Texas Schools

[Hookem1125]

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Well, first off, I am a newcomer to this board, so if I happen to repeat questions previously posted, I'd like to apologize in advance.

Now, down to the real stuff..

I am currently a junior transfer at the University of Texas, and due to my transfer I am behind 2-3 semesters in my coursework. My grades are definitely not the best (~2.9 to date), as the adjustment from a small school atmosphere to that of a larger university was somewhat difficult for me to get used to. The GPA should go up considerably over the duration of my schooling though. *fingers crossed*

I have maintained a constant interest in dentistry and have been exposed to it most of my life, since my grandfather is the dentist in my hometown. Over the past year I have decided that this too was the career path that I wanted to pursue.

My question is this...
As a person in my shoes, given my less-than-spectacular GPA to date, how competitive are the Texas schools in general? I have obtained various data sheets on acceptance averages, but sometimes those can be a bit deceptive. Also, does the fact that I have a family member involved in dentistry and my exposure to the field better my chances of acceptance?

Tomorrow I am traveling to SA to visit the campus and meet with the admissions dean, and gather more info from her, but I wanted to pick the brains of you guys on this board, as you all seem very informed on the topic.

I appreciate any information that you all may provide.

Hook'em

 

[deciduous]

Yeah! Someone from Texas!!

I don't know too much to tell you. The head of admissions. The lady you're going to talk to, (Mr. Kenneth Kalwarth (sp?) is the actual dean) is a VERY nice person and I'm sure will help you out immensely. I'm actually going to Baylor this fall. I got accepted to all three schools. My stats: 3.34/3.39 20/20/18 (nothing tremendous). If I remember right, there is around a 15:1 applicant to acceptance ratio, but if you get an interview your chances improve greatly (statistically speaking) to around a 56% mailout of acceptance letters to interviewees. In other words, a year ago they had interviewed on average about 290 people and sent out 145-160 acceptance letters (not all chose the particular school). These numbers will be a little off, because I'm not in the hot seat anymore, so I've lost my enthusiasm for these particular figures now.

Anyway, best of luck to you!!

 

[Hookem1125]

Thanks for the response and info that you've been able to provide.

It's somewhat comforting to know that everyone else has to go through the same ordeals, but when it comes to your own "time in the seat", things tend to get a little hairy. Hopefully the trip today will be able to provide further info.

Thanks again and good luck to ya!

Hook'em

 

[deciduous]

how'd it go in San Antone?

 

[Hookem1125]

Thanks for askin'!

The trip was great! Dr. Thomas was very helpful and more than a pleasure to meet with. She was able to provide me with TONS of information, and I feel that taking the initiative to meet with her left a good impression. Never hurts to be on their good side! :wink: Making sure that the schools know you are dedicated plays a big role I think. I left her office with a renewed confidence that I can indeed succeed in dentistry, despite my not-so-great grades to date. I couldn't have asked for more.

2-3 more undergrad semesters and dental school here I come!

Thanks again for checkin up! It excites me to see people who share a common goal help each other out and root each other on. What a great resource!

Hook'em!

 

[Qoo]

hook'em, so are u applying this summer?? =) i'm from UT also... it would nice to know someone from UT on this forum! good luck to u

 

[Hookem1125]

Qoo,

I wish I could say that I was applying this summer, but unfortunately due to my transfer I was pushed back a bit. As of now I'm hoping that this time next summer I'll be in the hot seat.

Are you in the process of applying now? If so, what schools are you considering? Any insights/info that you've run across?

Best Regards and Hook'em!

 

[pakgirl]

I am attending UT-Houston this fall. I interviewed at the other two schools and was accepted at Baylor also. My stats are: 3.15 (overall) 2.87 sci (not great) DAT 21/16. I think what helped me was that I am a non-traditional student (I am 25 and a former pre-med) and I did good on the academic score of the DAT. I would say that you should just try to increase your gpa and score really well on the DAT and keep up your experience in dentistry. If you interview well, I think your chances are great! Good luck to you!

 

[Hookem1125]

PakGirl,

Congrats on your acceptance to UT-Houston! That's very exciting. If you don't mind me asking, what factors aided you in making that decision?

I am personally favoring UT-San Antonio at this time, and my second choice would be Houston, followed by Baylor. This is based primarily on location and the limited contact that I have had with the schools to date. Plus, being a Longhorn, I tend to favor the UT system. Can't help the burnt orange in my blood!

Your statistics are quite similar to those I will more than likely be dealing with, so any info that you would be able to apply would be of great interest to me.

Thanks for the response!

Hook'em!