Reapplying, need help choosing schools

[wcombs]

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Hello SDN,

So I applied this cycle with moderate confidence that I would get accepted somewhere and I ended up getting just one interview and failing to get accepted (I'm waitlisted with little hope of getting off). I've been so stressed/depressed/discouraged/bitter it's unreal. Seriously, if we could personify this application cycle, I would most definitely be its bitch.

My GPA is deceptively low because of a failed freshman year and if you've followed any of my posts you might know my dad died that year and school became non-existant. Thankfully I didn't take any sciences so I just bombed stuff like art history and music appreciation, which I guess is super srs to dental schools . I retook those classes just to prove I'm not a loser and I've had a near 4.0 GPA for the past 3 years. I'm literally graduating summa cum laude next weekend (my school gives honors based on last 60 hours) with a 99.6th percentile DAT... and I landed one interview.

Besides that first year and the fact that I did some of my early prereqs at a community college, I thought my application was good. This is what I applied with:

3500 hours work experience as a chem tutor and a patient sitter in a hospital
130 volunteer hours coaching tennis for kids
40 shadowing hours
Personal statement was good. After sitting on it for a year I want to make a few changes.

I thought I was in good shape. My DAT gave me a false sense of confidence and I even applied to a couple reach schools despite being on a tight budget. People told me I was lucky and I would have my pick of school. It was a mistake and I've learned my lesson so no need to judge me. I went with:

UF (state school and where I go for undergrad)
UPenn (stretch, not doing that again)
Maryland
UoP
Columbia (is this really a stretch for my stats?)
NYU

I had a February interview at UF and got waitlisted. I was straight up rejected everywhere else.

Reapplying, I will be adding:

+30 shadowing hours
+135 research hours w/ thesis
Two 4.0 science-heavy semesters
*also hoping to build some more volunteer hours

When I applied my overall GPA was 3.15 and it became a 3.3 after the academic update. Reapplying, my overall GPA will be 3.4; science and BCP will be in the 3.7-3.8 range. I'll also have a biology degree.

I'm trying to make a list of schools and I need help. I thought my list was decent but I'm hesitant to reapply to some of those schools because they just pooped on me and didn't give me the time of day. I'll definitely be adding Nova, which I skipped before because I believe they cite a minimum 3.2 GPA on their website.

I'd appreciate some advice on where to apply, as well as anything else I can do to improve my application before the new cycle begins. I'm also happy to answer questions and give advice about my experience this cycle for the newcomers. Thanks!

 

[aqz]

130 volunteer hours coaching tennis for kids

I hope maybe we can go to the same school next year and have a hit.

 

[wcombs]

I hope maybe we can go to the same school next year and have a hit.

Come to Florida, it's tennis-land! Copious time spent in the library has my hands laughably de-calloused and I'm rusty and out of shape, but the tennis community in Florida is one of the big reasons I'm really pushing to stay here for dental school 😛

 

[UCSFx2017]

If you already got NYU ($$$) on there, you as might as well add Tufts, Case, Nova, etc.

3.4 is a lot more acceptable for schools than a 3.1. I think you'll do well this upcoming cycle. I think they know you're a top-notch applicant but they aren't willing to lower their matriculate GPA or something. Pure speculation.

 

[wcombs]

If you already got NYU ($$$) on there, you as might as well add Tufts, Case, Nova, etc.

3.4 is a lot more acceptable for schools than a 3.1. I think you'll do well this upcoming cycle.

Oh, that was another lesson learned this cycle. I won't be reapplying to NYU because I realized if I got in I wouldn't even be willing to shell out that kind of cash. I only applied there as an absolute worst case scenario safety school (and didn't even get an interview, lolz).

I'm ideally looking to keep tuition under 300k, but I realize beggars can't be choosers and I'll include a few pricier schools as backups. Thanks for the advice 😀

 

[lr2014]

I wonder why you didn't apply to more schools? That might have been the problem. Congrats on your graduation!

Go Gators! (I also come to UF)

 

[UCSFx2017]

How about UCSF (<--- I like this school 😀) or UConn? I really think you'll do well this cycle with a 3.4.

 

[LaughingGas]

Bluntly speaking, the only flaw that I see in your app is shadowing hours.
I followed your story and I really wished you got accepted, since I'm somewhat in your shoes.

 

[obeserabbit]

Sorry to hear about this cycle, I'd definitely add Tufts to your list. How early/late did you apply last year?

 

[Hawkteeth]

I would add Case, Detroit Mercy, Marquette, Temple, Tufts, and LECOM. Better safe than sorry so apply to at least 15 schools.

 

[wcombs]

I wonder why you didn't apply to more schools? That might have been the problem. Congrats on your graduation!

Go Gators! (I also come to UF)

Go Gators! Money was tight and it still is. It wasn't smart to apply to UPenn, but I thought I could chance a stretch school and still get in elsewhere. Like I said, lesson learned. Unfortunately I will only be able to afford 6-7 schools this cycle as well so I need a good list.

Bluntly speaking, the only flaw that I see in your app is shadowing hours.
I followed your story and I really wished you got accepted, since I'm somewhat in your shoes.

Completely agree. I want to get some more shadowing/volunteering hours in May. Good luck, hopefully we get better news next cycle!

Sorry to hear about this cycle, I'd definitely add Tufts to your list. How early/late did you apply last year?

I was in the first batch. I'm honestly not sure if being grouped with all the obsessive, overachieving SDNers was the best idea with my GPA!

 

[Hawkteeth]

Unfortunately I will only be able to afford 6-7 schools this cycle as well so I need a good list.

I highly recommend applying to more, I don't have to tell you about the unpredictability of the application process. It's way more affordable than reapplying.

 

[RaeRae0903]

I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to the many different schools and their GPA cut offs, etc (since I only applied to the one school)...but out of curiosity did you mention that first year in your personal statement? I'm imagining so...but just in case I would definitely make your father's passing known up front. I was told that the PS was a place to explain shortcomings if necessary. If you did already state this then the only thing I can think is that they just overlooked you and didn't even read your PS bc of the GPA...and if that's the case then this cycle you'll be in a much better position. 🙂 Good luck! Sounds like you deserved to be accepted this cycle and just got the short end of the stick. :-/ Try applying to UK! Go Cats! :-D

 

[scrambledgreggs]

That's messed up, I am honestly scared now for my application if someone with your story didn't get in.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I would add Case, Detroit Mercy, Marquette, Temple, Tufts, and LECOM. Better safe than sorry so apply to at least 15 schools.

This is so true... you need to apply broadly to large private schools.

Some more to think about: Midwestern IL, Midwestern AZ, USC, Western, ASDOH, Roseman, UNE and Creighton. Louisville and VCU are also great schools that are OOS friendly.

 

[wcombs]

I highly recommend applying to more, I don't have to tell you about the unpredictability of the application process. It's way more affordable than reapplying.

Good advice, I'll see what I can do 🙂

I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to the many different schools and their GPA cut offs, etc (since I only applied to the one school)...but out of curiosity did you mention that first year in your personal statement? I'm imagining so...but just in case I would definitely make your father's passing known up front. I was told that the PS was a place to explain shortcomings if necessary. If you did already state this then the only thing I can think is that they just overlooked you and didn't even read your PS bc of the GPA...and if that's the case then this cycle you'll be in a much better position. 🙂 Good luck! Sounds like you deserved to be accepted this cycle and just got the short end of the stick. :-/ Try applying to UK! Go Cats! :-D

I did explain it and I do think I was filtered out at most schools due to my GPA, and they likely didn't even read my PS.

 

[wcombs]

Few questions:

Should I axe Columbia? I still feel like my stats are in line with their averages...

Is Michigan a good idea? I see they take a good amount of OOS and I think my stats are good for them unless there's some catch I don't know about.

Does anyone have a good spreadsheet with relative tuition prices for all schools? OSU used to have a list but it looks like they removed it.

 

[aqz]

Few questions:

Should I axe Columbia? I still feel like my stats are in line with their averages...

Is Michigan a good idea? I see they take a good amount of OOS and I think my stats are good for them unless there's some catch I don't know about.

Does anyone have a good spreadsheet with relative tuition prices for all schools? OSU used to have a list but it looks like they removed it.

You and I would be in the same boat for Michigan as we both still need 100 hours of shadowing BEFORE you apply, according to my pre-dental advisor.

But yes by all means please apply for the sake of tennis.

 

[aznboi89x]

beggars cant be choosers so thats why u need to apply more this time around. Ask friends or family for loans to apply! I do not want to see you re-apply AGAIN for 2014-2015 because you applied so few. Its a gamble that u need to take (you were cocky or overconfident because of your high DAT score). At this time you should be working to save up some money if you are THAT afraid of costs. Its a tough pill to swallow about all this debt but your goal is to GET INTO DENTAL SCHOOL PERIOD! Always have that goal in mind and do whatever it takes to get in.

advice: go to mission of mercies and add that in your application as it can bolster your application! I noticed you done general community work but no dental related community work (I think thats the problem and plus you shadowed very little).

remember your goal is to get into A dental school.


THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SAFETY SCHOOL!

^dont be cocky again

 

[Gracie2011]

I would apply to Kentucky, Louisville, and Maryland. I was told that they tend to like UF grads. Also having research experience will help you if you reapply to Maryland. If you're planning on staying in Gainesville and want more volunteer experience contact Dr. Stopka. You can also update your volunteer hours and shadowing hours with UF. I would periodically send them an email keeping them informed of additional shadowing and volunteer hours. Good luck!

 

[tommyinVA]

I'm ideally looking to keep tuition under 300k, but I realize beggars can't be choosers and I'll include a few pricier schools as backups. Thanks for the advice 😀

I think you'll find that you may be hard-pressed to do this unless you get to stay in-state. Unless you have some help with living expenses, you'll probably end up coming very close to this figure, if not over.

Having said that, you just need to chock it up to the cost of your future. Speaking from experience, paying $300k of debt in a timely manner is not impossible provided that you make a conscious effort to live within your means, but that's for another thread. 🙂

I did explain it and I do think I was filtered out at most schools due to my GPA, and they likely didn't even read my PS.

This certainly happens, but typically the magic mark is 3.0 AT THE HIGHEST. Even the Midwestern's state that they only reject under 2.75 BCP.

Few questions:

Should I axe Columbia? I still feel like my stats are in line with their averages...

Is Michigan a good idea? I see they take a good amount of OOS and I think my stats are good for them unless there's some catch I don't know about.

In your position, I would ditch Columbia simply for the cost. If you're living in NYC, you'll probably be looking at closer to $400k when it's all said and done. I personally would HIGHLY recommend Michigan, partially because I'm in UMSoD '17, but also because I'm 1) OOS and 2) non-trad. Applied with a 3.08 BCP and 2.73 oGPA. To try and make a long story short, I came back to school after 10 years, basically got a B.S. Bio from scratch, and completed 95 hours in 5 semesters with a 3.9GPA. Bottom line: I was immediately rejected from both Midwesterns, NOVA, and Louisville about a week after my AADSAS was sent out due to my low AADSAS-calculated GPA. Never even bothered to look at what I had done in the past 3 years and didn't care even when I called AND submitted a formal written argument stating my case for candidacy.

But Michigan, I got a pre-Dec interview and was accepted Dec. 1. Interviewed at Tufts Dec. 3 and was accepted a week later. My recommendation: get the ADEA guidebook and look for schools that seem to favor non-traditional applicants. You don't necessarily fit in that category, but it IS a good indicator of a school that actually REVIEWS their applications and gives you a fair chance. The others are right: look at the expensive private schools. Tufts is a good private choice, but I'd also consider UNLV and Howard.

Other recommendations: I would try as hard as possible to reach 200 shadowing hours before applying. Also, fluff up your app as much as possible. One major thing I learned from my first cycle was that my application was horribly lacking in self-glorification. Your "awards, honors, and scholarships" section should be full, even with stuff like dean's list designations and academic achievement scholarships. It sounds like you have a considerable amount of extracurricular activity, but be sure to add in as much as possible.

And as far as your personal statement, explain the past, but don't dwell on it. The other thing I learned between cycles 1 and 2 was that my first personal statement focused too much on my past and why I did so poorly, and not enough on my future and why I have the goals I have and what I'm doing to meet them.

Having said all that, I wouldn't be too averse to betting that you get in this cycle. After my first cycle, I was super-bitter. I had figured there would be a reasonable chance that I wouldn't get in somewhere, but I never imagined that I wouldn't even get an interview offer. But the dentist I had primarily shadowed (who was a friend of mine) said to me, "Don't worry, you'll have better luck this cycle. They're probably just testing you to see how committed you are and how bad you want it." So keep at it. Show them how committed you are and how bad you want it. Apply broadly, but smartly (which it sounds like you're already working on doing), and look for any way to tweak your application. Print up your entire AADSAS now before the cycle closes and figure out where you can improve it NOW so you can still submit as soon as the 2014 cycle opens.

 

[wcombs]

beggars cant be choosers so thats why u need to apply more this time around. Ask friends or family for loans to apply! I do not want to see you re-apply AGAIN for 2014-2015 because you applied so few. Its a gamble that u need to take (you were cocky or overconfident because of your high DAT score). At this time you should be working to save up some money if you are THAT afraid of costs. Its a tough pill to swallow about all this debt but your goal is to GET INTO DENTAL SCHOOL PERIOD! Always have that goal in mind and do whatever it takes to get in.

advice: go to mission of mercies and add that in your application as it can bolster your application! I noticed you done general community work but no dental related community work (I think thats the problem and plus you shadowed very little).

remember your goal is to get into A dental school.


THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SAFETY SCHOOL!

^dont be cocky again

I'll do everything in my power to add more schools this time after the advice I've gotten here. I know the goal is to get into a dental school but I do look at other factors. Some people are willing to sacrifice a lot more than I am and maybe that's why I'm taking a gap year and they are starting dental school. I've learned a lot!

And just as a side note, I don't think the word "cocky" is accurate. I was never cocky about any of this. I was mildly confident, but that's not the same as cocky 🙂

I would apply to Kentucky, Louisville, and Maryland. I was told that they tend to like UF grads. Also having research experience will help you if you reapply to Maryland. If you're planning on staying in Gainesville and want more volunteer experience contact Dr. Stopka. You can also update your volunteer hours and shadowing hours with UF. I would periodically send them an email keeping them informed of additional shadowing and volunteer hours. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm definitely adding Louisville and I'm going to start researching Kentucky. I was hesitant about Maryland because they were the least communicative of all my schools last cycle, but I might give it another shot. Good luck at UF, still hoping I can join you there!

I think you'll find that you may be hard-pressed to do this unless you get to stay in-state. Unless you have some help with living expenses, you'll probably end up coming very close to this figure, if not over.

Having said that, you just need to chock it up to the cost of your future. Speaking from experience, paying $300k of debt in a timely manner is not impossible provided that you make a conscious effort to live within your means, but that's for another thread. 🙂



This certainly happens, but typically the magic mark is 3.0 AT THE HIGHEST. Even the Midwestern's state that they only reject under 2.75 BCP.



In your position, I would ditch Columbia simply for the cost. If you're living in NYC, you'll probably be looking at closer to $400k when it's all said and done. I personally would HIGHLY recommend Michigan, partially because I'm in UMSoD '17, but also because I'm 1) OOS and 2) non-trad. Applied with a 3.08 BCP and 2.73 oGPA. To try and make a long story short, I came back to school after 10 years, basically got a B.S. Bio from scratch, and completed 95 hours in 5 semesters with a 3.9GPA. Bottom line: I was immediately rejected from both Midwesterns, NOVA, and Louisville about a week after my AADSAS was sent out due to my low AADSAS-calculated GPA. Never even bothered to look at what I had done in the past 3 years and didn't care even when I called AND submitted a formal written argument stating my case for candidacy.

But Michigan, I got a pre-Dec interview and was accepted Dec. 1. Interviewed at Tufts Dec. 3 and was accepted a week later. My recommendation: get the ADEA guidebook and look for schools that seem to favor non-traditional applicants. You don't necessarily fit in that category, but it IS a good indicator of a school that actually REVIEWS their applications and gives you a fair chance. The others are right: look at the expensive private schools. Tufts is a good private choice, but I'd also consider UNLV and Howard.

Other recommendations: I would try as hard as possible to reach 200 shadowing hours before applying. Also, fluff up your app as much as possible. One major thing I learned from my first cycle was that my application was horribly lacking in self-glorification. Your "awards, honors, and scholarships" section should be full, even with stuff like dean's list designations and academic achievement scholarships. It sounds like you have a considerable amount of extracurricular activity, but be sure to add in as much as possible.

And as far as your personal statement, explain the past, but don't dwell on it. The other thing I learned between cycles 1 and 2 was that my first personal statement focused too much on my past and why I did so poorly, and not enough on my future and why I have the goals I have and what I'm doing to meet them.

Having said all that, I wouldn't be too averse to betting that you get in this cycle. After my first cycle, I was super-bitter. I had figured there would be a reasonable chance that I wouldn't get in somewhere, but I never imagined that I wouldn't even get an interview offer. But the dentist I had primarily shadowed (who was a friend of mine) said to me, "Don't worry, you'll have better luck this cycle. They're probably just testing you to see how committed you are and how bad you want it." So keep at it. Show them how committed you are and how bad you want it. Apply broadly, but smartly (which it sounds like you're already working on doing), and look for any way to tweak your application. Print up your entire AADSAS now before the cycle closes and figure out where you can improve it NOW so you can still submit as soon as the 2014 cycle opens.

This was so helpful. I was actually aiming for tuition below 300k before factoring in living expenses. The number was just an easy point of reference, but I'm open to more.

It will be hard for me to reach 200 shadowing hours before the cycle opens but I will push it to the limit--there are other things I want to add as well. I did fluff my application last cycle, but the good thing is I've improved some areas enough to replace that meaningless fluff (e.g. some lame awards) with actual achievements.

Regarding my personal statement, I completely agree and I had the foresight to avoid dwelling on the past when I wrote it. I only briefly mentioned my struggles in 1-2 sentences near the end of my PS. The rest was about looking forward and my passion for dentistry. I still feel the best time to really explain that is when it comes up in the interview.

Your story is awesome and I'm glad you made it. Hopefully I have a similar story to tell come December 😛

 

[aznboi89x]

I'll do everything in my power to add more schools this time after the advice I've gotten here. I know the goal is to get into a dental school but I do look at other factors. Some people are willing to sacrifice a lot more than I am and maybe that's why I'm taking a gap year and they are starting dental school. I've learned a lot!

And just as a side note, I don't think the word "cocky" is accurate. I was never cocky about any of this. I was mildly confident, but that's not the same as cocky 🙂

my bad

 

[tommyinVA]

Regarding my personal statement, I completely agree and I had the foresight to avoid dwelling on the past when I wrote it. I only briefly mentioned my struggles in 1-2 sentences near the end of my PS. The rest was about looking forward and my passion for dentistry. I still feel the best time to really explain that is when it comes up in the interview.

I would put it at the beginning and get it out of the way. May sound trivial, but it makes more sense to put the negatives first and pile all the positives on afterwards. That way, anyone reading your PS will be thinking more about your pluses than your minuses.

 

[bambam92]

Hello SDN,

So I applied this cycle with moderate confidence that I would get accepted somewhere and I ended up getting just one interview and failing to get accepted (I'm waitlisted with little hope of getting off). I've been so stressed/depressed/discouraged/bitter it's unreal. Seriously, if we could personify this application cycle, I would most definitely be its bitch.

My GPA is deceptively low because of a failed freshman year and if you've followed any of my posts you might know my dad died that year and school became non-existant. Thankfully I didn't take any sciences so I just bombed stuff like art history and music appreciation, which I guess is super srs to dental schools . I retook those classes just to prove I'm not a loser and I've had a near 4.0 GPA for the past 3 years. I'm literally graduating summa cum laude next weekend (my school gives honors based on last 60 hours) with a 99.6th percentile DAT... and I landed one interview.

Besides that first year and the fact that I did some of my early prereqs at a community college, I thought my application was good. This is what I applied with:

3500 hours work experience as a chem tutor and a patient sitter in a hospital
130 volunteer hours coaching tennis for kids
40 shadowing hours
Personal statement was good. After sitting on it for a year I want to make a few changes.

I thought I was in good shape. My DAT gave me a false sense of confidence and I even applied to a couple reach schools despite being on a tight budget. People told me I was lucky and I would have my pick of school. It was a mistake and I've learned my lesson so no need to judge me. I went with:

UF (state school and where I go for undergrad)
UPenn (stretch, not doing that again)
Maryland
UoP
Columbia (is this really a stretch for my stats?)
NYU

I had a February interview at UF and got waitlisted. I was straight up rejected everywhere else.

Reapplying, I will be adding:

+30 shadowing hours
+135 research hours w/ thesis
Two 4.0 science-heavy semesters
*also hoping to build some more volunteer hours

When I applied my overall GPA was 3.15 and it became a 3.3 after the academic update. Reapplying, my overall GPA will be 3.4; science and BCP will be in the 3.7-3.8 range. I'll also have a biology degree.

I'm trying to make a list of schools and I need help. I thought my list was decent but I'm hesitant to reapply to some of those schools because they just pooped on me and didn't give me the time of day. I'll definitely be adding Nova, which I skipped before because I believe they cite a minimum 3.2 GPA on their website.

I'd appreciate some advice on where to apply, as well as anything else I can do to improve my application before the new cycle begins. I'm also happy to answer questions and give advice about my experience this cycle for the newcomers. Thanks!

I don't feel columbia is a stretch with that DAT! As one other said apply to Tufts, NYU, because you should have a great chances there. Have you considered HPSP? If you go to a school that is 100k a year i.e. Tufts NYU they cover all expenses in exchange for four years of service(active) 4 (inactive) but inactive almost everyone lives as a civilian and works in private practice and or starts a practice, so I consider it 4 actual years you owe. Even if you apply your freshman year of D school they will cover remaining 3 years. I think this is a better route at this point for you then waiting for another cycle! Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

 

[bambam92]

Maybe add temple to the list since you already have upenn..go philly!