Help me choose schools

[boomshakalaka1]

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Hi, I'm a fellow Canadian and I am trying to shorten out my list of schools to apply to because of the costs. I do have other schools but these are the ones that I am having an extremely hard time debating whether or not I should apply to. I'm really at a loss so please help if you can!!!!!

Indiana University
Louisville
Maryland
Michigan
Columbia
Buffalo
Pittsburgh
Temple

 

[omnipoDent]

What are your stats? Knowing your stats will help with eliminating some of the schools.👍

 

[boomshakalaka1]

What are your stats? Knowing your stats will help with eliminating some of the schools.👍

Thanks for the response! My stats are:

Overall GPA 3.701 (EDITED)
Science (w/oBCP) 3.600
BCP 3.704 (EDITED)
Non-science 3.762
BCP + Science 3.688 (EDITED)

My DAT scores are 20AA, 20BIO, 19CHEM, 19TS, 22RC, 17PA

Also I just graduated so I do have a bachelor of science.

 

[boomshakalaka1]

Congrats on getting into Tufts btw! That is one of my top schools, but last cycle = no canadians sadly.

 

[omnipoDent]

Congrats on getting into Tufts btw! That is one of my top schools, but last cycle = no canadians sadly.

Thank you. Yeah, I noticed Tufts seems to not be very canadian friendly. I'm not sure why it is that way, but you're always welcome to give it a shot.

As for your list, I've attached the statistical averages for 2011.

View attachment 19435

While you're above Indiana's numbers, they're selective with the few spots for OOS students. I would remove it from your list, as your stats are not such where I think you would be able to overcome being international.

Your stats are below Columbia's averages, so I would suggest removing them as well.

I believe you will also have trouble with Maryland, as you're right on/below some of their numbers.

Obviously, these are just averages.The admission process can be unpredictable.

I would suggest removing Indiana and Columbia, and maybe Maryland, but the rest may be worth applying. The thing is you just never know. I believe I've seen canadian applicants with your scores getting into pitt and temple. I would look at www.predents.com to see if that gives any clue as to the amount of canadian applicants that got accepted to each on there.

Best of luck.👍

 

[boomshakalaka1]

Thank you. Yeah, I noticed Tufts seems to not be very canadian friendly. I'm not sure why it is that way, but you're always welcome to give it a shot.

As for your list, I've attached the statistical averages for 2011.

View attachment 19435

While you're above Indiana's numbers, they're selective with the few spots for OOS students. I would remove it from your list, as your stats are not such where I think you would be able to overcome being international.

Your stats are below Columbia's averages, so I would suggest removing them as well.

I believe you will also have trouble with Maryland, as you're right on/below some of their numbers.

Obviously, these are just averages.The admission process can be unpredictable.

I would suggest removing Indiana and Columbia, and maybe Maryland, but the rest may be worth applying. The thing is you just never know. I believe I've seen canadian applicants with your scores getting into pitt and temple. I would look at www.predents.com to see if that gives any clue as to the amount of canadian applicants that got accepted to each on there.

Best of luck.👍

Yep, thank you, I also thought of removing columbia since they accepted no canadian last cycle and they heavily emphasize on the DAT. I just wanted to add I have 50 hours of shadowing, 40 hours with a GP, and 10 hours at UofT dental faculty. I know michigan and Buffalo wants 100 hours, will that impact me greatly? And also, sorry I just received a change in my mark so I edited my previous stats, I'm not sure if that would change your advice though.

 

[omnipoDent]

Yep, thank you, I also thought of removing columbia since they accepted no canadian last cycle and they heavily emphasize on the DAT. I just wanted to add I have 50 hours of shadowing, 40 hours with a GP, and 10 hours at UofT dental faculty. I know michigan and Buffalo wants 100 hours, will that impact me greatly? And also, sorry I just received a change in my mark so I edited my previous stats, I'm not sure if that would change your advice though.

I would continue to shadow, and I would mention in your application that you are planning to do so this summer. I believe you should contact the programs that you have concerns about specifically. I know there are some schools where there are suggested hours of shadowing, while there are others where it's required. Here's a list of the current amounts needed for each program:

http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/documents/DentalSchool_Addional_Requirements2012.pdf


Michigan recommends 150, while Buffalo recommends 100. Unlike Tufts where the 30 from one dental practitioner are required, these are simply recommended numbers. I interviewed at Michigan. I had 200+ hours. I really do not think it will hurt you much, if at all, as their numbers are just recommended. I do not see them holding it against you. If it's required for any of the other schools you are interested in applying to that you didn't list and are on this chart, though, I would get the hours these next few weeks before the application cycle and reach the number. They will want the hours required before considering your application.

I saw that you revised your GPA numbers. I think your gpa is strong enough. The only parts I am a little concerned about for you are individual sections on your DAT, and how you have not listed any research. You didn't list all your sections, but the 17 on the PAT is lower. I'm not suggesting you retake your DAT, but a 17 is a lower PAT score and you did not list your QR or Orgo scores. I obviously can't judge for either of those, as they were not listed. I don't think it's a glaring issue, but I believe the PAT is right around the cut-off mark for some schools. I might be mistaken on this, but you may want to check about it to possibly eliminate some schools if it's below their required PAT score.

As for research, I know Michigan is very focused on research. The professors on the MMI, their interviewing technique, asked about my research. Obviously, there is not much that can be done on the research at this point, but I wanted to give you honest feedback. I'm not saying Michigan or any other research heavy place you're applying will not admit you if don't have any, but it's another factor they seem to consider.

Keep working and make sure to get your application in as quickly as possible. I would use the next few weeks to do some fine touches on it like doing any last required shadowing hours and continuing to make your personal statement as strong as possible. The application cycle is stressful, but it's just one of those necessary evils to get where you want to go. Best of luck. 👍