Chance me

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So, the app cycle is approaching and I'd like to apply. I'd like some advice on my chances though. I feel like I don't know how I stack up with everyone else.

My overall GPA is a 3.5 and science GPA is 3.5
I went to a community college for two years and took all my pre-requisites there, but I took many upper level science classes at my UC since I'm a Biochemistry major.
DAT: 19AA/20TS/16PAT (I'm concerned about my PAT score)
2 years research with poster presentation at a conference
100 hours shadowing dentists
lots of community service, one significant leadership position and a job
Also, I'm from California and not URM.

Do I have any chances?

 

[nikond600]

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great, thanks for sharing your experiences. since i have lower stats than you, I'd appreciate people responding who are in a similar situation as me if possible too

 

[NDPitch]

The first thing in order here is to change your status from Pre-Medical to Pre-Dental. You gotta play the part and get yourself in the dental mindset if you want to be a dentist and get this ball rolling. Haha, mostly joking...

Secondly, a 3.5 and a 19AA/20TS is not jaw-drop-amazing like some people's numbers on here, but it is FAR from bad. You're right there with a LOT of other applicants numbers wise, and many of them matriculate somewhere. The PAT might be a sore spot, but I've seen plenty of people gain admission with a 16 PAT. Some schools think it's important, others just breeze over it.

The numbers game isn't everything. You'll likely get put in the "considerable candidates" pile at a bunch of schools if you apply broadly. After that, it's all about you as a person. How good can you communicate in writing (personal statement)? What life experiences does this person have? What is their personality like and how can they speak (determined at interview)?

Only re-take the DAT if you are 100% sure you will improve. Otherwise, tie up loose ends, make your app as good as it can be, apply broadly right at the beginning of the cycle, and let it ride.

I might also add that your posting history suggests that you've gone from MD, to DO, to podiatry, to dentistry. So I also recommend just making sure that this is really where you want to end up in a career. Other than that, good luck.

 

[nikond600]

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