Reapplicant Chance me PLEASE

[jlunsford3706]

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Just curious on my chances for 2013. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.11 science: 3.04 nonscience: 3.3 BCP: 2.94 from Georgia Tech (Top 5 engineering school)!

DAT: AA:18 PAT:19 TS:17 Bio:17 GC:17 OC:16 RC:23 QR:19

I have done three different researches. One dealing with the characterization on genes in he innervation process of secondary teeth in cichlid fish.(Became the first person to characterize neuropilins, semaphorins, and plexins in said process in cichlid fish)

over 100 hours of shadowing...volunteered in occupational therapy...uncle is a dentist and mom is a dental hygienist...great recommendations!

Got accepted to and attending the masters in global medicine program at USC

And I am a reapplicant...got my application out in the first batch... applied to Georgia, NYU, USC, BU, and Indiana....let me know anything!

 

[DDS Perez]

It doesn't matter if it is the best engineering school in the world. You are applying to be a dentist, not an engineer. Good Luck to you!

 

[jlunsford3706]

I just included that since a GPA of 3.0 would be like a 3.5 almost everywhere else due to the difficulty of the school

 

[MatthewCC]

I just included that since a GPA of 3.0 would be like a 3.5 almost everywhere else due to the difficulty of the school

True, but the DAT is the great equalizer. Your science scores are somewhat below average. Just being honest but based on statistics I don't think you have very good chances with your current scores. Study up and retake but it might end up being next cycle.

Disclaimer: I'm a current applicant too. This is based on what I've read from others.

 

[bluesprite13]

Hi, I recommend that you retake your DAT. Your GPA is pretty low. Make sure you excel in your Masters program as well. Also, if you have a letter of recommendation from a dentist, I suggest that you do not have your uncle write the letter. Some schools do not want relatives for recommendations because there is a bias. I hope this helps and good luck to you!

 

[mario0923]

I just included that since a GPA of 3.0 would be like a 3.5 almost everywhere else due to the difficulty of the school

I don't get it... if you consider 3.0 at GTech like 3.5 at other schools why don't you have a DAT score like people who gets 3.5 at other schools.

you should demonstrate the dental school admissions that you are smart enough to study dentistry. GPA, DAT, personal statement, EC, LOR are the materials to show that. But out of the factors that are numerical both of them are below average. You have to have either at least high GPA or high DAT to demonstrate the dental schools that you are able to follow the workload. Low gpa and low dat doesn't show anything.

it is true that the dental schools look at the college rankings but although GTech's ranking between engineering school is high, overall it is in 30th I believe...

also I have a friend at UIUC electrical engineering undergrad. he said that in order to remain at the engineering major he has to maintain 3.5 or higher. I believe UIUC's engineering is as good as GTech, but all the people graduating with engineering bach are having 3.5 or higher. I don't know how your 3.0 can be considered as 3.5 to other schools.

I know that GTech is hard but making excuse is not right. Bio 17 GC 17 OC 16... If I were you I would be studying DAT to retake it instead of asking your chances.

I am sorry if I was rude, but life is not easy. You have to make efforts to achieve a goal. If you think your gpa is low than you had to study hard to have a high DAT which you didn't. Don't get mad but please take this as an advice for your own good.

 

[jlunsford3706]

No it's all good!

I wasn't making excuses for my DATs, more for my GPA haha...and some ppl just aren't good at standardized tests (time limit)...for example, without a time limit, my QR score would be at worst a 23..As for GC, I don't know why mine was so low (I was great in chem classes)..and OC is just hard

I am mainly wondering about my chances taking into account my masters program and if i achieve a high GPA in it at USC. And would already being in USC give me a better shot at their dental school?

I am a resident of GA and I know they would look at GT more in depth than the other schools..so I am thinking USC and Georgia Health sciences are my best bet..My research mentor is a dental student at GHSU and he said my DAT (although not great in any regard) is fine enough and a big reason for no interviews last cycle was the fact it took me 3 months to submit my application..

 

[bluesprite13]

Since you are a reapplicant, I think it is best that you retake your DAT. It is pretty low. I know you mentioned that you aren't a great test taker. I'm not the best either, but your stats aren't going to help you if you have a low GPA and a low DAT score. As far as USC, I believe that you are on an equal playing field. :/

 

[mario0923]

No it's all good!

I wasn't making excuses for my DATs, more for my GPA haha...and some ppl just aren't good at standardized tests (time limit)...for example, without a time limit, my QR score would be at worst a 23..As for GC, I don't know why mine was so low (I was great in chem classes)..and OC is just hard

I am mainly wondering about my chances taking into account my masters program and if i achieve a high GPA in it at USC. And would already being in USC give me a better shot at their dental school?

I am a resident of GA and I know they would look at GT more in depth than the other schools..so I am thinking USC and Georgia Health sciences are my best bet..My research mentor is a dental student at GHSU and he said my DAT (although not great in any regard) is fine enough and a big reason for no interviews last cycle was the fact it took me 3 months to submit my application..

DAT is easy for everyone (it not at least for me) if there was no time limit. I personally think DAT is all about exam taking time.
If you are a GA resident you should definitely try a shot to MCG (I think they changed their name from GHSU to MCG) because MCG like some state schools do not accept anyone except GA residents so you will have less competition.
But are you re-applying with the same DAT? your DAT is slightly below the average accepted score. Applying with a same DAT score will diminish your competitiveness. In addition retaking DAT will make you more competitive if you re-take it and improve your score.

you have a great research experience which makes me jealous but what other EC did you do? try to do something that is out of dentistry, medicine, hospital, research, so that you can show the dental schools that you have a diverse experience and have an open mind to diversity. Maybe you don't have to do it, but I personally think this is important. I know summer is almost ending to start a new thing, but nothing is never late!!

also I hope you got your LOR not from your uncle or your mother. LOR from family is not strong at all.

hope it helped. sorry again if I was to aggressive on the last post. I hope you to be a good dentist!

 

[little Buddy]

logic is flawed. Your dat reflects your gpa and does not support the difficulty of your courses. If you managed a 24AA then you could claim your schooling was difficult compared to others. GPA and DAT are too low period. Even if you get an interview you would have to impress them (adcom) and really stand out from everyone who is more than likely more qualified than you in ever measurable way on paper. For those of us with lower stats we still have to prove ourselves, something I failed to do with my two interviews last cycle.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

logic is flawed. Your dat reflects your gpa and does not support the difficulty of your courses. If you managed a 24AA then you could claim your schooling was difficult compared to others. GPA and DAT are too low period. Even if you get an interview you would have to impress them (adcom) and really stand out from everyone who is more than likely more qualified than you in ever measurable way on paper. For those of us with lower stats we still have to prove ourselves, something I failed to do with my two interviews last cycle.

little buddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddy

but yes, back to the OP. retake and take some classes as a part of a post bacc. being a georgia tech student won't mean much. it all comes down to numbers. heck, if i could go back i'd be a psych/communications major and get a 4.0

 

[barnes1991]

no offense man but your chances are slim at best. you need to retake your DAT you are not going to get in with a 17, 17, and 16. you need to increase those to a 20 or so especially with your low gpa and you should not make excuses about a low GPA due to your school. There are a ton of people who go to top 30 schools and graduate with a high GPA. also you shouldn't submit recommendations from relatives.

 

[periopocket]

If you retake your DAT you might have a chance....If you don't retake your DAT your chances are very low...GL

 

[KittySquared]

With your GPA, even if you're from the best university in the country you'd still need a solid 20+ on every section.

 

[doc toothache]

it is true that the dental schools look at the college rankings but although GTech's ranking between engineering school is high, overall it is in 30th I believe...

Actually it is ranked 4th, but the OP would have a better argument if he/she could convince adcoms that very few, if any, graduates received higher gpas than he/she did.

 

[jmukid]

I hate to say it but you need to retake your DAT and shoot for at least a 20. The average DAT score for students who get accepted is around a 19 and your 18 with your low gpa doesnt help. Your sciences(biology, organic chem and gen chem) are low so you need to do better in all of those categories. I think your def. doing the right thing by going to grad school because all schools want to see the applicant improving themselves as students each year they apply.

 

[dymm]

Improving your science scores to a 19-20 range should not be that hard to do. GL

 

[DoeAdeer]

Just curious on my chances for 2013. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.11 science: 3.04 nonscience: 3.3 BCP: 2.94 from Georgia Tech (Top 5 engineering school)!

DAT: AA:18 PAT:19 TS:17 Bio:17 GC:17 OC:16 RC:23 QR:19

I have done three different researches. One dealing with the characterization on genes in he innervation process of secondary teeth in cichlid fish.(Became the first person to characterize neuropilins, semaphorins, and plexins in said process in cichlid fish)

over 100 hours of shadowing...volunteered in occupational therapy...uncle is a dentist and mom is a dental hygienist...great recommendations!

Got accepted to and attending the masters in global medicine program at USC

And I am a reapplicant...got my application out in the first batch... applied to Georgia, NYU, USC, BU, and Indiana....let me know anything!

No chance if that's what you've got.

 

[yellowishbluish]

i don't think you can play the top 5 engineering school card with 18 aa and 19 qr

 

[NeoSmiles]

No chance if that's what you've got.

This guy is brutally honest but he is right. I believe you can get in if you retake that DAT..if you want tips on how to get a great score..let me know!! Good blessings!!

 

[jlunsford3706]

Thanks for everyone's input!

As for more research experience:

I researched cognitive ability in boa constrictors at zoo Atlanta and researched biomarkers for pancreatic cancer and proposed a hypothetical early treatment for said cancer.

I have over 100 hours in shadowing and volunteer hours for a doctor.


As for my college I attended, I have to disagree with a lot of you. College does not prepare you for the DAT whatsoever. And GT seems to have very low MCAT/DAT scores for some reason?

And yes I wish I stayed at georgia state university where I had a 3.8. But my GT degree has already helped me out where a lesser degree wouldn't (the acceptance to the masters program)

 

[sweetbitna]

Just curious on my chances for 2013. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.11 science: 3.04 nonscience: 3.3 BCP: 2.94 from Georgia Tech (Top 5 engineering school)!

DAT: AA:18 PAT:19 TS:17 Bio:17 GC:17 OC:16 RC:23 QR:19

I have done three different researches. One dealing with the characterization on genes in he innervation process of secondary teeth in cichlid fish.(Became the first person to characterize neuropilins, semaphorins, and plexins in said process in cichlid fish)

over 100 hours of shadowing...volunteered in occupational therapy...uncle is a dentist and mom is a dental hygienist...great recommendations!

Got accepted to and attending the masters in global medicine program at USC

And I am a reapplicant...got my application out in the first batch... applied to Georgia, NYU, USC, BU, and Indiana....let me know anything!

What was your major at Georgia Tech? I also went there, majored in Biomedical Engineering, which is considered top 3 in the nation. However, what I realized as a dental applicant is that schools don't really care if you majored in engineering or went to a good engineering school. Other people are right. If your GPA is not good enough (I know how hard it is at Georgia Tech, especially with my major. At Georgia Tech, 3.2 is considered 3.6+. Also, it takes most people to graduate in 5 years, not 4 years, unless you do all the summer semesters. I also understand that our education is one of the best. I realized this after I graduated. For example, people with my degree can easily get jobs after graduation with 85k++ at P&G and etc. But people who did not major in engineering wouldn't know that. The dental schools wouldn't know that. They simply don't care.) My point is that you need to have higher DAT score in order to get in. I also do not have high GPA. However, my DAT score is AA23; PAT 23, somewhat above average and competitive scores. This shows that although my GPA isn't great, I learned my sciences at Georgia Tech and that I could do well as a dental student at any dental schools. I know Georgia Tech doesn't prepare you to do well on DAT (but rather it prepares you for problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills also necessary as a future dentist, at least with all the PBL classes for my major, it did), but it's you who have to prepare yourself for DAT. Just blame yourself for choosing such a challenging major at Geogia Tech. Don't say 'oh I went to Georgia Tech, so my GPA isn't good enough, but people should know that I went to Georgia Tech and majored in engineering.' It just simply doesn't work. Needless to say, retake your DAT. PM me if you have any questions. I would love to talk to you.

 

[sweetbitna]

i don't think you can play the top 5 engineering school card with 18 aa and 19 qr

What about 23AA and 23PAT?

 

[ushaseos]

What was your major at Georgia Tech? I also went there, majored in Biomedical Engineering, which is considered top 3 in the nation. However, what I realized as a dental applicant is that schools don't really care if you majored in engineering or went to a good engineering school. Other people are right. If your GPA is not good enough (I know how hard it is at Georgia Tech, especially with my major. At Georgia Tech, 3.2 is considered 3.6+. Also, it takes most people to graduate in 5 years, not 4 years, unless you do all the summer semesters. I also understand that our education is one of the best. I realized this after I graduated. For example, people with my degree can easily get jobs after graduation with 85k++ at P&G and etc. But people who did not major in engineering wouldn't know that. The dental schools wouldn't know that. They simply don't care.) My point is that you need to have higher DAT score in order to get in. I also do not have high GPA. However, my DAT score is AA23; PAT 23, somewhat above average and competitive scores. This shows that although my GPA isn't great, I learned my sciences at Georgia Tech and that I could do well as a dental student at any dental schools. I know Georgia Tech doesn't prepare you to do well on DAT (but rather it prepares you for problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and communication skills also necessary as a future dentist, at least with all the PBL classes for my major, it did), but it's you who have to prepare yourself for DAT. Just blame yourself for choosing such a challenging major at Geogia Tech. Don't say 'oh I went to Georgia Tech, so my GPA isn't good enough, but people should know that I went to Georgia Tech and majored in engineering.' It just simply doesn't work. Needless to say, retake your DAT. PM me if you have any questions. I would love to talk to you.

👍. They don't care is right. Georgia Tech is a great school for Engineering, but Dentistry folks don't care about how hard it was. Maybe they'll give your GPA a boost from 3.0 -> 3.3 but nothing more. Its still avg or just a hair below. Add to that the DAT issue and your app doesn't look good. Your research and shadowing stuff seems good!

Now here is another issue: "3.2 at GTech is 3.6+", I don't doubt this statement but how stupid of a grading policy is that? I mean why would you intentionally screw your students out of a brighter future just to make them feel your curriculum is "hard". (Criticism at GTech and similar schools who practice the antithesis of grade inflation!)

Anyway, I sympathize with both of you GTech grads, but AdComs are wading through thousands of applicants and will not necessarily look at a 3.0 and think it might be a 3.5. You'll be at a disadvantage from the numbers point of view so you need to kill the DAT, like the person quoted above, to have a decent shot!

 

[sweetbitna]

👍. They don't care is right. Georgia Tech is a great school for Engineering, but Dentistry folks don't care about how hard it was. Maybe they'll give your GPA a boost from 3.0 -> 3.3 but nothing more. Its still avg or just a hair below. Add to that the DAT issue and your app doesn't look good. Your research and shadowing stuff seems good!

Now here is another issue: "3.2 at GTech is 3.6+", I don't doubt this statement but how stupid of a grading policy is that? I mean why would you intentionally screw your students out of a brighter future just to make them feel your curriculum is "hard". (Criticism at GTech and similar schools who practice the antithesis of grade inflation!)

Anyway, I sympathize with both of you GTech grads, but AdComs are wading through thousands of applicants and will not necessarily look at a 3.0 and think it might be a 3.5. You'll be at a disadvantage from the numbers point of view so you need to kill the DAT, like the person quoted above, to have a decent shot!

Haha, let's not argue over the grading policy at Georgia Tech. The fact is the fact. If you are not a student there, you wouldn't know and you don't have to know. They are not trying to screw their students. But like any other schools, there are weed out classes where most people fail, change majors, and even, drop out of school. As an alumni from Georgia Tech, I am very proud of my education. They have very strong, well-organized curriculums and very renowned professors who truly care about students. Studying and getting good grades there may be very challenging, however, in the end, students are really prepared to go out to the real worlds and work as great engineers at competitive companies with good salaries. Haha, good for if you are trying to become an engineer. But you are right. Once again, who cares? We are all trying to become a dentist. Dental schools don't care. We don't care. No one cares. Only the number matters in the end (so sad to say this).

But as he says, the applicant may have a chance at his state dental school in GA. Because unlike other dental schools, they have a direct connection with Georgia Tech and they understand how difficult it is at Georgia Tech. So good luck to you, and good luck to everyone who is applying this cycle.