HySaad said:
See that, i made you famous. But seriously, can you tell me more about yourself so I may see were I stand. Im about to give up on fall06 becuase my grades are around a 3.1. How old are you? Is this your first time applying? DId you have a bachleors? Did you do anything extra that you may suggest? Do you think I should keep going even w/out a bachleors being completed by fall next year? Please help me out, Im getting despret here.
Hass
Here is my story...
Im 25. I got my bachelors degree in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.
My gpa is around 3.08 with sci gpa of 2.92. There is somewhat of an upward trend. My freshman year gpa was brutal, something like a 2.5. Sophomore year by itself was something like a 3.0. Junior year I had a 3.3. Senior year I had around a 3.3 as well. All in all, it came out to just under a 3.1. So, that trend
may have contributed positively to my application.
This is my second time to apply to dental school. Last year I had a DAT score of 19 AA, 17 TS, and 18 PAT. At the time, I got 2 interviews, one from UT-Houston and another at NYU. Got rejected from UT-Houston and waitlisted at NYU. It was obvious that my DAT score wasnt good enough to make up for my grades.
I decided to retake the DAT. Second time around I got 21 AA, 20 TS, and 18 PAT. About 2 weeks after I submitted my scores to BU, they sent me a letter for an interview. At the interview, my DAT score increase was mentioned. I guess it was apparent that I was a reapplicant and that I had retaken the DAT and improved in that area, and they liked that. 2 weeks after the interview, I was accepted.
As far as the "extras", I was somewhat active during my undergrad years. I have both work and volunteer experiences. I also have a couple hundred hours of working/shadowing an endodontist and a general dentist. I would say my recommendations were either decent or good. I wouldnt say exceptional. As far as race is concerned, I mentioned earlier that I am persian, but on the application, I checked "caucasian", so I dont have an edge in regards to that.
All I can say is that you should try to get 20+ on the DATs, apply as early as you can, and cross some fingers. Thats what I did and somehow things worked out for me. It very well could have gone in the opposite direction. I know people with worse numbers that have gotten in and others with better numbers that havent. I would take the DAT if I were you, then play it from there. If youve got other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck.
And to finish off my short biography, I enjoy long walks on the beach and candle light dinners (if any females are interested).
