Sorry if my reply on the UIC thread didn't make any sense! I wasn't really aware of what the program was until I actually sat down and read the docs they sent with the acceptance email.
I didn't do a post-bac. During my gap year I just worked (endo) and did research (on eating disorders in dentistry).
My acceptance to UIC is for the 2024 incoming class and they want me to do the post-bac next school year through them. This is my first cycle applying!
I think the amount of experience/how well-rounded my app was. A lot of my leadership positions were through orgs that weren't dental-related, and same thing with volunteering. My GPA took a HUGE dip during 2020/covid semesters because they were online and that's when I was taking Ochem and Biochem. I also didn't know I had ADHD at the time, but after that I had a really great upwards trend. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I began meds. The semester I began meds I was super nervous for because I was still in school FT and was working FT in 3 different jobs, but I did the best I ever did in school (I'm talking like 3.9 semester GPA). I talked about that on my app and I think that semester really saved my butt this cycle lol.
I totally agree with you- stats get you noticed, but they are not going to make or break your app (...sometimes). Especially when a student shows their commitment to the field and being a health care professional in other ways!
In my WAMC I was told by everyone who commented said that I was not going to get in this cycle. I got into every school I interviewed at. There is hope!!
And congrats to you too!! A fellow Big 10 Dentist!!