Preparing for the new cycle - What are my chances?

[KittySquared]

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Hi guys!

Hope you all are getting your respective interview invites and acceptances. This is a fairly generic what-are-my-chances thread. Your input would be very much appreciated.

I am a dental hygienist with a bachelor's degree already but I wasn't a science major. Just took all the pre-reqs when I was pre-health and didn't really know what I wanted to do. I shadowed some health care professionals and decided to go back to school for dental hygiene so now I am working as a hygienist and also completing my non-thesis MS in physiology full time (not sure how I am still alive). I was able to take some highly recommended sci courses I never took in undergrad, which is great.

Undergrad:
Cumulative GPA = 3.15
Sci GPA = 2.9
Grad:
MS physiolgy GPA = 3.7
DAT = 19/19/22

I have done a substantial amount of research in undergrad and have also attended a conference and presented a poster. I also TA an undergrad bio course and have a lot of extracurriculars and volunteering activities.

LOR: 1) The dentist I work for (we have a great relationship), 2) an oral surgeon (also very fond of me for shadowing/assisting/volunteering at his office) and lastly, 3) pre-health committee letter consisting of MS physio professors (only 1 B, all A's and A-'s)

I work part time as a dental hygienist and also assist an oral surgeon. When the cycle opens, I won't have to wait for anything to submit my application and will try to be the first batch by submitting within a few days when it opens.

My current school list includes 15 total as of now, and most of which are my state schools and almost all of the private schools.

What are my chances?

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

I say your chances are pretty decent. If you apply to the right schools, I think should get an interview somewhere. Do you have any really low sections on your DAT?

 

[Double Bonded]

Hi guys!

Hope you all are getting your respective interview invites and acceptances. This is a fairly generic what-are-my-chances thread. Your input would be very much appreciated.

I am a dental hygienist with a bachelor's degree already but I wasn't a science major. Just took all the pre-reqs when I was pre-health and didn't really know what I wanted to do. I shadowed some health care professionals and decided to go back to school for dental hygiene so now I am working as a hygienist and also completing my non-thesis MS in physiology full time (not sure how I am still alive). I was able to take some highly recommended sci courses I never took in undergrad, which is great.

Undergrad:
Cumulative GPA = 3.15
Sci GPA = 2.9
Grad:
MS physiolgy GPA = 3.7
DAT = 19/19/22

I have done a substantial amount of research in undergrad and have also attended a conference and presented a poster. I also TA an undergrad bio course and have a lot of extracurriculars and volunteering activities.

LOR: 1) The dentist I work for (we have a great relationship), 2) an oral surgeon (also very fond of me for shadowing/assisting/volunteering at his office) and lastly, 3) pre-health committee letter consisting of MS physio professors (only 1 B, all A's and A-'s)

I work part time as a dental hygienist and also assist an oral surgeon. When the cycle opens, I won't have to wait for anything to submit my application and will try to be the first batch by submitting within a few days when it opens.

My current school list includes 15 total as of now, and most of which are my state schools and almost all of the private schools.

What are my chances?

It looks okay. Not in terrible shape but not stellar. The dental hygienist/ OS assistant thing has play, make sure to capitalize on that.

The biggest improvement I could see right now is to retake the DAT (I know, I know but a 19/19/22 doesn't make up for the undergrad GPA). It will be a huge investment if you get above a 20 in all sections.



What schools are you hoping to apply to? and what is your cumulative GPA (grad school and undergrad)?

 

[bing12]

Whats ur overall gpa and overall science?( undergrad+grad)

 

[KittySquared]

I say your chances are pretty decent. If you apply to the right schools, I think should get an interview somewhere. Do you have any really low sections on your DAT?

You're the first to respond! Thank you. I have literally straight 19s. Nothing below a 19. And then kapow! 22 on the PAT with my awful astigmatism (how did that happen?!)

I am emotionally fragile... 😳 please be kind... (only half kidding)

It looks okay. Not in terrible shape but not stellar. The dental hygienist/ OS assistant thing has play, make sure to capitalize on that.

The biggest improvement I could see right now is to retake the DAT (I know, I know but a 19/19/22 doesn't make up for the undergrad GPA). It will be a huge investment if you get above a 20 in all sections.


What schools are you hoping to apply to? and what is your cumulative GPA (grad school and undergrad)?

Not terrible? I'll take that. I am such an awful standardized test taker. I got straight 19s on every section and 22 on the PAT. I feel like I'll probably do worse on certain section(s) if I retook it... I'm probably applying to 15-20 out of this list. (Willing sell a kidney to fund application.)
ASDOH
Boston U
Buffalo
Case Western
Creighton
Detroit Mercy
Indiana
Louisville
Marquette
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Nova
NYU
Pitt
Penn
Temple
Tufts
UMDNJ
UNLV
USC
VCU
Midwestern Az
Midwestern IL
Roseman
Western

Whats ur overall gpa and overall science?( undergrad+grad)

Overall GPA:
3.15 undergrad
3.7 grad

Undergrad sci + Grad sci GPA should be roughly 3.15. If it's averaged 50/50, then it's a 3.3. But I doubt it's just averaged. I took a lot more science classes in undergrad so it weighs more. I was also told by some that my masters is entirely useless and I should just settle for being a hygienist (Don't stop believin'). I like parentheses a lot.

 

[Ullr]

I was also told by some that my masters is entirely useless and I should just settle for being a hygienist (Don't stop believin'). I like parentheses a lot.

LOL that's the dumbest thing I have heard in a while. Your masters is the only thing giving you a shot imo.

If you apply early you might get some interviews. Make sure you apply strategically and not just to a bunch of random schools. Apply to your state school(s) and to a few more schools that take a high percentage of out of state students.

 

[KittySquared]

LOL that's the dumbest thing I have heard in a while. Your masters is the only thing giving you a shot imo.

You'd be amused at the amount of people on this very board who think a MS in physio is entirely useless.

 

[KittySquared]

Bump >_>

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Get everything in on the first batch and your chances shouldn't be bad...

How's your PS?

 

[KittySquared]

Get everything in on the first batch and your chances shouldn't be bad...

How's your PS?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll get everything in right when the cycle opens. I graduate mid-May. Currently working on my personal statement. I'm going to be spending a lot of time on it this Spring. It needs to be perfect.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Then all you have to do is to just blow all of your interviewers away.

 

[KittySquared]

Then all you have to do is to just blow all of your interviewers away.

I wish. In all reality, I'm probably not going to get in anywhere and must settle for being a bathroom attendant at a dirty college bar that perpetually smells like pee and vomit.

 

[doc toothache]

I shadowed some health care professionals and decided to go back to school for dental hygiene so now I am working as a hygienist and also completing my non-thesis MS in physiology full time (not sure how I am still alive). I was able to take some highly recommended sci courses I never took in undergrad, which is great.
Undergrad:
Cumulative GPA = 3.15 Sci GPA = 2.9 Grad: MS physiolgy GPA = 3.7
DAT = 19/19/22

The 19/19 does more than justice to the undegrad science gpa, but it does not complement too well an MS in physio.

 

[wired202808]

The 19/19 does more than justice to the undegrad science gpa, but it does not complement too well an MS in physio.

Last time I checked a 19 was the average DAT by matriculated students. Plus both GPAs will probably be around the average GPA as well. if the OP applies in June, I see no problem in receiving acceptance(s)

 

[dantemac]

Let's face it, that poor undergrad track record (2.9!) may hold you back from getting tons of interviews. But, it seems like you have been very smart about the whole application process. You killed your masters, you did well on the DAT, and you are applying to a good list of schools and not throwing money away.

Don't be surprised if you don't get in everywhere, but I'd like to think you will get in somewhere 🙂

 

[KittySquared]

Let's face it, that poor undergrad track record (2.9!) may hold you back from getting tons of interviews. But, it seems like you have been very smart about the whole application process. You killed your masters, you did well on the DAT, and you are applying to a good list of schools and not throwing money away.

Don't be surprised if you don't get in everywhere, but I'd like to think you will get in somewhere 🙂

You're not the same person you once were as a college freshman. I honestly can't tell you what I wanted to do with my life at that time. Having no direction meant I studied aimlessly without goals. I've paid my price and I've owned up to it. Dentistry was a much later find in life. Part of me actually wants to give up and not apply because I keep think I'm not and never will be good enough of an applicant. But I owe it to myself to at least try.

I don't think I'll give up until I get in somewhere. I'd just like to know what else I can do to improve my application if I get rejected from all of the schools on my list.



EDIT: Dirty bathroom attendant is always an option. The dirty is adjective for the bathroom and not the attendant. Just to clarify.

 

[tpwelie34]

I am wondering if you guys are being serious or not. I have read a ton of threads where people say that a great graduate GPA cannot offset a sub-3.0 science undergraduate GPA. With ~3.5 GPA being the average for matriculating students, I think that the OP would need way higher than a 19, which is also the average DAT score for matriculating students.

 

[blonderdhmph]

You're not the same person you once were as a college freshman. I honestly can't tell you what I wanted to do with my life at that time. Having no direction meant I studied aimlessly without goals. I've paid my price and I've owned up to it. Dentistry was a much later find in life. Part of me actually wants to give up and not apply because I keep think I'm not and never will be good enough of an applicant. But I owe it to myself to at least try.

I don't think I'll give up until I get in somewhere. I'd just like to know what else I can do to improve my application if I get rejected from all of the schools on my list.



EDIT: Dirty bathroom attendant is always an option. The dirty is adjective for the bathroom and not the attendant. Just to clarify.

Hey,
I'm a dental hygienist with a masters applying right now. I'll send you a PM.🙂

 

[UltimateHombre]

If i were you i would apply to every single one of those schools. You might also throw OHSU and LECOM in the mix. I think you might have a decent shot now, but if you were to improve your DAT by a point or two, i think your odds would go up dramatically. Best of luck!

 

[dantemac]

You're not the same person you once were as a college freshman. I honestly can't tell you what I wanted to do with my life at that time. Having no direction meant I studied aimlessly without goals. I've paid my price and I've owned up to it. Dentistry was a much later find in life. Part of me actually wants to give up and not apply because I keep think I'm not and never will be good enough of an applicant. But I owe it to myself to at least try.

I don't think I'll give up until I get in somewhere. I'd just like to know what else I can do to improve my application if I get rejected from all of the schools on my list.



EDIT: Dirty bathroom attendant is always an option. The dirty is adjective for the bathroom and not the attendant. Just to clarify.

Exactly, don't give up. If you're looking for suggestions to improve, maybe a DAT retake. I took the DAT the first time and got a 19. I retook and got a 22. It's possible to improve.

 

[doc toothache]

Last time I checked a 19 was the average DAT by matriculated students. Plus both GPAs will probably be around the average GPA as well. if the OP applies in June, I see no problem in receiving acceptance(s)

Last time you checked the GPA was probably around 3.5, which isn't exactly in the same ball park as the 2.9 or ~ 3.1 if you wish to include 30 credits at 3.7.

 

[wired202808]

Last time you checked the GPA was probably around 3.5, which isn't exactly in the same ball park as the 2.9 or ~ 3.1 if you wish to include 30 credits at 3.7.

OP didnt provide the exact combined GPA, sGPA and BCP. So stop lunging at my throat buddy.

 

[doc toothache]

OP didnt provide the exact combined GPA, sGPA and BCP. So stop lunging at my throat buddy.

Value increased from .02 to .04.

 

[KittySquared]

Value increased from .02 to .04.

I know my GPA is subpar. But I'm applying pretty early in the cycle. I don't need to wait for letters or transcripts, as everything will be ready and uploaded by the day the cycle opens. What would you recommend if I don't get into any schools? I could retake the DAT again but as far as GPA goes, what else can I do besides getting my masters?

 

[doc toothache]

I know my GPA is subpar. But I'm applying pretty early in the cycle. I don't need to wait for letters or transcripts, as everything will be ready and uploaded by the day the cycle opens. What would you recommend if I don't get into any schools? I could retake the DAT again but as far as GPA goes, what else can I do besides getting my masters?

You expect to get bonus points for applying early? There is always a Ph.D., if retaking the DAT is not a viable option. Incidentally, the 0.2 to 0.4 was referring to cents not to gpa.

 

[Double Bonded]

The 19/19 does more than justice to the undegrad science gpa, but it does not complement too well an MS in physio.

No.

 

[exrag07]

Hi guys!

Hope you all are getting your respective interview invites and acceptances. This is a fairly generic what-are-my-chances thread. Your input would be very much appreciated.

I am a dental hygienist with a bachelor's degree already but I wasn't a science major. Just took all the pre-reqs when I was pre-health and didn't really know what I wanted to do. I shadowed some health care professionals and decided to go back to school for dental hygiene so now I am working as a hygienist and also completing my non-thesis MS in physiology full time (not sure how I am still alive). I was able to take some highly recommended sci courses I never took in undergrad, which is great.

Undergrad:
Cumulative GPA = 3.15
Sci GPA = 2.9
Grad:
MS physiolgy GPA = 3.7
DAT = 19/19/22

I have done a substantial amount of research in undergrad and have also attended a conference and presented a poster. I also TA an undergrad bio course and have a lot of extracurriculars and volunteering activities.

LOR: 1) The dentist I work for (we have a great relationship), 2) an oral surgeon (also very fond of me for shadowing/assisting/volunteering at his office) and lastly, 3) pre-health committee letter consisting of MS physio professors (only 1 B, all A's and A-'s)

I work part time as a dental hygienist and also assist an oral surgeon. When the cycle opens, I won't have to wait for anything to submit my application and will try to be the first batch by submitting within a few days when it opens.

My current school list includes 15 total as of now, and most of which are my state schools and almost all of the private schools.

What are my chances?

Despite what many say here, you're not in bad shape! I wasn't accepted my first time around. I subsequently went and got a master's in Molecular Biology and was promply accepted (by promptly I mean two years later, when I finished my master's). I was accepted to a school whose average acceptance stats this year are a 19 DAT and 3.6 science GPA. I will be 100 % honest and admit that my stats were definitely below average for the class; however, I did awesome in graduate school, had research experience that no undergrad could touch, wrote a baller thesis, taught courses in Biomedical sciences in the process, and improved hugely on my shadowing and service, which wern't shabby to start with. My advice would be to contact your state school, get to know them well, and make sure they know you! Remember that there was a time when character, hard work, and good intent played a much bigger role than science GPA and DAT scores. Good luck!

 

[KittySquared]

Despite what many say here, you're not in bad shape! I wasn't accepted my first time around. I subsequently went and got a master's in Molecular Biology and was promply accepted (by promptly I mean two years later, when I finished my master's). I was accepted to a school whose average acceptance stats this year are a 19 DAT and 3.6 science GPA. I will be 100 % honest and admit that my stats were definitely below average for the class; however, I did awesome in graduate school, had research experience that no undergrad could touch, wrote a baller thesis, taught courses in Biomedical sciences in the process, and improved hugely on my shadowing and service, which wern't shabby to start with. My advice would be to contact your state school, get to know them well, and make sure they know you! Remember that there was a time when character, hard work, and good intent played a much bigger role than science GPA and DAT scores. Good luck!

Thank you for your words of encouragement and congrats on getting into your program 🙂
I'm glad your hard work paid off. I can only hope to be in your shoes in a year or so.

 

[KittySquared]

You expect to get bonus points for applying early? There is always a Ph.D., if retaking the DAT is not a viable option. Incidentally, the 0.2 to 0.4 was referring to cents not to gpa.

Most schools have rolling admissions. Earlier applicants always seem to have a much better chance than the later applicants who complete their applications much later in the game when majority of the seats are filled. Don't tell me I have the same shot applying June 1st vs November 1st.


Although naysayers (fizzing on this site like flies) would say I have a fat chance for all eternity at getting into d-school 😛 trololol

 

[JasenClaisen]

I think for dental, a GREAT (emphasis on great) masters gpa can help adcoms overlook a poor undergrad gpa. The same way SMPs are used by premeds.

Could you list your ECs like the guy in the other thread?

Applying early maximizes your chances but won't much help you that much because plenty of other people apply early. They don't accept students in the order the paperwork comes in. It's not South Africa: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/w...hts-crisis-at-south-african-universities.html

 

[doc toothache]

Most schools have rolling admissions. Earlier applicants always seem to have a much better chance than the later applicants who complete their applications much later in the game when majority of the seats are filled. Don't tell me I have the same shot applying June 1st vs November 1st.

Mirages also "seem" like real bodies of water.

 

[KittySquared]

I think for dental, a GREAT (emphasis on great) masters gpa can help adcoms overlook a poor undergrad gpa. The same way SMPs are used by premeds.

Could you list your ECs like the guy in the other thread?

Applying early maximizes your chances but won't much help you that much because plenty of other people apply early. They don't accept students in the order the paperwork comes in. It's not South Africa: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/w...hts-crisis-at-south-african-universities.html

Sure, I know it won't help much, but anything's better than nothing. I stand by my point that someone with stats like mine should apply early rather than way late. Either way, here's my EC

Volunteer work:
-Tutor for high school students
-TA for anatomy
-Soup kitchen volunteer
-Participant in oral health education for under-served minorities
-Translator in a hospital system (I am trilingual. Spanish should be set also in 2013).
-Undergrad: co-president of a student organization.

I did a poster presentation at an oral health conference in my state

3 areas of research (about 4 years total)
-Fruit fly research - selecting genes and modeling Parkinsonian symptoms
-Oral bacteria - did a poster presentation for this. Won 1st place in my class. (I don't want to get too much in detail because my topic is very specific). Got sent to the state level conference to present
-Undergrad: psych department - testing of toddlers and pre-schoolers for autism.

Dental ECs:
-1 year of working as a registered dental hygienist
-1 year as an oral surgery assistant both in private clinic and in the OR in a hospital
-Licensed in local anesthesia

 

[KittySquared]

One last bump and I promise to stop 🙂

 

[invictusx]

KittySquared! You're alive! You've been MIA for so long! Or maybe I have...

In regards to your chances, I think you have a pretty good chance because you're an unique applicant, and that's what schools look for. I'm an Economics major and it worked out fine for me during my interviews because my scores were up to par with those with science degrees. If you apply broadly, you'll be in good shape.

Having good LORs is SOOOO important. A lot of my schools mentioned that I had amazing ones so it definitely helps.

Just as a reminder... try to rack up as much ECs as you remember so you can write it on your application.

 

[wizi]

Applying early maximizes your chances but won't much help you that much because plenty of other people apply early. They don't accept students in the order the paperwork comes in. It's not South Africa: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/w...hts-crisis-at-south-african-universities.html

How do you know there are plenty of other people apply early? Based on SDN? Based on a friend who says he/she will apply in June (and take DAT in August?). You have any data to back it up?
Apply early do help a TON. Applying in June, mid-July is considered early. Anything after that is considered "fine". its not late but not early either.

To the OP: your app is fine. Apply in June and keep volunteering/shadowing/researching...

 

[invictusx]

It's so important to show progression, which you have shown. Schools prefer progression instead of consistency. You've clearly shown your intelligence, especially in a Master's program. You're in good shape. Just make sure you maintain consistency and you're set.

Let me know if you have any questions 🙂

 

[invictusx]

How do you know there are plenty of other people apply early? Based on SDN? Based on a friend who says he/she will apply in June (and take DAT in August?). You have any data to back it up?
Apply early do help a TON. Applying in June, mid-July is considered early. Anything after that is considered "fine". its not late but not early either.

To the OP: your app is fine. Apply in June and keep volunteering/shadowing/researching...

Applying early makes or breaks you. Not sure where he got his information from. Dental schools directly told me that as well during interviews. Most importantly, dental school is based on rolling admissions.

 

[KittySquared]

How do you know there are plenty of other people apply early? Based on SDN? Based on a friend who says he/she will apply in June (and take DAT in August?). You have any data to back it up?
Apply early do help a TON. Applying in June, mid-July is considered early. Anything after that is considered "fine". its not late but not early either.

To the OP: your app is fine. Apply in June and keep volunteering/shadowing/researching...

See, I see a lot of people on SDN and also in real life say that they'll apply in June and end up taking their DATs in late July/August and even September. In reality, their applications are placed on hold, even though they clicked SUBMIT on June 6th. Those aren't really "early" applicants, in my opinion. I spoke to my pre-health advisor recently - she happened to be on a committee for a dental school for a while and she said that pretty much all dental schools are on a rolling admissions basis and that applying early, as in submitting everything including DATs can only be beneficial

Applying early makes or breaks you. Not sure where he got his information from. Dental schools directly told me that as well during interviews. Most importantly, dental school is based on rolling admissions.

What do you mean makes or breaks you? I think getting rejected early on is much better than waiting to receive that rejection email/letter in March or April...

 

[invictusx]

What do you mean makes or breaks you? I think getting rejected early on is much better than waiting to receive that rejection email/letter in March or April...

Ooooh it's so important to apply early because over time, admission committee members get bored of seeing the same app over and over again. I'll PM you why I think it's important.

 

[HAWKDDS2014]

I don't know how you did it, but you seem to have managed a way to get A LOT of different people to comment on a "what are my chances" thread. Congrats for that !

Anyways....my opinion on your chances are that I would be optimistic. Your stats aren't great, but they aren't too bad either. You have a nice upward trend, pretty good DAT's and a solid list of EC's. Even more importantly, the list of schools you're applying to is very good for your situation, and if you do in fact apply early to all of those schools I think you'll land at least a few interviews.

 

[wizi]

I don't know how you did it, but you seem to have managed a way to get A LOT of different people to comment on a "what are my chances" thread. Congrats for that !

Anyways....my opinion on your chances are that I would be optimistic. Your stats aren't great, but they aren't too bad either. You have a nice upward trend, pretty good DAT's and a solid list of EC's. Even more importantly, the list of schools you're applying to is very good for your situation, and if you do in fact apply early to all of those schools I think you'll land at least a few interviews.

Keep bumping the thread + add a little salt is her secret 😀

 

[KittySquared]

and if you do in fact apply early to all of those schools I think you'll land at least a few interviews.

I'm hoping for at least 5, but I'll settle for 4... hell I'll settle for any :cry:

Keep bumping the thread + add a little salt is her secret 😀

😳 It's actually pixie dust

 

[invictusx]

I like pixie dust.