Last edited:
Reapplicant - Need Advice
- Thread starter rootz02
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 184
- Reaction score
- 6
Retake the DAT and get the 24+. What schools did you apply to last cycle? Is your GPA higher now? How about LOR's where did you get them from?
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
Nice job on the MCAT score. Why did you take it? Were you considering medicine? You'd have no problem getting into a DO school with your scores.
If I were you, I wouldn't retake your DATs. It's a very good set of scores regardless of what SDN people may say. Your BCP should be up to a 3.0 by the time you're done with your masters and your masters GPA also appear as a separate column which would look great.
Your ECs are also good, but I wouldn't mention your dad too much. Adcoms prefer if you shadow other dentists instead of your own parent. What's done has been done, just be patient and wait for this cycle to roll around. It's still very early. Hope you submitted everything already.
Which schools did you apply to?
If I were you, I wouldn't retake your DATs. It's a very good set of scores regardless of what SDN people may say. Your BCP should be up to a 3.0 by the time you're done with your masters and your masters GPA also appear as a separate column which would look great.
Your ECs are also good, but I wouldn't mention your dad too much. Adcoms prefer if you shadow other dentists instead of your own parent. What's done has been done, just be patient and wait for this cycle to roll around. It's still very early. Hope you submitted everything already.
Which schools did you apply to?
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Messages
- 531
- Reaction score
- 7
How many schools did you apply to? Did you apply really late last cycle? Are you an international student? Maybe broaden your range to 10-15 schools this cycle. Your DAT's are solid. Maybe your BCP is hindering your app, but Im sure after doing well in your masters it will show you're capable of handling the D-school workload. Your score on the MCAT is meaningless to D-school adcoms. Any mention of the MCAT in your personal statement or on AADSAS app could've raised red flags idk. Maybe more members will chime in on this post. If you want this badly enough, then you will obtain it, keep your head up 👍
haha you sound a LOT like me in every aspect, except I've never taken the MCATs and without 700 extra hours in a parent's office. I'm doing a 1.5 year BMS Master's and also have a 4.0, 27/36 units done. My plan at this point, if I don't get in this year, is to retake the DATs in the Spring (since mine with expire) and apply one last time next year. Since we are both taking classes in the Fall, I don't see a reason to compromise focusing on the DATs when it will be so late in the cycle anyway. I just don't think that distractedly retaking them late in the Fall, when I've already been passed up, makes sense for this cycle. Is that just me? Nor do I think you need to retake the DATs...
But yeah, I feel the same way...the only thing I could do at this point is take the DATs again, but am otherwise tapped out. Luck of the draw...
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2010
- Messages
- 187
- Reaction score
- 2
OP-what's your MCAT breakdown?
Normally I would suggest someone with a low gpa and great test scores to do a special masters program. However, since you're already doing a masters (a non-SMP by the looks of it), it's trickier.
Your situation is unique. I recommend you ask your local dental school's admissions people.
Normally I would suggest someone with a low gpa and great test scores to do a special masters program. However, since you're already doing a masters (a non-SMP by the looks of it), it's trickier.
Your situation is unique. I recommend you ask your local dental school's admissions people.
And then people say the DAT is a cake compared to the MCAT.
The DAT is a totally different test, and it is a lot easier for most people. The MCAT is huge on reasoning and analytical skills (Bio and PS; Verbal is like LSAT-lite). The DAT on the other hand, mainly requires you to memorize and regurgitate a lot of info (TS, QR), read really fast (RC) and have good visuospatial ability (PAT).
The DAT requires a lot of time to prepare for but the nature of the exam makes it easier for most people. People can commit a lot of time to study and grind their way to stellar scores. The MCAT is more of an IQ test; you have to be innately intelligent to do well. Most people will do better on the DAT.
OP- your high MCAT, lower (but still excellent) DAT, and low gpa makes me think you're brilliant but weren't focused enough on your schoolwork.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 184
- Reaction score
- 6
No, I didn't get a 24+. I figured that if you got a 39 on an MCAT, you could definitely get a higher DAT score that could put you in a safe situation when applying to dental schools. I'm applying to tufts, bu, nyu, umdnj, columbia, vcu, and temple. No interviews yet.
What do YOU think was the reason why you didn't get accepted last cycle?
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2011
- Messages
- 325
- Reaction score
- 2
Your DAT scores are not the problem. They may seem lower than a lot of people on SDN, but that's not the average. You're DAT scores may be a little low for some schools that tend to accept students with a higher AVERAGE DAT (Harvard, Columbia to name a couple), but there are students at those schools with a DAT lower than 23-24. I don't think it's worth retaking the DAT unless you're going to score 23-24 and above across the board, which is easier said than done.
Your biggest problem is your GPA. I don't remember if there is a specific way AADSAS combines graduate grades with undergraduate grades, but hopefully your 4.0 in the masters program will do it.
Did you take prereqs at a CC? Did you get a C or above in all of them?
Which schools did you apply to and what state is residency?
If you can, you should definitely apply to more than 6 schools, especially with the GPA issue. It makes more sense financially to apply to a lot of schools now and spend more money than it is to apply to 6 schools three years in a row, spend similar amounts of money, and lose extra years of earning salary as a dentist. Obviously, this sometimes doesn't work out, but that's my opinion on applying to a few schools over a few cycles, than applying once. But you should list your schools so people can help you pick strategically.
If you don't get in this cycle, try to continue classes in the spring (you end this fall, right?). Have everything ready to go and apply as early as you can. And maintain high grades.
I just saw that you did mention the schools you applied to. I talked about that in a PM I just sent you.
Your biggest problem is your GPA. I don't remember if there is a specific way AADSAS combines graduate grades with undergraduate grades, but hopefully your 4.0 in the masters program will do it.
Did you take prereqs at a CC? Did you get a C or above in all of them?
Which schools did you apply to and what state is residency?
If you can, you should definitely apply to more than 6 schools, especially with the GPA issue. It makes more sense financially to apply to a lot of schools now and spend more money than it is to apply to 6 schools three years in a row, spend similar amounts of money, and lose extra years of earning salary as a dentist. Obviously, this sometimes doesn't work out, but that's my opinion on applying to a few schools over a few cycles, than applying once. But you should list your schools so people can help you pick strategically.
If you don't get in this cycle, try to continue classes in the spring (you end this fall, right?). Have everything ready to go and apply as early as you can. And maintain high grades.
I just saw that you did mention the schools you applied to. I talked about that in a PM I just sent you.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2006
- Messages
- 8,521
- Reaction score
- 2,797
You actually thought a 2.67 bcp will get you an acceptance? Looks like you should have spent your time where it really mattered. There is no guarantee that a retake will translate into a higher DAT score. You may have to ride this one out until your M is completed.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=400209
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
Doc is an equal opportunist. He does this to everyone. Wear a cup if you're a dude while reading his posts.
It seems like your BCP is what needs work the most. I'd recommend actually taking some postbac biology classes to bring those grades up in the spring semester. If you can handle four 3cr classes, that would be great. Perhaps take 2 more in the summer and apply. Get 4.0 if you can. That should bring up your BCP GPA higher than a 2.75 I would think. Both of the Midwesterns will accept students with only 2.75 or higher BCP if I'm not mistaken...
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2011
- Messages
- 398
- Reaction score
- 84
While Doctoothache is amazingly knowledgeable. Im going to disagree with him on this 1.
You made mistakes in the past. On your personal statement, I would explain your mistakes and how your rectifying them.
Your new grades are good and you've gained maturity. Your DAT shows that you are knowledgeable. Save some money and only apply to two or three schools. All you have to do now is fix your GPA, which your doing. a 2.68 is extremely low. IF you can bump it to a 3.0 or heck even 2.9 I think you'll have a shot.
You made mistakes in the past. On your personal statement, I would explain your mistakes and how your rectifying them.
Your new grades are good and you've gained maturity. Your DAT shows that you are knowledgeable. Save some money and only apply to two or three schools. All you have to do now is fix your GPA, which your doing. a 2.68 is extremely low. IF you can bump it to a 3.0 or heck even 2.9 I think you'll have a shot.
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Reaction score
- 0
The undergrad gpa is significantly more important than most masters' gpas. Masters programs are plagued with grade inflation and don't usually stack you against your peers to evaluate your abilities.
The masters programs that are effective in getting people with low ugpas into professional schools are special masters programs.
You may have shot yourself in the foot twice by jumping directly into a non-SMP masters. Even if you do well in your microbio masters, it may not help you. The difficulty of the program is not a known quantity to adcoms, unlike SMPs; adcoms won't know whether you're truly a better student or just attending a grade-inflated program.
You need to speak to a local dean of admissions about your situation.
The masters programs that are effective in getting people with low ugpas into professional schools are special masters programs.
You may have shot yourself in the foot twice by jumping directly into a non-SMP masters. Even if you do well in your microbio masters, it may not help you. The difficulty of the program is not a known quantity to adcoms, unlike SMPs; adcoms won't know whether you're truly a better student or just attending a grade-inflated program.
You need to speak to a local dean of admissions about your situation.
Dude, if your admissions dean recommended that program, stick with it and apply after. You're clearly rocking that program. You'll probably get into UIC after. There's no need to do undergrad>masters>postbacc>special masters... you could be a practicing dentist before you finish that track. Finish your masters>apply during your glide year>get in ??? >profit!
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2011
- Messages
- 287
- Reaction score
- 4
Except me!Haha man, I'm trying! I got doc toothache kicking me in my cyber nuts, other sdn'ers dwarfing all my stats, seeing everyone else get interviews.. Damn headache, I tell you.
Fortunately, I found an effective panacea in drinking + boating for the problems created by sample bias. Thanks to everyone for the good advice and help. best of luck to everyone. Cheers👍
If you got a 39 on your mcat, you could probably do better on the DAT. I would retake if I were you. Why did you decide not to go to med school? And what is your PAT score?
Last edited:
Awww, you need to cheer up! I see your sadness on so many threads and it is making me sad too. :-(Except me!
I was actually talking to wcombs. lol.
The comment above that one is for you. I think you have the ability to do better on the DAT. I hate to say this because there are soooo many 24+scores this year that it is making me nervous, but I would retake the DAT if I were you. I got a 35 on the MCAT and 24+ on the DAT. So you definitely do it.
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2007
- Messages
- 867
- Reaction score
- 173
That will do it for you! Your MCAT score is awesome but unfortunately it will do nothing but hurt you if you bring it up during dental school interviews. I have confidence with all your tutoring you will rock the DAT, add in your masters degree and schools will be fighting for you. 😎
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Reaction score
- 0
It might hurt OP even if he does't bring it up with dental school adcoms. I heard that a lot of schools cross reference with the AMCAS process and they check to see if you've taken the MCAT. If you have, it would make the adcoms doubt your commitment to dentistry.
I am in the same reapplicant boat as you,
I have a slightly higher GPA (with a 4.0 in my "normal" two-year (non-grade inflating) Master's Program) but a slightly lower DAT (but with a 26PAT). And I already have invites (3).
People on here are rediculous sometimes. They are stressed about getting interviews and they have not received any yet... So when they see someone with lower stats than them, they assume that those people would never get interviews before them.
In the end... The people reading our applications are very educated and are able to look through all of the fluff and find out who is really going to be able to excel at their school. As long as you have explained everything well on your application, you'll be fine.
Stick with the boating and drinking thing until you hear from schools. I think you'll start hearing soon.
I have a slightly higher GPA (with a 4.0 in my "normal" two-year (non-grade inflating) Master's Program) but a slightly lower DAT (but with a 26PAT). And I already have invites (3).
People on here are rediculous sometimes. They are stressed about getting interviews and they have not received any yet... So when they see someone with lower stats than them, they assume that those people would never get interviews before them.
In the end... The people reading our applications are very educated and are able to look through all of the fluff and find out who is really going to be able to excel at their school. As long as you have explained everything well on your application, you'll be fine.
Stick with the boating and drinking thing until you hear from schools. I think you'll start hearing soon.
