Urgent Questions after turning in the application

[Dentistry321]

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Hi, everyone.

I finished my online application and sent in LOR, transcript a week ago which is july 16th.

It was a very stressful process but I guess I have to be more stressful, waiting for the letter of invitation. -__-


anyways, I wanted to ask four questions.

First, I want to know when I have to turn in my application fee to schools. On each school's website, it says that I have to send in the application fee at the same time I send in the aadsas.
But, when I called them, they told me to wait for the letter saying that they got my application.

Which one is right?


Second, I am retaking my DAT at the end of august, but it seems that my application will be processed and sent to schools before I take my second DAT. Then, my first score will be counted when they choose candidates, right? What impact would the second one have?


Third, I heard that when the admission committee decide acceptance and rejection, they only look at DAT and GPA. Is it true?

Lastly, when would be a good time to call AADSAS and check whether my application process is done correctly? now or after a month when the application process is done?

 

[aphistis]

Most schools, after receiving the AADSAS, will open an application file on you, and part of that process includes mailing an update letter to inform you which portions of your packet are still incomplete. The application fee will usually be included as part of your packet (maybe that makes it look a little more classy 🙄 ) Don't worry; the school won't waste any time letting you know how much money you need to send them

Second, regarding the DAT retake, I'd send the school(s) a note to place in your file, mentioning the fact that you have new DAT scores pending. It might make a difference in your favor, it might not, but at least that way you've made sure to inform them.

Finally, as to admission decisions, I hope you can reason that one out for yourself. Of course the admission decision involves more than simple GPA/DAT comparisons...what conceivable purpose could an interview serve, if grades and test scores were the only admissions criteria?

As always, best of luck getting in! 😀

 

[Beagle]

About the DAT scores--
If you write each school a letter stating that you plan on retaking the DATS in August, they probably will not even look at your file until new scores are in (unless your stats are really good and they decide to interview you anyway).
After you retake the DATs in August, have the unofficial scores you recieve at the DAT center faxed to each school.

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

From my experience...I found out that many schools that I applied to would NOT look at my application until they had the money. And don't forget that many people have already sent in their applications long before you, and probably already sent in their fees. So I suggest that you send in the money ASAP if you want to get the ball rolling, and forget waiting for the schools to send you a letter telling you so.....it's just too much time wasted for something you know you'll have to do eventually.

As for the DAT, some schools might average your two scores. Some may only look at your other stats and wait until they get your DAT scores. Others may give you a rejection right off the bat based on your old DAT scores, but end up sending you an invitation for an interview when they get the new ones (I've heard of this happening). Each school is different, so I suggest the same as the others, to fax a letter to the school informing them of your situation.

Schools will look at ALL your stats. BUT, you must remember that you are competing with people who are just as good as you....so you have to figure out what makes you special?? And you have to make it known to the schools as well.

As for AADSAS, when I applied last year, I cannot tell you how many times I called them asking them questions and getting information out of them. DO NOT wait for a month to go by!!! I have heard that they improved from last year, but this is your future, so I suggest that you find out if everything is OK as soon as you can.

Good Luck!!

Hot-n-Aml
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UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007