Hi! First post! ISO Advice!

[Amalgam4U]

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Hi SDN community!

I've been reading this forum for a couple months now, but just now decided to post. Listen quickly and speak slowly...you know how it goes. Anyways I applied in August and have only really been invited to 2 interviews. One was at UOP for an alternate spot (I'm waitlisted) and one is at Columbia (that one's on Friday). I applied at UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, Columbia, Harvard, Oregon, and Washington (I live in California and want to take the western boards to practice out here later...)

I was wondering if August was too late to apply to be competitive for the first round of acceptances because I have competitive stats, I think. I just can't figure out what the heck is wrong with my application =( I graduated in June in biology.

Stats:
BP GPA 3.96
Cum GPA 3.98
AA: 22 TS: 22 PA: 20

The weakest parts of my application are probably my limited shadow experience (75 hours at an oral surgeons and 75 at a GP), timeliness of my application (my stuff was in in August), lack of a dentist's LOR (I thought I could get better ones from my PI, boss, and teachers), and maybe that I talked about oral surgery more in my personal statement? I have no idea... I would blame it on my limited interview skills (I get super nervous) but I haven't had many interviews for that to be a huge factor (actually my interviewer at UOP said he'd recommend me solely based on my GPA, but that didn't pan out so well I guess...)

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for my Columbia interview or for next year. What else can I do to make myself a better applicant...I'll probably retake the DAT's too.

Thanks for any input!

 

[lemoncurry]

in my opinion, you just applied too late. If your scores and GPA are the real deal, you should have no issue getting interviews if you have to apply again next year (EARLY!). Only thing I can think is that maybe your personal statement wasn't that great, or perhaps you got a lower RC score or some other section under 18.

Interviews are something that you only get better at with practice. If you're not good speaking in front of people, you need to practice. Take a course or audition for a play or something. It will help!

best of luck.

 

[sajjy]

Hi SDN community!

I've been reading this forum for a couple months now, but just now decided to post. Listen quickly and speak slowly...you know how it goes. Anyways I applied in August and have only really been invited to 2 interviews. One was at UOP for an alternate spot (I'm waitlisted) and one is at Columbia (that one's on Friday). I applied at UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, Columbia, Harvard, Oregon, and Washington (I live in California and want to take the western boards to practice out here later...)

I was wondering if August was too late to apply to be competitive for the first round of acceptances because I have competitive stats, I think. I just can't figure out what the heck is wrong with my application =( I graduated in June in biology.

Stats:
BP GPA 3.96
Cum GPA 3.98
AA: 22 TS: 22 PA: 20

The weakest parts of my application are probably my limited shadow experience (75 hours at an oral surgeons and 75 at a GP), timeliness of my application (my stuff was in in August), lack of a dentist's LOR (I thought I could get better ones from my PI, boss, and teachers), and maybe that I talked about oral surgery more in my personal statement? I have no idea... I would blame it on my limited interview skills (I get super nervous) but I haven't had many interviews for that to be a huge factor (actually my interviewer at UOP said he'd recommend me solely based on my GPA, but that didn't pan out so well I guess...)

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for my Columbia interview or for next year. What else can I do to make myself a better applicant...I'll probably retake the DAT's too.

Thanks for any input!

wow...i really wonder whats the reason??

 

[eldirty]

Wow great scores. Im surprised that you havent been invited for more interviews.

i agree ... you have to practice speaking in front of people. Many people fear this more than anything and refuse to get out there and challenge themselves. The only way to improve is to put yourself out there and in some uncomfortable public speaking situations ... just like anything else you only get better with practice.

If you have to reapply I would get it in as early as possible and possibly increase my number of schools.

 

[eldirty]

NAVY ... what are your stats if you dont mind my asking?

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Hi SDN community!

I've been reading this forum for a couple months now, but just now decided to post. Listen quickly and speak slowly...you know how it goes. Anyways I applied in August and have only really been invited to 2 interviews. One was at UOP for an alternate spot (I'm waitlisted) and one is at Columbia (that one's on Friday). I applied at UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, Columbia, Harvard, Oregon, and Washington (I live in California and want to take the western boards to practice out here later...)

I was wondering if August was too late to apply to be competitive for the first round of acceptances because I have competitive stats, I think. I just can't figure out what the heck is wrong with my application =( I graduated in June in biology.

Stats:
BP GPA 3.96
Cum GPA 3.98
AA: 22 TS: 22 PA: 20

The weakest parts of my application are probably my limited shadow experience (75 hours at an oral surgeons and 75 at a GP), timeliness of my application (my stuff was in in August), lack of a dentist's LOR (I thought I could get better ones from my PI, boss, and teachers), and maybe that I talked about oral surgery more in my personal statement? I have no idea... I would blame it on my limited interview skills (I get super nervous) but I haven't had many interviews for that to be a huge factor (actually my interviewer at UOP said he'd recommend me solely based on my GPA, but that didn't pan out so well I guess...)

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for my Columbia interview or for next year. What else can I do to make myself a better applicant...I'll probably retake the DAT's too.

Thanks for any input!

75 hours is not short, you don't need dentist LoRs and retaking the DAT would not be in your best interest (did you really need us to tell you this one?)
The problem might be your personal statement and other distinguishing factors. Starting your AADSAS in august is pretty late though and may just be the problem. Try calling the schools and asking politely if you could ask the dean what parts of your application needs improvement. People who do this are often shocked from the response (usually something to deal with the personality or personal statement). Wish you good luck on Columbia interview 👍.

 

[Dan3223]

I'll probably retake the DAT's too.

LoL.... dont be silly. Even if you scored a point or two higher, you would still be in the high score range and in the same position you are in now. Dont waste your time.
Your stats are not the problem. I think you just need to apply a bit earlier this time, and maybe apply to more schools.
Keep in mind that admissions people arent just looking for a brain. They want some personality to go along with it. If you are super nervous in an interview... you might come off as having no social skills. Maybe take a public speaking class or at least do some mock interviews....even if it's just with a friend.
Just remember, it's not all about the numbers.

 

[blankguy]

I don't think the OP applied late. It could be a not so great personal statement and/or recommendations.

 

[Lopyswine]

see I disagree with everyone.

You applied to schools that require excellent DAT scores. You scores are above average but not excellant. With GPAs like yours, you need to show similar DAT scores. 23s across the board would do the trick.

I also agree that there must be a problem with your personal statement. Were you a premed student that jumped ship and is now a predental student? For some reason thats the impression I got from your post.

I would study my butt off and retake the DAT. I would also make sure that your PS states clearly why dentistry is the profession you want. If you interview poorly then do as others suggested and take some speaking classes.

You can also practice interviews with dentists and profs at your school. Just ask them.

 

[blankguy]

The DAT is excellent. I don't think that is what did him in. School selection, personal statement and maybe letters of recommendations could be at issue.
Not many schools have DAT averages around 22.

 

[xdianaax]

I am wondering if this is for real...I hope it is for the sake of all these people helping you.

 

[CMistry]

I applied long after you, still got 6 interviews and 3 acceptances with nowhere NEAR your stats. I think it's the schools you choose... the vast majority are very difficult to get into.

-Cyrus

 

[DMDreaming]

Interesting no one has asked the OP about extracurriculars, research, or volunteer experience. At my interviews, a generous amount of time was spent discussing my experience in these areas. I had one interviewer mention that their school was looking for someone who not only had good stats (GPA and DAT) but who also showed they were more well rounded. She said they "measure" this by looking at the ECs, research, etc.

OP, since you seem to have very good stats, how strong was your application in these other areas?

 

[CaliGirl15]

Your stats are very impressive and it sounds like you have enough exposure. I think the real problem might be the schools you applied too honestly. UCLA, UCSF, UoP and Columbia are all very competitive schools. And if you look at Oregon and Washington's out of state acceptance it is very low (give high preference to instate and WICHE students). You should have applied to more private out of state schools if you wanted more interviews IMO.
Also like everyone said just work on talking with people and you'll get better at interviewing...it just takes practice and effort. Best of luck.

 

[airsimon]

Interesting no one has asked the OP about extracurriculars, research, or volunteer experience. At my interviews, a generous amount of time was spent discussing my experience in these areas. I had one interviewer mention that their school was looking for someone who not only had good stats (GPA and DAT) but who also showed they were more well rounded. She said they "measure" this by looking at the ECs, research, etc.

OP, since you seem to have very good stats, how strong was your application in these other areas?

With stats like that who needs EC? Especially to just get an interview. I think this post is fake.

 

[Amalgam4U]

Hey everyone thanks for the advice! I'll for sure work on my statement and interview skills. I just get really anxious and psyche myself out. I can interview with my friends and stuff, just with people who basically decide my future i get a little choked up and croaky in the throat. 😕

And believe me, if my story were fake I'd be a lot happier right now. 😱

My EC includes research, being an RA, and volunteer work with my church. I've never applied to med school either.😕

I was only gonna retake the DATs because, like someone said, they might not be consistent with my GPA, but I guess at the schools I applied to they might be a little better. If I'm going to re-apply next year, which other schools should I consider?

 

[lemoncurry]

choose the schools that you think you could be happy at, or possibly could see yourself going to. In other words, the choice is yours. Research all the schools (the ADEA book is a good place to start, or www.predents.com), take location into consideration, cost, number of out-of-state applicants, and go with your gut. Usually on your second round, you should apply to more, and so you might have to expand your horizons a bit.