What do you think?! Advice and help needed!!

[primetimek]

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Whats up everyone. I took the DATs today and I am applying for the entering class of 2008 (I know it's late, but the DATs were an afterthought after not doing so well on the MCATS 😡).

But anyways, I just graduated from UCLA with an overall GPA of 3.3 and here are my DAT scores. I have applied to UCLA, USC and NYU, and just praying that I can get in anywhere. Are my scored competitive or do I have no shot in hell? Thanks in advance!

Perceptual Ability 17
QR 18
RC 21
BIO 18
GChem 17
OChem 16
Total Science 17
AA 18

 

[tigertooth08]

Whats up everyone. I took the DATs today and I am applying for the entering class of 2008 (I know it's late, but the DATs were an afterthought after not doing so well on the MCATS 😡).

But anyways, I just graduated from UCLA with an overall GPA of 3.3 and here are my DAT scores. I have applied to UCLA, USC and NYU, and just praying that I can get in anywhere. Are my scored competitive or do I have no shot in hell? Thanks in advance!

Perceptual Ability 17
QR 18
RC 21
BIO 18
GChem 17
OChem 16
Total Science 17
AA 18

Your DAT scores aren't great...right around normal for ALL applying. same w/ GPA. You have a shot as long as the rest of your application is strong. It's on the late side to apply... that could hurt you in the end. As far as dental school being a second choice- I'd try to hide that. The admissions committee will probably pick up that dentistry isn't your true love...

 

[jdoc04]

Looks like you'll need a DAT retake if you serious about dental school. How much dental experience do you have?

 

[NismoDDS]

Whats up everyone. I took the DATs today and I am applying for the entering class of 2008 (I know it's late, but the DATs were an afterthought after not doing so well on the MCATS 😡).

But anyways, I just graduated from UCLA with an overall GPA of 3.3 and here are my DAT scores. I have applied to UCLA, USC and NYU, and just praying that I can get in anywhere. Are my scored competitive or do I have no shot in hell? Thanks in advance!

Perceptual Ability 17
QR 18
RC 21
BIO 18
GChem 17
OChem 16
Total Science 17
AA 18

hey prime as far as your scores are concerned they are very borderline. 3.3 gpa and 18 DAT is a little less than the avg enrollee for dental school. I think last yr the avg gpa for enrollees was 3.41 and im not sure about the dat score but im guessing it was a 19. If i were you the more important thing I would look at is if you really want to pursue dentistry, you mentioned you took the DAT after not doing so well on the MCATS. This sounds like you're settling for dentistry because of you werer unsuccessful in your attempt at becoming a physician. I would suggest you shadow a few dentists in different fields to get a feel of dentistry. Nothing is worst than getting into dental school for a year racking up loans and then realizing that it wasn't the field for you. Anyway I think you might have to take the DATs over, aim for a 20+. I think its too late for an applicant with your scores to apply and get accepted anywhere now. I applied last August with a 3.4 and 21AA and didn't get anywhere so I would suggest you retaking the DAT and apply next year. Good luck to you.

 

[primetimek]

i have about 125 hours of shadowing a local dentist, but tons of hospital volunteering and community service. i also got things like my own clothing line, basketball team captain in a competitive league, etc. as extracurriculars. is there no shot at all?

oh also, what sections do schools emphasize most? is there a link on the internet for FAQ like these? Thanks

 

[NismoDDS]

It varies from school to school. I know some schools like UPenn like to see high PAT scores. But for the most part i think they want to see your AA and TS. If you want to send in applications now no one is going to stop you. But if I were in your shoes I would study hard for the next 4-6 months and get that 20+ on the DAT and apply may 2009. Im saying this based on personal experience, last year i sent out 8 apps in aug 3 interviews post dec 1 and no acceptances. This year 10 apps sent out in june 6 interviews pre dec 1 and 3 acceptances.

 

[oldschool99]

Your DAT scores are average at best and your GPA is on the low side. If you would have applied earlier you would have had a better chance but nothing is impossible. Dental schools have made their first picks (Dec.1) and now the competition is going to be fierce. Keep your hopes up and you never know...If you don't get any interviews, retake the DAT. Good luck.