Do I even qualify for dental school?

[jphan]

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I previously had a degree in Bussiness Computer Information System, but i had decided to go back to school and get a Biochem degree to go to dental school. However, when i first started taking science courses again, it was very hard to get back in the game because it was a long time since i had any science classes since high school. Therefore right now my science GPA is only about 3.2 while my overall GPA is 3.54. I took the DAT 2 times and my lastest score was 18 in science, 17 in pat, 18 in math, 22 in reading and 18 overall. However, i have gotten 2 rejections for this cycle already saying that i was not competitive enough. My question to all of you if you could answer me is, do i even have a chance in dental school? Should i be thinking of some alternates? because i had called the universities that have not rejected me and they all told me that i need at least a since GPA of 3.8 and a DAT of 19 or higher. So appreciated because i have been so down, since dentistry is my passion, but i have not followed my dreams the first time, i do not want to make the same mistakes. Thank you you guys

 

[shamrock2006]

where have you applied?

 

[StudentDentist]

all schools want higher numbers. they tell everybody these ridiculous numbers to that their avg would go up.

 

[DentalBoarder]

3.8?? seriosuly where did u apply?

 

[ddsoon]

Yeah where did you apply?

 

[jphan]

let's see where i have applied and been rejected.
U of Minnesota -rejected just yesterday
U of Indiana -rejected like a month ago
U of Michigan - rejected just a week ago
U of Iowa is putting it on hold

i have not heard from
Marquette
Nebraska
Ohio is waiting for additional application from me, which i have submitted, but have not heard from
North Carolina
U of Missouri Kansas city told me they needed a DAT of 20 for out of state applicants, otherwise should not even consider an interview for me so i have no idea what i am doing wrong. 🙁

 

[naivegrl124]

let's see where i have applied and been rejected.
U of Minnesota -rejected just yesterday
U of Indiana -rejected like a month ago
U of Michigan - rejected just a week ago
U of Iowa is putting it on hold

i have not heard from
Marquette
Nebraska
Ohio is waiting for additional application from me, which i have submitted, but have not heard from
North Carolina
U of Missouri Kansas city told me they needed a DAT of 20 for out of state applicants, otherwise should not even consider an interview for me so i have no idea what i am doing wrong. 🙁

Hi, first let me ask, when did you apply to those schools? second what state are from and did you apply to your state school? third, I think your DAT scores should be good enough to get into your state school since its around the average, given your other credentials are good enough. To be honest and more on the realistic side, those DAT scores will probably not get you into michigan or UNC especially if you are an out of stater. I suggest you retaking the DAT again but this time analyze the way you studied before and make a few changes (there are alot of advice on the DAT forum-as well as resources you can use). But on the other hand, you are still pretty early in the game and most schools are interviewing people with crazy stats right now for the first cycle so don't lose hope. Use this time to study and analyze your DAT just in case -and inflate those EC's. I am rooting for ya! 🙂

 

[prttypceoflesh]

that sounds a bit.
the best thing to do is research the schools you're applying for. Yearly stats will give you an idea of average gpas, dats, etc.
because it sounds like you are applying to out-of-state schools, i would also consider applying to a couple of private schools.

 

[jphan]

thanks for your replies, i am actually from Minnesota, so i did apply to my state U, but the thing is i know the U is very cut throat when it comes to accepting students, at least i think so.
i will keep in mind, if i do not get accept this time i will for sure retake the DAT.
this is going to sound stupid but how do i know which school is private and which is not? thanks so much

 

[BirkChick]

this is going to sound stupid but how do i know which school is private and which is not? thanks so much

The easiest way to get this information is to go to www.predents.com. On the front page, there is a dropdown box labeled "Sort Schools By". In that dropdown box, choose "Tuition 4 yrs (In state)". All of the schools that have $0 listed for their In state tuition are private. 🙂