WAMC Reapplication Low GPA High DAT

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CherylSwoops

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Date of submission: 08/01

Overall GPA: 2.80 (post-bacc: 3.85)

Science GPA: 2.81

Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 2.93

DAT score: 15 -> 17 -> 23

23 AA

21 TS

23 BIO

21 GC

24 OC

26 RC

19 QR

21 PAT



State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: Creighton University

Major: Exercise Science

Reapplicant? Yes



Shadowing Experience: 230 Hours

Volunteering Experience: 280 Hours
  • 75 Farm
  • 5 dissection event
  • 100 landscaping
  • 100 Covid testing
Employment: 5,840 Hours
  • 2340 Medical
  • 3500 Dental
Research: 112 Hours and Published

Other Extracurriculars:
  • Practice Player for Woman’s BBall
  • Worked at Lululemon
  • Worked at TopGolf
  • Dance Marathon
  • Habitat for Humanity
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
  • Impressions Day
  • ASDA Pre-dental weekend
  • ADEA virtual fair
Relevant Honors or Awards:
  • Deans List
  • IAAP Scholarship


LOR type and strength:

3 Science 1 Dentist (all very strong)

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Weak undergrad GPA, retook Gen Bio 2 and DAT three times.



School list:
  1. Colorsdo
  2. Creighton
  3. WesternU
  4. USC
  5. Iowa
  6. MWU-AZ
  7. ATSU-AZ
  8. UNMC
  9. Marquette
  10. OHSU
  11. BostonU
  12. KCU
  13. UW
 
Date of submission: 08/01

Overall GPA: 2.80 (post-bacc: 3.85)

Science GPA: 2.81

Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 2.93

DAT score: 15 -> 17 -> 23

23 AA

21 TS

23 BIO

21 GC

24 OC

26 RC

19 QR

21 PAT



State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: Creighton University

Major: Exercise Science

Reapplicant? Yes



Shadowing Experience: 230 Hours

Volunteering Experience: 280 Hours
  • 75 Farm
  • 5 dissection event
  • 100 landscaping
  • 100 Covid testing
Employment: 5,840 Hours
  • 2340 Medical
  • 3500 Dental
Research: 112 Hours and Published

Other Extracurriculars:
  • Practice Player for Woman’s BBall
  • Worked at Lululemon
  • Worked at TopGolf
  • Dance Marathon
  • Habitat for Humanity
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
  • Impressions Day
  • ASDA Pre-dental weekend
  • ADEA virtual fair
Relevant Honors or Awards:
  • Deans List
  • IAAP Scholarship


LOR type and strength:

3 Science 1 Dentist (all very strong)

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Weak undergrad GPA, retook Gen Bio 2 and DAT three times.



School list:
  1. Colorsdo
  2. Creighton
  3. WesternU
  4. USC
  5. Iowa
  6. MWU-AZ
  7. ATSU-AZ
  8. UNMC
  9. Marquette
  10. OHSU
  11. BostonU
  12. KCU
  13. UW
i thought you said in the other thread that your GPAs are 3.1 if you include the postbacc?
 
Date of submission: 08/01

Overall GPA: 2.80 (post-bacc: 3.85)

Science GPA: 2.81

Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 2.93

DAT score: 15 -> 17 -> 23

23 AA

21 TS

23 BIO

21 GC

24 OC

26 RC

19 QR

21 PAT



State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: Creighton University

Major: Exercise Science

Reapplicant? Yes



Shadowing Experience: 230 Hours

Volunteering Experience: 280 Hours
  • 75 Farm
  • 5 dissection event
  • 100 landscaping
  • 100 Covid testing
Employment: 5,840 Hours
  • 2340 Medical
  • 3500 Dental
Research: 112 Hours and Published

Other Extracurriculars:
  • Practice Player for Woman’s BBall
  • Worked at Lululemon
  • Worked at TopGolf
  • Dance Marathon
  • Habitat for Humanity
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
  • Impressions Day
  • ASDA Pre-dental weekend
  • ADEA virtual fair
Relevant Honors or Awards:
  • Deans List
  • IAAP Scholarship


LOR type and strength:

3 Science 1 Dentist (all very strong)

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Weak undergrad GPA, retook Gen Bio 2 and DAT three times.



School list:
  1. Colorsdo
  2. Creighton
  3. WesternU
  4. USC
  5. Iowa
  6. MWU-AZ
  7. ATSU-AZ
  8. UNMC
  9. Marquette
  10. OHSU
  11. BostonU
  12. KCU
  13. UW
what happened to tufts, UDM, and MW-IL?
 
i thought you said in the other thread that your GPAs are 3.1 if you include the postbacc?
That was when I calculated it on my own. so when my transcripts got verified it says my overall is a 2.8 now
 
what happened to tufts, UDM, and MW-IL?
I’m going to send apps to Tufts and MW-IL, but when I called UDM they said I would get automatically screened out. I’ll send one still to UDM bc I know they have a history for accepting low stat ppl
 
That was when I calculated it on my own. so when my transcripts got verified it says my overall is a 2.8 now
oh, that sucks
you are gonna have to apply to a ton of privates
UW not likely to offer you an interview
they invite very few OOS and the ones that they accept have HIGH stats...
 
oh, that sucks
you are gonna have to apply to a ton of privates
UW not likely to offer you an interview
they invite very few OOS and the ones that they accept have HIGH stats...
I had a great convo with UW but we’ll see. So it’s not impossible for me to get in with these stats?
 
I had a great convo with UW but we’ll see. So it’s not impossible for me to get in with these stats?
it's not impossible, just look at the 5-95s
some schools do accept low GPA students

but you are going to have to apply to a ton of privates and even the new schools (you already have KCU)
 
it's not impossible, just look at the 5-95s
some schools do accept low GPA students

but you are going to have to apply to a ton of privates and even the new schools (you already have KCU)
I’ve been looking at NEOMED, any other suggestions for new schools? Would rather go to a more establish place tho
 
I’ve been looking at NEOMED, any other suggestions for new schools? Would rather go to a more establish place tho
there's a thread on the predental subforum that details all the new schools

well, you don't have to apply to the newer schools if you don't want to...
 
Last edited:
Remind me how many course hours (semester hours) are included in your postbac GPA.
35 course/semester hours

Spring 2022


Intro to Business --> B+ (3)

Physics 1 **Retake** --> A (4)

Fall 2022

Gen Bio 2 **3rd Retake** --> A (3)

Biochemistry 1 --> B+ (3)

Statistics --> A- (3)

Physics 2 --> A (4)

Physics 2 Lab --> A- (1)

Spring 2023

Ecology --> A (3)

Microbiology + Lab --> A (5)

Genetics --> A (3)

Biochemistry 2 --> A (3)

Note: This post-bacc program is called the Allied and Professional Health Sciences Post Baccalaureate Certificate. All classes where in person, and during the spring 2023 semester (the most bio dense one) I got my very first 4.0 semester which was an achievement I was very grateful about. I'm really hoping admissions can see that I can handle the academic rigors of dental school, but I understand it is a small sample size...so hopefully with my new and improved DAT score, it could help mitigate some concerns.
 
35 course/semester hours

Note: This post-bacc program is called the Allied and Professional Health Sciences Post Baccalaureate Certificate. All classes where in person, and during the spring 2023 semester (the most bio dense one) I got my very first 4.0 semester which was an achievement I was very grateful about. I'm really hoping admissions can see that I can handle the academic rigors of dental school, but I understand it is a small sample size...so hopefully with my new and improved DAT score, it could help mitigate some concerns.
That helps me. Some schools do weigh the last 30-60 credit hours, especially if you have a relatively long or rocky academic record (which you may know from networking with schools before applying). As it stands, let's see what happens.
 
That helps me. Some schools do weigh the last 30-60 credit hours, especially if you have a relatively long or rocky academic record (which you may know from networking with schools before applying). As it stands, let's see what happens.
We'll see!

I thought about pursuing a master's program after college, but my GPA wasn’t quite where it needed to be at the time. With the progress I've made since then, do you think I’ve shown that I’m ready to take on the academic challenges of dental school?
 
That helps me. Some schools do weigh the last 30-60 credit hours, especially if you have a relatively long or rocky academic record (which you may know from networking with schools before applying). As it stands, let's see what happens.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but are there any schools that you know of that place more emphasis on the last 30-60 credit hours?
 
I hope you don't mind me asking, but are there any schools that you know of that place more emphasis on the last 30-60 credit hours?
The schools have the right to disclose this information on the DSE or in recruitment events, such as the Virtual Fair. My knowledge may not reflect current policy at the schools. I will say that it is a tool many schools use, especially to evaluate non-traditional applicants. That said, I would be optimistic and emphasize your most recent grades if asked.
 
it's not impossible, just look at the 5-95s
some schools do accept low GPA students

but you are going to have to apply to a ton of privates and even the new schools (you already have KCU)
Hey, do you know what the best resource/website is for looking at 5-95s?
 
Is it a bad look that I teared up and choked up a little during my interview? It all hit me kinda hard when I was asked about my journey and how advisors and teachers told me to stop pursing dentistry in my undergrad.
 
Is it a bad look that I teared up and choked up a little during my interview? It all hit me kinda hard when I was asked about my journey and how advisors and teachers told me to stop pursing dentistry in my undergrad.
no
 
Is it unusual that I haven’t received invites yet from the schools I interviewed at last cycle?
 
Is it unusual that I haven’t received invites yet from the schools I interviewed at last cycle?
Still too early, but I'd be inclined to send a check-in letter to those schools. They probably can't send you an invitation to interview until after Decision Day, but I can't see how that can't hurt.
 
I know it’s early in the process, but I got waitlisted by MWU and Ghosted by my state school.

I’m starting to feel that my undergrad GPA is a major red flag to every school.
 
Also what is your guys takeaway from this email? Is there a chance they haven’t sent out all 80 acceptances yesterday?
 
what email?
I guess the the image is too big.

“…We plan to continue reviewing and interviewing applicants over the next few months. Starting December 13th, we will begin offering seats on a rolling basis, which means that we will be contacting applicants throughout the months of December, January and likely February. While our office will begin reaching out to some applicants on the 13th, we expect to be calling others almost daily throughout December and into January. If you do not hear from us on selection day, it does not mean that we will not be calling you the following day or later in the week. Our process is fluid, and December 13th will only mark the starting point. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine will be celebrating the commencement of the advanced standing dental program on the morning of December 13th, so we will begin our admissions calls, slightly later in the morning than we typically do. Please remember that this is the starting point of our admissions selection process, so the operative word for the coming weeks will be patience.”
 
I guess the the image is too big.

“…We plan to continue reviewing and interviewing applicants over the next few months. Starting December 13th, we will begin offering seats on a rolling basis, which means that we will be contacting applicants throughout the months of December, January and likely February. While our office will begin reaching out to some applicants on the 13th, we expect to be calling others almost daily throughout December and into January. If you do not hear from us on selection day, it does not mean that we will not be calling you the following day or later in the week. Our process is fluid, and December 13th will only mark the starting point. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine will be celebrating the commencement of the advanced standing dental program on the morning of December 13th, so we will begin our admissions calls, slightly later in the morning than we typically do. Please remember that this is the starting point of our admissions selection process, so the operative word for the coming weeks will be patience.”
yes, it means what it says...
 
yes, it means what it says...
True. But it’s a bit odd to me that they would send more acceptances the following day or following week….first time I’ve seen a school do that. But oh well, we will see what happens.
 
True. But it’s a bit odd to me that they would send more acceptances the following day or following week….first time I’ve seen a school do that. But oh well, we will see what happens.
The admissions team can do what it wants to manage offers. It resembles the medical school admissions process. They don't have to fill the class on day 1.
 
That helps me. Some schools do weigh the last 30-60 credit hours, especially if you have a relatively long or rocky academic record (which you may know from networking with schools before applying). As it stands, let's see what happens.
Update so far….

1. Colorado *INTERVIEWED* —> ghosted
2. Creighton *rejected*
3. USC
4. UoP
5. UW
6. Westernu
7. ATSU-AZ *rejected*
8. UNLV
9. MWU-AZ *rejected*
10. BostonU *rejected*
11. Tufts
12. OHSU
13. Marquette
14. NYU
15. Touro
16. UNMC
17. KCU *rejected*
18. MWU-Illinois *INTERVIEWED* —> WL
19. UTHSC *rejected*
20. Iowa *rejected*
21. Roseman
22. Indiana *rejected*

Feels like my improved DAT isn’t helping and that I’m on my way to being rejected again this cycle. Prolly the next best step for me is to look into a masters right? (If I can even get into one)

Trying to stay optimistic and realistic, lots of time left so hoping for a miracle.🤞🏽
 
You have one waitlist, so it's not completely over at Midwestern. Colorado is interesting with their non-response so far, so I'll have to see if this is something they do from the school-specific threads. No news is better news in this case, especially as an in-state applicant.

Who did you connect with at any of the recruitment fairs you attended?

Yes, I think an SMP may be the next obvious step if you don't get an offer, and during the holiday break, you should start sniffing around and inquiring via email.
 
You have one waitlist, so it's not completely over at Midwestern. Colorado is interesting with their non-response so far, so I'll have to see if this is something they do from the school-specific threads. No news is better news in this case, especially as an in-state applicant.

Who did you connect with at any of the recruitment fairs you attended?

Yes, I think an SMP may be the next obvious step if you don't get an offer, and during the holiday break, you should start sniffing around and inquiring via email.
Specifically with Colorado, I connected consistently with Nicole Dole (Associate Director of Admissions) and Althea Reutzel (Manager of Student Well-Being and Recruitment)…my interview was with Dr. Rick Mediavilla (Associate Dean of Admissions, Student and Alumni Affairs, Associate Professor). So they know of me to a certain extent I believe. They have also started sending out rejections and interviews.

My plan of action at the moment is to wait and see what their next communication is. Last cycle when I got rejected by Colorado, the offered me a chance to interview for their MHA program that directly transitions into dental school. However, after I interviewed, Althea told me they would save a seat for me in the MHA program if I get my DAT up to an 18 or higher….i got rejected before I can even show them my new dat score that I got in July.
 
Specifically with Colorado, I connected consistently with Nicole Dole (Associate Director of Admissions) and Althea Reutzel (Manager of Student Well-Being and Recruitment)…my interview was with Dr. Rick Mediavilla (Associate Dean of Admissions, Student and Alumni Affairs, Associate Professor). So they know of me to a certain extent I believe. They have also started sending out rejections and interviews.

My plan of action at the moment is to wait and see what their next communication is. Last cycle when I got rejected by Colorado, the offered me a chance to interview for their MHA program that directly transitions into dental school. However, after I interviewed, Althea told me they would save a seat for me in the MHA program if I get my DAT up to an 18 or higher….i got rejected before I can even show them my new dat score that I got in July.
Okay... then I agree we'll have to see what they do. I would definitely consider the MHA+DDS option. 🙂
 
Hey everyone,

I’m deeply grieving the loss of my friend, mentor, role model, and inspiration—Dr. Amir.😔😭

The news has been incredibly devastating, especially because it was so sudden. Dr. Amir was like a father figure to me, often referring to me as a son. He played a significant role in my journey to dentistry, not only by teaching and supporting me but also through the love and generosity he showed to patients from all walks of life.

I’m still in shock, and my heart aches for him. This loss has made it incredibly difficult to focus, even though this application cycle is such a critical time for me. I had planned to write a letter of intent to my state school, but it’s been hard to find the words or the focus. Everything feels so surreal right now, and it hurts so much.

If anyone has advice on how to navigate this while staying true to my goals, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
 
Take whatever time you need to grieve. I'm also presuming many in the dental community are also grieving. Journal your feelings for yourself.

Following back with decisions:
Considering that you played varsity sports for Creighton, ask if their dental school office can give you a reapplicant advising appointment. Let's make sure that the issue is the anchor of your undergrad GPA and what advice they have about potential postbac options. I suspect they didn't appreciate your postbac certificate so a SMP may be considered for a next step.

Resource
 
Just got rejected by my in-state school, and while it’s tough, I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this is part of the journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to interview and the chance to learn from this experience. That said, it’s hard not to feel confused—if my stats weren’t strong enough on paper, why offer the interview in the first place? Not trying to sound negative, just curious. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that schools have given me. I always thought getting an interview meant they saw potential in my stats.

I know setbacks like this don’t define me, and I’m focusing my energy on moving forward. I’m still hopeful about the MWU waitlist and putting everything I have into securing a spot in the MHA Pathways to Dentistry program. If anyone has advice or insights, I’d love to hear them!
 
Just got rejected by my in-state school, and while it’s tough, I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this is part of the journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to interview and the chance to learn from this experience. That said, it’s hard not to feel confused—if my stats weren’t strong enough on paper, why offer the interview in the first place? Not trying to sound negative, just curious. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that schools have given me. I always thought getting an interview meant they saw potential in my stats.

I know setbacks like this don’t define me, and I’m focusing my energy on moving forward. I’m still hopeful about the MWU waitlist and putting everything I have into securing a spot in the MHA Pathways to Dentistry program. If anyone has advice or insights, I’d love to hear them!
your stats on paper were good enough to interview
schools like colorado have a limited number of interview slots
unfortunately, they also have a limited number of seats in their class...
 
Just got rejected by my in-state school, and while it’s tough, I’m trying to stay positive and remind myself that this is part of the journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to interview and the chance to learn from this experience. That said, it’s hard not to feel confused—if my stats weren’t strong enough on paper, why offer the interview in the first place? Not trying to sound negative, just curious. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that schools have given me. I always thought getting an interview meant they saw potential in my stats.

First, stats are part of a holistic review of your profile. Being in-state helps the school fulfill a mission need to address state-wide health needs, so you get a chance to see if you agree.

Understand that just because you qualify for the NYC marathon doesn't mean you are good enough to make the podium. Or the group most likely to make the podium. Read about the staircase analogy:


I know setbacks like this don’t define me, and I’m focusing my energy on moving forward. I’m still hopeful about the MWU waitlist and putting everything I have into securing a spot in the MHA Pathways to Dentistry program. If anyone has advice or insights, I’d love to hear them!
 
Date of submission: 08/01

Overall GPA: 2.80 (post-bacc: 3.85)

Science GPA: 2.81

Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 2.93

DAT score: 15 -> 17 -> 23

23 AA

21 TS

23 BIO

21 GC

24 OC

26 RC

19 QR

21 PAT



State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: Creighton University

Major: Exercise Science

Reapplicant? Yes



Shadowing Experience: 230 Hours

Volunteering Experience: 280 Hours
  • 75 Farm
  • 5 dissection event
  • 100 landscaping
  • 100 Covid testing
Employment: 5,840 Hours
  • 2340 Medical
  • 3500 Dental
Research: 112 Hours and Published

Other Extracurriculars:
  • Practice Player for Woman’s BBall
  • Worked at Lululemon
  • Worked at TopGolf
  • Dance Marathon
  • Habitat for Humanity
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
  • Impressions Day
  • ASDA Pre-dental weekend
  • ADEA virtual fair
Relevant Honors or Awards:
  • Deans List
  • IAAP Scholarship


LOR type and strength:

3 Science 1 Dentist (all very strong)

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Weak undergrad GPA, retook Gen Bio 2 and DAT three times.



School list:
  1. Colorsdo
  2. Creighton
  3. WesternU
  4. USC
  5. Iowa
  6. MWU-AZ
  7. ATSU-AZ
  8. UNMC
  9. Marquette
  10. OHSU
  11. BostonU
  12. KCU
  13. UW
Don't even worry about it, I know people with less than a 3.0 or even as low as a 13 DAT get accepted. Just do good on the interview.
 
Okay... then I agree we'll have to see what they do. I would definitely consider the MHA+DDS option. 🙂
Man, this whole process is brutal. I applied for the MHA program at CU and got rejected without even an interview. It’s weird—I got an interview last year with a 17 AA, but now with a 23 AA, nothing. Definitely frustrating.
 
Mr. Smile12 is it possible to enroll in a two-year master’s program, apply to dental schools during the first year, and, if I perform well (a 3.5 GPA or higher), leave the program early if accepted? Has this been done before?
 
Mr. Smile12 is it possible to enroll in a two-year master’s program, apply to dental schools during the first year, and, if I perform well (a 3.5 GPA or higher), leave the program early if accepted? Has this been done before?
I'm sure if this happens, you could do it (presuming the dental school is fine). You need the support of your master's program faculty who won't harbor hard feelings if you left before you got your master's.
 
I'm sure if this happens, you could do it (presuming the dental school is fine). You need the support of your master's program faculty who won't harbor hard feelings if you left before you got your master's.
When do you think is the best time email my LOR writers about sending in their LORs again for the new cycle?
 
You may want to give them a heads up if they are available or can help.
Hello Mr. smile12,

I was talking to the dentist I recently started shadowing, and she suggested I consider some different paths before dental school—like getting into lab work, doing a business-related master’s instead of something science, spending a year traveling to teach English, or volunteering in a country with limited access to care. She said a master’s can be a great move, but recommended focusing on something in business. I feel like doing a biomedical sciences masters is my safest bet. What do you think?
 
Hello Mr. smile12,

I was talking to the dentist I recently started shadowing, and she suggested I consider some different paths before dental school—like getting into lab work, doing a business-related master’s instead of something science, spending a year traveling to teach English, or volunteering in a country with limited access to care. She said a master’s can be a great move, but recommended focusing on something in business. I feel like doing a biomedical sciences masters is my safest bet. What do you think?
If any of the dental schools that interviewed and rejected you give feedback sessions, schedule one as soon as possible. At this point, I suspect any path to dental school must go through a special master's program, ideally with a linkage agreement. Contact Barry University's SMP (in Florida), Ohio State DentPath, and Touro/NYMC Dental Linker (though you aren't eligible unless the Touro Dental adcom refers you), and see what each program director thinks.
 
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