Thoughts anyone?

[bucknut2009]

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Hello everyone...I just ran into this wealth of information while looking for some information on a couple of dental schools and it seems like this will be helpful over the next couple of months(or maybe years-lets hope not though). I wanted to get willing people's opinion on what they think of my stats....I am a junior at Ohio State majoring in Microbiology..
-3.38 science GPA could go up .02-.03 after this quarter and possibly the next
-3.55 overall GPA (pretty much final)
-3.80 non science GPA (pretty much final)
-currently taking Kaplan DAT course and will take test in 5 weeks
-No Research yet (hopefully I can get into a lab next quarter+summer)
-300+ hours of significant community service (working directly w/those in need)
-Have not and will not take anatomy until senior year
-3 LOR: one each from chem and bio profs and pre-health advisor + dentist(if needed)
-46 observation hours(15 with orthodontist)--Spring Break is coming up, should I do more here?


My main concern is the GPA which is just slightly(.06) below OSU's average entering class in the "science" and "overall" categories....How much can a good DAT score help my case for getting in?

I plan on applying this year at the earliest opportunity which, if I am understanding correctly, is in mid may or so.

Finally, what are the chances with those statistics of getting into an out-of-state school should I not get into my first choice of Ohio State or my second choice of Case Western Reserve here in Ohio.


ANY and ALL thoughts appreciated!!👎thumbup:

 

[blankguy]

You are doing great. Just do well on the DAT. Continue shadowing until you get into dental school. 👍

GPA is only one factor. Being off by that little isn't going to make a difference whether they reject you or accept you.

Make sure you apply early.

 

[caffeinehigh]

Given your stats, I would say the two biggest pieces of advice I would offer are:

1) Score as high as possible on the DAT (I know this seems obvious, but since you seem to be almost ready, make sure you put in the work you need to... The more practice the better)

2) Apply as early as possible. The AADSAS application comes out in May. Try to get it completely done, all LOR sent, all DAT sent, all transcript sent, and the application formally submitted asap. This means within 15 days of the application release. Do you have to do this to get in? No. Will it make you getting in more likely? Most likely.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

If you can get AA and TS 19, you should be fine. If you get 20's across the board, you'll be a sure thing. Less than a 19 isn't a lost cause, but you'll have to apply to more schools and fight harder. For a comparison, I have a 3.46 cum and 3.38 science with >20 DAT and got more interviews than I could attend and 8 acceptances. I applied to over 25 schools.
I don't know enough about OSU to help with that; but if they don't work out, someone else will take you. Get some more shadowing hours (>100 total). If you can fit that research in, great, if not, don't sweat it. Getting good grades in your remaining classes is FAR more important.

 

[bucknut2009]

It is great hearing feedback. It definitely gets stressful thinking about every aspect and angle of the entire process let alone wondering whether or not I may or may not have the credentials...certainly lots of work ahead but getting so very close. Anything else anyone would like to say would be appreciated.

 

[ummjoey]

i dont think your spring grades will be in before you apply.........

start on your personal statement and letters of rec

check predents if you want to see stats or the ADEA book