Wow I can't believe we're already on 2018...anyway I just wanted to post something to give insight to those getting interviews and rejections.
UCSF does not focus on grades and test scores. If you were rejected and you have a 4.0 or 30/30/30 DAT you shouldn't take offense to it, it just means you were lacking in other areas. They tend to like more well-rounded people who are personable and show commitment to dentistry. A 3.5 GPA is not "mediocre," it just depends on what school you were at and what your major/minor was. You could have all the research experience in the world but if that's ALL you have it might actually hurt you for UCSF. Not to say that you won't make a great dentist or that other prestigious schools won't accept you, but that's just the criteria this school in general looks at. Every school is different. And in the end, how will they distinguish you from 2000 applications?
My academic stats weren't outstanding and UCSF accepted me.
I had a 3.24/3.3 GPA and 19/21/19 DAT (ranging from 17-21). I was a Biology major and had two C's on my transcript (O-chem 2 and Intro Bio). But I did have an upward trend.
My extracurriculars were what I think got me accepted into the school.
I played an NCAA sport all four years. I was in a Greek organization. I was a Resident Advisor. I was president of Global Medical Training at my school. We went on two volunteer trips to Central America. I volunteered in UCLA School of Dentistry's general clinic volunteer program. I did a Howard Hughes Medical Institute summer research grant. I volunteered and taught dental hygiene to a 1st grade class once a month.
Moral of the story is, grades aren't everything. Credentials aren't everything. The interview isn't everything. But they're all important in the big picture of how you look to them. If it is meant to be, it will be. If not at UCSF, then somewhere else where you will still be equally happy and end up with the same degree. The whole interview process is excruciating and takes a lot of patience. Try not to have your heart set on one school, because it will ruin your experience at other schools. Make friends at your interviews, because they'll probably be in your class. I hope this gives hope to those who might not feel they can compete (because I felt this way) and sheds light to those whose egos might be bruised from a rejection. If anything it just means you were TOO smart for the school, but plenty of others will accept you. Good luck and maybe I'll see you around!
