Advice on reapplication

[jaytner]

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Hiii

Sorry if similar questions were asked in the past.

I’m thinking about reapplying and I need some advice/maybe even reality check.

So to be completely honest I applied REALLY late this cycle. Like October i think. Don’t ask me why or tell me that was stupid bc i know… I had something in March which threw off my whole DAT schedule and from then things just tumbled down…

Even when I was applying I felt and knew that my application was kinda hasty and I didn’t feel confident. I just searched up bunch of schools and applied randomly lowkey.

I have good enough stats I think. (4.0 GPA, 200ish shadowing, 100-150ish volunteering, 100-200(?) rsch; no publication tho, and also worked several on campus jobs to afford my living) Also my LORs I’m sure it’s good to great because I have a good connections/relationship with my recommenders. So I’m thinking one of the main reasons that I didn’t get bunch of offers is bc I applied very late.

I was waitlisted on BU and I recently got invited to interview at Tufts. The thing is, I can’t afford either of them. I should have thought about it, but I really didn’t because at the time I was like “I’ll go anywhere that accepts me”

So now, I’m thinking about reapplying. What makes me hesitant is that 1) idk if this is true, but I heard reapplicants are less likely to get accepted, and 2) I started to work as a dental assistant recently, but during my “gap year” that’s kinda the only thing that I did, so idk if there’s a lot to add on to for my application.

My dentist at the dental office is very kind and he told me that I should reapply and maybe retake DAT for a better chance (mine was 460AA). So I’m also thinking about retaking DAT.

A positive thing about reapplying is though, I have a dream school that I really want to get into now (UCSF; got rejected this cycle tho). So if I do end up reapplying, I’ll probably apply to less schools that I’ll REALLY attend, think about the financial side and make a good decision, and I have more clinical experience and another recommender (my dentist that I work for).

So i guess what I’m asking is, do you guys think it’s worth it to reapply? And do you guy think that I’ll actually have a chance in getting more offers in general if I apply very early and maybe have a better DAT score? I want to hear honest opinions. Thank you!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We don't have your WAMC profile here to call your chances. However, UCSF is a very challenging program, and you should figure out why they didn't invite you to an interview late (like Boston University and Tufts did). We can't call your chances without a WAMC.

I don't know who you are talking to about reapplying chances because you haven't asked us. However, the new math with loan caps will make it interesting if there are as many reapplicants for the next cycle or so. If you are reapplying to UCSF, your profile must show an improvement with your experiences and your purpose as a future dentist (not just applying earlier/on time).

I advocate for picking up community service and clinical experience in gap years if you have a solid academic profile (not doing a postbac). Your inferred lack of community service over the gap year may make your reapplication challenging.

The most interesting situation is if you got an offer from the waitlist at the schools where you have interviewed. Would you really turn down an offer?