I totally get what you're saying. The thing its, it's so competitive that there are thousands of applicants who had some combination of financial struggles, having to work during undergrad, family difficulty, personal issues, illness etc that there are people with hardships who still do have great stats. Adcoms can't really measure "who had it worse", and have to just go by the numbers, ECs, LORs, and personal statements because that's the best method they've got. It's a tough process and sometimes it takes more than just hard work to get in. It sucks but it's just the way it is.
I agree it's tough for adcoms, I don't envy them.
Some just want numbers. Others want to see volunteer, ec, community service, etc.
But I think a lot of them do try to gauge "who had it worse," and then look at the numbers "in spite of." How did they overcome these obstacles to get to the point where they are ready to apply to dental school. I would also imagine that the adcoms would need a seriously fine-tuned BS meter. I would love to be a fly on the wall as they read some people's personal statements.
A person with super high stats with no other obligations but school may not make the best dentist (or they may), as opposed to someone with lower stats who has had to juggle many many other responsibilities. So how do you compare them? Is the person with higher stats more fit for admission? Or the person with dedication, time management, prioritization, and life experience? Again, there is no clear answer.
To be transparent, my stats are low. Like, way low. But that's because I dug myself into a hole many years ago. Since then I've grown, matured, and accomplished A LOT. I was fortunate enough to be accepted. My academic performance did not show an upward trend, but a complete 180. If my transcripts from 10 years ago and beyond are overlooked, I believe I am a competitive applicant. But because they are not, I was quickly rejected by many schools.
The reason I think I will do well in dental school is because I will not have as many things to juggle (work), plus my kids are getting older and less clingy. I've also seen the real world (not to say other applicants haven't), but I don't want to struggle, or work for someone where I have to ask permission for EVERYTHING (except for my wife, but that's just how it is...
🙂 )
The adcoms saw my dedication to my goal, so they gave me the opportunity to go to dental school.
I can't imagine if at this point in my life if I had zero obligations except for school how well I'd do. I imagine i would do very very well. Life is all about balance though.
Wow. So that turned into a speech unexpectedly...
Sorry folks
🙂
