Accepted!! See how I did it!

[losinghair]

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I've been accepted to dental school!!!!
For all of you nay sayers who told me my DAT score wasn't competitive enough or that my GPA wasn't perfect enough, or just plain wanted to dump all over my parade I say You have no idea what someone is capable of when they are truly determined.
My DAT scores were; AA 17 SA 18. My GPA was 3.5 and my science GPA only 3.2. Sounds pretty unimpressive right? Well your right. So what made my application stand out above the others? Flat out work. I barely graduated highs chool with a 2.0 GPA(59 out of 60 in my class) because of family problems etc. People told me I would never make anything of myself and I should just find a decent job and stay with it. I knew they were wrong so I enlisted in the Marine Corps for discipline at 17 and it turned me around completely. I started college, but it took me four years just to get through my freshman year because I was recalled back to the Marines three times after the war in Iraq started. Every time I came home I started again. I busted my but through undergrad and the admissions committee was impressed with my GPA. Why? because I never worked less than 45 hours a week/6 days a week my entire way through college. Sure, lots of people have 4 points, but those people work 2-4 hours of work study a week and have zero difficulties in life. My past showed them that have the drive and dedication to perform well with a minimal amount of time. I may not have gotten the top grades in my classes, but I score within 5% of those people who studied all day/night after only studying two hours myself. That's what impresses committees.

What else helped? I have a long and solid work history. Sorry to tell you this folks, but schools DON'T like to see people with 4.0's who haven't worked a day in their lives. All you have done is prove you can study, but you have no idea how to work or relate to people or balance your time between work and study.

So what about the DAT? Honestly I just happened to score well in the areas they wanted. Biology, reading comp and the PAT were the areas my school concentrates on the most. As long as your chemistries aren't in the toilet they will let them slide. My PAT was in the 98th percentile which really made me stand out. It was the one area I honestly thought they could care less about, but they were very impressed with it in my interview.

What about the interview? At this school the interview is heavily relied on by admissions committees. All I can say is I flat out knocked her socks off. I have never had a bad interview for a job or for a school. I suppose I'm just blessed that way, but honestly I simply do it by being extremely honest about EVERYTHING. My interviewer was very impressed by my ability to tell her things that WEREN'T good. Things that most people would hide because they believe you have to be the perfect applicant in every way. Fact is, schools want people with integrity.

What else? Heres where my story gets a little crazy. When things seem to be stacked against you and everyone tells you theres no hope do you give up? If you do then you will NEVER be accepted. I decided I would do anything it took to get in to this school, no matter how difficult or frightening. I moved from Michigan to California with $200 to my name, no place to live, no job and no help what soever from family. I prayed hard, and busted my butt to find a job on campus. I found a low level research position and started tracking down dental school faculty and people I knew were on the admissions committee. I went to their offices, I waited outside their classes, I even followed them to lunch if they let me! I told everyone my story and asked their advice. But I never once made them think I believed I wouldn't get in! Once they think you have that attitude your as good as rejected. I became a fixture at the admissions office. I stopped in three times a week to ask about applications, ask something about the school, or just to shoot the breeze. They knew me by name and knew my face within two weeks. Let me tell you, if you can get on the good side of the administrative assistant's in the admin office, your as good as gold. You might call it sucking up, but you do whatever is necessary when you want something bad enough and after a while I came to enjoy meeting with these people. They were very caring and wiling to help.

So anyway, thats how I did it. There is an attitude among universities and some individuals on this website that if your not absolutely perfect in every way as a student then you just shouldn't bother applying to school. Tell that to a friend of mine with a 3.95GPA and a 26 DAT who was rejected by the same school. Your acceptance is NOT based solely on performance. Your determination and willingness to work hard will show through if you put everything you have into it. I was relentless in my pursuit of this school and if you truly want it, you will do anything within your power to get it. People think that because they have shown everything they have to show academically, that they have to just sit back and wait, well get out their and show them what you have personally! Show them that you ARE what they need in their school!!

Thank you so much to everyone who was so encouraging to me here on SDN. And you who weren't, it's ok, most of you meant well.

Thank you!!
You can do it!!

 

[sbdento]

Great story and congrats, I'm happy for you!

 

[beatsdre]

Great job, this story reminds me of why America is so great. So many opportunities to get to where u want to get with hard work. =)

Edited: Didn't want this thread to derail into another angry thread on the pre dental forum -_- 😛

 

[Moonie87]

Congrats... Good you stood your ground and believed in yourself.🙂

 

[tendram]

Congrats! A lot of good advice in there as well. Thanks 👍

 

[Msmouth]

I love your story! Congratulations!

I'm non-traditional with lot's of dings from my academic past, so I will rely heavily on my work experience and my current grade an future DAT.

Thanks for the great story and inspiration!

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Congrats! I can't wait to tell my in-your-face-f*ck-you-SDN-people story when I (hopefully) get accepted next year. Are you a URM by any chance?

 

[freckles91932]

cheers to you! Congrats 😀

 

[Teeth12345]

I have the same exact GPA stats as you and I was very hopeless until I read this. I agree with you, I think for dental schools (more so than undergrad), work experience and interpersonal skills are important.

Congratulations!!!

🙂

 

[JLum]

Great job, this story reminds me of why America is so great. So many opportunities to get to where u want to get with hard work. =)

Edited: Didn't want this thread to derail into another angry thread on the pre dental forum -_- 😛

Ignorant much? Tell this to the masses who can't find a full-time position in any profession.
People can barely eat in many parts of the country, and many I know have been laid off with no luck in finding sufficient income to provide for their families.

Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless would give truer perspective on "why America is so great" wreaks of false idealism.

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Hard work is a virtue forgotten. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity!

 

[beatsdre]

Ignorant much? Tell this to the masses who can't find a full-time position in any profession.
People can barely eat in many parts of the country, and many I know have been laid off with no luck in finding sufficient income to provide for their families.

Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless would give truer perspective on "why America is so great" wreaks of false idealism.

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Hard work is a virtue forgotten. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity!

LoL, stupid much?
LoL, pessimistic much?
LoL, mad much?

Yes, it is an ideal, and there are things that don't work in an ideal system, but hell, it does work and there are ways out. My parents came with literally 100$ in their pockets, worked hard, and got where they are today because of that "IDEAL." It was all because of that idea that "if you worked hard, you would most likely prosper through opportunity in one way or another."

Modern examples given: (And no, I'm not a Barack Obama bangwagon-er, as I have given examples of Demo/Repub)
Barack Obama(D), biracial, grassroots, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: President.
Joe Biden(D), simple man from scranton, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Vice President.
John Boehner(R), the classic example of working hard brings opportunities, grew up sharing one bathroom with his eleven siblings in a two-bedroom house, parents slept on a pull-out couch, started working at his family's bar at age 8 various jobs such as a janitor, definately didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Speaker of the House. (third in line for Presidency)

While you may see it as idealistic bullcrap, my parents, or the people listed above (most likely) could never have that opportunity if they weren't living in America.

Go travel. See some really rundown countries and perhaps it will "give you truer perspective on "why America is so great"." Go to eastern europe, asia, and latin america, then come back and tell me that I'm ignorant. Heck, you could even turn on the TV, and see how much unrest there is in the middle-east. Young men with no jobs, with an autocratic ruler, with NO way out through education or opportunities. "Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless" in third world countries will give you a perspective that you are lucky to be American. Puh-leeze, sometimes Americans make me embarrassed by this kind of talk you speak of.

If you still feel the same way, then I welcome/implore you, to try to make it out of that same situation with only 100$ in your pocket in those countries. For every one citizen that gives up his U.S. passport, there are 1000 willing other recipients that want it. Get your head out of your butt, quit being so cynical or get out. 👍

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity! 😛

 

[yvhopes]

LoL, stupid much?
LoL, pessimistic much?
LoL, mad much?

Yes, it is an ideal, and there are things that don't work in an ideal system, but hell, it does work and there are ways out. My parents came with literally 100$ in their pockets, worked hard, and got where they are today because of that "IDEAL." It was all because of that idea that "if you worked hard, you would most likely prosper through opportunity in one way or another."

Modern examples given: (And no, I'm not a Barack Obama bangwagon-er, as I have given examples of Demo/Repub)
Barack Obama(D), biracial, grassroots, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: President.
Joe Biden(D), simple man from scranton, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Vice President.
John Boehner(R), the classic example of working hard brings opportunities, grew up sharing one bathroom with his eleven siblings in a two-bedroom house, parents slept on a pull-out couch, started working at his family's bar at age 8 various jobs such as a janitor, definately didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Speaker of the House. (third in line for Presidency)

While you may see it as idealistic bullcrap, my parents, or the people listed above (most likely) could never have that opportunity if they weren't living in America.

Go travel. See some really rundown countries and perhaps it will "give you truer perspective on "why America is so great"." Go to eastern europe, asia, and latin america, then come back and tell me that I'm ignorant. Heck, you could even turn on the TV, and see how much unrest there is in the middle-east. Young men with no jobs, with an autocratic ruler, with NO way out through education or opportunities. "Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless" in third world countries will give you a perspective that you are lucky to be American. Puh-leeze, sometimes Americans make me embarrassed by this kind of talk you speak of.

If you still feel the same way, then I welcome/implore you, to try to make it out of that same situation with only 100$ in your pocket in those countries. For every one citizen that gives up his U.S. passport, there are 1000 willing other recipients that want it. Get your head out of your butt, quit being so cynical or get out. 👍

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity! 😛

well said...

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

LoL, stupid much?
LoL, pessimistic much?
LoL, mad much?

Yes, it is an ideal, and there are things that don't work in an ideal system, but hell, it does work and there are ways out. My parents came with literally 100$ in their pockets, worked hard, and got where they are today because of that "IDEAL." It was all because of that idea that "if you worked hard, you would most likely prosper through opportunity in one way or another."

Modern examples given: (And no, I'm not a Barack Obama bangwagon-er, as I have given examples of Demo/Repub)
Barack Obama(D), biracial, grassroots, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: President.
Joe Biden(D), simple man from scranton, didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Vice President.
John Boehner(R), the classic example of working hard brings opportunities, grew up sharing one bathroom with his eleven siblings in a two-bedroom house, parents slept on a pull-out couch, started working at his family's bar at age 8 various jobs such as a janitor, definately didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Speaker of the House. (third in line for Presidency)

While you may see it as idealistic bullcrap, my parents, or the people listed above (most likely) could never have that opportunity if they weren't living in America.

Go travel. See some really rundown countries and perhaps it will "give you truer perspective on "why America is so great"." Go to eastern europe, asia, and latin america, then come back and tell me that I'm ignorant. Heck, you could even turn on the TV, and see how much unrest there is in the middle-east. Young men with no jobs, with an autocratic ruler, with NO way out through education or opportunities. "Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless" in third world countries will give you a perspective that you are lucky to be American. Puh-leeze, sometimes Americans make me embarrassed by this kind of talk you speak of.

If you still feel the same way, then I welcome/implore you, to try to make it out of that same situation with only 100$ in your pocket in those countries. For every one citizen that gives up his U.S. passport, there are 1000 willing other recipients that want it. Get your head out of your butt, quit being so cynical or get out. 👍

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity! 😛

It breaks my heart to say it but there is a cap/ceiling to how much one may improve in their lifetime. Every individual has the opportunity to improve but the sky is definitely not the limit. You take as many steps as possible and then pray that your child will take the next few steps for you and eventually somewhere along your lineage, one of your descendants will have reached the goal line.

Your example:
"John Boehner(R), the classic example of working hard brings opportunities, grew up sharing one bathroom with his eleven siblings in a two-bedroom house, parents slept on a pull-out couch, started working at his family's bar at age 8 various jobs such as a janitor, definately didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Speaker of the House. (third in line for Presidency)"

Sure Mr. Boehner's hardwork paid off but it was at the expense of his parent's hard work. Did his parent's have the same opportunity as he did?

Sacrifices are inevitable!

 

[jonishere5]

Congrats! Very insightful and inspiring post!

 

[beatsdre]

It breaks my heart to say it but there is a cap/ceiling to how much one may improve in their lifetime. Every individual has the opportunity to improve but the sky is definitely not the limit. You take as many steps as possible and then pray that your child will take the next few steps for you and eventually somewhere along your lineage, one of your descendants will have reached the goal line.

Your example:
"John Boehner(R), the classic example of working hard brings opportunities, grew up sharing one bathroom with his eleven siblings in a two-bedroom house, parents slept on a pull-out couch, started working at his family's bar at age 8 various jobs such as a janitor, definately didn't come from a silver spoon family, current title: Speaker of the House. (third in line for Presidency)"

Sure Mr. Boehner's hardwork paid off but it was at the expense of his parent's hard work. Did his parent's have the same opportunity as he did?

Sacrifices are inevitable!

Yep, I definately agree. My parents came here primarily so that I could have the opportunities that they never had, and that, in my opinion, is the beauty of the American Dream. The ability to better yourself, (to an extent) in hopes that the future, your children, will also have a better life.

Yes, life isn't fair. It isn't ideal and it never will be. But really, to say that America reaks of false idealism is just insulting. In real life, I'm not a flag waving, loud American that screams "America number one!," but I do pay respect to where it's due.

 

[namiie]

Ignorant much? Tell this to the masses who can't find a full-time position in any profession.
People can barely eat in many parts of the country, and many I know have been laid off with no luck in finding sufficient income to provide for their families.

Perhaps a day spent with those who are beaten down, rejected, and hopeless would give truer perspective on "why America is so great" wreaks of false idealism.

Enough of my rant, congrats to you sir. Hard work is a virtue forgotten. Make the best of this wonderful opportunity!

Perhaps YOU should spend a day in one of the many war-torn countries hardworking people's hardworking ancestors fled in search of a new beginning (which many of them found in the US)--where not having a job is the LEAST of one's concerns. Spoken like someone so short-sighted that he can't even comprehend the meaning of "adversity" outside his own circle of acquaintances.

beatsdre is right, and so is JOoa0ky. No country is perfect. But you'd be hard-pressed to find another nation so willing to present you with even half the opportunities the US does.

 

[JLum]

Oh, my. How to address such compelling intellectual arguments?

I never once said there weren't opportunities remaining in America. I never compared America to a third-world country. I never even hinted at my expecting perfection. So please, infer only from what is written.

Beatdre: Outside of the abundance of run-on sentences, ignorant mimicry, and use of contradictory phrases like "there are things that don't work in an ideal system"😱 I find little to acknowledge. But nonetheless, I will try my best.

First, we have here a construed memoir of past America. It really needs no addressing, the days of the American dream have long passed. Sure, fools like yourself will continue the exalting of those passed years. But the rest of us simply wake up to reality. Where some intellectual people DO work hard, find good opportunity, and enjoy a life of far too many conveniences. Yes, this is a blessing, but this ability is shared among all highly developed first tear nations. Sure, I could name thousands of successful business executives who got ahead in America(no doubt at the expense of countless others), but I could show you millions who did not. You are a fool if you think that the millions upon millions of hard-working, passionate Americans can become skilled professionals and make an excellent income. Not only does this defy logic, but any business admin or economics course will prove you ignorant. Please, at the very least, go read a book.

JOoa0ky hints nicely at the inevitable truth. Many people who grow up in meager households, who don't have a great deal of intelligence, simply can't go out and conquer the world anymore. Quit throwing out those pathetic inferences that I must travel to a third world country to understand basic truths. This nation still does provide a great opportunity to some, but what of the rest? Your fabled stories of $100 provide little relief in 2011. Please, leave them in the past.

Not only are you idealistic, you apparently have no idea of the current US socioeconomic status. True unemployment has risen above 20% by most measures. Please understand, the 9.5% statistic reported by the BLS only includes current short term unemployed. When you factor in those whom have had hours drastically cut, and those whom have given up all hope in finding another livable income, the number is huge. This is a great deal of "dead weight", needing continual support in various social programs just to live. This cannot continue, yet most people have no clue.

Last year a united meeting was held, featuring the world's economic superpowers. The USA, not invited. Media gave no coverage to this, but why would those in power want to scare the sheople? The intent of this meeting: to find a way to replace the dollar as the world's trade medium. If this happens, and it will at some point, this country will behave in the exact manor you see in Egypt: riots and insanity. We are the only nation in the world with the ability to print as much currency as we wish. As soon as the dollar is replaced in the global scene, that luxury is over.

In addition to that scare, there are facts. The nearing $15 trillion debt will not erase itself. The lack of any true, valuable, production jobs continues: service industries are not necessity. We, the great consumers, are at the mercy of the producers(China, and oil providers). Hyperinflation may already be setting in (many private sectors estimated last years inflation rate near 9%). We rank out of the top 10 in most quality of life indexes, only to find ourselves continually falling.

Yet you, and many more, continue in your uneducated bliss. Please, go visit some homeless people and listen to their stories. Many are educated(diploma style), hard-working, and trying their best to no avail. Tell them those great stories about building a life out of pocket change, then run for your life.

That said, I worked hard and have gotten ahead. I couldn't care less about big homes and fast cars, I have a heart for hurting people. I am careful to never exalt myself or the blessed opportunity my life has been. I simply cannot stand how some people can make general statements about the greatness of a nation, solely based on their experiences. Maybe you are quite the intellect, come from a nice home, work hard, or just got lucky. But whatever the case, someone comes from the opposite end of that spectrum, and they are no less of a person than you. Do not equate hard work with payoff. Many hard-working, intelligent people are currently struggling. And their numbers are growing daily.

 

[beatsdre]

Words

JLum. You seem like a nice guy who is educated and kind-hearted.

That being said, we are really on two different pages. To an immigrant, America is the pinnacle of perfection. Having running water, social services (welfare/medicare), and human rights is AMAZING. For my parents, it STILL is amazing. To many Americans, who don't come from third world countries, I can understand the frustration/anger that the American Dream has faded away, because they haven't experienced really having NOTHING.

Coming from a family that has zero professionals, works at fast food, working two jobs at a time (at 17.5% unemployment), and was on various social services (Welfare and Medicaid), I would say that I'm not as naive as you think. I kept out hope, and I still do today. Now I hope you understand why I'm so adamant in my argument. If I felt so cynical, I would probably live day to day working dead end jobs with no education and no hope. My "false Idealism" was MY saving grace towards my future. The right to education, freedom, and pursuit of liberty and happiness is something no one can ever take away from me. I thank the U.S. for those rights and opportunities.

And please, you can judge my grammar all you want on a forum. I know it sucks. BAD. Thank god, theres no writing with the DAT. Otherwise, dental schools would of never accepted me hehe. 😛

Anyways, God Bless to you to. Times are tough, but its better to be hopeful, rather than cynical.

 

[dentfosure]

OMG. I usually don't post a word on SDN, but I have to write something to you. I was about to cry while reading your thread. "you deserved it." I was depressed recently because I feel like I'm getting old and loosing motivation. It helped me a lot and I'm so happy for you. Good luck and congrat.

 

[JLum]

JLum. You seem like a nice guy who is educated and kind-hearted.

That being said, we are really on two different pages. To an immigrant, America is the pinnacle of perfection. Having running water, social services (welfare/medicare), and human rights is AMAZING. For my parents, it STILL is amazing. To many Americans, who don't come from third world countries, I can understand the frustration/anger that the American Dream has faded away, because they haven't experienced really having NOTHING.

Coming from a family that has zero professionals, works at fast food, working two jobs at a time (at 17.5% unemployment), and was on various social services (Welfare and Medicaid), I would say that I'm not as naive as you think. I kept out hope, and I still do today. Now I hope you understand why I'm so adamant in my argument. If I felt so cynical, I would probably live day to day working dead end jobs with no education and no hope. My "false Idealism" was MY saving grace towards my future. The right to education, freedom, and pursuit of liberty and happiness is something no one can ever take away from me. I thank the U.S. for those rights and opportunities.

And please, you can judge my grammar all you want on a forum. I know it sucks. BAD. Thank god, theres no writing with the DAT. Otherwise, dental schools would of never accepted me hehe. 😛

Anyways, God Bless to you to. Times are tough, but its better to be hopeful, rather than cynical.

I will not argue there are places much worse. I won't argue that today, all hope has vanished. I never stated that, nor hinted at it. I simply hope you understand this: while I commend you for your hard work, many from your background simply will never escape the situation described above. Many, many students cannot get A's and B's in Orgo I and II, Physics, calculus, etc. And if they cannot, they stand no chance in sharing the same outlook as you.

I simply ask people to realize truths. Just like every NBA player can't be LeBron, most average, hard-working folk simply can't be a doctor, dentist, lawyer, engineer, accountant, CEO, etc. Please learn this, then see through the lens of their life.

Regardless, I offer you my best regards. I hope you succeed and remember your roots. To whom much is given, much is required. I just wish the wealthy of America would realize how many good people are going through bad times.

 

[Smiley25]

Congratulations! I have the same DAT and a slightly higher GPA and I had two interviews! I am on the waiting list at my top choice so hopefully I will hear some good news soon. I get so frustrated every time I get on SDN and people are telling people with 19AA that they need to retake!?! I had a lot of other really strong aspects to my application that set me a part from other people that have been rejected by the same school without interviews with much higher GPAs and DAT scores. Thank you for sharing your story and hopefully shutting all of the people up on here who once told me I didn't have a chance!

 

[dentalpath]

I was just reading the argument between Jlum and beatsdre, being an immigrant myself, I guess I would have to agree with beatsdre. Not that my family had to go through half the hardships as yours but we def had our share. Despite of the fact that my dad is a physician and mom a teacher, they decided to bring us, their children to the US so that we could make use of the opportunities they didn't have. I am so proud of the fact that I live here in the United States and this is my country. Ofcourse unemployment has risen and people have been laid off work, a lot have lost their homes but I believe only in the US do these people have a chance of gaining everything back. Most people who did lose homes were those who couldn't afford these in the first place (Bad bank loans based off poor credit history). Except for the developed nations (which I can count on my fingers) no other country has free schooling (yes we paid massive amounts of money to goto school), or government loans for higher studies. So if your parents can't help you out, chances are with your student odd jobs, you will never likely pass college or even school. No wonder the illiteracy rate is so high in most parts of the world. The problems Jlum is talking about impact some individuals and yes I feel for them. But I think the problems most developing countries contend with (Illiteracy, inflation rate, high interest loans, corruption, no government assisted housing, no government funds to cover unemployment benefits) affect EVERYONE who lives there. I think in all honesty Americans sometimes need to get out of their shell and travel abroad to see what they have and actually appreciate everything this amazing country provides.

 

[angelnyc89]

I've been accepted to dental school!!!!
For all of you nay sayers who told me my DAT score wasn't competitive enough or that my GPA wasn't perfect enough, or just plain wanted to dump all over my parade I say You have no idea what someone is capable of when they are truly determined.
My DAT scores were; AA 17 SA 18. My GPA was 3.5 and my science GPA only 3.2. Sounds pretty unimpressive right? Well your right. So what made my application stand out above the others? Flat out work. I barely graduated highs chool with a 2.0 GPA(59 out of 60 in my class) because of family problems etc. People told me I would never make anything of myself and I should just find a decent job and stay with it. I knew they were wrong so I enlisted in the Marine Corps for discipline at 17 and it turned me around completely. I started college, but it took me four years just to get through my freshman year because I was recalled back to the Marines three times after the war in Iraq started. Every time I came home I started again. I busted my but through undergrad and the admissions committee was impressed with my GPA. Why? because I never worked less than 45 hours a week/6 days a week my entire way through college. Sure, lots of people have 4 points, but those people work 2-4 hours of work study a week and have zero difficulties in life. My past showed them that have the drive and dedication to perform well with a minimal amount of time. I may not have gotten the top grades in my classes, but I score within 5% of those people who studied all day/night after only studying two hours myself. That's what impresses committees.

What else helped? I have a long and solid work history. Sorry to tell you this folks, but schools DON'T like to see people with 4.0's who haven't worked a day in their lives. All you have done is prove you can study, but you have no idea how to work or relate to people or balance your time between work and study.

So what about the DAT? Honestly I just happened to score well in the areas they wanted. Biology, reading comp and the PAT were the areas my school concentrates on the most. As long as your chemistries aren't in the toilet they will let them slide. My PAT was in the 98th percentile which really made me stand out. It was the one area I honestly thought they could care less about, but they were very impressed with it in my interview.

What about the interview? At this school the interview is heavily relied on by admissions committees. All I can say is I flat out knocked her socks off. I have never had a bad interview for a job or for a school. I suppose I'm just blessed that way, but honestly I simply do it by being extremely honest about EVERYTHING. My interviewer was very impressed by my ability to tell her things that WEREN'T good. Things that most people would hide because they believe you have to be the perfect applicant in every way. Fact is, schools want people with integrity.

What else? Heres where my story gets a little crazy. When things seem to be stacked against you and everyone tells you theres no hope do you give up? If you do then you will NEVER be accepted. I decided I would do anything it took to get in to this school, no matter how difficult or frightening. I moved from Michigan to California with $200 to my name, no place to live, no job and no help what soever from family. I prayed hard, and busted my butt to find a job on campus. I found a low level research position and started tracking down dental school faculty and people I knew were on the admissions committee. I went to their offices, I waited outside their classes, I even followed them to lunch if they let me! I told everyone my story and asked their advice. But I never once made them think I believed I wouldn't get in! Once they think you have that attitude your as good as rejected. I became a fixture at the admissions office. I stopped in three times a week to ask about applications, ask something about the school, or just to shoot the breeze. They knew me by name and knew my face within two weeks. Let me tell you, if you can get on the good side of the administrative assistant's in the admin office, your as good as gold. You might call it sucking up, but you do whatever is necessary when you want something bad enough and after a while I came to enjoy meeting with these people. They were very caring and wiling to help.

So anyway, thats how I did it. There is an attitude among universities and some individuals on this website that if your not absolutely perfect in every way as a student then you just shouldn't bother applying to school. Tell that to a friend of mine with a 3.95GPA and a 26 DAT who was rejected by the same school. Your acceptance is NOT based solely on performance. Your determination and willingness to work hard will show through if you put everything you have into it. I was relentless in my pursuit of this school and if you truly want it, you will do anything within your power to get it. People think that because they have shown everything they have to show academically, that they have to just sit back and wait, well get out their and show them what you have personally! Show them that you ARE what they need in their school!!

Thank you so much to everyone who was so encouraging to me here on SDN. And you who weren't, it's ok, most of you meant well.

Thank you!!
You can do it!!

Good Job!!! 👍 I completely agree with the bolded (it sounds a bit like something that would be in an Army, Navy, or Marines commercial), very true! Very inspiring, I don't know you and probably will never, but I'm proud of you! 👍 Good job & good luck in life!

 

[youknowthedrill]

Its nice to see that your hard work and persistence paid off. You're going to be a great dentist!

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

Congrats on your perseverance.

However, when I initially read the subject title, I anticipated reading about some great methods. Except for the paragraph about being a pest/hemorrhoid in the Admissions Office, this posting was more about self promotion and patting oneself on the back.

 

[LaFleur]

Congrats! Though I would have liked it if you had posted more about your strategies...

Btw, I think it's hilarious that your handle is losinghair. 😀

 

[yappy]

Yeah... me too. Kinda a screw you to people who would not care either way. A little too much Marine vibrato.

Congrats on your perseverance.

However, when I initially read the subject title, I anticipated reading about some great methods. Except for the paragraph about being a pest/hemorrhoid in the Admissions Office, this posting was more about self promotion and patting oneself on the back.

 

[Jones23]

You must have nailed that interview, that is the only way for something like this to happen. It's funny, people underestimate the impact of the interview process. They think grades and DAT scores are everything when that is not the case. I know several people with impressive GPA's that can not get in. Be thankful you get an interview and make the most out of it.