It's November and I still haven't received an interview yet.

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YiatrosAndreas

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Okay, this is my second time applying to dental school. I submitted my application at the beginning of July, which means it wasn't verified and sent out to my schools until the end of July. I retook my DAT in mid August. On the first DAT, I scored an 18 on AA, 16 PAT, and 17 on Science. When I retook it, I scored a 19 AA, 19 PAT, and an 18 Science. My total GPA is a 3.65, my science GPA is a 3.46. I have 360 hours of Dental Volunteer work, and 556 hours of Organic Chemistry Research. I majored in history and minored in chemistry. Is something wrong with my stats? I'm freaking out because the first time I applied, I applied in late October, and got rejected from all 22 schools I applied to. This year, I applied to 16 of them. What am I doing wrong?!?!?!
 
YiatrosAndreas said:
Okay, this is my second time applying to dental school. I submitted my application at the beginning of July, which means it wasn't verified and sent out to my schools until the end of July. I retook my DAT in mid August. On the first DAT, I scored an 18 on AA, 16 PAT, and 17 on Science. When I retook it, I scored a 19 AA, 19 PAT, and an 18 Science. My total GPA is a 3.65, my science GPA is a 3.46. I have 360 hours of Dental Volunteer work, and 556 hours of Organic Chemistry Research. I majored in history and minored in chemistry. Is something wrong with my stats? I'm freaking out because the first time I applied, I applied in late October, and got rejected from all 22 schools I applied to. This year, I applied to 16 of them. What am I doing wrong?!?!?!
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No way for anyone to know what the problem actually is but I can throw some things at the wall:

Your GPA is average but your science score is below average (the AA is actually below average too for some schools).

You may have a weak personal statement. How do you feel about it?

Do you think your reccs are fine?
 
Hello, my honest opinion is that your DAT may be holding you back. I think your GPA is ok but to be competitive, a better DAT will be required here. I was in your shoes once. I would contact schools and ask but think they will give you a similar answer. My advice is to wait till January and if you do not receive calls, I would try to retake. Best wishes to you
 
I'm gonna second it being your DAT. Average DAT scores across the board are pushing into the 20's, I would aim for a 20AA/20TS in another retake.


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I already got rejected from Nova Southeastern, but have heard nothing from the other schools. Is there still hope?
 
I think it's easy for most people to criticize your DAT or GPA because it's the easiest measurable value to your application. I would recommend you to reconsider your personal statement and the people you are asking your letter of recommendations from. I know a few people who have much worse numbers than you, that have been getting interviews.
 
Im in the same situation, just a rejection from buffalo so far. what a thanksgiving.
 
I hope you get accepted, meanwhile, work on your third Dat attempt!
Why didn't you apply for more than 22 school this time?
 
Some of the schools I applied to last time were out of state public schools. This time, I mostly applied to private schools and the 2 state schools in New York: Buffalo and Stony Brook.
 
Actually, I shadowed at my aunt's dental office, and she wrote my letter of recommendation. I stated in the app that she is my aunt. Is that bad?
 
YiatrosAndreas said:
Actually, I shadowed at my aunt's dental office, and she wrote my letter of recommendation. I stated in the app that she is my aunt. Is that bad?
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I wouldn't say it's bad, but not recommended for sure.
 
Faefly said:
I hope you get accepted, meanwhile, work on your third Dat attempt!
Why didn't you apply for more than 22 school this time?
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Some of the schools I applied to last time were out of state public schools. This time, I mostly applied to private schools and the 2 state schools in New York: Buffalo and Stony Brook.
 
JustKeepSwimming24 said:
I think it's easy for most people to criticize your DAT or GPA because it's the easiest measurable value to your application. I would recommend you to reconsider your personal statement and the people you are asking your letter of recommendations from. I know a few people who have much worse numbers than you, that have been getting interviews.
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Actually, I shadowed at my aunt's dental office, and she wrote my letter of recommendation. I stated in the app that she is my aunt. Is that bad?
 
savage_mode said:
Because she your aunt so of course she won't write anything bad about you. It won't be a honest assessment.
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I just volunteered at a dental clinic this past semester. Should I ask for them to submit a letter to the schools?
 
With your stats, you should have been able to land a couple interviews. I think the problem is that you applied late (August/September is pushing it for you).

Also, as @JustKeepSwimming24 said, there is more to an application than just numbers. What you wrote down on your personal statement or what your evaluators wrote in their recommendation letters could have had a huge impact on your file.
 
Your stats are fine, although I would personally aim for 20AA+. I think you should look at your PS and the people you are asking for LOR's. Good luck!
 
Don't think you applied too late. Wouldn't have said the aunt thing. Is there such thing as applying to too MANY schools? They might view it as a form of desperation--I was told to apply to anywhere between 6-10 dental schools.

Try to get those DAT scores up, LOR upgrade (aunt removal), and improve your personal statement. Worst case scenario, a third time applying shows true resilience that dental schools would view quite positively (make sure to improve your file from year to year though!). Best of luck!
 
DentalHopeful16679 said:
Don't think you applied too late. Wouldn't have said the aunt thing.
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Yeah, having a relative write you a LoR isn't good. Does she have the same last name as you @YiatrosAndreas ?

DentalHopeful16679 said:
Is there such thing as applying to too MANY schools? They might view it as a form of desperation--I was told to apply to anywhere between 6-10 dental schools.!
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And I don't think theres any way for a school to find out how many you applied to, unless you told them.
 
And I don't think theres any way for a school to find out how many you applied to, unless you told them.[/QUOTE]

They don't see the AADSAS page with all the schools listed on them? I don't know how that works.
 
DentalHopeful16679 said:
And I don't think theres any way for a school to find out how many you applied to, unless you told them.

They don't see the AADSAS page with all the schools listed on them? I don't know how that works.
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I don't think so. All my interviewers asked where else I've applied and some even wrote it down on their notes.
 
Anything below 19aa 19ts or 19pat is below standard in my opinion...but you may be able to land a spot in a new and expensive private, GL.
 
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nebuchadnezzar90 said:
One of my interviewers told me that AADSAS sends a list out telling the schools where you put your deposits at but nothing about schools that you applied to.
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That would make sense. School A should have a right to know if you're already committed to School B (via deposit) so they can give your spot to a different student.
 
nebuchadnezzar90 said:
One of my interviewers told me that AADSAS sends a list out telling the schools where you put your deposits at but nothing about schools that you applied to.
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This is correct. I called AADSAS a while back, they said schools do not know how many schools you have applied to. In April sometime, all schools you applied to can see if you have placed a deposit.
 
JustKeepSwimming24 said:
I think it's easy for most people to criticize your DAT or GPA because it's the easiest measurable value to your application. I would recommend you to reconsider your personal statement and the people you are asking your letter of recommendations from. I know a few people who have much worse numbers than you, that have been getting interviews.
Click to expand...

There are WAY too many variables to consider. I was just like you on my second cycle. I am on my fourth cycle of applying. I believe the best thing that helped me is not a DAT retake, I already had completed a Masters with a near 4.0 GPA, extensive research, publications, etc. The biggest thing was my service. Granted, I still did not land 6-10 interviews like some other folks, but my direct involvement in the community over the past 2 years and my consistent striving to maximize my time to showcase my potential and ability helped shine light on my app. How was your RC? Some schools consider that reflective of how successful you'll be while being an actual dental student.
 
I have a theory that most schools use only GPA and DAT to see if they will interview you.

If they invite you they look at everything else. Think about how much work it is to go through every detail at first and then decide to interview.

GPA and DAT are good markers to open a door, the extras get you through the door.

That being said, I found it optimal to have been verified at the end of July mid august. I personally was mailed out 2nd Sept. I feel this prevents the adcom from seeing you early and saying no. If you're in the middle of their review process they are "more willing" to give out interviews aince they are giving out mass amounts.

Keep your head up, there are things that could turn up!!
 
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