Application Timeline Advice WANTED!!!

[deleted251274]

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Hello everyone

I'm in a bit of ditch of confusion right now [wow I can't even write soundly]
I REALLY could use everyone's advice on current situation right now. So here it goes.....

Unfortunately, I became a slacker this summer and didn't work on the application until end of august. and Now, [mid Sept] I'm scrambling to get application completed. I have sent in the transcripts already, but rest... not just yet.

Letter of Recommendation: I just need one more recommender to email in the letter [hopefully soon.]
Personal Statement : I'm working on the 3rd draft now and expecting to finish it by end of Sept 18th. as well as the activity/resume profiles.

DAT scores: Bio 21 Orgo 19 GChem 18 PAT 22 RC 17 QR 18
GPA [Overall/Science] : 3.43/3.42

little details on activities
1) research 2.5 yrs
2) dental shadowing [from 3 dentists] ~ 150 hrs
3) community service clubs with leader position in one of them.
4) Dean's List 4 times [3rd & 4th year]

I'm RIDICULOUSLY Late in the process and believe I have very low chance of getting in anywhere now with this score. [If I'm lucky, i could get into my backup but....]

I've been thinking as I freak out on the application,

SHOULD I FORGO THIS APPLICATION CYCLE AND WAIT FOR NEXT CYCLE?
If I do, I'm going to try to increase my DAT and GPA [postbacc Winter and Spring], probably increasing chance to get into my reach schools.

But problem is that taking 2 gap years is a bad choice [for economical and social issues.... p.s. I'm a female student]. as my parents protests the idea so freakin strongly.

So Should I wait and improve my chance for next cycle or take a risk in this cycle?

HELP EVERYONE!!!

 

[Razzmatazz1115]

I'm in the same situation kind of. Since I took the DAT in August and realized after that I can graduate this year (my junior year), I decided to apply cycle 2011. I just submitted my application a couple of days ago (Sept 7th) but my last two recs and transcript won't be in until the 15th.

I have very similar stats as you (22 pat, 20 aa, gpa 3.5). I think its a good idea to try applying now. Since you've gone this far, why not just get everything in and see what happens. If it doesn't go well, there's always next cycle. I called to ask my schools and they don't look down upon applicants who didn't get in a previous year, they see it more as determination. So even though we're a bit later than other applicants I think we still have a fair chance. It's not too late, and I think we're still competitive for some schools. You have pretty good stats and very good extra curriculars/ experience. Depending on your schools, I think you'll for sure get an interview.

Good luck to you!

 

[hoylematt]

You have a 19AA and 19TS with a 22PAT. Respectable scores (minus the 17 R.C. some schools may look down on that).

Keep in mind that it takes 4-6 weeks for AADSAS to process your primary and make it available to the schools you are applying to.

After that it can take a couple weeks for the schools to process your primary, request you to fill out secondaries, you actually fill them out, and pay all the necessary fees and mail or e-submit the various required documents for each school. If your application drags its feet along the way that will put admissions committees deciding on your application somewhere in November.

If you have the money I would say go for it. Applying to 15 schools is roughly a couple thousand dollars for the AADSAS and Secondary fees. What is important is to continue to improve your application now (like you said take post-bac classes and continue to do E.C.'s) even if you apply now. That way if you don't make it you will be a better applicant next cycle.

Good Luck, I hope this helps. The time line for this whole application process is brutal.

 

[deleted251274]

Thank you so much for the support and advices you offered!

I will carefully consider of the two options and decide what I am going to do within next two days. and Keep you updated.

Again, Thank you so much for the excellent recommendations.

Sincerely,
acha0687