I want the truth!!!

[jmac81]

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Hey guys-

So heres my situation guys...im kinda getting nervous here because here i am my junior year second semester and im realziing my classes are a lot tougher than i thought. I need some honest opininos on getting in next year. I plan on applying to a lot of dental schools, but would love to go to usc, loma linda or nova...cant lie, i love the sun!

As for my stats, i have a 3.37 gpa and im not sure if it matters as for showing improvements, but last semester i got a 3.85. As for my dat, i took it last spring and got a 17 aa and an 18 pat. Also, i have done volunteering/observing, some research, held some strong leadership positions, and i think my letters of rec are going to be strong.

Let me know what you guys think...advisors at my school told me to keep my dat scores cause if they go down it will look bad. I also plan to have that damn AADSAS done and ready to go june 3!

Alright, so hit me with your opinions guys...like always, they mean a lot.

jmac

 

[Brand]

Your GPA is great! I think your advisors have been huffing gas. You should definately retake the DAT. You took it the end of your Sophomore year and have had an additional year of science classes. If you study hard your scores will not go down. Pulling a GPA like that means you should be able to achieve 20's across the board. Starting today you should put aside AT LEAST 15 hours a week to study and retake the DAT. Take it again in May. Apply in June. Graduate from Dental School in 2008. Good luck!

 

[type-s]

you should take the DAT over. 17 is a bit low. (18pat is fine) i wouldn't say that 3.37 gpa is great. it's ok. just to be on the safe side, i would raise that gpa and DAT acad. score. who knows, that 17 might get you in somewhere. YES! apply as early as possible. good luck.

 

[jmac81]

Ok so my gpa is low? I kinda thought a 3.37 was on the higher end of the average, but maybe i was wrong...i guess worst case scenario i figured it was avg. I know my dat of 17 isnt great either, but do i have no chance with it? I thought with my goa and astrong essay and list of stron extra currics (i kee haringhow these are becoming moe and more important) i might be able to work something out? Let me know wat ou guys think

 

[drmeathead]

dude

i got a 17/16 on my DAT 1st time. i only studied a little. the next summer i took the kaplan course and then took off work two weeks beofre the test and put 80 hours into it. i am going to pitt next fall. goodluck

 

[ALI]

3.37 is decent I think.
Definitly retatke the DAT. It is all about number game. Your extra curricular activities will get you interviews but I think it is all about number during the final selection process. The schools you mentioned have pretty high standard. Just retake the DAT , it is not that bad. Even if only get 19 second time around it would still increase your chance significantly.

 

[Brand]

Since your AA is 17 you probably got a 16 in at least 1 category. 16's don't look good. You should retake the DAT. I know that some schools won't even consider you if you have below a 17 in any category. Unless you retake the DAT you don't have a prayer at USC or Loma Linda. Nova's requirements are going up every year as well. Chances are slim there. Retake the DAT.

 

[FiXToofs]

I got a 18 academic and a 21 pat on the dat and my ochem score was a 16. My gpa is a 3.4 science and 3.1 overall. I applied to LLU and UOP this year and i was accepted to both. I would recommend contacting an admissions advisor from the schools you are interested in and ask them if they would recommend retaking the DAT considering your credentials. I know that UOP loves it when applicants show an interest in their program.

UOP 2006

 

[chrisdds]

Hey, Jmac.
My advice to you is to first retake the DAT. I'm sure you know that California schools are much tougher to get in compared to schools in the East Coast. Academic 20+ and PAT 19+ will be pretty good stats for California schools. About GPA, I know that it's hard to raise it in a semester, but if you show consistency of improving your GPA, then 3.4+ should be fine, too.

 

[Happy Gingiva]

Have to retake DAT!! For Cali schools, you should get above 20s on all the subjects.

Just Maintain you GPA!!!

After you start your dental school, you will realize that DAT is so easy. Dental school is much more challenging.

Best luck!