What do you think?

[Dr IWannaBe]

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I' m married. I have 3 kids and a full time job, not to mention a "few" mortages. Non-science major. Pre-reqs taken at night after work. Only about 27 science hours (3.85) and an overall GPA (college and graduate) of 3.56. I just took the DAT Friday and I scored the following:
PAT 19
Bio 17
Org 18
GC 17
RC 18
QR 14 (I know)

Competitive? Non competitive? Go easy on me. I'm an older student with many other added responsibilties and did the best I could with time I had. Although these scores aren't 20's maybe adcoms will see that they are competitive considering my situation? Let me know what you guys think.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

There are many dental students with spouses and children, and schools often appreciate them since they know you've strongly considered your path, have a huge motivation to graduate and start supporting your family, and are usually very motivated.

However, they will never accept an applicant that does not meet their admission criteria, since there are more than enough to choose from that do. So in once sense, they may expect an older student to actually have BETTER scores than fresh undergrads, because though you have other things in your life, you have a longer time to prepare.

For your specific case, your GPA should be fine but I'd retake the DAT. Since you're applying next year anyway (I think? It's probably pretty late to apply this year) you have plenty of time to study and retake it and still have time before May. I'd study several different books, use TopScore to take practice exams, and then submit AADSAS in early June, the moment it's out and you've had a few weeks to edit it down to the letter. But it sounds like academically you'll be fine...just up your DAT. Good luck!

 

[Montserrat]

There are many dental students with spouses and children, and schools often appreciate them since they know you've strongly considered your path, have a huge motivation to graduate and start supporting your family, and are usually very motivated.

However, they will never accept an applicant that does not meet their admission criteria, since there are more than enough to choose from that do. So in once sense, they may expect an older student to actually have BETTER scores than fresh undergrads, because though you have other things in your life, you have a longer time to prepare.

For your specific case, your GPA should be fine but I'd retake the DAT. Since you're applying next year anyway (I think? It's probably pretty late to apply this year) you have plenty of time to study and retake it and still have time before May. I'd study several different books, use TopScore to take practice exams, and then submit AADSAS in early June, the moment it's out and you've had a few weeks to edit it down to the letter. But it sounds like academically you'll be fine...just up your DAT. Good luck!

I'd have to disagree with you. If anything, older applicants with full time jobs have less time to prepare, not more. Standardized test preparation is about time compaction, so it works against time crunched individuals. Taking a DAT prep course on top of a full time job, spousal responsibilities, coursework, and setting aside time for job shadowing is much more than an undergrad deals with.

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

Of course I agree. With a family and a full time job, you do not have the luxury of studying 5-7 hours everyday for 3-4 months. You literally have to find time during your lunch break, right after work, maybe right after dinner, and don't forget that soccer game that your kids will be devastated if you don't attend. Most definitely harder all around than a typical student.

 

[tooth decay]

Of course I agree. With a family and a full time job, you do not have the luxury of studying 5-7 hours everyday for 3-4 months. You literally have to find time during your lunch break, right after work, maybe right after dinner, and don't forget that soccer game that your kids will be devastated if you don't attend. Most definitely harder all around than a typical student.

If you are going to have these difficulties studying for the DAT, how do you propose going to school full time and studying for many tests, not to mention going to labs and clinic? Not to sound harsh, but you seemed to have given multilple reasons for not going to school.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Oh, I completely agree that it's much more difficult to prepare when you have a family. I'm just saying some of the things I've heard float around from applicants, students, and administrators. They know that you're eager to get going and get graduated, but also, that if you took this much time to think, you're super sure and prepared and want to show how motivated you are for this.

tooth decay brings up a very excellent point. I wouldn't go as far as to say that you sound doubtful of your course, but do realize that dental school requires much more commitment than 5-7 hours a day for 3-4 months. (And yes, that's on top of a full-time job schedule)

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

I'm not sure why you think that I am doubtful in my desire to attend D-school. Actually, I am looking forward to it. I have worked as hard as anyone. I just wanted to know whether you thought the scores and overall picture looked competitive. Of course, I have my own personal views, just wanted to know what others thought, as a matter of fact, I think it is more impressive for someone coming from a totally non science background (music) and doing very well 3.8 science courses and fairly well in the DAT. Many people who do well on the DAT have hours upon hours to study and many people don't. just my two cents. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[vaio]

definitely take the dat again...your current scores are not competitive ... try not to get below a 17 on any section

 

[i like dat]

DAT= low
GPA= good ( excellent science)

overall= decent chance at a state school

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

It might be extremely tough to get above a 17 for me on the DAT. The math was hard (in the time alloted of course) By the way, I have applied to my state school and they (admissions) said that they don't prefer extremes (DAT vs. GPA) when it comes to scores, so they said my average DAT scores and good GPA bode well as far as the application process goes as opposed to very high DAT and low GPA or low DAT and high GPA. And if it doesn't happen this year, we'll try again next year.

 

[Shunwei]

I'd have to disagree with you. If anything, older applicants with full time jobs have less time to prepare, not more. Standardized test preparation is about time compaction, so it works against time crunched individuals. Taking a DAT prep course on top of a full time job, spousal responsibilities, coursework, and setting aside time for job shadowing is much more than an undergrad deals with.

Agreed, and I might also add the fact that older applicants who have been in the work force for a while might be a little "rusty" when it comes to standardized testing and study. However, this is easily remedied once class gets into session. I actually think that DS's have a slight tilt towards non-traditional applicants not only because they show good personal dedication and determination, but because they bring maturity (I am saying on average, compared to your typical 22 year-old fresh college graduate) and more life experiences to the table. So to the OP, retake your DAT and if you can get a 19-20 you should be fine.

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

But the state school I applied to said they (my scores /3.85 science w/avg DAT and a 19 on the PAT) were good enough and that I probably will be getting an interview, but I just wanna be safe, though.

 

[JamieMac]

Agreed, and I might also add the fact that older applicants who have been in the work force for a while might be a little "rusty" when it comes to standardized testing and study. However, this is easily remedied once class gets into session. I actually think that DS's have a slight tilt towards non-traditional applicants not only because they show good personal dedication and determination, but because they bring maturity (I am saying on average, compared to your typical 22 year-old fresh college graduate) and more life experiences to the table. So to the OP, retake your DAT and if you can get a 19-20 you should be fine.

I agree with both Sunwei and Montserrat. Many schools make it clear that they value maturity and life experience when selecting students for their incoming class. I'm sure that they realize that many of us (non-trads) have experienced responsibilities that most of the traditional students could not even fathom. However, if a school has minimums, and they are not met, it may not make a difference. Therefore, if your state school has minimums that you haven't met, you will definitely want to retake the DAT. Good luck.

 

[StayinNCali]

I feel some of your pain- it is difficult to study with a wife and 2.5 kids. I had to go to extreme measures to get loans (rather than work) for 2.5 months of studying the DAT 63 hours per week. That was my only chance of getting 21/21/24.

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

"StayinNCali",

How did you find the time to do any shadowing?

 

[I'mFillingFine]

But the state school I applied to said they (my scores /3.85 science w/avg DAT and a 19 on the PAT) were good enough and that I probably will be getting an interview, but I just wanna be safe, though.

You're being defensive to every answer that we've offered...if you're going to do what you're going to do anyway, why ask? Good luck in applying, and it's wonderful if you feel confident! That's the most important thing.

We're speaking from lots of experience, so it is a simple fact that you may have a difficult time with acceptances if you don't re-take the DAT. If you're not submitting until next summer, why not? You have plenty of time. Also, it's important to know that state schools are not necessarily easier to get into than any other. There's no safety schools for d-school.

 

[Dr IWannaBe]

You're being defensive to every answer that we've offered...if you're going to do what you're going to do anyway, why ask? Good luck in applying, and it's wonderful if you feel confident! That's the most important thing.

We're speaking from lots of experience, so it is a simple fact that you may have a difficult time with acceptances if you don't re-take the DAT. If you're not submitting until next summer, why not? You have plenty of time. Also, it's important to know that state schools are not necessarily easier to get into than any other. There's no safety schools for d-school.

How dare you call me defensive! I am not being defensive! I can't believe you said that!!! Thanks, though. Seriously, the lone D-school I applied to said my scores were good enough, so I'll just wait and see.