Thoughts on schools for upcoming cycle

[toothdds]

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Hello,

So I am a psychology major so I don't have too many science courses just kind of the bare minimum like Bio, Gen Chem, O Chem, and will be taking Biochem and Physics this next year. I am going to apply this June and am eligible based on prerequisites for all of these schools:

UCLA
Western
USC
Iowa
Boston
Creighton
Rutgers
University of Pittsburg
Temple
Marquette
University of North Carolina
Case Western
University of Nebraska
University of Maryland
NYU
UCSF
LECOM
Georgia Reagents
University of Illinois at Chicago
Meharry
Minnesota
Virginia Commonwealth

But if I take Microbio and Anatomy I will be eligible for

Kentucky
Louisville
Tufts
Colorado
Nova
Howard
UNLV
Alabama
Detroit Mercy
University of Tennessee

My DAT scores are:

PAT : 18
QR:22
Bio:17
Gen Chem: 19
O Chem: 20
Reading: 19
TS: 18
AA: 19

My GPA is 4.0 and I have 6 years worth of dental shadowing.

Is it worth it to wait another year and apply to those other schools with the microbio and anatomy or do you think I have a shot at some of the schools I have listed in my first list. And which schools would you suggest applying to. I am a California resident but don't mind going out of state.

Thank you so much and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Buck-E-Badger]

I'd retake that DAT and aim for at least a 20, even with that high GPA. You would still have a shot with your current scores, but you'd be as close to as a shoe in as possible if you upped them. None of the schools on your list for the extra year (unless one of them is your state school) strike me as a school worth pushing back your career for. Retake that DAT and go ahead and apply in June.

 

[8_man]

I'm assuming your first choice is UCLA, since you listed it at the top. If you want to attend there, you'll need much higher than a 19AA/18TS. Your GPA is great, though.

 

[toothdds]

I'd retake that DAT and aim for at least a 20, even with that high GPA. You would still have a shot with your current scores, but you'd be as close to as a shoe in as possible if you upped them. None of the schools on your list for the extra year (unless one of them is your state school) strike me as a school worth pushing back your career for. Retake that DAT and go ahead and apply in June.

I have spoken to some schools on that list who have said my DAT scores were good though.

 

[toothdds]

I'm assuming your first choice is UCLA, since you listed it at the top. If you want to attend there, you'll need much higher than a 19AA/18TS. Your GPA is great, though.

UCLA is a top choice and I do know their scores are much higher for the DAT but what about USC and Western? They say 20AA and I have 19?

 

[8_man]

UCLA is a top choice and I do know their scores are much higher for the DAT but what about USC and Western? They say 20AA and I have 19?

You'll get in somewhere, that's not a question (your scores are fine for USC and Western, btw). But if you have your eyes set on a selective program (UCLA, USCF), I would recommend a retake.

 

[toothdds]

You'll get in somewhere, that's not a question (your scores are fine for USC and Western, btw). But if you have your eyes set on a selective program (UCLA, USCF), I would recommend a retake.

Ok I see thank you for letting me know! I really appreciate it!

 

[WheatLom]

Take UIC out if you aren't from Illinois. OOS tuition is 30k a semester and first 3 years have 3 terms. Simple math and you know that's not smart financially.

 

[dentalgoal team]

Your DAT scores will limit you into the best possible school, but you will get invited and acceptances. If you have the time and energy to redo the DAT, I would recommend it.

 

[toothdds]

Your DAT scores will limit you into the best possible school, but you will get invited and acceptances. If you have the time and energy to redo the DAT, I would recommend it.

Hello,

Thank you so much for your response. But I have a question. How important is it to go to the best school? Is it just important to get into a dental school. I have just heard how competitive it is now. In addition, in your opinion, which are the top schools?

Thank you

 

[dentalgoal team]

Hello,

Thank you so much for your response. But I have a question. How important is it to go to the best school? Is it just important to get into a dental school. I have just heard how competitive it is now. In addition, in your opinion, which are the top schools?

Thank you

Its not the end of the world if you don't get into the best school. It can be the difference of gaining a scholarship or living a well rounded and less stress free life for the next 4 years.

 

[RS2224]

Its not the end of the world if you don't get into the best school. It can be the difference of gaining a scholarship or living a well rounded and less stress free life for the next 4 years.

Very well said.

 

[toothdds]

Its not the end of the world if you don't get into the best school. It can be the difference of gaining a scholarship or living a well rounded and less stress free life for the next 4 years.

In terms of the well rounded and less stress free life for the next 4 years what do you mean by that? Do you mean in terms of education wise or in terms of money and tuition? Also, if you don't mind would you maybe list some programs that you believe are the best schools?

 

[deleted696582]

Hello,

Thank you so much for your response. But I have a question. How important is it to go to the best school? Is it just important to get into a dental school. I have just heard how competitive it is now. In addition, in your opinion, which are the top schools?

Thank you

There is no "best school". The best school is the one that accepts you, or the one that is least expensive. If finances aren't an issue, then you can start comparing specific parts of programs.