Alternate list

[C_dent]

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Whats up yall. Recently I was put on the alternate list for University of Minnesota (not my state school). I was just wondering how many people are generally put on alternate lists, and how many positions generally open up for alternate list folk like myself.

I can't imagine I would be too far away from the people that got accepted outright- my GPA and DAT are fairly decent- 3.82 GPA and 21AA DAT, but i applied somewhat late. And I'm a white male which doesn't help.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated.

Good luck everybody.

 

[Dr.Smiley-OR]

Whats up yall. Recently I was put on the alternate list for University of Minnesota (not my state school). I was just wondering how many people are generally put on alternate lists, and how many positions generally open up for alternate list folk like myself.

I can't imagine I would be too far away from the people that got accepted outright- my GPA and DAT are fairly decent- 3.82 GPA and 21AA DAT, but i applied somewhat late. And I'm a white male which doesn't help.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated.

Good luck everybody.

hey, do you really have to play the "race" card here? How is it being a white male doesn't help you? I find that really offensive.

 

[C_dent]

hey, do you really have to play the "race" card here? How is it being a white male doesn't help you? I find that really offensive.

Sorry to offend you but the fact is that dental schools strive to have a diverse student body (rightly so), and there are a hell of a lot of white males applying to dental school. One of the dentists I shadowed actually flat out told me this, not that I didn't already expect it.

But I really don't want to stir up that kind of a debate, so please just ignore what I said earlier about my race being a factor in acceptance. I merely included it because I (perhaps mistakenly) thought it was important.

 

[Sprgrover]

hey, do you really have to play the "race" card here? How is it being a white male doesn't help you? I find that really offensive.

The sordid truth is that schools, and not just dental schools, take this into account. While I am not going to say that race and gender factored into Minnesota's decision, usually these two items are brought up in these forums when such questions arise. I didn't read the OP's comments as playing any sort of "card" nor whining about his background and associated discrimination: it's information that AADSAS collects in their application and makes available to schools and C_dent is merely doing the same in his post.

 

[bouncy_ball]

I'm sure you don't mean to, but from what you are saying, you are indirectly implying certain minorities get into d-school more easily than non-minorities. And, just because one dentist that you shadowed agrees with you, it doesn't make it true. If you look at the stats in the ADEA Guide to Dental Schools, you will see that ethnicity has no impact on admissions (w/ exception to only a few schools).

If you want to find out about such specific details, your best bet would be to call U of Minnesota directly. You will get the most accurate info calling them directly. All the schools I have called have been very helpful, nice, and not at all intimidating. Good luck!

 

[hockeydentist]

I'm sure you don't mean to, but from what you are saying, you are indirectly implying certain minorities get into d-school more easily than non-minorities. And, just because one dentist that you shadowed agrees with you, it doesn't make it true. If you look at the stats in the ADEA Guide to Dental Schools, you will see that ethnicity has no impact on admissions (w/ exception to only a few schools).

Look at the number of matriculants at Meharry and howard. End of story.

 

[ecrdoubles15]

you guys, what he is saying is totally true and I can prove it. I got into UC Berkeley just because I was half mexican/half white. Everyone knows that they look at race, defintiely. Man, I have only a 2.9 GPA and not that good DAT and got into temple, NYU, Michigan for Dental School. I know for a fact that if i checked the white box, I would probably be living with my parents working at McDonalds. I have family friends that work for colleges and they know what goes down too. We just have to face reality man. laters.

 

[The Godfather]

you guys, what he is saying is totally true and I can prove it. I got into UC Berkeley just because I was half mexican/half white. Everyone knows that they look at race, defintiely. Man, I have only a 2.9 GPA and not that good DAT and got into temple, NYU, Michigan for Dental School. I know for a fact that if i checked the white box, I would probably be living with my parents working at McDonalds. I have family friends that work for colleges and they know what goes down too. We just have to face reality man. laters.

It's nice to know someone has some cajones! This is the real world folks. Don't delude yourself into thinking race doesn't matter in admissions.
👍

 

[ecrdoubles15]

thanks Godfather

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Whats up yall. Recently I was put on the alternate list for University of Minnesota (not my state school). I was just wondering how many people are generally put on alternate lists, and how many positions generally open up for alternate list folk like myself.

I can't imagine I would be too far away from the people that got accepted outright- my GPA and DAT are fairly decent- 3.82 GPA and 21AA DAT, but i applied somewhat late. And I'm a white male which doesn't help.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated.

Good luck everybody.

For the millionith time, if you dont live in Minnesota, N or S Dakota, Wisc. or Montana, you pretty much have no shot in getting in. Seriously, do a search.

 

[frogger33]

Aw, yes it is in fact very true. Being a hispanic female has definitly helped me in more than one situation. Do I think it is fair... hell no. I think the best qualified should get the acceptance, job, etc... However, since it is there I will use it to my advantage, after all I am not stupid. Maybe one day we can move past the race stuff. Unfortunetly for me however, there are MANY hispanics in florida and for the two schools I applied to it does not help much. 🙄

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Race has nothing to do with you being alternated.......Again, for the millionith time, if you dont live in Minnesota, N or S Dakota, Wisc. or Montana, you pretty much have no shot in getting in. Seriously, do a search.

 

[ecrdoubles15]

we are talking about in general, not just alternated. im sorry you guys, but i deserve having special treatment because im half mexican/white. Even though i totally look white (light brown hair/hazel eyes) and act like a total valleyboy, it is about time diverse people get what they want for a change. hell yah!

also, this is just my opinion, so for you guys who get offended and take these posts personally, chill out dude.

 

[bouncy_ball]

If you look at the stats in the ADEA Guide to Dental Schools, you will see that ethnicity has no impact on admissions (w/ exception to only a few schools).

Look at the number of matriculants at Meharry and howard. End of story.

Like I said, there are a few exceptions and schools like Meharry and Howard do accept more minorities. (And these schools are not hiding the fact that they are promoting greater diversity.) However, in the end, these are only 2 schools, while there are dozens more schools which do not consider ethnicity.

 

[hockeydentist]

Like I said, there are a few exceptions and schools like Meharry and Howard do accept more minorities. (And these schools are not hiding the fact that they are promoting greater diversity.) However, in the end, these are only 2 schools, while there are dozens more schools which do not consider ethnicity.

promoting greater diversity at what cost? There should be some standard as far as allowing students in dental school regardless of race or background.

 

[hockeydentist]

you guys, what he is saying is totally true and I can prove it. I got into UC Berkeley just because I was half mexican/half white. Everyone knows that they look at race, defintiely. Man, I have only a 2.9 GPA and not that good DAT and got into temple, NYU, Michigan for Dental School. I know for a fact that if i checked the white box, I would probably be living with my parents working at McDonalds. I have family friends that work for colleges and they know what goes down too. We just have to face reality man. laters.

Way to work the race card for you're advantage. All I know is that when I get into dental school it will be on my merits and not on the color of my skin. IF you ask me there is no better feeling of earning something based on hard work and determination.

 

[bouncy_ball]

C_dent,

I looked up in the guide to dental schools (not newest edition) about U of Minn. For entering class of 2000, 56/87 students were in states. The out of state students they excepted were: 1 AZ, 1 CA, 4 MT, 8 ND, 1 NV, 5 SD, 1 WA, 7 WI, 2 Other. Hope that helps some.

Whats up yall. Recently I was put on the alternate list for University of Minnesota (not my state school). I was just wondering how many people are generally put on alternate lists, and how many positions generally open up for alternate list folk like myself.

I can't imagine I would be too far away from the people that got accepted outright- my GPA and DAT are fairly decent- 3.82 GPA and 21AA DAT, but i applied somewhat late. And I'm a white male which doesn't help.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated.

Good luck everybody.

 

[ItsGavinC]

promoting greater diversity at what cost? There should be some standard as far as allowing students in dental school regardless of race or background.

There really ought to be. Some people seem oblivious to the fact that a poor or mediocre dentist (regardless of what race/creed they are) doesn't do the profession any favors.

It's better to not graduate a dentist than graduate a shotty one.

 

[frogger33]

There really ought to be. Some people seem oblivious to the fact that a poor or mediocre dentist (regardless of what race/creed they are) doesn't do the profession any favors.

It's better to not graduate a dentist than graduate a shotty one.

I really do not think it is that big of a problem anymore. There are so many educated minorities going into such fields now days that the schools do not really have to lower their standards just to accept one. For example, I think the whole minority thing only comes into effect when you have two candidates that are both QUALIFIED, yet one may be a minority and therefore gets the advantage in that case. Schools do have minumum requirements (DAT scores, GPA, etc...) which would eliminate having "poor or mediocre dentists". Remember that EVERYONE has to take and pass the boards in oredr to be a dentisit!! Therefore I would not worry about it hurting the profession 🙂

 

[reLAXgirl]

My experience is that in most cases the minority thing is helpful in distinguishing you from the crowd. Just as something like doing extra service or leadership can increase your odds despite lower grades, the minority thing can help in such an instance. I think it is important that we help create opportunities for people who have had lesser opportunities in the past. That doesn't mean that dental schools are accepting unqualified applicants just because they choose someone with a lower gpa or DAT. As we have seen many times in the past, the stats aren't always what they are looking for. Time and time again on SDN we have seen people complaining they have not gotten into the school of their choice when they appeared to be "more qualified" than others. Maybe the experiences and the background of some minorities are a good trade off for lesser grades to the schools. I just hope us white folks can stop feeling so threatened by a few spots going to someone else or by assuming minorities are automatically less qualifed. I think it is unfair to think that only white kids are the ones that "know they deserve to be there on their own merits" (which I could also argue about). And Kudos to Meharry and Howard!

 

[ecrdoubles15]

Way to work the race card for you're advantage. All I know is that when I get into dental school it will be on my merits and not on the color of my skin. IF you ask me there is no better feeling of earning something based on hard work and determination.

who says i didnt work hard. i am the hardest worker there ever was. so i didnt get a 3.5 in the one of the best schools in the world, but i show my dedication to the dental field and to the community. i have volunteered for 2 dental clinics during 4 years of college, i modeled to help third world countries, i volunteer for health fairs. i have what it takes, so dont say i didnt get in becasue of my merits. thank you very much. game over!

 

[airvent]

Grades and race are not the only factors the adcoms look at. Maybe you had a weak essay or interview. Maybe you should have volunteered somewhere.

If you want...post your entire application essay and all and we'll find out why.

 

[C_dent]

Grades and race are not the only factors the adcoms look at. Maybe you had a weak essay or interview. Maybe you should have volunteered somewhere.

If you want...post your entire application essay and all and we'll find out why.

I have volunteered, and i felt that the interview went particularly well. And although its tempting to post my essay so you can tell me what's wrong with it, I think I'll pass.

Thanks to the people that addressed my question.

 

[C_dent]

C_dent,

I looked up in the guide to dental schools (not newest edition) about U of Minn. For entering class of 2000, 56/87 students were in states. The out of state students they excepted were: 1 AZ, 1 CA, 4 MT, 8 ND, 1 NV, 5 SD, 1 WA, 7 WI, 2 Other. Hope that helps some.

Wow. I wish I would have looked this up before applying. Could have saved myself some money.

 

[hockeydentist]

who says i didnt work hard. i am the hardest worker there ever was. so i didnt get a 3.5 in the one of the best schools in the world, but i show my dedication to the dental field and to the community. i have volunteered for 2 dental clinics during 4 years of college, i modeled to help third world countries, i volunteer for health fairs. i have what it takes, so dont say i didnt get in becasue of my merits. thank you very much. game over!

You said it yourself, you got in becuase you were mexican!
What did you expect that knowbody was gonna call you on your comment. give me a break.

 

[ecrdoubles15]

i know, but you cant assume that it was just because i was mexican. i just said that helped me. anyways, forget about it.

 

[Dr.Smiley-OR]

My experience is that in most cases the minority thing is helpful in distinguishing you from the crowd. Just as something like doing extra service or leadership can increase your odds despite lower grades, the minority thing can help in such an instance. I think it is important that we help create opportunities for people who have had lesser opportunities in the past. That doesn't mean that dental schools are accepting unqualified applicants just because they choose someone with a lower gpa or DAT. As we have seen many times in the past, the stats aren't always what they are looking for. Time and time again on SDN we have seen people complaining they have not gotten into the school of their choice when they appeared to be "more qualified" than others. Maybe the experiences and the background of some minorities are a good trade off for lesser grades to the schools. I just hope us white folks can stop feeling so threatened by a few spots going to someone else or by assuming minorities are automatically less qualifed. I think it is unfair to think that only white kids are the ones that "know they deserve to be there on their own merits" (which I could also argue about). And Kudos to Meharry and Howard!

Totally agree!!!!

 

[bouncy_ball]

Wow. I wish I would have looked this up before applying. Could have saved myself some money.

don't lose hope, though. you have great stats which are well above the avg at minnesota. The avg. stats in 2000 for uminn were aa 18.82, ts 18.24, total 3.52, sci 3.44. things may have changed since then but you seem like a strong applicant. 👍 👍 how did your interview go?

 

[j8587]

I'm an alternate at MCG... From what i have been told they usually select 20....