Least competitive Schools

[tutankh]

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Hey guys...

Anyone knows where I can find info regarding D-school rating? What are some of the least/non-competitive schools 👎 ? And what is the WORST profile 😱 (GPA, DAT, etc...) you have heard of that led to a D-school?

 

[DarcyT]

Hey guys...

Anyone knows where I can find info regarding D-school rating? What are some of the least/non-competitive schools 👎 ? And what is the WORST profile 😱 (GPA, DAT, etc...) you have heard of that led to a D-school?

They don't rank dental schools anymore. I think the last time dental schools were ranked was in 1996. There is a thread to that ranking somewere on here just do a search.

As for the worst profile, I know of someone with a 2.9 that got in (i can't rem thier DAT though). I had a 3.09 GPA and an 18AA,18SA and 17PAT. Also If you look for the under 3.0 thread on here it has the profiles of all the SDNers that had a GPA under 3.0 and got in.

Hope this helps.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I think some of the least competitive ones in terms of GPA/DAT are state schools. But the trouble with that is that if you aren't a state resident, then they can be extremely difficult to get into. And more often than not, even if you are a state resident they can be tricky to get into.

It doesn't seem like there are any real "easy-admissions" dental schools around. All of them favor something or other (state residency, research, GPA, DAT, service, etc.) and if you are lacking then it can be tough-going.

But there sure are a lot of success stories out there about applicants who have bucked the trend and gotten multiple admissions.

What is your specific situation and what type of school are you looking at?

 

[dr_benj]

I think the expensive private schools are easier to get into because applicants will likely choose to go somewhere else (i.e. their state school) if it is cheaper and they have that option. Therefore these private schools must accept a lot of people to fill their classes.

 

[tutankh]

Thanks guys...

In my case, I am an older 😉 applicant (mid-life crisis and career change).

-I did poorly on a couple of science classes at 4-year school. But did very well before at JC and on my major classes (humanities).

-I just took a few science classes at a JC and did very well. Planning on taking more.

-Preparing for DAT right now.

-Several years of volunteer work with The American Red Cross years ago,

-Family and a management career right now (not health-related).

-CA resident and a UCLA alum.

You can say I am desperate at getting into any school regardless (whoever takes me in ). I will accept the very first offer anywhere (even in .....Do not want offend anyone) 😱

So what do you think my chances are if I do: average/above average/extremely well on DAT?

 

[claudiadent]

Well, you need to factor in your GPA too. If you have a moderate GPA (3.4) and a pretty high DAT (20+) then I would say you have a great chance at getting into a lot of schools. My co-worker is 39 years old and she is applying to dental school too. She is applying to a bunch of private schools...not even her state school. Good luck!

OH, btw, make sure you have experiences in the dental field....some schools like it, others require it.

 

[tutankh]

Thanks for the reply.

My GPA is ~3.2-3.3. I am planning on getting some dental experience. I have already found a dentist who is willing to let me shadow him 👍 .

 

[balance]

you have a very good case, just make sure to explain why you want to be a dentist. Make sure you do well on the DAT to show that you can handle science classes. I believe a lot of dental schools are interested in the well-rounded applicants.


Good Luck

 

[tutankh]

Gee, thanks balance for the nice comments 😳 😳 😳

 

[claudiadent]

Yeah, not to worry. Definately with an 18AA and 18PAT (or maybe 1 -2 points lower) will get you in to most private schools. Well reounded individuals and those who can demonstrate their interest in dentistry is very important. Be sure to have hobbies!! Take up some manual ones like ceramics, painting, drawing, mechanics.....they love to see that you have manual dexterity. Also, research the schools before you apply...see what they like. i know Tufts for example is big on volunteering your time, so they would want to see your dedication to the less fortunate.

On a side note: I had research experience as well as TA experience as an undergrad, and worked part time throughout school. Therefore I didn't have that much time to volunteer. When I went to the interview at tufts they asked me about my volunteering....I told them the little i did plus the fact that I really couldn't do that much being that I was working and doing research.

So do well on the DAT, and spice your application up by taking on other activities.

Good luck!

 

[tutankh]

Thanks..I will keep you guys posted...