Should I get a Master's degree?

[denticle]

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Hey guys. I'm in sort of a dilemma. I'm a Canadian who applied for the 2012 cycle and didn't get in. (Applied to 5 schools. Got 1 interview). My GPA is around a 3.61 and I took both the Canadian and American DAT with mediocre scores.

Canadian DAT scores: AA=20, PA = 18, TS=19, RC = 22, and a CRAPPY soap carving score.
American DAT scores: AA:19, PA = 21, TS = 19, RC = 19, QR = 17.
I plan to re-write the American DAT mid July.

Side question: Will schools look at it like I have taken the DAT 3 times now will I need to report my Canadian DAT scores even though I took it ~2.5 years ago (2010)?

I graduated in December and honestly haven't done much else except log in a couple more EC hours. My GPA is exactly the same as last year too.
Do you guys think that I should delay my application two years and get a Masters? Will getting one improve my chances of getting in? I'm just worried that schools will look at my App, see that I really haven't done anything and pass on me. I would appreciate any advice you guys are willing to offer.

 

[hardline]

I don't think that is necessary since your GPA and DAT scores seem sufficient. Perhaps apply to more schools this time around. I am unfamiliar with international applicant friendly schools but I'm sure other members will help you out there.

Best of luck, hardline

 

[goffdent]

re-take the DAT, get a 20 or more AA, and buy the official ADEA guide to dental school. Analyze that and apply to schools that like foreigners. typically private schools, but some state schools as well.

 

[denticle]

If I were to apply this year I would apply to:
NYU
BU
Case
Western
Detroit Mercy
UOP
Loma Linda
USC
Temple
Minnesota

Is there any other schools I should add to this list?

 

[Kaxain]

Your stats look fine to me, I would just reapply.

"I graduated in December and honestly haven't done much else except log in a couple more EC hours. "

That however is an issue, most schools will want to see continued involvement/dedication to the dental profession and commitment to community service.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hey guys. I'm in sort of a dilemma. I'm a Canadian who applied for the 2012 cycle and didn't get in. (Applied to 5 schools. Got 1 interview). My GPA is around a 3.61 and I took both the Canadian and American DAT with mediocre scores.

Canadian DAT scores: AA=20, PA = 18, TS=19, RC = 22, and a CRAPPY soap carving score.
American DAT scores: AA:19, PA = 21, TS = 19, RC = 19, QR = 17.
I plan to re-write the American DAT mid July.

Side question: Will schools look at it like I have taken the DAT 3 times now will I need to report my Canadian DAT scores even though I took it ~2.5 years ago (2010)?

I graduated in December and honestly haven't done much else except log in a couple more EC hours. My GPA is exactly the same as last year too.
Do you guys think that I should delay my application two years and get a Masters? Will getting one improve my chances of getting in? I'm just worried that schools will look at my App, see that I really haven't done anything and pass on me. I would appreciate any advice you guys are willing to offer.

the (obvious) reason you didn't get in isn't ur stats (those are great, 3.6 with 19s), its that you didn't apply to enough schools.

I assure you, had you applied to (say) 15 schools, u woulda gotten in somewhere. Consider applying to detroit mercy, they are canadian friendly

 

[jjg22]

I agree: Your GPA and scores are decent. I wouldn't retake the DAT. Why put yourself through all that stress when you are already at good standing. Apply to more schools. You WILL get in! 😉

In my case, my scores/GPA weren't all that fabulous. So after taking the DAT twice and applying TWICE, I did a dental hygiene program at a well known dental school in CA. Now, I'm retaking the DAT again and hopefully will get in with my new credentials.

You are fine!

 

[tothepark]

If I were to apply this year I would apply to:
NYU
BU
Case
Western
Detroit Mercy
UOP
Loma Linda
USC
Temple
Minnesota

Is there any other schools I should add to this list?

I would also apply to Buffalo, apparently you can also qualify for fin aid from Canada for Buffalo (idk, maybe its because its so close to Canada?).

 

[denticle]

Your stats look fine to me, I would just reapply.

"I graduated in December and honestly haven't done much else except log in a couple more EC hours. "

That however is an issue, most schools will want to see continued involvement/dedication to the dental profession and commitment to community service.

lol. I may have under-exaggerated. I've continued to job shadow and have been volunteering consistently (added 200ish hours over the last year). The volunteering has nothing to do with dentistry though.. I'm just worried about not having much in terms of work experience since I did graduate in December.

Anyways, thanks for the responses! I guess I'll hold off on that Master's for now..

 

[shayanH]

dont do your masters because you want to improve your application. Do it if you really love doing research on that field. Otherwise, you will be miserable.