jinniechoi said:
I have to think about new plan to reapply for 2006.
I don't know how to improve myself during this time.
it's April already. I have wasted so much time already being waitlisted. and i know i have to do something....
have no idea what to do.
I am graduating in June.
little late to apply for graduate program. ( I was almost trying to take GRE in two weeks but I realized I didn't have enough time)
should I find a dental office to have work experience?
my stats is not bad. GPA 3.2-3.3 DAT 21/20/18
I have tried to ask interviewers why I was not accepted...but they didn't really help...
what should I do..
any advice will be appreciated~~
I was basically in the same spot you are in last year. I applied with roughly the same GPA and DAT scores as you and wasn't accepted anywhere. Here's what I did:
1) Found a job near the school and began making "connections". Spend enough time there and you'll find out who the Dr.'s are that can get things done for you. Find any way you can to talk to them...this takes some research. Look for articles they've published, what they are interested in, what they are teaching, etc. Then, go find some info/questions to present to them. This gives you a reason to talk to them and provides an opportunity to "plead your case" as to why you are good for their program. I had "interviewed" with 4 members of the board before I had my actual interview this year. It definitely helps to have half of the board as your "advocates" instead of just your interviewer.
2) I took some upper division courses while working (I graduated in '03, so I had to take 2 yrs. off!!!). Neurophysiology, Biomedical ethics, etc., etc. You won't change to GPA, but it helps give them a reason to accept you once you get your interview. It gives them a chance to "overlook" your previous scores, and that's all you want at this point...a chance.
3) I worked at a hospital. I think it's a good idea to find something where you are working with patients. It shows you have the intrapersonal skills for dentists and enjoy being in a patient care setting.
4) Stay in CLOSE contact with the people you meet. Dean of Admissions, Dean of the school, your "connections", etc. Make sure you send thank you cards to anyone who is helping you along the way. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. The Dean of Admissions is a particulary important person, as usually he/she is in control of whether or not you get an interview. You need to make sure he know's how much you want to go to "his/her" school and why you are qualified. Again, you must "plead your case" to this person.
5) Volunteer your time. If you can, do it at the school. Many schools have programs there for you and would love for you to help out, for free.
It will be a busy year, but trust me, it's well worth it. Like I said, I didn't get in ANYWHERE last year. 2 waitlist spots for me. This year, I applied to 10 schools, was accepted to 3 (one was my #1 choice) and withdrew the rest. I had set up interviews at a couple others as well. Good luck to you, in the scheme of things, one more year is nothing.
