Competitive applicant but only 1 interview :(

[Galen1]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this board.

I'm gonna cut to the chase here,
I'm getting a little worried, my applications were all sent early November, yet I only have 1 interview thus far. My stats are pretty good, cGPA of 3.6, on the DAT academic 22, perceptual 18, and I've got pretty solid letters. What do you think the hold up is??? Did I get my applications in too late? 🙁

I'm freaking out cause I thought I'd be competitive, but now it seems like I won't get in anywhere... Any feedback would be much appreciated guys.

 

[Bronco]

November 1st is late. You significantly reduce your chance of applying so late. I don't have stats close to yours, yet I got 4 interviews. That could be only explanation. How is the rest of your application? Volunteering? Personal statment?

 

[ledmirage]

where did you apply to and when did you turn in your apps? I applied to 20+ schools (turned in 10/05) and only got 2 interview so far...

 

[focus07]

The applicant pool is very strong so if you do not send in your application until november then the chances of getting in are very slim. That's just my opinion, but I think others will agree. Applying late shows that you weren't thinking about dental school until recently and I think that's why it's an advantage to apply early. It shows you are serious and prepared.

Hopefully you get a spot after your interview, but my best advise is to prepare early for the next cycle. I'll be there with you.

AA/TS/PAT 22/22/21; GPA 3.2

 

[syn_apse]

your guess is probably better than ours since we don't know your non-stats creds. but i'll ramble anyways...

maybe you're not well-rounded, maybe you're international, maybe you went to a party school or a community college, maybe your personal statment sucked, maybe you won't have a degree before d-school starts, maybe you didn't shadow a dentist, maybe one of your recommenders didn't actually recommend you...

all that being said, the most likely cause is your late application (see Sprgrover's comment 2 posts down)...

so what can you do? call each school to make sure your file is complete if you havent already. after that, you just gotta try to relax and wait and maybe start thinking about the next cycle 👍

 

[Galen1]

hmmm... I didn't think November was that late seeing as how the deadlines for most schools are in March. It's not a matter of me not preparing for dental school, it's just that I wasn't totally aware of this rolling admissions process that American schools have. I'm a Canadian applicant, so do you think this affects me? It shouldn't at private schools (which is most Dental schools).

 

[Sprgrover]

hmmm... I didn't think November was that late seeing as how the deadlines for most schools are in March. It's not a matter of me not preparing for dental school, it's just that I wasn't totally aware of this rolling admissions process that American schools have. I'm a Canadian applicant, so do you think this affects me? It shouldn't at private schools (which is most Dental schools).

November is late: there are literally thousands of applicants that have already submitted their applications by that point. You also have to take into account that it takes AADSAS a minimum of four to six weeks to turn an application around from the date of submission. Although schools do have deadlines into March, virtually all of them have been conducting non-stop interviews from the end of summer all the way into fall. By the time December 1st rolls around each one has a nice stack of acceptance letters to send out and classes start to fill up. Your numbers are very solid and I believe that what is holding you back the most is timing of your application.

 

[food4thots]

November is considered late. Say AADSAS mails your stuff in November, the schools wont probably review your application until probably another couple weeks or so, because the volume of applications this year. Some schools wont look at your app until everything is in, and it's quite often that AADSAS screws something up. So they begin looking at your application maybe early December, but by now, they're sending out acceptance to the first wave of applicants. Your chances are growing slimmer and slimmer by the day.

 

[fightingspirit]

...

 

[ItsGavinC]

I agree that November is late, and the choice of schools may also factor into this.

 

[EyeAmCommi]

I'm in the same boat as all you guys and it's really gut-wrenching to know that you're not even on the same level as others with lower gpas and lower DATs because of poor timing.

All I can say is, we're gonna get in somewhere. The app cycle isn't over. But I know for sure that if you or I reapply next year in June with everything already prepared, we'll get into the UCSFs, Penns or what not for sure.

My app history is in my profile. I too am a "late applicant."

 

[adamlc18]

I don't know where you applied, but November is definitely late. At UNC, they recommend applicants from out-of-state have their applications complete and in by August 15.

 

[Galen1]

I don't know where you applied, but November is definitely late. At UNC, they recommend applicants from out-of-state have their applications complete and in by August 15.

I've applied to all NYC and Boston area schools, as well as UDM, Buffalo, Temple etc.

 

[Ali Cat]

I agree that you probably just applied too late. I applied in early August and people told me that was late. A lot of people I have talked to at my interviews applied right when the apps came out in June. Some classes do leave spots open for later applicants, so hang in there. Hopefully you will get some more interviews soon.

 

[fightingspirit]

....

 

[Toothdoc2b]

hmmm... I didn't think November was that late seeing as how the deadlines for most schools are in March. It's not a matter of me not preparing for dental school, it's just that I wasn't totally aware of this rolling admissions process that American schools have. I'm a Canadian applicant, so do you think this affects me? It shouldn't at private schools (which is most Dental schools).

Haha... let me put it to you this way.... i had the same mindset last year thinking deadlines are in March. Long Story short... 2 interviews... no acceptance... reapplied this year in may... 6 interviews... 3 acceptances and a few waitlists. It may still work out... but if it doesnt, just apply early next year and youll be fine. Good luck...

 

[Gulch]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this board.

I'm gonna cut to the chase here,
I'm getting a little worried, my applications were all sent early November, yet I only have 1 interview thus far. My stats are pretty good, cGPA of 3.6, on the DAT academic 22, perceptual 18, and I've got pretty solid letters. What do you think the hold up is??? Did I get my applications in too late? 🙁

I'm freaking out cause I thought I'd be competitive, but now it seems like I won't get in anywhere... Any feedback would be much appreciated guys.

Sorry man, no good news or affirmations here because I've been in your shoes. Last year I submitted my AADSAS Nov 12, landed 7 int'vws, and got on all of their alternate lists (except LLU, but I didn't really care at that point), and one deferred acceptance from Tufts. What you should be asking yourself now is what you are going to do with this next year. Are you going to hit the lab or start travelling? Probably doesn't matter a whole lot as long as you reapply right out of the gates next time around. Worked for me. here are my stats for all dog sniffing purposes.

3.5 overall, 3.3 sci

22/22/20

Just remember the immortal words of the venerable bob marley:
everythings gonna be alright... 😀

 

[fightingspirit]

...

 

[Gulch]

gulch, now i am really concerned....you had excellent stats and yet you did not get in. you even applied earlier than i did. man just the thought of re-applying next year and going through the traumatic task of dealing with AAdsas, recs, transcripts......i'll be 29 by the time i register for classes if i apply next year. man....now i' m really depressed.....i think d-schools need to give applicants a realisitc image of the application cycle. they need to adjust their deadlines to reflect the truth. it is troubling when a school says that its deadline is feb 15th and yet by feb 1st it will have booked all of its inTview slots.....

Its true, those deadlines in dec, jan, feb and march are a load of crap. You have to apply "early" in order to get in with normal stats. I really feel your pain. In fact, I felt it for a year. BUT, I found plenty of distractions such as the Appalacian Trail and soon the Coachella Festival!!!!!!! If it is any consolation I have a few acceptances this year.

 

[fightingspirit]

....

 

[Galen1]

I like your fighting spirit, fighting spirit, lol. I agree, I would hate to have to reapply, the reference letters are a pain in the ass to get especially. I've heard of some ppl getting interviews mid March or even April, so there is still hope.

Gulch, thanks for the support bro, could you by any chance give me an idea of when and where your 7 interviews took place?

 

[turtmd]

I am not sure if I want to apply in 2006 because I haven't taken most of my pre-reqs. I have an AA from my community college after having a rough fall semester (was put on academic probation) at a 4 year university my GPA dropped to 3.33...by Spring 07 I will have all pre-reqs completed..I don't want to wait to apply in 07 because by the time I get into dental school I'll be 29...I know I can improve my gpa and have a good score on the DAT...I just don't know if I should wait and apply after I graduate (may 2007) or apply now and hope that everything goes well... 😳

gulch, now i am really concerned....you had excellent stats and yet you did not get in. you even applied earlier than i did. man just the thought of re-applying next year and going through the traumatic task of dealing with AAdsas, recs, transcripts......i'll be 29 by the time i register for classes if i apply next year. man....now i' m really depressed.....i think d-schools need to give applicants a realisitc image of the application cycle. they need to adjust their deadlines to reflect the truth. it is troubling when a school says that its deadline is feb 15th and yet by feb 1st it will have booked all of its inTview slots.....

 

[OrinScrivello]

Applying late shows that you weren't thinking about dental school until recently and I think that's why it's an advantage to apply early. It shows you are serious and prepared.

Excuse me, but that's just bullsh-t. Because dental schools only start new students once a year, applicants can be at different stages in their undergraduate career during the application process. Some people, such as myself, have no choice but to apply later in the year because their coursework is staggered in such a way that they can't take the DAT until early Fall, after completing summer courses... or late Fall, after nearly finishing the Fall semester. To suggest that these people are somehow less interested in dentistry, or merely Johnny-come-latelys to the application process is fallacious and insulting. Sure, maybe they have a decreased likelihood of acceptance, but it's better than waiting an extra 18 months for the next application cycle.

 

[cba]

Don't forget that most if not all dental schools have rolling admissions (They accept people before the deadline for sending in applications). Your stats are important but the earlier you apply, the earlier they will look at your application and the less people they will compare you to. They do not wait until all the applications to come in to decide if they want you or not so it's best to apply early to have the least competition possible.

 

[Gulch]

Excuse me, but that's just bullsh-t. Because dental schools only start new students once a year, applicants can be at different stages in their undergraduate career during the application process. Some people, such as myself, have no choice but to apply later in the year because their coursework is staggered in such a way that they can't take the DAT until early Fall, after completing summer courses... or late Fall, after nearly finishing the Fall semester. To suggest that these people are somehow less interested in dentistry, or merely Johnny-come-latelys to the application process is fallacious and insulting. Sure, maybe they have a decreased likelihood of acceptance, but it's better than waiting an extra 18 months for the next application cycle.

Thank you ratman, you make a very valid point. All the same, I think your situation is the exception, not the rule. I applied late because I thought the deadlines actually meant something, ie. "Johnny-come-lately"

 

[hokiedds]

Don't make the mistake of applying to early either. I applied really early, a year early to be exact, and I received a flat rejection from my instate school, VCU, and was just rejected by UAB after an interview.

 

[Dental Jedi]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this board.

I'm gonna cut to the chase here,
I'm getting a little worried, my applications were all sent early November, yet I only have 1 interview thus far. My stats are pretty good, cGPA of 3.6, on the DAT academic 22, perceptual 18, and I've got pretty solid letters. What do you think the hold up is??? Did I get my applications in too late? 🙁

I'm freaking out cause I thought I'd be competitive, but now it seems like I won't get in anywhere... Any feedback would be much appreciated guys.

Heres my 2 cents. If you applied to lots of places and only got one interview then take a step back and realize this - your obviously NOT a competitive applicant.

Sorry.

 

[Dental Jedi]

Don't make the mistake of applying to early either. I applied really early, a year early to be exact, and I received a flat rejection from my instate school, VCU, and was just rejected by UAB after an interview.

Absolutely the worst advice I have ever read on SDN.

Don't apply too early? Thats terrible advice.

 

[huskerslp]

Don't make the mistake of applying to early either. I applied really early, a year early to be exact, and I received a flat rejection from my instate school, VCU, and was just rejected by UAB after an interview.

😕

 

[focus07]

Hey Orin, I wasn't trying to be insulting. My point really was to mean that it shows that those who applied might not have researched the process of applying to dental schools, might not have took advantage of the resources available, and/or might not be ready to attend dental school. That might come off as unprepared to dental school admissions. Just a thought. Obviously not always the case for everybody. You're right in that some schedules are just too busy to apply early, but there are plenty of applicants who are ready. No need to get defensive.

 

[Galen1]

Thanks buddy for the failed attempt to lower my self-esteem, may the force be with you.

Heres my 2 cents. If you applied to lots of places and only got one interview then take a step back and realize this - your obviously NOT a competitive applicant.

Sorry.

 

[Dental Jedi]

Thanks buddy for the failed attempt to lower my self-esteem, may the force be with you.

Sorry, the truth hurts deeply sometimes.

I got into dental school. The force is strong with me.

 

[syn_apse]

dental jedi, 4 days ago you had the exact same number of acceptances as galen1... zero! you seem to have quickly forgotten what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, no? also, i'd like to point out that your acceptance was to west virginia -- arguably the worst dental school in the united states.

 

[hokiedds]

😕

To clarify, I applied as a junior (a year earlier than normal) and didn't get in anywhere. I was making a joke out of my recent rejections, but it seems everyone missed to point. Yes, apply early. Submit your application in June and it greatly improves your chances of getting an acceptance.

 

[focus07]

jedi,

that's bad karma. Discouraging remarks and negative criticism are unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

 

[Dental Jedi]

dental jedi, 4 days ago you had the exact same number of acceptances as galen1... zero! you seem to have quickly forgotten what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, no? also, i'd like to point out that your acceptance was to west virginia -- arguably the worst dental school in the united states.

Got any supporting documentation to show that it is the worst school in the US?

This school has had over 90% board passing rates for several years and some with 100% clinical pass rates.

Bring it little man!

 

[EyeAmCommi]

jedi,

that's bad karma. Discouraging remarks and negative criticism are unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

Apparently, this is what jedi does. He can't help himself.

 

[Dental Jedi]

dental jedi, 4 days ago you had the exact same number of acceptances as galen1... zero! you seem to have quickly forgotten what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, no? also, i'd like to point out that your acceptance was to west virginia -- arguably the worst dental school in the united states.

I just got accepted to another school today - UNC so arguably I will not be going to WVU.

How does UNC rank? I was on the waitlist but looks like someone didnt go there huh.

This is my year, the force IS STRONG WITH ME!

 

[adr12]

Excuse me, but that's just bullsh-t. Because dental schools only start new students once a year, applicants can be at different stages in their undergraduate career during the application process. Some people, such as myself, have no choice but to apply later in the year because their coursework is staggered in such a way that they can't take the DAT until early Fall, after completing summer courses... or late Fall, after nearly finishing the Fall semester. To suggest that these people are somehow less interested in dentistry, or merely Johnny-come-latelys to the application process is fallacious and insulting. Sure, maybe they have a decreased likelihood of acceptance, but it's better than waiting an extra 18 months for the next application cycle.

I was sort of in the same boat, I took the DAT in July even though I hadn't taken any biology yet. I did this in order to ensure my application was in and completed somewhat early. Although I did well on the DAT, I think not having any Bio coursework on my app hurt at a number of schools. I still managed to get two acceptances though, and one was my first choice. In other words, getting your app in early is crucial, even if your coursework isn't completed and you have to send some extra transcripts as you finish classes.

 

[colt]

I just got accepted to another school today - UNC so arguably I will not be going to WVU.

How does UNC rank? I was on the waitlist but looks like someone didnt go there huh.

This is my year, the force IS STRONG WITH ME!

What is your GPA and DAT score? Are you a West Virginia resident?

 

[jfitzpat]

I was sort of in the same boat, I took the DAT in July even though I hadn't taken any biology yet. I did this in order to ensure my application was in and completed somewhat early. Although I did well on the DAT, I think not having any Bio coursework on my app hurt at a number of schools. I still managed to get two acceptances though, and one was my first choice. In other words, getting your app in early is crucial, even if your coursework isn't completed and you have to send some extra transcripts as you finish classes.

ADR....I noticed on another thread that Creighton was one of the schools that accepted you. I am in the same boat. I attended Creighton for my undergrad and law school, and would like to attend the Dental School. I don't really consider 2007 an option, but I would like to give it a shot. I am taking two CC biology classes this spring and gen chem I and II this summer. I was going to study for and take the DAT (before Orgo) this summer if I am getting high enough practice scores.

Did they mention your unfinished pre-reqs?

 

[adr12]

ADR....I noticed on another thread that Creighton was one of the schools that accepted you. I am in the same boat. I attended Creighton for my undergrad and law school, and would like to attend the Dental School. I don't really consider 2007 an option, but I would like to give it a shot. I am taking two CC biology classes this spring and gen chem I and II this summer. I was going to study for and take the DAT (before Orgo) this summer if I am getting high enough practice scores.

Did they mention your unfinished pre-reqs?

Check your PM.

 

[DoopieVader]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this board.

I'm gonna cut to the chase here,
I'm getting a little worried, my applications were all sent early November, yet I only have 1 interview thus far. My stats are pretty good, cGPA of 3.6, on the DAT academic 22, perceptual 18, and I've got pretty solid letters. What do you think the hold up is??? Did I get my applications in too late? 🙁

I'm freaking out cause I thought I'd be competitive, but now it seems like I won't get in anywhere... Any feedback would be much appreciated guys.

1 interview ?

Then in my opinion your obviously not competitve. TROLL!

 

[jfitzpat]

1 interview ?

Then in my opinion your obviously not competitve. TROLL!

Welcome Back Dental Jedi???

Can't say I missed ya...

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Why do people have to be so vicious on this site? Why can't we just offer advice, kind words, and support for each other? I can understand those of you who haven't been accepted feeling frustrated and letting it slip out at times, but for those of you who have your acceptance letters, be nice! Shouldn't you be happy? All your hard work has paid off, so stop being so nasty to everyone!

I just got accepted to another school today - UNC so arguably I will not be going to WVU.

How does UNC rank? I was on the waitlist but looks like someone didnt go there huh.

This is my year, the force IS STRONG WITH ME!

 

[NerdIAm]

Welcome Back Dental Jedi???

Can't say I missed ya...

I agree with jfitspat. DoopyVader sounds like Dental Jedi. Same kind of names (star wars references), and same kind of rude posts. You call yourself a man of faith? You should be ashamed of yourself. 😡

 

[tinman831]

I agree with jfitspat. DoopyVader sounds like Dental Jedi. Same kind of names (star wars references), and same kind of rude posts. You call yourself a man of faith? You should be ashamed of yourself. 😡

Sounds a lot like pickle baby's posts as well. 😛

 

[jbeaner]

To the one who applied last year in November with no acceptances and reapplied this year to get 3 acceptances:

Although I applied early, my DAT scores were not sent until November. I got 2 interviews out of 15 applications. You had the same and didn't get any acceptances from those? Did your interview go badly? Or do they just not place that much emphasis on it? Also, what did you do the next year? Should I apply to a masters program or postbac for next year just in case? (I had good DAT, but just 3.1 GPA.)