Reapplicant Please help!

[Doa110]

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Hi,
This is my first time here. I am a non-trad applicant and I’m 34 years old. I have a below average science GPA (2.6) for my undergrad, but my grad GPA is average (3.2). I have been wanting to go to dental school for ever, but I had to take a different path in life since I was married and was taking care of sister, helping her to go college as well. I have a 1.5 year old daughter and was working as a microbiologist at a biotech company until a month ago, before quitting to study for my DAT. This is my fourth attempt taking the DAT. 1st time I took in 2002 and only applied to Maryland…..didn’t get in. 2nd time took it 2003 and applied only to Maryland and Howard, got an interview from MD, waitlisted and didn’t get in. The last time I took it with no preparation in 2005 while I was in grad school and had my capstone course, as well as working full time and obviously did terrible (scored 15AA). So I went ahead and withdrew my application. Although I tried to focus on my career and I liked what I was doing, dentistry was always in back of my mind and every day in my lab, I thought that I should have done it. I didn’t wanna be 60 and say that I should have done it. So after talking to my husband, I quit my job, submitted my application in June, and planning to retake my DAT in August 20th. I was a X-ray certified dental assistant for 4 years during my undergrad, I have hands on paid research experience in my resume, 6 months of internship, a member of a charity organization for the past three years, and a decent personal statement. These are the schools that I have chosen: NYU, Maryland, UOP, Illinois University, temple, LLU, VCU, AZ, BU, Howard, Tufts, USC, WVA. I have received emails from all the schools that I have applied letting me know that they are waiting for my DAT. LLU has sent me their secondary application which I submitted two days ago. I am not sure if that’s part of LLU’s process or I am lucky this time!
I am planning to add Midwestern, mercy, and western university to my list tonight.
I would appreciate your feedbacks. Do you think that I have a chance this time? Thanks.

 

[DDSjunior]

The response that won't be too helpful, but is the truth, is that it depends on your DAT score. Outside of your GPA, your life experiences will only help your application. You clearly have your head on straight and are a hard working individual who is driven to become a dentist. I myself did average on the DAT, but the people I know who did well used the DAT destroy and just practiced a ton of questions. If you haven't taken it yet and are looking to study for a bit you might look into that. Also you might want to add schools. There is no harm in adding schools and you never know where you may get in. Good luck to you and hopefully this year culminates in an acceptance for you.

 

[Doa110]

Thank you for your respond. I have destroyer an am finishing it up. I am hopping to do better this time.😳

 

[shigster84]

DOA110, I am a non-trad as well. Applied twice before and hopefully this will be my last, assuming I get in somewhere. From everyone I have spoken to either in dental school already or admissions peeps the consensus usually is it comes down to my DAT. I'm taking my third on Aug. 26th so I'm right there with ya. You sound like you have good credentials all around except those test scores just like me, but I'm sure you've realized like me you have to do good on the test to get your foot in the door somewhere. So good luck on the 20th and I know we'll both rock it!

 

[Dentyte]

If you really want to become a dentist then you need to rock the DAT. You need to spend the $$ on the review course and spend Hours a day studying for the test. You will not do well if you just think 15- 20 hrs will be enough. You should spend about 4-5 hrs a day studying for it. Take old tests that date back as far as you can find. It is all about speed and technique. You can rock the DAT but you have to put in the time. Most don't put in the time and end up taking it over and over. You do it that way and you'll never get in. I know because I had a friend that did it that way 4 times and never got in and is currently unemployed. I studied like crazy and got into school after the 2nd time. I now work 24-30 hrs a week and bring home $700k/ yr. and I started my own practice 3 1/2 yrs ago. Try to think of the ease of lifestyle you will have and the financial freedoms if you just rock that test and open up your doors! Good luck and remember... YOU CAN DO IT!!!