3rd Times The Charm...?

[BowlingDoctor]

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Hey all!

So with application cycle quickly approaching, I’m conflicted. I want to be a Dentist but the application process is wearing on me. For example I am not looking forward to constantly checking my email, my constant anxiety, everything, for a third time.

I was wondering if there was anyone else on here who is applying for the 3rd time or more, what are you doing to stay encourage? Also those of you who it did take more than 2 tries to get in.. what did you keep telling yourself?

Its just discouraging. At what point do you give up? It is getting old telling people, “I’m trying to get into dental school.” Many of my friends from HS have jobs, kids, and I’m working as a dental assistant almost done with a Masters with, what I feel like, nothing to show.

Help.

 

[REACHOn]

Not looking forward to constantly checking your email is just a byproduct of going through it again and again. You're an older experienced warrior.

It took me 3 attempt and it really does get discouraging. I got several interviews and would schedule a consultation with them when I found out that I did not get in. The majority of them told me that they did not see any red flags and went on to tell me regular things to become an even more competitive applicant. I just told myself that I know my stats can get me in somewhere and to just take advantage of the time. The first step is to look at your stats and be honest with yourself. It's hard to acknowledge that we aren't the main characters in this large world and things can go a different route. There's so many splendid people out there 🙂 My first DAT I had a 20AA and a 19 TS (16 on BIO!!!) combined with a cgpa and sgpa of around 3.4 and I knew I had to apply to at least 10 schools. I applied to 8 schools mainly in California to save a bit money and I did not get in. Second year, I applied to about 9 schools and did not get in. Third year with a DAT of 21 on both TS and AA, I applied to 15 schools and got in a school I wanted. I see from your past messages you got 19 on the DAT and one time only applied to 2 schools. If it is your dream I advise you to apply to many more schools, especially if you know that 19 is the average (heck by now I think it's higher now). When you are deciding ask yourself if you're willing to wait if you don't get in and obviously from this post you don't, so apply to many schools and make sure if you get accepted to them you can afford and will attend. You are almost done with your Masters so your application will look much better now I assume.
I can't give you an answer for when you should give up and I would not feel comfortable with that. I want you to stay positive. For the people who are asking you all the time just tell them with pride that you are working hard to do something you are passionate about. You're doing something YOU WANT and it is a highly prestigious one. Take pride into the fact that you gotten this far. It is not something your average joe can do. Your friends with kids and jobs choose a different path and it's something you should not compare yourself to as comparing yourself to other people's success when you have yet to reach your fullest potential will only make you feel bad and even bitter.

Stay positive and ReachOn

 

[BowlingDoctor]

Not looking forward to constantly checking your email is just a byproduct of going through it again and again. You're an older experienced warrior.

It took me 3 attempt and it really does get discouraging. I got several interviews and would schedule a consultation with them when I found out that I did not get in. The majority of them told me that they did not see any red flags and went on to tell me regular things to become an even more competitive applicant. I just told myself that I know my stats can get me in somewhere and to just take advantage of the time. The first step is to look at your stats and be honest with yourself. It's hard to acknowledge that we aren't the main characters in this large world and things can go a different route. There's so many splendid people out there 🙂 My first DAT I had a 20AA and a 19 TS (16 on BIO!!!) combined with a cgpa and sgpa of around 3.4 and I knew I had to apply to at least 10 schools. I applied to 8 schools mainly in California to save a bit money and I did not get in. Second year, I applied to about 9 schools and did not get in. Third year with a DAT of 21 on both TS and AA, I applied to 15 schools and got in a school I wanted. I see from your past messages you got 19 on the DAT and one time only applied to 2 schools. If it is your dream I advise you to apply to many more schools, especially if you know that 19 is the average (heck by now I think it's higher now). When you are deciding ask yourself if you're willing to wait if you don't get in and obviously from this post you don't, so apply to many schools and make sure if you get accepted to them you can afford and will attend. You are almost done with your Masters so your application will look much better now I assume.
I can't give you an answer for when you should give up and I would not feel comfortable with that. I want you to stay positive. For the people who are asking you all the time just tell them with pride that you are working hard to do something you are passionate about. You're doing something YOU WANT and it is a highly prestigious one. Take pride into the fact that you gotten this far. It is not something your average joe can do. Your friends with kids and jobs choose a different path and it's something you should not compare yourself to as comparing yourself to other people's success when you have yet to reach your fullest potential will only make you feel bad and even bitter.

Stay positive and ReachOn

It’ll probably sound like Dental Dream Suicide but I’m applying only to my instate school. Has to do with finances.

I’m working as an assistant and the Dentist I work for days that it’s not worth taking out the extra loans just to pay for private/out of state tuition. Sure you’re a dentist, but it takes longer to pay off debt. I know one dentist who went private, and doesn’t go clothes shopping, out to eat, lives at home, because she is drowning in debt. That scares me. As someone who is older now I know the importantance of finances, plus I listen to Dave Ramsey, but where I am at in life, private/ out of state tuition is financial suicide.

I’ve spoken with the school and they say my application is good, just keep working on building it up.

 

[SuxDrugs&Rocuronium]

What are your stats? If you're applying for the third time, you can't just apply to your instate school and hope to get in. You need to analyze your application and see where you are lacking, whether is be the DAT, GPAs or EC's. Applying for the third time to just your instate school is basically throwing away money and a year of income. Even with great stats applying to only one school is very risky. Your biggest source of encouragement from going crazy would be applying to more schools. They don't have to be expensive private schools. Look at state schools that will allow you to get instate tuition after the first year.

 

[Faefly]

You are shooting yourself in the leg by applying to one school only.
You either in it or not.
Do you want to work as a dental assistant for the rest of your life or not.
Also, state schools are very selective, I wasn't invited by my state school even though I got 13 invites. and some of them were from other state schools, just not my state school ( which is a good thing because I want to get the heck out of this state)

 

[Tootyfruity]

It’ll probably sound like Dental Dream Suicide but I’m applying only to my instate school. Has to do with finances.

I’m working as an assistant and the Dentist I work for days that it’s not worth taking out the extra loans just to pay for private/out of state tuition. Sure you’re a dentist, but it takes longer to pay off debt. I know one dentist who went private, and doesn’t go clothes shopping, out to eat, lives at home, because she is drowning in debt. That scares me. As someone who is older now I know the importantance of finances, plus I listen to Dave Ramsey, but where I am at in life, private/ out of state tuition is financial suicide.

I’ve spoken with the school and they say my application is good, just keep working on building it up.

I mean, you gave yourself those odds.
Tons of people with way better stats applied to a lot more schools than you. Either you bump your dat up by 3,4 points or you apply to more schools or you choose a different career.

 

[2TH MVR]

It’ll probably sound like Dental Dream Suicide but I’m applying only to my instate school. Has to do with finances.

I’m working as an assistant and the Dentist I work for days that it’s not worth taking out the extra loans just to pay for private/out of state tuition. Sure you’re a dentist, but it takes longer to pay off debt. I know one dentist who went private, and doesn’t go clothes shopping, out to eat, lives at home, because she is drowning in debt. That scares me. As someone who is older now I know the importantance of finances, plus I listen to Dave Ramsey, but where I am at in life, private/ out of state tuition is financial suicide.

I’ve spoken with the school and they say my application is good, just keep working on building it up.

I commend you for at least thinking about the future financial implications of decisions you make now. That said and knowing you have a better handle of financial decisions than most here ..... go ahead and expand your school list. Stay away from the ultra-expensive DS and consider the medium priced schools. With your financial thought process .... you should be better able to deal with managing those future medium level DS debts.
Nothing is free. You want it. You gotta go get it.

Good Luck.

 

[BowlingDoctor]

I love how people on here always ask for stats and want you to apply to more schools; basically they tell you that you don't want to be a Dentist if you aren't willing to pay 1/2 million or travel across country. Everyone's situation is different.

I rambled too long in my original post but I mainly wanted to see if others were going through the same situation applying more than 1-2 times to get in. I had one person message me and they were nice about it. So I appreciate that!

I am aware that applying to one school limits chances with one school. I've talked to numerous Dentist about debt and everything, sure being a Dentist is wonderful but who wants to be a professional living at their parents house because they are paying $10,000 a month to dental school debt?

 

[rectangle]

Best of luck

 

[hurryupdec3rd]

Why dont you apply to more schools, and hopefully get some scholarship? Feel like it a big waste getting a master just to work as a dental assistant.

 

[knewstance]

During my 2nd and 3rd times applying, I got jobs doing non-dental things that could have been developed into long-term high paying careers. Now that I am in dental school sometimes (mostly while studying non-essential things) I long for the days of being back in those jobs (even though I really am glad to be out). Anyways, if you already have over 100 hours of being in a dental office, you are wasting your time/life as a dental assistant.

If you want to be a dentist and get there by only applying to one school, that's fine. But you have to realize that the chances aren't great, so stop hindering your own progress in life and take another path. You need to stop the stagnation. You can still apply to dental school and build your application, but find something else you could live with - may not be ideal, but its better than being a dental assistant.

I know its a little harsh, but its a reality that I also had to face when in a similar situation as you are in.

Edit: Just read about doing your MS as well - I did one and then retook the DAT. I think those 2 factors combine to really open the doors for me.

 

[BowlingDoctor]

I got jobs doing non-dental things that could have been developed into long-term high paying careers.

Anyways, if you already have over 100 hours of being in a dental office, you are wasting your time/life as a dental assistant.

Edit: Just read about doing your MS as well - I did one and then retook the DAT. I think those 2 factors combine to really open the doors for me.

I did that for about 6 months and absolutely hated it. I did tell my boss that once I'm done with my Masters I'll go ahead and find a better paying job. He was bummed because he likes teaching me stuff but understands. Once my Masters is done you only get a short grace period before student loans start calling. lol. I've only been an assistant for little under a year. I am with you, I feel like I am wasting both of my bachelors and my potential masters to make less than a decent living wage.

As a side note, I now have a better appreciation of what an assistant does so I won't undervalue them when it comes to their work ethic and pay. haha

Also, why do you think 100 is enough? Some of the schools I have talked with said that many of the students had 250+ hours?

 

[knewstance]

So maybe you hated that job you were working, but you've got to find something. There has to be some other job out there that you could make into a career that isn't being a Dentist and you could still live a good life and be happy. It may not be as happy as being a dentist, but the grass is always greener on the other side.

Also, why do you think 100 is enough? Some of the schools I have talked with said that many of the students had 250+ hours?

An arbitrary number... I assumed you already had much more than that. I've seen people apply and get accepted with 50 hours. I had about 300. I'm sure you have tons as an assistant and there comes a point where more doesn't really mean anything.

 

[SuxDrugs&Rocuronium]

I love how people on here always ask for stats and want you to apply to more schools; basically they tell you that you don't want to be a Dentist if you aren't willing to pay 1/2 million or travel across country. Everyone's situation is different.

I rambled too long in my original post but I mainly wanted to see if others were going through the same situation applying more than 1-2 times to get in. I had one person message me and they were nice about it. So I appreciate that!

I am aware that applying to one school limits chances with one school. I've talked to numerous Dentist about debt and everything, sure being a Dentist is wonderful but who wants to be a professional living at their parents house because they are paying $10,000 a month to dental school debt?

If you don’t want advice don’t ask for it. You obviously don’t care to listen to anyone so I’m gonna be blunt with you.

We’re trying to help you by letting you know that by applying to only one school, it’s highly probable you won’t get in again. From your post history it looks like you have a gpa of 3.1 and a 19 on the DAT. I hate to break it to you but a 19 is average and a 3.1 is below average. So your options are: improve DAT and GPA, apply broadly to more schools, or find a different career.

I’m all for going to a cheap school, I think paying more than 300-350 is too much as well. But it’s possible to stay below that number at other schools besides your state school. Set a maximum cost you would be willing to pay and look for schools that will allow you to stay under it. Look for schools that let you became a resident after the first year.

It’s possible to get into dental school, but you have to be flexible. But if you really are dead set on only applying to one school for the third time with your stats, I’ll DM you my address and you can send the application fee to me instead.

 

[Yesnoyes]

If you are worried about going into extreme debt, think about dental hygiene over becoming a dentist. Applying for just one school sets you up to fail, at this point, the opportunity cost of missing out on future income is only growing. With your grades/DAT, you have a chance of getting into somewhere, but thats if you apply for ~13 schools

 

[Frychicken]

The odds are not in your favor to apply to just one state school so no, third time may not be the charm.

 

[Tatu78]

Of youre applying to only 1 school, then apply to the school knowing that you may have to reapply. Ive seen people getting in with only 1 school, but the probability is very low.

 

[DogLover2680]

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different outcome. Obviously the first two times you’ve applied haven’t worked, and it likely has to do with your stats as getting into dental school is a major numbers game between gpa, involvement, experience hours, and DAT. You need to better your stats and enhance your probability of getting in by applying to more schools and improving easy things, like DAT or gpa scores. If you found the money to get a Masters, you can find an few extra hundred to apply to a few more schools. And if you don’t want feedback and opinions, don’t post on a forum.

 

[redhotchiligochu]

I love how people on here always ask for stats and want you to apply to more schools; basically they tell you that you don't want to be a Dentist if you aren't willing to pay 1/2 million or travel across country. Everyone's situation is different.

I rambled too long in my original post but I mainly wanted to see if others were going through the same situation applying more than 1-2 times to get in. I had one person message me and they were nice about it. So I appreciate that!

I am aware that applying to one school limits chances with one school. I've talked to numerous Dentist about debt and everything, sure being a Dentist is wonderful but who wants to be a professional living at their parents house because they are paying $10,000 a month to dental school debt?

I think you answered your own question here.

If you look at at the dental forums, there is a lot of debate about the rising cost of tuition and how it’s becoming less and less feasible to pursue dentistry without drowning in student loans. I won’t go too much into it since you can look it over in your free time.

I think the career of dentistry means a lot to you, but there is absolutely no shame in forgoing your “passion” to pursue something more practical and less financially-destructive. You have graduate loans, right? Imagine them compounding while you attend an “expensive” dental school. Your loan payments will exceed $6000/month, while your typical starting dental salary of ~$10k/month will dwindle to ~$7k/month after taxes. Is that feasible? Hell no!

Idk what your Masters is in, but if it’s something marketable and hire-able, I’d be content with starting a $60k/yr job and staying out of debt. That will dramatically increase your standard of living, not only financially, but mentally too.

Think of your rejection as a silver lining. You won’t be indentured to $400,000+ in debt! What’s even scarier is half of my OOS classmates have undergrad and post-bac/Masters loans on top of that and are completely oblivious to how insurmountable it is to get out of that kind of debt!

Use your Masters degree to work a $60k job for a few years, and if the dentistry bug still bites, then reapply. But trust me, some of your younger peers that will graduate from dental school at that time will regret the high student loans that they have!

Just my $0.02

 

[BowlingDoctor]

Things I have learned

- People look at old posts and stalk you on here.
-When you want to try and ask other people if they have been in a similar situations, they take it the wrong direction.
- People don’t think about their finances before applying to OOS or private

Also Incase anyone was wondering my stats aren’t the greatest but since that’s all everyone uses to compare their ego to.

BA 2.78 GPA
BS Post Bacc 3.88 GPA
Overall 3.1 GPA
MBA - 4.0 (With 4 classes left
DAT - AA 19 PAT24

 

[SuxDrugs&Rocuronium]

Things I have learned

- People look at old posts and stalk you on here.
-When you want to try and ask other people if they have been in a similar situations, they take it the wrong direction.
- People don’t think about their finances before applying to OOS or private

Also Incase anyone was wondering my stats aren’t the greatest but since that’s all everyone uses to compare their ego to.

BA 2.78 GPA
BS Post Bacc 3.88 GPA
Overall 3.1 GPA
MBA - 4.0 (With 4 classes left
DAT - AA 19 PAT24

Good luck

 

[BowlingDoctor]

I’m done posting on here. I was just looking for a support group of other reapplicants and it turned into people telling me to outside a different career, my stats on good, apply broadly.

I mean dang guys. Don’t be so harsh. I’m trying my best, my parents have literally abandoned me since I came out. My GPA sucks because I went into a severe depression after they did they I failed 17 credits one semester. I had to live in my car for a month before moving in with my now fiancée. I was literally homeless. I have worked hard to get my stats to what they are, instead of being encouraging y’all have been doing is bringing me down more than I already am. I don’t have the funds to move, I don’t have the support to help me. I’ve worked 2 jobs to pay for school and have worked hard to get where I am.

So guys. I’m done posting on here looking for moral support. Don’t be so harsh when people are trying to look for advice. I’m sorry I haven’t had everything handed and paid for like many of y’all have.

 

[JLT223]

I’m sorry I haven’t had everything handed and paid for like many of y’all have.

I’m offended

 

[2TH MVR]

I’m done posting on here. I was just looking for a support group of other reapplicants and it turned into people telling me to outside a different career, my stats on good, apply broadly.

I mean dang guys. Don’t be so harsh. I’m trying my best, my parents have literally abandoned me since I came out. My GPA sucks because I went into a severe depression after they did they I failed 17 credits one semester. I had to live in my car for a month before moving in with my now fiancée. I was literally homeless. I have worked hard to get my stats to what they are, instead of being encouraging y’all have been doing is bringing me down more than I already am. I don’t have the funds to move, I don’t have the support to help me. I’ve worked 2 jobs to pay for school and have worked hard to get where I am.

So guys. I’m done posting on here looking for moral support. Don’t be so harsh when people are trying to look for advice. I’m sorry I haven’t had everything handed and paid for like many of y’all have.

No one is being harsh. Members have offered advice that you don't agree with. That's fine. Hopefully your situation improves.

 

[princeafrica]

I’m done posting on here. I was just looking for a support group of other reapplicants and it turned into people telling me to outside a different career, my stats on good, apply broadly.

I mean dang guys. Don’t be so harsh. I’m trying my best, my parents have literally abandoned me since I came out. My GPA sucks because I went into a severe depression after they did they I failed 17 credits one semester. I had to live in my car for a month before moving in with my now fiancée. I was literally homeless. I have worked hard to get my stats to what they are, instead of being encouraging y’all have been doing is bringing me down more than I already am. I don’t have the funds to move, I don’t have the support to help me. I’ve worked 2 jobs to pay for school and have worked hard to get where I am.

So guys. I’m done posting on here looking for moral support. Don’t be so harsh when people are trying to look for advice. I’m sorry I haven’t had everything handed and paid for like many of y’all have.

Apply broadly and at least see what other schools may have to offer in terms of scholarships. You could honestly get a scholarship from other schools especially if you talk about your experiences in the disadvantaged box. I understand moving is a huge financial decision but just because it is out of state doesn’t mean it is impossible for it to be a more financially better decision.

For example I am a CO resident and I also got accepted to UCSF and their scholarships they gave me brought my cost of attendance down to $200,000. This was initially cheaper than CO offer and I was literally ready to pack up even though I know no one in SF.

No one here is out to get you. Everyone has different opinions because everyone has walked a different path. You can choose which opinions to take and which to ignore but that’s reality.

Keep working hard. It will pay off. But part of improving is listening to opinions you may not wanna hear. Hell sometimes I can sit through a segment of Carlson Tucker

 

[Faefly]

I think you are very emotionally vulnerable right now.

I am sorry about your life, but you assume we had it easier, I believe many of us didn't have it easier.

You are still young, life is ahead of you. Millions of possibilities are waiting for you. You just have to be open for them.

Don't feel like you are less than others. You are not. You did amazing with your MBA and post-Bac. ( Great Job)

You misunderstood what most people said here. We mainly asked you to add more schools. You rejected that idea.

If you are adamant about applying to one school only, then how about you retake the dat, so you better your chances in getting into your state school. ( no your Dat is not that bad, but the higher the better!)

Try to write in the disadvantage section about what happened with your parents, that might help you.

Isn't there the option when someone can apply to fee waiver? Can't you do that?

How about you start a go fund me page to help you with the application process, I am sure some people will pitch in. ( heck some people started a go fund me for their vacation, so why not you!)

If you keep on listening to guys like Ramsey and worry about debt, you won't be able to take any risks or enjoy your life.

Worrying is the source of all evil. I know that because I worry 99% of the times.

 

[SmileItsLife]

Apply broadly and at least see what other schools may have to offer in terms of scholarships. You could honestly get a scholarship from other schools especially if you talk about your experiences in the disadvantaged box. I understand moving is a huge financial decision but just because it is out of state doesn’t mean it is impossible for it to be a more financially better decision.

For example I am a CO resident and I also got accepted to UCSF and their scholarships they gave me brought my cost of attendance down to $200,000. This was initially cheaper than CO offer and I was literally ready to pack up even though I know no one in SF.

No one here is out to get you. Everyone has different opinions because everyone has walked a different path. You can choose which opinions to take and which to ignore but that’s reality.

Keep working hard. It will pay off. But part of improving is listening to opinions you may not wanna hear. Hell sometimes I can sit through a segment of Carlson Tucker

I don't know how how you listen to Tucker Carlson- that guy seems so fake.

 

[Blueshirts]

I don't know how how you listen to Tucker Carlson- that guy seems so fake.

Fox news tucker or crossfire tucker?

 

[ForgottenDreams]

Hey all!

So with application cycle quickly approaching, I’m conflicted. I want to be a Dentist but the application process is wearing on me. For example I am not looking forward to constantly checking my email, my constant anxiety, everything, for a third time.

I was wondering if there was anyone else on here who is applying for the 3rd time or more, what are you doing to stay encourage?

I applied 3 times. Each time being a better candidate by doing what i know i needed to do to not only look better on paper but also feel better about myself. I almost gave up after the second and third. The second time i decided to pursue dental hygiene and only needed a few more classes. After enrolling i realize eh.. the numbers are in my favor to apply again bc the dental hygiene program i wanted only had 20 seats.

the third time my friends and co-workers were the best support group.

Also those of you who it did take more than 2 tries to get in.. what did you keep telling yourself?

Each time i had a new dental experience that i was able to take lead in. My growing practice allowed me to be a lead in many projects.

the third time my DAT expired so i retook the DAT. I improved from a 21 to 22. Getting a 24 in bio def helped my feel like i will do well in dental school

Its just discouraging. At what point do you give up? It is getting old telling people, “I’m trying to get into dental school.” Many of my friends from HS have jobs, kids, and I’m working as a dental assistant almost done with a Masters with, what I feel like, nothing to show.
My friends never got tired of me telling them I'm applying again. They got excited for me and they cheered me on for doing what I'm great at. When i talked to them about becoming a dentist and about dentistry they saw my passion and admired the grit i had for trying. My dentists saw how great i was with patients and they told me just apply a fourth time. I wanted to give up due to the application stress and anxiety. My support group knew me and coached me to get over those thoughts.

My coworkers who were also predental told me about events that i could volunteer or participate in. They never stopped encouraging me.

Help.

My response are in blue.


First time i applied to 22 schools, second 9 and 3rd 15. I applied broadly bc my gpa was low and i needed to apply to schools that accepted my stats. If i applied a fourth time i would still apply to 15. You'll need to look at the stats for your school. What percentage get an interview and what percentage get accepted after an interview. It's usually 20% to get interview and then 45% accepted after an interview....so by applying to one school you have a 9% chance of getting into dental school each year or 91% chance of not getting in. (Your school might be different I'm just showing numbers).

It's a numbers game and that's why people ask for you stats or do research to see if you posted somewhere so you didn't have to regurgitate the same stats over again for them to see. Like a few suggested, retake the DAT. I'm pretty sure the 24 in bio i got my second time helped my application.

There are a lot of advice in this thread to help you be a better applicant for any school because ultimately you would be a dentist by attending any of these schools. Obviously you only want to attend one school so a lot of the advice are not relevant. And that's okay.

Best of luck on whatever you pursue.

 

[sobertiger]

Consider the opportunity cost... If you had applied to multiple schools and gotten in the first time around, that's two extra years of practice. As for the debt, there are many ways to manage a debt if you're business-savvy and good with money. Finally, there's more to it than just money.

Your stats are actually not bad especially with that upward trend. A good DAT score would really make it shine but you still have a decent shot provided that you apply to multiple schools. I just thought it was a shame to waste a good application by applying to just one school.

Best of luck to you going forward. Hope you get in.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Everyone in this thread has given you solid advice and to me, it seems like you're ignoring it. I'd rather go to MWUAZ/NYU/USC and live on ramen to pay it back as the owner of a clinic than be a dental assistant forever.