Failed 1st Try, what's wrong with my stats?

[N24601]

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Hey everyone,
So I applied last year with a 3.5 GPA 3.52 sGPA
DAT first try:
AA: 20
PAT: 22
QR: 20
RC: 21
BIO: 18
CM: 20
OC: 20
TS: 19

and I got interview at UW (in-state rejected), tufts (waitlist), USC (waitlis), UNLV (rejected)
flat out rejected by LLU, creighton, maryland, BU, San Fran (i was late for this one so its my fault), BU (they didn't process mine and when I asked, it was too late), Columbia, Louisville
grey area: OHSU (I got an email for being in the competitive group but never heard back from them since then)

I have roughly 300 hours of shadowing 225 GD and 75 Specialist
I volunteered at an afterschool program, and also active members in many clubs in my school

I know my stat is pretty average, but I was disappointed that I did not even get in one of the schools.
I am planning on working on my DAT and personal statement to reapply again this year.
Any advice for me??

oh and I was WA resident and I have switched to OR, hoping that it'll help with my chances at OHSU. but i prob wont apply to UW since they are not very OS favored.

 

[free99]

Your stats are fine, evidenced by the four interviews that you got. Being that there's less than a month until June 4th, I'd suggest turning your attention toward interviewing skills. A few suggestions that come to mind - Practice responding to common questions, put yourself in foreign social situations that force you to interact with strangers, think a lot about why you want to be a dentist and learn how to frame your experiences in such a way that supports this goal. Good luck, I think you'll have a nice round two.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[joeeeey3]

I agree with the above poster. I think you should try to improve your interview skills. For me, I went to multiple job interviews, even the ones I didn't really plan on working at, just for the sake of improving my skills. Also, if you have time I think you should retake DAT to get a higher score although your current score is avg.

 

[ILLchief]

no need to retake your DAT.

4 interviews and no acceptances = bad at interviewing.

you still got a shot at U$C for the waitlist tho.

 

[LFA20]

no need to retake your DAT.

4 interviews and no acceptances = bad at interviewing.

you still got a shot at U$C for the waitlist tho.

LOL..

 

[jeffity]

When did you apply?

 

[amfassz]

apply earlier u was late

 

[N24601]

Thank you for your replies. I will try to work on my interview skills. I applied around Aug-Seb. I will try to get everything in by Jul this time, although some professors are hard to tract down during summer time.

 

[N24601]

Also, I am having time picking schools to apply to. I learned my lesson to stay away from UW, LLU, Maryland and Columbia with my stats. Any advice for which schools I should apply for next time? (btw i am switching to OR resident)

 

[bpester]

Don't really have any advice to add, but failures not the right word bud. You got four interviews, obviously the schools believe you are a competent applicant on paper. At the very least you should be more familiar/comfortable with the interview process now.

 

[wiseman22]

Wow, those are great stats. Though the 4 interviews are a great start, and like they said, definitely work on the interview skills. Practice with friends, and even better, ask the dentist you shadowed all those times to perhaps do a mock interview with you/critique you.

 

[MBlue16]

I agree with what everybody else has been saying. Looks like the only thing holding you down is your interview "score." I know it's a bit tricky with schools like USC, because they don't really interview you, they just evaluate you during the trial PBL session. But, if you expect a traditional interview, you should go over some typical questions and practice them orally. This was really helpful for me and it made a whole lot of difference in how I felt after my interview. Last year, I felt good after my interviews. This year, I felt super awesome after my interview!! and sure enough, I eventually got in.

Also, be sure to check out this link: http://schools.studentdoctor.net/schools/?view=dental

 

[N24601]

oh wow, this site is awesome! I always try to research at least an hour before my interview, so I know the "right" questions to ask. I usually get really nervous too because it was my first time applying so I spent most of the time feeling amazed to finally reaching that point. Thank you, I will certaining look for this site for the next cycle.

 

[dentalWorks]

When did you apply?

bingo.
When did you apply?

 

[distressstudent]

OP said around Aug-Sept. Don't know if it was more august or more sept.

 

[N24601]

It was the end of Aug.