WAMC, CA Reapplicant, School List Help

[kmdenti]

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Hello! This is my first time posting here but I just wanted some thoughts on my school list and any reccomendations on what I should remove or potentially add? This is my first time having a more realistic approach in my school list and even then I'm not too sure if any of the schools I listed make any sense? My logic was prioritizing mainly location but I do want to go to the cheapest school if possible. I am a CA resident so I do want to apply to all the schools near home (except Northstate as I heard they only do private loans or something?) The schools with questions marks are definitely reaches but I guess I put them because I'm confident in my stats. I am pretty scared of potentially not getting in anywhere so I did want to apply broadly but I'm not sure if my list is too top heavy or something but yeah. Any thoughts, critiques, reccomendations would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!!!


Date of submission: As soon as 2025-2026 application cycle opens
Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.75
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 500 AA (24.5)
Quantitative Reasoning: 490 (23.5)
Reading Comprehension: 480 (23.5)
Biology: 580 (28)
General Chemistry: 470 (23)
Organic Chemistry: 490 (24)
Total Science: 510 (24.5)
Perceptual Ability: 470 (22)
State of Residence: CA

Undergrad Attended: UCSD
Major: Biology + Global Health, Also M.A. in Global Health during Gap Year
Minor: No
Minority? No
Reapplicant? Yes, but only applied to UCLA/UCSF with significantly worse DAT (shot in the dark kinda thing)
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 300 - General
Volunteering Experience: Tijuana Free Clinic Volunteering - 500 hours, Hospital Volunteer - 200 hours
Employment: Dental Assistant (Recently employed after reapplication) - about 100 hours, Hospital Adminstration - 500 hours
Research: 400 hours - Neuro research - no pubs
Other Extracurriculars: Multiple club leaderships, not specifically dental (pre-professional club + volunteering/fundraising club) - 500 hours
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? no
Relevant Honors or Awards: Scholarships, National Chapter award for club I was president for
LOR type and strength: 2 bio profs, 1 dentist, 1 from my boss at the hospital admin - Dentist is strong, others I are probably average to above average
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: N/A
School list:
Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine?
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine?
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry
University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

 

[macsak]

Hello! This is my first time posting here but I just wanted some thoughts on my school list and any reccomendations on what I should remove or potentially add? This is my first time having a more realistic approach in my school list and even then I'm not too sure if any of the schools I listed make any sense? My logic was prioritizing mainly location but I do want to go to the cheapest school if possible. I am a CA resident so I do want to apply to all the schools near home (except Northstate as I heard they only do private loans or something?) The schools with questions marks are definitely reaches but I guess I put them because I'm confident in my stats. I am pretty scared of potentially not getting in anywhere so I did want to apply broadly but I'm not sure if my list is too top heavy or something but yeah. Any thoughts, critiques, reccomendations would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!!!


Date of submission: As soon as 2025-2026 application cycle opens
Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.75
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 500 AA (24.5)
Quantitative Reasoning: 490 (23.5)
Reading Comprehension: 480 (23.5)
Biology: 580 (28)
General Chemistry: 470 (23)
Organic Chemistry: 490 (24)
Total Science: 510 (24.5)
Perceptual Ability: 470 (22)
State of Residence: CA

Undergrad Attended: UCSD
Major: Biology + Global Health, Also M.A. in Global Health during Gap Year
Minor: No
Minority? No
Reapplicant? Yes, but only applied to UCLA/UCSF with significantly worse DAT (shot in the dark kinda thing)
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 300 - General
Volunteering Experience: Tijuana Free Clinic Volunteering - 500 hours, Hospital Volunteer - 200 hours
Employment: Dental Assistant (Recently employed after reapplication) - about 100 hours, Hospital Adminstration - 500 hours
Research: 400 hours - Neuro research - no pubs
Other Extracurriculars: Multiple club leaderships, not specifically dental (pre-professional club + volunteering/fundraising club) - 500 hours
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? no
Relevant Honors or Awards: Scholarships, National Chapter award for club I was president for
LOR type and strength: 2 bio profs, 1 dentist, 1 from my boss at the hospital admin - Dentist is strong, others I are probably average to above average
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: N/A
School list:
Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine?
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine?
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry
University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

were you in the UCSD predental club?

 

[kmdenti]

were you in the UCSD predental club?

I was not, but I honestly should have checked it out lol. I was in 2 different non-dental related clubs with leadership positions in both. One was more pre-med oriented fundraising organization, the other was a pre-professional STEM+diversity club.

 

[macsak]

Hello! This is my first time posting here but I just wanted some thoughts on my school list and any reccomendations on what I should remove or potentially add? This is my first time having a more realistic approach in my school list and even then I'm not too sure if any of the schools I listed make any sense? My logic was prioritizing mainly location but I do want to go to the cheapest school if possible. I am a CA resident so I do want to apply to all the schools near home (except Northstate as I heard they only do private loans or something?) The schools with questions marks are definitely reaches but I guess I put them because I'm confident in my stats. I am pretty scared of potentially not getting in anywhere so I did want to apply broadly but I'm not sure if my list is too top heavy or something but yeah. Any thoughts, critiques, reccomendations would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!!!


Date of submission: As soon as 2025-2026 application cycle opens
Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.75
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 500 AA (24.5)
Quantitative Reasoning: 490 (23.5)
Reading Comprehension: 480 (23.5)
Biology: 580 (28)
General Chemistry: 470 (23)
Organic Chemistry: 490 (24)
Total Science: 510 (24.5)
Perceptual Ability: 470 (22)
State of Residence: CA

Undergrad Attended: UCSD
Major: Biology + Global Health, Also M.A. in Global Health during Gap Year
Minor: No
Minority? No
Reapplicant? Yes, but only applied to UCLA/UCSF with significantly worse DAT (shot in the dark kinda thing)
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 300 - General
Volunteering Experience: Tijuana Free Clinic Volunteering - 500 hours, Hospital Volunteer - 200 hours
Employment: Dental Assistant (Recently employed after reapplication) - about 100 hours, Hospital Adminstration - 500 hours
Research: 400 hours - Neuro research - no pubs
Other Extracurriculars: Multiple club leaderships, not specifically dental (pre-professional club + volunteering/fundraising club) - 500 hours
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? no
Relevant Honors or Awards: Scholarships, National Chapter award for club I was president for
LOR type and strength: 2 bio profs, 1 dentist, 1 from my boss at the hospital admin - Dentist is strong, others I are probably average to above average
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: N/A
School list:
Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine?
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine?
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry
University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

when did you apply last cycle and what were your DAT scores?

 

[macsak]

I was not, but I honestly should have checked it out lol. I was in 2 different non-dental related clubs with leadership positions in both. One was more pre-med oriented fundraising organization, the other was a pre-professional STEM+diversity club.

wow
UCSD Predental Club is BY FAR the best one in the country...

 

[kmdenti]

when did you apply last cycle and what were your DAT scores?

Last year I applied to UCSF and UCLA only with a 21 AA, 22 QR, 22 RC, 22 BIO, 21 GC, 20 OC, 21 TS, 19 PAT

 

[JacquesVallee]

Your app looks decent. I would take off any non-California state schools since you should not go to dental school if you're paying 400k+. So, I'd just apply to UCSF and UCLA again to be honest unless you're super wealthy or doing HPSP.

 

[kmdenti]

Your app looks decent. I would take off any non-California state schools since you should not go to dental school if you're paying 400k+. So, I'd just apply to UCSF and UCLA again to be honest unless you're super wealthy or doing HPSP.

Thank you!! Yeah I am planning on applying for HPSP if I don’t receive an acceptance to either of the UC schools.

 

[macsak]

Last year I applied to UCSF and UCLA only with a 21 AA, 22 QR, 22 RC, 22 BIO, 21 GC, 20 OC, 21 TS, 19 PAT

when did you apply last cycle?
did you speak with UCSF and UCLA after last cycle to see what needed improvement?

 

[JacquesVallee]

Thank you!! Yeah I am planning on applying for HPSP if I don’t receive an acceptance to either of the UC schools.

Incredibly wise. Best of luck! Sincerely hope you get it!

 

[kmdenti]

when did you apply last cycle?
did you speak with UCSF and UCLA after last cycle to see what needed improvement?

I applied late July and got rejected by UCSF and ghosted by UCLA. I unfortunately did not ask them for any feedback. From last cycle I am adding the Masters program, the improved DAT score, my employment as a DA, applying day 1 and additional volunteer hours which I’m hoping will show enough effort in improving my application!

 

[macsak]

I applied late July and got rejected by UCSF and ghosted by UCLA. I unfortunately did not ask them for any feedback. From last cycle I am adding the Masters program, the improved DAT score, my employment as a DA, applying day 1 and additional volunteer hours which I’m hoping will show enough effort in improving my application!

what was your masters gpa and your undergraduate gpa?

 

[kmdenti]

what was your masters gpa and your undergraduate gpa?

My undergraduate GPA should be virtually the same as my current one I have on this initial post. I haven’t started my Masters program yet which starts Fall 2025.

 

[macsak]

My undergraduate GPA should be virtually the same as my current one I have on this initial post. I haven’t started my Masters program yet which starts Fall 2025.

ok, thanks
that was not clear previously
you get interview invites and acceptances from mission fit
"mainly location" and "cheapest school if possible" are not mission fit
plus UW, UPenn, Columbia, UOP and USC are amongst the most expensive schools in the country...

 

[macsak]

touro, boston, tufts, and LECOM are not good choices due to yield management...

Hello! This is my first time posting here but I just wanted some thoughts on my school list and any reccomendations on what I should remove or potentially add? This is my first time having a more realistic approach in my school list and even then I'm not too sure if any of the schools I listed make any sense? My logic was prioritizing mainly location but I do want to go to the cheapest school if possible. I am a CA resident so I do want to apply to all the schools near home (except Northstate as I heard they only do private loans or something?) The schools with questions marks are definitely reaches but I guess I put them because I'm confident in my stats. I am pretty scared of potentially not getting in anywhere so I did want to apply broadly but I'm not sure if my list is too top heavy or something but yeah. Any thoughts, critiques, reccomendations would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!!!


Date of submission: As soon as 2025-2026 application cycle opens
Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.75
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 500 AA (24.5)
Quantitative Reasoning: 490 (23.5)
Reading Comprehension: 480 (23.5)
Biology: 580 (28)
General Chemistry: 470 (23)
Organic Chemistry: 490 (24)
Total Science: 510 (24.5)
Perceptual Ability: 470 (22)
State of Residence: CA

Undergrad Attended: UCSD
Major: Biology + Global Health, Also M.A. in Global Health during Gap Year
Minor: No
Minority? No
Reapplicant? Yes, but only applied to UCLA/UCSF with significantly worse DAT (shot in the dark kinda thing)
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 300 - General
Volunteering Experience: Tijuana Free Clinic Volunteering - 500 hours, Hospital Volunteer - 200 hours
Employment: Dental Assistant (Recently employed after reapplication) - about 100 hours, Hospital Adminstration - 500 hours
Research: 400 hours - Neuro research - no pubs
Other Extracurriculars: Multiple club leaderships, not specifically dental (pre-professional club + volunteering/fundraising club) - 500 hours
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? no
Relevant Honors or Awards: Scholarships, National Chapter award for club I was president for
LOR type and strength: 2 bio profs, 1 dentist, 1 from my boss at the hospital admin - Dentist is strong, others I are probably average to above average
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: N/A
School list:
Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine?
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine?
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry
University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

 

[kmdenti]

ok, thanks
that was not clear previously
you get interview invites and acceptances from mission fit
"mainly location" and "cheapest school if possible" are not mission fit
plus UW, UPenn, Columbia, UOP and USC are amongst the most expensive schools in the country...

Ahh ok that makes sense thank you!! I think my “mission fit” would mostly lie towards a focus on care towards underserved and diverse populations given my experiences in Tijuana which I focus on a lot in my essay but that’s honestly definitely not something I was looking at initially tbh 😅. I’ll be sure to check out the school tracker and really take a deeper look at a lot of the mission statements for all of the schools I’m interested in that really helps a lot!

 

[macsak]

Last year I applied to UCSF and UCLA only with a 21 AA, 22 QR, 22 RC, 22 BIO, 21 GC, 20 OC, 21 TS, 19 PAT

if you would've applied to a broader list last cycle, i would bet you would've gotten interest...

 

[kmdenti]

if you would've applied to a broader list last cycle, i would bet you would've gotten interest...

Yeah 😅😅. Definitely not trying to make the same mistake lol so I’m hoping for the best this time around

 

[macsak]

Yeah 😅😅. Definitely not trying to make the same mistake lol so I’m hoping for the best this time around

please rework your list
you need to have some reach schools (you will have more since UCSF UCLA and UOP will have to stay on your list)
mostly in-range schools
and a few safeties (easy since you already have western and USC)