Yeah I didn't know about it until Dr. Miller was a guest speaker for our pre-dent society meeting. Apparently there's some sort of rubric but idk how it all works other than what she disclosed to us during the meeting.
It is hard to believe they put people with 26 AA and 20 AA , similarly people with 3.6 GPA and 3.9 GPA in the same bucket.
UTHSCSA has a similar situation. They do a 2-hour file review and give students a ranking based on their file as a whole. From my understanding, there is a GPA and DAT score that gives you full points in those categories and anything below that cut-off will make you start to lose points. However, they still take into account other factors of your application. This is why some matriculants don't always match the average stats from matriculation. A good GPA and DAT score are important but then they take a look at everything else.
If you find out let me know. I’ve sat for three years watching people with lower stats than mine get accepted and I’ve never even gotten an interview after applying to DDS, SPEP, and PBP. I’m done
Don't give up! I have heard many bad things about the organization and management at A&M. Sometimes, it's not you, it's them. Keep trying because I know you will get in. I believe that you can do it! Their system is messed up and discouraging, so don't let it get to you. If you are still interested, I think you should apply one more year...it might be your lucky year!
I’m 40 years old. With the new increase in tuition it makes less sense to keep going from a financial aspect. In all honesty the continued rejection and complete silence is not good for my mental and emotional health. I really want it and I know I’m more than capable, but due to my situation that limits me to a single school I’m lacking opportunity.
What is the deciding criteria? The answer to your question: Race and ethnicity.
I never said anything about my own race nor if race was the basis on my acceptance to any institution. The reality is however that there are diversity standards that are met and this can exclude people from a seat in school, and this doesn't just mean "white" individuals. I also never questioned the intelligence of any group of people based on their race. That's what you're insinuating I said. You're reading things into my post that just are not there.
Oh I don't back track. I absolutely believe race can be a differentiating factor when it comes down to it, whether it be between applicants of the same qualifications or differing levels of qualifications. Being kept out of school because of your race does not mean that someone else accepted to a school because of their race is not a "star." You're reaching quite a lot for things that I did not write.
Yep, there were people in my class that thought race was the most important factor in admissions. They also claimed that URMs were “Taking their seats”. Meanwhile some of these same people had family members that were alumni of the school. But of course that didn’t help them in the admissions process at all.
One component of TAMCOD’s vision is “Increasing access to dental care through cultural competence, diversity and community based care.” It sounds like your vision and core values would be better matched elsewhere.
Where did I write that I was entitled to anything? And where did I assume that is was my race that effected my application? You do not know what my race is or what was in my application. You're the one that is assuming quite a lot.
You're absolutely right. I don't care at all for diversity or cultural competence. I care about choosing the most outgoing, detail oriented, and ethical people out there to be dentists. Using race as an admissions factor is abhorrent.
Asking the real questions here. I for one don't wanna do it myself bc am lazyanyone want to volunteer as tribute and email ms pledger or dr. miller
Are you able to request your place # on the list? This is a bummer situation man but don’t lose hope. A good buddy of mine was accepted off the alt list a few years ago.
I can speak to the PBP aspect. I asked straight out if I was wasting my time because going into my third time applying with never so much as an interview I read the actual grant verbatim that the program is based upon. Then I asked them quoting the clauses in the grant if I would be negated given the rather explicit wording that the grant was for increasing minority dentists. I did not hear back for three days, and when I did it was the most CYA run through legal response, which tells me that I was likely correct that it was a waste of my time to apply. I had 5/9 disadvantages and have watched students with admittedly lower stats than mine and fewer disadvantages than myself go on to be accepted to the program while again never receiving an interview. My stats surpass all of the requirements for the DAT and GPA, I have over 2700 hours of community service, over half of that regularly in dental missions, a master’s degree, life experience, started my Postbacc living in emergency women’s shelter housing, and 4+ years working in the dental industry. I will let you guess the one aspect I can’t fulfill. I could only go to one school because I would have to give up custody of my children to my abuser. Three years of them knowing my situation, knowing I’m fully capable of succeeding, and completely lacking in an opportunity. Just because I don’t fit the social schema of what they want to appear as being disadvantaged doesn’t negate the fact that I am, yet there will be no opportunities coming my way.
I am very sorry to hear about your situation, wish you the best in your endeavors!!!
Congratulations! When did you interview? Also, were you put on the waitlist already?
Thanks! Interviewed January 19, waitlisted May 12, accepted today.
Congrats! See you in August
Hey I know this thread a bit old but did Dr. Miller say the 3.6 gpa and 20 AA were benchmark stats for the rubric this past year? And do you think it applies for this current cycle as well?
I think it applies for this current cycle. It just keeps getting more and more competitive
Okay sounds good thank you! So odds are decent if an applicant is invited for an interview and has their gpa and dat above 3.6 and 20?
