For those applying more than once...

[frogger33]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Ok, so after seeing all the people on her already get accepted, I am getting a little down on myself. I am currently waitlisted at my state school and have an interview in feb at NOVA. However, so late in the game I feel like I dont stand a chance. I am retaking my DAT at the end of month to see if I can do better cause it is the lowest point of my application. I have a decent GPA (undergrad:3.4 Science: 3.8 with post bac work). But right now my DAT is:
AA 18
TS 19 (Orgo 21, Bio 19, Chem 20)
PAT 15 (eek!)
QR 14 (big eek!)
RC 20

Anyhow, for my question.... what did those of you that had to apply more than once do for that extra year?? I am trying to figure something I can do as a back up plan in case I do not get in 😕

Thanks guys!

 

[tam0026]

this is what i did: teach. I got a job teachign science at a high school in my hometown. The good thing about teaching is it will keep you up to speed on your sciences, you're almost guaranteed a job b/c of the shortage of science educators, and it looks good on aps. However, if u can get a job working as a dental assistant or somethign in the dental field, then that might be better. That's my only regret--not getting more clinical experience.

 

[Dr.Smiley-OR]

this is what i did: teach. I got a job teachign science at a high school in my hometown. The good thing about teaching is it will keep you up to speed on your sciences, you're almost guaranteed a job b/c of the shortage of science educators, and it looks good on aps. However, if u can get a job working as a dental assistant or somethign in the dental field, then that might be better. That's my only regret--not getting more clinical experience.

My sugestion to you tam0026, if you do not mind, is in case you do not get accepted this year, you should apply to more schools (5-8) next year. From your signature, I saw you applied to only 2 schools this year. That is too few to guarantee you a spot. Your GPA and DAT is great though!
Good luck!

 

[tam0026]

thanks, yes i agree i made a mistake; i guess i let "finances" get in the way of my goal. Who cares how much it costs to add more schools?! It's worth it in the end. I will def. apply to more schools next time around and improve my PAT score. Lesson learned!!

 

[frogger33]

Thanks Tam-

I am like you. UF and NOVA are the only schools I apllied to because I REALLY want to go to school here in FL since this is where I want to practice. Kind of frustrating that Florida does not have more dental schools, especially since cali, new york, and texas all have a few.... Oh well, what can you do. Thanks for the advice though!! 🙂

 

[tam0026]

yeah, that's what i was thinking too. I love FL, want to stay in Fl, my family, boyfriend, close friends are all here. Even if i were to go to S.Fl (which can be like going to another state) its STILL in Fl. What i dont understand is, instate residents have better shots at getting into state schools, so why is it encouraged to apply out of state? Do some schools not give in-state residents preference, like they do in Fl?

 

[frogger33]

Well, a lot of the schools are private and therefore do not care where you are from (to a certian extent). NYU, BU, Tufts, Case, etc... are all private and accept LOTS of out of state students. I would not bother applying to texas and cali schools, UNC, Arizona, Colorado, etc... becuase they are state schools and choose mostly residents like UF. NOVA on the other hand is private and therefore I am pretty sure that they accept lots of out of state students as well.

Our disadvantage is that UF only accepts 80 a year, whereas some of these other schools accept 150+. Therefore, we actually have a better chance at getting into some of those other schools. It happens, but it is rare that in state students turn down UF becuase of the HUGE price difference it would cost them to go else where... hence why those 80 spots are hard to get! Of course that is just my two cents, I am sure someone out there will disagree.

I went to high school in Jax, college in atlanta, and now I live in tampa, but I REALLY want to stay here (in FL) and eventually move back to J-ville so I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from. I know we look foolish not applying to more schools, but I figure you have to do what makes you happy. However, that said I will probably apply to more schools if I do not get accepted this time around 😱