Cheeze]

Thanks for the reply @RSX JDM Integra!

It's really refreshing to hear that there is hope and all the work I put in may not go to waste.

If you don't mind me asking, which schools did you receive interviews/acceptances? I want to apply to schools that I won't waste my time and money with.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[B4SS]

I'm a third time applicant hoping for good news too. 3.1 undergrad gpa, 3.7 masters gpa, 24 AA/24 TS DAT. Applied to 16 schools. Had an interview w/ rejection last cycle.

 

[frentist]

I'm a third time applicant hoping for good news too. 3.1 undergrad gpa, 3.7 masters gpa, 24 AA/24 TS DAT. Applied to 16 schools. Had an interview w/ rejection last cycle.

during the last cycle, when did the schools you apply to receive your complete app?

 

[B4SS]

during the last cycle, when did the schools you apply to receive your complete app?

No idea. I didn't take the DAT until July 20th, so whenever that became official. I already had the rest submitted. This year I submitted the last week of June and everything was already verified from the previous year.

 

[frentist]

No idea. I didn't take the DAT until July 20th, so whenever that became official. I already had the rest submitted. This year I submitted the last week of June and everything was already verified from the previous year.

for sure, good luck this cycle

 

[sweet_t00th]

I'm a third time applicant hoping for good news too. 3.1 undergrad gpa, 3.7 masters gpa, 24 AA/24 TS DAT. Applied to 16 schools. Had an interview w/ rejection last cycle.

Do you mind me asking where you received an interview from?

Side note: You and OP received similar GPA's in undergrad and a good master's GPA with more than average DAT scores...How is that possible that you guys only received one invite? Isn't it implied that getting a masters will better your chances? I'm only asking because I've thought of applying for a masters this year and my gpa is about 3.4 and dat is 21. Are schools just not weighing masters gpa as heavily now?

another side note: I've heard people say that once you have an interview it's almost like it's a shoe in... should I not be thinking this optimistically?!?

 

[macsak]

Do you mind me asking where you received an interview from?

Side note: You and OP received similar GPA's in undergrad and a good master's GPA with more than average DAT scores...How is that possible that you guys only received one invite? Isn't it implied that getting a masters will better your chances? I'm only asking because I've thought of applying for a masters this year and my gpa is about 3.4 and dat is 21. Are schools just not weighing masters gpa as heavily now?

another side note: I've heard people say that once you have an interview it's almost like it's a shoe in... should I not be thinking this optimistically?!?

with a 3.4 and 21, you will likely not need a masters

getting an invite at most schools means that you meet their standards that they think are required for you to succeed in their program
the interview determines if you fit their school, it does NOT mean you are a shoe-in

 

[rectangle]

Your story parallels mine exactly.

My undergrad oGPA and sGPA was 3.3 and 3.3. I took the DAT the first time and winged it. My scores were slightly under average for the time and I applied anyways. To no surprise, I got no interviews to 15 schools that I applied to.

I learned to apply for a master's to be more competitive and after a semester like yourself, I applied again. I had a 3.8 during my application. Still no interviews to 10 schools that I applied to.

My 3rd time applying, I made sure I took the DAT again and had similar scores you had. That was the cycle I got in and had multiple interviews and multiple acceptances.

Long story short, don't lose hope. I graduated from dental school this year and yeah, it took 3 cycles but I never lost hope. Neither should you. You'll get there as long as you apply to the right schools.

With your situation, it's going to be hard to get into a state school like Baylor and the 2 other Texas schools. State schools tend to be very competitive due to the cost of attendance. I myself had to go OOS and I'm paying roughly 500k in loans. It doesn't worry me much because most OOS schools are going to run you at least 350-400k if you are pulling full loans without financial help.

Good luck in your future endeavors. Should you need help, please PM me

Can I ask what masters program you did and which schools you interviewed/got accepted in?

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

Hey guys!

I was hoping to find people who have been on the same boat as me who have successfully gotten into dental school or even any advice/input on my chances this cycle.

This will be my third time applying and safe to say I'm starting to lose hope. The first time around I knew my stats were not great but I applied anyways towards the end of the cycle to test my luck (to no surprise, I was rejected w/o interviews). The second time was while I was completing my masters in biomedical science (I had completed one semester at the time), I received an interview oos at Nova in December and was waitlisted. I spoke to the dean of admissions for two of my state schools last year and one of them said to retake my DAT because its starting to get old (took it in Nov 2016). The other just advised me to reapply with my old score.

Some background information on me, I am a non-traditional applicant (26yo). I graduated from undergrad in 2015 and have been working as a dental assistant for 3 years. After undergrad I retook some classes I got a "C" in and then enrolled in a masters the following semester. I also have good volunteering and have held various jobs since high school.

I was planning to retake my DAT earlier this month but some unfortunate family events led me to delay it. However, I am planning to retake it and update my application later this month. Obviously I am wanting to aim for a 22+ on my score this time around, but would that be enough to offset my low gpa?

I am a Texas resident and I've applied to all three Texas schools. I also wanted any advice on which oos schools I would have the best chances at getting in to? Finances are an issue so I'm looking to apply to a max of five oos schools that won't cost me an arm and a leg for cost of attendance. I don't mean to be picky but the dentist I work for has highly advised against applying to schools that will acquire 500K debt. Also, if I apply now to oos schools, am I considered late in the cycle?

I'm not here to justify my low stats, they have been the result of a chaotic few years. However, I'm starting to lose hope at this point and I find myself looking at other careers I may be passionate about, but I can't sleep at night knowing I've committed so much time and money trying to pursue dentistry and now even considering giving up.

Sorry for the bombard of questions, and thanks for the help in advance!

My stats are below:
oGPA: 3.26
sGPA: 3.06
masters: 4.0
DAT: 20 TS: 20

First of all, incredible masters GPA. I think that will be a good addition to your app this time. I think 20 is okay. It's slightly lower than the national avg. However, if you want to improve it, go for it. (I personally retook my DAT in October; so, you are fine in that front).

That said, don't lost hope. I think you are better candidate this year compared to the last two cycles.

In terms of schools, please apply to a healthy number of schools (10-12 schools). That will increase your chances at getting accepted into a program.

 

[Say Cheeze]

I'm a third time applicant hoping for good news too. 3.1 undergrad gpa, 3.7 masters gpa, 24 AA/24 TS DAT. Applied to 16 schools. Had an interview w/ rejection last cycle.

That's an impressive masters GPA and a killer DAT! I'm rooting for you this cycle, hopefully you get your top pick! Are you a Texas resident as well?

 

[Say Cheeze]

Do you mind me asking where you received an interview from?

Side note: You and OP received similar GPA's in undergrad and a good master's GPA with more than average DAT scores...How is that possible that you guys only received one invite? Isn't it implied that getting a masters will better your chances? I'm only asking because I've thought of applying for a masters this year and my gpa is about 3.4 and dat is 21. Are schools just not weighing masters gpa as heavily now?

another side note: I've heard people say that once you have an interview it's almost like it's a shoe in... should I not be thinking this optimistically?!?

I think as long as you applied early you'll have a good chance this cycle! If you don't get in with those scores, then maybe I would consider a masters. But I def don't think its necessary with your stats. However, I was informed that some schools heavily weigh undergrad and don't pay much attention to your graduate gpa. I think it varies by school.

 

[Say Cheeze]

First of all, incredible masters GPA. I think that will be a good addition to your app this time. I think 20 is okay. It's slightly lower than the national avg. However, if you want to improve it, go for it. (I personally retook my DAT in October; so, you are fine in that front).

That said, don't lost hope. I think you are better candidate this year compared to the last two cycles.

In terms of schools, please apply to a healthy number of schools (10-12 schools). That will increase your chances at getting accepted into a program.

Thank you! All the words of encouragement and advice is definitely giving me hope! I'm just praying my stats are good enough to land me a pre-december interview. Regardless I'm planning to retake my DAT by the end of sept/early oct and update the schools with my new scores.

Hopefully this is our year!

 

[B4SS]

That's an impressive masters GPA and a killer DAT! I'm rooting for you this cycle, hopefully you get your top pick! Are you a Texas resident as well?

Thanks. California resident. I wish I was a Texas resident. I would love to be competitive enough to apply to those schools. Haha.

 

[AspringDDS14]

Wow, I relate so much to your story. Also a Texas resident applying for the third time. It's been a tumultuous past three years with family and financial problems and I feel the same way, having come so far to let it go.