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Why dentistry over a PhD program? It seems like you have a very strong PhD application.
 
Last year, I was in a very similar situation to yours. I had tons of research hours and was half-way through a thesis based M.S. when I applied to dental school. Very few people understood why I wanted to be a dentist over a PhD. I even had good friends/family tell me to just go for a PhD, when I've wanted to be a dentist for 10 years. I had the same exact undergrad gpa as you had, though I had a 4.0 in my master's and I was accepted to UMN. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me. I also only had a 19 on the DAT, though the average accepted student at UMN this year had a 21.

Also, congrats on the Nature publication. That is seriously huge! I would love to have a Nature publication. That is way cool!
 
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You definitely have better shot at public schools than private. I would still try to have a DAT above 20 to maximize the chance to get into top choice.
 
studentdent00 said:
$
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Not necessarily... I can't speak for OP but I know the reason why I switched to dentistry. Research can be very tough and not rewarding at all. One needs to be GREAT in what he/she does in order to succeed.
 
studentdent00 said:
Not necessarily... it may just be about who you know (mostly), pure luck, and some talent.
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I agree networking is extremely important in research field. In most cases, one needs to be GREAT (hardworking, smart, creative...) to network with Big names unless he/she knows them personally.
 
studentdent00 said:
being "great" in research field = finding new stuff = 90% luck + 10% work ethic
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I disagree. Luck is a large part of research perhaps even the main part of research, but work ethic is so much more than 10%. As a researcher, I've spent months working long hours including nights and weekends, only to have my research be dis-proven in a weekend. Work ethic is extremely important because it's hard to fail like that and keep working.
 
Klin0295 said:
So for me dentistry would tick many of the boxes I enjoy about research, ie. the working with hands, thinking though problems, moving around (seeing multiple patients in different chairs), in addition to human interaction and feeling that it is OK to not be working with patients until 11pm like some nights in the lab.
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Sounds like you've got the beginnings of a personal statement there. 🙂


As for your stats, I really think that the 3.5 grad GPA and the three publications will cancel out the lower undergrad GPA. Get like a 20 AA on the DAT and I think you'll be golden.
 
Klin0295 said:
So just got back from the testing center and here are my scores:

PA: 24 QR: 20 RC: 22 Bio: 19 😡 GC: 24 OC: 27 TS: 22 AA: 22

Do you guys still think with my prior credentials (as stated above), these scores should be good enough? Particularly Minnesota (1st Choice school).

Thanks again for all your feed back.
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You're golden. Are you in state for MN? Make sure to convey why you're choosing dentistry in your PS. I would also talk to someone from the school (Dr. Naty Lopez is assistant dean for MN), if possible. Best of luck!
 
I second that your DAT is golden. Don't even think about retaking if that even came to mind.
 
Klin0295 said:
Yes I am a resident of Minnesota, and currently work at the U of MN as well.
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Klin0295 said:
So just got back from the testing center and here are my scores:

PA: 24 QR: 20 RC: 22 Bio: 19 😡 GC: 24 OC: 27 TS: 22 AA: 22

Do you guys still think with my prior credentials (as stated above), these scores should be good enough? Particularly Minnesota (1st Choice school).

Thanks again for all your feed back.
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bruh your scores are great! you have a great shot on receiving interviews! Glory Glory Man United😉
 
Dentalogist said:
bruh your scores are great! you have a great shot on receiving interviews! Glory Glory Man United😉
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yep sucks how both man united and chelsea got kicked out of Champion league huh 🙂 jk
 
Congrats on the STELLAR dat score! I can tell you I had a masters degree and just got in but my DAT was not even close to being that good and I was offered a spot, I think you will be a strong, strong applicant for any school you apply to seriously.
 
You are set. Apply broadly and at least 15 schools.
 
Honestly, your science and oGPA are on the low side, but you have excellent DAT and publications, I think you have great shot. However, I think you should apply to at least 15 schools just in case you don't get in MN. Also, take everything on SDN with a grain of salts. I would call the schools that you are interested and ask their opinions instead SDN
 
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