Need help for the next cycle

[fs90]

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Hi. I need help. This is my second year of apply. I got my bachelor in Kinesiology from out of USA. I took all of the prerequisite of DAT. also I took Micro, Physio, Biochem, and Anatomy all in community college.

My first DAT scores: PAT: 21, QR: 22, RC:15, Bio:19, GC:18, OC: 20, TS: 19, AA: 19. sGPA: 4.0, sGPA: 3.8

last year I gor three interviews from UCSF, WesternU, and Case Western. I got reject from UCSF and WesternU, and wait list for Case Western.

My second DAT scores: PAT: 20, QR: 17, RC:17, Bio:21, GC: 23, OC: 19, TS: 21, AA: 19. sGPA: 4.0, sGPA: 3.8

I have got an interview from LLU ad I got reject so far. Could you help me what is the problem on my application? If I take the DAT for the third time it would be a negative point on my application or not?

 

[rlaxkdl]

I know there is a high correlation between reading comprehension scores and performance on the NBDE. A 17 in RC is on the lower than the average of 19. That's probably the only thing "wrong" with your DAT scores. If I were you, I wouldn't bother taking it a third time though.

Are you an international student (I'm assuming so if you got a degree from another country)? You may want to check the schools you applied to and see if they even accept international students.

The fact you took all your pre-reqs at a CC may also be an issue. Many schools have a cap on how many CC credits you can have or may not accept the credits at all. A 3.5 from an accredited university looks better than a 4.0 from a CC. Have you thought about doing a post-bac?

Lastly, it could very well be your extracurriculars/LoR/personal statement. What are your experiences like?

 

[fs90]

I know there is a high correlation between reading comprehension scores and performance on the NBDE. A 17 in RC is on the lower than the average of 19. That's probably the only thing "wrong" with your DAT scores. If I were you, I wouldn't bother taking it a third time though.

Are you an international student (I'm assuming so if you got a degree from another country)? You may want to check the schools you applied to and see if they even accept international students.

The fact you took all your pre-reqs at a CC may also be an issue. Many schools have a cap on how many CC credits you can have or may not accept the credits at all. A 3.5 from an accredited university looks better than a 4.0 from a CC. Have you thought about doing a post-bac?

Lastly, it could very well be your extracurriculars/LoR/personal statement. What are your experiences like?

Thanks. Do you think it's better to take the DAT again or try to do post-bac? I don't have enough information about post-bac. I am not an international student. Don't you think when I got those interviews I passed those number that admission looking for? What about my interview skills? I have not applied to transfer to any university for next Fall. In my situation, it seems I have to retake the DAT for the third time. right?

extracurriculars/LoR/personal statement and my experiences looks good. Please help me.

 

[laserzpewpew]

IMO, post-bac is a waste of time and money, especially given that your stats are decent as is. If I was in your position, I would get a paying job in order to apply to even more schools (ie. schools you haven't applied to before, because most schools don't look at re-applicants favorably) next cycle, while simultaneously improving my interview skills. Good luck!

 

[rlaxkdl]

Thanks. Do you think it's better to take the DAT again or try to do post-bac? I don't have enough information about post-bac. I am not an international student. Don't you think when I got those interviews I passed those number that admission looking for? What about my interview skills? I have not applied to transfer to any university for next Fall. In my situation, it seems I have to retake the DAT for the third time. right?

extracurriculars/LoR/personal statement and my experiences looks good. Please help me.

I wouldn't bother with the DAT. It may seem like an easier, short-term option, but there are so many things that can go wrong by taking it a third time. While you were able to raise your RC, BIO, and GC scores, your remaining scores all dropped. Another go at the DAT may result in lower scores. Most importantly, slightly higher DAT scores (especially when viewed holistically with your previous attempts) will not have a huge impact when looking at your overall application.

Did you find your interview skills lacking? That may take part in your rejections, but it certainly wouldn't be a defining factor--especially when considering schools you may have applied to but never got a interview invite from. How may schools did you apply to each cycle?

IMO, post-bac is a waste of time and money, especially given that your stats are decent as is. If I was in your position, I would get a paying job in order to apply to even more schools (ie. schools you haven't applied to before, because most schools don't look at re-applicants favorably) next cycle, while simultaneously improving my interview skills. Good luck!

While OP's stats are decent, they are also from a CC. It might be beneficial to at least attempt a course in an accredited four-year university to show dental schools that OP has the capabilities to succeed in a rigorous course. A job is another suggestion, however, if tight on money.