Looking to be a Fourth-Time Re-applicant. Advice Appreciated!

[CantonCowboy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello everyone,


I've been trying my best to get into the Texas dental schools the past 3 years and have not found much success thus far. SO, I'm here today to gather some insight on what I can do to end up with a different outcome!

About me:

I'm a Texas resident, and so have persistently applied to the three Texas schools (Baylor, UTSA, and UTSD) every cycle. In the past three cycles, I've been interviewed 5 times (1 time with Baylor, 2 times with UTSA, and 2 times with UTSD), found myself wait-listed once, but in the end, am still awaiting word from dental school.

To get a measure for the type of applicant I am, here are my stats (updated with Fall 2011 grades):

Undergrad Coursework (211 Credit Hours)
Overall GPA: 3.71
Science GPA: 3.54
Non-Science GPA: 3.86

DAT Scores (second attempt):
AA: 22
TS: 21
Bio: 20
Chem: 24
OChem: 20
Reading Comp: 25
Quantitative: 20
PAT: 23

Shadowing: 100+ hours

I completed my BS in Biology in 2010, and have been conducting an informal post-bacc at my home institution, taking many upper-division science courses and maintaining a 3.9 the last three semesters.

If this cycle doesn't pan out, I will be completing a second BS in Biochemistry in the Fall of 2012, and then am planning on enrolling in a MPH program in Biostatistics the following Spring as a way of making myself more competitive for the next round of applications.

However, I would appreciate any advice on what I can do to make myself more competitive, any flaws that I may have as an applicant, or whether or not the MPH program is even a good idea!

Feel free to ask me any questions!

Thank you in advance.

 

[JdogDMD]

Not sure what to tell you. Your grades and DAT are fine... Maybe it's your interviews or maybe you need to work on your personal statement. You could get into a lot of schools I think if you wouldn't be set on a Texas school. You'd be almost done with dental school by now if you would apply else where. Guaranteed... Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Bereno]

When did you take your second DAT? Was it after the third application attempt?

Try and ask your school adviser to go over your PS, and check you application for any red flags. How confident are you in your LORs? Do you have a record with the law?

 

[CantonCowboy]

Not sure what to tell you. Your grades and DAT are fine... Maybe it's your interviews or maybe you need to work on your personal statement. You could get into a lot of schools I think if you wouldn't be set on a Texas school. You'd be almost done with dental school by now if you would apply else where. Guaranteed... Take it for what it's worth.

I have been told that I have a tendency to dwell a little too much on my faults when interviewed. I had a rough sophomore year in college (3 C's in science coursework, and a LOT of self-doubt) and so this became my go-to stories when they ask about how I overcame a challenge, etc, and sometimes I may focus a little bit too much on my flaws.

I thought my personal statement was written well enough; I went through multiple drafts and had many people look over and comment on it before I arrived at my final version.

Applying out of state is definitely on the table should the time come.

Do you have any thoughts about if I'm a good fit for SMP's or about my decision to pursue a MPH program?

Thank you for the input!

 

[CantonCowboy]

When did you take your second DAT? Was it after the third application attempt?

Try and ask your school adviser to go over your PS, and check you application for any red flags. How confident are you in your LORs? Do you have a record with the law?

I took the second DAT during my second application attempt. However, I pushed the exam multiple times so was unable to have the scores in until about a month after the deadline for application submissions (I submitted my app much earlier, but this meant they were unable to see my application until my scores were processed in November). I was still fortunate enough to receive two interviews however.

I'll look into talking to my health professions advisor about looking over my application.

I am fairly confident in my LOR's. I made a point to talk with each about my goals, my personal reasons for wanting to be a dentist, and made sure they had a copy of my resume and personal statement to help facilitate their letter writing.

No, I do not have any prior run-in's with the law (aside from the occasional speeding ticket), lol.

 

[Tootyfruity]

you've been getting consistent interviews, therefore it has to be the interviews themselves that's messing you up

practice like that guy from the king's speech

 

[CantonCowboy]

you've been getting consistent interviews, therefore it has to be the interviews themselves that's messing you up

practice like that guy from the king's speech

Lol, I actually really enjoyed that movie much more than I thought I would.

I'll try to work on not st-st-stuttering when I go in to impress the adcoms.

 

[dru180]

I have been told that I have a tendency to dwell a little too much on my faults when interviewed. I had a rough sophomore year in college (3 C's in science coursework, and a LOT of self-doubt) and so this became my go-to stories when they ask about how I overcame a challenge, etc, and sometimes I may focus a little bit too much on my flaws.

I thought my personal statement was written well enough; I went through multiple drafts and had many people look over and comment on it before I arrived at my final version.

Applying out of state is definitely on the table should the time come.

Do you have any thoughts about if I'm a good fit for SMP's or about my decision to pursue a MPH program?

Thank you for the input!

I think the time has come my friend. I am exceedingly curious as to why you've been so adamant about only applying in state???

I think the only thing you can do at this point for your state schools (should you not get accepted this round) is call after you've been rejected again (after a sufficient amt of time has passed obviously) and ask if you can set up a meeting with the deans of the schools and go through your application directly. I'd think if they have interviewed you that many times they would be willing to meet and discuss your application with you and ways you could improve for what they are specifically looking for.

As far as your question about the MPH, I personally think that is a waste of your time and money. Your stats are more than good enough for other schools. Also, I would assume, if anything, the d-schools would suggest you do a smp more directly related to biology (aka your first year dental classes).


Good luck!

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

I think the time has come my friend. I am exceedingly curious as to why you've been so adamant about only applying in state???

I think the only thing you can do at this point for your state schools (should you not get accepted this round) is call after you've been rejected again (after a sufficient amt of time has passed obviously) and ask if you can set up a meeting with the deans of the schools and go through your application directly. I'd think if they have interviewed you that many times they would be willing to meet and discuss your application with you and ways you could improve for what they are specifically looking for.

As far as your question about the MPH, I personally think that is a waste of your time and money. Your stats are more than good enough for other schools. Also, I would assume, if anything, the d-schools would suggest you do a smp more directly related to biology (aka your first year dental classes).


Good luck!

👍

OP: Your stats are pretty good. I've heard TX schools are crazy to get into. With so many TX schools (and opportunities for cheap tuition), I can understand why you may have applied solely in state. Apply to those schools again, but you're going to have to look outside of state lines. Good luck, I hope you get in where you want.

 

[Illfavor]

There's not really a difference between going to the costliest school and having a 3yr head start on your practice and going to a Texas school for less tuition at this point. Obviously you can't go back in time but you need to apply out of state and work on the interview process a bit more. Your grades are at or above the averages for the Texas schools.

 

[doc toothache]

It would be wiser for you to contact the Tx schools and ask them how you can improve your position. If they are mute, the problem might be in how you present yourself.

 

[tcn79]

This year was a 4th time for me but all this time, I was applying all over the country, ranging from 8-16 schools per year. This year was 16. I retook my DAT a 2nd time and improved tremendously. I think the other advice is good, to contact Texas schools directly for their feedback. But also, with those grades and stats you for sure would have gotten in and been done nearly done by now with an OOS school!! (I did get accepted to Tufts this year finally!) But I can understand really wanting your state schools too.. good luck!

 

[Bereno]

I took the second DAT during my second application attempt. However, I pushed the exam multiple times so was unable to have the scores in until about a month after the deadline for application submissions (I submitted my app much earlier, but this meant they were unable to see my application until my scores were processed in November). I was still fortunate enough to receive two interviews however.

I'll look into talking to my health professions advisor about looking over my application.

I am fairly confident in my LOR's. I made a point to talk with each about my goals, my personal reasons for wanting to be a dentist, and made sure they had a copy of my resume and personal statement to help facilitate their letter writing.

No, I do not have any prior run-in's with the law (aside from the occasional speeding ticket), lol.

I see. Well, it looks like you might not have the best interviewing skills then. I also think talking to the schools you have applied at already might churn out some constructive feedback. I would also apply out of the state for sure next time. 👍

 

[wired202808]

I see. Well, it looks like you might not have the best interviewing skills then. I also think talking to the schools you have applied at already might churn out some constructive feedback. I would also apply out of the state for sure next time. 👍

👍 I'm sure you'd have an awesome shot in OOS schools. Maybe TX is too stringent.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

you've been getting consistent interviews, therefore it has to be the interviews themselves that's messing you up

practice like that guy from the king's speech

👍 🙂

 

[CantonCowboy]

I think the time has come my friend. I am exceedingly curious as to why you've been so adamant about only applying in state???

I think the only thing you can do at this point for your state schools (should you not get accepted this round) is call after you've been rejected again (after a sufficient amt of time has passed obviously) and ask if you can set up a meeting with the deans of the schools and go through your application directly. I'd think if they have interviewed you that many times they would be willing to meet and discuss your application with you and ways you could improve for what they are specifically looking for.

As far as your question about the MPH, I personally think that is a waste of your time and money. Your stats are more than good enough for other schoolIs. Also, I would assume, if anything, the d-schools would suggest you do a smp more directly related to biology (aka your first year dental classes).

Good luck!

I'm sure my reasons are not all that unusual; I was looking for a chance to be close to home, to obtain an amazing education while being fiscally responsible (in-state subsidized tuition is a beautiful thing), and remain close to my loved ones and family (my significant other attends medical school in Texas and my immediate family all are here).

I was actually thinking along the same lines; I was hoping that since I've been through the interview process as many times as I have, that might be enough familiarity for me to talk to the admissions committee/ associates deans directly so that I can have a frank evaluation (similar to the one here I suppose 😀) of my deficiencies and how I can address them.

The reason I was looking into an MPH program is that honestly trying to build up an academic resume so that adcoms are UNABLE to ignore me; the MPH program is a way to add to what I can bring to the table and thinking further down the line, may even help me when I compete for dental specialties.

I have considered doing an SMP in biomedical sciences, but after looking through the programs and the types of students who look to pursue them, it seems more for applicants who have something to prove academically; it's analogous to a "second-chance" for worthy candidates who need to prove that earlier mis-steps in coursework were not indicative of their success in a graduate program.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[CantonCowboy]

Thanks! Seems like a major consensus is to broaden my pool of schools, lol..

 

[CantonCowboy]

👍

OP: Your stats are pretty good. I've heard TX schools are crazy to get into. With so many TX schools (and opportunities for cheap tuition), I can understand why you may have applied solely in state. Apply to those schools again, but you're going to have to look outside of state lines. Good luck, I hope you get in where you want.

I now my sample size may be quite small, but I can honestly say that I know many well-qualified people who are also playing the same waiting game as me.

I do feel very fortunate to live in Texas however; the fact that we have three dental schools is amazing enough, but then you actually look at what each school has to offer in the way of a dental education and Texas is very fortunate indeed when it comes to dentistry. It's also pretty funny to me how each one seems to have their own distinct personality, lol.

I be sure to look into other options (there is a very good thread about this for OOS state applicants) when the time comes.

Thanks for the kind words and advice!

 

[CantonCowboy]

There's not really a difference between going to the costliest school and having a 3yr head start on your practice and going to a Texas school for less tuition at this point. Obviously you can't go back in time but you need to apply out of state and work on the interview process a bit more. Your grades are at or above the averages for the Texas schools.

That is something I've been thinking about. I know that I am losing out a lot of my working earning potential by being adamant on simply applying to to in-state schools; however, it has made me better prepared by leading me to simply want it so much MORE than I think the average 1st time entrant may be. Funny as it sounds, I actually like the fact that I didn't get in the first time (though obviously, having a 4th go-around is a little bit much, even for me, lol).

I have learned a lot as a post-bacc, and hopefully, this extra work will translate into greater success whenever the stars align and I get in.

Thanks for your help!
I'll look into more interview practice this coming cycle.

 

[CantonCowboy]

This year was a 4th time for me but all this time, I was applying all over the country, ranging from 8-16 schools per year. This year was 16. I retook my DAT a 2nd time and improved tremendously. I think the other advice is good, to contact Texas schools directly for their feedback. But also, with those grades and stats you for sure would have gotten in and been done nearly done by now with an OOS school!! (I did get accepted to Tufts this year finally!) But I can understand really wanting your state schools too.. good luck!

All I can say is congratulations! I can completely sympathize with your situation and am tremendously excited for you on your acceptance!

I am happy that your hard work has paid off; I know probably more than most how grueling it can be to apply year after year, and to go through the same process again unsure of whether or not it'll be your year...

Enjoy the time you have left before d school. You've certainly earned it lol.

Hopefully you'll see a post from me in a similar position less than a year from now haha.

 

[CantonCowboy]

I see. Well, it looks like you might not have the best interviewing skills then. I also think talking to the schools you have applied at already might churn out some constructive feedback. I would also apply out of the state for sure next time. 👍

I'll work on my pre-dental speech, will contact the schools most likely at the beginning of May to get feedback (when my situation is cemented; they'll most likely just tell me that I'm an active applicant still otherwise), and will do my research on the dental schools that favor OOS applicants.

Thanks!

 

[CantonCowboy]

Thanks for the advice thus far everyone!

I just wanted to throw out another question for you guys:

Does anyone have thoughts about having an MPH going into Dental School?

Both on:
1) It helping gaining entrance into dental school and...
2) It helping one's chances in being admitted into a dental specialty program?

I'm looking on getting a MPH in Biostatistics to hedge my bets in case my 4th go-around ends up as a story of history repeating itself.

 

[CantonCowboy]

👍 I'm sure you'd have an awesome shot in OOS schools. Maybe TX is too stringent.

Thanks for the compliment!

Texas may be hard to get into, but hey, my dream schools are there so I have to try.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Thanks for the advice thus far everyone!

I just wanted to throw out another question for you guys:

Does anyone have thoughts about having an MPH going into Dental School?

Both on:
1) It helping gaining entrance into dental school and...
2) It helping one's chances in being admitted into a dental specialty program?

I'm looking on getting a MPH in Biostatistics to hedge my bets in case my 4th go-around ends up as a story of history repeating itself.

I'm not sure about Biostats, but in my opinion, an MPH would look good for dental school. It may not be a heavy science geared masters but it is health related, and nice if you're into public health dentistry.

Honestly, I don't think you'll need an MPH to look competitive. Your stats are pretty solid. If you want to pursue an MPH (I don't know any that take less than 2 yrs), then go for it. There's no downside to it other than waiting two years before starting dental school.

Good luck 🙂

 

[dru180]

I'm sure my reasons are not all that unusual; I was looking for a chance to be close to home, to obtain an amazing education while being fiscally responsible (in-state subsidized tuition is a beautiful thing), and remain close to my loved ones and family (my significant other attends medical school in Texas and my immediate family all are here).

I was actually thinking along the same lines; I was hoping that since I've been through the interview process as many times as I have, that might be enough familiarity for me to talk to the admissions committee/ associates deans directly so that I can have a frank evaluation (similar to the one here I suppose 😀) of my deficiencies and how I can address them.

The reason I was looking into an MPH program is that honestly trying to build up an academic resume so that adcoms are UNABLE to ignore me; the MPH program is a way to add to what I can bring to the table and thinking further down the line, may even help me when I compete for dental specialties.

I have considered doing an SMP in biomedical sciences, but after looking through the programs and the types of students who look to pursue them, it seems more for applicants who have something to prove academically; it's analogous to a "second-chance" for worthy candidates who need to prove that earlier mis-steps in coursework were not indicative of their success in a graduate program.

Thank you for the advice!

Fair enough. I get it more for the 'significant other' thing than anything else. Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but it was a mistake to put all your eggs in 3 (or is it 4) baskets imo.

Good luck, hopefully you will get in to a Tx school this year, and if not definitely somewhere next year! 👍

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Thanks for the compliment!

Texas may be hard to get into, but hey, my dream schools are there so I have to try.

Your stats are terrific and with some feedback on your interview and presentation style, I believe you will get into a TX school. Earlier I said to look into OOS schools but I usually tell people to only apply to schools they are interested in. If TX schools are the only ones you are interested in, I don't blame you for solely applying there. Again, I hope you get in where you want. Good luck👍

 

[UltimateHombre]

If you apply in early June and apply broadly you will definitely get it, you will probably have your pick of several places. Have you considered applying to schools in the midwest that would still be somewhat close to your home?

To be honest though.... the only thing i can think of to improve on is your interviewing. Since you haven't gotten in, but had several interviews, the problem lies with how your present yourself, not with your academics. Whether you have an MPH or not after your name will mean nothing if you cannot present yourself correctly.

Best of luck!

 

[youknowthedrill]

Your grades and DAT are fine. Something is turning people off and your job is to find out what it is. Do you slouch? Sweaty palms? Bad breath? Are you too intense? Too much cologne? Poor choice of clothing? You have to sell yourself to them on paper and in person.

1) Do not wait until May! Call the 3 dental schools and see if they will meet with you now to recommend how you can improve your application.
2) Take your personal statement to your school's writing center and have someone who doesn't know you critique it.
3) You probably don't interview well. Many colleges/universities offer mock interviews (some even record them) to help you improve your skills. You can also practice with a family friend who regularly interviews people as part of their job. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. Or you could hire a professional to coach you.

Good luck!

 

[doc toothache]

The reason I was looking into an MPH program is that honestly trying to build up an academic resume so that adcoms are UNABLE to ignore me; the MPH program is a way to add to what I can bring to the table and thinking further down the line, may even help me when I compete for dental specialties.

They do not appear to have any trouble ignoring your stats. You are getting a little ahead of yourself. Before you can talk about specialties it would help if you first gained an acceptance, wouldn't you say?

 

[Bereno]

Is English your second language (I'm assuming your Chinese based on your username). Are you shy or outgoing? As others have stated, your stats are very good, and are more than enough to get into some very competitive schools...

 

[CantonCowboy]

I'm not sure about Biostats, but in my opinion, an MPH would look good for dental school. It may not be a heavy science geared masters but it is health related, and nice if you're into public health dentistry.

Honestly, I don't think you'll need an MPH to look competitive. Your stats are pretty solid. If you want to pursue an MPH (I don't know any that take less than 2 yrs), then go for it. There's no downside to it other than waiting two years before starting dental school.

Good luck 🙂

I was racking my brain on what I could do to make myself more attractive as an applicant; the reason I chose an MPH was because I was getting a little bit tired of undergrad and wanted to try my hand at being successful at a graduate level.

I've also heard Biostaticians have good career prospects, and from a friend who is actually attending an MPH program at the moment, that many international md's actually go through the MPH program in Biostats as a way of making themselves more competitive for residencies (hence, why I thought it may help when the time comes to consider specialties).

So I suppose this is just my way of hedging my bets; I was looking into applying for both the MPH program and Dental Schools at the same time. I know that this may be frowned upon by some, but I think at this point, is understandable.

I know my stats are solid, but hey, they haven't carried me over to the finish line yet so I have to keep thinking about what will.

Thanks!

 

[CantonCowboy]

Fair enough. I get it more for the 'significant other' thing than anything else. Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but it was a mistake to put all your eggs in 3 (or is it 4) baskets imo.

Good luck, hopefully you will get in to a Tx school this year, and if not definitely somewhere next year! 👍

Significant other is pretty significant lol. Can't blame a guy wanting to be nearby his support system on what is to be the 4 most grueling years of my life.

I'll look into OOS this time around and see if I can work out schools that fit what I look for in a dental school. How many should I apply to? The standard answer seems to be 8-10.

Thanks for the well-wishes! I know there are the random ones who get in at this stage of the game, and I'm crossing my fingers that March may still yield good news.

 

[CantonCowboy]

Your stats are terrific and with some feedback on your interview and presentation style, I believe you will get into a TX school. Earlier I said to look into OOS schools but I usually tell people to only apply to schools they are interested in. If TX schools are the only ones you are interested in, I don't blame you for solely applying there. Again, I hope you get in where you want. Good luck👍

I'm actually ready at this point to bite the bullet and branch out. Texas schools are far and away the top choices though, so I'll just work hard to be awesome and hopefully this time I'll have success.

Thanks!

 

[CantonCowboy]

If you apply in early June and apply broadly you will definitely get it, you will probably have your pick of several places. Have you considered applying to schools in the midwest that would still be somewhat close to your home?

To be honest though.... the only thing i can think of to improve on is your interviewing. Since you haven't gotten in, but had several interviews, the problem lies with how your present yourself, not with your academics. Whether you have an MPH or not after your name will mean nothing if you cannot present yourself correctly.

Best of luck!

I'm working on gathering my rec's and redrafting my statement right now. I've had a running CV so updating my activities will pretty straightforward.

I most likely will begin doing my research on the schools sometime over Spring Break, and begin getting everything in order for re-application in earnest then.

Interviewing practice will be a top priority; I'm getting really tired of seeing the finish line and being just out of reach. I may have to reconsider some of my answers to the questions; I have a tendency to focus too much on my weaknesses (I try to be humble) but I believe my reasons for wanting to go into dentistry to be earnest and honest.

 

[CantonCowboy]

They do not appear to have any trouble ignoring your stats. You are getting a little ahead of yourself. Before you can talk about specialties it would help if you first gained an acceptance, wouldn't you say?

Thanks for the reality check. I know it is still WAY to early to hold a serious discussion on specialties; however, I was trying to measure the pro's about going through an MPH program and this was one of the one's I put down on the list.

Hopefully, all the good advice may help push me over this hump next cycle.

 

[CantonCowboy]

Your grades and DAT are fine. Something is turning people off and your job is to find out what it is. Do you slouch? Sweaty palms? Bad breath? Are you too intense? Too much cologne? Poor choice of clothing? You have to sell yourself to them on paper and in person.

1) Do not wait until May! Call the 3 dental schools and see if they will meet with you now to recommend how you can improve your application.
2) Take your personal statement to your school's writing center and have someone who doesn't know you critique it.
3) You probably don't interview well. Many colleges/universities offer mock interviews (some even record them) to help you improve your skills. You can also practice with a family friend who regularly interviews people as part of their job. Ask them to be brutally honest with you. Or you could hire a professional to coach you.

Good luck!

1) Any idea on how I can approach them on that? I have yet to receive any formal rejections so do you think that it's appropriate to contact them now? Should I contact the admissions office or try with the associate dean's directly?

2) I'll be looking into revising my personal statement and seeing what changes need to be made. I

3) I've practiced with family and friends, but will look into finding professional help on campus.

 

[Baker2010]

1) Any idea on how I can approach them on that? I have yet to receive any formal rejections so do you think that it's appropriate to contact them now? Should I contact the admissions office or try with the associate dean's directly?

2) I'll be looking into revising my personal statement and seeing what changes need to be made. I

3) I've practiced with family and friends, but will look into finding professional help on campus.

Your problem is quite simple.
Your bombing your interviews.
Improve your Interviewing skills by any means necessary (video recording yourself , interviews with peers)
Apply more schools also
You don't always get your top choice so you have to take what you can get

 

[CantonCowboy]

Is English your second language (I'm assuming your Chinese based on your username). Are you shy or outgoing? As others have stated, your stats are very good, and are more than enough to get into some very competitive schools...

1) Nope. Completely ABC (American-Born Chinese). Chinese would be my second language lol.

2) I consider myself to be a reasonably outgoing, friendly guy, but there has to be an interpersonal factor in why I keep staring rejection in the face year after year.

 

[Tootyfruity]

then are you saying things like i chose dentistry for the money?

 

[Bereno]

1) Nope. Completely ABC (American-Born Chinese). Chinese would be my second language lol.

2) I consider myself to be a reasonably outgoing, friendly guy, but there has to be an interpersonal factor in why I keep staring rejection in the face year after year.

Well... poo. I got nothing then lol. I guess your best bet is to find some mock interviewing opportunities to get some feedback on it. Many pre-dent clubs offer these, so you might want to check that out. 👍

 

[phildmd]

Your grades and DAT scores are well above average and since you have been receiving interviews from the schools then I assume your personal statement is fine as well. It really seems like you need to brush up on your interview skills. Also, maybe try sending the schools emails thanking them for the opportunity to interview for a position. They love to see you are very interested in their program. There is nothing wrong with emailing them after being waitlisted and showing your enthusiasm and persistence.

PS. I was in the same boat as you for a couple of years and it finally paid off this year, so never give up.

 

[CantonCowboy]

then are you saying things like i chose dentistry for the money?

Lol, no. I discussed how I knew early on that I wanted to be a dentist from my experience with dentistry in high school. I talked about how it influenced me at an early age, gave me confidence in very formative years, and how the combination of art of dentistry and the ability to make lasting change in the patients' lives were all what drew me to the profession.

Maybe the answer sounded too cookie-cutter and they were tired of hearing it.

Probably should have just said I was in it for the money.

 

[CantonCowboy]

Well... poo. I got nothing then lol. I guess your best bet is to find some mock interviewing opportunities to get some feedback on it. Many pre-dent clubs offer these, so you might want to check that out. 👍

Thanks for all your help. I'll look into doing that over the summer! Probably in July before interviewing season begins!

 

[CantonCowboy]

Your grades and DAT scores are well above average and since you have been receiving interviews from the schools then I assume your personal statement is fine as well. It really seems like you need to brush up on your interview skills. Also, maybe try sending the schools emails thanking them for the opportunity to interview for a position. They love to see you are very interested in their program. There is nothing wrong with emailing them after being waitlisted and showing your enthusiasm and persistence.

PS. I was in the same boat as you for a couple of years and it finally paid off this year, so never give up.

If I'm lucky enough to even be waitlisted, then be sure that I'll follow up with a thank you email.

Thanks also for the kind words. When I didn't hear anything December 1st, and now in the subsequent months following it, I seriously considered taking a year off to think over where I want my life to go.

However, I can't help it;; dentistry has come to represent a combination of things for me. Aside from being the idyllic career, it also has become the pinnacle of everything I've spent the better part of my adult life striving for. I've seen more, accomplished much, and grabbed opportunities to better myself more so than I would ever have if left to my own devices.

I'm just trying to validate that my hard work hasn't been placed on pipe dreams and false hopes too, i suppose.

Congratulations to making it in. I'm sure you'll have a career as a very successful dentist who got into it for the right reasons.

Hopefully I'll see you one day on the other side!

 

[CantonCowboy]

THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED TO THIS POST:

I would like to formally thank you all for taking the time to write out your careful, measured, humorous, and occasionally direct and to the point responses.

I am still hopeful for this application cycle, but am also gearing up the materials necessary for a strong/ early push for next cycle.

Things I've learned I should do:
1) Apply widely (i.e. out of state) to broaden my chances.
2) Brush up on my interview skills; attend interview workshops which are typically offered on university campuses or through predental organizations.
3) Take your personal statement to the school writing center and have it critiqued by a third party.
4) Don't get ahead of yourself. Be methodical in your approach by placing priority on immediate goals.
5) Thank your interviewers and the school for allowing you the opportunity to visit. It doesn't hurt to show interest.

This is sound advice for anyone, from the first time applicant to those who have to apply 3+.

Hope we all learned something today.

All the best, and thank you everyone for your help!

 

[txlotusboys37]

You know, maybe one good thing my be trying to get to know the faculty/ people who are on the board of admissions of the texas dental schools. Like call up there, and see about having an in-person meeting with a dean, or someone on the admissions, about your application and what you can do to improve. They probably already recognize your name, so having a meeting with someone to talk about your application could only help your situation.

as the old saying goes "it's not what you know, it's who you know." I think we'd be remiss if we didn't say there are those who have, or at least been helped, on gaining admissions because of knowing someone strongly affliated with a dental school.

You have good stats. That's what I would do if I were in your shoes.

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED TO THIS POST:

I would like to formally thank you all for taking the time to write out your careful, measured, humorous, and occasionally direct and to the point responses.

I am still hopeful for this application cycle, but am also gearing up the materials necessary for a strong/ early push for next cycle.

Things I've learned I should do:
1) Apply widely (i.e. out of state) to broaden my chances.
2) Brush up on my interview skills; attend interview workshops which are typically offered on university campuses or through predental organizations.
3) Take your personal statement to the school writing center and have it critiqued by a third party.
4) Don't get ahead of yourself. Be methodical in your approach by placing priority on immediate goals.
5) Thank your interviewers and the school for allowing you the opportunity to visit. It doesn't hurt to show interest.

This is sound advice for anyone, from the first time applicant to those who have to apply 3+.

Hope we all learned something today.

All the best, and thank you everyone for your help!

Greetings,

I would make an apt. with the Admission C. chairman and asked on why you were turned down. Once you know what the problem is, then you can work to correct it. Your stats seem very good not to get accepted. DP

 

[CantonCowboy]

You know, maybe one good thing my be trying to get to know the faculty/ people who are on the board of admissions of the texas dental schools. Like call up there, and see about having an in-person meeting with a dean, or someone on the admissions, about your application and what you can do to improve. They probably already recognize your name, so having a meeting with someone to talk about your application could only help your situation.

as the old saying goes "it's not what you know, it's who you know." I think we'd be remiss if we didn't say there are those who have, or at least been helped, on gaining admissions because of knowing someone strongly affliated with a dental school.

You have good stats. That's what I would do if I were in your shoes.

Thanks for the insight, I'll look into contacting the Associate Dean's about potentially meeting up to discuss my application (especially for SA and Houston having interviewed at both twice).

 

[CantonCowboy]

Greetings,

I would make an apt. with the Admission C. chairman and asked on why you were turned down. Once you know what the problem is, then you can work to correct it. Your stats seem very good not to get accepted. DP

I have been very good about maintaining contact with the schools following my interview (i.e. emails thanking them for their consideration following my interview).

Hopefully, they'll be able to find time since this seems to be the short lull period before applications open up again in may.

Thanks for the advice!