How competitive are average stats?

[DAT129er]

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I realize that there are many other factors that contribute to an application besides GPA and DAT scores, but generally speaking...how competitive are average stats?

Say you fall right at the average for a school, is it likely that you'll get an interview? Granted you have good EC's, shadowing etc. Trying to put together a school list and I'm wondering if I have a good shot at schools where I meet their average. Thanks!

 

[rendal]

I'd say you have an average chance.

 

[bodmon]

depends on what you define as average. If you are at their average enrolled applicants that's good news, but the cut off is a different story.
Another way to look at it is the range of GPA and DAT scores current enrolled students have, some may be much lower than the average score or GPA but have compensated in another way.

 

[DAT129er]

depends on what you define as average. If you are at their average enrolled applicants that's good news, but the cut off is a different story.
Another way to look at it is the range of GPA and DAT scores current enrolled students have, some may be much lower than the average score or GPA but have compensated in another way.

I mean if I'm right at the average of those enrolled on the ADEA guide. I just keep seeing super high DAT scores here on SDN so now it's got me wondering if I would still have a good shot with a DAT and GPA that are at the average of those enrolled.

 

[rendal]

I mean if I'm right at the average of those enrolled on the ADEA guide. I just keep seeing super high DAT scores here on SDN so now it's got me wondering if I would still have a good shot with a DAT and GPA that are at the average of those enrolled.

Sorry for my sassy comment, but don't get intimidated by the crazy stats on SDN. Most of those people will end up at the top notch schools with generous scholarships. If your stats are about the same as a lot of schools' averages for enrolled students, you should have a great chance with your solid ECs.

 

[Gen. Beauregard]

I just keep seeing super high DAT scores here on SDN so now it's got me wondering if I would still have a good shot with a DAT and GPA that are at the average of those enrolled.

Ignore them. Kudos to the kids that got awesome DAT scores, I'll never put down hard work, but don't let their scores bring you anxiety. Oddly enough, the ecology of the Arboreal zone will not be heavily discussed in dental school. Learn it, jump through that asinine hoop, and jump through it to the best of your abilities, but don't hang your self-worth on it. Be the best you that you can be. Average will get you interviews. It's the "you" that shines through during the interview that will get you accepted. Even slovenly jerks with bad DAT scores like myself can get into dental school with good EC's, shadowing experience, and drive. I say all of this because it reminded me of my fiancé saying she was sad because she didn't think her life was as awesome as some of her friends on Facebook. Like they put mundane or bad stuff on Facebook? Of course their life looks awesome and glamorous online. (I slept on the couch that night.) Don't beat yourself up or get overly anxious about average DAT scores, you're far more valuable than an arbitrary standardized score. Hopefully I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. You got this.