need some advice for upcoming cycle

[predent109]

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I would like to get some feedback for my situation. I received my BS 5 years ago with a cGPA of 3.4 and sGPA of 3.4. I took my DATs in 2010 and received a score of 20/20/19.

AA 20
TS 20
PAT 19
Bio 18
Orgo 22
chem 21
RC 19
Math 19

I applied little late to dental school for the following year and didn't receive any interviews. Since graduation I have been volunteering at a dental office and also have 100 + hours of overshadowing experience and have strong recommendation letters. I am really interested in dentistry. What should l do to improve my chances for the upcoming cycle? Should I retake the DAT and or do a 1 year masters since I have been out of school for quite some time? I would really appreciate any advice!

 

[doc toothache]

I would like to get some feedback for my situation. I received my BS 5 years ago with a cGPA of 3.4 and sGPA of 3.4. I took my DATs in 2010 and received a score of 20/20/19.
I applied little late to dental school for the following year and didn't receive any interviews. Since graduation I have been volunteering at a dental office and also have 100 + hours of overshadowing experience and have strong recommendation letters. I am really interested in dentistry. What should l do to improve my chances for the upcoming cycle? Should I retake the DAT and or do a 1 year masters since I have been out of school for quite some time? I would really appreciate any advice!

When exactly did you apply? Shouldn't you be addressing your question to the ds that rejected you?

 

[Brostie]

Your DAT scores are in range. However, I think a major question for schools is going to be..why has it been 5 years since you last took classes. If you dont care about spending more time in a graduate program, it would be a good option. However, if you dont want to spend more time in school you can just start taking undergrad courses. You dont need to enroll as a full time student, just pick up some science classes as a part time student to show schools that you are still involved in education and are active. I knew alot of people that did this while they were applying and did get accepted.

Also, even though your science GPA is within range it wouldnt hurt to get it closer to the 3.5/3.6 territory. I know this can be hard especially since you have already completed a BS, but by picking up a few science courses you may be able to bump it up into a slightly more favorable area.

 

[dantemac]

I think your GPA and DAT scores are in line. Apply to 15+ schools and apply smartly - no more than 2 or 3 dream/reach schools.

also maybe sure you can score current/good Letters of Rec.