Advice for applying

[CNC2015]

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I'm seeking some advice for what programs I should be applying to.

Here is a little about myself:

Male, MN resident, white

Cumulative GPA: 3.45
Science GPA: 3.5

DAT: (AA/TS/PAT)
(18/18/23) - bio 16


100+ shadowing hours
Currently working in a dental lab
Assisting at a pre-dental class
100+ volunteer hours (some dental related)

I am also a Division I athlete and a current captain of the team.

Any advice on supplementing my application or where I should apply would be extremely appreciated.

 

[customx]

Choose a good mix of privates and publics. Your DAT is below average and the 16 in Bio won't help.

 

[IsaacYankem]

MN meaning Maine or Minnesota? Either way, retake your DAT and get that bio up in the 20's or near a 19.

 

[toothshine]

MN meaning Maine or Minnesota?

MN = Minnesota.

Your ECs are good. I'd suggest retaking your DAT; if you get your bio score up, you should have a decent shot.

 

[Glimmer1991]

DAT is low, but GPA is average and you have some great ECs.

I'd aim for 15-20 schools. It'll be pricey, but applying broadly is definitely your best bet.

 

[CNC2015]

@customx , @IsaacYankem , & @toothshine -Thank you all for your input. Unfortunately, retaking the DAT is going to be tough because my team constantly travels. However if I did have time to retake it, do you think I could still apply for this cycle and be competitive?


@Glimmer1991 Thanks for your reply. These are the schools i'm planning on applying to:
LECOM
Midwestern U, IL
U of Tennessee
NOVA
U of Kentucky
U of Louisville
U of Nebraska
Creighton
A.T. Still
Indiana U
U of Colorado (currently go to school in CO)
East Carolina
UNC
Boston U
Tufts
Marquette
Maryland
Case Western
Ohio State U
UCONN
Detroit Mercy
Louisiana State University

Any insight on any of those programs? I know some a long shots according to averages.

 

[Glimmer1991]

@customx , @IsaacYankem , & @toothshine -Thank you all for your input. Unfortunately, retaking the DAT is going to be tough because my team constantly travels. However if I did have time to retake it, do you think I could still apply for this cycle and be competitive?


@Glimmer1991 Thanks for your reply. These are the schools i'm planning on applying to:
LECOM
Midwestern U, IL
U of Tennessee
NOVA
U of Kentucky
U of Louisville
U of Nebraska
Creighton
A.T. Still
Indiana U
U of Colorado (currently go to school in CO)
East Carolina
UNC
Boston U
Tufts
Marquette
Maryland
Case Western
Ohio State U
UCONN
Detroit Mercy
Louisiana State University

Any insight on any of those programs? I know some a long shots according to averages.

ECU only accepts in-state students. Make sure you read up on the schools and don't just blindly look at the stats of their incoming class! 😀

UNC is going to be a stretch, as well as a few other schools, like UConn.

 

[toothshine]

@customx , @IsaacYankem , & @toothshine -Thank you all for your input. Unfortunately, retaking the DAT is going to be tough because my team constantly travels. However if I did have time to retake it, do you think I could still apply for this cycle and be competitive?

I think some schools have a cutoff of min. 17 on all sections of the DATs - so check that out before sending your app out to those schools.

I think you'd have a much higher chance of getting in somewhere if you retook the DATs and scored higher. When were you thinking of retaking? Because from what I've read on the forums, the earlier you apply (with DATs/LORs/etc. in), the higher your chances of acceptance (with stats similar to yours).

 

[CNC2015]

@toothshine Thank you, I will get on that. I couldn't retake it until October 19th.

@Glimmer1991 Thanks for the information. Any specific sites you suggest for researching programs? Or should I just look on each individual program site..

 

[toothshine]

@toothshine Thank you, I will get on that. I couldn't retake it until October 19th.

@Glimmer1991 Thanks for the information. Any specific sites you suggest for researching programs? Or should I just look on each individual program site..

Check out this thread here for where you should apply. This one probably helps too. I know you didn't ask me specifically, but I personally also used each school's website to find out more on their requirements. Make yourself a spreadsheet, if you need to. It helps a LOT.

 

[CNC2015]

@toothshine that was extremely helpful, thank you! I'm probably mistaken but it looks like most schools just want a minimum of 17 in the (AA/TS/PAT). Can't seem to find much info on individual sections. Also, do you think it is worth retaking the DAT in late October? Or just reapply next year? Again, thanks for your input!

 

[ams03]

If you are a MN resident I would think you'd have a good chance at Minnesota! Why aren't you planning on applying there?

 

[CNC2015]

@ams03 I forgot to put that on the list, but I am planning on applying there! However, I have been working closely with the dean and many U of MN professors and unfortunately they aren't too sure of my chances due to a chance in their acceptance trends.

 

[toothshine]

@toothshine that was extremely helpful, thank you! I'm probably mistaken but it looks like most schools just want a minimum of 17 in the (AA/TS/PAT). Can't seem to find much info on individual sections. Also, do you think it is worth retaking the DAT in late October? Or just reapply next year? Again, thanks for your input!

If that's what the website says, then you're right. 🙂

If you have to reapply next year, I'd definitely retake the DAT. Retaking in October for this cycle will probably only help if you're sure you can raise your score - but I honestly don't know if it's better to see if any schools offer you interviews this cycle before retaking, or just going ahead and retaking to strengthen your current app. There are some threads out there on October retakes, so maybe you can look those up and then decide for yourself. Have you already submitted your app?

Good luck! As we've all said, you have a good GPA and great ECs.

 

[CNC2015]

@toothshine Haven't submitted yet. I have had complications with my transcripts, but hopefully submitting this week. Thanks again for all of your advice!

 

[neboma]

It is very unlikely you will get into LSU or Nebraska. LSU only takes a few OOS and I think they are all form southern states. Nebraska is very hard to get into if you are not a NE, SD, KS or WY resident. I'm not sure, but I think Tennessee only takes residents of southern states as well.