Need advice for 2011-2012 cycle

[umnpredent]

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Hi everyone, I have been trying to think of ways to strengthen my application, and was just hoping maybe someone could give me some tips I have not thought of yet.

In the 2010-2011 cycle, I applied to only one school (Minnesota) and I applied a year early (after my sophomore year.) I retook my DAT last June, and because of this and a mix-up with AADSAS, my application was not complete until October. I had over 150 volunteer hours, 90 shadowing hours, 21PAT/20TS/21AA on the dat (second attempt, first was 22PAT/18TS/19AA), and a 3.43 GPA (3.33 science.) I attend the University of Minnesota as well. I had no major planned.

I realize that my application was late and that schools generally like you to have four years of undergrad work. My GPA is also a bit low. For this next cycle, I plan on changing a few things:

-GPA should be in the low 3.5 range
-Will have 100 more hours of volunteer work
-50 more shadow hours
-Will revise personal statement

One big decision I need to make though is whether to get on track for getting a major. It would take me more than a year, so if I did get into dental school I would not get a major anyways, but I figure it looks good on the app. I have all of my required coursework for dental school and many recommended electives completed already. Should I just keep doing electives (which will help my GPA), or should I get on the major track and possibly risk hurting my GPA? Any advice on this and other things that would help my app would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[lululime]

Oi, you might want to retake the DAT if you feel like you are able to score higher. Minnesota does look at all of your DATs, and they look for trends such as improvements. But then again, your scores aren't dramatically different so you should be fine.

 

[Osity]

Your DAT is great, I defintely don't see a reason to retake it, because there's always a chance your score could go down. If you can get your GPA up to a 3.5, you should be in good shape.

The other recommendation, obviously, is to get your degree. Something like 90% of students have a degree by the time they enter school, so you will definitely be the minority there if you don't.

If you really don't think you'll get a degree in the time you want to, apply to 15+ out of state friendly schools and private schools. That will significantly improve your chances.

 

[NotPennysBoat]

Having your application submitted to AADSAS in June will help you a ton. Also, like the above poster mentioned, get on track to get your degree. I'm sure you are farely close just based on the fact that you have the pre-reqs done for dental school (since you applied). Your DAT is great and your GPA is fine.