Looking for advice: Can I give it another go?

[legirl54]

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I graduated with my BS in Biology in May 2012, applied in 2012 with a 3.56 overall GPA, and a 19 AA DAT. I applied to 5 schools and did not get in. Due to financial restraints, I was unable to apply in 2013, 2014, and well... don't think I am ready for this year. Since 2012, I had to move home to an area with limited jobs, substitute taught, and since May 2014 I have ended up in the Aerospace Industry- weird I know. In order to get the job I took out loans to get a Masters in Library and Information Science. (but thankfully, my BS and Masters cost just as much as the average BS).

I believe I did not get in because I was not competitive in my organic chemistry coursework and DAT. My plan would be to take an Ochem class Spring Semester (2016), retake DAT in May, and apply next cycle. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Does my back story matter? Am I now a non traditional applicant?

 

[Shell_Eau]

Not knowing your science GPA and not having a BD of your DAT, I would advise a retake of the DAT and plan on applying to at least 10 schools. Be selective when choosing those schools and only choose the ones that match your profile in terms of stats and culture.

 

[dentjo]

Your DAT expired so you have to retake it anyways. Kill the DAT and you will have no problem getting interviews. Assuming you have enough shadowing/volunt hours.

 

[Soleus715]

You need to save up more money to apply to at least 10 schools as others have mentioned.
9 out of 21 schools I applied to were willing to waive the secondary fee for me and the AADSAS fee waiver helped a lot also.

Realistically speaking, a large chunk of your expenses are going to come from out-of-state interviews. I just arranged flights/coach bus/ motel/ car rental for my interview and it cost a huge chunk ($450+).
If you were to get a couple interviews, will you have enough to go to all of them? And if you're given an acceptance, will you be able to pay the deposit fee?

Other than finances though, it's really tough to say what part of your application was lacking because we can't judge from the perspective of the admissions staff. I'd look over every part of your application and strengthen it to the best of your ability.
Get new recommendations if you can, revise your essays, do well on your DAT, show upward trend on your courses, etc. That way you won't have any regrets about your application.

If you really want to become a dentist, you'll eventually make it!