Given up hope!

[minimee99]

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Hello, I’m new to SDN but have been reading throughout the forum over the past couple months. I would like to share my journey throughout the years in hopes of being accepted into dental school but I don’t think that possibility will come true.

I went to a four-year university where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. It took an extra semester for me to graduate due to a part time job and having bills to pay. I graduated in 2005 and my overall GPA was 3.02 because I messed up bad in a Genetics class and the school did not offer the class again before I graduated. During my time in undergrad, I did take pre-dent courses but never really had a mentor or any advisor that had background knowledge of the dental school admissions process. With that said, I was practically on my own for having my questions answered.

Also, during undergrad I took a dental assisting training course for myself to enhance my knowledge in dental terminology and procedures. Shortly after that, I was able to shadow/observe my dentist once a week to see if this was what I really wanted to do, which it was. Before I graduated, I did take the DAT but was not well prepared and performed poorly.

After applying the first time and graduating from undergrad, it was apparent that I try and raise my DAT score. Before getting into that, I began working as a dental assistant with the dentist I was shadowing. Once I had a consistent work schedule I took a Kaplan training course to better prepare me for the DAT. Again, I don’t think I utilized enough resources and performed poorly (below average).

Again, the dental schools kept sending me rejection after rejection letter, which was very depressing. I thought to myself at this point, what if I never get into dental, what else could I do? I still loved the dental profession and was fortunate to have an excellent dental hygiene program close by. I applied there and was accepted in summer ’07. During my two years in dental hygiene I excelled clinically and academically. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and scored in the upper 90th percentile on my board exams.

Again, during my years in dental hygiene school I also applied to dental school and still was rejected. I worked now as a dental hygienist for the same dentist and still thought what I could do to increase my chances. Fortunate again, a medical school was close by so I applied to their Biomedical Sciences program. I was accepted and began fall ’10. For the next nine months, I took med school classes with the med students. This was extremely difficult but managed to get a 3.24 GPA and a Master’s degree.

After I graduated this past June, I knew my DAT had expired and wanted to improve my score. I researched all over, including here and used the following: Kaplan blue book, AP biology, DAT destroyer, Math destroyer, Chad’s videos and Topscore. I committed myself for the next several months 4-6 hours a day to study my butt off for the DAT.

I just took the DAT for the THIRD TIME TODAY and was able to improve my score from previous attempts but not significantly. Maybe I’m just not gifted when it comes to taking standardized tests but here’s how I did, considering I’ve been away from Chem and Math for several years and re-learning everything in a short amount of time.

PAT 17
QR 17
RC 16
Bio 18
G Chem 16
O Chem 17
Total Science 17
AA 17

I’m a male who is 29 years old now and have pretty much exhausted every option trying to get into dental school. I’ve applied this cycle and the five schools I applied to are waiting for my scores. It has been a very long and tiring road but I’m hoping for at least an interview since I’ve never had one. I’ve had many great letters of recommendation from professors and dental professionals. I have also been working in the dental profession for 8 years now. Aside from school and work, I’ve always been great with my hands on skills. I enjoy auto customizing like welding and sheet metal fabrication.

I know this sounds like one’s life story but I just wanted to share because there may be other perspective dental schools students that are having difficulty getting accepted. It just gets old, depressing and very expensive to keep chasing after your dream that might not come true. I’m sure this is my last chance for any hope, otherwise it’s time to move on. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Other info:
Total GPA calculated by AADSAS
BCP- 2.98
Science- 3.38
Non-Science- 3.19
Total- 3.34

Schools I applied to:
Arizona School of Dentistry
U of I at Chicago
Midwestern University-IL
Meharry Medical
Marquette

 

[hchc]

A 3.34 gpa doesn't completely kill your chances but, that combined with your DAT may make it extremely difficult even with your excellent background in dentistry. I suggest you re-take the DAT and this time really and I mean REALLY apply yourself, there's no way you won't do well considering you got a 4.0 gpa in the dental hygiene program and the DAT is really only a survey of basic sciences. Keep that in mind as motivation, if you can do it once you can do it again. Also apply to more schools and really play up your background in the interview. I know you can do it. Watch this and keep your head up 🙂
[YOUTUBE]lsSC2vx7zFQ[/YOUTUBE]

 

[ajhalls3]

If you get an interview, focus on your strengths, not making excuses for weaknesses. If they give you an interview, they don't care about the weak things, they want you to blow them away with your strengths. I was also 29 applying to dental school and was able to get in with average DAT without a bachelors degree.

 

[crew09]

You've been through a lot. I can't imagine how you must feel, but I can relate.

The best people to give you advice are adcom members from the schools you want to get in to. Period. If your able to meet and discuss what's holding you back with a member 1 on 1 it's probably the most valuable information you can get.

That being said I did see a few things that stuck out to me:

1.BCP below 3.0 is usually an issue and could hold you back.

2. If you scored in the 90th percentile of your hygiene boards, than that means you can do well on standardized tests. It's a technical skill, that can be improved. Also, DAT has shown to be a predictor of success on dental boards. Give yourself more time and take the DAT only when your comfortable with your practice scores.

3. 5 schools is way, way too little. Most people with lower stats apply to around 10-15.

Hopefully you get an interview this cycle. Good Luck.

 

[flyingforever]

Are you URM? Five schools is very low number. Take you DAT again with killer instinct. Good luck 😀

 

[SEAirLand]

Your GPA is your GPA.

Your background is stellar.

Things to do next year, and do apply next year, is this:

1. Retake the DAT. Study your butt off for it. Take 2 months at minimum to slowly and cleanly go over all material. And don't DO anything else. Get your score above 21AA.

2. Apply to at least 15 schools. Find the spread sheet that details what school avg requirements are. This is a huge source for which schools you will have the best chance to get into.

And above all else, remember this, it doesn't matter at the end of the day what school you go to. It doesn't matter what your ranking within that school is. What matters is getting in somewhere and graduating.

 

[Philippines03j]

I agree that hope is not lost 👍 You need to study hard for the DAT. I say if you have a 20+AA and TS then you will have a good chance of getting in. However, even with a 3.3 and 20 DAT you are going need to apply to A LOT more schools than 5. I would say 15+ schools and if you really want to get in choose 20 schools. Each school should be hand picked to fit your stats and other credentials. Good luck and dont give up 👍

 

[minimee99]

Are you URM? Five schools is very low number. Take you DAT again with killer instinct. Good luck 😀

I am Caucasian.

 

[minimee99]

Thanks for the feedback. I thought I was well prepared for this DAT and was scoring in the low to mid 20's on Topscore. I felt very confident going into the test but I truly felt the overall test was extremely difficult. Kind of a huge slap in the face but I tried my best.

Applying for MANY years and spending so much time, money and sacrifice to try and get ahead, I only feel that I'm standing still. Even if I take the DAT a 4th time, I'm sure I won't increase my score significantly and that's after four times. It becomes very expensive applying to schools, especially 15-20 when on your own and your source of income isn't great due to paying for other expenses(existing school loans and other misc.). It also gets old when you still live at home with your parents because you can't afford anything else.

I just wish some schools could look past High DAT scores all the time and take other strengths into consideration. The grad school I was at, majority of the first year med students did average or below on their MCAT and they fully admitted that they were poor standardized test takers. But they were given the opportunity and the chance at medicine and I admit, those students were some of the brightest and down to earth people I've ever met. They will make exceptional doctors some day. I've always struggled with standardized tests but I never let that get me down because I've gotten this far. It's always easy for someone else to say, take the DAT over and do better. What if that's not an option for some? Then move onto something else! I know I'm a great asset to the dental profession already and I know I have the potential to offer more, it's just unfortunate.

 

[flyingforever]

I am Caucasian.

Why did you apply to Meharry? Your DAT is the problem. You should have applied to few other schools. I suggest talking to ADCOM to each school you applied so far and go from there. Explain your side and struggle.

 

[minimee99]

Why did you apply to Meharry? Your DAT is the problem. You should have applied to few other schools. I suggest talking to ADCOM to each school you applied so far and go from there. Explain your side and struggle.

Should I send a formal email first, then call the admissions committee directly for each school? What else should I include to help my chances that I have not already emphasized above?

What other schools might be a possibility given my criteria and is it too late to add those schools if the deadline hasn't passed?

 

[journeybegins]

I'm truly touched by your dedication and hardwork. I KNOW you can make it to dental school and will make a great dentist! Don't settle for less than what you want. Just keep working at it, and one day, you'll get there!

I agree that you should talk to admission officers, if you know of any to talk about your application and areas where you can improve. I think you would do well in the interview, but you need to land one first.

I know some people at my school who got into dental school with ~ 3.0 or 3.1 so hope is not lost AT ALL.

I think you should just give yourself a little break from DAT, maybe 2-3 weeks because thinking about it will burn you out. Maybe it was just the version of DAT. Maybe you'll get lucky next time and get a better version =) I'm horrible at standardized tests so I can relate, but just keep trying! The DAT is a quick fix, and I believe it's the thing that holds you back the most.

I would take one more science course to make sure that your BCP goes up to a 3.00 because you're so close!

With stats like yours, applying early with DAT scores next time will increase your chances of interviews. Apply to more schools!

Good luck!

 

[flyingforever]

Should I send a formal email first, then call the admissions committee directly for each school? What else should I include to help my chances that I have not already emphasized above?

What other schools might be a possibility given my criteria and is it too late to add those schools if the deadline hasn't passed?

I recommend calling the school and especially your state school. You are very dedicated so don't stop here. Ask them where you need improvement(s). You finished dental hygiene program and did a Masters degree, you should be fine to handle any dental school courses. If I have things in my control, I probably have offered my seat for you. Best wishes 😀

 

[katwoman1688]

If this is what you want, don't give up! You didn't go through all that schooling for nothing! Have you checked out the DAT forums here? I'd re-take your DAT, I know standardized testing might not be your strength, but its definitely something that is doable and something you can work at. For ex, I am not the greatest at standardized testing, I get nervous and I definitely know my weaknesses. I used SDN on my DAT re-take and went from 19/19/19 (AA/TS/PAT) --> 22/21/24...The second time around I added on more resources, took advice from SDN, practiced a ton, and took over 10 practice test that I both reviewed after and really worked on. You can do it!

 

[minimee99]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice everyone!

 

[93geo]

I'm not sure where you are from but if you have an in-state school or a top school that you would like to attend then it couldn't hurt to go visit the school, talk to the dean, and try to get to know some of the important people at the school that you want to attend. You may have already tried this but I guess it never hurts to show your face so they are really familiar with you and this will show how determined you are. Focus on one or two schools really hard but at the same time apply to multiple schools. Talk to the dean at the schools that keep turning you down and see what they suggest. I think your determination will pay off eventually.

 

[dds2018]

All I can say is I am a nontrad, worked for 5 years in construction, decided I want to do dentistry. It'll be a long road, but I def will push forward. Let's both do this!

 

[ywatson]

Hi there,

You have very interesting life story. You should write all that down on your personal statement. You deserve to be in dental school, and you will be a great dentist. You should apply very early to increase chance of getting accepted. I went to pre-health workshop, and the statistic was showing that early application had high chance getting accepted eventhough there were lower scores. I have seen people with GPA of 2.98 and DAT score as low as 17 getting accepted.
This is my story. When I was in highschool, I was straight D stuednt, and the college did not even come across in my mind. I came to this country speaking no English, and I am a mother of two sons. I went back to school when I was 27 years old, started taking English as Secondary Langage. At towards the end, I was be able to take Quantum Chemistry. Here I am now 31 years old, and I will be 32 next month. I just took DAT, and did not do that great. I am not a good test taker either along with my test anxiety. DAT is not accurate measurement of your intelligence, it only measures how fast you can solve the problems. Unfortunately, we have to overcome that barrier. You and I will not give up. Let's do it!!

 

[minimee99]

Hi there,

You have very interesting life story. You should write all that down on your personal statement. You deserve to be in dental school, and you will be a great dentist. You should apply very early to increase chance of getting accepted. I went to pre-health workshop, and the statistic was showing that early application had high chance getting accepted eventhough there were lower scores. I have seen people with GPA of 2.98 and DAT score as low as 17 getting accepted.
This is my story. When I was in highschool, I was straight D stuednt, and the college did not even come across in my mind. I came to this country with speaking no English, and I am a mother of two sons. I went back to school when I was 27 years old, started taking English as Secondary Langage. At towards the end, I was be able to take Quantum Chemistry. Here I am now 31 years old, and I will be 32 next month. I just took DAT, and did not do that great. I am not a good test taker either along with my test anxiety. DAT is not accurate measurement of your intelligence, it only measures how fast you can solve the problems. Unfortunately, we have to overcome that barrier. You and I will not give up. Let's do it!!

Your story is interesting as well and you so true determination. You have made some unbelievable accomplishments and I wish you the best of luck with your outcome!

 

[UnimaasMED]

Hello, I’m new to SDN but have been reading throughout the forum over the past couple months. I would like to share my journey throughout the years in hopes of being accepted into dental school but I don’t think that possibility will come true.

I went to a four-year university where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. It took an extra semester for me to graduate due to a part time job and having bills to pay. I graduated in 2005 and my overall GPA was 3.02 because I messed up bad in a Genetics class and the school did not offer the class again before I graduated. During my time in undergrad, I did take pre-dent courses but never really had a mentor or any advisor that had background knowledge of the dental school admissions process. With that said, I was practically on my own for having my questions answered.

Also, during undergrad I took a dental assisting training course for myself to enhance my knowledge in dental terminology and procedures. Shortly after that, I was able to shadow/observe my dentist once a week to see if this was what I really wanted to do, which it was. Before I graduated, I did take the DAT but was not well prepared and performed poorly.

After applying the first time and graduating from undergrad, it was apparent that I try and raise my DAT score. Before getting into that, I began working as a dental assistant with the dentist I was shadowing. Once I had a consistent work schedule I took a Kaplan training course to better prepare me for the DAT. Again, I don’t think I utilized enough resources and performed poorly (below average).

Again, the dental schools kept sending me rejection after rejection letter, which was very depressing. I thought to myself at this point, what if I never get into dental, what else could I do? I still loved the dental profession and was fortunate to have an excellent dental hygiene program close by. I applied there and was accepted in summer ’07. During my two years in dental hygiene I excelled clinically and academically. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and scored in the upper 90th percentile on my board exams.

Again, during my years in dental hygiene school I also applied to dental school and still was rejected. I worked now as a dental hygienist for the same dentist and still thought what I could do to increase my chances. Fortunate again, a medical school was close by so I applied to their Biomedical Sciences program. I was accepted and began fall ’10. For the next nine months, I took med school classes with the med students. This was extremely difficult but managed to get a 3.24 GPA and a Master’s degree.

After I graduated this past June, I knew my DAT had expired and wanted to improve my score. I researched all over, including here and used the following: Kaplan blue book, AP biology, DAT destroyer, Math destroyer, Chad’s videos and Topscore. I committed myself for the next several months 4-6 hours a day to study my butt off for the DAT.

I just took the DAT for the THIRD TIME TODAY and was able to improve my score from previous attempts but not significantly. Maybe I’m just not gifted when it comes to taking standardized tests but here’s how I did, considering I’ve been away from Chem and Math for several years and re-learning everything in a short amount of time.

PAT 17
QR 17
RC 16
Bio 18
G Chem 16
O Chem 17
Total Science 17
AA 17

I’m a male who is 29 years old now and have pretty much exhausted every option trying to get into dental school. I’ve applied this cycle and the five schools I applied to are waiting for my scores. It has been a very long and tiring road but I’m hoping for at least an interview since I’ve never had one. I’ve had many great letters of recommendation from professors and dental professionals. I have also been working in the dental profession for 8 years now. Aside from school and work, I’ve always been great with my hands on skills. I enjoy auto customizing like welding and sheet metal fabrication.

I know this sounds like one’s life story but I just wanted to share because there may be other perspective dental schools students that are having difficulty getting accepted. It just gets old, depressing and very expensive to keep chasing after your dream that might not come true. I’m sure this is my last chance for any hope, otherwise it’s time to move on. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Other info:
Total GPA calculated by AADSAS
BCP- 2.98
Science- 3.38
Non-Science- 3.19
Total- 3.34

Schools I applied to:
Arizona School of Dentistry
U of I at Chicago
Midwestern University-IL
Meharry Medical
Marquette

I feel your pain. I am sorry to hear that you have gone thru so much. But believe me you are not the only one. There are many people who are on the same boat.
Overall, I think you are a strong applicant given your experiences. The only thing that is keeping you from getting in is the DAT. Please believe me when I tell you that EVERYONE can do well on the DAT with proper preparation. I don't say study harder and spend 20 hours a day studying. I say study SMARTER. Obviously, you have studied hard for your last tests. At this point, you need to sit down and analyze the problem. What circumstances have caused you to not get the score you wanted? Is it the test environment? Do you get stressed and freak out? Do you manage your time wisely? was it knowledge? Do you need to change your study strategy? These are all questions you need to ask yourself and figure it out. If you wanna give up thats your choice but don't do it because of the stupid DAT. Because that will chase you forever and make you feel unconfident and miserable.
Good luck!

 

[AllahIsGreater]

dude you are applying to the wrong schools.....WHY DID YOU NOT APPLY TO NYU??!?!?!?! If i were you SEND THEM YOUR APPLICATION RIGHT NOW.....Once you do that, private message me.....ill give you some tips on how to make your app stand out.....although ur DAT is low....maybe we can do something.

 

[minimee99]

dude you are applying to the wrong schools.....WHY DID YOU NOT APPLY TO NYU??!?!?!?! If i were you SEND THEM YOUR APPLICATION RIGHT NOW.....Once you do that, private message me.....ill give you some tips on how to make your app stand out.....although ur DAT is low....maybe we can do something.

PM'ed!

 

[dentalWorks]

Alright...
Heres the problem, you have a masters degree in a medically related field and you aren't breaking 20+ in biology....

My advice to you:
a) TAKE A BREAK FROM DAT / GPA / SCHOOL.... take 6 months off, or a year. Just forget about this test for the time being, I think your nervousness is getting the best of you.

b) when the time is right, you need to sit down, and rack more than 4-6 hours a day. Try to squeeze the entire DAT preparation in a 2 month period with 8-12 hrs a day. I don't usually advice people to take anti-anxiety medication, but it seems to me you'r getting anxiety about this test and its screwing up your test taking skills.

The ONLY thing between you and dental school is the DAT... are you gonna let it hold you back? (this is the mentality you should be in).

 

[minimee99]

Alright...
Heres the problem, you have a masters degree in a medically related field and you aren't breaking 20+ in biology....

My advice to you:
a) TAKE A BREAK FROM DAT / GPA / SCHOOL.... take 6 months off, or a year. Just forget about this test for the time being, I think your nervousness is getting the best of you.

b) when the time is right, you need to sit down, and rack more than 4-6 hours a day. Try to squeeze the entire DAT preparation in a 2 month period with 8-12 hrs a day. I don't usually advice people to take anti-anxiety medication, but it seems to me you'r getting anxiety about this test and its screwing up your test taking skills.

The ONLY thing between you and dental school is the DAT... are you gonna let it hold you back? (this is the mentality you should be in).

First off, will dental schools even consider my fourth attempt at the DAT if I choose to re-take?

When preparing for my third time, I felt super confident in myself as I was scoring in the mid-20's for each section on KBB and TopScore practice exams. Even went through DAT/Math Destroyer questions at least 2-3 times. The only material that I did not purchase and wish I did was Crack DAT PAT. On actual test day, I did not feel anxious but more confused as to what questions were being asked. I felt that I didn't have a moment to really think about the questions so I was rushed in choosing an answer. I'm not sure if there are different versions of the test but reading on SDN, it seems like some applicants perform well and others were caught blind sided due to difficult sections.

As for your advice with anti-anxiety meds, I've gone through and successfully graduated from several institutions without the use of such prescriptions. Grad school was the biggest test, if I was able to survive first year med school courses by passing very stressful exams without medication, I sure don't think I need any now.

I'm sure many applicants are in the same boat as me with low DAT scores but many great achievements with the rest of their application. So I guess to answer your question, Yes the DAT does stand in the way of being accepted into dental school. Let's face it some people are just not the greatest standardized test takers even if they follow a strict and dedicated study schedule. I'm not trying to make excuses for myself or anyone but it's the truth if your this type of individual. It truly does stink and I really wish that my end performance could be better in the real DAT. 🙁

 

[FeralisExtremum]

[YOUTUBE]lsSC2vx7zFQ[/YOUTUBE]

I really enjoyed this video, thanks for posting.