Just Another "How Am I Doing?" Thread

[Thingamabob]

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So, I'm applying to dental school for this year's cycle and want to know realistically what my chances are to getting in after getting my DAT scores.

Majors: BS Chemistry/ BA Classical Civ (a weird combo, I know)
Minor: Chemistry
Graduation Status: Senior
GPA: 3.82
sGPA: 3.80*

*note that I used AP credit to test out of Gen Chem and Gen Bio and their prerequisite labs. I've taken several upper-tier bio classes (Microbiology, Human Structure and Function, etc) and all the upper tier chem classes required. I know that some schools like Ohio State (which is an in-state school for me) don't take AP credits, so this is a matter of consternation for me.

DAT: QRT 21
RCT 21
BIO 19
GEN CHEM 21
ORG CHEM 22

I've got all my letters sent in through my school's pre-health committee and my personal statement down to a T, so those are fine.

My volunteer/shadowing hours are the other matter of concern for me. I've got about 20 hours shadowing a general dental practice and another 70 or so shadowing a dental pathologist that was a friend of the family. The dental pathology stuff wasn't traditional practice work, a lot of gum tumors and salivary glands and stuff. This is the other thing that concerns me, considering most dental schools require/recommend a lot more. I applied to mostly schools in the Midwest, with special emphasis on schools in Ohio and Illinois (where I did my undergrad).

 

[pk62281]

So, I'm applying to dental school for this year's cycle and want to know realistically what my chances are to getting in after getting my DAT scores.

Majors: BS Chemistry/ BA Classical Civ (a weird combo, I know)
Minor: Chemistry
Graduation Status: Senior
GPA: 3.82
sGPA: 3.80*

*note that I used AP credit to test out of Gen Chem and Gen Bio and their prerequisite labs. I've taken several upper-tier bio classes (Microbiology, Human Structure and Function, etc) and all the upper tier chem classes required. I know that some schools like Ohio State (which is an in-state school for me) don't take AP credits, so this is a matter of consternation for me.

DAT: QRT 21
RCT 21
BIO 19
GEN CHEM 21
ORG CHEM 22

I've got all my letters sent in through my school's pre-health committee and my personal statement down to a T, so those are fine.

My volunteer/shadowing hours are the other matter of concern for me. I've got about 20 hours shadowing a general dental practice and another 70 or so shadowing a dental pathologist that was a friend of the family. The dental pathology stuff wasn't traditional practice work, a lot of gum tumors and salivary glands and stuff. This is the other thing that concerns me, considering most dental schools require/recommend a lot more. I applied to mostly schools in the Midwest, with special emphasis on schools in Ohio and Illinois (where I did my undergrad).

Hmm... I think you'll need a 4.67GPA and 37DAT at least to even be considered. Shadowing should have started at the same time you entered elementary school so you missed the boat on that one. Sorry bro.







lol jk. Assuming you're not too socially awkward you'll have multiple acceptances.

 

[Thingamabob]

I appreciate the sarcasm; I needed the laugh today. 😀 I knew that I'm in pretty good shape for my GPA/DAT scores, but the hours I felt weren't really up to snuff. That may be the product of me being the only non-medical applicant at my university for this cycle and the pre-health office has been REALLY breathing down my neck about this stuff.

I also got kinda scared about the 'schools not taking AP Credit' thing, but I guess the people who consider the applications kinda glaze over that issue when you've taken multiple 300 level courses in each field, huh.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[crax]

i might try and shadow some other practices, so you have an idea of what practicing is like outside of one (general) dentist. Perhaps check out another GD, or better yet if he can set you up with some specialists whom he refers patients too youll be set. I did about 6 practices, 2 of which were specialties, and one was a dental lab to amount to 100 hours. Youre in really good shape, that might be one thing where you could strengthen in your free time.

 

[Barking Lamb]

Although certain schools don't take AP credits, some will allow you to replace lower level biology courses with extra high level biology courses. Just something to keep in mind if you have a few extra biology credits outside of their basic requirements.

 

[rodneymoss]

So, I'm applying to dental school for this year's cycle and want to know realistically what my chances are to getting in after getting my DAT scores.

Majors: BS Chemistry/ BA Classical Civ (a weird combo, I know)
Minor: Chemistry
Graduation Status: Senior
GPA: 3.82
sGPA: 3.80*

*note that I used AP credit to test out of Gen Chem and Gen Bio and their prerequisite labs. I've taken several upper-tier bio classes (Microbiology, Human Structure and Function, etc) and all the upper tier chem classes required. I know that some schools like Ohio State (which is an in-state school for me) don't take AP credits, so this is a matter of consternation for me.

DAT: QRT 21
RCT 21
BIO 19
GEN CHEM 21
ORG CHEM 22

I've got all my letters sent in through my school's pre-health committee and my personal statement down to a T, so those are fine.

My volunteer/shadowing hours are the other matter of concern for me. I've got about 20 hours shadowing a general dental practice and another 70 or so shadowing a dental pathologist that was a friend of the family. The dental pathology stuff wasn't traditional practice work, a lot of gum tumors and salivary glands and stuff. This is the other thing that concerns me, considering most dental schools require/recommend a lot more. I applied to mostly schools in the Midwest, with special emphasis on schools in Ohio and Illinois (where I did my undergrad).

Def gonna land interviews.. now lets hope your communication skills are as good as them stats haha.

 

[agb2782]

I had near identical stats and shadowing hours to you, although quite a bit of leadership experience through assorted college extracurriculars. I'm from IL and applied to Midwest schools.

Apply to more schools than you think you will need. I applied to eight, got into two. The out of state public schools are very difficult to get into (if you're not from IL, don't even consider SIU and think realistically about UIC). From the vocabulary you used in your original post, sounds like you'll write a decent personal statement. I would encourage applying early in the cycle to private Midwestern schools such as Creighton, Marquette, etc. Maybe I missed it in the original post, but what is your state of residency? You'll have the best chance of gaining acceptance there, and in the long run, money is what matters. Get out with the fewest debt possible.

 

[dentalprodigy]

Your glances don't look good dude. Def give the Dat again & seriously consider a masters program to being that GPA up.

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