D
deleted390966
I'm applying next year, so I'm thinking of calling schools to ask what they think about my credentials... Has anyone ever done this? Is it helpful or would I come across as unconfident??
Is it wise/helpful to call schools to ask about my credentials?
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2010
- Messages
- 567
- Reaction score
- 6
At this point, you haven't applied, so they don't know who you are and couldn't care less. I think often you can arrange to speak with a director of admissions or someone else of authority who can give you definitive answers on where your application might be lacking or could need a little help.
Even if they refuse to help you or even put you down for asking, it doesn't matter since at no point will they know who you are.
However often a better strategy is to read the ADEA guide book and search for your questions here in the forums before calling.
Even if they refuse to help you or even put you down for asking, it doesn't matter since at no point will they know who you are.
However often a better strategy is to read the ADEA guide book and search for your questions here in the forums before calling.
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2011
- Messages
- 139
- Reaction score
- 0
I actually have a different perspective on this - it depends how you go about it. But I think the good thing about contacting (your favorite) school is that you are showing interest early on, which can never hurt to get your name in the door...Remember the earlier you do this, the better. Yes maybe right now is an extremely busy time since admissions are underway, so maybe you might want to wait a little...however, when I did this, schools had me email/fax my transcripts and tell them my scores and they told me what I could do to make myself more competitive. Some schools were like re-take the DAT get a 20 - than I did and got a 22 aa and it looked really good - all the while staying in contact with schools. it can help, if you make connections early on and do it strategically - timing is everything
D
deleted390966
Thank you for your responses!
~
~
Last edited by a moderator:
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2011
- Messages
- 139
- Reaction score
- 0
Yeah definitely, I'm in that boat with you soooo I know how you feel. Anyways,what are your DAT scores? Definitely get a 20+AA and try to not bomb any section...Definitely talk to schools, acknowledge that you want to work on being a competitive candidate and just get that conversation going ask what you can do - what they suggest etc. In undergrad your gpa was good! Did you take any science related courses than/major? Or was that postbacc for you (not sure if you did a masters program or not)...I think you'll need to take classes for the fact that you want to always have an upward trend - prove you can do well. Doesn't mean to do a masters but take upper level courses that match the first year of dental school (try to avoid community college - unless the school you want to go to accepts those courses)...I know its pricey which sucks, but if you try and think of it in the long run - you'll be making that money in a day of work as a dentist!
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 180
- Reaction score
- 1
Definitely call. I was under the same situation and wasn't sure if I was going to be competitive enough in some schools, so I called them up. It helped a lot. The admissions people were very friendly and honest.
And like cleanup said, we can provide you with help here by posting your stats. Most of us here have a decent judgment on how well you'll fair in the application process.
And like cleanup said, we can provide you with help here by posting your stats. Most of us here have a decent judgment on how well you'll fair in the application process.
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
- Messages
- 2,278
- Reaction score
- 18
I would say call only your top schools. Express early interest. Ask how your stats rank up to this year's candidate pool or something.
Before you call, however, read over the ADEA stats and the school's website. You may find the answer and some the admissions offices' time.
Before you call, however, read over the ADEA stats and the school's website. You may find the answer and some the admissions offices' time.
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 5,650
- Reaction score
- 169
Poor performance in post-bacc is a red flag. Most schools I know of are of the forgiving-type when it comes to low undergrad GPA AS LONG AS YOU HAVE serious post-bacc work to back it up (masters or post-bacc)..... In your particular case, you went backwards.
If your serious about being competitive, you should consider doing 1-2 fulltime post-bacc sciences and earning next to 4.0 marks.
And also, you SHOULD contact schools (either by phone or in person), ask to speak to an admission counselor and tell them your story, see what suggestions they give to help make you more competitive.... Oh, I wouldn't put too much stock into the whole "family problems" thing, I am not trying to sound like an ass, but when you have 2000-4000+ people applying for 100-ish seats, they WILL be selective based purely on numbers.
Dental Works is absolutely right here. Its really not good to show a significant decline in performance in your post bac.
If you started off bad, an upward trend in your performance is essential.
Good luck with everything
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2011
- Messages
- 419
- Reaction score
- 2
I wouldn't use the family issue as it sounds like another excuse that they've already heard from thousands of violinists. Especially since you're older (post-college) they want to see people take responsibility for their performance. In your case your post-bac is the most critical since it's all relavant science classes. Like dentalworks stated, you need to spend more money and get the job done. IMO no use in talking to schools since your post-bac GPA is sub 3.0.
