Suggestion for NBDE 1 low score

[charliee]

Guys I got 76 in part 1 and afraid from my score. Feels like this is not what I deserve from my months n months of hardwork. No idea what to do should I proceed with DAT or part 2?
Does anybd have any suggestion or heared from friend abt anybd who got in to school with such kind of score. Please help me with your suggestion

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[DrPak45]

Guys I got 76 in part 1 and afraid from my score. Feels like this is not what I deserve from my months n months of hardwork. No idea what to do should I proceed with DAT or part 2?
Does anybd have any suggestion or heared from friend abt anybd who got in to school with such kind of score. Please help me with your suggestion

Yes indeed I know a couple of people who did that. You should first go for part 2 caz it's pass and fail now and get it out of the way. Then try to find a research position and make sure ur name comes in atleast one publication, not necessarily in north America but even back home is ok? Shadow some dentist once a week even if you can do for an hour so that you can write it in your resume. Attend a free dental seminar or two and get their certificates. Try to get a recommendation letter from a medical teacher not necessarily a dentist but he/she can be a doctor but that person need to be a professor or at least associate or assistant professor in a medical/ dental university. Make these points in a to do list and it will take a month. Prioritize them by numbering. Once you apply to the universities, try to call them not to follow up but to tell them that u r interested and papers do show a lot but not everything so you will appreciate an interview. Hope this helps.

 

[dentgod]

Guys I got 76 in part 1 and afraid from my score. Feels like this is not what I deserve from my months n months of hardwork. No idea what to do should I proceed with DAT or part 2?
Does anybd have any suggestion or heared from friend abt anybd who got in to school with such kind of score. Please help me with your suggestion

Cheer up Charlie! Nothing is end of the road. DrPak's suggestions sound perfect go ahead. Run with your mind buddy dont let the numbers decide ur destiny. I would go with the Part2.
Be optimistic,things will fall in your lap.

 

[adks19]

Thanks Dr Pak for ur suggestions. my score is 82, cud u pls help me with ur suggestions?
how to find a research position and where are dental seminars held??

Secondly,If i got recomm from some faculty member in dental school in US, where it will fit like i mean to ask i shud attach it with other 3 recomm letters as 4th letter or where and also i have shadowing experience from 2 dentists here for some months, they are also sort of recomm letters????

 

[charliee]

Dr Pak thank you so much for showing me some hope... Pls answer adks 19 am waiting for answer too. while thinking for acceptance I always wondered that why some uni will choose me if they have some candidate with amazing score in 90's and 80's....

 

[DrPak45]

Thanks Dr Pak for ur suggestions. my score is 82, cud u pls help me with ur suggestions?
how to find a research position and where are dental seminars held??

Secondly,If i got recomm from some faculty member in dental school in US, where it will fit like i mean to ask i shud attach it with other 3 recomm letters as 4th letter or where and also i have shadowing experience from 2 dentists here for some months, they are also sort of recomm letters????

Research u have to find in universities and not necessarily dental but also in public health institutes or clinical research institutes or from students who ate doing phd in any medical field. Not necessarily doctors but also can be any medical related like pathologists or pharmacy etc if u broaden ur search u will get it. Shadowing goes into resume not good for recommendation but is better than nothing, what is best is if you can get a recommendation from a medical or dental university professor or assistant/ associate professor saying that he know you professionally or personally etc like u volunteered etc with that person is great. Use it as third recommendation. But it better be good.

 

[DrPak45]

Dr Pak thank you so much for showing me some hope... Pls answer adks 19 am waiting for answer too. while thinking for acceptance I always wondered that why some uni will choose me if they have some candidate with amazing score in 90's and 80's....

That's the whole point u have to prove to them. This is the only question and that is y you? There is no exact answer for the question. You just have to get noticed. Leave impression. Contact via email or phone. Not too much, not too early, and not too late. Speak with two or three people. Even with program director. Never leave voice mail, call them to speak with them and if they are not available then try again in an hour or so. Tell them while on phone that u have great profile. Don't tell them your score is low etc. Tell them you have competitive score. Let them decide weather it's low or high as you are not the one making decision, they are. Never give figures like 76 or 83. Just say like" I have a good toefl score, great gpa and a competitive ndeb score sir and the reason I'm calling is to request a chance for personal interview so as to discuss my future and how I am a great fit for this program" I'd they say your score is low( which they will never do) don't just remain quite, answer them by telling that u profile is very diverse and what differentiate you from others is your that u give time to everything. Life to you is not about books only but it's about diversity and u can guarantee that out of all the other candidates you can guarantee them that u are the one individual with the most desire to be a part and student of this university. Etc etc.

 

[DrPak45]

Still these things will not work always. It's just trying and leaving the rest to God.

 

[adks19]

Thanks DrPak , i know some assistant prof in dental school but i havent worked with her ever, she knows me personally from related family friends, so now what should i ask her to write about me......things like trustworthy, hardworking etc like qualities about me or what experiences, what else......Kindly advice me.
Highly appreciate your suggesstions. Thanks.

 

[DrPak45]

Thanks DrPak , i know some assistant prof in dental school but i havent worked with her ever, she knows me personally from related family friends, so now what should i ask her to write about me......things like trustworthy, hardworking etc like qualities about me or what experiences, what else......Kindly advice me.
Highly appreciate your suggesstions. Thanks.

It's better to have a professional letter and it will be great help if you can observe or do anything of that sort. But if u can't then just personal is good and but still she cannot tell that she is related instead she has to say that you guys met at a workshop or conference etc.

 

[hanspark]

what exactly is a "low nbde score" ???
My score is 87, and i haven't got in yet..

 

[Hope4]

what exactly is a "low nbde score" ???
My score is 87, and i haven't got in yet..

As it has been said over and over on this forum it's not only about the score on the boards. You have a good competitive score! You should concentrate on all the other points of your application.

 

[Hope4]

Speak with two or three people. Even with program director ...I'm calling is to request a chance for personal interview so as to discuss my future and how I am a great fit for this program" .

DrPak45, you have a very positive attitude and some quite interesting point of view, I'll have to partially disagree with this part of your post that I quoted though... It's a little unrealistic having this conversation you described, and even though it would show a lot of interest, willingness and persistence, I don't know anyone that got a chance for an interview just by asking for it. Speaking to admissions is hard enough, let alone the program director (unless you have someone to introduce you).

Speaking from experience I was able to reach (email/phone) and have some sort of conversation with 2 out of 5 schools that I applied last year, and believe when I say that I am a very very persistent person. I had short responses from the other 3 but was never able to contact them more deeply.

I agree that is important to present yourself, and be noticed, but don't deceive yourselves... a quick phone call and/or brief email is what you'll probably get most of the time. Work hard on your full package, high scores might give some advantage, but low scores alone won't disqualify you (unless specified as a minimum requirement otherwise).

Good luck on this cycle everyone!

 

[dentgod]

Most of the times the score doesn't matter at all, but pretty much there's been the hype about that alone...Therefore who are still in the race started to think that way.. I dont blame them unless or until they get to experience something different other than what they have been told from time and time again..
As a matter of fact, high scores are definitely an added advantage. So people, who are still trying to get there, have patience, persistence and perseverance to do it.. We will make it for sure...

 

[DrPak45]

You are absolutely right about your experience. Everyone tells the story from their point of experience. My personal experience has been different from. And I do take a lot of risk as I think what's the most to lose and people think different then that as they think they have everything to lose and that makes them risk averse and there is nothing wrong with that too. For me it's like asking a girl out with the main goal of having a girlfriend regardless of beauty or personality ;-) ( i have very low self esteem and and very extreme class 3 malocclusion and going bald with a height of 5.2' feet) dds is the girl friend and university is the girl and one has to be bold and courageous.
The point is to get noticed. I was not introduced to anyone and I did speak with a lot of people and almost 50% of times it doesn't work but 50% of times it does. Once you speak to them you get noticed but they don't remember u after 5 mins, so what you do is right after a day you email them and thank them for taking out the time to speak with you and on the subject line write ur caapid Id. Email them at midnight or very late caz once the come in the morning fresh they will open their inbox and yours will be the first email. There are a lot of small but very important things that you can do to get noticed. Once you get noticed then it's all about your luck and how competitive the program is. Best of luck

 

[Dentist0]

Scores are not the only factor. My part 1 score is 83 and I got in NYU this year and got a call from University of Colorado also. Now work on your experience in US. Do a lot of volunteer work, research etc. Remember if the rest of ur application looks really good, they will ignore your low scores.

 

[DrPak45]

Scores are not the only factor. My part 1 score is 83 and I got in NYU this year and got a call from University of Colorado also. Now work on your experience in US. Do a lot of volunteer work, research etc. Remember if the rest of ur application looks really good, they will ignore your low scores.

Congrats class-fellow ;-)

 

[Dentist0]

Congrats class-fellow ;-)

 

[adks19]

hey Dr Pak and Hope4 , plz can u tell me if i get the lor from asst prof known to me personally what should she can write in that because there is nothing I have not done any job or volunteering with her, or should i take the 3rd lor from the dentist i am shadowing....... which one is better and how?

 

[DrPak45]

hey Dr Pak and Hope4 , plz can u tell me if i get the lor from asst prof known to me personally what should she can write in that because there is nothing I have not done any job or volunteering with her, or should i take the 3rd lor from the dentist i am shadowing....... which one is better and how?

Since you haven't done anything with her, it's better to take from the dentist with whom ur shadowing.

 

[adks19]

Thanks DrPak for ur reply..

 

[charliee]

thank you so much dent god ur word are so much soothing... thanks for ur and Dr.pak suggestion..
am still confuse about which uni I should apply??

 

[charliee]

Dr.Pak and Dentgod can u pls suggest me which uni I should apply....

 

[dentgod]

U are very welcome folk anytime!

 

[DrPak45]

Dr.Pak and Dentgod can u pls suggest me which uni I should apply....

I would suggest apply to as many as possible. Then again it depends on ur clinical skills. But the main are in caapid and apart from them there is one in Texas, manisota, and Michigan. The more u apply the more chances you have to get a call. But make sure to take every application individually for that program. For example in uop they are more into private practicing dentist rather then specialists so don't tell them that u want to specialize where as in Ucsf they like people whose goal is broader then just dds. So take everything in consideration. At the end my honest advice that works for me is have faith and pray and I will let u in on a secret of mine don't laugh at it ;-) and that is always takecare and pledge in your heart to serve your parents caz trust me their prayers are the only things that work. Best of luck.

 

[member18]

hi. I am a foreign trained dentist. I gave the part 1 in 2007 (still accepted in most u.s. univ.) and got a score of 80. i considered these scores as very low and had no experience at that time. so i did not apply. in the meantime, i did dental hygiene. presently, i am working as a registered dental hygienist in canada and carries an experience of 2+ years. I am applying to various universities right now on the basis of what i have right now. i am also planning to give part 2 in next few months. my stats are as follows. Plz suggest what do you guys think about it. Is there any hope?
part1 score 80 - toefl iBT 106 - GPA WES-3.49 ECE - 3.15
Dental hygiene diploma in canada and experience of 2+ years. shadow dentists now and then.
Experience in india - 2.5 years
I also want to give DAT to apply in NYU. suggest me regarding that. materials needed and how much time needed to prepare for it. I am planning to give american DAT.
Waiting for replies.
Thanks and good luck to everyone.

 

[noor2000]

hi. I am a foreign trained dentist. I gave the part 1 in 2007 (still accepted in most u.s. univ.) and got a score of 80. i considered these scores as very low and had no experience at that time. so i did not apply. in the meantime, i did dental hygiene. presently, i am working as a registered dental hygienist in canada and carries an experience of 2+ years. I am applying to various universities right now on the basis of what i have right now. i am also planning to give part 2 in next few months. my stats are as follows. Plz suggest what do you guys think about it. Is there any hope?
part1 score 80 - toefl iBT 106 - GPA WES-3.49 ECE - 3.15
Dental hygiene diploma in canada and experience of 2+ years. shadow dentists now and then.
Experience in india - 2.5 years
I also want to give DAT to apply in NYU. suggest me regarding that. materials needed and how much time needed to prepare for it. I am planning to give american DAT.
Waiting for replies.
Thanks and good luck to everyone.

Hi,I got accepted at Ub with part 1 score of 85(completed in dec2007),ece gpa of 3.6,tofle 106,dental hygiene diploma and hygiene experience of 1.5 years in Canada,part 2 completed in 2008,applied in 2008, interviewed at NYC, not accepted, first interview call this year from buffalo and got my acceptance with in a week,your working experience do help you, I got great help from dentist I am working for,try to practice preps at home if you have a set up,that's what I did ,hope this helps....good luck everyone with your preparations....

 

[member18]

Hi,I got accepted at Ub with part 1 score of 85(completed in dec2007),ece gpa of 3.6,tofle 106,dental hygiene diploma and hygiene experience of 1.5 years in Canada,part 2 completed in 2008,applied in 2008, interviewed at NYC, not accepted, first interview call this year from buffalo and got my acceptance with in a week,your working experience do help you, I got great help from dentist I am working for,try to practice preps at home if you have a set up,that's what I did ,hope this helps....good luck everyone with your preparations....

Hi. thanks for your reply. Do you mind if i ask you if you are still in Canada and where. I am looking for materials needed for practical prep. or if u can tell me how can i have the set up at home to practice.

 

[noor2000]

Hi. thanks for your reply. Do you mind if i ask you if you are still in Canada and where. I am looking for materials needed for practical prep. or if u can tell me how can i have the set up at home to practice.

Hi, I am in Calgary and going to leave end of may, you can e mail me at [email protected],I sold my stuff but can provide you the info regarding that,take care..

 

[lone girl]

hi my part 1 score is 81 i just gave my parte 2 my gpa is 3.7 and can someone plz help me what i should do next? i have gotten into a summer preceptorship program.. can someone tell me how to find positions for research i live in la and i havent been able to find any...........plz help

 

[fsp]

Hi, how did u apply and get into a summer preceptorship program?

 

[mamamira]

I am a Registered hygienist for more than 2 years now in the states. Finished international dental program years ago with a GPA of ECE 2.65 and 12 master crdits in america. Would like to try for a DDS or a DMD program. Do you think I have a chance with this low GPA?

 

[Hope4]

I am a Registered hygienist for more than 2 years now in the states. Finished international dental program years ago with a GPA of ECE 2.65 and 12 master crdits in america. Would like to try for a DDS or a DMD program. Do you think I have a chance with this low GPA?

They look to the entire package (extensively said here on SDN...), so you should look at the positive aspects of yours.

Dental hygienist is a big plus in many places, your master credits count too!

Good luck.

=D

 

[mamamira]

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Anooogy]

Yes indeed I know a couple of people who did that. You should first go for part 2 caz it's pass and fail now and get it out of the way. Then try to find a research position and make sure ur name comes in atleast one publication, not necessarily in north America but even back home is ok? Shadow some dentist once a week even if you can do for an hour so that you can write it in your resume. Attend a free dental seminar or two and get their certificates. Try to get a recommendation letter from a medical teacher not necessarily a dentist but he/she can be a doctor but that person need to be a professor or at least associate or assistant professor in a medical/ dental university. Make these points in a to do list and it will take a month. Prioritize them by numbering. Once you apply to the universities, try to call them not to follow up but to tell them that u r interested and papers do show a lot but not everything so you will appreciate an interview. Hope this helps.

How do I publish researches?

 

[koziwayt]

How do I publish researches?

Even i have the same question. Can it be published online or only in-person?
Also, does an online publishing of article help? If so, Any input will be appreciated.
thanks!

 

[ilovegoldens]

Even i have the same question. Can it be published online or only in-person?
Also, does an online publishing of article help? If so, Any input will be appreciated.
thanks!

Hi there,

What they meant is a "scientific article" . It is not a simple task, you have to be involved in some research with any department at a dental school... And obviously the quality of the article is also evaluated... The Dental magazine and the topic you publish on is very important. It can be pretty involved.
I think anything can add up to your resume. Research experience is usually more important for an specialty program but it can also be a plus on your resume

 

[ilovegoldens]

I am a Registered hygienist for more than 2 years now in the states. Finished international dental program years ago with a GPA of ECE 2.65 and 12 master crdits in america. Would like to try for a DDS or a DMD program. Do you think I have a chance with this low GPA?

For sure! Just the fact you know exactly how a dental office functions in the US is a HUGE plus in my opinion! I had a pretty poor GPA and still got in, they looked at all the other aspects... Plus you will be able to get great recommendation letters from American Docs you worked for! Sounds like a great situation