Reapplying - Help!

[KSDDS]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Its been a long year and was hoping I would be in by now. I haven't been rejected yet from any of the schools applied to, but have not been accepted either. I am on a waitlist, but doubtful I will get in and want to know what I need to do before reapplying. I talked to a couple of schools and so far they told me I was a top candidate and there wasn't anything in particular I should do to improve my application and that the reason I was waitlisted was or haven't been admitted yet was just due to the large number of great quality applicants.

I thought I was early applying last year in mid June, but I want to make sure I get everything in on the first day this year so I want to make sure I have everything set and have made some steps toward improving my application before mid May.

Can I use the same letters of recommendation? Can I use the same committee letter from last year or should I get different professors to write my LOR for this next cycle?

Also, what about my personal statement. Should it be completely changed or should it just be updated?

One area I know I can improve is my volunteer work as I have very little. I have done a lot of shadowing and have a ton of other extra curriculars. What sort of volunteer work would be best? Also, I work full time as I've been out of school a few years, so I'm hoping to do something a few hours every couple of weeks as I do not have much free time.

Also, should I retake the DAT? AA: 22 TS: 21 PAT: 22
I know my scores were very good, but it would be a good opportunity to improve my appllication. I guess I'm scared that I might take it and do worse.

Any other thoughts and advice would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[dat_student]

...I talked to a couple of schools and so far they told me I was a top candidate and there wasn't anything in particular I should do to improve my application and that the reason I was waitlisted was or haven't been admitted yet was just due to the large number of great quality applicants.
...
Also, should I retake the DAT? AA: 22 TS: 21 PAT: 22
...

What are your science and overall GPAs? Do you have a degree?

 

[svwtyf]

Man, I wish somebody would respond to this thread.There are so many dumb threads on SDN all the time. This topic is really important information for a lot people, I'm sure. A lot of poeople could benefit. Come on, people!!

 

[xylashellx]

i used the same personal statement just updated it. i had some other letters written to increase the strenght of that section of my ap. heres a little secret, take the dats and dont send your scores to the schools you are applying to (aka send them to other random schools or not to anyone) and eat the 10 dollars per school you have to pay to send your scores. this way if you dont do better nobody will know. im sure they could find out but i dont think they will be searching around to see if you retook your dats.

do some volunteet work but i doubt thats whats holding you back from getting in.

please post your gpas and that will help us help you more.

p.s. i dont know if you did this or not, but when you get your application in by june that doesnt mean your ap is compete. for schools to look at you, your ap has to be in along with official dat scores, transcripts, and LORs. so get everything sent in early and this may help (or not make a difference depending on how you did it last year).

i know what you are going through but this last year for me was true heaven. taking the year off (ofcourse with working and traveling) was amazing and im glad i didnt get in last year (until august when i got in to nyu off the waitlist).

GOOD LUCK

 

[martinelli]

Also, should I retake the DAT? AA: 22 TS: 21 PAT: 22
I know my scores were very good, but it would be a good opportunity to improve my appllication. I guess I'm scared that I might take it and do worse.

Any other thoughts and advice would be very helpful. Thanks!

DON'T RETAKE YOUR DAT! Your scores are GREAT. Please take our SDNers advice with a grain of salt. I saw that someone had suggested that you retake your DAT. Don't do it, they are excellent scores. There is no guarantee that you will improve the second time. I am unsure why you didn't get in this cycle but it is definitely NOT b/c of your DAT.

 

[KSDDS]

What are your science and overall GPAs? Do you have a degree?

I have two degrees, both from Georgetown University.

BS in Biology - 3.15 GPA overall and for science
MA in non-science field - 3.8 GPA

I've also taken a pair of upper-level undergrad science courses during this past year to help boost my science GPA. I realize my undergrad gpa was low, but I was also a competitive NCAA student-athlete.

 

[superchris147]

I have two degrees, both from Georgetown University.

BS in Biology - 3.15 GPA overall and for science
MA in non-science field - 3.8 GPA

I've also taken a pair of upper-level undergrad science courses during this past year to help boost my science GPA. I realize my undergrad gpa was low, but I was also a competitive NCAA student-athlete.

work as a dental assistant or volunteer as a dental assistant. adcoms really like that because you get experience while at the same time it exposes you to the field even more. it also show's dedication too. that's my 0.02

 

[xylashellx]

I have two degrees, both from Georgetown University.

BS in Biology - 3.15 GPA overall and for science
MA in non-science field - 3.8 GPA

I've also taken a pair of upper-level undergrad science courses during this past year to help boost my science GPA. I realize my undergrad gpa was low, but I was also a competitive NCAA student-athlete.

i didnt say to definately retake your dats. but if he does do better it couldnt hurt.

also, i think you are cursed. with those dats and 3.15 and 3.8 gpa something has gotta be wrong or you are applying to the wrong schools. im stumped

 

[dat_student]

I have two degrees, both from Georgetown University.

BS in Biology - 3.15 GPA overall and for science
MA in non-science field - 3.8 GPA

I've also taken a pair of upper-level undergrad science courses during this past year to help boost my science GPA. I realize my undergrad gpa was low, but I was also a competitive NCAA student-athlete.

My advice: Take upper-division science courses especially biology courses to increase your 3.15 GPA. Many schools pay close attention to BCP & Sci. GPAs (e.g. UCONN, UCLA, UMDNJ, Harvard, UPENN, Pitt...)

 

[SuperC]

I would argue the other way... Your GPA is fine and your DATs kick a$$.

So why didn't you get in?
I would argue that perhaps your essay, LORs, shadowing, ect. We not that great.

I was speaking with a friend that had a great story explaining how he became interested in dentistry and opted for another "made up" story. The end result is that you end up with a crappy essay if you choose to write about something that is not true or embelished.

I would rewrite your essay, do some shadowing (get a great LOR from the dentist) and carefully select who you choose to write your LORs. Make sure that the profs knew you well.

The best of luck to you in this cycle and the next.
-C

 

[xylashellx]

I would argue the other way... Your GPA is fine and your DATs kick a$$.

So why didn't you get in?
I would argue that perhaps your essay, LORs, shadowing, ect. We not that great.

I was speaking with a friend that had a great story explaining how he became interested in dentistry and opted for another "made up" story. The end result is that you end up with a crappy essay if you choose to write about something that is not true or embelished.

I would rewrite your essay, do some shadowing (get a great LOR from the dentist) and carefully select who you choose to write your LORs. Make sure that the profs knew you well.

The best of luck to you in this cycle and the next.
-C

superc sounds right on.