Application help

[TxNdentist]

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Hi, I'm new from Texas, and new to the dental school application process. I decided a little late in the game to apply to dental school for next fall, and at this point I'm trying to figure out if I'm even wasting my time.

I went to Rice for bioengineering for my undergrad degree. My grades were pretty bad, my GPA is probably around a 3.4 (I graduated in '05). If I can get my DAT up in the 17-20 range, do I have chance of getting in anywhere?!

I'd like to go to a TX school, but I have no idea how competitive they are. I've seen averages, but how do these compare to other Dental schools across the country? I've interviewed a few dentists here in TX, but of course they are from here and tell me that all three schools (baylor, houston and utsa) are all great.

If these schools are super hard to get into, does anyone have a good backups out of state to suggest? (Preferably one not over $40,000 a year, but I'm probably dreaming on that one...).

Also, lastly, When should I take my DAT? If I take it September 9th is that too late for the Oct 15th deadline? If I get the rest of my application in before the end of August will that help my chances at all? Taking the DAT in the next 3 weeks is probably not a good idea, I'd like to study pretty hard.


Thanks for helping a newbie out!

 

[reapply2007]

If you really get aggressive and finish your application out in the next couple of weeks I'd say you could get a look for the Dec 1 deadline. Texas schools have their own admissions process other than AADSAS - something specific for Texas schools without which you will not be considered. You should do a thread search to see how it works. Also-read the very top thread on the predent page as it should answer most of your questions.

 

[aggie-master]

Apply to the Texas schools at this site: http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/

I think you have a good chance as long as you do well on the DAT. Get your application in on that site and letters sent ASAP. Take the DAT when you are ready. Sure, September 9th is later than average, but if it gets you into the 20s on your AA score it will probably be worth the wait.

Your best shot at admission is the 3 Texas schools because they heavily favor Texas applicants and there is probably around a 30% chance of a Texas applicant getting in to one of those three schools.

btw, your GPA is not bad. It's in the average range for dental applicants. Just do well on the DAT and you've got a good chance.