Chances at Loma Linda

[Chemboy23]

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I am an SDA applicant and I was wondering if I have a good shot at Loma Linda. I have low DAT scores, but I saw on PreDents where someone had several sub-15 scores and still got in. I am from MS, so I tried to really emphasize that I would bring a little diversity to the school. Here are my stats:

DAT
AA-17
PAT-17
TS-17

GPAs (w/o +/-)
cumGPA - 3.46
sciGPA-3.32
BCP-3.38

So, does anyone think I may have a slim chance? I really want to go to this school, but I cannot retake the DAT until November. I know my scores aren't stellar. Thanks so much for your advice in advance.

 

[FlavorKey]

As an SDA, you stand a better chance of getting in especially if you have been studying in the Adventist schools and colleges. Better yet if you could ask some church officials who would know the dean to write you some LORs.

 

[lmaozedong1]

why don't you retake the exam? B/c I just can't see you getting in w/ these stats...but you never know I guess.

 

[LLUProf]

I also would retake the DAT to try and improve your scores. What did you score on the reading comprehension section?

 

[RosenCreek]

Yeah, I would say retake while hoping for the best.😍

 

[Chemboy23]

---->LLUProf - I scored a 17 on the RC section. I was really upset with my score here because I had been scoring ~22-24 on all of the practice tests I did. To be fair on myself though, I had the reading comprehension with the piano section and I couldn't even figure out WHAT some of the questions were. It was really difficult. I have a question though...the admissions lady said that I would most likely be granted an interview because I am SDA. In my interview, what should I say about the DAT? The earliest possible date I can retake it is on November 3rd (1st one was 8/3/10). Is it possible for me to retake the DAT that late and still get in?

 

[ashes2ashes]

I am SDA and reapplying this year. During my interview last year, they told me that every SDA applicant is guaranteed an interview.

Still your scores are on the low side. Everyone I know who has been accepted for this fall had a DAT score of at least 19.

 

[RedDevilDDS]

---->LLUProf - I scored a 17 on the RC section. I was really upset with my score here because I had been scoring ~22-24 on all of the practice tests I did. To be fair on myself though, I had the reading comprehension with the piano section and I couldn't even figure out WHAT some of the questions were. It was really difficult. I have a question though...the admissions lady said that I would most likely be granted an interview because I am SDA. In my interview, what should I say about the DAT? The earliest possible date I can retake it is on November 3rd (1st one was 8/3/10). Is it possible for me to retake the DAT that late and still get in?

Chemboy, I'm not sure about LLU but most schools, once you are invited they will emphasize heavily on your interview skills rather than just numbers they see from your application.

Just stay positive!

 

[Chemboy23]

thanks guys...i am most def going to have to retake it looks like. i am so limited on funds and time right now, my wife worked full-time for three months while i studied for this test. i just do not see how the test (at least my test) gauges how successful someone will be as a dentist. they rely so heavily on this test and do not even consider the actual person behind the scores. people are humans, not numbers. not to try and take away from anyone's accomplishments, but i just feel like a standardized test that tests on random information that i have never seen before will not help prove my worthiness as a candidate. i feel so bad that i did poorly, but i can actually say that on that specific test day, i did the best i could possibly do. i will retake, because I REFUSE to let this silly test stand in the way of my fulfilling my dream to become a dentist. However, sometimes I just get the idea that this whole process is a money-sucking situation. I have literally spent over 2500 bucks to just apply to these schools. No wonder people cannot afford to go to the dentist these days.

 

[Chemboy23]

thanks Red Devil, I'm sure trying to!