Need Advice

[apexvii]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on this website but I’m feeling very disheartened and just wanted advice as to how I should move forward. I applied to dental school this past cycle and did not receive any interviews. I was rejected from the majority of schools I applied for and am currently under review for the remaining schools but I have given up hope for this cycle. A little more about me as an applicant. -I have taken the DAT 3 times 12/21/23: 19 AA 17TS 16 on both gen chem and orgo 07/19/24: 19 AA 17 TS 15 on orgo 11/08/24: 18 AA 16 TS 15 on gen chem, orgo, and PAT -Since applying I have finished my masters at Rutgers (Biomedical Science) and finished with a gpa of 3.75. My cumulative undergrad gpa was 3.22 and science was 2.99 -For dental shadowing I have 280 hrs and I then became a dental assistant at the same clinic completing 868 hrs there. • ⁠I have 200 volunteering hours


• ⁠I have been on the student board for 2 orgs as community service chair leading and organizing multiple community service events -My application was verified on September 16th 2024 I plan on applying again this year and I was wondering what can I change about my application as a reapplicant. I know schools look at applications holistically but I think my DAT scores are a big red flag. Unfortunately only after taking all of the exams was I diagnosed with adhd, anxiety, and depression which I think impacted me negatively in terms of studying/ motivation and I do think I can do better now since I have been getting the help I need. However I’m still very nervous about this upcoming cycle and my chances. I would just like any feedback as to how I can give myself the best chance to be a dentist one day. Thanks!

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[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

It may help us to have a WAMC profile to we know better what's going on. Clearly your DAT was an issue, and having taken it 3x is not a good look.

Since you are finishing your SMP at Rutgers, it sounds like you tried to apply last cycle before you started or were finished. This is normal for admissions teams because your argument that you are academically ready does not have satisfactory evidence (your SMP). With the help of your SMP faculty, you should be in a better position, but pay attention to their advice before you take the DAT a fourth time.

Your disclosure of other learning challenges is important, but showing that you are able to manage and still succeed in a highly challenging curriculum will help you. The letter from your SMP faculty will be the key to having more success. If you are depressed by this cycle, imagine how depressed you'd be if you were on the cusp of failing out of dental school with the debt you'd have to pay back. Believe us, we are making decisions for everyone's benefit.

P.S. Also fill out the Spring 2025 applicant experience survey. We want an idea of the proportion of applicants who got accepted, waitlisted, or rejected/will reapply. LINK here: Introduction

 

[drDental_]

If it is recommended that you take the DAT a fourth time, consider requesting a testing accommodation.