Couple more questions

[Rhea]

How 'late' is considered 'still early'? Sometimes I have heard people say that if you have, or had a weak gpa, you don't want to apply too early since most people with great gpas apply early, and you might not get selected for an interview. Your thoughts?

Will a 19academic/20 PAT hurt me? Should I retake the DAT and try to score higher? I am trying to concentrate on doing well in my classes right now, and really do not want to spend time studying for the DAT again, unless I really should. I called DAT services yesterday and they told me this year's National average is 18 across, except for Reading which is 19. Wow! I thought 17 was sort of the average.

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[DesiDentist]

Hey Rhea,

There is no strategy in applying. If you apply early you are applying with both those who are on top of their "game" and both those who did not get in last year. Every school I talked to said applying early is better. Think about it? If I had a 3.9 I wouldn't be anal about applying June 1 and I would take my time because I know I will get in somewhere even if I did apply in December or later. So don't stress yourself out. If you are going to apply with the smart people, if you start thinking like that you have already lost the game because you basically said that you aren't solid for dental school. One thing that I admire about Yah-E was that he knew he was going to get in somewhere and look at him now. Confidence will work wonders.

I wouldn't apply later than early August. If you GPA isn't hot then you need to get interviews to show them your personality (assuming you have an awesome personality). The Adcom is more liberal in granting interviews to those who apply early. Once Dec. 1 comes around then seats start filling up. At least if you had an interview you are sitting pretty good, just hoping to get in somewhere. About you DAT..you have solid scores. 19/20 is very hard to beat. There is a chance that you might lower your score so be prepared for that. This is one test you don't want to take again. But if you know you could hit at least 20-21 go for it...but use caution.

About the DAT averages...I don't buy that the average is 18. Even if it is..it is bound to go down because most people who are applying for 2003 haven't even taken the DAT yet??? 18 maybe the average for those who have already taken the DAT this year, but the DAT season is starting in June and peaking in August with a steady decline in October. If anyone disagree's please let me know..this is just my hypothesis.

DesiDentist

 

[Yah-E]

Rhea,

About applying as early as possible......here's what I think...

First, YES, I agree, "IN GENERAL", submit your AADSAS application as early as possible to have the "MOST" chances of receiving an interview (since all dental schools' upcoming classes are empty from August to December), but the key words are "IN GENERAL".

You MUST tailor your AADSAS application submission to your own particular credentials and application characteristics! Since you will be a second time applicant, YOU MUST MAKE SURE WHEN YOU SUBMIT YOUR ADDSAS APPLICATION THIS SECOND TIME AROUND, IT "WILL" BE IN ITS MOST POTENT STATE/BEST STANDING!!!

For example, when the 2002 AADSAS application cycle started, I wanted to submit my AADSAS application in June or in July or even in August, but I knew that if I did, dental schools will look at my application credentials (2.7 undergrad and 17/24 first DAT scores) and look at some one else with a 3.5 GPA and 23/23 DAT scores....who do you think the admissions committee will pick to interview?

I held off my AADSAS application until I knew it's the best that I can get, the peak of my academic performances to demonstrate that 2.7 GPA was the old me and not the current me! I went and earned a cumulative 3.3 graduate GPA with a medical school curriculum and 20/23 DAT scores. The benefit => dental schools saw that I CAN do it and that I do have what it takes.....on the other side of the token, the drawback => I didn't get to submit my AADSAS application until LATE NOVEMBER!!!!!!

Bottom line, yes, submit your application early, yeah, it has its benefits, but as a second time applicant, YOU MUST submit your application when you think it's the most persuasive! If you feel that you have enough graduate GPA/grades on your 2003 AADSAS in June 2002 to demonstrate your true academic abilities, then yeah, apply early, get that sucker in! But if you do not feel that you have enough academic proof that you can heck a dental curriculum, then apply later after you have your fall 2002 semester or quarter grades available, which means at a later application submission date!

About your DAT scores 19/20, DO NOT RETAKE IT!!!! These scores are above national's average!!

If you would like, feel free to give me a call. PM me, I'll give you my new number, and we chat further talk about your concerns!



DesiDentist,

You're absolutely right, motivation and determination WILL take you a long ways! I believed in myself and I'm grateful that dental school admissions committees believed in me as well. I value your admiration as I appreciate your friendship. Study hard for the DAT as you will soon be rewarded. (I sound like a fortune cookie <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> )

 

[Rhea]

Andy, I sent you a PM.

 

[Buckyball]

Rhea,

I know YAH-E applied in Late November, which is considered "Late" (no offence Andy), and you can apply as early as May or June. I would like to give a middle of the spectrum opinion to you.

My stats were ok... I did really well in my last two years as opposed to my first two, and so I decided to apply in August (I sent the application in late August in fact). AADSAS took forever to get it sent out, and they made mistakes. I think in sending it out at that time, it was slightly late for some schools, but pretty good for most of them.

I would advise you to have the application sent in electronically by about August 1st. Usually by that time, you'll have had time to do the essay over, redo your application tailored to your current extracurriculars, courses, etc. I believe that this time is neither late, nor early. What I should mention is that I did not take the DAT until October 14 (yes, after my application had been sent), so this may have affected by position a bit in getting early interviews.

About your DAT scores... although YAH-E thinks you should not retake it... I think if you have a 16 or lower in at least two sections, you should retake it, but only if you're totally ready and pumped to take it again! The point is to go up, not down! Although YAH-E is an expert in taking it a second time, as I only took it once and was a first time applicant.

PM me if you like... and best of luck in your application process.

I have not been around for a while posting on SDN, and I feel that I must share my experiences like Yah-E to benefit all of you who are applying, as I did not have the same kind of help when i was applying, and I sure know I could have used it!

Bucky