Ask Me Anything!!

[KingChris]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time to give us advice. This is kind of a random question, but do you happen to know how dental schools view applicants that are applying to medical school at the same time? I recently decided that I want to be a dentist (a little over a year ago), and although I have so dental shadowing experience, I'm afraid I don't have the clinical/shadowing experience to match other applicants who have been working towards the same goal for years. Also, I haven't taken my DATs yet so I am not sure how that will turn out, especially the PAT section. I guess I want to apply to medical school at the same time just in case I can't get into dental school since I have already completed my MCATs. I would love to be in the healthcare profession and would probably go into oral surgery if I don't get into dental school. However, dental school is my first choice. I'm just afraid that dental schools will think I'm applying as a backup when it's actually sort of the other way around. If you or anyone else have any insight, please share! 🙂

While dental school is not easy to get into, I don't think its any harder than medical school. I'm not so sure why you are applying to medical school, since you would be more likely to get into dental school anyway, dental experience or not.

Nevertheless, if I were you I would just shadow some dentists for as many hours as you can. Not every applicant has a lot of "clinical experience" anyways. Predents normally shadow anywhere between 30-100 hours (some do considerably more, but that is not the norm).

Also, you can only become an oral surgeon through dental school, so I'm not sure how that plan of going to medical school to become an oral surgeon would work.

The PAT is not that hard, if you scored well on the MCATs you will be more than fine on the DAT. In order to score high on the DAT you have to be good at memorizing and regurgitating information, nothing like those long passages they make you analyze on the MCATs. However, the biology and math for the DAT is considerably more extensive as far as content, than the MCAT.

I think dental schools would get the impression that you are applying to THEM as a backup. If I were you I would NOT apply to medical school if you really want to be a dentist! I mean, if you ultimately decide though, that you would like to apply to medical school as well, for some reason, then just emphasize in your personal statement that dentistry is where your heart is at, but since you view dentistry as a specialty of medicine you don't think of them as two separate entities and so applied to both. Many schools view dentistry as a medical specialty, since that is what it truly is, and this could work in your favor if you do it right. But I personally think you should just stick with applying to dental school, it seems like that is where your passions lies anyways. Good luck!

 

[KingChris]

I'm having a hard time deciding what to use to study for the DAT. I heard the Kaplan class is a waste of money, and the DAT destroyer is a good book but you need to know your stuff before going through these questions. I need to review all of the subjects before attempting practice questions but I don't know what books to use. Should I review stuff from my class textbooks? How did you review the material for the different DAT subjects, and what books did you use? Did you use any of the Kaplan material (Kaplan Blue Book or the Kaplan class)? Thanks!

I started out studying ALL material from the Kaplan blue book (and used the Kaplan lesson books (white) as supplements)

Then, I took ALL the Kaplan online tests, book tests, and subject tests. I then went over all my wrong answers, and patched up an weak spots using my old chemistry and biology textbooks and studying each topic I was weak on.

Then, I used Topscore and DAT Achiever to simulate the real DAT. Topscore was the most accurate for the type of RC, PAT, and Math questions I saw on the real DAT. I then studied the explanations they gave for my wrong answers and restudied those topics again with my old textbooks as well as Kaplan. DAT Achiever was most accurate in simulating the Biology section and I def saw repeated questions on the real test!

For Ochem and Gchem, Kaplan is more than enough!

All together I studied for about 6 hours a day for 6 weeks straight before the exam (and had a private tutor from Kaplan in the winter before my exam (which I took in August)

Good luck!

 

[KingChris]

KingChris! Hey! Thanks for the answer to my first post.
My second question is, whats the difference betwen interning at a clinic hospital and a private office? Which one do you think will be more helpful?
Thanks!

P.S. People should stop posting irrelavant replies. *cough cough jeninny44. Even if Kingchris is bragging or not, he is still trying to help, and has actually helped me. And I am pretty sure many other people have been helped as well.

Thanks, I'm glad I am able to help you as well as so many others, that's my goal!

If I were you I would concentrate on gaining experience shadowing dentists in a private practice setting since that will give you a sense of the business and managerial aspects of dentistry along with the procedures and bedside manner. However, a hospital setting experience would not be a bad idea. I actually shadowed an AEGD clinic at a dental school as well as private practices and found both to be quite different, but very interesting just the same. Good luck!

 

[MDPursuit]

What classess a college student should take to prepare himself for the DAT and to maximize the scores on every aspect of the DAT? What type of math does the DAT cover? Also, would it be a good idea to shadow dentists before entering college? Many thanks

 

[Smile4eve]

Hi~ I was or am (?) pre Dental student UNTIL I took dental technology..
I got a C in that class..=( and honestly I didn't like it that much..
I wonder if dentistry is related with having good artistic hand skills..
cause I realized I am not good at it at all..

 

[KingChris]

What classess a college student should take to prepare himself for the DAT and to maximize the scores on every aspect of the DAT? What type of math does the DAT cover? Also, would it be a good idea to shadow dentists before entering college? Many thanks

Well, it couldn't hurt to shadow a dentist before college since it would give you a good idea if this is the right career for you, and hence give you more motivation to excel.

As for classes that would help you on the DAT, I would suggesst taking all the prerequisites BEFORE the DAT, along with Biochem, Genetics.

The math section of the DAT covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, word problems, rate problems, statistics, and probability (there may be some more that I didn't mention, but these are the most significant ones).

 

[KingChris]

Hi~ I was or am (?) pre Dental student UNTIL I took dental technology..
I got a C in that class..=( and honestly I didn't like it that much..
I wonder if dentistry is related with having good artistic hand skills..
cause I realized I am not good at it at all..

I'm sorry to hear that. However, I would suggest talking to a few dentists before making the decision not to pursue dentistry. Good luck!

 

[Jsca]

Hi KingChris,
Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I am concerned about research and I read all the questions and your replies and they were helpful.
I was just wondering, do you think doing research in the spring of my junior year, summer after that, and an honors project senior year is enough research? My GPA so far is 3.61 and SGPA 3.47.
Thanks!!

 

[Jsca]

I want to get into UMDNJ. It is more clinically-oriented, but i know that many applicants have research experience.

 

[jigabodo]

Hey Chris,
Thanks again for helping us out! This is essentially a "What are my chances" thread as I am no longer confident that I can help into dental school anymore.

Please bear with me, it's going to be kinda long...

My stats are in my sig, but I am afraid that it might be even lower after AADSAS calculate it.

-I am a senior in UC Davis majoring in Cell Bio.
-I have average to above average EC - research, 100 hr GP shaowding, 40 hr clinical community service, 45 hr lab proctor.
-I "should" have a good PS. (Spent 1 month doing it, had at least 10 people including 6 writing specialist read over it.)
-I am applying to 20+ schools, all around my GPA range of 3.1~3.5.

I will be taking in DAT in early Aug, what scores do I need to get to get accepted to any dental school?


Thanks!

 

[KingChris]

Hey Chris,
Thanks again for helping us out! This is essentially a "What are my chances" thread as I am no longer confident that I can help into dental school anymore.

Please bear with me, it's going to be kinda long...

My stats are in my sig, but I am afraid that it might be even lower after AADSAS calculate it.

-I am a senior in UC Davis majoring in Cell Bio.
-I have average to above average EC - research, 100 hr GP shaowding, 40 hr clinical community service, 45 hr lab proctor.
-I "should" have a good PS. (Spent 1 month doing it, had at least 10 people including 6 writing specialist read over it.)
-I am applying to 20+ schools, all around my GPA range of 3.1~3.5.

I will be taking in DAT in early Aug, what scores do I need to get to get accepted to any dental school?


Thanks!

Well, your BCP looks great! sGPA is average and cGPA is a little below average. Your extracurrics are definitely going be of help, especially your research experience (all schools love to see research)! I would say as long as your DAT score is no less than a 19 (with nothing below 18 for any section), then you have a descent shot at gaining acceptance to atleast a few dental schools (especially with the number of schools you applied to), and especially your state school, if you have one. If you can score a 20+ on the DAT I think your chances of acceptance would increase dramatically, and would be much to your benefit since your GPA seems to hover around the national average.

Bottum line is you have a good shot, just nail the DAT!

Good luck!

Chris

 

[KingChris]

Hi KingChris,
Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I am concerned about research and I read all the questions and your replies and they were helpful.
I was just wondering, do you think doing research in the spring of my junior year, summer after that, and an honors project senior year is enough research? My GPA so far is 3.61 and SGPA 3.47.
Thanks!!

Absolutely! There is no set limit as to how much research is "enough", it seems that any research experience is sufficient to impress an admissions commitee seeing as the majority of predents do not actually do extensive research, nor is it a requirement. The point of doing research is not to have an academic edge upon entering dental school, or even to acquire a vast amount of knowledge about a particular topic. The point is merely for you to get your feet wet and learn what is involved in performing research and how to develop a critical eye when analyzing scientific problems.

All in all, research serves as an indicator to an admissions committee that you are a serious student who seeks to enhance his/her education and embrace the opportunity to learn more.

Your GPA's look good, and a strong DAT score along with research is sure to impress any admissions committee.

As for UMDNJ, they are more of a clinical-oriented school. However, I have found through my own experience that even schools with a more clinical emphasis are still greatly impressed by students who have become involved in research. FYI- research can be tedious, and at times down right boring, so make sure to choose a project that catches your interest. Schools can also get a sense if you're doing research only to impress them or if your really have a genuine interest in research (and if you do, I would suggest taking a look at some of the more research-oriented dental schools).

Good luck!

Chris

 

[jza70]

I am having trouble understanding the 3 score system of the DAT. Isn't the test broken up into 4 sections? I tried reading the explanation on wikipedia and it didn't make sense to me. I guess I will do poorly on the reading comprehension part once I take the test. lol

 

[KingChris]

I am having trouble understanding the 3 score system of the DAT. Isn't the test broken up into 4 sections? I tried reading the explanation on wikipedia and it didn't make sense to me. I guess I will do poorly on the reading comprehension part once I take the test. lol

Sections of DAT:

1). Biology
2). General Chemistry
3). Organic Chemistry
4). Reading Comprehension
5). Quantitative Reasoning
6). Perceptual Ability

Overall, the three main scores that are looked at are

1). Academic Average (aa)-composed of all sections except for the PAT

2). Total Science (ts)- composed of just the Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry sections

3). Percptual Ability (PAT)- Composed soley of the perceptual ability section

I hope this helps

 

[chuchudentist]

First of all I just want to thank you Chris for helping us pre-dents out so generously with answering our questions. I'm applying to dental schools this cycle for 2008 entrance. I just took the DAT recently and got a 20 AA, and every section is ranging from 19 to 22. My GPA is not too great it's about 3.35-3.4 from NYU, major in Neural Science. I do have a lot of hour spent in my neurocience lab and got a pretty decent recommendation from my PI. However, I'm just starting to shadow a dentist this month... (pretty late, I know) Sooooo... the big question: Do you think my stats are pretty average for applying to those competitive school in the east coast? Should I even bother applying to schools like Columbia, UPenn, or even... Harvard?? Is there anything I could do to improve my chances of "stepping in the door"? Thanks so much again! 🙂

 

[dfloss3]

im a foreign trained dentist,my gpa is really low ie below 1.5,what should i do and im determined to turn my past failures into success,im also planning to take the part 1,is it possible i get admission anywhere with this gpa pls advice.

 

[KingChris]

First of all I just want to thank you Chris for helping us pre-dents out so generously with answering our questions. I'm applying to dental schools this cycle for 2008 entrance. I just took the DAT recently and got a 20 AA, and every section is ranging from 19 to 22. My GPA is not too great it's about 3.35-3.4 from NYU, major in Neural Science. I do have a lot of hour spent in my neurocience lab and got a pretty decent recommendation from my PI. However, I'm just starting to shadow a dentist this month... (pretty late, I know) Sooooo... the big question: Do you think my stats are pretty average for applying to those competitive school in the east coast? Should I even bother applying to schools like Columbia, UPenn, or even... Harvard?? Is there anything I could do to improve my chances of "stepping in the door"? Thanks so much again! 🙂

Definitely apply to the Ivy's! So many people don't even give themselves a chance at those schools simply because they're "afraid" they won't get in. You seem to have a descent DAT score, and although your GPA is a little low for those schools, your research experience could help you get some attention. You just never know. Your stats would get the attention of schools like BU, Tufts, and maybe UConn. Columbia is a real DAT driven school so I would guess you could very well get an interview there as well. Harvard and Upenn have slightly higher average GPAs, but with your research you just never know. Your biggest downfall is your lack of dental experience, which I know is important, especially at the interview.

Overall, whether or not you or I think you have a shot at the schools you listed, I would apply to them anyway. You only do this once (hopefully), and why not give yourself every opportunity out there. I almost didn't apply to Harvard after my Dad told me it was probably a waste of money, but I did it anyway, and I sure am glad that I did! Goodluck!

 

[KingChris]

im a foreign trained dentist,my gpa is really low ie below 1.5,what should i do and im determined to turn my past failures into success,im also planning to take the part 1,is it possible i get admission anywhere with this gpa pls advice.

I don't know anything about foreign trained dentists gaining admissions to dental schools here. Is the 1.5 your gpa from your previous dental school? And why are you taking part 1 if you are applying to dental school? Please explain....

 

[siba]

Hey Chris! Thanks so much for taking time to help out here! 🙂 I was wondering how big is evolution/ecology part of the bio section on DAT. I'm a psychology major, so I want to pick and choose helpful science classes to take before taking DAT. (I kinda don't like evolution/ecology, so not really interested in taking the class.) From what I've known from others, some said that it depends on which DAT you take - sometimes it has a lot of those question, sometimes not. That's your opinion about it? Should I still take the class?

THANKS A LOT!

 

[chuchudentist]

hey Chris, thank you so very much! Congratulations again! I bet you are going to become a compassionate and knowledgeable dentist!
actually, can I ask you for advise on writing your personal statement? like about how long it took you, who did you turned for help, what was the process of developing it? thank you very much!

 

[KingChris]

Hey Chris! Thanks so much for taking time to help out here! 🙂 I was wondering how big is evolution/ecology part of the bio section on DAT. I'm a psychology major, so I want to pick and choose helpful science classes to take before taking DAT. (I kinda don't like evolution/ecology, so not really interested in taking the class.) From what I've known from others, some said that it depends on which DAT you take - sometimes it has a lot of those question, sometimes not. That's your opinion about it? Should I still take the class?

THANKS A LOT!

There is a bit of ecology and cassification on the DAT, but not so much that you need to take a class on it. I didn't take Ecology and Evolution until the year after I took the DAT and I did pretty well on the bio section. So I would say if you don't want to take it, then don't. Goodluck!

 

[KingChris]

hey Chris, thank you so very much! Congratulations again! I bet you are going to become a compassionate and knowledgeable dentist!
actually, can I ask you for advise on writing your personal statement? like about how long it took you, who did you turned for help, what was the process of developing it? thank you very much!

Thank you for the kind words! As for my personal statement, it took me about 2 weeks to complete, and I had my mom (who has a degree in english), my girlfriends' mom (who is a former editor for a newspaper), and a few dentists (one of whom is on the admissions committee at UConn Dental School) look it over before turning it in.

The process of writing it is different for everyone. I started by brainstorming about the cascade of events that led to my initial interest and pursuit of medicine and then denistry in particular. It's important to back up any traits or characteristics that you claim to have by discussing some experiences you have had as well. I also read a lot of personal statments from the "Barrons Guide to Medical and Dental Schools." While I can't say I was all that impressed with them they helped give me an idea as to what format to use. First, its vital to catch the readers attention with an experience you have had or something interesting (remember, they read A LOT of these and don't want to spend a lot of time on each one, so you want to grab the readers attention right off the bat). Secondly you want to discuss your life experiences or volunteer work that tells about your personality and compassion for helping others (you ARE entering healthcare so this is pretty important). Then you want to describe any research you have done or any ways in which you have gone beyond the curriculum at your school (not necessary, but it can stregnthen your application). And lastly, you want to describe your experiences with dentistry and why you feel it's a good fit for you and what you hope to accomplish. Also, don't forget to nail a good closing line!

Well, I hope this helps, sorry it's so long. Let me know if you have any more questions. And remember everyone is different, this is just how I approached it. Goodluck!

 

[chuchudentist]

wow chris thanks for the very helpful and honest guidelines for writing PS. I'll be sure to bug you more if I stumble upon more questions! 😀

 

[dfloss3]

I don't know anything about foreign trained dentists gaining admissions to dental schools here. Is the 1.5 your gpa from your previous dental school? And why are you taking part 1 if you are applying to dental school? Please explain....[/q

Thanks for the reply,im a foreign trained dentist applying for the advanced standing programme in order to get a licence to practice in the us,this you have to complete in order to be acknowledged here.....the gpa is from my school back at home evaluated by the ece.

 

[sublimeu4ea]

So I just took the DAT, finished about an hour ago. I'm not happy with my scores so I'm going to retake it in September.

I hate to be another one of these... but I need an honest and knowledgeale opinion. I was just curious how I would rank up against other applicants.
*I work in a a dental office, I worked at an ortho office, I have over 500 hours of shadowing/work experience.
*I'm President of Biochemistry club, Vice-president of ASDA at OSU, and I do volunteer work(occassionally, working on it).
*I have a 4.0 non-sci, 3.8 overall, and 3.7 sci GPA in Biochemistry. With only 1 C(in biochem) and 4 B's (upper division sciences and calc).
*I made an 18 on the DAT, with 21 on the PAT. I know I'm capable of bring up my DAT scores, so I plan on it.

I don't know... I think that makes me a pretty average to below average applicant. I feel like I'm so-so all around.

What should I do to beef up my app? I would really like to go to Baylor... I'm not too keen on going to OU(really just because I've spent my entire life in this state). Really, I'd just like to go anywhere outside of OK.

 

[sublimeu4ea]

Thanks Navy, I appreciate your help!

 

[Coolfishdent]

So I just took the DAT, finished about an hour ago. I'm not happy with my scores so I'm going to retake it in September.

I hate to be another one of these... but I need an honest and knowledgeale opinion. I was just curious how I would rank up against other applicants.
*I work in a a dental office, I worked at an ortho office, I have over 500 hours of shadowing/work experience.
*I'm President of Biochemistry club, Vice-president of ASDA at OSU, and I do volunteer work(occassionally, working on it).
*I have a 4.0 non-sci, 3.8 overall, and 3.7 sci GPA in Biochemistry. With only 1 C(in biochem) and 4 B's (upper division sciences and calc).
*I made an 18 on the DAT, with 21 on the PAT. I know I'm capable of bring up my DAT scores, so I plan on it.

I don't know... I think that makes me a pretty average to below average applicant. I feel like I'm so-so all around.

What should I do to beef up my app? I would really like to go to Baylor... I'm not too keen on going to OU(really just because I've spent my entire life in this state). Really, I'd just like to go anywhere outside of OK.

Just so you know, DAT really isn't everything. I had a 23AA and a 21PAT and didn't get into about 1/2 the schools I applied to. Some schools asked about my C+s in Chem 2 and Physics 1 so I think they might have been the culprit. My overall GPA was still a 3.60 from a great school. I know people who got into my dental school with a 18 or 19 DAT and even got interviews at schools that I didn't so go figure. I think your application looks great though, esp the shadowing!

 

[litldime]

do schools look highly on bcp or scienc gpa?? my science gpa is good but my bcp is kinda on the low side...any thoughts appreciated
-ld

 

[bluejellybelly]

Chris,

Should I wait until my last professor sends in the LOR before submission? Or should I just submit the application without waiting for the pending evaluation? I don't want to pressure my professor, but I gave him longer than a month to do so. If I did submit it without his LOR, does this mean that I'll have to make him send copies of the LOR to each school individually after I submit the application?
Thanks buddy.

 

[KingChris]

Chris,

Should I wait until my last professor sends in the LOR before submission? Or should I just submit the application without waiting for the pending evaluation? I don't want to pressure my professor, but I gave him longer than a month to do so. If I did submit it without his LOR, does this mean that I'll have to make him send copies of the LOR to each school individually after I submit the application?
Thanks buddy.

Call AADSAS and see what they think.

 

[reapply2007]

Submit now. AADSAS will not delay processing your application if all you need is a LOR. They will send everything out when it is verified. Your LORs that arrive after the initial processing gets sent out as it comes in and is verified. If you wait to submit AADSAS then your eight week timeframe for processing starts later.

 

[mg777]

Hi All,
I just wanted to make a thread dedicated to helping anyone who has questions or concerns about applying to dental school, taking the DAT's, etc...This past year I was fortunate enough to have been accepted into some very good schools, and I wanted to use my experience to help anyone out there who needs it.
I am very candid about discussing my stats and what I did that helped me get in. I had a rough start to college and quickly picked myself up, and I am going to Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the fall.
Please don't hesitate to ask me anythiing! Good luck everyone!!

Wow, what a guy. You are so awesome and candid about everything you did!

 

[kkikkokka]

hey!
it is very nice of you helping people out!!🙂
and congratulations on getting in to the school you wanted.
i will be a senior in about 2 weeks,,, 🙂
and i was going to apply this summer,
but i thot about taking 1 year off after graduating from college.
since i haven't gotten a chance doing any research
and i'm lacking dental experience,
i wouldn't have a good chance of getting in anyway...
and i thought taking 1 year off would help me to accomplish a lot that i wouldn't be able to do while in school...
but it seems like nobody agrees with me.
do you think taking one year off would be just a waste of my time...?😕

 

[Meatwad]

An egg and a chicken were romantically involved. After a long night of passionate love making, the chicken looks over at the egg smoking a cigarette and says, "I guess that answers that question."

Lmao strong first post n00b.

 

[barami0113]

congrats! You have all my respect.
What was your DAT score?
Thanks.

 

[JackieTreehorn]

Starting school at a really competitive place 😱. So I'm taking bio and chem 1st year, and then an intro language class and psych (yeah a couple of relatively lightweight classes so I don't overload myself as a frosh)

I'm taking this semester to really get adjusted so I'm not going to start any volunteer/shadowing until 2nd semester (maybe get a few hours of shadowing in over winter break).

Did you take math? I might take calc next semester or next year (although ive heard stat is easier and more useful).

It seems like everyone here does fancy research and internships in the sciences. I probably won't do more than try to get a high GPA/DAT and some volunteer/shadowing🙁 (in addition to my nonscience ECs, like tv station, which is good because i guess it shows i have communication skills.)

I guess the one thing I have going for me is that these people here. the premeds, are hell bent on med school (the go MD or go home types), so i foresee less dental competition 😀 (from here at least)

 

[JackieTreehorn]

Lmao strong first post n00b.

Nice to see a fellow Tiger. My father received his J.D. from Princeton University in 1982. Should I choose to go into business, I may pursue an M.B.A. from Princeton University. Their Graduate School of Business is second to none

 

[Meatwad]

Nice to see a fellow Tiger. My father received his J.D. from Princeton University in 1982. Should I choose to go into business, I may pursue an M.B.A. from Princeton University. Their Graduate School of Business is second to none

I'm actually in the AS/BS/MD/DMD/MS/DSc/MDent/MBA/PhD/JD/MPH program. 7 years for the whole shebang. Can't beat that with a stick.

As far as calc vs stats.... both are easy classes material-wise, but a lot of students get psyched out because their calc professor is usually an introverted anti-social who doesn't understand 98% of the class hates math (myself not included) and are only taking it for their major. Stats professors tend to realize this fact and tailor their curriculum and teaching style aaccordingly.

If you want an easy A, stats beats out calc anyday of the week.

 

[manthedent]

hi all
welll i took the DAT today and i did very bad for the second time i mean way too bad below ave. and i got a 3.5 GPA do u guys think i should finish my Bachelor Degree first then reapply for dental school and retak the DAt for the 3rd time im so mad and frustraited and i dont know what to do. 😱

 

[Eugenie98]

Nice to see a fellow Tiger. My father received his J.D. from Princeton University in 1982. Should I choose to go into business, I may pursue an M.B.A. from Princeton University. Their Graduate School of Business is second to none

Really? I was thinking of getting the M.D. from their Med School. I think Dr. House went there

 

[JackieTreehorn]

Really? I was thinking of getting the M.D. from their Med School. I think Dr. House went there

Princeton by far has the best professional schools in the Ivy League

 

[bhangradancer]

What undergrad university did you attend?
Also, if someone has a 3.8-4.0 gpa at a 'third tier' school, what dat score and extracurricular activities would you need to considered comeptitive for harvard??
thank you so much for this helpful thread 🙂

 

[KingChris]

What undergrad university did you attend?
Also, if someone has a 3.8-4.0 gpa at a 'third tier' school, what dat score and extracurricular activities would you need to considered comeptitive for harvard??
thank you so much for this helpful thread 🙂

Well, to answer your first question I attended the University of Connecticut. As far as GPA is concerned, a 3.8-4.0 is a very good GPA from any school, which will be sure to get you noticed. As you may already know there are many factors that are considered such as research, publications, extracurriculars, volunteer work, your personal statement, and dental experience. Since I don't know your entire situation, it would be impossible for me to tell you what DAT you need to get noticed. However, 20 seems to be the magic number for most schools, and I would say anything around there or higher should be sufficient to get you noticed from Harvard as long as you have other things on your resume as well. Research and real world experience are very important to schools like Harvard. I have heard of students with 4.0 gpa and 25 DAT getting rejected from Harvard since they lacked some of the other characteristics Harvard seeks out. But in general shoot for a high DAT above 20 (23 is about the average of our class), and get your hands on some research if you haven't already. Good luck!

 

[Hopeful20]

I'm currently a Sophomore and I'll be taking General Chem 1 & 2, Genetics 1 & 2, Calculus 2, Statistics, 2nd semester of Writing, and some other other elective courses (Philosophy, Psych, etc) this year.
My junior, I plan on taking Organic Chem 1 & 2, Anatomy and Physiology 1&2.
And my Senior year, I'll take more upper level Biology classes and Physics 1 & 2.

My only worry is that dental schools will think I am simply putting off the harder Biology classes when that isn't my intention.
I spoke with an admissions committee board member from NYU (actually showed him my sophomore year schedule and he said it would be fine and that I should not have another science class. I had originally had physics 1 & 2 along with genetics and chemistry, all with labs)

Can you suggest any additional classes that I should be taking my Sophomore and Junior year? And can you evaluate on how my schedule is as of now? I just feel that I will be not up to par to other applicants with my upper Biology courses being taken on my senior year.

 

[sl2obel2ts]

Do you know what schools look down on applicants with low RC score? I am really worried about my 18 on RC. I think I did well enough on the other sections, but I am really worried that my 18 on RC will bring me down. (moved to US 7 yrs ago) I don't have an exceptionally high GPA as well (3.4 overall, 3.57 science). I did graduate from UC Berkeley engineering if that counts at all. I dont wanna have hopes up for the schools i will never get in and dont wanna waste money on them.

 

[slick90210]

Hey Chris,
I didn't really want to open a thread for advice so I hope you could give me some. I am a Canadian student at a large university who is in a little bit of a problem. My first year GPA was a 2.5 but my second was a 3.82. My third year GPA will be at least a 3.85 if not higher. My problem is since I will be applying in May after my 3rd year of university (for the year after I graduate) schools will not be looking at my final year of university. Without 4 years of grades my cumulative GPA will be hovering around 3.35 but with the 4th around 3.55.
I feel the fact I am a Canadian student gives me a bit of a handicap since international students seem to have to on average obtain higher GPA then US students. I am studying for my Canadian DAT and plan to take it in November. If i get around a 19TS would I actually be a competitive applicant?
What is the policy for schools in the States for an extra 5th year. I believe taking the 5th year would really help me since it will boost my Total GPA substantially. Would this effect me since I would already have my bachelor? Considering I do not get in that cycle and have to look for other options what would you do?

 

[visbimmer79]

First, which dental schools are impossible or difficult to get in without research experience at all? (Only research!!)

Secondly, do you know any e-mail addresses at Harvard, with which I can check if my AADSAS application materials and a few other supplmental items have been recieved?
(Is it too early for that?)

 

[KingChris]

I'm currently a Sophomore and I'll be taking General Chem 1 & 2, Genetics 1 & 2, Calculus 2, Statistics, 2nd semester of Writing, and some other other elective courses (Philosophy, Psych, etc) this year.
My junior, I plan on taking Organic Chem 1 & 2, Anatomy and Physiology 1&2.
And my Senior year, I'll take more upper level Biology classes and Physics 1 & 2.

My only worry is that dental schools will think I am simply putting off the harder Biology classes when that isn't my intention.
I spoke with an admissions committee board member from NYU (actually showed him my sophomore year schedule and he said it would be fine and that I should not have another science class. I had originally had physics 1 & 2 along with genetics and chemistry, all with labs)

Can you suggest any additional classes that I should be taking my Sophomore and Junior year? And can you evaluate on how my schedule is as of now? I just feel that I will be not up to par to other applicants with my upper Biology courses being taken on my senior year.

Well it seems as if you have all the required courses lined up, which is good. I would suggest biochem if you have room, and maybe some non-science classes that you find interesting. Honestly, biochem and anatomy are the most useful for dental school, but they're only useful for a little while. Dental schools tend to teach you what they find relevant and it can be a lot more in depth then what you'll learn in undergrad. My advice is take what you find interesting and what will help your gpa. Good luck!

 

[KingChris]

Do you know what schools look down on applicants with low RC score? I am really worried about my 18 on RC. I think I did well enough on the other sections, but I am really worried that my 18 on RC will bring me down. (moved to US 7 yrs ago) I don't have an exceptionally high GPA as well (3.4 overall, 3.57 science). I did graduate from UC Berkeley engineering if that counts at all. I dont wanna have hopes up for the schools i will never get in and dont wanna waste money on them.

Well your gpa is definitely in the ball park. I wouldn't stress too much, and 18 isn't that bad, and even though it's a little low, if you did well enough on the other sections (above 20), you will most likely get several interviews. Not to mention Berkeley is a good school, as you know. The thing with RC is that there was a study done showing that the RC score is the best indicator of success in dental school since you are required to read and comprehend so much information in a short span of time. But I would just do the best you can to explain that score on interviews if it's brought up, but if no one mentions it, don't worry about it. People get in with low scores on particular sections all the time. It's the overall package the schools are looking at. Good luck!

 

[KingChris]

Hey Chris,
I didn't really want to open a thread for advice so I hope you could give me some. I am a Canadian student at a large university who is in a little bit of a problem. My first year GPA was a 2.5 but my second was a 3.82. My third year GPA will be at least a 3.85 if not higher. My problem is since I will be applying in May after my 3rd year of university (for the year after I graduate) schools will not be looking at my final year of university. Without 4 years of grades my cumulative GPA will be hovering around 3.35 but with the 4th around 3.55.
I feel the fact I am a Canadian student gives me a bit of a handicap since international students seem to have to on average obtain higher GPA then US students. I am studying for my Canadian DAT and plan to take it in November. If i get around a 19TS would I actually be a competitive applicant?
What is the policy for schools in the States for an extra 5th year. I believe taking the 5th year would really help me since it will boost my Total GPA substantially. Would this effect me since I would already have my bachelor? Considering I do not get in that cycle and have to look for other options what would you do?

Well first of all, it's not as black and white as you may think. Admissions committees don't look at your gpa as is, they look at trends, and how each semester went. I don't think it may necessarily be worth taking an extra year to boost your gpa when you have already proven that you are on track and know how to achieve a high gpa. One of the most important things with gpa is your recent consistency. For most people freshman year is a big adjustment and it shows in the gpa. Admissions committees know this and understand that it is mathematically impossible to ever fully compensate for that. My best advice to you is see how well you do on the DAT before thinking of doing a 5th year. I think with a gpa like that and with hard work and dedication you should expect to get above a 20TS. Shoot for that. To answer your question, a 19TS is good, but dental school is getting harder to get into every year, and the general consensus seems to be that 20 is the magic number. Good luck!