Just got rejected 2 years in a row. Suspect it's GPA, need advice.

[austinpatton]

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Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my journey so far, and ask for help.

I've been interested in dentistry since high school, and started shadowing when I was 18. As of today, I've shadowed a total of over 200 hours. I've shadowed 6 different specialties within those hours, and I can say with naive certainty that I am most interested in a general practice with a focus on cosmetic/ restorative dentistry.

Fast forward to today. I just got my second rejection letter from MUSC. (I am a resident of SC). I did apply to other schools, but have only interviewed with MUSC both years. Last year, I applied in September and interviewed in October. This year I applied June 4th and interviewed September 21.

So, here's my stats. GPA overall (according to my transcript) =3.38/ with (+/-) = 3.28
GPA science (according to my transcript) =3.51/ with (+/-)= 3.44
DAT- AA= 21 PAT= 21 TS= 20

Ok, so I assumed my DAT score would attract attention, and it must have to get me the interviews. I know my GPA is on the lower end. I could complain about the (+/-) situation, but it is what it is. I hear some of the other schools in SC don't give (+/-) but award A all the way down to 90%, which would allow others with the same percentage grades to have higher looking GPA's than me on AADSAS. Alas, what can I do about it.

Also, after getting rejected last year, I set up a meeting in the summer with the dean of admissions, and had a fantastic talk with him. I showed him my transcript and my official DAT score sheet, and discussed my application. He encouraged me not to worry about my stats, but just to be sure and apply early and I should get an early interview. I did get a very early interview, thankfully.

But, as you can see, I am still left unaccepted. I feel that it is my GPA holding me back but I asked specifically if that needed to come up and the dean said he didn't think so. However, it can't be my DAT or shadowing, those are both strong. At this point I am pretty discouraged. I know that to raise my GPA, I'd have to go back to school, which would take at least a year. So, if I do this I can't improve my application for the third cycle coming up this june, running the risk of getting rejected a third time and rendering my DAT I worked so hard for, useless!

I guess theres not much I can do though, right? I am certainly not looking for loopholes or short cuts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dream of becoming a dentist, but I do want to be smart with my time and resources moving forward. So, I would like to know what the wisest course of action would be for a person in my shoes.

Thank you all for taking the time to read about my situation, and your contributions.

Austin

 

[NDPitch]

Where else did you apply besides MUSC?

 

[aznboi89x]

Where else did you apply besides MUSC?

im wondering the same...

 

[User8088]

Your stats are pretty solid, I would think its something other than gpa/dat. Maybe you don't interview well, or didn't stick out? Did you do much prep for your interview? Usually if you land an interview that means you've made it past the numbers game and its up to the rest of your application/interview to land the acceptance.

**I forgot to mention did you send a thank you email after your interview expressing your interest in the school and why you would be a great fit for the school?

Just my thoughts, good luck and hopefully you can land some more interviews/acceptances elsewhere yet this cycle

 

[nondescriptive]

You always have to take classes to raise your GPA when it is below the average for matriculation. I think you made a mistake there. And you need to apply to way more schools. And practice on your interview with someone else; and go back to the dean and ask him how you can do better next cycle.

 

[Severed Lips]

With those stats I would recommend a shotgun approach to your application. I would apply to 15-20 schools next cycle. Lot's of people get in with your GPA and DAT.

 

[predent12]

I think it's really great that you are looking forward and seeking out a solution. I agree that you should just apply to a lot of schools next time. Your stats look good.

Also one thing that worked for me was to be in touch with the dean every few months. I think that helped me to get an early interview at my first choice.

I wish you the best.

 

[ryansgs]

What everyone else said and maybe you should consider retaking the DAT.

I know a few people that had a similar DAT and GPA and were rejected. And when they retook it and got a 22 or 23+, they were accepted the next time they applied. Doing this could help you. Just something for you to consider.

 

[Teeths]

I would have to disagree with retaking the DAT. You're absolutely great with that (unless you had a section under 16-17?). How many schools did you apply to? You need to apply to way more than just one or two.

If it's not any of those things then I would say you need to contact the schools and ask them what you can do from here. Good luck

 

[DarlingDDS]

You didn't mention volunteering or other extracurriculars. Is that area lacking in your application? What about research?

I think it would be smart to call the schools that didn't give you an interview also and ask them what was missing or needed improvement. That should give you some more insight.

 

[Paperclipz]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my journey so far, and ask for help.

I've been interested in dentistry since high school, and started shadowing when I was 18. As of today, I've shadowed a total of over 200 hours. I've shadowed 6 different specialties within those hours, and I can say with naive certainty that I am most interested in a general practice with a focus on cosmetic/ restorative dentistry.

Fast forward to today. I just got my second rejection letter from MUSC. (I am a resident of SC). I did apply to other schools, but have only interviewed with MUSC both years. Last year, I applied in September and interviewed in October. This year I applied June 4th and interviewed September 21.

So, here's my stats. GPA overall (according to my transcript) =3.38/ with (+/-) = 3.28
GPA science (according to my transcript) =3.51/ with (+/-)= 3.44
DAT- AA= 21 PAT= 21 TS= 20

Ok, so I assumed my DAT score would attract attention, and it must have to get me the interviews. I know my GPA is on the lower end. I could complain about the (+/-) situation, but it is what it is. I hear some of the other schools in SC don't give (+/-) but award A all the way down to 90%, which would allow others with the same percentage grades to have higher looking GPA's than me on AADSAS. Alas, what can I do about it.

Also, after getting rejected last year, I set up a meeting in the summer with the dean of admissions, and had a fantastic talk with him. I showed him my transcript and my official DAT score sheet, and discussed my application. He encouraged me not to worry about my stats, but just to be sure and apply early and I should get an early interview. I did get a very early interview, thankfully.

But, as you can see, I am still left unaccepted. I feel that it is my GPA holding me back but I asked specifically if that needed to come up and the dean said he didn't think so. However, it can't be my DAT or shadowing, those are both strong. At this point I am pretty discouraged. I know that to raise my GPA, I'd have to go back to school, which would take at least a year. So, if I do this I can't improve my application for the third cycle coming up this june, running the risk of getting rejected a third time and rendering my DAT I worked so hard for, useless!

I guess theres not much I can do though, right? I am certainly not looking for loopholes or short cuts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dream of becoming a dentist, but I do want to be smart with my time and resources moving forward. So, I would like to know what the wisest course of action would be for a person in my shoes.

Thank you all for taking the time to read about my situation, and your contributions.

Austin

I agree with the above posts. I do not think you have to retake your DAT and your GPA seems fine. Is that the only school you applied to? Then maybe that's the problem. Apply to other schools and early..apply to around 10 to 12 this cycle...in the mean time do some extracurriculars. Look over your personal statement, etc.

I would personally call the school and see what you can do this time around to improve your chances. And email other schools and say that you will be reapplying and want to make sure what to improve on your app before applying again. Don't put yourself down about it. Hopefully this time you'll get in!

 

[jeffity]

We don't really know what we're taking about, but if you're willing to share more info, maybe some juicy theories might come out that might offer more insight.

Like individual DAT scores. What kind of letters and if you think they are good. Any personal stuff they might not like. And where you applied (or at least how many). ECs as suggested above. Same or new statement. Fist bump or handshake at interview. It's a numbers game. I think yours are fine. Something's up. Or just bad dice this time around.

 

[jmh018]

What everyone else said and maybe you should consider retaking the DAT.

I know a few people that had a similar DAT and GPA and were rejected. And when they retook it and got a 22 or 23+, they were accepted the next time they applied. Doing this could help you. Just something for you to consider.

Do not retake the DAT.

 

[jmh018]

.

 

[scrambledgreggs]

I am surprised and scared to see that you have been getting rejected. 😱

What other schools did you apply to? What were the other parts of your application like?

 

[ttpharm]

once you get an interview, all you need to do is be charming/confident. Yes, your answers to certain questions may be a factor, but I truly believe your mannerisms will be the main factor.

 

[autoclavemonkey]

I think there's something else in your application that's holding you back. It's not your GPA/DAT. I have very similar stats as you (3.41sgpa/21aa 23pat). How are your letters of recommendations? Did you update them each year? Did you spend a good time writing your personal statement? I would seriously advise going into your career center or a counselor to go over your application. Seriously go over every single sentences. Did you make sure you have all the requirements. Also as someone asked, how many schools did you apply to? Also where?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=978521

You'll see my post(#21). You'll see that I was in a same situation as you on my first cycle. I listed the things I improved so refer to that. I'd be glad to share everything I know to help you so feel free to PM me.

 

[daniiia]

hi , every body , im intresting about dental school , is there some body know about internation dentistry course in italy ,, really thanks for helping me

 

[DHallenbeck]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my journey so far, and ask for help.

I've been interested in dentistry since high school, and started shadowing when I was 18. As of today, I've shadowed a total of over 200 hours. I've shadowed 6 different specialties within those hours, and I can say with naive certainty that I am most interested in a general practice with a focus on cosmetic/ restorative dentistry.

Fast forward to today. I just got my second rejection letter from MUSC. (I am a resident of SC). I did apply to other schools, but have only interviewed with MUSC both years. Last year, I applied in September and interviewed in October. This year I applied June 4th and interviewed September 21.

So, here's my stats. GPA overall (according to my transcript) =3.38/ with (+/-) = 3.28
GPA science (according to my transcript) =3.51/ with (+/-)= 3.44
DAT- AA= 21 PAT= 21 TS= 20

Ok, so I assumed my DAT score would attract attention, and it must have to get me the interviews. I know my GPA is on the lower end. I could complain about the (+/-) situation, but it is what it is. I hear some of the other schools in SC don't give (+/-) but award A all the way down to 90%, which would allow others with the same percentage grades to have higher looking GPA's than me on AADSAS. Alas, what can I do about it.

Also, after getting rejected last year, I set up a meeting in the summer with the dean of admissions, and had a fantastic talk with him. I showed him my transcript and my official DAT score sheet, and discussed my application. He encouraged me not to worry about my stats, but just to be sure and apply early and I should get an early interview. I did get a very early interview, thankfully.

But, as you can see, I am still left unaccepted. I feel that it is my GPA holding me back but I asked specifically if that needed to come up and the dean said he didn't think so. However, it can't be my DAT or shadowing, those are both strong. At this point I am pretty discouraged. I know that to raise my GPA, I'd have to go back to school, which would take at least a year. So, if I do this I can't improve my application for the third cycle coming up this june, running the risk of getting rejected a third time and rendering my DAT I worked so hard for, useless!

I guess theres not much I can do though, right? I am certainly not looking for loopholes or short cuts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dream of becoming a dentist, but I do want to be smart with my time and resources moving forward. So, I would like to know what the wisest course of action would be for a person in my shoes.

Thank you all for taking the time to read about my situation, and your contributions.

Austin

We're very much in the same boat, but this is my first application cycle.

My DAT was 22AA, 21TS, 20PAT; I have a cGPA (+/-) of 3.35 and w/o (+/-) of 3.38; and BCP of (+/-) 3.52 and w/o (+/-) 3.54.

I have 120 hrs shadowing, and many leadership, service and extracurriculars...(Student government, habitat for humanity, mission trips, president of my service fraternity, volunteering at school and church functions, management positions at work)

My application was sent out at the end of August...and I applied to 5 schools (NYU, MWU AZ, Tufts, SUNY Buffalo, and Baylor).

I am scared and nervous that if I take a year off a work, to apply again in June like you did, that I still won't get accepted. But I think with our stats (just under average GPAs and above avg DAT), the best chance of admission is to review our PS, LOR, and apply to 15-20 schools rather than the 5....But maybe I'm deluding myself. I just really don't want to spend the money to pursure an accelerated masters program. Good luck!!

 

[dentalicious010]

Your stats are fine. I got into 3 schools so far. My sGPA is 3.4 and 20 AA. You need to work on your recommendation letters and ECs. I have accumulated several hours of research, volunteer, shadowing, etc.

 

[aznboi89x]

We're very much in the same boat, but this is my first application cycle.

My DAT was 22AA, 21TS, 20PAT; I have a cGPA (+/-) of 3.35 and w/o (+/-) of 3.38; and BCP of (+/-) 3.52 and w/o (+/-) 3.54.

I have 120 hrs shadowing, and many leadership, service and extracurriculars...(Student government, habitat for humanity, mission trips, president of my service fraternity, volunteering at school and church functions, management positions at work)

My application was sent out at the end of August...and I applied to 5 schools (NYU, MWU AZ, Tufts, SUNY Buffalo, and Baylor).

why did u apply to Baylor when they only accept 1-2 OOS? R u a texas resident? If you were a texas resident, you would've applied to san antonio and houston....

the problem is that u applied to ONLY 5 schools....

 

[dentalWorks]

those stats are great... how many schools are you applying to? I hope for your sakes its not just one.

With those stats, I'd aim at 8+ schools.

 

[DHallenbeck]

why did u apply to Baylor when they only accept 1-2 OOS? R u a texas resident? If you were a texas resident, you would've applied to san antonio and houston....

the problem is that u applied to ONLY 5 schools....

All the stats I had seen say that Baylor accepts about 8 OOS out of their roughly 100 spots. I am not currently a TX resident, but I am moving down there this summer, and Baylor was my top choice. I told them my situation, but oh well. All schools I applied to had avg DAT scores at least 2 points below my AA, and I was over or right at their avg TS or PAT scores.

I realize I should have applied to more schools, but at the time I thought I would get at least 1 acceptance, and I spent nearly all my money paying for those 5 applications. Next time around I'll be graduated, making more money, and be able to afford spending the $2000 or more that it will take to apply to 15 or so schools.

 

[kootn]

Have you ever thought of applying to SMP or post-bac? That can really help boost your GPA.

 

[autoclavemonkey]

All the stats I had seen say that Baylor accepts about 8 OOS out of their roughly 100 spots. I am not currently a TX resident, but I am moving down there this summer, and Baylor was my top choice. I told them my situation, but oh well. All schools I applied to had avg DAT scores at least 2 points below my AA, and I was over or right at their avg TS or PAT scores.

I realize I should have applied to more schools, but at the time I thought I would get at least 1 acceptance, and I spent nearly all my money paying for those 5 applications. Next time around I'll be graduated, making more money, and be able to afford spending the $2000 or more that it will take to apply to 15 or so schools.

Yeah keep it around that number. I'd even go higher honestly. This is your 3rd time and after this your DAT score expires right? This whole application process is such a crapshoot. For me, some of the school that I had lower range of stats (for accepted students) than mine didn't even interview me (roseman, usc, boston). So keep that in mind. Good luck.

 

[Bobby Fischer]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my journey so far, and ask for help.

I've been interested in dentistry since high school, and started shadowing when I was 18. As of today, I've shadowed a total of over 200 hours. I've shadowed 6 different specialties within those hours, and I can say with naive certainty that I am most interested in a general practice with a focus on cosmetic/ restorative dentistry.

Fast forward to today. I just got my second rejection letter from MUSC. (I am a resident of SC). I did apply to other schools, but have only interviewed with MUSC both years. Last year, I applied in September and interviewed in October. This year I applied June 4th and interviewed September 21.

So, here's my stats. GPA overall (according to my transcript) =3.38/ with (+/-) = 3.28
GPA science (according to my transcript) =3.51/ with (+/-)= 3.44
DAT- AA= 21 PAT= 21 TS= 20

Ok, so I assumed my DAT score would attract attention, and it must have to get me the interviews. I know my GPA is on the lower end. I could complain about the (+/-) situation, but it is what it is. I hear some of the other schools in SC don't give (+/-) but award A all the way down to 90%, which would allow others with the same percentage grades to have higher looking GPA's than me on AADSAS. Alas, what can I do about it.

Also, after getting rejected last year, I set up a meeting in the summer with the dean of admissions, and had a fantastic talk with him. I showed him my transcript and my official DAT score sheet, and discussed my application. He encouraged me not to worry about my stats, but just to be sure and apply early and I should get an early interview. I did get a very early interview, thankfully.

But, as you can see, I am still left unaccepted. I feel that it is my GPA holding me back but I asked specifically if that needed to come up and the dean said he didn't think so. However, it can't be my DAT or shadowing, those are both strong. At this point I am pretty discouraged. I know that to raise my GPA, I'd have to go back to school, which would take at least a year. So, if I do this I can't improve my application for the third cycle coming up this june, running the risk of getting rejected a third time and rendering my DAT I worked so hard for, useless!

I guess theres not much I can do though, right? I am certainly not looking for loopholes or short cuts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dream of becoming a dentist, but I do want to be smart with my time and resources moving forward. So, I would like to know what the wisest course of action would be for a person in my shoes.

Thank you all for taking the time to read about my situation, and your contributions.

Austin

Are you white? Are you male? Does not help if you are guilty as charged. It is the reality, despite the rhetoric to the contrary (lies).

 

[mid]

Are you white? Are you male? Does not help if you are guilty as charged. It is the reality, despite the rhetoric to the contrary (lies).

 

[austinpatton]

Maybe this will shed more light on the topic:

I applied to 8 other schools specifically based on how many OOS they accept and which ones avg GPA I would fit into or above. Haven't even gotten 1 interview invitation from the OOS schools.

Also, I met with the dean of MUSC last summer to ask him why I didn't get in last year, and he said "both interviewers had great things to say, gpa looks fine, DAT looks lovely" and offered no areas of improvement for me.

After seeing your responses, I'm even more confused b/c I just thought my gpa sucked.

 

[predent12]

Have you applied to many private schools? I think that even if your GPA and DAT are in the range for those schools, as an OOS student it is tougher to get in. Maybe if you added a bunch of private schools to your list, you might have a better shot? I mean your GPA/DAT look like you'd be a really good candidate for BU, Tufts, NYU and USC.

Have you stayed in touch with that admissions director? When I was applying, I also spoke to the admissions director at my top choice the summer before I applied. I would email him periodically, (every 2-3 months whenever I had a question,) just so that he wouldn't forget about me. I really think it helped me to get an early interview. I would continue to be in touch with him, and ask him again for more feedback from this round.

Maybe this will shed more light on the topic:

I applied to 8 other schools specifically based on how many OOS they accept and which ones avg GPA I would fit into or above. Haven't even gotten 1 interview invitation from the OOS schools.

Also, I met with the dean of MUSC last summer to ask him why I didn't get in last year, and he said "both interviewers had great things to say, gpa looks fine, DAT looks lovely" and offered no areas of improvement for me.

After seeing your responses, I'm even more confused b/c I just thought my gpa sucked.

 

[austinpatton]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! My current plan is I'm looking at a post bacc program at the Univ of South Carolina school of medicine that seems to be geared toward people looking to go into professional schools, but need to raise their GPA. It's one year, and would allow me to apply for D school the coming year as well. I spoke with the admissions officer, and he told me some good information about a person in my shoes 2 years ago who did the program, raised her GPA a few points then got accepted to MUSC this year.

Also, I'm going to meet with the dean of MUSC April 9th to discuss my application, so hopefully I'll understand what it is I need to improve on!