Evaluate Me!

[Fido00]

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Alright, I am a long time lurker to these boards, but I don't think I have ever actually posted anything.

Here is my situation. I applied for the 2007 cycle and never heard anything from any of the schools to which I applied (all three in Texas). I completed my application, and was processed in 7/2006, but did not take the DAT until 9/06.

My stats are:
undergrad GPA: 3.37
under grad Sci GPA: 2.89
Grad GPA: 3.57
Grad Science: 3.48
DAT: AA 18
P 19
QR 14
RC 23
Bio 17
IC 21
OC 17
TS 18

I am a Physician Assistant, and have been for almost 4 years, so I have tons of medical experience. I have letters from MDs, undergrad advisor/professor, and the wonderful Dentist that allowed me to shadow in my spare time. I am currently working to complete my last pre rec, which is organic chemistry. I checked with a Dental administrator who assured me that this would not affect my application status (she said as long as I finished prior to matriculation it would not affect standing for the 2007 cycle).

So, what's my problem? Late application, DAT, GPA, bad hair, or what? Honest opinions are appreciated, especially since I am not particularly close to the university where I finished my undergrad (therefore don't have access to advising). What should I do this cycle to shine?

TIA.

 

[Yeyyy]

late application, the DAT scores kind of need to be worked on a bit (especially the QR part), and put something in your personal statement about why you want to go from physician assistant with lots of MD recommendations to dentistry.

 

[dudewhensmydat]

I think the DAT is the problem...try using DAT Destroyer...if you read it in and out you'll boost your Bio, GC, and OC up to 20's; at least I did.

Nice RC and PAT scores!

 

[djeffreyt]

I think your application was pretty late (the DAT held you up) for Texas schools which historically start looking at applicants earlier than most other schools.

I also think that 14 in QR is a killer. I don't know about texas schools, but I know several schools outside texas that have minimum scores that they are willing to take which is usually around 15 or 16, so the 14 could have knocked you application out right away. That's a guess obviously.


I hate to say retake the DAT, but if you can and can bring that QR score up and maintain or improve the other scores, I think it would help a lot. If you can retake the DAT befor ethe next cycle, that would be awesome too so you can apply early with all the stuff together.


Still time though, hope you get a call or letter of acceptance this cycle.

 

[Fido00]

That is what I was afraid that I might hear. I REALLY hated taking that test. I guess I will just suck it up and do it again. At least O-Chem will be fresh in my mind. When I studied the first time, I didn't really focus on trig (I know, that was borderline suicidal!).

You guys on this board are incredibly helpful and encouraging. I appreciate your kind words. I wish everyone well with their tests, applications, interviews, etc.

BTW, what is considered early?

 

[Fido00]

Does anyone know of any particular programs that especially favor health professional applicants? I looked around on the boards, but I wasn't able to find any mentions of this.

 

[Kunsan]

maybe you should have applied to more schools than just your state school.

 

[1992Corolla]

Some schools are also 'upping' their requirements, like if you have two scores at 17 or lower than you are out automatically (Case Western). Not sure about them Texas Schools. Redo the DAT, get 18+ on every section (math CAN be an exception) and apply earlier.

Sometimes it is just luck of the draw too. Admissions committees have 40 darts and a board with 3000 applicants and they just start throwing...at least that is what it can feel like

 

[Ex_EE]

I don't think it is the lateness of you app. I applied in August and took the Dat late Sept and received an acceptance 12/1. I think it is the combination of your lower DAT scores with the lower GPA. I would retake the DAT and shoot for 20+ on the sections.