Trying to keep the dream alive

[JAJGator]

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So I graduated undergrad in Spring 2007 and was not accepted into any dental schools, nor was I even invited for an interview...

I am in the under 3.0 club and my experience around dentistry was minimal at best. My DAT was a 19.

After a summer, and half of a fall semester spent somewhat resenting dentistry (partially because I was trying to talk myself out of wanting it), I came to the realization that I needed to fulfill this goal. After working in a hospital, I realized how much more I enjoyed my time spent shadowing in dental offices and how that atmosphere much better fit my personality and my talents.

This past semester I began a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. I have learned a lot about the field already and am trying in every way to incorporate this into dentistry (through research experiments and a required internship).

I am also working as much as possible as a Dental Assistant. I have learned more in the month I have been working, than in years of reading textbooks/magazines and shadowing.

Has anyone on here known someone to have taken this path in the quest for dental school?

Thanks for your time. I encourage everyone not to get discouraged and to keep on trying. From what I've seen and what I've read, the world needs more good, quality, determined, and passionate dentists.

Best of luck to everyone on here!

 

[BioMaxDDS]

Hey
I had around 3.0 average GPA when I graduated with a BS in biology
I did not get a single interview that year I applied.
I took 2 years off, because I was also trying to talk myself out of it.
Anyways, I went back to graduate school and so far I have 3.85 GPA. I got interviewed at 3 different schools. 1 rejected, 2 waitlisted.
so keep your hopes up (i need to do the same)
if this is what you really wanted....keep trying...don't give up
good luck =)

 

[ahmadred]

I also graduated in spring 2007, with a GPA of 3.6 according to ADEA, and I have a 21 on th DAT. I applied for the 2007 cycle, but I was late in applying so i didn't get anything. I applied again last year for the 2008 cycle in May 2007. I applied to 12 schools, received 5 interviews, and now I've ended up with 4 rejections and 1 waitlist.
Right now, I really don't know what to do. I want to be a dentist, but I'm sick of this rejection crap, especially considering that my scores are pretty good. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to gain the edge that will help me get accepted into any dental school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially from current dental students who have gone through a similar situation.

 

[sharpie88]

I feel you guys....I gradated spring 2006, BS in Biology, 3.43 GPA, 17 DAT, 1 interview first year, but rejected. Next year, rejected from 4 schools. This year, 3.47 GPA, 18 DAT, 2 years of Orthodontic assistant experience, lots of shadowing of different specialties, 5 LORs, and various EC's, 2 interviews 1 rejection and 1 still pending. I'm not sure what to do either, I tell myself to take some time off because I'm still young, but this is is my goal. I thought about public health also..how is that going for you?

 

[eventualOMFS]

Ahmadred, do you mind posting your GPA/sGPA and full detailed DAT stats? I am shocked that you didn't get in anywhere.

 

[purplesquintz]

I know you're going to hear people tell you to give it up, try something else, retake this, do that but seriously and as cliche as it sounds...

STAY POSITIVE.
​

You sound like you have a lot of "life experience". You've experienced the frustration, you've matured, you know what you want and what you like.... reflect that on your personal statement. Keep it real (so says my friend who's helping write my essay).

Nothing worth having comes easy...

AND remember:
In this world, there are an infinite number of possibilities.


Recommendations regarding your applications if GPA and DAT are out of the question:

1. APPLY RIDICULOUSLY EARLY... Applications open June 15, have your stuff ready to type out June 14. Rolling applications are a complicated thing to understand but if you apply early but dont make it, your applications gets "rolled into the next pile (mid applicants), if it doesnt make it (the final applicants)... you get your application looked at 3 times before someone says, "hm... maybe we should check his/her stuff out".

2. Personal statement... personal statement... personal statement... write your heart out (in less than 2 pages). That whole "fustrated with dentistry" and going to do something else... write it down. Tell admissions this is what i want and i'm hardcore about this. I've had time to think about it, hell i've had time to get away from it... explain everything from your gpa score and dat score and why it may not be so great, you are going to work 10000xs harder in dental school and show them.

3. Letters of recomendations. Nothing is greater than having a dentist or professor that knows you tell strangers how badass you are. Find someone that you trust and knows you pretty well both professionally or as a friend. Ask yourself, does this LOR writer know my professional, serious and funny side of me. Does s/he know how passionate i am. (pray you know a dentist that was on the admissions board but now in their own practice that can write you one)... major hook up there. Does this person have good grammar (Jesus, i've had to proof read a couple of LORs... (i have to remember that teeth are dentists specialty, not grammar)


4. THINK POSITIVE. You know its kind of hypocritical of me to say this seeing as i haven't applied yet and i think that I'm in a crappier start that you. Be hopeful. Dont be pessimistic, it wouldnt work anyway! 😀 Make a trip out to visit the dental school you like (if its close by) or call and befriend (DO NOT BROWN NOSE) someone in the admissions department (especially the director) and ask questions... let them know you're interested. If you're lucky, it might be the person you've talk to notice your application and say, "oh, i remember so and so... good bloke".


Best of luck doll and keep hope alive... make sure you drop a message on the board when you get in... stay motivated... polish anything up... dude, CALL the dental schools you were rejected or call other dental schools and see what they recommend you do.

See my latest thread on "GPA and DAT minimums"... there's not alot of info but some. That thread as info on some schools that dont have minimums and look more for passion in dentistry. The latest reply was from someone who got a freakin' 15 on their PAT and got into San Antonio Dental school. I've spoken to the admission director there and they look at the overall (particularly the personal essay) when they look at students... of course, lets not kid ourselves, they dont want some shmoe that's gonna fail out of dental school but i'm sure your scores arent too bad and neither is your DAT.

Cheers!

 

[Dan3223]

I also graduated in spring 2007, with a GPA of 3.6 according to ADEA, and I have a 21 on th DAT. I applied for the 2007 cycle, but I was late in applying so i didn't get anything. I applied again last year for the 2008 cycle in May 2007. I applied to 12 schools, received 5 interviews, and now I've ended up with 4 rejections and 1 waitlist.
Right now, I really don't know what to do. I want to be a dentist, but I'm sick of this rejection crap, especially considering that my scores are pretty good. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to gain the edge that will help me get accepted into any dental school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially from current dental students who have gone through a similar situation.

How did your interviews go?
What sort of ECs do you have?
I dont think the problem is with your scores.... they are above average. I think you might just need to work on your interviewing skills and/or add some more ECs to make you stand out more.

 

[dr bojangles]

i agree with dan3223. it may go beyond your stats and to interviewing skills or ECs.
as for me, i'm a reapplicant. just doing more of everything; finishing masters this year, research (full time job, hopefully more publications), more shadowing and volunteering (can't hurt), DAT retake (my old scores were great, but expired now, ~3 years old, damn). so best bet, keep your head in the game and listen to leo dicrapio's advice, "never let go, rose"

 

[ahmadred]

I think my interviews didn't go well. I called up a bunch of the schools, and they all told me that I didn't impress them during the interview. It sucks because when I was actually interviewing, I thought i did okay. I was a bit nervous, but I thought that I gave good answers, and I sounded decent. Do you have any advice on how I can improve my interview skills?
EC means extracurricular right? Well, according to one school i talked to, I was lacking in that area. In my application, I wrote down that I had done 40 hours of community service. Is that too little? I shadowed a dentist for about 5 months, and I volunteered in a hospital for a semester. I also did research in a dental school for 8 months doing mostly technical work.
Also, I'm trying to work as a dental assistant, but I don't know how to search for work. Nobody really posts that stuff online. How can I search for dental assistant positions? Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[ahmadred]

eventualomfs, my GPA according to ADEA was a 3.6, science was a 3.7, and my DAT scores were:
Biology: 20
G Chem: 22
Orgo: 23
overall science: 21
PAT: 21
Reading: 20
Math: 18
Overall DAT: 21

 

[dr bojangles]

I think my interviews didn't go well. I called up a bunch of the schools, and they all told me that I didn't impress them during the interview. It sucks because when I was actually interviewing, I thought i did okay. I was a bit nervous, but I thought that I gave good answers, and I sounded decent. Do you have any advice on how I can improve my interview skills?
EC means extracurricular right? Well, according to one school i talked to, I was lacking in that area. In my application, I wrote down that I had done 40 hours of community service. Is that too little? I shadowed a dentist for about 5 months, and I volunteered in a hospital for a semester. I also did research in a dental school for 8 months doing mostly technical work.
Also, I'm trying to work as a dental assistant, but I don't know how to search for work. Nobody really posts that stuff online. How can I search for dental assistant positions? Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.

honestly, i'm kinda bummed to hear that. your gpa/dat is great, and your ECs are fine, assuming you did them wholeheartedly. as long as you meet what schools expect (at least a few hours of shadowing and volunteer) and get what you need from them, you sound like you're in good position. from what i gather, i really think your interview may have just gone south. try mock interviews with family/friends, or maybe your pre-health office does them.

 

[THDental]

eventualomfs, my GPA according to ADEA was a 3.6, science was a 3.7, and my DAT scores were:
Biology: 20
G Chem: 22
Orgo: 23
overall science: 21
PAT: 21
Reading: 20
Math: 18
Overall DAT: 21

OMG! I'm very surprised that you haven't gotten any acceptance with that stats. Your stats are good! I think there might be something wrong with an interview. I dunno what to say cuz' I'm not getting any acceptance right now, I can feel your pain...all I want to say is " GUD LUCK"

 

[Dan3223]

Good numbers only get you an interview.... You have to do well in your interview and they have to like you as a person to get an acceptance.

Do some mock interviews with friends or family... work on staying calm and not being nervous. Think about questions they make ask you and how you will answer them. Take a public speaking class. There are a number of ways to improve your interviews.

The good news is that you know what the problem is... now you just have to work on making that better.

 

[ummjoey]

I know you're going to hear people tell you to give it up, try something else, retake this, do that but seriously and as cliche as it sounds...

STAY POSITIVE.
​

You sound like you have a lot of "life experience". You've experienced the frustration, you've matured, you know what you want and what you like.... reflect that on your personal statement. Keep it real (so says my friend who's helping write my essay).

Nothing worth having comes easy...

AND remember:
In this world, there are an infinite number of possibilities.


Recommendations regarding your applications if GPA and DAT are out of the question:

1. APPLY RIDICULOUSLY EARLY... Applications open June 15, have your stuff ready to type out June 14. Rolling applications are a complicated thing to understand but if you apply early but dont make it, your applications gets "rolled into the next pile (mid applicants), if it doesnt make it (the final applicants)... you get your application looked at 3 times before someone says, "hm... maybe we should check his/her stuff out".

2. Personal statement... personal statement... personal statement... write your heart out (in less than 2 pages). That whole "fustrated with dentistry" and going to do something else... write it down. Tell admissions this is what i want and i'm hardcore about this. I've had time to think about it, hell i've had time to get away from it... explain everything from your gpa score and dat score and why it may not be so great, you are going to work 10000xs harder in dental school and show them.

3. Letters of recomendations. Nothing is greater than having a dentist or professor that knows you tell strangers how badass you are. Find someone that you trust and knows you pretty well both professionally or as a friend. Ask yourself, does this LOR writer know my professional, serious and funny side of me. Does s/he know how passionate i am. (pray you know a dentist that was on the admissions board but now in their own practice that can write you one)... major hook up there. Does this person have good grammar (Jesus, i've had to proof read a couple of LORs... (i have to remember that teeth are dentists specialty, not grammar)


4. THINK POSITIVE. You know its kind of hypocritical of me to say this seeing as i haven't applied yet and i think that I'm in a crappier start that you. Be hopeful. Dont be pessimistic, it wouldnt work anyway! 😀 Make a trip out to visit the dental school you like (if its close by) or call and befriend (DO NOT BROWN NOSE) someone in the admissions department (especially the director) and ask questions... let them know you're interested. If you're lucky, it might be the person you've talk to notice your application and say, "oh, i remember so and so... good bloke".


Best of luck doll and keep hope alive... make sure you drop a message on the board when you get in... stay motivated... polish anything up... dude, CALL the dental schools you were rejected or call other dental schools and see what they recommend you do.

See my latest thread on "GPA and DAT minimums"... there's not alot of info but some. That thread as info on some schools that dont have minimums and look more for passion in dentistry. The latest reply was from someone who got a freakin' 15 on their PAT and got into San Antonio Dental school. I've spoken to the admission director there and they look at the overall (particularly the personal essay) when they look at students... of course, lets not kid ourselves, they dont want some shmoe that's gonna fail out of dental school but i'm sure your scores arent too bad and neither is your DAT.

Cheers!

doesnt applications open may 15th?

@the op and others

how many schools did you guys apply to? make sure to apply to a good amount of schools and the right schools. i think the average amount is like 15? if you scores are mediocre make sure to apply to 20+?

as for interviews i think you just need practice. i noticed my first interview wasn't very good, but after i few i sort of got the hang of it.

and good luck everyone.

best,
joey

 

[biasab]

eventualomfs, my GPA according to ADEA was a 3.6, science was a 3.7, and my DAT scores were:
Biology: 20
G Chem: 22
Orgo: 23
overall science: 21
PAT: 21
Reading: 20
Math: 18
Overall DAT: 21

What is your ethnical background? I hate to say this, but it might have something to do with the fact that you have not been accepted.

 

[ahmadred]

What is your ethnical background? I hate to say this, but it might have something to do with the fact that you have not been accepted.

I don't know if it had anything to do with being accepted or not, but I am Arab-American. But I know a couple of Arabs that were either accepted or already were either dental or med students.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[SugarNaCl]

eventualomfs, my GPA according to ADEA was a 3.6, science was a 3.7, and my DAT scores were:
Biology: 20
G Chem: 22
Orgo: 23
overall science: 21
PAT: 21
Reading: 20
Math: 18
Overall DAT: 21

Definitely your interview! You are worthy of acceptance if you GET the interview. From my experience, dental schools seem to like clean cut people. I don't really know of anyone in my class with a visible tattoo or piercings all over the place. If you look clean cut and wore a suit, that probably wasn't an issue. I never tried a mock interview. I think you have to be professional and confident but not cocky. I believe any professional schools like confidence with some humility. I think I lucked out in my VCU interview because I had a ton of things happen over the few days before and the day of that were not good at all. My dad was finding out some medical test results, I had to sew together my skirt until 2am the night before bc the store left the ink tag on... with everything stacking up against me, finally I just said ... screw it. If it isn't meant to be, it isn't meant to be this year. I wasn't nervous at all.

PS We have quite a few Arabs in our class, so I doubt that kept you out.