Help!!

[fiddlestix]

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I am new to the forum but I was wondering if I should stick to the advice of my idiotic advisor who said that I should not go to a post-bac program since I have a 3.8 gpa/3.7 sci gpa. I was rejected from the dental schools I applied to with an 18aa/19ts. I am currently doing research this semester also. Should I just study for the DAT and retake in June or go to a post-bac program? Your Help is appreciated.

 

[sajjy]

I am new to the forum but I was wondering if I should stick to the advice of my idiotic advisor who said that I should not go to a post-bac program since I have a 3.8 gpa/3.7 sci gpa. I was rejected from the dental schools I applied to with an 18aa/19ts. I am currently doing research this semester also. Should I just study for the DAT and retake in June or go to a post-bac program? Your Help is appreciated.

when did you apply?

 

[musl85]

I am new to the forum but I was wondering if I should stick to the advice of my idiotic advisor who said that I should not go to a post-bac program since I have a 3.8 gpa/3.7 sci gpa. I was rejected from the dental schools I applied to with an 18aa/19ts. I am currently doing research this semester also. Should I just study for the DAT and retake in June or go to a post-bac program? Your Help is appreciated.

i sort of agree with your advisor. For that GPA, your DAT should be 20+. Just retake your DAT

 

[fiddlestix]

I applied the first week of july, i didnt think that was too late....🙁

 

[nemo11]

retake the DATs. no reason to do a post bac.

 

[sajjy]

I applied the first week of july, i didnt think that was too late....🙁

How many schools did u apply to? Did you apply to your state school?

 

[jigabodo]

Assume that you have enough EC...

1. Apply to more schools.
2. Apply early.
3. Retake DAT and aim for a 20.

 

[fiddlestix]

EC's= varsity athlete, vp of biological honor society, vp of my fraternity, student senator, fca, boys and girls club, big brother program, 300 hrs shadowing.....

 

[Regmata]

Did you only apply to Harvard and/or do you interview well?

Either way, pick a nice range of schools to apply to next year, do some extra dental related activities, retake the DAT and get a decent job so you can save up some cash, pay off some bills etc...you will be ok.

Also, did you get flat out rejections or you just have not gotten in yet?

 

[Hysteria24]

I am new to the forum but I was wondering if I should stick to the advice of my idiotic advisor who said that I should not go to a post-bac program since I have a 3.8 gpa/3.7 sci gpa. I was rejected from the dental schools I applied to with an 18aa/19ts. I am currently doing research this semester also. Should I just study for the DAT and retake in June or go to a post-bac program? Your Help is appreciated.

The only reason I could see your advisor recommending the post bac route is if you needed to diversify your science background by taking more upper division courses. But seeing as though you have a high science GPA, and assuming all of your science pre-reqs have been completed, this is probably not necessary.

Rock the DAT for the biggest boost to your application.

Also, how many schools did you apply to???? Something just doesn’t add up. 😕

 

[laundry]

July isn't that LATE. Call the schools, try to find out why you didn't get in. Sit down and analyze if anything could go wrong at the interview. Depending on the schools you're aiming for re-take the DAT. Do NOT do a post-bac, it's only for those who need to raise their GPA. IF you feel like taking a class here and there, however, that's fine, but no need to carry a full load. Continue doing research if it allows adequate time for DAT preparation.

Good luck. 👍

 

[DrSmiles12]

July isn't late! I would do the following:

1-Retake the DAT - 19+ should be good
2-Apply again - but do it in MAY
3-Add schools - 10-15
4-Make sure you LOR's are giving you good reccomendations
5-Volunteer somewhere else and add maybe 50-100 hours service somewhere ( The only reason I say this is that it will show schools a little change in your application)

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Retake your DAT. Your GPA is very competitive. No need for a post-bac.
If you call some schools sometimes you can see what areas they thought you were weak in so that you could improve. You may be amazed to find out that your DAT and GPA are both fine.

 

[fiddlestix]

i applied to nyu, temple, tufts, colorado, baylor, creighton, oklahoma, and upenn for ****s and giggles. i am a biochemistry major so I have taken every upper level science course other than physical chem 2.....I have rejections from all but two and those I didn't interview at. I called baylor and then told me that I interviewed very well so I don't think that is a problem. They told me to get a higher score and I would be golden for next year. I dont mean to push a hot button issue but could it be because I'm a white male?

 

[TheWiredNerv]

That is probably not the reason.

 

[predentist]

have you like committed a felony, something like murder or anything of that kind? your DAT is good, GPA is excellent, Extra curricular activities are also good....i don't see any gaps?? 🙄

 

[DMDreaming]

July isn't that LATE. Call the schools, try to find out why you didn't get in. Sit down and analyze if anything could go wrong at the interview. Depending on the schools you're aiming for re-take the DAT. Do NOT do a post-bac, it's only for those who need to raise their GPA. IF you feel like taking a class here and there, however, that's fine, but no need to carry a full load. Continue doing research if it allows adequate time for DAT preparation.

Good luck. 👍

You make a very good point. If the OP intends to apply to the same schools again, they will be the best source of information as to how to improve his/her chances next cycle. I had to apply a second time and phoned the schools to see what I could do. They recommended some very subtle changes (nothing major). I went from having no interviews to having four and from all rejections to three acceptances.

SDN is great but there's nothing like getting info straight from the horse's mouth. Good luck!

 

[toothfairy85]

i applied to nyu, temple, tufts, colorado, baylor, creighton, oklahoma, and upenn for ****s and giggles. i am a biochemistry major so I have taken every upper level science course other than physical chem 2.....I have rejections from all but two and those I didn't interview at. I called baylor and then told me that I interviewed very well so I don't think that is a problem. They told me to get a higher score and I would be golden for next year. I dont mean to push a hot button issue but could it be because I'm a white male?

Are you a Texas resident? If not, you will need 20+ on the DAT to get accepted to Texas schools. It is very competitive as an out-of-stater. I wouldn't worry about taking more classes... your GPA is great! Unless you call the schools, and you are told differently, I would plan to re-take the DAT. I am just surprised that being a college athlete with those grades and DAT didn't get you an acceptance somewhere. Maybe it is your letters of recommendation? I would also plan on applying to more schools next year. Good luck!

 

[fiddlestix]

I am an Oklahoma resident, I finished my last football season in norman. Maybe I just fell through the cracks. either way I've been rejected before and I'm sure it wont be the last time so I will just keep trying. Thanks for the input.

 

[jeezy]

so thats U of Oklahoma rite? your grades are not the issue. postbacs are better suited for people with low GPAs, so I'd agree with your councilor. If there is a 1 year masters program that you are interested in, go for it. MPH? Its not going to be cheap, but if you had a scholarship for 4 years, its palatable.

I'm going to guess that you got a 16 or lower in one of the DAT subject areas. If so, you're going to have to address that and aim for 17+ across the board

 

[A8]

so thats U of Oklahoma rite? your grades are not the issue. postbacs are better suited for people with low GPAs, so I'd agree with your cousellor. If there is a 1 year masters program that you are interested in, go for it. MPH? Its not going to be cheap, but if you had a scholarship for 4 years, it wont be that bad.

I'm going to guess that you got a 16 or lower in one of the DAT subject areas. If so, you're going to have to address that and aim for 17+ across the board

Re-take DAT. I also guess you got low score (<15) on one of the sections. Could you please let us know about your scores?

 

[fiddlestix]

I have a great record, never been arrested at all. I didn't score below a 17 on any section either so I guess there is something I'm missing. Either way, I'm trying again so the adcoms can kiss my a$$

 

[sajjy]

I have a great record, never been arrested at all. I didn't score below a 17 on any section either so I guess there is something I'm missing. Either way, I'm trying again so the adcoms can kiss my a$$

What are the break ups of your score??

 

[NewMexDent]

I have a great record, never been arrested at all. I didn't score below a 17 on any section either so I guess there is something I'm missing. Either way, I'm trying again so the adcoms can kiss my a$$

Wow, it's not their fault that you havn't been accepted. Your DAT and GPA are competitive, so it must be something else. I don't know you personally and I can't make a legitimate judgement of your character, but judging by this comment and the fact that you called your advisor "idiotic" (when he gave you the same advice others have given you here) is a little irritating.

Maybe this sort of attitude has kept you from an acceptance. If this type of attitude was expressed in your personal statement or through your letters of evaluation, I'm not surprised you've been left out. No one likes to be called idiotic or be told to kiss your a$$.

So, clean up your perspective and re-take the DAT and you'll get in.

PS - Some adcoms read these forums, so be careful what you say.

 

[bluejellybelly]

Which other school besides baylor were you still not rejected from? Maybe you could call them and ask.

July isn't late. It's not as early as most people apply, but it certainly isn't late. You don't need a post-bac as your GPA is fine. And no, I highly doubt that being a white male is a disadvantage. It's not like everyone else who got accepted was an underrepresented minority.

 

[Istr8nthem]

I have a great record, never been arrested at all. I didn't score below a 17 on any section either so I guess there is something I'm missing. Either way, I'm trying again so the adcoms can kiss my a$$

I would be willing to bet that one or more of your letters of recommendation may be biting you in the rear. ADCOM's read these carefully and if there is any mention of integrity/over-confidence/personality issues it can be the sole reason you are not admitted. I have seen students with 3.8-4.0 and mid-twenty DAT's rejected due to letters of recommendation stating they have problems interacting with others.


I hope this is not the case for your situation, but if you think it could be, you may want to request new letters of recommendation.

 

[loved]

Istr8nthem might be on to something... what did you think of your personal statement and your LOR writers?

 

[doc toothache]

Wow, it's not their fault that you havn't been accepted. Your DAT and GPA are competitive, so it must be something else. I don't know you personally and I can't make a legitimate judgement of your character, but judging by this comment and the fact that you called your advisor "idiotic" (when he gave you the same advice others have given you here) is a little irritating.

Maybe this sort of attitude has kept you from an acceptance. If this type of attitude was expressed in your personal statement or through your letters of evaluation, I'm not surprised you've been left out. No one likes to be called idiotic or be told to kiss your a$$.

So, clean up your perspective and re-take the DAT and you'll get in.

PS - Some adcoms read these forums, so be careful what you say.

👍