Here are my Stats, how many schools should I apply to?? PLEASE HELP!

[SHC1984]

I need some opinions. My stats are DAT- 21AA, 22TS, 18 PAT, 22 Bio, 23 GChem, 21 OChem, 20 Math, 17 Reading Comp. GPA 4.00 Non Science and 3.85 Science.
First of all anyone recommend me taking the DAT again?? I will if its a good idea.
If NOT, then with these stats HOW MANY schools do you recommend me applying too??? Obviously If I had a DAT-30, then I will just apply to ONE school and get in. But since I am not that fortune, can anyone tell me about how many schools I should apply to so I will have a chance to get accepted next year? I would apply to all of them, but I am kind of broke right now (all those airplane tickets I will be paiding for during interviews....not cheap!), So I want to be able to save money and get into dental school. So please give me some honest opinions.
Five schools? Ten?? Anyone recommend any particular school that they know of that will take my stats?? (I don't want to apply to a school that is too good for me...) thanks everyone.

 

[lifeisgood]

50, maybe 51.

 

[tingteenfone]

all of them minus Meharry and Howard and Harvard.

 

[Snahster]

50, maybe 51.

I agree with lifeisgood. Your perfect 4.0 gpa is just not that great. 90+ precentile on the DAT is also not up to snuff with all the competition these days. If you have any hope of getting into dental school you are going to need to retake that DAT get at least a 25 academic average. You might think about taking extra courses to boost up that 3.8 science GPA....just my 2 cents....haha

 

[SHC1984]

OMG, this isn't funny. I am desperate. I applied to UNC, Harvard, Meharry, VCU and Alablama last year AND DIDN'T get into any. I got two interviews UNC and Meharry. I got rejected by UNC and got waitlisted by Meharry.....

I agree with lifeisgood. Your perfect 4.0 gpa is
just not that great. 90+ precentile on the DAT is also not up to snuff with all the competition these days. If you have any hope of getting into dental school you are going to need to retake that DAT get at least a 25 academic average. You might think about taking extra courses to boost up that 3.8 science GPA....just my 2 cents....haha

 

[naivegrl124]

Seriously, lately people are on SDN are so sarcastic with their comments....but anywayz you have good numbers; apply to whatever number of schools you want. Maybe 5-8 is a good number with those stats but then again make sure you develop other factors beside numbers. Sharpen interview skills (a must-if you have no experiences). You can look at the acceptance stats on predent.com to see what schools are accepting these days. Goodluck, I am sure you'll be fine

 

[Snahster]

OMG, this isn't funny. I am desperate. I applied to UNC, Harvard, Meharry, VCU and Alablama last year AND DIDN'T get into any. I got two interviews UNC and Meharry. I got rejected by UNC and got waitlisted by Meharry.....

In that case it must be ur LORs or personal statement. The sarcasm was because obviously your stats are top notch. IF you however have a LOR that is a red flag, ur stats aren't gonna help you anywhere. If you talked about how much you liek a dentists lifestyle (like money, choose how many days your work, etc.) in your personal statement or interview that is also a red flag. Ur stats are great. They don't need changing. I would seriously consider getting new LORs and an edit of the PS. Do you have all the prereqs completed? What major are you? Did you take most of your prereqs at CC? These things are all things that can possibly hinder your chances. Sorry for the sarcasm earlier, I didn't take into account your full situation. Also make sure you have dental experience. Do you have a LOR from a dentist? Shadow more, show more passion for the career. They say the average # of schools applicants apply to is 10 and that of those 10, "qualified" applicants are on average accepted to 3. Just vary your choice of schools more. I agree with drpduck. Apply to private schools as well.

 

[drpduck]

If you a really serious about asking for help, well in fact you need none academically. I'd say most people would kill for your GPA/DAT scores.

I'd suggest you research the schools you apply to wisely. From what I understand, UNC is nearly impossible to get into as an out of stater, and generally Meharry prefers minorities. It doesn't matter if you have pretty much perfect stats, like you do, if you apply to the wrong schools.

Where are you a resident? Do you have a state school?

Other then Harvard, which is going to be rediculous to get into IMO, and Meharry (see above) you didn't apply to many private schools. Why didn't you apply to more private schools that don't care about your residency status?

Thus it seems the problem is not which your academic qualifications, but rather your choice in schools.

 

[DDSY]

OMG, this isn't funny. I am desperate. I applied to UNC, Harvard, Meharry, VCU and Alablama last year AND DIDN'T get into any. I got two interviews UNC and Meharry. I got rejected by UNC and got waitlisted by Meharry.....

Your GPA and DAT is certainly above average. The only weak point I could think of is, possibly, the RC section. I don't know about your extracurriculars. . . However, I would suggest that you apply to more than 5schools, since you are one of a number of good candidates I know who haven't heard from a school. With the increase number of applicants, applying to more schools is a safer bet.

 

[DDSDakoo]

it is sorta funny.
u have great stats and u applied to like 5 schools (b/c u got great stats doesnt equate an interview at harvard) lesson: dont be picky!! even if u have a 4.0

look into: temple, tufts, boston univ, columbia

from the sound of it, if ur worried---u should apply to as many schools u think will take u. the idea is to become a dentist ryte!

respect-

 

[SHC1984]

NC resident, a Chemistry BA and Biology Minor, Asian, I finished all my preq at UNCC, I shadow my orthodonist for two summers, I am a waitress (25 hours a week), graduating in May thank god.. I am also in the dental club, chemistry club etc...
So ten Private schools should be enough?? (except UNC)

 

[Snahster]

NC resident, a Chemistry BA and Biology Minor, Asian, I finished all my preq at UNCC, I shadow my orthodonist for two summers, I am a waitress (25 hours a week), graduating in May thank god.. I am also in the dental club, chemistry club etc...
So ten Private schools should be enough?? (except UNC)

Yea sounds like you will be fine. U have all that is necessary. They don't have to ALL be private. You should apply to places you want to go as well. Every year is different. Just because you didn't get into some of your top choices this year, doesn't mean you won't next year. They may notice your persistence and take it as a sign that you don't give up and that you really love their school. But yea apply to 10 and you should be fine with those stats and ECs.

 

[SHC1984]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

In that case it must be ur LORs or personal
statement. The sarcasm was because obviously your stats are top notch. IF you however have a LOR that is a red flag, ur stats aren't gonna help you anywhere. If you talked about how much you liek a dentists lifestyle (like money, choose how many days your work, etc.) in your personal statement or interview that is also a red flag. Ur stats are great. They don't need changing. I would seriously consider getting new LORs and an edit of the PS. Do you have all the prereqs completed? What major are you? Did you take most of your prereqs at CC? These things are all things that can possibly hinder your chances. Sorry for the sarcasm earlier, I didn't take into account your full situation. Also make sure you have dental experience. Do you have a LOR from a dentist? Shadow more, show more passion for the career. They say the average # of schools applicants apply to is 10 and that of those 10, "qualified" applicants are on average accepted to 3. Just vary your choice of schools more. I agree with drpduck. Apply to private schools as well.

 

[drpduck]

Yes it sucks and costs a lot of money to apply, but it will be an investment in your future. Its better to spend a few hundred extra dollars and apply to some private schools, other then Harvard and Meharry, for a much higher chance of getting accepted.

And since UNC is your state school, I would directly contact them, preferably the dean of admissions and let them know how interested you are, and ask for advice etc., be proactive and make yourself known (without being too pushy).

 

[keibee82]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

yea i know it sucks and its very expensive to pay for all application fees, plane tickets and all, but think of it as an investment. You'll eventually get those money back with a 1000% interest!

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

I don't think you need to even apply to that many. I would recommend coming up with a list of, say 10-15 schools that you like and seem to admit students similar to you. Then search through SDN to try to get a feel for what they want. Hypothetically speaking, if your extracurriculars consisted mainly of being founder and president of the "UNCC Students Against MPHs," I would avoid schools that have MPHs as Deans of Admission. You should find schools that smile on applicants who do a lot of shadowing, join dental clubs, etc.

Unless you are just forgetting about that felony conviction for drug trafficking on your record (or some such other red flag), it seems like you should be fine on paper. Consider, though, that only about a third of all applicants will get accepted. You have to stand out in some way or another to have a chance. Personally, I would recommend emphasizing your work experience. Maintaining a 4.0/3.85 GPA while being involved in multiple clubs AND holding a 25 hour/wk job is pretty darn impressive. It demonstrates hard work, good study habits and diligence. Schools like applicants who show that they can juggle lots of disparate tasks and do well in all of them.

Bear in mind that I'm not on any admissions committee, so take this all with a grain of salt, but I would definitely focus on the personal statement. I would guess that you were put in the pile of qualified applicants who ended up being forgotten because you didn't drill into their minds just how awesome you are.

NC resident, a Chemistry BA and Biology Minor, Asian, I finished all my preq at UNCC, I shadow my orthodonist for two summers, I am a waitress (25 hours a week), graduating in May thank god.. I am also in the dental club, chemistry club etc...
So ten Private schools should be enough?? (except UNC)

 

[Ex_EE]

I think the RC of a 17 as well as a PAT of 18 will come back to bite you in the butt. Having that low of an RC score will bring into question the validity of your high GPA. Just my opinion anyway.

 

[laee3]

I think the RC of a 17 as well as a PAT of 18 will come back to bite you in the butt. Having that low of an RC score will bring into question the validity of your high GPA. Just my opinion anyway.

lol... what about other scores besides RC, apparently 20+ in other sections mean nothing when you don't score high enough on RC. You're fine, you will get in somewhere for sure.

 

[muz]

crazy **** happens in the process of being accepted...dont count your blessings too soon...

apply to alot of schools that fit ur profile... ur probably not an underrepresented minority...so u better be stellar during the interviews

apply to schools that dont have too many asians! if ur a waiter....u are hopefully good at representing yourself and are confident....impress ur interviewer like u wanna a big tip from ur customer!

be charming...dental schools dont want nerrdy booky worms (4.0's and 20's on the DATs) that cant deal with tough patients and situations...because ur effectiveness as a dentist diminishes substantially

 

[naivegrl124]

Yup like i said before your stats are fine, just maybe the RC part which is heavily looked on by some schools. Look into schools that concentrate more on GPA rather than DAT. But if you are a perfectionist, take it over doesn't hurt, you dont have to report the scores to the school you intend to apply to just yet. Definitely check your LORS and PS, make sure you dont come off as a person going into dentistry because of the lifestyle. They know its there but that shouldn't be your primary reason. Another reason I think is that since you're asian, it might be a little harder for you to get in since some schools have diversity quotas. If they have 10 spots for asians then you'll be competing with other asians for that 10 spot and you know darn well them asians have super stats (this is just a speculation-not always true so take it with a grain of salt).

 

[Red Falcon]

First - Harvard, Meharry, and Howard were long shots. Harvard for their limited class size and highly competitive applicant pool. Hit or miss even with the best of stats. You have to really stand out to get into Harvard and not just apply with average credentials.

Meharry and Howard cater more to underrepresented minorities. They accept people of all races, but african americans tend to dominate their class pools.

UAB accepts something like 8 people from out of state every year. Those are long shot odds to get in considering they had 550+ applications last year.

Even more, VCU is about twice as hard to get into as UAB if you consider that VCU has twice as many applicants as UAB. 16 applicants for every seat.

UNC rejecting you with those stats is surprising to me. You have very good stats, so maybe it was just a bad interview. Now you know to cast your net far and wide this next cycle. With your grades and DAT score, you will have no problem getting in this time.

 

[pearlywhite]

Hey- I know you can schedule a rejection interview at UNC. You should contact Dr. Guckes and you'll be able to ask all your questions to them and I'm sure that they'll tell you where to improve for next year if you'd like. Good luck

 

[gatormichigan]

I need some opinions. My stats are DAT- 21AA, 22TS, 18 PAT, 22 Bio, 23 GChem, 21 OChem, 20 Math, 17 Reading Comp. GPA 4.00 Non Science and 3.85 Science.
First of all anyone recommend me taking the DAT again?? I will if its a good idea.
If NOT, then with these stats HOW MANY schools do you recommend me applying too??? Obviously If I had a DAT-30, then I will just apply to ONE school and get in. But since I am not that fortune, can anyone tell me about how many schools I should apply to so I will have a chance to get accepted next year? I would apply to all of them, but I am kind of broke right now (all those airplane tickets I will be paiding for during interviews....not cheap!), So I want to be able to save money and get into dental school. So please give me some honest opinions.
Five schools? Ten?? Anyone recommend any particular school that they know of that will take my stats?? (I don't want to apply to a school that is too good for me...) thanks everyone.

I would apply to 8

 

[SHC1984]

thanks for all the replies, I heard dental schools only look at science GPA/BCP GPA, is that true??
Does that mean non science GPA don't count?

 

[SHC1984]

I was thinking about applying to VCU again (b/c its close to home), do you recommend it?? would you reapply there if you were me?

First - Harvard, Meharry, and Howard were long shots. Harvard for their limited class size and highly competitive applicant pool. Hit or miss even with the best of stats. You have to really stand out to get into Harvard and not just apply with average credentials.

Meharry and Howard cater more to underrepresented minorities. They accept people of all races, but african americans tend to dominate their class pools.

UAB accepts something like 8 people from out of state every year. Those are long shot odds to get in considering they had 550+ applications last year.

Even more, VCU is about twice as hard to get into as UAB if you consider that VCU has twice as many applicants as UAB. 16 applicants for every seat.

UNC rejecting you with those stats is surprising to me. You have very good stats, so maybe it was just a bad interview. Now you know to cast your net far and wide this next cycle. With your grades and DAT score, you will have no problem getting in this time.

 

[STIG]

Good luck, you should be able to get in anywhere you want to go.

Offtopic, Is that you in the picture?

 

[Fuji]

Good luck, you should be able to get in anywhere you want to go.

He/she didn't get in. That's the problem.

To the OP: I know it's too late, but taking all your pre-reqs at a community college is not to your advantage. Some schools do not accept credits from CC. The schools that you should apply to are the schools that accept CC credit.

Best of luck.

 

[STIG]

He/she didn't get in. That's the problem.

To the OP: I know it's too late, but taking all your pre-reqs at a community college is not to your advantage. Some schools do not accept credits from CC. The schools that you should apply to are the schools that accept CC credit.

Best of luck.

I meant next apps cycle. Sorry, should have said it earlier.

 

[polf]

you should probably apply to the private schools. i know they're damn expensive, but state schools are hard to get in cause of their in-state preference. NOVA, UoP, temple, NYU, BU, Tufts etc.

 

[Denticized]

Listen! I have kind of become the expert of "how many schools" and "which schools" but please let's do it through private message so people don't bug with stupid remarks. Bottom line is which states you're willing to go to and how much money you're limited to as far as application and interviews.

 

[shabu2]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

What is a few extra $$$ during applications to d-school compared to the $150-300K of dental school debt when you get out? Apply to about a dozen. Then you can at least turn down interviews or choose between schools.

 

[gatormichigan]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

I wouldnt JUST apply to UNC because the friend that I was talking about earlier with a 23, well thats the one school she wanted to go to and didnt get into sooooo I would apply to more than JUST UNC. OR..... get higher than a 23 on the DAT.

 

[SHC1984]

I am thinking about applying to
UNC, VCU, Temple, Louisville, Nova, NYU, Creighton, USC, UC-San fransciso.
What do you think about these??
Was your friend an NC resident?? IF not then its no surprise. The average for in state resident, like me, is AA 20, the average for OUT of state at UNC is properly like AA 25!! so is she out of state or in state? does she know why she didn't get in?? how was her GPA. Did she get into any other Dental school? Thanks alot

I wouldnt JUST apply to UNC because the friend that I was talking about earlier with a 23, well thats the one school she wanted to go to and didnt get into sooooo I would apply to more than JUST UNC. OR..... get higher than a 23 on the DAT.

 

[Golddanboy]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

i say apply to 10 - 15; now is not really the time to be cheap considering how much dental school costs compared to the cost to apply. Also, if you don't get in then you have an added opportunity cost; the difference in wage between a waitress and a dentist. I figure that EVERYONE that applies to dental school is well qualified but each dental school can't accept or even interview everyone. In the end its better to be safe then sorry.

 

[bruinpredent]

i'm suprised no one's said this yet...

you should apply to...OVER 9000!!!

 

[armorshell]

I have failed at the internet

 

[prez_al]

i say apply to 10 - 15; now is not really the time to be cheap considering how much dental school costs compared to the cost to apply. Also, if you don't get in then you have an added opportunity cost; the difference in wage between a waitress and a dentist. I figure that EVERYONE that applies to dental school but each dental school can't accept or even interview everyone. In the end its better to be safe then sorry.

Even with your stats, I would apply to at least 10. But I would include more private schools, such as Case and Columbia because the tuition you pay there is significantly less than what you would pay at NYU and USC.

 

[SHC1984]

I am applying to
UNC, VCU, Temple, Louisville, Nova, NYU, Creighton, USC, UC-San fransciso.
b/c they are the less competive schools I think anyways...


My RC is a 17 I already called Case and they said RC is the most important section to them and they need a 19 at least on that section.

Columbia would be GREAT, but isn't that school just as hard to get into as Harvard?? ( I know its just as good...) So they might NOT take my stats....

 

[shabu2]

I am applying to
UNC, VCU, Temple, Louisville, Nova, NYU, Creighton, USC, UC-San fransciso.
b/c they are the less competive schools I think anyways...


My RC is a 17 I already called Case and they said RC is the most important section to them and they need a 19 at least on that section.

Columbia would be GREAT, but isn't that school just as hard to get into as Harvard?? ( I know its just as good...) So they might NOT take my stats....

You would have an easier chance at Columbia than UCSF. Unless you are an in state resident, Cali schools are very difficult to get into. Stick to your own state and private schools.

 

[bionerd]

thanks,
no problem, the only reason why i am posting this is b/c I am CHEAP and want to spend as little as I can to get into dental school. I want to just apply to UNC, but I am scared that they won't take me. I wish I can just get into UNC..

stop your cheap ways! You'll be in heavy debt anyway, and no amount of $ saved now will make much difference. Spend wisely but also keep in mind that you need to shell out $$ to apply to several more dental schools. Think of it as an investment...maybe you'll get into a school that is cheaper than most private schools. btw, I'm so impressed with your stats considering that you work 25 hrs/week. My grades went downhill after I got a job...lol

 

[OceanBlue]

I am applying to
UNC, VCU, Temple, Louisville, Nova, NYU, Creighton, USC, UC-San fransciso.
b/c they are the less competive schools I think anyways...


My RC is a 17 I already called Case and they said RC is the most important section to them and they need a 19 at least on that section.

Columbia would be GREAT, but isn't that school just as hard to get into as Harvard?? ( I know its just as good...) So they might NOT take my stats....

I would take out VCU. Take a look at Buffalo, USC, Tufts, NOVA, Indiana, and Louisville. I'm an Asian male and I did okay....I got 9/12 interviews. Good luck!

 

[SHC1984]

Thanks alot. Your AA is higher then mine, lol...I am going to apply to at least 10 schools for sure... thanks for the reply.

stop your cheap ways! You'll be in heavy debt anyway, and no amount of $ saved now will make much difference. Spend wisely but also keep in mind that you need to shell out $$ to apply to several more dental schools. Think of it as an investment...maybe you'll get into a school that is cheaper than most private schools. btw, I'm so impressed with your stats considering that you work 25 hrs/week. My grades went downhill after I got a job...lol