Do I have the right to know why I was denied?

[ElDiente]

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I am a FL resident who applied to UF. I have a 3.7 overall and 3.6 science GPA as an engineering major from UF undergrad. I have done research for very prominent PIs at both UF and USF Colleges of Medicine, I will be published soon, and Im co-authoring a grant application . My DAT scores were 23AA/23TS/21PA. I've shadowed several general dentists in private practice and in the academic setting, and I have hundreds of volunteer hours serving throughout the gville/tampa communities. I applied to UF because its a good school with in-state tuition. However, I just received a denial letter in the mail last week. Not even waitlisted!

Do I have the right to know why I was denied? Clearly my scores and extracurriculars would make me a strong candidate for the school.

 

[supraman]

When did you apply to the school? It could been that, but if you applied early, I would def. call or E-Mail an adcom. You have great stats, I know I would be pissed.

 

[appleonius]

I've called UF before & asked why I was denied. I was a given a general answer. Something along the lines of the applicant pool is getting more & more competitive. but that answer will probably not work in your case. i'd call if i were you. what's the worst that can happen if you're polite about it?

 

[rewJW]

You definitely have a right to contact them and ask them. But don't burn your bridges; ask what you could do to improve rather than asking why you were rejected despite being highly qualified. I see you have two acceptances so I'm guessing you're going to choose another school rather than reapply next year, though, but it still won't hurt to not come off angrily.

My guess is since you did interview, something happened during the interview that they did not like, and that led them to reject you despite your GPA and DAT.

 

[dentstd]

I am a FL resident who applied to UF. I have a 3.7 overall and 3.6 science GPA as an engineering major from UF undergrad. I have done research for very prominent PIs at both UF and USF Colleges of Medicine, I will be published soon, and Im co-authoring a grant application . My DAT scores were 23AA/23TS/21PA. I've shadowed several general dentists in private practice and in the academic setting, and I have hundreds of volunteer hours serving throughout the gville/tampa communities. I applied to UF because its a good school with in-state tuition. However, I just received a denial letter in the mail last week. Not even waitlisted!

Do I have the right to know why I was denied? Clearly my scores and extracurriculars would make me a strong candidate for the school.

The implication is that they didn't like you as a person. Did you come off as weird or arrogant?

 

[GDwood]

lol I think i know u
remember me? the asian guy from Canada?
I told u u were gonna get into nova lol just like i predicted
Like they already said, call them to find out. If things still don't work out the way u want it to be, then go to nova =) it is still a very good school.

good luck!

 

[Phongaroo]

Sorry to hear that, matey!

I have a 3.15 GPA, 19 DAT, five-or-six years of dental assisting, and I got put on the wait-list. It's kind of weird that you got flagged like that.

I do think that my interview went well, though.

To answer your question, though, yes, you have a right to know why you were wait-listed. It comes with the price of registration.

 

[xhamburgersamx]

The interviewer didn't like you - pretty simple.

 

[Ranelar]

Email, dont call. You're not gonna get a real answer over the phone unless you think the people who really know the answer are just sitting around doing nothing, and can easily open up your file and tell you what's what.

Also, +1 to asking what to improve, not why you weren't accepted.

 

[ElDiente]

Thanks for all the advice! I thought my interview went really well which is why I am so confused... I am going to look into it.

 

[doc3232]

Thanks for all the advice! I thought my interview went really well which is why I am so confused... I am going to look into it.

I really don't want to sound like a jerk but it probably something you did in the interview. You might have come off as arrogant or unsociable (you wouldn't know if you acted like this though). You also might have seemed uninterested in the school during the interview.

 

[dentstd]

And no, you don't have the RIGHT to know. You may really want to know, and feel like you deserve to know, but you don't have the right to know.

 

[NyCzPeter]

I think this example further supports my theory that because dental schools are not ranked, they don't have to be number ****** like most law and medical schools and can afford to look for more well rounded applicants instead of just shooting numbers for next year's us news rank.

I myself serve as an example because I have a 3.97/4.0 gpa and 19/20/21 dat but didn't even get an interview at my state school buffalo nor temple. Let me know what you guys think

 

[dent2009]

OP seems to be well-rounded along with having great GPA/DAT scores - don't you think?

I think this example further supports my theory that because dental schools are not ranked, they don't have to be number ****** like most law and medical schools and can afford to look for more well rounded applicants instead of just shooting numbers for next year's us news rank.

I myself serve as an example because I have a 3.97/4.0 gpa and 19/20/21 dat but didn't even get an interview at my state school buffalo nor temple. Let me know what you guys think

 

[NyCzPeter]

OP seems to be well-rounded along with having great GPA/DAT scores - don't you think?

You make a good point but clearly he was rejected due to reasons besides his numbers, thus he serves as an example for my theory.

 

[dr bojangles]

UF denial? my assumption is bad interview....

or maybe he's just not that into you

 

[dent2009]

You make a good point but clearly he was rejected due to reasons besides his numbers, thus he serves as an example for my theory....
I think this example further supports my theory that because dental schools are not ranked, they don't have to be number ****** like most law and medical schools and can afford to look for more well rounded applicants instead of just shooting numbers for next year's us news rank.

I myself serve as an example because I have a 3.97/4.0 gpa and 19/20/21 dat but didn't even get an interview at my state school buffalo nor temple. Let me know what you guys think

Your theory that schools "look for more well-rounded applicants" doesn't hold up for OP's case. He's obviously got great numbers, impressive research experience, and ample dental extracurricular activities, and let's give him the benefit of the doubt that he had good LORs and sufficient interview skills (since he was accepted to 2 other schools). So how much more well-rounded are you saying schools want? So again, your theory doesn't hold up.

A more likely explanation for his UF rejection is that he was just a victim of the somewhat randomness and unpredictability of the application process.

OP - hopefully you can get to the bottom of this and get a non BS answer from UF.

 

[Jake8]

I believe that legally you are entitled to view your student record and files at institutions. However, if you went through the trouble of doing this and citing specific laws you might as well kiss your chances of ever getting accepted there goodbye.

BTW this is my second year of getting rejected from UF after the interview, I have no clue what they are looking for. This was even after sitting down last year in the admissions office and critiquing my application for about an hour. They will help you out and point out your weaknesses but wait till March or April as they are probably swamped right now.

 

[midiland]

maybe he couldn't explain why not medicine?? well enough?? i dunno

 

[ellekk]

maybe it was "you" you seem to have done so much that maybe they find you hard to instruct...you've done research with so and so publishing with whats his face and all that time shadowing...what did you do when you werent being a perfect pre dental student ...what type of life do you lead...doesnt sound like you have too much real world experience just living in a box in the lab....maybe thats y they said no because on paper you come off as a robot who does this and this and this in this particular order and then during the interview it didnt get any better...i suggest contacting the person with whom you interviewed with and asking them....you dont need them to stroke your go and tell who how good you are you already know that....show them you know how to be alive and present....go bungy jumping or backpack thru some strange country do something that is completely not "you" and add some dimensions to your character then maybe next time you'll have more of a story to tell than just what is on paper....not saying you are a horible person your just like a filet mignon that for some reason needs a lil ummph some a1 to make it just right

 

[NyCzPeter]

maybe it was "you" you seem to have done so much that maybe they find you hard to instruct...you've done research with so and so publishing with whats his face and all that time shadowing...what did you do when you werent being a perfect pre dental student ...what type of life do you lead...doesnt sound like you have too much real world experience just living in a box in the lab....maybe thats y they said no because on paper you come off as a robot who does this and this and this in this particular order and then during the interview it didnt get any better...i suggest contacting the person with whom you interviewed with and asking them....you dont need them to stroke your go and tell who how good you are you already know that....show them you know how to be alive and present....go bungy jumping or backpack thru some strange country do something that is completely not "you" and add some dimensions to your character then maybe next time you'll have more of a story to tell than just what is on paper....not saying you are a horible person your just like a filet mignon that for some reason needs a lil ummph some a1 to make it just right

haha I just had a Filet Mingion last weekend.

 

[dent2009]

U...n...l...i...k...e...l...y.......r...e...a...s...o...n...s.....s....i....n...c....e.......O...P.......g...o...t.....i...n...t...o......2...s...c...h...o...o...l...s.....ELLEKK....Y...O...U...'...R...E......N...O...T.....E...V...E...N......A.....
D...E...N...T...A...L........S...T...U...D...E...N...T.......Y...E...T.....

maybe it was "you" you seem to have done so much that maybe they find you hard to instruct...you've done research with so and so publishing with whats his face and all that time shadowing...what did you do when you werent being a perfect pre dental student ...what type of life do you lead...doesnt sound like you have too much real world experience just living in a box in the lab....maybe thats y they said no because on paper you come off as a robot who does this and this and this in this particular order and then during the interview it didnt get any better...i suggest contacting the person with whom you interviewed with and asking them....you dont need them to stroke your go and tell who how good you are you already know that....show them you know how to be alive and present....go bungy jumping or backpack thru some strange country do something that is completely not "you" and add some dimensions to your character then maybe next time you'll have more of a story to tell than just what is on paper....not saying you are a horible person your just like a filet mignon that for some reason needs a lil ummph some a1 to make it just right

 

[Oracle DMD]

U...n...l...i...k...e...l...y.......r...e...a...s...o...n...s.....s....i....n...c....e.......O...P.......g...o...t.....i...n...t...o......2...s...c...h...o...o...l...s.....ELLEKK....Y...O...U...'...R...E......N...O...T.....E...V...E...N......A.....
D...E...N...T...A...L........S...T...U...D...E...N...T.......Y...E...T.....

yep. clearly with those numbers and an interview...it was you. haha they didn't like YOU!!!! it was you!!!!!!! haha jeez how obvious could it be?! somebody did, but if you didn't get in with those numbers, it was you. Maybe it wasn't the actual interview either. remember that the interview starts the moment you step on campus until you leave. but congrats, you're in...so quit complaining.

 

[doc toothache]

Do I have the right to know why I was denied? Clearly my scores and extracurriculars would make me a strong candidate for the school.

It is not always possible to charm everyone. Since you were accepted elsewhere why not just move on? No ds dean in his/her right mind would disclose the specific information you are seeking.

 

[The Ocho]

The implication is that they didn't like you as a person. Did you come off as weird or arrogant?

Great question.

Reply: "Hmm, yeah I geuss I did come off kind of weird and arrogant."

 

[dentstd]

Your theory that schools "look for more well-rounded applicants" doesn't hold up for OP's case. He's obviously got great numbers, impressive research experience, and ample dental extracurricular activities, and let's give him the benefit of the doubt that he had good LORs and sufficient interview skills (since he was accepted to 2 other schools). So how much more well-rounded are you saying schools want? So again, your theory doesn't hold up.

A more likely explanation for his UF rejection is that he was just a victim of the somewhat randomness and unpredictability of the application process.

OP - hopefully you can get to the bottom of this and get a non BS answer from UF.

Recap of your argument... Let's assume "for the benefit of the doubt" he's well-rounded, your theory that he's not well-rounded doesn't make sense.

 

[bigstix808]

dude, you didn't get in. accept it for what it is and move on.

but if you must have a reason...try toning back on the "holier than thou" attitude and maybe realize that everyone must be humbled during times like these...everyone - including you, whether you decide to accept that fact is another monster all on its own.

have a good one 😎

 

[dent2009]

Recap of your argument... Let's assume "for the benefit of the doubt" he's well-rounded, your theory that he's not well-rounded doesn't make sense.

Huh? You must've mistook me for NYCzPeter. I'm saying that OP IS well-rounded so NYCzPeter's theory, that schools look for well-rounded applicants hence the OP was rejected, does not apply here. So you and I are both saying the same things.

 

[NyCzPeter]

Huh? You must've mistook me for NYCzPeter. I'm saying that OP IS well-rounded so NYCzPeter's theory, that schools look for well-rounded applicants hence the OP was rejected, does not apply here. So you and I are both saying the same things.

Yea but your logic is faulty here because clearly he wasn't well rounded enough. If he was, why did he get rejected? Definitely not because his grades weren't good enough.

 

[dent2009]

I was accepted to all but 2 schools of which I interviewed at one (Columbia, no decision yet) and not even an interview invite from Maryland. If what you're saying holds true, then would you consider me not well-rounded enough? And you're basically saying that everyone who didn't get into every school they applied to is not well-rounded enough. Obviously your logic is faulty.

But since you're a dumb@$$, i'll hold your theory only true to your own self.

Yea but your logic is faulty here because clearly he wasn't well rounded enough. If he was, why did he get rejected? Definitely not because his grades weren't good enough.

 

[Oracle DMD]

I was accepted to all but 2 schools of which I interviewed at one (Columbia, no decision yet) and not even an interview invite from Maryland. If what you're saying holds true, then would you consider me not well-rounded enough? And you're basically saying that everyone who didn't get into every school they applied to is not well-rounded enough. Obviously your logic is faulty.

But since you're a dumb@$$, i'll hold your theory only true to your own self.

don't get defensive, you are starting to sound like a child. he didn't (and you didn't) get rejected for "not being well rounded" but because you either didn't make any memorable impression at the interview or you came off arrogant or weird. from your post i'll assume the latter.

 

[dent2009]

Ummm... I think you've mistaken me for the OP (eldiente). I'm just arguing that NYcZPeter's claim is wrong that's all.

don't get defensive, you are starting to sound like a child. he didn't (and you didn't) get rejected for "not being well rounded" but because you either didn't make any memorable impression at the interview or you came off arrogant or weird. from your post i'll assume the latter.

 

[NyCzPeter]

But since you're a dumb@$$, i'll hold your theory only true to your own self.

Well congratulations on your acceptances but please, no need to be calling names. You can argue that my theory is wrong but personal attacks are uncalled for and only serves as proof of your own immaturity and arrogance. Feel free to attack ideas, but not people. For whatever it's worth, you have lost my respect.

The fact that you did not get in interview for Maryland proves that you weren't well rounded enough to suit what they were looking for. If we go straight by numbers, you're GPA and DAT should have surely gotten you atleast an interview there. Thus, even you serve as an example to my theory because if dental schools were number ******, it doesn't make sense why Maryland with a average of 3.5 and 20AA would not even grant an interview to someone with a 3.7 and 22AA like yourself.

 

[yuppers]

Maybe your are not the child of a dentist. Jk, I hope this is not a factor since it wouldnt help me either.
BTW, its starting to get warm in here.

 

[dent2009]

You're misusing the word "well-rounded" buddy.

Well congratulations on your acceptances but please, no need to be calling names. You can argue that my theory is wrong but personal attacks are uncalled for and only serves as proof of your own immaturity and arrogance. Feel free to attack ideas, but not people. For whatever it's worth, you have lost my respect.

The fact that you did not get in interview for Maryland proves that you weren't well rounded enough to suit what they were looking for. If we go straight by numbers, you're GPA and DAT should have surely gotten you atleast an interview there. Thus, even you serve as an example to my theory because if dental schools were number ******, it doesn't make sense why Maryland with a average of 3.5 and 20AA would not even grant an interview to someone with a 3.7 and 22AA like yourself.

 

[lemoncurry]

I don't think he is. No need for people to get all huffy and puffy. Just remember the Terms of Service you agreed to...

 

[visbimmer79]

I want to ask you if you've got accepted to a school where you really want to go. I believe there must be at least a couple of schools that pertain to your top choice lists.

Otherwise, never mind!

There are too many highly qualified applicants~~ 😴

 

[2school4cool]

i would definitely contact UF! however, you may not get the answer you are looking for... in my experience, the whole process was really quite frustrating...

i'm not gonna lie, when i was rejected by ucsf i was pretty po'ed so i emailed them as to the reasons for my denial of entrance. however, i found that with email, they sent me some generic, cookie-cutter response that was pretty much a reiteration of the rejection letter. the only difference? email was shorter, but not any less unsympathetic and vague:

Dear applicant,

I am writing in response to your recent inquiry regarding the reason your application was denied. Unfortunately, we are unable to conduct a review of your application with the goal of identifying specific reasons that your application was denied. That being said, you should not automatically construe our decision as a statement that you are unqualified for or incapable of succeeding in dental school. The unfortunate reality is that we receive applications from many more qualified applicants than there are spaces in the entering class. Often these decisions are a result, not of a deficiency in your application, but that other applicants were considered more competitive in the final evaluation. Because we look at a variety of factors and consider them comprehensively, it is rare that we can point to a single specific reason that an applicant was denied.

Sincerely,



James C. Betbeze, Jr.

Director of Admissions

UCSF School of Dentistry

[email protected]

phone: 415-514-0770

fax: 415-476-4226


after i received this, i called them directly to get a more specific answer, but this time i gave the line of, "well tell me what i can do to improve so in case i want to reapply next year, i can have a better chance." and i guess this worked because the guy pulled up my file, and said, "your numbers are good and from that undergrad institution... i really don't know why." then he brushed me off and gave me another phone number to call.

so all in all, after contacting many a people i still don't have a clear answer. yeah it boils my blood to get a rejection, but i feel that it was fate to end up where i'm going ... haha. 🙄

good luck getting an answer!