Texas resident, should I apply OOS?

[zww]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,
I am a Texas resident and I have a few questions and am looking for some suggestions on applying OOS.

DAT: 22/21/22 (TS/AA/PAT) taken 6/4/2013
cGPA: 3.82
sGPA: 3.86
>100 hours shadowing a dentist
>100 hours volunteering at a local hospice

I did not take microbiology in college (took zoology instead), but I did list it under planned coursework so that hopefully Houston (who now requires micro as a pre-req starting with the entering class of 2014) will still consider my application.

I have my TMDSAS filled out and ready to submit, but was wondering whether I should apply OOS, and how it will affect my application if I do/don't select “yes” on the TMDSAS application where it asks if you intend on applying to non-TMDSAS schools. I want to hurry and submit my TMDSAS application, but it also asks you to list which non-TMDSAS schools you are planning on applying to, which I am not sure of. Also, if I end up deciding not to apply to non-TMDSAS schools, I feel like it would look bad (lazy) on my part for selecting that I intend on applying to these non-TMDSAS schools and don't end up doing it (or vise-versa if I select “no” and end up applying OOS).

I would definitely consider going OOS for Dental school if I didn't get in any of my state schools, but I think that I would prefer going to one of my state schools (especially due to cost!). Do you guys have any suggestions?

The OOS schools I am considering, thus far are: NOVA, USC, Midwestern-AZ, Columbia (also possibly LECOM and/or UoP, and am still researching about other possibilities).

The added cost of applying OOS is also a huge consideration for me ($275 plus $75 for each additional school, not to mention the cost to fly OOS for interviews).

Do you guys have any suggestions for me/think that it is worth it for me to apply OOS?

Thanks!

 

[Glimmer1991]

I've seen on these forums that admission to Texas schools can be sort of strange. I'd apply to a few schools that are OOS friendly. I agree that your stats are good, but remember that dental schools don't need us--we need them. 🙂

 

[zww]

Thanks for the reply(s)! I agree, it seems like Texas schools can be pretty strange, which is kind of why I was asking this question. I haven't seen too many posts from Texas residents on whether they applied to strictly Texas schools, or a lot of OOS schools as well, so I was kind of hoping for some input there. But ya looking at the Texas dental school acceptance/interview threads I've seen many people with awesome/average stats who applied early and got early interviews, as well as many people with awesome stats who got later interviews, so it really makes me wonder!

 

[shootingstar7]

I say yes, apply a little more broadly, it certainly won't hurt. Try to schedule your oos interviews before your in-state ones if possible, to gain experience.

 

[Illfavor]

I would for sure apply OOS. You're a GREAT applicant, which means pretty much nothing in Texas. You have to fit their "mold" or you won't be considered at some schools in TX...never hurts to be safe.

 

[BellaNella]

Thanks for the reply(s)! I agree, it seems like Texas schools can be pretty strange, which is kind of why I was asking this question. I haven't seen too many posts from Texas residents on whether they applied to strictly Texas schools, or a lot of OOS schools as well, so I was kind of hoping for some input there. But ya looking at the Texas dental school acceptance/interview threads I've seen many people with awesome/average stats who applied early and got early interviews, as well as many people with awesome stats who got later interviews, so it really makes me wonder!

I only applied to Texas schools and was accepted to all 3. But I know people with similar stats to mine that applied to only TX schools and interviewed but were not accepted to any. I'm still not sure as to what happened... I do know that I applied very early and that could have gone in my favor. If you have any questions though feel free to PM me.

 

[aznboi89x]

its not about applying early, its about luck as well

i applied really early in May and interviewed at UTHSCSA and Houston in january...

 

[upcomingcycle]

I definitely would apply to OOS schools as well - I've seen at least one applicant that had the similar, high stats as yours and applied to just TX schools. Didn't get in anywhere - some I don't think even invited him for an interview.

The way I see it is that it's better to spend a little more $$ and apply to more now than risk the chance of not getting anywhere (by applying to few) and spending $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the next cycle 😛 Sometimes, I feel like you're never too "safe" when applying to schools in the health field.

 

[HSorathia92]

its not about applying early, its about luck as well

i applied really early in May and interviewed at UTHSCSA and Houston in january...

I second the luck thing. I interviewed Houston early September and didn't hear anything from them until my rejection letter a couple weeks ago. I would advise every Texas resident outside of a 4.0 with a perfect DAT applicant to apply OOS. People with normal stats get in as well. It's just better to be safe than sorry in my opinion. Saving a few bucks now could potentially cost an entire year of a dentist's salary.

 

[BellaNella]

its not about applying early, its about luck as well

i applied really early in May and interviewed at UTHSCSA and Houston in january...

I wouldn't call it luck. I just think they factor a lot in that we don't think of sharing (interviews, PS, thank you letters, etc.)
You would only be able to compare our situations if we had identical stats, which we do not. Nobody does.

Having said that, I think applying OOS would have taken a weight off my chest. There were many times that I felt nervous and regretted not applying OOS. It ended up working out for me that is not true for everyone. I would definitely apply OOS in your position, it really is the safer decision.

 

[aznboi89x]

politics are heavily involved as well in terms of admissions

 

[SicEm]

I wouldn't call it luck. I just think they factor a lot in that we don't think of sharing (interviews, PS, thank you letters, etc.)
You would only be able to compare our situations if we had identical stats, which we do not. Nobody does.

Who do you send thank you letters to? I sent them to my letter writers, do you send them to admissions folks too post-interview or something?

 

[upcomingcycle]

In general, before you leave your interview, you should ask them what the best way of contacting them is in order to send them thank you notes. Then send it to them via preferred method.

 

[zww]

Thanks again for all the replies! I actually had that exact same question as well, I never thought about sending thank you letters to the interviewers (though I probably would have discovered that when I start my preparation for my interviews!). I did sent fudge and a thank you to all my letter writers, think the interviews would like fudge as well (hahaha jk, I don't think it would hold up very well via shipping and the summer heat anyway!).
I think I will end up applying out of state just in case, and for the peace of mind! But due to limited funds (not to mention the money it will cost for when/if I have to fly OOS for interviews) I am thinking I am only going to apply to 4 OOS schools. My choices thus far are; Nova, Midwestern-AZ, USC and Columbia. What do you guys think about these choices?

 

[Expert]

To the OP, while your stats are good, they in and of themselves will not get you an acceptance. I agree when others say that beyond having good stats, dental experience, extracurriculars, etc., the texas schools are heavily based on luck. OOS schools will certainly provide good back-up so apply to as many schools as you think you should.

 

[capitan2011]

Personally, I think you will be fine even if you just applied to the three Texas schools. Obviously, numbers are not the only thing that matter....so you have to be sure to do well during your interview. The interview is not exactly hard. Just as long as you can have a good (and confident) conversation with a few adcom members, and of course show that you are truly passionate about dentistry, you should be fine. I know that San Antonio uses a formula which comes up with a score based on your DAT scores and GPA. Those numbers will get you your interview at San Antonio (I think houston as well), the rest is all on your interview and other remaining factors listed in your application. Baylor is a little bit different on how they select interview candidates...aside from GPA/DAT scores, they place a lot of weight on whether or not you have taken lots of upperlevel sciences during your undergrad, as well as volunteering, etc.

I only applied to the three Texas schools and I was accepted to all three!

I had about 80 hours of volunteer, and about 95 hours of dental office shadowing.

oGPA: 3.37
sGpa: 3.39

AA: 23
TS: 24
BIO: 23
GC: 23
OC: 27
RC; 19
QR: 21
PAT: 24

Best of luck during your application cycle!!!