Competitiveness/ Chances

[Scott Davis]

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Hey SDN,

I am a third time applicant assuming I do not get in this fall. Currently, I am on the wait-list for two schools. In the probable chance that I will have to reapply this upcoming cycle, I really would like some advice and input from yall on where I stand, especially, now that I have finished retaking the DAT for the third time.

DAT #1 = 18AA 18TS 22PA (taken the summer after my sophomore year of college)
DAT #2 = 18AA 18TS 19PA (taken immediately after I graduated with only 1 month of prep)
DAT #3 = 22AA (98.9 percentile) 21TS 24PA 23RC 19BIO 25 GC 25oc 19QR (taken last week)

oGPA 3.3 sGPA 3.1
played two years of college baseball, graduated from a prestigious university, and am currently working as full time dental assistant.

I know I am a far cry from a shoein but do you think it is safe to assume that I will be pretty competitive this next cycle? Thanks!

 

[Scott Davis]

Strong DAT! I think this will push you over the edge for the upcoming cycle. If you do indeed have to apply for a third time (that's dedication!), your new DAT score puts your application on another level. Update your PS and possibly your LORs to keep things fresh. Apply to a TON of schools this cycle, go heavy on some one the new programs (e.g. Roseman, UNE, LECOM, etc.) if you can make peace with the tuition burden. Make note of your dental assisting work experience and add more volunteering if you think you're deficient in that arena. Apply this May / June and you'll be one of the early ones. I think you'll have good results this time around.

Good luck! 👍

Thanks for the encouragement and advice! I had to sacrifice three months of my life that I will never get back for that DAT score but if it means I will have a better shot of getting into dental school then it was well worth it!

 

[periopocket]

Apply early June to 15+ schools and I would bet on you any day! GL

 

[Teeths]

I think your chances are pretty good this time around, especially with such an awesome DAT score! Make sure you're applying to the right schools (and definitely put UoP on the list if you haven't already since they love high DAT scores) and you should get some interviews and hopefully acceptances! Good luck

 

[Teeths]

Hey SDN,

I am a third time applicant assuming I do not get in this fall. Currently, I am on the wait-list for two schools. In the probable chance that I will have to reapply this upcoming cycle, I really would like some advice and input from yall on where I stand, especially, now that I have finished retaking the DAT for the third time.

DAT #1 = 18AA 18TS 22PA (taken the summer after my sophomore year of college)
DAT #2 = 18AA 18TS 19PA (taken immediately after I graduated with only 1 month of prep)
DAT #3 = 22AA (98.9 percentile) 21TS 24PA 23RC 19BIO 25 GC 25oc 19QR (taken last week)

oGPA 3.3 sGPA 3.1
played two years of college baseball, graduated from a prestigious university, and am currently working as full time dental assistant.

I know I am a far cry from a shoein but do you think it is safe to assume that I will be pretty competitive this next cycle? Thanks!

Also, if you don't mind me asking... did you study differently or with different materials for the third time you took the DAT? That's quite a jump in scores! Congrats! 👍

 

[LaughingGas]

What have you done differently every cycle except for new DAT scores?

 

[Scott Davis]

Also, if you don't mind me asking... did you study differently or with different materials for the third time you took the DAT? That's quite a jump in scores! Congrats! 👍

It was a complete change in lifestyle to be quite honest. I just decided in my mind that I was going to be a perfectionist for this test. It was my last shot so I wanted to do it right and if it worked out, then it worked out. When I sat down test day, I knew that I had put everything I could into that test and so regardless of my score, I was going to be content. I think that that mentality gave me a clear mind to attack each question like I normally would for the day-to-day problems we are faced with. I'm putting together a comprehensive document that I think will help students, like me, and those new to the DAT that includes all my materials, study techniques, and my schedule. It is based off the idea that the DAT was built to reward hard work and discipline.

 

[Scott Davis]

What have you done differently every cycle except for new DAT scores?

Got a job as a dental assistant. Helped out the community it various ways. Took post-bac classes last fall. Did stuff every normal human being would do that wants to get into dental school I suppose. I didn't score any new patents or do any research for that matter, but I am under the impression that ones gpa and dat score are the things that REALLY matter. Because I've done quite a bit on the extra circular that has won me interviews each cycle.. but no acceptances. I applied my junior year, senior year, and now this year.

 

[KittySquared]

I think you're in solid shape. Hopefully you'll hear from the waitlists. If not, I think you will be just fine this new cycle.

 

[LaughingGas]

Got a job as a dental assistant. Helped out the community it various ways. Took post-bac classes last fall. Did stuff every normal human being would do that wants to get into dental school I suppose. I didn't score any new patents or do any research for that matter, but I am under the impression that ones gpa and dat score are the things that REALLY matter. Because I've done quite a bit on the extra circular that has won me interviews each cycle.. but no acceptances. I applied my junior year, senior year, and now this year.

👍👍 👍I think you will get in as long as you submit early 😀

 

[Baba Yaga]

I really do think you'll get in this upcoming cycle (submit early like other people have mentioned), assuming you don't get in off of a waitlist for Fall 2013. If you were able to score interviews each cycle, you definitely have a solid application in terms of extracurriculars and experiences. I do think this DAT score will push you over the edge.