Advice Needed

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dentaldreams2021

Full Member
7+ Year Member
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Hey guys, needed some advice. I was very lucky this cycle to get a lot of pre-Dec interviews, and based on the number of interviews I had, I thought I was a competitive candidate. I was also confident in my abilities as an interviewer as I practiced mock interviews with my pre-health advisor (both MMI and traditional) and with friends. I think my stats were decent, though they have improved since I submitted my application. However, I got a lott of waitlists (which incl dream schools), one acceptance, and one rejection with interview. I am hoping to get off these waitlists, but I don't know if my chances are bleak or how much I should expect from waitlists. I feel I would have to do a lot to distinguish myself, which I am trying to work on, because some of these are my dream schools. I was wondering if submitting the academic update would better my chances at getting off waitlists at all. My BCP, science GPA, and overall GPA have all gone up and I think the upward trend looks good.

ECs are good; I have leadership positions in campus orgs, research (w/posters to my name), shadowing, volunteering, working as dental assistant

What further could I do to help my case? I have a month off during break and all of next semester. I could take more sciences or do more activities/get more work experience/anything. I'd like to make the best use of my time. Any input appreciated. Thanks. 🙂
 
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I think you should send an academic update because its definitely a nice upward trend. Also, GPA I think is one of the main deciding factors. PAT I think it depends on the schools. Some really care about it, and others don't. As stated above, I think it was your interview skills. If I was you though I would continue to improve chances maybe by doing something dentistry related sterilization tech, volunteering in clinics, etc. Your stats are pretty competitive so I would improve on things other than DAT or GPA.

Edit: Just saw you work as a dental assistant. Perhaps letters of intent might help?