motivation

[dentalguy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This question is about motivation. Since my DAT scores are not stellar like most of you guys on here, I wondered how much motivation plays a role in admissions. Does this information only get looked at after the numbers (i.e. personal statement, extracurriculars, volunteer work, observation time) Is their any chance they look at this and see that as a positive. I have 585 hours of volunteer work through EMS. I don't know if that will help but I hope to God it does. The fact of the matter is I am extremely motivated and I have submitted a reason why my GPA is a little low. .I started off bad and have been improving it ever since. Its hard to say how bad I want this. I'm sure everyone else has been in my shoes and I understand that. The infosource for me says a couple of my applications are under review. Since this is my first time I'm not real sure if that means anything good. I appreciate everyones honesty.

dentalguy(hopefully next year)

 

[luder98]

This question is about motivation. Since my DAT scores are not stellar like most of you guys on here, I wondered how much motivation plays a role in admissions. Does this information only get looked at after the numbers (i.e. personal statement, extracurriculars, volunteer work, observation time) Is their any chance they look at this and see that as a positive. I have 585 hours of volunteer work through EMS. I don't know if that will help but I hope to God it does. The fact of the matter is I am extremely motivated and I have submitted a reason why my GPA is a little low. .I started off bad and have been improving it ever since. Its hard to say how bad I want this. I'm sure everyone else has been in my shoes and I understand that. The infosource for me says a couple of my applications are under review. Since this is my first time I'm not real sure if that means anything good. I appreciate everyones honesty.

dentalguy(hopefully next year)

Sorry to hear your story. As far as motivation goes, if I were you, I would definitely put that in my personal statement. Mine was basically about my life (talored to dentistry of course). I sent it to essayedge for edit, and they find it confident/interesting and sufficient for dental schools. Hope it helps.

 

[Dr.Smiley-OR]

It is hard to say. Some schools will read your essay and look over everything before they decide to reject you. Some schools will look at the number only and if you do not meet the minimum requirement they will just reject you without look over your "motivation". Why don't you give a call to each school you apply, ask them what is their admission like? Secondly, 500+ hours volunteering as a EMS does not say your motivation for dentistry, it may say about your commitment to the medical field. Have you worked in a dental office before? For how long?

 

[dentalguy]

Dr. Smiley

I have observed 59.5 hours (54.5 is on my application but since then I have observed 5 hours more. I know the EMS is medically related but what I did put in my personal statement was how I compared EMS to observation in the dental office. I stated how the two experiences showed me that my enthusiasm existed within dentistry. I do however think it has been good in the respect that I got an early start with patient care. I can tell you one thing that if accepted I will work extremely hard. In the past I did not do well on standardized exams and as a matter of fact people told me I would not get above a 2.0 in college. Now I'm sitting with a 3.1. I suppose this stuff would be good to bring up in an interview if I do get one. I plan on contacting schools every once in a while and just keep my name out there. I have been told that helps, do you think it does? I am going to try to plan several visits to schools and try to meet the admissions committee or at least a few individuals so they can put a name with a face. What do you think of that idea?

dentalguy 😕

 

[Dr.Smiley-OR]

First of all, let me clear one thing. I do not mean to say that your 500+ with EMS is unrelevant or unimportant to dentistry. As you have stated, I am sure you have learned from your volunteerism a great deal. However, in my opinion, 500+ hours volunteering in dental offices vs. in EMS will sound better to the admission committee of dental schools (it's logical!). I do want to congratulate to you for your service in EMS. So, please do not think by any mean I insult your 500+ with EMS. You did a great job.
Secondly, a GPA of 3.1 is not too bad, because certain people with 3.1 still get accepted, if they have a great DAT score (20+). Arizona school would accept people with 3.1 and have done great service in the community like you. I strongly suggest you talk to the Dean or students at Arizona, and a person named ItsGavin in this SDN website. He will give you great tip!!!
Thirdly, it is never a bad idea of visit schools , but the problem is cost! That will be a lot of money for traveling. My other suggestion is to call the school and ask to talk to the Dean or the Director of Admission personally and tell them your stories. This will save you the time and the money. (but if you have the budget, then why not go for it).
Of course, you can also apply again next year if this year is not your luck.
What schools did you apply to?

Remember to talk to ItsGavin (he is everywhere in other threads). Good luck!