WAMC, poor EC's

[claridude]

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Hey all, I'm 22 and applying for the 2021-2022 cycle. I think my weakest point is lack of shadowing, although its hard to get in these times I've been calling practices, particularly specialists without much luck. Anything else you all suggest?


Overall GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.49
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.55
DAT score: 23 AA, 21 TS, 22 PAT, 19 Bio, 22 GC, 22 OC, 26 RC, 26 QR
State of Residence: NY

Undergrad Attended: Stony Brook
Major: Bio
Minor: Spanish
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: About 75 hours, only 1 general dentist
Volunteering Experience: >500 hours EMT, both paid and Volunteer, ~100 hours hospital volunteering
Employment: EMT, receptionist at a surgery clinic, MA at a FP MD office, various odd jobs throughout college (restaurant, valet)
Research: N/a
Trilingual

School list: (in order of preference)
UCSF
VCU
SBU
UF
UConn
Umich
USC
Texas Schools
Buffalo
ATSU

 

[macsak]

Hey all, I'm 22 and applying for the 2021-2022 cycle. I think my weakest point is lack of shadowing, although its hard to get in these times I've been calling practices, particularly specialists without much luck. Anything else you all suggest?


Overall GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.49
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.55
DAT score: 23 AA, 21 TS, 22 PAT, 19 Bio, 22 GC, 22 OC, 26 RC, 26 QR
State of Residence: NY

Undergrad Attended: Stony Brook
Major: Bio
Minor: Spanish
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: About 75 hours, only 1 general dentist
Volunteering Experience: >500 hours EMT, both paid and Volunteer, ~100 hours hospital volunteering
Employment: EMT, receptionist at a surgery clinic, MA at a FP MD office, various odd jobs throughout college (restaurant, valet)
Research: N/a
Trilingual

School list: (in order of preference)
UCSF
VCU
SBU
UF
UConn
Umich
USC
Texas Schools
Buffalo
ATSU

texas schools take fewer than 5 OOS students each per year
UCSF UConn and UMich are amongst the 10 most competitive schools, especially for OOS
you probably need to broaden your range of schools if you are going to apply to that many reach schools...

keep on trying to ask about shadowing, as the vaccine gets more distributed, things will open up...

 

[dmahbou]

Why is VCU #2 (just curious)

 

[2thPirate🦷]

In all honesty your shadowing hours are really not that low. Getting over 100 would be great but even with these stats you’re sure to get multiple acceptances, especially if you add some more OOS friendly schools. Your ECs are outstanding and it’s a plus that you’re trilingual. Keep trying to get those hours and you should be golden!

 

[feblotus]

How is that poor EC when you have multiple job positions and more than 600 hours of volunteering? I saw people getting in with 75 shadowing hours, so I think you would be fine especially with that GPA and DAT score.

 

[claridude]

Why is VCU #2 (just curious)

Mostly weather and I have family in VA

 

[claridude]

texas schools take fewer than 5 OOS students each per year
UCSF UConn and UMich are amongst the 10 most competitive schools, especially for OOS
you probably need to broaden your range of schools if you are going to apply to that many reach schools...

keep on trying to ask about shadowing, as the vaccine gets more distributed, things will open up...

Noted, thank you!

 

[claridude]

In all honesty your shadowing hours are really not that low. Getting over 100 would be great but even with these stats you’re sure to get multiple acceptances, especially if you add some more OOS friendly schools. Your ECs are outstanding and it’s a plus that you’re trilingual. Keep trying to get those hours and you should be golden!

Thank you! I'm mostly just worried that it's only with 1 general dentist, but I'll keep calling around and trying.

 

[claridude]

How is that poor EC when you have multiple job positions and more than 600 hours of volunteering? I saw people getting in with 75 shadowing hours, so I think you would be fine especially with that GPA and DAT score.

Are the various odd jobs I've done considered as valid EC's? EMT I know i have going for me but I'm worried the narrow shadowing isn't enough, thank you for easing my worries though!

 

[feblotus]

Are the various odd jobs I've done considered as valid EC's? EMT I know i have going for me but I'm worried the narrow shadowing isn't enough, thank you for easing my worries though!

I believe no matter what kind of jobs you have, they will always enhance your skills such as communication, problem-solving, and even leadership. These skills are needed to become a dentist. As long as they are not only a short amount of hours, I think you can put them on the application. It is better to put down a job you work for like a half year than putting multiple jobs that you only work few hours for. These jobs can also show that you have time management skills where you are able to obtain a high GPA while working. However, most of the specific jobs you listed are medical-related. Unless you have a lot of dental experience in other areas, then be sure to have a strong personal statement to show dental schools that you want to become a dentist instead of a doctor, and be prepared to talk about your shadowing experience during the interview. I believe you have nice stats and ECs, so be confident!

 

[2thPirate🦷]

Thank you! I'm mostly just worried that it's only with 1 general dentist, but I'll keep calling around and trying.

While it’s important to get some different perspectives, ppl I know only (including myself) shadowed one dentist or two from the same office and were just fine! What’s important is that you’re exposed to the profession and come out of it knowing that’s what you want to do!