Chances? Not sure what to do!

[sunflower8]

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Hi everyone!

So I am hoping to apply as soon as I can when the upcoming cycle opens, assuming all of my letters will be sent in on time!

I am not really sure about my stats. I feel as though my DAT is slightly unimpressive though I am happy with my science scores. I know nerves/discouragement after being far from finishing the PAT section got me down, but I have no idea if I can improve the other sections if I take it again.

My scores:

Bio: 22
GC: 23
OC: 21
PAT: 18
RC: 18
QR: 18

After this semester, depending on a couple of grades after finals week... Both my cGPA and sGPA will be around a 3.68-3.7. from a "top 50 University."

I think I have relatively good EC's... 100+ hours of volunteering (mostly medical settings), 2 internships (analytical chemistry/dental software positions), 1+ year of cancer research, tutoring in organic chemistry, and I will hopefully have around 70 hours of shadowing by the time I apply.

I would really LOVE a shot at some prestigious schools, particularly Columbia and UPenn. I think my GPA could be competitive, but again, I'm unclear about how I should approach my DAT. I could take it again mid-July if it was necessary.

But I would also be very happy having a chance at Tufts, since I'm from that area. Also schools such as UConn, NYU, BU.

I think I could really benefit from any advice, since my advisors here unfortunately have not been at all helpful with the process. I plan to submit in June, and though I could take the DAT again in mid-July I will also be working full time and it is quite a bit of money/lot of time to put in... so if it's not necessary than I would prefer not to.

I was also wondering what other schools similar to the ones mentioned I would be a competitive applicant at?

Or just any advice in general. I've been pretty independent in this whole process and haven't received much guidance, but I think a little direction at this point is necessary.

Thanks in advance! And good luck to all applying this uncomping cycle!🙂

 

[sunflower8]

(My overall DAT is 20AA/22TS/18 PAT)

 

[NOLAdentist2016]

You should be fine with that DAT and GPA. Of course everyone wants higher DAT scores than they got, but I don't know if it would make a huge difference in your case. You could up your PAT and QR a bit, but from what all of my interviews told me, they mostly focus on the TS and AA. This will be different for every adcom and school, but its just my experience. If you do plan on retaking it, just take lots of practice tests to work on your timing and PAT skills. Its just one of those things you have to do a lot of. And you can retake it after you apply too. I took my second one in September and I still landed lots of interviews (both pre- and post- retaking it actually).

I think your school list looks good so far. I really recommend Tufts, its a great school (that's where I'm going!) and they do tend to favor people from the area as well, so that's good for you. I'd also recommend applying to Creighton and Temple. Other than that, get the ADEA guide book and figure out which schools are in your range, are in places you'd want to live in and which ones are OOS friendly. Only apply to places that meet all those criteria.