I wanted to post this for those that may not get in their first time around. Before this cycle, I applied twice with no interviews and no luck and a whole lot of tears. I can now officially say I am going to be a dentist and I will be attending my dream school. It has taken a lot of work to get where I am and I am so glad I gave it another shot. For everyone that is still anxiously waiting today, it's okay if you don't hear back or get the news you wanted. Keep working hard, show that you are 100% completely serious, and always show improvement. It is not the end of the world if you get rejected and always always always take the time to re-evaluate, learn and improve your weaknesses. Admissions will notice. If this is what you really want to do, DON't EVER GIVE UP! It will pay off. The first time I took the DAT I had a 17 AA (I got a 13 in Orgo), the second time I got a 19AA. I took the DAT 3 times and ended up getting a 21 TS, 20 AA and a 23 PAT on my last try. I had an undergraduate GPA (SGPA) of 3.1 (3.32), I got a lot of C's in my prereqs so I decided to do a Master's program and ended up with a 3.43 (3.70). Please don't apply if you do not feel ready and don't think you've prepared well. It's a waste of money and your time (take it from me). But DO keep grinding and do anything and everything to make your application the BEST it could be. I've done everything in my power to make the best application for myself (applying early, doing a master's, taking the DAT 3x, shadowing, volunteering, research). I decided that this would be my last time applying and I ended up applying to 21 schools (I know.... GASP. that's a lot of money and I died a little inside with each school I paid but I wanted to know that I tried everything to give myself a chance). I heard back for interviews from 6 schools (UK, UF, NYU, Buffalo, UCSF, and Columbia [truly shocked by the last two]), rejected from NOVA and LECOM and I ended up getting accepted to 3 schools (NYU, Buffalo, and UCSF) and waitlisted for the others. It's been a long freaking journey but when you hear that call after working so hard, you will never feel prouder of yourself than in that exact moment. I'm so thankful that schools have given me the chance to prove myself and see me for more than just GPA and DAT scores.
TBH I almost gave up. I was exhausted. But seriously, Don't Ever Give Up! Pick yourself up and dust yourself off because if I can do it, you can do it! 😍
