RE-Applying. Need Advice

[DunStopBelievin]

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Undergrad physiology GPA-3.0 (250 quarter units)
Master's in BIO GPA (predicted by end of May)-4.0 (20 semester units), 3 more classes to graduate. Will have degree by 2012.
DAT/TS/PAT-20/22/21

compared to last year's application, I've got much more to say in terms of achievements, volunteering, and research. A new personal statement was already written and 4 new letter of recs are expected.

The schools I applied to and rejected from are posted in my profile, but I need advice on schools to move forward with. I've called every school and the ones that didn't keep my old record are schools I will not reapply to. Due to financial constraints, I won't be able to apply to as many schools.

Any advice, critiques, comments on schools? My goal is 10 schools. So far, I have the following:

Buffalo
USC
WESTERN
UOP
MIDWESTERN
NYU
BU
TEMPLE
UNLV
NOVA

Should I apply to my alma mater? UCLA was highly competitive and I kind of hate them for ruining my gpa. The irony was that USC gave me my only interview this year. Would it be dumb not to apply to UCLA?


Thanks in advance!

 

[dentalWorks]

Undergrad physiology GPA-3.0 (250 quarter units)
Master's in BIO GPA (predicted by end of May)-4.0 (20 semester units), 3 more classes to graduate. Will have degree by 2012.
DAT/TS/PAT-20/22/21

compared to last year's application, I've got much more to say in terms of achievements, volunteering, and research. I new personal statement was already written and 4 new letter of recs are expected.

The schools I applied to and rejected from are posted in my profile, but I need advice on schools to move forward with. I've called every school and the ones that didn't keep my old record are schools I will not reapply to. Due to financial constraints, I won't be able to apply to as many schools.

Any advice, critiques, comments on schools? My goal is 10 schools. So far, I have the following:

Buffalo
USC
WESTERN
UOP
MIDWESTERN
NYU
BU
TEMPLE
UNLV
NOVA

Should I apply to my alma mater? UCLA was highly competitive and I kind of hate them for ruining my gpa. The irony was that USC gave me my only interview this year. Would it be dumb not to apply to UCLA?


Thanks in advance!

when you applied this past cycle to 14.... did you have this masters GPA? I ask because... you have decent enough stats to get more than 1 interview.

IMO ofc, I'd add 5 more schools to that list. You don't wanna wait another year. The addition of 5 schools is a small cost compared to the alternative of you having to apply again in a year.

Whether 10 or 15, I think you'll get in....

all the best

 

[doc toothache]

Master's in BIO GPA (predicted by end of May)-4.0 (20 semester units), 3 more classes to graduate. Will have degree by 2012.
DAT/TS/PAT-20/22/21
I've called every school and the ones that didn't keep my old record are schools I will not reapply to. Due to financial constraints, I won't be able to apply to as many schools.

Wait! You will be punishing the schools that didn't keep your old records by not applying?

 

[DunStopBelievin]

If you were to have 5 more schools added to the list, what would they be? I've decided these schools because A.) they will look into my last app records, and B.) they have average stats that are "similar" to mine (gpa and DAT).

when you applied this past cycle to 14.... did you have this masters GPA? I ask because... you have decent enough stats to get more than 1 interview.

IMO ofc, I'd add 5 more schools to that list. You don't wanna wait another year. The addition of 5 schools is a small cost compared to the alternative of you having to apply again in a year.

Whether 10 or 15, I think you'll get in....

all the best

 

[DunStopBelievin]

I'm not punishing them. I want to apply knowing that they'd have my old record because they'll see the improvements between my old and new app. Things that I didn't have last year that I do now: service officer of pre-health club, 1000+additional hours of community service tutoring underprivileged kids, joined the bio honor society, master's degree+research, new publication just finished processing, and new personal statement+new letter of recs...and etc.

I want admissions to see all that. Also, money is an issue right now because I left my paid research position for my master's...to do research for free. my year's worth of money has dwindled to barely enough for me to live off of that I've reluctantly asked my parents to help me out with car/phone payments, and that's a strike to my pride already. Unless there are specific schools that you highly recommend added to my list, I want to keep it at 10. Even better, if you can tell me a school to replace on my list of 10, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Wait! You will be punishing the schools that didn't keep your old records by not applying?

 

[doc toothache]

Things that I didn't have last year that I do now: service officer of pre-health club, 1000+additional hours of community service tutoring underprivileged kids, joined the bio honor society, master's degree+research, new publication just finished processing, and new personal statement+new letter of recs...and etc.
I want admissions to see all that.

You must believe that adcoms are really really interested in looking at old and new application and compare them to note the improvements such as some you have listed.

 

[dentalWorks]

If you were to have 5 more schools added to the list, what would they be? I've decided these schools because they A.)will look into my last app records, and B.) they have average stats that are "similar" to mine (gpa and DAT).

hmm... I'd put U of Michigan, Detroit Mercy, and ASDOH (because you said you have 1000+ hours in community service right? ASDOH considers these things highly)

 

[DunStopBelievin]

you can say that I don't want my first time applying to be in vain. now, they'd have 8 letter of recs and 2 personal statements. When I reapply, I want to maximize my chances with my limited budget and I suppose schools VCU, Indiana, and case western were bad choices for me.

You must believe that adcoms are really really interested in looking at old and new application and compare them to note the improvements such as some you have listed.

 

[DunStopBelievin]

Thank you for ASDOH. I recall people mentioning that their secondaries are a pain, but I'll do it. I'm putting U of Michigan into consideration (because of budget), but Mercy's gpa seems a bit high for me. Any thoughts?

hmm... I'd put U of Michigan, Detroit Mercy, and ASDOH (because you said you have 1000+ hours in community service right? ASDOH considers these things highly)

 

[The Prologue]

when you applied this past cycle to 14.... did you have this masters GPA? I ask because... you have decent enough stats to get more than 1 interview.

IMO ofc, I'd add 5 more schools to that list. You don't wanna wait another year. The addition of 5 schools is a small cost compared to the alternative of you having to apply again in a year.

Whether 10 or 15, I think you'll get in....

all the best

Out of curiosity, do schools know if they are your number one choice? I mean, would you likely get accepted to a school that you ranked #14?

 

[DunStopBelievin]

Out of curiosity, do schools know if they are your number one choice? I mean, would you likely get accepted to a school that you ranked #14?

They don't know, but if you leak that in the interview, they won't accept you. That's why they'll ask you questions like "how do you feel about moving to New York?" To them, I believe you must insist that they are your number 1 choice.

 

[sacapuntas]

You must believe that adcoms are really really interested in looking at old and new application and compare them to note the improvements such as some you have listed.

What do you gain by being an a-hole to the OP?

Why the sarcasm all the time?

Sure you have been very helpful to this board in the past, but at this point all I see from you is sarcastic, a-hole comments. I must wonder to what purpose?

 

[DunStopBelievin]

What do you gain by being an a-hole to the OP?

Why the sarcasm all the time?

Sure you have been very helpful to this board in the past, but at this point all I see from you is sarcastic, a-hole comments. I must wonder to what purpose?

I have much respect for doc toothache, so I don't see it that way. you can go back to your pre-med forum.

 

[dentalWorks]

Thank you for ASDOH. I recall people mentioning that their secondaries are a pain, but I'll do it. I'm putting U of Michigan into consideration (because of budget), but Mercy's gpa seems a bit high for me. Any thoughts?

well both U of Mich and Mercy have close GPAs (I think difference for last year was like 0.1-0.2). The reason I recommend them is they sometimes look past overall numbers and pay close attention to most recent course works... So your strong masters performance might give you an advantage

 

[sacapuntas]

I have much respect for doc toothache, so I don't see it that way. you can go back to your pre-med forum.

Ok, so you like to be a punching bag.


Do forums only allow specific people to comment? Didn't think so.




FYI...I am pre-dental and didn't know people actually looked at that part of a profile and cared to comment on it.



Anyways, glad to see you have no backbone.

 

[dentalWorks]

What do you gain by being an a-hole to the OP?

Why the sarcasm all the time?

Sure you have been very helpful to this board in the past, but at this point all I see from you is sarcastic, a-hole comments. I must wonder to what purpose?

most of us put up with him because he is a helpful member. Yes his sarcastic-makes-you-feel-like-an-idiot comments reminds me of a grumpy old man. But thats okay, its probably his personal way of venting off.

If you see something offensive / rude by him, just ignore the comment and move on to another poster. Alot of things he says / hints toward aren't bad comments, its just the way he says them.

 

[bing12]

What do you gain by being an a-hole to the OP?

Why the sarcasm all the time?

Sure you have been very helpful to this board in the past, but at this point all I see from you is sarcastic, a-hole comments. I must wonder to what purpose?

2 types of people:

1) Ignorance is bliss

2) Brutal truth (tough love)

Everyone has their own. Although I might agree that Doc is a little rough, he inevitably helps those out there, so the intentions are what is important. At the end of the day, his comments help others.

 

[4thMolar]

I think you should re-apply to Indiana, Tufts, and UCLA and add them to your list of 10. Indiana likes students with good grades in a Masters program, and Tufts is another school that, if you interview with, have a pretty good shot of getting an acceptance. UCLA because it is your alma mater and you never know what can happen. The costs associated with applying to three more schools is negligible compared to another year that you don't get in.

 

[sacapuntas]

2 types of people:

1) Ignorance is bliss

2) Brutal truth (tough love)

Everyone has their own. Although I might agree that Doc is a little rough, he inevitably helps those out there, so the intentions are what is important. At the end of the day, his comments help others.

I tend to view it as:

1) Ignorance is bliss (to steal your phrase)
2) Polite and professional (i.e. dental works)
3) Truth-speaking A-Hole (doc toothache)
4) Candy coating liar
5) Jerk Liar

 

[doc toothache]

What do you gain by being an a-hole to the OP? Why the sarcasm all the time?Sure you have been very helpful to this board in the past, but at this point all I see from you is sarcastic, a-hole comments. I must wonder to what purpose?

Ah yes, your style of writing is so much better than sarcasm.

 

[sacapuntas]

Ah yes, your style of writing is so much better than sarcasm.

So no actual response? Would that require you to look in the mirror and try to understand yourself better?

 

[Smilemaker12]

Ah yes, your style of writing is so much better than sarcasm.

loll

 

[rZyme]

Out of curiosity, which schools will retain your record, and which ones will get rid of it? I'm in the same situation you are, and I'll be reapplying too.

 

[DunStopBelievin]

Out of curiosity, which schools will retain your record, and which ones will get rid of it? I'm in the same situation you are, and I'll be reapplying too.

What i did was call every school and ask, "do you retain our records of last admission?"

Then they respond.

 

[DunStopBelievin]

I think you should re-apply to Indiana, Tufts, and UCLA and add them to your list of 10. Indiana likes students with good grades in a Masters program, and Tufts is another school that, if you interview with, have a pretty good shot of getting an acceptance. UCLA because it is your alma mater and you never know what can happen. The costs associated with applying to three more schools is negligible compared to another year that you don't get in.

Thanks for the input. I emailed Indiana and the admin director did sound interested, but I am low on cash and I fear their average gpa is really high up there. I wasn't sure if he was saying it just so I'd reapply and pay them...or lower their acceptance rate (thereby inflating their worth). I don't know if UCLA would want me back because they're infamous for not wanting their alumni.


Is there any on my current 10 that would be ok to take out? or you'd feel less suitable for my stats?

 

[John Durian]

I would cut out Buffalo and put in Loma Linda. Would not apply to UCLA due to your stats, but I saw tons of UCLA alumni getting into the dschool. This is an anecdote, but A LOT of people I recognized from other interviews received an interview at Case. So you might wanna give them a shot (I didn't apply there though).

Finally, doc toothache's comments are a hit-and-miss. Half of them gets me to chuckle and the other half thinks "damn that was mean." But in the end, he speaks the truth, so it's all good. Reminds me of my grandpa for some reason

 

[dentalWorks]

I would cut out Buffalo and put in Loma Linda. Would not apply to UCLA due to your stats, but I saw tons of UCLA alumni getting into the dschool. This is an anecdote, but A LOT of people I recognized from other interviews received an interview at Case. So you might wanna give them a shot (I didn't apply there though).

Finally, doc toothache's comments are a hit-and-miss. Half of them gets me to chuckle and the other half thinks "damn that was mean." But in the end, he speaks the truth, so it's all good. Reminds me of my grandpa for some reason

Personally, I wouldn't do that swap. Buffalo has too many advantages (1 ~ they like non-trads and 2 ~ they are one of the rare state schools that WILL allow you to change state residency after 1st year and your tuition drops to 20k a year for the remaining 3 years)

Isn't Loma heavily religious?

 

[John Durian]

Personally, I wouldn't do that swap. Buffalo has too many advantages (1 ~ they like non-trads and 2 ~ they are one of the rare state schools that WILL allow you to change state residency after 1st year and your tuition drops to 20k a year for the remaining 3 years)

Isn't Loma heavily religious?

Oh, I only suggested cutting out Buffalo because I got no love from them haha. It's a state school, so I think they do have a slight preference for New Yorkers.

LL is heavily religious but they accept a large number of non-SDA. That and GPA/DAT aren't as high as the other Cali schools. You will need a letter from a religious leader, however. Shouldn't be that hard to get one if you go to church/temple somewhat regularly. Or at least... start going soon 😀

 

[carabelli3]

Buffalo does give some preference to in state, but they really stress that it is only some preference and I think you would have a shot there. Also, I wouldn't be so quick write off schools that didn't retain your records if you think you have a legitimate shot. There is a place in the application where it asks if you have applied before and if so, to where you have applied. So, schools will see that you are a reapplicant and they will see your entire body of work. They will also be able to pick out what you have been up to in the past year. With everything you've done, I'd say you have made yourself a much stonger applicant. All the calling of schools that you have done will certainly help you make your final decision on where to apply.

 

[Double Bonded]

LL is heavily religious but they accept a large number of non-SDA.

I was thinking about applying there but I was deterred by the very religious aspect to it. From what I was told the vast majority are Seventh Day Adventist (isn't a letter from a pastor required?). But if it's the difference between an acceptance and none, I think I would take it.

There's nothing about it in ADEA, would you mind citing a source?

 

[sacapuntas]

Oh, I only suggested cutting out Buffalo because I got no love from them haha. It's a state school, so I think they do have a slight preference for New Yorkers.

LL is heavily religious but they accept a large number of non-SDA. That and GPA/DAT aren't as high as the other Cali schools. You will need a letter from a religious leader, however. Shouldn't be that hard to get one if you go to church/temple somewhat regularly. Or at least... start going soon 😀

Are you saying the letter from a religious leader does not have to be SDA at all? So a letter from a main-line Christian church would be sufficient?

 

[4thMolar]

Thanks for the input. I emailed Indiana and the admin director did sound interested, but I am low on cash and I fear their average gpa is really high up there. I wasn't sure if he was saying it just so I'd reapply and pay them...or lower their acceptance rate (thereby inflating their worth). I don't know if UCLA would want me back because they're infamous for not wanting their alumni.


Is there any on my current 10 that would be ok to take out? or you'd feel less suitable for my stats?

Your list of 10 are fine so far, although I don't know too much about UNLV. I would maybe switch out Buffalo with Tufts and definitely add in Indiana. Dr. Kasberg from Indiana really loves students in graduate programs, and you will have a high chance at an interview there. Also, a prevous poster mentioned applying to Case, but I wouldn't do that because Case is notorious for interviewing students with a good GPA, and a 3.0 won't cut it. No matter how well you do in a grad program, Case likes to look at your overall GPA. If you can shell out an additional $200-$250 to apply to Tufts and Indiana, I think it will well be worth it.

 

[beachmascboy]

Undergrad physiology GPA-3.0 (250 quarter units)
Master's in BIO GPA (predicted by end of May)-4.0 (20 semester units), 3 more classes to graduate. Will have degree by 2012.
DAT/TS/PAT-20/22/21

compared to last year's application, I've got much more to say in terms of achievements, volunteering, and research. A new personal statement was already written and 4 new letter of recs are expected.

The schools I applied to and rejected from are posted in my profile, but I need advice on schools to move forward with. I've called every school and the ones that didn't keep my old record are schools I will not reapply to. Due to financial constraints, I won't be able to apply to as many schools.

Any advice, critiques, comments on schools? My goal is 10 schools. So far, I have the following:

Buffalo
USC
WESTERN
UOP
MIDWESTERN
NYU
BU
TEMPLE
UNLV
NOVA

Should I apply to my alma mater? UCLA was highly competitive and I kind of hate them for ruining my gpa. The irony was that USC gave me my only interview this year. Would it be dumb not to apply to UCLA?


Thanks in advance!

i've done my research on schools this past cycle. i have talked to many school's lead admission person. first.. i think you should def. invest in the blue book for what school to apply. i heard (i didn't use it but all my friends did) that it gives you a good probability of what schools will offer you an interview based on your stats.

furthermore, they do take in consideration if you are a reapplicant. they tend pay extra attention to those who reapply for their school and according to ms. inge (who i talked about 30x) she said that most applicants usually apply twice to their school to actually get an interview. im not saying all applicants but most. you also have to think that most people on SDN are over achievers but for the rest of the norm.. we all have kinks in our application from GPA to DAT scores to INVOLVEMENT, etc.

Undergrad physiology GPA-3.0 (250 quarter units)
Master's in BIO GPA (predicted by end of May)-4.0 (20 semester units), 3 more classes to graduate. Will have degree by 2012.
DAT/TS/PAT-20/22/21

compared to last year's application, I've got much more to say in terms of achievements, volunteering, and research. A new personal statement was already written and 4 new letter of recs are expected.

The schools I applied to and rejected from are posted in my profile, but I need advice on schools to move forward with. I've called every school and the ones that didn't keep my old record are schools I will not reapply to. Due to financial constraints, I won't be able to apply to as many schools.

You applying to many schools is going to create a big HOLE in your pocket. Call around and ask admissions office about their opinion. Ask to speak to the head of admissions by scheduling an appt. I heard LLU offers a service like that?


Buffalo (whole application)
USC (well rounded -- BEST SCHOOL EVER!! )
WESTERN (all numbers)
UOP (I wouldn't apply here.. 3 years for a dds/dmd is nuts. you're gonna die)
MIDWESTERN (emphasize on involvement)
NYU (they look at DATs a LOT!)
BU (they don't take any community college classes, FYI)
TEMPLE (they look at DATs a LOT!)
UNLV (good school)

best of luck

NOVA (small out of state acceptance ratio.

 

[DunStopBelievin]

Personally, I wouldn't do that swap. Buffalo has too many advantages (1 ~ they like non-trads and 2 ~ they are one of the rare state schools that WILL allow you to change state residency after 1st year and your tuition drops to 20k a year for the remaining 3 years)

Isn't Loma heavily religious?

yea, i don't feel comfortable going there. I tutor for a religious organization and the pastor could write me one, but I am nonreligious.

 

[dentalWorks]

NOVA (small out of state acceptance ratio.

What? nova accepts half of their class out-of-state

 

[DunStopBelievin]

What? nova accepts half of their class out-of-state

yea, nova accepts half of their class out of state. no pref to in-state.

 

[beachmascboy]

What? nova accepts half of their class out-of-state

lol sorry i meant UF. (they r both in Florida) .. my bad.

 

[DunStopBelievin]

Thank you for the advices.