Help a probable reapplicant

[MolarBear_]

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Hi,

It's looking like I will have to reapply this summer, but I'm just not sure my application will be different enough. I got 5 interviews, currently on 2 waitlists. The only thing I can think of is to shadow a few more dentists, do more volunteering, and rewrite my PS. I would really like to avoid doing a master's..not trying to add another $50k to an already overwhelming dental tuition. I've taken about 35 science units after undergrad at a CC as a kind of informal post-bacc. My stats are below. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

- 3.17 cGPA, 3.08 sGPA
> About half of credits are from community college
- 23 AA, 24 TS, 26 OC, 23 GC, 25 Bio, 20 RC, 21 QR, 21 PAT
- 100 hours shadowing one general dentist
- 250 hours volunteering in a medical office
- 1.5 years (so far) working as a lab assistant in a pathology lab (requires manual dexterity)
- 100 hours working as a science tutor
- 3 months working as an EMT
- 1 year working in computer support
- B.S. from a University of California in 2012 (CA resident)

 

[577455]

I would try and switch from volunteering at a medical office to volunteering in something dental related. It looks like you only have 100 hours of dental experience.

With that said, you've landed 5 interviews so some schools were interested. The second thing I would work on would be my interview skills.

 

[Flemish]

Going to ditto what iono said and put additional emphasis on interview skills. If you got five, your résumé is already impressive as is.

 

[toothdoctor123]

So if you got two waitlists after five interviews, are you telling us that you got three rejections after interview? That's a really bad sign. Why do you think this happened?

 

[nice_guy1]

Some schools waitlist all their applicants that are not accepted, other schools reject applicants because of low stats regardless of how well they do in their interview. If he had high stats and was rejected then there was probably something wrong with his interview. I dont think you can neccessary blame it on a weak interviews for those three rejections.

 

[nice_guy1]

Op, we are on the same boat. I think the only option left for the both of us is a master. if it come down to that, then like shark tank, im out.

 

[toothdoctor123]

Some schools waitlist all their applicants that are not accepted, other schools reject applicants because of low stats regardless of how well they do in their interview. If he had high stats and was rejected then there was probably something wrong with his interview. I dont think you can neccessary blame it on a weak interviews for those three rejections.

No; that is absolutely false. Schools don't randomly interview applicants and then auto-reject them without considering how the interviews went. They only invite applicants to interview if their stats are high enough to be considered by the admissions committees.

 

[nice_guy1]

No; that is absolutely false. Schools don't randomly interview applicants and then auto-reject them without considering how the interviews went. They only invite applicants to interview if their stats are high enough to be considered by the admissions committees.

The interview do play a role, but not as big as you think. most of the schools i interviewed at told me the interview play a small part, but they look at the whole picture. they grade each interview, then look at all the stats/lor/ec before they make the decision. do you believe once you received an interview, all applicants are on a even playing field? There a reason why people with multiples acceptance are usually the one of the high stats. that is just from my experience, and what the adcom at the schools i interviewed told me. i just take their word for it.

 

[toothdoctor123]

The interview do play a role, but not as big as you think. most of the schools i interviewed at told me the interview play a small part, but they look at the whole picture. they grade each interview, then look at all the stats/lor/ec before they make the decision.

Yes, that's true, but that's very different than what you wrote in your previous post. You just said that an admissions committee would interview someone whom they would automatically reject based on stats regardless of their performance on the interview. That's not true at all, nor does that make any sense. Why would they waste their time interviewing someone if they already know they will reject them? How do you think they decide whom to invite to interview in the first place?

 

[nice_guy1]

Yes, that's true, but that's very different than what you wrote in your previous post. You just said that an admissions committee would interview someone whom they would automatically reject based on stats regardless of their performance on the interview. That's not true at all, nor does that make any sense. Why would they waste their time interviewing someone if they already know they will reject them? How do you think they decide whom to invite to interview in the first place?

From what i'm told, they have somebody on adcom select applicants to be interview. it not always the person with the best stats, but maybe some part of your application stand out to that particular person screening your application. once you are invited for the interview, you can have a great interview with your interviewers or however the school conduct their interview. those two interviewers could really love your intangible, but they only count as two votes. the other adcoms did not get a chance to interview you, so they can only look at your stats/lor/ec. if your stats/lor/ec are deem too low or weak in their eyes, they can still reject you even though you had a great interview. hence, rejection does not necessary mean having a bad interview.

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

From what i'm told, they have somebody on adcom select applicants to be interview. adcom don't take a vote on who they interview. it not always the person with the best stats, but maybe some part of your application stand out to that particular person screening your application. once you are invited for the interview, you can have a great interview with your interviewers or however the school conduct their interview. those two interviewers could really love your intangible, but they only count as two votes. the other adcoms did not get a chance to interview you, so they can only look at your stats/lor/ec. if your stats/lor/ec are deem too low or weak in their eyes, they can still reject you even though you had a great interview. hence, rejection does not necessary mean having a bad interview.

this is very true. it happened to me and I met with the school who rejected me after the interview the other day. They said my application was appealing enough to invite me for an interview, but once the whole committee got together to vote on who to accept, my lower academic stats weren't appealing. Obviously, they were okay enough to get an interview, but when comparing with other students it just wasn't enough. It REALLY sucks hearing that so next cycle I have to stand out more I guess and explain why I had some rough semesters (life issues I dealt with, personal struggles)

 

[577455]

If you've landed an interview the school is interested in you and is seriously considering offering you a seat. On interview day, you must impress every single person you meet. Adcom, staff, faculty are always watching you for the slightest negative signs. The importance of an interview and interview skills shouldn't be understated.

My stats are about the same as OP's. I had 6 interviews. I ended up with 4 acceptances and 2 waitlists.

OP had 5 interviews but no acceptances. I'm confident that if OP were better at presenting himself in person he would have at least 1 acceptance out of 5.

To OP- get more dental experience so you have more material to talk about during your interviews. Practice interviewing and apply early. Good luck.

 

[577455]

From what i'm told, they have somebody on adcom select applicants to be interview. it not always the person with the best stats, but maybe some part of your application stand out to that particular person screening your application. once you are invited for the interview, you can have a great interview with your interviewers or however the school conduct their interview. those two interviewers could really love your intangible, but they only count as two votes. the other adcoms did not get a chance to interview you, so they can only look at your stats/lor/ec. if your stats/lor/ec are deem too low or weak in their eyes, they can still reject you even though you had a great interview. hence, rejection does not necessary mean having a bad interview.

A rejection from a single interview may not be the result of a bad interview. But 0 acceptances from 5 or 6 interviews is telling.

 

[nice_guy1]

A rejection from a single interview may not be the result of a bad interview. But 0 acceptances from 5 or 6 interviews is telling.

could be, who really know except for adcom.

 

[toothdoctor123]

once you are invited for the interview, you can have a great interview with your interviewers or however the school conduct their interview. those two interviewers could really love your intangible, but they only count as two votes. the other adcoms did not get a chance to interview you, so they can only look at your stats/lor/ec. if your stats/lor/ec are deem too low or weak in their eyes, they can still reject you even though you had a great interview. hence, rejection does not necessary mean having a bad interview.

You're still not getting it. That's not how admissions committees work. I know different schools do this different ways, have point systems, etc., but the interviewers certainly inform the rest of the committee, in one way or another, how your interview went. Then, each member votes based on your overall application.

If what you're saying--that the majority of an admissions committee votes without considering your interview--is true, then it would be an outrage.

 

[Cali20002]

If you're getting interviews and not acceptances, you could probably brush up your interview skills. That being said, sometimes you may not fit with every school and it's not your fault.

 

[Queen Beach]

That person is not capable of becoming a dentist that's why he/she doesn't get it.

https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/quitting-dentistry.1246181/

You're still not getting it. That's not how admissions committees work. I know different schools do this different ways, have point systems, etc., but the interviewers certainly inform the rest of the committee, in one way or another, how your interview went. Then, each member votes based on your overall application.

If what you're saying--that the majority of an admissions committee votes without considering your interview--is true, then it would be an outrage.

 

[nice_guy1]

maybe i words it wrong, but what i want to say is that a great interview will not guarantee you an acceptance. they can still reject you with a great interview if your stats are too low.

 

[nice_guy1]

That person is not capable of becoming a dentist that's why he/she doesn't get it.

you're are correct my friend. i am pretty dumb haha.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Users are reminded that the TOS specifies that you are to be kind and helpful. Like Mom says, " if you can't say anything nice..."

 

[Queen Beach]

Haha. You are not dumb, my friend. First of all, I don't think it's healthy to talk about oneself in such a way. I am sure if you focus on your strengths that you'll be successful, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavours.

you're are correct my friend. i am pretty dumb haha.

 

[MolarBear_]

I would try and switch from volunteering at a medical office to volunteering in something dental related. It looks like you only have 100 hours of dental experience.

With that said, you've landed 5 interviews so some schools were interested. The second thing I would work on would be my interview skills.

Thank you for offering actual advice. I am a pretty quiet and humble person, so I do have difficulty talking myself up. I thought my interviews went pretty well, although they may have come off as too rehearsed. I hate to think that schools are intentionally targeting an extroverted personality. If so, there's no way I'm getting in. You don't think a master's is necessary?


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[periopocket]

Thank you for offering actual advice. I am a pretty quiet and humble person, so I do have difficulty talking myself up. I thought my interviews went pretty well, although they may have come off as too rehearsed. I hate to think that schools are intentionally targeting an extroverted personality. If so, there's no way I'm getting in. You don't think a master's is necessary?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Dude if you can move your overal/science gpa up to a 3.3 that paired with your already sick DAT will open mad doors for you!

 

[577455]

Thank you for offering actual advice. I am a pretty quiet and humble person, so I do have difficulty talking myself up. I thought my interviews went pretty well, although they may have come off as too rehearsed. I hate to think that schools are intentionally targeting an extroverted personality. If so, there's no way I'm getting in. You don't think a master's is necessary?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Unfortunately I believe extroverts do have an easier time. But like you, I would definitely be an introvert. For a few hours... I faked it. I've worked with a lot of D4s many of them having interviewed applicants in the past. They advised me to project happiness, intelligence, and confidence.

From my experience, a D4 who enters the room and is quiet or reserved results in the patient not trusting them. Even D4s who were quiet when not with a patient were able to fake it for a few mins when meeting them. One of the dentists I work with is extremely reserved but when he deals with pts he completely changes. I know he's just acting and hes not really that happy to treat these people but it's part of the job. Remember, many times you only have 5 mins to convince the patient that you are trustworthy enough to allow you to put a drill/blade in their mouth. This takes some acting skills. This is an important skill to have as a dentist, Adcoms are looking for it.

To avoid sounding rehearsed, I had a collection of stories in my head that I would use for different purposes. For example I was asked: "What do you dislike about dentistry?" I told the story of how I treated an elderly lady who couldn't afford the care and how I could relate to her and how something must be done to increase access to care. Answering with stories is more conversational/natural and will make you more believable rather than just saying "I don't like when people can't afford care".

Another tip, watch a few dental school white coat/graduation speeches on YouTube. A few of the things they say sound really good and might be useful for you. For example I was asked: "How would you define a professional?" I answered "a professional is someone who puts the interests of those he serves above his own". (Interviewer complemented the answer). I actually got that from a watching a Harvard white coat ceremony lol.

Anyways...interviews can be prepared for. Just remember that for a few hours on interview day, you must convince everyone around you (not just the interviewers) that you are intelligent, can work with people, and are happy.

In regards to a master's, I believe that given the 5 interviews you've recieved, schools have decided that on paper you have met the academic credentials required to be admitted to dental school.

 

[Chuckycheese124]

I am on waitlist for 6 schools. my application is strong because i received interviews from all the school that i applied. I am introvert as well and I am not sure if i will be able to change myself. I believe I did well in my interviews and I was genuinely happy during interview. Schools value interview performance only when giving admission as 8 schools apparently did not like me in person. I am quitting my dream of becoming a dentist.