Man....i'm starting to doubt myself

[goodhands]

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Second year to apply.

First year I just applied to my state school. Did not get accepted.

Second year, applied to more schools. However, I found out quickly that several just wanted my money (app fee). After twice receiving a denial letter soon after sending the app. fee in, I narrowed my list to those schools I thought might actually invite me for a interview.

So far, one interview. Two apps still under review. I felt good about the interview (BU), but recently found out i was "denied".

STATS:
GPA (overall): 3.3
GPA (science): 3.1
Major: Chemistry

DAT (first time):
17 app/20 PAT

DAT (second time):
17 app 17 PAT (???)


Extracurricular: A lot of volunteer, leadership, church, community service participation

Experience: 8 months as a (paid) technician to an Oral Surgeon
(including being on call at night and on weekends).

Any advice?

 

[tinker bell]

Hey, sorry to hear things are not going well for ya. It's kind of late now to do anything. As most schools already fill at least two third of their class. There are not many seats left and just way so many candidates. And the chance is super slim at this time unless you have your DAT score in the 25 range.

I suggest that you retake the DAT, bring your academic score up to the 20 range, then you'll have a better chance. Your gpa is good. You should apply early next june.

If u have good dat scores, u'll get interview even before u send the money in. I got BU acceptance without even sending in that $60 check (But I sent the check in after all). And temple interviewed me before they received my money and my lor.

Good luck
Tinker Bell-TEMPLE DENTAL 007😎

 

[DesiDentist]

Keep you faith and hope up. You're in "goodhands" keep believing that and believe that you will get in. Like Tink said try to retake your DAT's ASAP cuz you need at least a 19 or 20 to shine.

I wish you the best.

DesiDentist

 

[mspredental]

I'm in the same situation as you are, goodhands. Rejected twice by my state school, I applied to several out of state schools this year and still no acceptances.

Stats:
GPA - 3.45 Science - 3.22
DAT - 20 AA 18 - PA

Six years dental assistant at a relative's office. No criminal record.

So far no rejections, but I applied to eight schools; and have only been offered 2 interviews (1 as an alternate).

As far as my state school goes, do applicants have any rights to the stats of those that were accepted over them? I know several who have been accepted with mediocre GPA's and DAT's over the last three years and I'm really curious about the whole class this year. . How did the students at the Univ. of Mich. Law School get access to stats?

 

[DesiDentist]

ms predental:

You should diversify your list of schools. If you are applying to only "in state" schools then that is harder. You should apply to some private schools including: NOVA, Temple, AZ, UOP (my favorites).

DesiDentist

PS: your stats are superb, i'm confused why you didn't get in. What school is your state school?

 

[ItsGavinC]

I'm right on line with my desi friend on this one. Both of the applicants who have posted their information above need to broaden the range of schools which they apply to.

Applying to school is usually a difficult situation, as is easily demonstrated by mspredental's situation. She has great statistics, and one would think she would get into her state school + any other number of schools.

Many times it is difficult to see exactly what it is the adcoms are looking for. Some of this stress may be relieved by applying to a broader range of schools. The traditional format which most advisors will push is for applicants to apply to 2 or 3 "reach" schools, 3 or 4 schools which match stats with yours, and 3 or 4 schools to which your stats are above par. Typically this format brings about good results, althought it isn't guranteed either.

Goodhands, a better DAT score will improve your application, along with applying to more schools.

Good luck to both of you!

 

[mspredental]

Hi Gavin & Desi:

I applied to a diverse list of private dental schools in the eastern U.S. (Temple, NOVA, Case, etc., see stats page) that:

1. Accept a large number of out of state applicants.
2. My stats fit in their range for the last 3-4 classes.

I didn't apply late (the first week in June) and I have plenty of interview experience. I have been applying/ interviewing for three years. So I've done all the research you could possibly do on dental schools.

Finally, Desi, my state school is the prestigious University Medical Center of Mississippi.

 

[LetMeIn]

Doing an undergrad in Chem, Phys or other Sciences totally doesnt help to get into Dent... Average GPA's tend to be lower than the Artsies, because of the subject material... yet im assuming we get placed on the same curve with the rest of the applicant pool when deciding admissions. Totally sucks...

Im in a similar boat as you 3.1science gpa, gobs of clinical/volunteer/relief mission experience, 19Ac/19Sc/19Pat/28Carving. So far one interview at Temple, one Alternate list interview scheduled at Case, which im not certain if i should go yet. Dammit i should have applied earlier....

This is the first year I have applied to Dental schools. Anything that could have gone wrong... did. Atleast I learned valuable lessons for next year, in the unfortunate circumstance that i do not get accepted for the class of '07.

Best of luck to you!