After 2 stressful years, I finally got into a school. I was on my way to Podiatry school and just got the call last week. It really doesn't matter which school it is, however, I leave you with some of the knowledge I have gained throughout this incredible process.
I am an average student, 2.8GPA, 3.1 science and 17DAT 20PAT.
First of all, I am one of few persons who got in with these scores. However, this proves there is hope for everybody.
IMPORTANT: Take everything you read in these forums with a grain of salt. There are so many people out there who give false information. Unless you really know somebody, keep everything in perspective. Also, everyone in this forum has great GPA's and DAT scores--Don't let that hinder you. Once again, some are true and others are not.
I took the Kaplan course but I think the online course is all that is necessary(and cheaper).
Apply as early as possible, especially if you do not have the highest scores or GPA, and take the DAT as early as possible. August is pushing it and September is definitely late. Consider the private schools if you are not fortunate enough to live in a state which has state schools which show preference. If your not from California, forget those schools unless you are superior. Even worse for the Texas schools.
If you have a 3.6 and get a 20 DAT, you will most likely get in. For most schools, 18 is the minimun but you have to back that up with a good GPA. Especially the State schools. Many of them need to accept the high scores so that they receive more state money.
If you are like me, average, do things that are different. I have done many hours of volunteering at different places and have about six recommendations(non-professors) and I put lots of weight on that. I used my personality to my best ability. I would call and try to make the administrator more relaxed in talking with me. In other words, I would not instantly ask about myself but somehow manage to get to know them. Though they do not have any say in the admissions, they can get you to the right person. I did send letters to the Deans, and though for some of my friends it helped, I am not quite sure if it helped me.
Also, when shadowing, try to shadow someone who knows somebody at a school. You will be surprised in how much that helps in the long run. Don't be afraid to shadow different denitists.
BE REALISTIC!!!If you do not have the scores or grades, there are many other great medical profession on the rise(like Podiatry) which are easier to get into now but will be competitive like dental schools in the future.
Remember, don't believe everything you hear. I know two people a Persian and a white dude who got into Meharry, no, they are not racist. Also, PAT doesn't mean what it used to. I know many students who got in and had great AA scores on the DAT but 15/16 on the PAT. I was the opposite, great on the 20 PAT and only 17AA---in that case the PAT was no help at all. If your GPA is low then the DAT means everything and you have to shine. Don't be like me at the beginning and some of my friends now, study at half the effort, go full force; hopefully it will be your last or only time. And don't live by Kaplan. Once we all start getting the same answers correct on the DAT, they will omitt those question from the question bank, so don't only rely on the practice Kaplan tests.
If you get an interview, be yourself, and just think that if they don't like you then they don't like you. Many times, they can see if you are stretching the truth.
Lastly, believe this is what you want to do. It can be frustrating, but if you are like me, then getting in is the most rewarding experience. All of the heartache was worth it to receive that phone call.
Thank you all for your help and knowledge that I have gained and good luck to all of you in the upcoming year. Be assertive and aware, don't be afraid to ask. I am telling you, if I got in, then we all have a chance.
Good luck to you all and if you have any questions from a normal average simpleton, please do not hesitate to ask.
ALWAYS BELIEVE!!!!!!
If you are in Arizona and want my Kaplan DAT material, you can have it. PLEASE--take it.....
I am an average student, 2.8GPA, 3.1 science and 17DAT 20PAT.
First of all, I am one of few persons who got in with these scores. However, this proves there is hope for everybody.
IMPORTANT: Take everything you read in these forums with a grain of salt. There are so many people out there who give false information. Unless you really know somebody, keep everything in perspective. Also, everyone in this forum has great GPA's and DAT scores--Don't let that hinder you. Once again, some are true and others are not.
I took the Kaplan course but I think the online course is all that is necessary(and cheaper).
Apply as early as possible, especially if you do not have the highest scores or GPA, and take the DAT as early as possible. August is pushing it and September is definitely late. Consider the private schools if you are not fortunate enough to live in a state which has state schools which show preference. If your not from California, forget those schools unless you are superior. Even worse for the Texas schools.
If you have a 3.6 and get a 20 DAT, you will most likely get in. For most schools, 18 is the minimun but you have to back that up with a good GPA. Especially the State schools. Many of them need to accept the high scores so that they receive more state money.
If you are like me, average, do things that are different. I have done many hours of volunteering at different places and have about six recommendations(non-professors) and I put lots of weight on that. I used my personality to my best ability. I would call and try to make the administrator more relaxed in talking with me. In other words, I would not instantly ask about myself but somehow manage to get to know them. Though they do not have any say in the admissions, they can get you to the right person. I did send letters to the Deans, and though for some of my friends it helped, I am not quite sure if it helped me.
Also, when shadowing, try to shadow someone who knows somebody at a school. You will be surprised in how much that helps in the long run. Don't be afraid to shadow different denitists.
BE REALISTIC!!!If you do not have the scores or grades, there are many other great medical profession on the rise(like Podiatry) which are easier to get into now but will be competitive like dental schools in the future.
Remember, don't believe everything you hear. I know two people a Persian and a white dude who got into Meharry, no, they are not racist. Also, PAT doesn't mean what it used to. I know many students who got in and had great AA scores on the DAT but 15/16 on the PAT. I was the opposite, great on the 20 PAT and only 17AA---in that case the PAT was no help at all. If your GPA is low then the DAT means everything and you have to shine. Don't be like me at the beginning and some of my friends now, study at half the effort, go full force; hopefully it will be your last or only time. And don't live by Kaplan. Once we all start getting the same answers correct on the DAT, they will omitt those question from the question bank, so don't only rely on the practice Kaplan tests.
If you get an interview, be yourself, and just think that if they don't like you then they don't like you. Many times, they can see if you are stretching the truth.
Lastly, believe this is what you want to do. It can be frustrating, but if you are like me, then getting in is the most rewarding experience. All of the heartache was worth it to receive that phone call.
Thank you all for your help and knowledge that I have gained and good luck to all of you in the upcoming year. Be assertive and aware, don't be afraid to ask. I am telling you, if I got in, then we all have a chance.
Good luck to you all and if you have any questions from a normal average simpleton, please do not hesitate to ask.
ALWAYS BELIEVE!!!!!!
If you are in Arizona and want my Kaplan DAT material, you can have it. PLEASE--take it.....
).
