Applying in 2009-10 cycle, my chances?

[smartspartan]

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Hey guys!

I'm studying at the U of Toronto (Canada), and am writing the DAT (american) this summer, but am really wondering if it's worth it... I sorta get demotivated coz I keep feeling that my chances aren't even real.. 😕

my GPA so far (calc on based of quality points, sem hrs)
overall: 3.22
science: 3.37

(Q1a) could you all help me out and tell me honestly what my chances are, and where I should consider applying?

(Q1b) i really blew my first year (physics and crap like that), so that's really pulling my gpa down. do schools consider that? coz my gpa for the other 3 years (cumulative, minus 1st year) is 3.58 (overall) and 3.65 (science). My GPA is not good enough for canadian schools.. so i'm shooting for the private American schools (NYU, etc.)..

(Q1c) Also, do schools look at where you did ur undergrad... i.e. reputed schools like U of T, or is the competition so tough that all competitive applicants are from good schools, and eventually its the GPA as a number that counts?


(Q2) Also, for the DAT, what sections are key (I know all scores should be decent, but which sections are the selling points?). And any recommendations for prepping on the PAT? I have heard of IQ Publications so far.

Thanks a lot!! 🙂

 

[bennijai]

As for the DAT question, people have always stressed Bio and RC as important factors as there is a positive correlation between the scores and how well you perform in dental school. But all sections are fairly important as they contribute to your overall AA score.

Preparing for the PAT requires practice. I personally just used Kaplan and Topscore for PAT. I picked up on the PAT section fairly quick so I didn't need to use Crack the PAT or any other materials. I just did problems and eventually started to develop my own style.

 

[Ranelar]

I was under the impression that RC and PAT were the sections that could make or break you. I know UNLV weighs RC pretty heavily (they showed us their formula, but I dont have it with me). As for the other question, we can't tell you your chances without DAT scores, but I got into school with a worse GPA than yours. Schools like upward trends, so at least you show that. I would suggest that you continue your studying, do well on the DAT, and apply.