Easy School for People like Me

[Nikkigirl]

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Hi,
Let me just say I'm not Stupid!!!...well maybe a bit slow. Haha J/K. Anyways, do any of you know which school would even consider me? My GPA is really low 3.0 cumm and 2.9 sci. My Dat isn't the best either 17 AA, 18 TS, 18 RC, 15 QR, and 16 PAT. I'm going to take my DAT Again soon. So lets hope it get much better. So any suggestion?

 

[Rezdawg]

Okay, I guess I will be the first to reply to this and I will stick with tradition...

BU and NYU.

For comparison's sake, I had 3.08 gpa, 2.92 science...21AA, 20TS, 18PAT and Im headed to beantown.

 

[45540]

Good luck. Under 3.0 on science GPA and 15,16's on the DAT doesn't exactly attract any attention..

Apply early to the schools with the lowest admission stats and hope for the best.
http://dentalstats.tripod.com/03-04.htm

 

[mvs04]

Hi,
Let me just say I'm not Stupid!!!...well maybe a bit slow. Haha J/K. Anyways, do any of you know which school would even consider me? My GPA is really low 3.0 cumm and 2.9 sci. My Dat isn't the best either 17 AA, 18 TS, 18 RC, 15 QR, and 16 PAT. I'm going to take my DAT Again soon. So lets hope it get much better. So any suggestion?

you have anything to make up for you stats ... ? Do a search on "breaking down the admissions process", there's info on there and a section on stats-gimped applicants.

 

[fruity_trident]

BU and NYU.

pff..i beg to differ.

i'm 3.3, 18/18/21

i've been rejected and waitlisted, respectively.
they are not "easy" to get in, they are WHACK. 😱

before people start questioning other parts of my application which could've hindered stuff....i'm just a run-of-the-mill student. my interview skills are FINE, i was complimented in 2 of my interviews (out of 4)...so i don't suck @ interviews..i've go the usual, volunteering, shadowing, lab experience, play varsity sports, golden key society (HAHAHA, that's usless! ) blah blah blah

 

[ISU_Steve]

pff..i beg to differ.

i'm 3.3, 18/18/21

i've been rejected and waitlisted, respectively.
they are not "easy" to get in, they are WHACK. 😱

before people start questioning other parts of my application which could've hindered stuff....i'm just a run-of-the-mill student. my interview skills are FINE, i was complimented in 2 of my interviews (out of 4)...so i don't suck @ interviews..i've go the usual, volunteering, shadowing, lab experience, play varsity sports, golden key society (HAHAHA, that's usless! ) blah blah blah

Could it be a issue of geography perhaps?

 

[mvs04]

pff..i beg to differ.

i'm 3.3, 18/18/21

i've been rejected and waitlisted, respectively.
they are not "easy" to get in, they are WHACK. 😱

before people start questioning other parts of my application which could've hindered stuff....i'm just a run-of-the-mill student. my interview skills are FINE, i was complimented in 2 of my interviews (out of 4)...so i don't suck @ interviews..i've go the usual, volunteering, shadowing, lab experience, play varsity sports, golden key society (HAHAHA, that's usless! ) blah blah blah

what fruity said is definitely true. Though I suspect her Canadian-ness didn't help her cause.

it is a definite reality... if you're run of the mill with good solid stats, you don't have too much to worry.... but run of the mill student with mediocre stats, very shakey grounds.

what the heck is a golden key society?

 

[Rezdawg]

pff..i beg to differ.

i'm 3.3, 18/18/21

i've been rejected and waitlisted, respectively.
they are not "easy" to get in, they are WHACK. 😱

before people start questioning other parts of my application which could've hindered stuff....i'm just a run-of-the-mill student. my interview skills are FINE, i was complimented in 2 of my interviews (out of 4)...so i don't suck @ interviews..i've go the usual, volunteering, shadowing, lab experience, play varsity sports, golden key society (HAHAHA, that's usless! ) blah blah blah

Well, what I meant was that when this kind of question comes up, the first schools that are thrown out there are BU and NYU. Its tradition on this site and Ive seen it on here so many times that my fingers automatically type the letters BUNYU when the question comes up.

 

[grant555]

Hi,
Let me just say I'm not Stupid!!!...well maybe a bit slow. Haha J/K. Anyways, do any of you know which school would even consider me? My GPA is really low 3.0 cumm and 2.9 sci. My Dat isn't the best either 17 AA, 18 TS, 18 RC, 15 QR, and 16 PAT. I'm going to take my DAT Again soon. So lets hope it get much better. So any suggestion?

I don't know you personally, but going into any dental school with that sort of notion is not wise. I would approach any dental school aggressively and be prepared to work hard. Every opinion given on this forum is not law including mine, so take from them what you will. Besides when you take the boards, it won't matter what school you attend, you will be held to the same standard as everyone else. Best of luck to you. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[45540]

pff..i beg to differ.

i'm 3.3, 18/18/21

i've been rejected and waitlisted, respectively.
they are not "easy" to get in, they are WHACK. 😱

They have the lowest stats in the nation save meharry and howard. People who wouldn't have a chance at many other schools routinely get into those schools. That's why people throw them out when people ask.

 

[paolorossifan]

what fruity said is definitely true. Though I suspect her Canadian-ness didn't help her cause.

it is a definite reality... if you're run of the mill with good solid stats, you don't have too much to worry.... but run of the mill student with mediocre stats, very shakey grounds.

what the heck is a golden key society?

Her being a student at a Canadian university had nothing to do with it. It all came down to late applications. Her stats are fairly solid and extras second to none.

 

[mvs04]

Her being a student at a Canadian university had nothing to do with it. It all came down to late applications. Her stats are fairly solid and extras second to none.

eh, figured they viewed Canadian applicants in a different light, didnt' know she was a late applicant. I was aadsas #82xx, I didn't know until after the process that applying early is so important.

 

[paolorossifan]

eh, figured they viewed Canadian applicants in a different light, didnt' know she was a late applicant. I was aadsas #82xx, I didn't know until after the process that applying early is so important.

I hear you, I thought I was being over-zelous by applying in June. Ah well, at least we got in.

 

[fruity_trident]

yeap..i'm canadian...EH! 😀

anyways, my # is 49xx.
i started my application in May...but dawdled til sept, cuz i didn't know better..and i didn't really use SDN until late Aug.

i learnt my lesson.
plus, i don't know ANYONE (in person) who's applying to dental school...so SDN helped a lot..

being late was no one's fault but my own.

but who would've thought applying 6 months before the deadline was late? my prof actually said to me back in sept..."why r u applying so damn early?"
HAHHA lil did he know.

he pulled a face when i said i was applying in MAY 2005, for SEPT 2006.

btw golden key is an honor society. my first year grades were apparently "Good"

 

[bpenly]

what the heck is a golden key society?

It is similiar to the Who's Who of American Students. Anybody with a respectable GPA can get invited to join, and all who join will be marketed to for the rest of their lives by MBNA. Some schools actually have chapters complete with officers, but it is lame, lame, lame.

 

[Profchaos]

yeap..i'm canadian...EH! 😀

anyways, my # is 49xx.
i started my application in May...but dawdled til sept, cuz i didn't know better..and i didn't really use SDN until late Aug.

i learnt my lesson.
plus, i don't know ANYONE (in person) who's applying to dental school...so SDN helped a lot..

being late was no one's fault but my own.

but who would've thought applying 6 months before the deadline was late? my prof actually said to me back in sept..."why r u applying so damn early?"
HAHHA lil did he know.

he pulled a face when i said i was applying in MAY 2005, for SEPT 2006.

btw golden key is an honor society. my first year grades were apparently "Good"

Very good fruity!
I wish I had joined force with SDN earlier last year.
Anyhoo, will file the application again and interested in seeing how many schools will invite for interview.

 

[madin]

Here is a list of what I think schools look at:

1) When you apply (the earlier the better)

2) DAT scores

3) GPA especially with prerequisite courses

4) Statement in your essay

5) Letters of recommendations

6) Any interests in dentistry (shadowing, dental assistant)

7) Where you live (easier to get into in-state school)

8) Interview (if above 7 qualifies you to get this)

9) After interview email/letter (if #8 occurred)

I had average scores with ~3.0 gpa and 17ish DAT scores and I got in. I made sure dental schools know that #6 above was my most important thing in the world on my essay and interview. I think schools are more interested in people who are really interested in dentistry than people who only care about GPAs and DATs.

I am still currently volunteering at dental offices even after I had been accepted because I really enjoy the dental environment.

 

[gtl4f]

Here is a list of what I think schools look at:

1) When you apply (the earlier the better)

2) DAT scores

3) GPA especially with prerequisite courses

4) Statement in your essay

5) Letters of recommendations

6) Any interests in dentistry (shadowing, dental assistant)

7) Where you live (easier to get into in-state school)

8) Interview (if above 7 qualifies you to get this)

9) After interview email/letter (if #8 occurred)

I had average scores with ~3.0 gpa and 17ish DAT scores and I got in. I made sure dental schools know that #6 above was my most important thing in the world on my essay and interview. I think schools are more interested in people who are really interested in dentistry than people who only care about GPAs and DATs.

I am still currently volunteering at dental offices even after I had been accepted because I really enjoy the dental environment.

If you don't mind sharing...what schools did you apply to, got interviews at and was accepted at? Thanks

 

[grant555]

They have the lowest stats in the nation save meharry and howard. People who wouldn't have a chance at many other schools routinely get into those schools. That's why people throw them out when people ask.

And yet, they repeatedly turn out good clinicians, who repeatedly pass the boards, who repeatedly demonstrate an understanding of community service, and yet have remained in existence for years against all odds.

Ironically, your statement brings to light an opt overlooked point. Many AA scholars believe that desegregation hurt HBCU's. As was once alluded to by Howard faculty member circa 1992 via Ebony magazine, and I quote,

"And those challenges cannot be taken lightly. A number of factors--desegregation, increasingly limited resources and intense competition for the most promising Black students from betterfunded, better-endowed White universities-have made the task of attracting the brightest Black minds dificult. As College of Medicine Dean Charles Epps puts it, "We had the corner on the market [a generation ago]. The best Black minds in the country knocked on our door. Now, [many of] the best Black minds are going everywhere." End quote.

These facts were also alluded to in the books, "Our Kind of People" and "No Excuses, Closing the Racial Gap in Learning."

The logic behind mentioning the latter of the two books is this: standardized tests are the benchmark by which academic competency of all students are judged. Lower, albeit not drastically, admissions standards does not mean a lack of academic integrity altogether, which is simply a misrepresentation of what those two schools stand for.

On the other hand, the Secretary of Education Rod Pagie, does make a good point, "there is a very easy way to make group differences disappear: Just get rid of the tests. But 'the worst thing that could happen to disadvantaged students is not to have the gap visible.' An invisible problem is never addressed."

Sagacious as most times Rod Paige is, and I agree with him.

Personally, this is why I never shy away from most Meharry and Howard questions or quirks because they bring attention and clarity to issues I find important, which is why I take the time to post on this website in the first place. I am sure that others here have their own reasons, which they are entitled to.

I suspect that these two schools will continue to be scrutinized on this forum and other venues for some time to come until things change, and they will. Many black Americans feel the way Bill Cosby does, and it is up the community to put a stop to its ailes. Fortunately, Mr. Cosby spoke at Lincoln H.S. here in Dalllas last night, and from what I heard via a taped selection, it was riveting. Sadly, I could not garner any free tickets after several attempts.

Let me say this, I am no Howard or Meharry apologist, but the statement you make is not always true. If I didn't think those schools had anything of value to offer, I never would've applied to them or any of school I felt would provide a lackluster dental education.

Many people I know who have gotten into Howard and Meharry were admitted elsewhere, and if those schools were so inept, there is no way students could leave there and competently finish residencies across the nation.

The logic behind all this is simple. It is more important where you finish in life, not where you start. Dental school works in similar fashion. However, I can tolerate a difference of opinion, especially when the truth lies beneath. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[45540]

I'm completely in agreement on the fact that the historically black foundations have taken a huge hit in the past 10-15 years. Increasingly more schools are recruiting the best black minds to attend their school rather than their historic counterparts. I realize that the lower acceptance statistics does not diminish the quality of the education that is received at the schools, but acceptances are given to students that would not be considered competitive at other institutions. Up until 10-15 years ago, about 85% of minority dental/medical students went to historic institutions whereas today many more options are available, and are more advantageous than meharry/howard. Schools are actively pursuing and are willing to offset the cost of tuition just for the brightest minds to attend their school.

I believe it was courant that did a study in 2003 that found that the MD graduates of meharry and howard had the highest problems with malpractice and licensure issues than other schools in the country. I think as much as 10x more likely than the lowest school in the study.

Yes, they graduate many fine clinicians, but they are catering to underserved applicants with generally lower stats. Generally students come in with not as strong of a background as those entering other schools. As sad as it is, Affirmative Action does nothing but perpetuate the image of lowered expectations for minorities. It is pretty cliche, but even the old case of Chavis vs. Bakke brings up serious flaws in the system even as far back as '73.

There is always the argument that there is a large demand for minority physicans in all areas, but Affirmative Action is nothing but a failing solution to the real problems in the US. That being said, I was referring to NYU and BU in my post, I wasn't advising anyone to apply to Meharry/Howard simply for their lower incoming stats. I interviewed and was accepted to Howard last year. I applied simply for it being located in DC, but obviously it wasn't the school for me.

I don't feel a need to get rid of the tests for admissions, but instead get rid of the "quota" that schools must reach for federal funding. If i apply to a program and am rejected due to some fault of my own, lower gpa, lower scores etc, then so be it, that was my own fault. But if i was rejected simply to make room for a "minority" applicant, that serves no purpose. Reverse Discrimination is much more present in the healthcare field than anything else.

 

[ISU_Steve]

Grant....Personally I'd rather be treated by a graduate of Howard than I would a Harvard graduate (and I would rather attend Howard than Harvard, UPenn or any of the other Ivy League schools that so many people aspire to). When I was in Maryland one of the dentists that I went to was a recent graduate- and I mean really recent as in a matter of months- of Howard and had the best chairside manner and best clinical skills I have ever encountered. So I agree that knocking a school based on its admissions statistics is a bit shortsighted. The true measure of a school is not the building or its admissions statistics or who the professors are, but rather the quality and success of its graduates- that's something that can used to judge undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs.

 

[hockeydentist]

I'm completely in agreement on the fact that the historically black foundations have taken a huge hit in the past 10-15 years. Increasingly more schools are recruiting the best black minds to attend their school rather than their historic counterparts. I realize that the lower acceptance statistics does not diminish the quality of the education that is received at the schools, but acceptances are given to students that would not be considered competitive at other institutions. Up until 10-15 years ago, about 85% of minority dental/medical students went to historic institutions whereas today many more options are available, and are more advantageous than meharry/howard. Schools are actively pursuing and are willing to offset the cost of tuition just for the brightest minds to attend their school.

I believe it was courant that did a study in 2003 that found that the MD graduates of meharry and howard had the highest problems with malpractice and licensure issues than other schools in the country. I think as much as 10x more likely than the lowest school in the study.

Yes, they graduate many fine clinicians, but they are catering to underserved applicants with generally lower stats. Generally students come in with not as strong of a background as those entering other schools. As sad as it is, Affirmative Action does nothing but perpetuate the image of lowered expectations for minorities. It is pretty cliche, but even the old case of Chavis vs. Bakke brings up serious flaws in the system even as far back as '73.

There is always the argument that there is a large demand for minority physicans in all areas, but Affirmative Action is nothing but a failing solution to the real problems in the US. That being said, I was referring to NYU and BU in my post, I wasn't advising anyone to apply to Meharry/Howard simply for their lower incoming stats. I interviewed and was accepted to Howard last year. I applied simply for it being located in DC, but obviously it wasn't the school for me.

I don't feel a need to get rid of the tests for admissions, but instead get rid of the "quota" that schools must reach for federal funding. If i apply to a program and am rejected due to some fault of my own, lower gpa, lower scores etc, then so be it, that was my own fault. But if i was rejected simply to make room for a "minority" applicant, that serves no purpose. Reverse Discrimination is much more present in the healthcare field than anything else.

I agree!

 

[grant555]

I'm completely in agreement on the fact that the historically black foundations have taken a huge hit in the past 10-15 years. Increasingly more schools are recruiting the best black minds to attend their school rather than their historic counterparts. I realize that the lower acceptance statistics does not diminish the quality of the education that is received at the schools, but acceptances are given to students that would not be considered competitive at other institutions. Up until 10-15 years ago, about 85% of minority dental/medical students went to historic institutions whereas today many more options are available, and are more advantageous than meharry/howard. Schools are actively pursuing and are willing to offset the cost of tuition just for the brightest minds to attend their school.

I believe it was courant that did a study in 2003 that found that the MD graduates of meharry and howard had the highest problems with malpractice and licensure issues than other schools in the country. I think as much as 10x more likely than the lowest school in the study.

This is issue has come up before and should not be ran away from. In fact, on my website, there is a related comment comment here I don't believe in shying away from problems of any school and suspect those problems arise from the huge hit described in the past 10-15 years.

There is always the argument that there is a large demand for minority physicans in all areas, but Affirmative Action is nothing but a failing solution to the real problems in the US. That being said, I was referring to NYU and BU in my post, I wasn't advising anyone to apply to Meharry/Howard simply for their lower incoming stats. I interviewed and was accepted to Howard last year. I applied simply for it being located in DC, but obviously it wasn't the school for me.

To me, an increased need should mean more aggressive recruitment and screening of candidates. While both schools are responsible for screening applicants and tracking the education process, they are not responsible for students once they leave. I don't expect anyone at Howard or Meharry to hold my hand before or after graduation, which says something about the individuals in question.

Also, I don't think those problems negate from all the great things those schools have accomplished. If they didn't exist during a time when black students had no other choice, the AA community's health situation would be in worse condition than it is now. No question.

I don't feel a need to get rid of the tests for admissions, but instead get rid of the "quota" that schools must reach for federal funding. If i apply to a program and am rejected due to some fault of my own, lower gpa, lower scores etc, then so be it, that was my own fault. But if i was rejected simply to make room for a "minority" applicant, that serves no purpose. Reverse Discrimination is much more present in the healthcare field than anything else.

I am not a big fan of quotas either because they can literally set a person up for failure later in life, which is what Secretary Paige was alluding to in the book I mentioned.

No where on my webpage are quotas mentioned or listed. This is no accident.

My standing philosophy is that I want to hold myself to do as well as possible academically and clinically and would give up dentistry or any profession if I could not strive for excellence.

In order for both schools to remain viable, they must constantly work for improvement and not rest on past accomplishments, which are many.

However, this is what Cosby has been saying for months: no community, AA or not, should settle for mediocrity. It is here that you and I agree the most. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[1905]

where do we search for the breaking down the admissions process?i tried yahoo searching but didnt find anythign🙁

 

[ISU_Steve]

Search on here......

 

[asalazar]

Here is a list of what I think schools look at:

1) When you apply (the earlier the better)

2) DAT scores

3) GPA especially with prerequisite courses

4) Statement in your essay

5) Letters of recommendations

6) Any interests in dentistry (shadowing, dental assistant)

7) Where you live (easier to get into in-state school)

8) Interview (if above 7 qualifies you to get this)

9) After interview email/letter (if #8 occurred)

I had average scores with ~3.0 gpa and 17ish DAT scores and I got in. I made sure dental schools know that #6 above was my most important thing in the world on my essay and interview. I think schools are more interested in people who are really interested in dentistry than people who only care about GPAs and DATs.

I am still currently volunteering at dental offices even after I had been accepted because I really enjoy the dental environment.

where do u go to school?