Advice on my current Stats please?!

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dentalchick2016

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Hey all,

So I need a quick bit of advice or encouragement as I'm about to apply to dental school. My current stats are as follows:

1. DAT is expected to be a 17 or 18, just havent taken it yet...scheduled for 6/7/12
2. cumulative gpa: 3.76
3.science gpa: 3.6
4. Undergrad Research w/ biofilm resistancy with dental materials this coming summer-fall
4. All prereqs completed with mostly A's and some B's
5. 100 oberservation hours with each specialty, mostly in general dental office
6. 3000+ hrs working in an orthodontic office
7. ~40 volunteer hours at sporadic events on campus/off campus---was never able to find something consistent enough so as not to compromise my gpa
8. Mentor for Native American Program at college
9. named a Top Ten Senior in my particular college
10. named Outstanding Senior Finalist in my department
11. Graduating Fall 2012 w/ BS in Microbiology
12. Unique qualities include a history of musical accomplishments such as private teaching and playing in college for a year. Had to quit because it took up too much time
13. Community college 2 yrs/ University last 2 yrs
14. Will have very good LOR's
15. Oklahoma Resident
16. Participated in Oklahoma mission of mercy free dental clinic
17. Personal Statement has been completed and looked over several times by advisors
18. My advisor told me I'm the most competitive dental school applicant at my university
19. Female
20. Native american/whitecaucasian
21. Also participated in OU's Pre-dental simulation course last fall =)

Please let me know what you think my chances are for getting into Oklahoma, Creighton, UMKC, UT-SA, UT-HOU, ASDOH, and Colorado. I'm working very hard on studying for that DAT w/ Kaplan class materials.....very expensive kind.

Thanks for input, please be gentle. I only need positive interactions and fair criticism. No bashing or hatred.
 
Last edited:
I would try to shoot for a higher DAT-- try for a 19 or 20 in all sections. 17 or 18 will put you on the borderline IMO.
 
You're stacked! If I had a school, I'd take you.

But really, let's shoot for more than a 17, 18. You seem capable of more and I'm banking on it that you'll come in higher than that. That score may do, of course, but you don't want to have a stacked app and then pull a silly 15 in a section or something.

As for schools, I don't know if there's any love for OK form the TX schools. Someone can chime in on that. Guess it wouldn't hurt for the potential savings in tuition, but I pretty much understand that they pretty much only take their own...like Canada.

ASDOH is the school I think of first when I look at your list here. I'd be shocked if you didn't interview there.
 
thanks, So all of my other qualities wouldn't completely overshadow a 17 or 18? I am most worried about the DAT....
 
@jeffity

thanks for your reply! I just have low confidence in getting good scores in each section...my kaplan subject tests have been really hard for me, and i'm just praying that my next practice exam goes a ton better than the last.
 
At the core of it, you just can't blow the DAT completely. If you really did come in with an 18 (hopefully nothing below that), you'll probably make the cut if you apply to a good amount of schools. You have good stuff. But lots of icing is generally never greater than the cake (GPA and DAT). If you dip down into the lower teens in any sections, no one will ever even see all your other stuff. It's just how it is.

But I think you'll be alright.
 
You should try to get at least 19 on the DAT. You have great stats but a low DAT might eliminate you from initial screenings early on in the application process. For example...many schools will have a minimum GPA and DAT you need to receive the supplemental application. This eliminates 'non-competitive' applicants. There are probably more screenings that occur after this as well.

If your app doesn't make it through these screenings then nobody will be able to see all the great work you've done outside of school. Numbers (GPA, DAT) get you through the initial screenings, a well balanced application gets you interviews and acceptances later on.
 
you both have made very valid points, as i have thought about the same possibilities as well. I know my stats look solid and its supposed to match a great DAT score, but gawd...i can't help but think that thing is such a beasty! just because of all the practice i've done so far w/ kaplan....during my semester..which was ridiculously hard to do both....it must have created a very bitter bite and can't get that negativity out of my head even now that i'm just focusing on the DAT and nothing else. =/ and words of encouragement?
 
You are an ideal candidate for dental schools. Like everyone is saying, just get 18+ on the DAT and you are set for matriculation. And judging from your resume, I don't think getting 18s in all the academic sections will be that difficult for you. As for PAT.. practicing and learning how to pace yourself will definitely get you a high score.

I was going to say good luck with the applications, but I'll be honest and say that you don't need any good luck.. you're like more than a half way in for d-school 😛
 
First and foremost, your accomplishments make you a very strong candidate. Secondly, being Native American makes you a shoe in. Seriously. It is possibly the most under-represented minority. You should think about applying with IHS and getting a full scholarship with a stipend in exchange for service after dental school. It is a killer deal available to applicants like yourself.

While I think you could get a very high score on the DAT, don't stress too much because in all likelihood your DAT will be fine at 17.
 
Dump Kaplan. Seriously, its a huge waste of money. Get on board with chads videos, DAT destroyer, an AP bio book, and crack DAT PAT. That will almost guarantee you a 19 or higher if you put in the effort.

Why do you think you'll get a 18? You would have a great app if you get a 19+ on the DAT. Don't sell yourself short.

Edit: I just saw your native American. Yeah, your pretty much in lol. But I still think you should try hard on the DAT and get a scholarship. Apply to Baylor in Dallas too. They'll love you 😉
 
Thanks you all for the advice and all. Even though I have an official indian card, I do not look indian at all b/c I'm just 1/64 blood and I grew up in a great city, not some reservation or anything...I'm pretty normal and very white lol. So do I still list myself as an under-represented minority on my app if there is a spot for that?
 
dentalchick2016 said:
Thanks you all for the advice and all. Even though I have an official indian card, I do not look indian at all b/c I'm just 1/64 blood and I grew up in a great city, not some reservation or anything...I'm pretty normal and very white lol. So do I still list myself as an under-represented minority on my app if there is a spot for that?
Click to expand...

Reminds me of this South Park guy...


OP your stats are great, just do well on your DAT. Since your GPA is that high you should be able to do better than a 17 or 18. Just prepare!
Good luck and study hard!
 

Attachments

I don't know what an official indian card is, but if its official I would put it on my application, but honestly if you're worried about that you don't even really need to do that because your applications looks great.
Now if you had a ~2.9 I would use every trick up my sleeve lol

Oh and by the way, kaplan usually makes everything harder, so if you're getting like a 16-18 on the kaplan you would probably get 18-20 on the real thing, just saying.
I think the kaplan makes the PAT easier though thats the only exception.
 
dentalchick2016 said:
Hey all,

So I need a quick bit of advice or encouragement as I'm about to apply to dental school. My current stats are as follows:

1. DAT is expected to be a 17 or 18, just havent taken it yet...scheduled for 6/7/12
2. cumulative gpa: 3.76
3.science gpa: 3.6
4. Undergrad Research w/ biofilm resistancy with dental materials this coming summer-fall
4. All prereqs completed with mostly A's and some B's
5. 100 oberservation hours with each specialty, mostly in general dental office
6. 3000+ hrs working in an orthodontic office
7. ~40 volunteer hours at sporadic events on campus/off campus---was never able to find something consistent enough so as not to compromise my gpa
8. Mentor for Native American Program at college
9. named a Top Ten Senior in my particular college
10. named Outstanding Senior Finalist in my department
11. Graduating Fall 2012 w/ BS in Microbiology
12. Unique qualities include a history of musical accomplishments such as private teaching and playing in college for a year. Had to quit because it took up too much time
13. Community college 2 yrs/ University last 2 yrs
14. Will have very good LOR's
15. Oklahoma Resident
16. Participated in Oklahoma mission of mercy free dental clinic
17. Personal Statement has been completed and looked over several times by advisors
18. My advisor told me I'm the most competitive dental school applicant at my university
19. Female
20. Native american/whitecaucasian

Please let me know what you think my chances are for getting into Oklahoma, Creighton, UMKC, UT-SA, UT-HOU, ASDOH, and Colorado. I'm working very hard on studying for that DAT w/ Kaplan class materials.....very expensive kind.

Thanks for input, please be gentle. I only need positive interactions and fair criticism. No bashing or hatred.
Click to expand...

I am not being rude but you should be more confident about your DAT scores. I know your GPA is high but you should shoot for 20+.
 
You're white, I think you have to be 1/16 or something. Look it up and let me know because I'm about the same as you.
 
timwatley said:
You're white, I think you have to be 1/16 or something. Look it up and let me know because I'm about the same as you.
Click to expand...


well even though I'm only 1/64, I've been receiving scholarships from Choctaw Nation higher ed for the past 4 yrs based on my gpa alone. So, with that being said, I should definitely qualify to be of indian status. However, you may be right about the 1/16 thing...i will def check into it, or call ADEA about it when i apply.
 
BRZ24 said:
I am not being rude but you should be more confident about your DAT scores. I know your GPA is high but you should shoot for 20+.
Click to expand...

thanks for the advice! Ya, i'm just really paranoid about not being able to do the gchem and ochem probs extremely well....I loved gchem but that was 3 years ago and i'm pretty much reteaching myself everything and it sucks hardcore. Ochem, I made b's in and never really got it down solid at all....so i'm just teaching myself everything there pretty much. The QR section.....I LOVE Math...but the types of questions on this section are ridiculous and not straigtforward math like i know how to do...whats hard is the coming up with how to approach the word problems and figure out the equations to do them. Bio and QR i've got down. PAT I'm decent on 4/6 parts....pattern folding and TFE are my worst.
 
dentalchick2016 said:
thanks for the advice! Ya, i'm just really paranoid about not being able to do the gchem and ochem probs extremely well....I loved gchem but that was 3 years ago and i'm pretty much reteaching myself everything and it sucks hardcore. Ochem, I made b's in and never really got it down solid at all....so i'm just teaching myself everything there pretty much. The QR section.....I LOVE Math...but the types of questions on this section are ridiculous and not straigtforward math like i know how to do...whats hard is the coming up with how to approach the word problems and figure out the equations to do them. Bio and QR i've got down. PAT I'm decent on 4/6 parts....pattern folding and TFE are my worst.
Click to expand...


I am sure you are not the only one struggling. I am studying for the DAT now and am
Kind of the same boat as you.

What college are you from if you don't minde asking.
 
BRZ24 said:
I am sure you are not the only one struggling. I am studying for the DAT now and am
Kind of the same boat as you.

What college are you from if you don't minde asking.
Click to expand...


well thats comforting..I always feel like everyone on SDN is way better than i am. lol
I go to Oklahoma State University. where are you from?
 
dentalchick2016 said:
well thats comforting..I always feel like everyone on SDN is way better than i am. lol
I go to Oklahoma State University. where are you from?
Click to expand...

I go to rutgers in NJ. Are u applying this year?
 
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