Thrid Time Applying

[sshaikh01]

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Hi everyone,


I've applied to dental school for the third time now, and I'm feeling pretty discouraged about how this cycle will turn out. This fall, I’m planning to start a Master's program at Midwestern University to strengthen my academic profile, but part of me worries that things might go the same way they did last year — without even a single interview.


I’ve been working hard to improve in any way I can. After speaking with a counselor, it seems my best chance is to focus on improving my GPA and wait until my first quarter grades are in before expecting any movement. I’m trying to stay hopeful, but it's tough.


What are your thoughts?

DAT on 8/07/2023
QR: 16
RC: 20
Bio: 20
Gen Chem: 20
O. Chem: 17
Science Avg: 19
PA: 21
AA: 19
GPA: Science--> 2.77,

Total--> 2.98

Volunteering: 302 Hours

Shadowing: 2,496 Hours

 

[macsak]

Hi everyone,


I've applied to dental school for the third time now, and I'm feeling pretty discouraged about how this cycle will turn out. This fall, I’m planning to start a Master's program at Midwestern University to strengthen my academic profile, but part of me worries that things might go the same way they did last year — without even a single interview.


I’ve been working hard to improve in any way I can. After speaking with a counselor, it seems my best chance is to focus on improving my GPA and wait until my first quarter grades are in before expecting any movement. I’m trying to stay hopeful, but it's tough.


What are your thoughts?

DAT on 8/07/2023
QR: 16
Bio: 20
Gen Chem: 20
O. Chem: 17
Science Avg: 19
PA: 21
AA: 19
GPA: Science--> 2.77,

Total--> 2.98

Volunteering: 302 Hours

Shadowing: 2,496 Hours

what are your advisors at the masters program saying?
do they offer DAT prep as part of the program?

 

[sshaikh01]

what are your advisors at the masters program saying?
do they offer DAT prep as part of the program?

For DAT prep, I have been using BootCamp and for the advisor, they just said that to get my GPA up, and if I feel confident,t take the DAT again, otherwise just leave and focus on my GPA. I even got a extra letter of rec from another dentist.

 

[macsak]

For DAT prep, I have been using BootCamp and for the advisor, they just said that to get my GPA up, and if I feel confident,t take the DAT again, otherwise just leave and focus on my GPA. I even got a extra letter of rec from another dentist.

dental schools are likely to look at your undergrad GPA and DAT and say, "one semester of a masters program is not enough to convince me that sshaikh01 is ready to the rigors of dental school education"
i'd recommend sitting this cycle out and applying next year with a high graduate gpa (close to 4.0) and a new DAT and then you may catch some attention...

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You need to focus on your master's GPA and secure the strongest possible recommendation from your program director and faculty. DAT can wait until you show your fall master's GPA is above 3.70 (first TWO QUARTERS). Hopefully you qualify for an articulation agreement interview if your program has those arrangements; otherwise, you are best served applying next summer. You have run out of excuses... failing to hit these goals could nail your dental dreams in a coffin for good.

 

[drDental_]

i'd recommend sitting this cycle out and applying next year with a high graduate gpa (close to 4.0) and a new DAT and then you may catch some attention...

I agree but it appears they have already applied.