HELP and ADVICE PLZZZZZ

[Talib]

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Hello guys,
I am an international student from Iraq and I have been in the US since 2005. I started dentistry in the University of Baghdad/Iraq in 2002 and I had to leave my school before the start of the 3rd year because of the war situation. It was really unfortunate because I studied hard for it and I just lost everything in one day. I transferred to the University of Iowa and because of the differences in the education system I couldn’t just transfer to dental school and finish from the 3rd year hear. I had to do my undergrad in UI although what I took in dental school back home for 2 years got transferred toward my undergrad credits. Therefore I had to take 61 hrs in UI in order to get my BA. I finished with Honors in Biology and with a 3.33 Cumulative and 3.34 Science. I have many upper classes from dental school like histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and also some dental specific classes like dental anatomy, dental material and prsothodontics. I have volunteer hours at the hospital, short dental experience at a dental clinic, and work experience full time couple of months at a patient education institute. Also, I am a very active board member of UI Arab Students Association and I am thinking about starting the Iraqi Student Association next fall. I took DAT twice and here are my score:
1st time 2nd time:
PAT 18 20
QR 17 15
RC 18 20
Bio 16 17
OC 18 20
GC 16 19
AA 17 18
TS 17 19
I applied to around 45 dental schools twice in the last 4 years and I did not get a single interview. I decided to start the Masters of Public health program (MPH) at UI and I will be done with it in Spring 2010. I have 3.67 in MPH so far and I will be able to raise my GPA next fall hopefully (have three classes left and a practicum).
I got really depressed and frustrated last year from the applying process and not getting accepted anywhere and I was in a bad shape mentally and physically. The Stress took me down and I felt that I lost hope so I tried to be away from it for a while and to concentrate on the MPH program. I feel now that I am in a very good shape mentally and I am starting to study for DAT soon. I hope it will be my last time taking it because probably this will be my last time applying to dental schools.
I am starting to study on june 1st for 6 weeks and I will be taking the exam between july 15th-20th. I have been working on my sleeping schedule for the last 3 weeks and working out a lot to put me in a good mood. I counted on Kaplan before and I felt it was not good enough at all. I am buying Crack DAT the royal version, Topscorer, and DAT destroyer this time and planning about putting 8-10 hrs a day for 6 weeks.
I am working on my study plan for the next 2 days. Any advice about what schools to apply to, how to study for DAT, study strategies, resources, or anything would be greatly greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to share my story so you know the pressure I am under and get advice from you guys,
Thanks,
Talib

 

[nze82]

Talib, I'm sorry you had to leave everything behind in your country and move to US. It's very unfortunate.
Your 2nd set of DAT scores aren't high, but they're about average and I have seen people getting into dental school with those scores. Have you tried contacting some of the schools that have rejected you and ask them why they made that decision? Sometimes, if they're in a good mood, they can pull out your file and specifically tell you why the admission committee decided to reject you.
Something tells me the weak point of your application is not your DAT. I have a friend who has a situation similar to yours. He went to medical school in Iran. But he left after his 2nd year, and came here hoping to continue his education. For various reasons, people who have completed majority of their undergrad work in a foreign country have difficulties getting into the medical field in the US. Perhaps, US institutions don't accept credits completed in a foreign countries. It seems like they prefer you complete your entire undergrad work here in the US.
Honestly, if you've applied to 45 schools and you haven't received a single interview, you might wanna double check with those schools and find out what might be the reason. I can assure you, they're not all rejecting you because of average DAT scores. There must be something else at work.
Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming cycle, and I hope you get into the school of your choice this year.

 

[Lilliana]

your DAT if fine . just call them up to see whats going on. something is fishy. ask the reason and bug them till they tell you whats going on. ive seen people without B.S degree applied with your scores and got tons on interviews .
DONT GIVE UPPPPPP. u have come a long way and youll get there soon.
GOOD luck
Keep us posted

 

[zoralsurgeon]

As these members have already said...45 schools and NO interview? wow - I have friends that have gotten TONS of interviews with those scores - its not the DAT thats not letting you in....perhaps you could get a few letters of rec. from say...3-4-5 dentists?!?

 

[Kneecoal]

everything you mentioned seems like you should be at least getting SOME bites - it seems like the only thing you didn't mention was your personal statement - perhaps that needs some work?

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

I understand your frustration. It's sad you had to leave your country because of the war situation. But don't give up on your dream of becoming a dentist. just be patient and everything will turn out just right. i'm also starting to study for DAT for about 2 months. i searched alot on this forum and found that the best study matrials that worked for most people are these: kaplan blue book: (but don't rely too much on it...it only gives you the basics you need to know...but you need to practice a lot from other sources. they say kaplan is good for general chemistry and organic chemistry concepts), DAT destroyer: heard it was very good for the sciences. know it thoroughly. It's a bunch of questions that's very good practice for the sciences and math. Cliffs AP biology: a lot of people here say it was excellent for the biology section. Know it thoroughly. Topscore Pro: they say it's very good practice because it has 3 tests with a total of about 840 questions. it helps you with the timing issue and stamina. Crack DAT PAT: everyone saying it's the best source for the PAT setion.

These are the sources I will be using. DAT destroyer is very expensive, but you can search on this forum to see if someone will sell it to you for a cheaper price. That's what I did. You can borrow Kaplan blue book at a local library. You can buy Cliffs AP bio from amazon for a cheap price...around 8 dollars.

I dont know how you applied to 45 schools and didn't get into any of them. this is weird. contact the schools and see why you were rejected. also, maybe you were missing some parts of the application. make sure you apply early and have all parts of the application. also, try to see an advisor and tell them about your situation with applying...maybe they can help.

I hope this helps. Good luck studying!

 

[doc toothache]

Hello guys,
I finished with Honors in Biology and with a 3.33 Cumulative and 3.34
I applied to around 45 dental schools twice in the last 4 years and I did not get a single interview. I have 3.67 in MPH so far and I will be able to raise my GPA next fall hopefully (have three classes left and a practicum).
I got really depressed and frustrated last year from the applying process and not getting accepted anywhere and I was in a bad shape mentally and physically. T

You graduated with Honors in Bio with and the best you could do was 3.3 gpa and barely mean DAT score for bio and you are surprised at the outcome? Maybe it is time to re asses the "quo vadis".

 

[bruinbruin2009]

You graduated with Honors in Bio with and the best you could do was 3.3 gpa and barely mean DAT score for bio and you are surprised at the outcome? Maybe it is time to re asses the "quo vadis".

you should not have this attitude. Have some compassion mannnn

 

[nze82]

You graduated with Honors in Bio with and the best you could do was 3.3 gpa and barely mean DAT score for bio and you are surprised at the outcome? Maybe it is time to re asses the "quo vadis".

Is this how all dentists out there reply to a guy who is asking for help and advice or are you an exception? Just curious!
If you can't offer any help, the least you can do is to keep your attitude to yourself! I wish admission committees could focus more on one's personality and less on his/her DAT scores. But I guess if that was the case a person like you could never get admission into any school and end up calling himself a "Dentist."

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

if you don't have something helpful to say on this forum, and if you cannot control your attitude problems, and if you have zero compassion for people and their situations, then you shouldn't even be here on this forum. this guy seemed to have sufferred a lot and put up with a lot. if you dont have compassion and sympathy for others, i dont know what kind of dentist you'd make...maybe you're the one who should re assess your qualifications...

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

hey talib, make sure you apply as early as possible for the fall 2010 cycle. you said you will finish your MPH in spring 2010...i suggest you apply to dental school now and you can finish your MPH later. search online about dental schools, and their application procedures. the most important thing is to apply VERY EARLY!! Make sure you're applying the correct way through the AADSAS. make sure you have all the requirements...most schools want 3 recommendation letters from science professors, and a good personal statemetn. For fall 2010 cycle, the AADSAS application becomes available June 1. Try to have everything ready and send your application on June 1 or close to June 1. You can send your DAT scores later. Also, study well for the DAT. you said you will go for 6 weeks...make sure it's enought time to study well...know your stuff thoroughly. if 6 weeks isn't enough go for 2 months. (by the way, your curent DAT scores are not bad...they're average). for your personal statement, I suggest you write about your experience coming here and how you're determined about dentistry and how you stayed after your dream and persevered...also talk about your volunteer and work experiences in dental clinics. look onine on how to write a dentistry personal statement. also look on ADA website. just search online andyou will find many things. you're a very compassionate and determined person and i hope you reach your dreams. good luck with everything!! and tell us how things turn out.

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

hey talib, let us know how things go with you...best of luck!!!

 

[zoralsurgeon]

dude...this is not cool...

be a little considerate...he obviously doesnt have a first language of English...I am fluent in Spanish as a second language and I still bet you I would struggle taking classes in latin america...be a little nicer. Talib is a person, not some thing without a heart a soul; his sincerity would get him a dental spot over you if i was the judge...

You graduated with Honors in Bio with and the best you could do was 3.3 gpa and barely mean DAT score for bio and you are surprised at the outcome? Maybe it is time to re asses the "quo vadis".

 

[zoralsurgeon]

AMEN. this dude needs to get banned.

if you don't have something helpful to say on this forum, and if you cannot control your attitude problems, and if you have zero compassion for people and their situations, then you shouldn't even be here on this forum. this guy seemed to have sufferred a lot and put up with a lot. if you dont have compassion and sympathy for others, i dont know what kind of dentist you'd make...maybe you're the one who should re assess your qualifications...

 

[nze82]

AMEN. this dude needs to get banned.

I can't agree more! He needs to get banned!

 

[zoralsurgeon]

Talib,

If you need any help whatsoever, send me a private message. I know many dental professionals, perhaps we can get you in contact with one...based on your stats, you should be in dental school..best of luck - feel free to send me a message any time.

 

[doc toothache]

An opinion is an opinion is an opinion. There are apparently 45 ds that seem to be in agreement with the assessment and, unfortunately, theirs certainly counts. Of course, they could all be wrong.

 

[nze82]

An opinion is an opinion is an opinion. There are apparently 45 ds that seem to be in agreement with the assessment and, unfortunately, theirs certainly counts. Of course, they could all be wrong.

True! An opinion is an opinion. But there's a clear difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who is asking for your advice. If you can't state your opinions with the proper choice of words, I suggest you stop posting them on this forum, because as you can see no one appreciates them.

 

[jdpaul14]

Hey Talib,

I wish you the best of luck man! Don't stress out, just study the right amount everyday and review at night. 6 weeks is plenty of time and I know you can do it cause you've gone through much harder struggles than the stupid DAT. Make us proud and hope to see you in dental school! 🙂

Goodluck T!

 

[PooyaH]

True! An opinion is an opinion. But there's a clear difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who is asking for your advice. If you can't state your opinions with the proper choice of words, I suggest you stop posting them on this forum, because as you can see no one appreciates them.

👍

 

[doc toothache]

True! An opinion is an opinion. But there's a clear difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who is asking for your advice. If you can't state your opinions with the proper choice of words, I suggest you stop posting them on this forum, because as you can see no one appreciates them.

Five and counting, but hey who is keeping track?

 

[zoralsurgeon]

Five and counting, but hey who is keeping track?

Look - as a future colleague...All i can ask is that you represent yourself with a little more respect...and treat others with it while you're at it. If you can do this, I promise you - in a decade, you won't regret it.

 

[HalfMan]

Talib,

Do what the posters above have stated and contact as many schools as you possibly can. More then likely it is the transfer credits from dental schools to undergrad that might be holding you back. But we will never know unless you contact the schools. Take care and report back with your findings. Don’t worry about not getting into dental schools, you have come so far and you cannot give up now. Just make sure you have all the requirements before you apply again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Don't worry about "toothache's" opinion. He posted information from ADEA handbook and suddenly became a pseudo-advisor for pre-dental students! LOL

I don’t post around SDN a lot, I usually just read the articles on the homepage but I had to reply to this thread. Lastly, just ignore the guy.

 

[Talib]

Hey friend, I talked to some schools but none of them gave me something useful. UI told that ur GPA is not really high which is kinda ok but u have to work on DAT scores and specifically TS. I improved it by 2 points which I know is not that good 2. I think the fact that I am an international student is playin a role here because they choose us from a different pool of applicants. 2 years ago out of 1200 applicants, they accepted 56/120 residents and 24/~1200 nonresidents and internationals. 59 hrs got transferred and as I know most school want 60 hrs done here in the US. Thanks a lot for your post and I will start contacting them next week. I am just afraid that they don't have my file anymore since last I applied was in 2007.

 

[Talib]

Hey friend, I talked to some schools but none of them gave me something useful. UI told that ur GPA is not really high which is kinda ok but u have to work on DAT scores and specifically TS. I improved it by 2 points which I know is not that good 2. I think the fact that I am an international student is playin a role here because they choose us from a different pool of applicants. 2 years ago out of 1200 applicants, they accepted 56/120 residents and 24/~1200 nonresidents and internationals. 59 hrs got transferred and as I know most school want 60 hrs done here in the US. Thanks a lot for your post and I will start contacting them next week. I am just afraid that they don’t have my file anymore since last I applied was in 2007.

 

[Talib]

Talib, I'm sorry you had to leave everything behind in your country and move to US. It's very unfortunate.
Your 2nd set of DAT scores aren't high, but they're about average and I have seen people getting into dental school with those scores. Have you tried contacting some of the schools that have rejected you and ask them why they made that decision? Sometimes, if they're in a good mood, they can pull out your file and specifically tell you why the admission committee decided to reject you.
Something tells me the weak point of your application is not your DAT. I have a friend who has a situation similar to yours. He went to medical school in Iran. But he left after his 2nd year, and came here hoping to continue his education. For various reasons, people who have completed majority of their undergrad work in a foreign country have difficulties getting into the medical field in the US. Perhaps, US institutions don't accept credits completed in a foreign countries. It seems like they prefer you complete your entire undergrad work here in the US.
Honestly, if you've applied to 45 schools and you haven't received a single interview, you might wanna double check with those schools and find out what might be the reason. I can assure you, they're not all rejecting you because of average DAT scores. There must be something else at work.
Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming cycle, and I hope you get into the school of your choice this year.

Hey friend, I talked to some schools but none of them gave me something useful. UI told that ur GPA is not really high which is kinda ok but u have to work on DAT scores and specifically TS. I improved it by 2 points which I know is not that good 2. I think the fact that I am an international student is playin a role here because they choose us from a different pool of applicants. 2 years ago out of 1200 applicants, they accepted 56/120 residents and 24/~1200 nonresidents and internationals. 59 hrs got transferred and as I know most school want 60 hrs done here in the US. Thanks a lot for your post and I will start contacting them next week. I am just afraid that they don’t have my file anymore since last I applied was in 2007.

 

[Talib]

your DAT if fine . just call them up to see whats going on. something is fishy. ask the reason and bug them till they tell you whats going on. ive seen people without B.S degree applied with your scores and got tons on interviews .
DONT GIVE UPPPPPP. u have come a long way and youll get there soon.
GOOD luck
Keep us posted

Thank you Lilli, I always though my DAT scores are fine but I now i need to improve because it is the one of the only thing that i can change in my application. I really wish if i know wuts wrong with my application so I can work on. I will contact the schools and hopefully ill learn something useful. i almost gave up last year but i came back and i feel i am more determined than before. hopefully it will work out.
Thank you again

 

[Talib]

As these members have already said...45 schools and NO interview? wow - I have friends that have gotten TONS of interviews with those scores - its not the DAT thats not letting you in....perhaps you could get a few letters of rec. from say...3-4-5 dentists?!?

ye buddy 22 the first year and 23 the second year and got nothin. I am tryin to get a volunteer or shadowing opportunity with a dentist n hopefully ill get one soon.

 

[Talib]

everything you mentioned seems like you should be at least getting SOME bites - it seems like the only thing you didn't mention was your personal statement - perhaps that needs some work?

I felt that my ps is good and i wrote it with the help of the writing center and couple of my friends who are really good at writing. I am changing as u said this time since ive been in MPH and doin some extracurricular activities for the last year.

 

[Talib]

I understand your frustration. It's sad you had to leave your country because of the war situation. But don't give up on your dream of becoming a dentist. just be patient and everything will turn out just right. i'm also starting to study for DAT for about 2 months. i searched alot on this forum and found that the best study matrials that worked for most people are these: kaplan blue book: (but don't rely too much on it...it only gives you the basics you need to know...but you need to practice a lot from other sources. they say kaplan is good for general chemistry and organic chemistry concepts), DAT destroyer: heard it was very good for the sciences. know it thoroughly. It's a bunch of questions that's very good practice for the sciences and math. Cliffs AP biology: a lot of people here say it was excellent for the biology section. Know it thoroughly. Topscore Pro: they say it's very good practice because it has 3 tests with a total of about 840 questions. it helps you with the timing issue and stamina. Crack DAT PAT: everyone saying it's the best source for the PAT setion.

These are the sources I will be using. DAT destroyer is very expensive, but you can search on this forum to see if someone will sell it to you for a cheaper price. That's what I did. You can borrow Kaplan blue book at a local library. You can buy Cliffs AP bio from amazon for a cheap price...around 8 dollars.

I dont know how you applied to 45 schools and didn't get into any of them. this is weird. contact the schools and see why you were rejected. also, maybe you were missing some parts of the application. make sure you apply early and have all parts of the application. also, try to see an advisor and tell them about your situation with applying...maybe they can help.

I hope this helps. Good luck studying!

Thanks my friend, I have Kaplan BB and I just got DAT destroyer. I am ordering CrackDAT the royal version that has PAT, Math and Science, Topscore Pro. I will check the Cliffs AP bio it is cheap and from wut u said it is worth getting. The earlier I can apply is end of June because I need to work on my application and get some stuff done before. I scheduled yesterday an app. With my predental advisor for next week and ill c how that goes. Thank you again and good luck 2 u 2 studyin

 

[Talib]

You graduated with Honors in Bio with and the best you could do was 3.3 gpa and barely mean DAT score for bio and you are surprised at the outcome? Maybe it is time to re asses the "quo vadis".

I thought about wut u said my friend and i know it is not the case and your are wrong. I am always on top of my class back home. I finished second in my elementary school. In Iraq for high schools we have different system ,when you take 8 exams for 8 subject in the last year of high school and depending on your average in these exams you get accepted into colleges. My father died 2 weeks before my 2 months study period and I still managed to score 97/100 which is the 97th percentile since the entire country take the same exam. I started dental school in october 2002 and in March 2003 the war started. I stayed for a year and a half after the start of the war trying to finish dentistry but I could not stay any longer. I was held at a gunpoin, got threats of being kidnapped and killed so I had to leave because it came to life or death. I came here in 2005 and I am 20 years old and English is not my first language. My entire life changed in one day, new system, language, culture, people, and new environment. I was embarressed bc of my lang. and couldn't hold up a convo for 5 mins because of that. I worked harder to learn the language. Within 2 years i finished my BA in bio with honors with 3.33 and I scored 17 which is the national average and I am not a citizin of this country. I did not get accepted so i decided to start the MPH and I have 3.66 in it so far. This program requires so much writing and I would rather take DAT exam each week than writing a paper with couple of pages and I am still doing well so far. SO YE may be I am not the perfect student with a 5.00/4.00 GPA and with 35/30 DAT score but I will always be proud of my accomlishments even though they might not be good enough for people like you and for dental schools. I put tears and blood in those last seven years and i ve seen things you only see in the movies and i am still standing on my feet trying to finish wut i started in 2002. if you do not have respect for wut people post then i am asking you nicely not to post. each single person here has a story to tell in a way or another and we should all respcet each others stories.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

Talib - as aforementioned, I can tell you are a strong person at heart. You have had to deal with so much, and I can speak on behalf of many Americans...we often take our lifestyles for granted. I know how difficult it must be for you to force yourself into another culture, another language...like I said, I'm fluent in Spanish as a 2nd language but when I travel to Latin America I don't feel as though I'm "accepted" and ... I have a variety of close friends from many countries in Africa, and they share similar types of adversity as you ... But, once again, I have no doubt in my mind that you will get accepted in a Dental school in the USA eventually. You've come this far - and I am telling you, you will be confronted with many people like "toothache", but the satisfaction in overcoming your adversity and proving these people you are better than they think is really a great feeling....and most of all, I have NO doubt in my mind that you can do it. But be sure to thank your God when its all said and done! You are in America now, live the "American Dream", and don't let anyone get in the way of the path you are going down!

 

[iwannabadentist]

Hey there,
First off, props to you for still staying headstrong after all that you have suffered in your life. I think that a lot of us who live sheltered lives take so much for granted, we tend to forget how much people elsewhere in the world have to suffer just to get by in their everyday lives.
Getting to the main point here, contrary to what everyone says, I feel that your DAT is actually pretty low. If you were a US resident, your scores would be considered average, and only a certain schools would call you for interviews. The fact that you are an international student requires you to have scores that are much above average. Also, even though QR is the least important section to many schools, i think a 15 is a giant red flag nonetheless. Couple your minor DAT issues with your slightly lower than average undergraduate GPA and your biggest obstacle - non residency - and you are basically in a ditch at this point.
I do not mean to discourage you at all, but if you can pull of a really good semester in yor MPH, your GPA might be taken care of. Now, to offset your international issue, your still need to improve your DAT scores. AT THE VERY LEAST, a 20+ on each section. How should you do this? First of all, clear your mind. Whats happened in the past is done, and you can't change it. You have one more try, and all you have to do is give it your BEST effort. Search around this forum and ask people who have done fairly well on the DAT what their study strategies are - and if they have worked for a majority of people, chances are they will work for you. Apart from a few jerkoffs, I'm sure everyone on this forum is willing to offer a helping hand to anyone in need!
Also, based on yor RC scores, English does not seem like too much of a problem for you even though you are an international student - which is a big deal for a lot of international students, so you should consider yorself lucky here!
Apart from all this, like you said, go out and look for some great volunteering and community service opportunities, and above all, keep your head high! You have come so far, and overcome so much in your life already - this should be a piece of cake man! I truly wish you the best of luck in your endeavours! 👍

 

[NyCzPeter]

Don't worry about doc toothache. Hes just a hard@$$ by nature. It'll take more than a pot of gold to make that guy happy

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

Thanks my friend, I have Kaplan BB and I just got DAT destroyer. I am ordering CrackDAT the royal version that has PAT, Math and Science, Topscore Pro. I will check the Cliffs AP bio it is cheap and from wut u said it is worth getting. The earlier I can apply is end of June because I need to work on my application and get some stuff done before. I scheduled yesterday an app. With my predental advisor for next week and ill c how that goes. Thank you again and good luck 2 u 2 studyin

hey talib, from what people say the crack DAT sciences are not very representative of DAT sciences. but they say it's very good for PAT and math. they also say destroyer is very good for math along with topscore to help with timing issue. you dont have to go with my opinion, but i think crack dat royal version is too expensive and its sciences are not representative of DAT (according to ppl here) and the king or ace version are better if you need only PAT practice. some say crack dat math is very good. for the sciences, they say cliffs ap bio is best for bio, destroyer very good for all sciences especially orgo...for gen chem, they say kaplan, topscore, destroyer. i'm about to start studying tomorrow so this is what i'll be doing: start with kaplan, know it very well, then cliffs ap bio and know that very well, then destroyer to test my knowledge so far, then topscore, and then CDP. you need to go over these books a few times, not just once, in order to be expert on those topics and problems. so try to give yourself time...it's better to take DAT a little later and get better scores than rushing to take it soon and not do very well in my opinion. i'm probably taking it around early August maybe the 10th...to get myself two full months. all of this is only my opinion according to reading a lot of SDN posts. best of luck with your studying. never lost confidence or hope, and pace yourself with math section...timing is your biggest enemy on this section. good luck!!

 

[doc toothache]

I thought about wut u said my friend and i know it is not the case and your are wrong. I am always on top of my class back home. I finished second in my elementary school.. Within 2 years i finished my BA in bio with honors with 3.33 and I scored 17 which is the national average and I am not a citizin of this country. I did not get accepted so i decided to start the MPH and I have 3.66 in it so far…. SO YE may be I am not the perfect student with a 5.00/4.00 GPA and with 35/30 DAT score but I will always be proud of my accomlishments even though they might not be good enough for people like you and for dental schools. I put tears and blood in those last seven years and i ve seen things you only see in the movies and i am still standing on my feet trying to finish wut i started in 2002. if you do not have respect for wut people post then i am asking you nicely not to post. each single person here has a story to tell in a way or another and we should all respcet each others stories.

Your story is tragic and no one should have to endure what you have. The writing, however, seems to infer that a melodramatic life equates to an automatic entitlement. Last year, of the roughly 8K applicants that were not accepted to a ds it is quite likely that they all had a story to tell, alas, not as dramatic as yours. Such a background may serve to get one noticed but it does not translate into an acceptance. No one will argue that you were not a model student in Iraq. However, what matters now is how competitive you are vis a vis the remaining pool of applicants. Claiming honors is not particularly impressive considering the fact that at some institution the requirement is 3.2 and, more importantly, there are only 5 schools with mean gpa under 3.4 overall and 9 with gpa below 3.4 for science. Equally unimpressive are mean dat scores of 17 where we have 4 with mean scores of 17 and below for enrollees. Ds adcoms have the responsibility of deciding whether an applicant is qualified/competitive and whether or not he/she has what it takes to make it through ds. Like it or not, by your admission, there is a record of 45 consecutive unequivocal agreements on the answer to that question. There is no doubt that, given your background, you will eventually gain acceptance to a US ds. However, throwing physical and mental tantrum is not exactly going to help and claiming indifference to how you are being perceived by ds might believable were it not for the claim of mental and physical anguish resulting from the unsuccessful attempts to gain admission.
Unless and until you resolve your legal status in the US, you will remain hamstrung considering the fact that there is a limit on the number of international students accepted. Do, however, keep in mind that there is a large contingent of foreign trained professional with permanent resident/citizen status in the US who after years of trying have still not managed to convert their credentials into acceptable results that would allow them to continue their lives in the profession they once enjoyed.

The fan club may bring some comfort by a spike in the level of endorphins, but it also brings to the forefront the degree of intolerance against anyone who does not agree with their opinion. Those who feel slighted usually call for banishment, impeachment and whatever other punishment that suits the occasion, an ironic twist in the land of freedom of speech/expression. To say the least, it is erroneous to equate an unflattering assessment of probability of acceptance of a prospective applicant with lack of respect.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=619685
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602109

 

[nze82]

Dear lord, Toothache has decided to honor us all by making a statement again! Hey guys, is there any way I could block his posts, so I don't even see them? That would be awesome!
Toothache, where did you go to school bro? I wanna know, so I won't ever apply there!!

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

^^^I agree! lol at doc toothache..it's very clear NO ONE wants you here man. i'm glad your not an adcom...oh lord, i can't even imagine what that would be like🙁. seriously, what ds do you go to? i'll be sure to not appy there.

Seriously man, you have no respect whatsoever for others who are different than you. I see a slight racism in your tone.... plus, we are all for freedom of speech...but as nze82 said, there's a difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who needs your advice and help. plus, you can state your opinion by the right choice of words that won't hurt a person's feelings.

doc toothache, put yourself in another person's shoes before opening your mouth and start bashing someone.

 

[dentisttobeDMD]

ye buddy 22 the first year and 23 the second year and got nothin. I am tryin to get a volunteer or shadowing opportunity with a dentist n hopefully ill get one soon.

hey talib, for a shadowing opportunity, you can do what i did. I started calling up random dentists in my area and finally one agreed to let me shadow him. dont give up...it took me A LOT of dentists to contact before one finally agreed. best of luck man!! i'm VERY confident that you will get in a school this cycle and a good school too. i'm sure many schools would be honored to take you when they hear your story. dental schools and medical schools are not just about numbers...GPAs and DATs. yes they are very important, but a compassionate and sincere doctor is more than a bunch of numbers. i know a some people with extremely high GPAs and MCATS and didn't get accepted to medical school...their intervieweres said they dont have the right personality. talib, i'm sure you have the right personality for any health care professional. dont lose hope and never give up! you worked hard and you deserve it man 🙂.

 

[bbwreckerz04]

The reason you're most likely not getting any interview is due to the fact that you're an international student. There aren't not many seats to start with for international students, when they compare your stats they don't compare with other applicants but to other internationals. From my experience at NYU international students that apply have very high credentials and it is they who you are competing with. What I suggest is for you to call the school as some schools do not even accept out of staters much less internationals, doing this will save you money during the application process. Grade wise if you know how to conduct yourself you can get in to some schools as I had a 3.1, albeit a 40 mcat and having attended NYU undergrad. I'm switching to dental next year pending my DAT scores. Can you apply for permanent resident or citizenship, that would really help your chances.

 

[doc toothache]

Dear lord, Toothache has decided to honor us all by making a statement again! Hey guys, is there any way I could block his posts, so I don't even see them? That would be awesome!
Toothache, where did you go to school bro? I wanna know, so I won't ever apply there!!

In need of a high tech gizmo to ward off the evil spirits/writing?

Seriously man, you have no respect whatsoever for others who are different than you. I see a slight racism in your tone.... plus, we are all for freedom of speech...but as nze82 said, there's a difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who needs your advice and help. plus, you can state your opinion by the right choice of words that won't hurt a person's feelings.

To qualify, speech and writing need to be scripted.
Sounds like the optics are in need of a major overhaul.

 

[predentn]

Dear lord, Toothache has decided to honor us all by making a statement again! Hey guys, is there any way I could block his posts, so I don't even see them? That would be awesome!
Toothache, where did you go to school bro? I wanna know, so I won't ever apply there!!

^^^I agree! lol at doc toothache..it's very clear NO ONE wants you here man. i'm glad your not an adcom...oh lord, i can't even imagine what that would be like🙁. seriously, what ds do you go to? i'll be sure to not appy there.

Seriously man, you have no respect whatsoever for others who are different than you. I see a slight racism in your tone.... plus, we are all for freedom of speech...but as nze82 said, there's a difference between stating your opinion and bashing someone who needs your advice and help. plus, you can state your opinion by the right choice of words that won't hurt a person's feelings.

doc toothache, put yourself in another person's shoes before opening your mouth and start bashing someone. 06-01-2009 07:49 PM

 

[doc toothache]

👍
Fit to a T.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

Okay...so Doc Toothache - I want to make it clear up front that I respect your stance and your views. Your most recent post does indeed prove to be valid - as the stats are real. However, I want to note that by discouraging someone from doing something that is their passion - in another language than they were brought up, is not your place or my place. I think that some of the words expressed in this forum's discussion were not necessary. Give Talib a break - he had to leave his country, LEAVE DENTAL SCHOOL, ALL BECAUSE OF A WAR THAT THE UNITED STATES STARTED, and quote me on this one, FOR NO REASON (WMD? Say what??) - wait, maybe to make Bush and Cheney some extra cash... Aside from that, If I was Talib, I'd be so hurt emotionally, psychologically, and mentally that I could NEVER consider the thought to "KEEP GOING"...and he is on the verge of completing MORE than he had ever dreamed of...Talib deserves EVERYONE'S respect (as does each of us). So I'd suggest you give him some too.

Talib - go for it. Contrary to what SOME PEOPLE believe, YOU CAN DO IT! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF LIKE YOU'VE DONE ALL ALONG.

 

[doc toothache]

Okay...so Doc Toothache - I want to make it clear up front that I respect your stance and your views. Your most recent post does indeed prove to be valid - as the stats are real.

That must explain your previous post or this your version of how respect is demonstrated?

AMEN. this dude needs to get banned.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

05-29-2009 06:18 PMdoc toothacheAn opinion is an opinion is an opinion...

My opinion of thinking you need to get banned still stands my friend. I have utmost respect for you, but that does not mean I condone your behavior. You need to learn the common concept of "EMPATHY" ... And when you figure out what that means, say a Prayer ... best of luck in all that you do. All I ask is that we all please be more considerate toward others... Tiene una buena noche, mi amigo. Vaya con Dios...

 

[Sublimation]

 

[doc toothache]

My opinion of thinking you need to get banned still stands my friend. I have utmost respect for you, but that does not mean I condone your behavior. You need to learn the common concept of "EMPATHY" ... And when you figure out what that means, say a Prayer ... best of luck in all that you do. All I ask is that we all please be more considerate toward others... Tiene una buena noche, mi amigo. Vaya con Dios...

If the critical assessment of one's work sends you into outer orbit, good luck in ds.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

If the critical assessment of one's work sends you into outer orbit, good luck in ds.

haha! Dude! The critical assessment of one's work most certainly does not send me into outer orbit; What does send me into outer orbit is the outright disrespect that people give others who have gone through more in 2 years of their life than you may EVER go through...Sympathize, Empathize...And most importantly, try your hardest to remember that the world does not revolve around you. Oh, and thanks for the good luck in DS...

 

[doc toothache]

haha! Dude! The critical assessment of one's work most certainly does not send me into outer orbit; What does send me into outer orbit is the outright disrespect that people give others who have gone through more in 2 years of their life than you may EVER go through...Sympathize, Empathize...And most importantly, try your hardest to remember that the world does not revolve around you. Oh, and thanks for the good luck in DS...

You could be wrong. But then, enough time wasted on this topic.