What if I dont get in this year ? Im worried

[Kobebucsfan]

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I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

 

[mahfouz]

I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

If I were you I would probably get ready for the next cycle, and look for a productive activity to do for the next year or so- an internship, a job or a 1-year masters program. Your GPA isn't bad but your DAT score could use some work. So I would focus on regathering important parts of my application (LOR, essays, transcripts), retaking the DAT and reapplying next summer. Good luck!

 

[Kobebucsfan]

do u by chance know anything about applying to dental schools outside of the US. If i go to one, then i have to come back to US and go to school again right ?

 

[mahfouz]

do u by chance know anything about applying to dental schools outside of the US. If i go to one, then i have to come back to US and go to school again right ?

Exactly, so you don't want to go abroad. Especially because most of the foreign programs are longer than 4 years. I have a few relatives doing BDS programs abroad and if they come here most likely they will have to do a 2 year IDP which is really expensive and competitive. There are a couple of states that don't require an IDP, but there are only about 3 dental schools between those states. You can also apply for 1 year programs, but again those are very few and far between.

Here is some info about obtaining US certification from a foreign dental degree progam.

http://usdds.blogspot.com/

In my opinion you are better off staying here for a year, working and making extra cash than taking this detour.
Good luck! PM me if you need more info!

 

[jmukid]

I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

Your gpa seems ok but i would def. retake the DAT. The average DAT for students who get accepted is a 19(last time i checked) so i would shoot for a 20. Its not impossible just spend all summer studying for it and youll do a lot better. I would also do some more shadowing and look into possibly taking a few graduate science classes.

 

[wired202808]

I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

Hey bud, you have to improve both your GPA and your DAT scores. Your stats are below average in all regards except oGPA and they need to be fixed. I would first try to fix the DAT and then work on the sGPA. The DAT alone can't save you but it will help. Then work on building up that GPA via a post bac or masters route.

Good luck.

 

[molar3]

I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

retake your DAT before june 1st/asap, get a 20+ in all sections (perhaps minus QR, depending on how much the school cares about this section). apply by june 1st. if you can, perhaps take a few postbacc courses before the cycle opens to try and raise your sci to even a 3.3, should help.

 

[stevesteve121]

are you waitlisted at any?

 

[MrWilson]

I'll reiterate what they said. I wouldn't do anymore school, take the DAT - aiming for 20's. In your off year, do some work, take vacations, and enjoy it. Remember, everything happens for a reason.

 

[yappy]

OP: Like others have said the fastest way you can increase your chances of admissions for next cycle is to retake your DAT and do above average.

GL.

 

[pk62281]

I wouldn't just retake the DAT. I would also take a few more upper level Biology courses so that the schools don't think you are academically "rusty". You're too late to sign up for any classes for this semester so I would take some Summer courses and apply in late August in September.

 

[yappy]

I'm no expert but this goes against what I've heard and the exerience of people I have known who have applied and gained admission to dental school.

The DAT is a must. It wouldnt be bad to take some courses to raise the science gpa. But it seems counter productive to apply that late in the cycle for a few summer classes.

I wouldn't just retake the DAT. I would also take a few more upper level Biology courses so that the schools don't think you are academically "rusty". You're too late to sign up for any classes for this semester so I would take some Summer courses and apply in late August in September.

 

[jackalo34]

I think everyone has missed that OP says he graduates this May, so I’m assuming he is taking classes this semester already and won’t be too late to sign up because he already has.

Besides that tidbit, I second everyone else. Retake the DAT as soon as you can, but don’t take it before you know you can do better than you did the first time. Also, sign up for1 yr masters or post bacc program for the GAP year to improve your GPA further.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I'm no expert but this goes against what I've heard and the exerience of people I have known who have applied and gained admission to dental school.

The DAT is a must. It wouldnt be bad to take some courses to raise the science gpa. But it seems counter productive to apply that late in the cycle for a few summer classes.

Totally agree... not sure what PK is basing his information on?!

The biggest thing holding you back is your DAT, retake that before the cycle... and apply as early as you can. You can still take a couple summer courses and fall courses, then update the schools along the way with your progress.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

if i dont get accepted:

I will def. retake DAT and then apply. maybe late June ?

I think my parents can sense the urgency too, they are researching back up plans if I dont get in Like the Antigua school for Medical.

 

[wired202808]

if i dont get accepted:

I will def. retake DAT and then apply. maybe late June ?

I think my parents can sense the urgency too, they are researching back up plans if I dont get in Like the Antigua school for Medical.

whats the sense of urgency? wheres the fire chief? Antigua med school is one of the worst carib schools out there, they lost their US Financial Aid status and you have to pay for the school in private loans only. Additionally, why not just be smart about all of this and take 1 yr masters program and boost that weak sGPA of yours + retake the DAT and achieve a respectable score.

Sorry if I sound harsh, I just dont like when people run away from their goals w/o trying real hard to succeed first. Running to carib schools is not the answer to go into dentistry. Nor can you take shortcuts to achieve you dreams. Work hard now and party it up later.

 

[UltimateHombre]

whats the sense of urgency? wheres the fire chief? Antigua med school is one of the worst carib schools out there, they lost their US Financial Aid status and you have to pay for the school in private loans only. Additionally, why not just be smart about all of this and take 1 yr masters program and boost that weak sGPA of yours + retake the DAT and achieve a respectable score.

Sorry if I sound harsh, I just dont like when people run away from their goals w/o trying real hard to succeed first. Running to carib schools is not the answer to go into dentistry. Nor can you take shortcuts to achieve you dreams. Work hard now and party it up later.

I totally agree 100%. I don't know you, but imo going to a carrib MD program, just because you didn't make it into dschool your first round it a terrible idea.

I think it is much easier to just retake the DAT and improve your GPA, than trying to make it in the US as an FMG. Dude... no offense, but if you can't get a good enough score on the DAT to get into dschool, what makes you think you can score good enough on the USMLE to get into a residency, especially considering you would be at a disadvantage coming from the carrib.

There is no rush to be a professional, take a xanex, and create a solid game plan to get into dschool, before you start making this brash life changing decisions.

 

[sandee704]

,

 

[sandee704]

like others have said, there is no rush! although i definitely understand how it feels to not get in anywhere (this is my second time applying with only 1 waitlist) but it is what it is and i'm also planning on retaking the DAT. Taking some grad classes wouldn't hurt either.

don't give up and good luck!

 

[exrag07]

if i dont get accepted:

I will def. retake DAT and then apply. maybe late June ?

I think my parents can sense the urgency too, they are researching back up plans if I dont get in Like the Antigua school for Medical.

Wow! Pump the brakes! Carribean? What?
IF you don't get in, apply for a master's program (it doesn't have to a one year program). If you think your science GPA is an issue, make sure the program you apply for will involve only graduate level sciences (ex: Molecular Biology), and be sure to dominate those classes. Take the DAT, do research. If you start a master's program, you may not be able to apply for the next round; but, you will end up with an MS, DDS, and that wouldn't be the worst thing that's ever happend to a person. Regardless, I hope you get in this round. You seem to have pretty good numbers so maybe you want to take the chance and apply next year. Up to you!

Sidenote: I wasn't accepted on my first try. My science GPA was an issue (I also got an 18 on the DAT). I went an got my master's in Molecular Biology. It took me 1.5 years. I was accepted this time around. Most importantly, call your state school if you don't get accepted and ask why, schedule a meeting, get to know them, and make sure they get to know you! People underestimate the powerful effect this can have on your acceptance. It works wonders. Good luck!

 

[Kobebucsfan]

I think you guys got this caribb. school misunderstood.

I talked to my family friends who go to th schools and they said afte 4 years undergad: you apply to the carib. Med schools and you study there for 2 years.

Then you come to the US and have to do clinicals for 2 years and pass the 3 exams.

So total process is 4 years. Antigua doesn't require MCAT but others in the Carib. do.


Could you tell me how someone is at a disadvantage going to Carib. Med school ? Lot of my family friends took this path and are close to being finished

 

[wired202808]

I think you guys got this caribb. school misunderstood.

I talked to my family friends who go to th schools and they said afte 4 years undergad: you apply to the carib. Med schools and you study there for 2 years.

Then you come to the US and have to do clinicals for 2 years and pass the 3 exams.

So total process is 4 years. Antigua doesn't require MCAT but others in the Carib. do.


Could you tell me how someone is at a disadvantage going to Carib. Med school ? Lot of my family friends took this path and are close to being finished

This is not a carib forum, this is a dental forum. If you are giving up on dentistry at the drop of a hat, then perhaps you should seek advice on the pre-med forum. It seems like you have no intention on working really hard to boost your low stats and actually try to get into d-school, you seem bent on the easiest route and are willing to go to the lowest level carib "med" school. What advice would you like? If you didnt work hard enough to achieve solid grades to get into a d-school, how do you believe you can succeed in med school? Just because they let in everyone and their grandmother doesnt mean they dont have a huge dropout rate after the first year.

Sorry if I sound harsh but I dont know what else to say. I just like people that are dead set on their dreams and would give up anything to achieve their goal. But hey maybe I'm an idealist. 😡

 

[kaDa]

I will graduate in May. I applied june 2011, still no acceptances.

Applied to 15 schools, still haven't heard back from 9 schools.

GPA: 3.45 sciGPA: 3.2
DAT: 17/18

If I dont get in this cycle, what should I do ?

1. Don't listen to any clowns that tell you to go international.

2. Call a few schools to get their opinion.

3. Now my advice - From the info given, your DAT is the main thing holding you back. Get that to 20+. Also, what is your GPA/course load trend? They like to see heavy science/upward #'s trend. If you don't have this track record I would highly recommend a rigorous post-bac or Masters program. If you do have this, I would just work and live it up until you get into school the following year.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I think you guys got this caribb. school misunderstood.

I talked to my family friends who go to th schools and they said afte 4 years undergad: you apply to the carib. Med schools and you study there for 2 years.

Then you come to the US and have to do clinicals for 2 years and pass the 3 exams.

So total process is 4 years. Antigua doesn't require MCAT but others in the Carib. do.


Could you tell me how someone is at a disadvantage going to Carib. Med school ? Lot of my family friends took this path and are close to being finished

Listen bro... if you want to go to a carib MD program, do it, i could care less. But just know that your options will be very limited. Vast majority of carib MD's go into family medicine or internal medicine. Unless you have an AMAZING USMLE score, you won't make it into any competitive residencies, and even then... it will be extremely tough for you. And then if you don't do well on the USMLE... well there may not be a residency at all for you.... 😱

When it comes to residencies all the US MD's get drafted first followed by DO's (it is even hard for them to get competitive residencies). Then whatever is left over, the carib MD's scrap for.

Here is a spreadsheet compiled by a premed about match rates: MD vs DO vs Carib

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=813819

If you do go the carib route... you should probably go to one of the "big 3" - Ross, St. George, or American Uni of Caribbean. Again man... i don't see what the big rush is to get into a professional program is? It also really makes me question your passion for dentistry.

And again, no offense, but if you can't get a competitive score on the DAT... what makes you think you can even pass the USMLE let alone get a competitive score? Best of luck man!

 

[timwatley]

Listen bro... if you want to go to a carib MD program, do it, i could care less. But just know that your options will be very limited. Vast majority of carib MD's go into family medicine or internal medicine. Unless you have an AMAZING USMLE score, you won't make it into any competitive residencies, and even then... it will be extremely tough for you. And then if you don't do well on the USMLE... well there may not be a residency at all for you.... 😱

When it comes to residencies all the US MD's get drafted first followed by DO's (it is even hard for them to get competitive residencies). Then whatever is left over, the carib MD's scrap for.

Here is a spreadsheet compiled by a premed about match rates: MD vs DO vs Carib

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=813819

If you do go the carib route... you should probably go to one of the "big 3" - Ross, St. George, or American Uni of Caribbean. Again man... i don't see what the big rush is to get into a professional program is? It also really makes me question your passion for dentistry.

And again, no offense, but if you can't get a competitive score on the DAT... what makes you think you can even pass the USMLE let alone get a competitive score? Best of luck man!

I agree with this guy. There is no rush, just calm down. Enjoy your younger years while you can. I was having so much fun in my time off that I wouldnt have minded reapplying again. Caribbean med schools are pretty sketchy. Don't go that route. It does seem like you're not that into dentistry though.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

I think you guys got this caribb. school misunderstood.

I talked to my family friends who go to th schools and they said afte 4 years undergad: you apply to the carib. Med schools and you study there for 2 years.

Then you come to the US and have to do clinicals for 2 years and pass the 3 exams.

So total process is 4 years. Antigua doesn't require MCAT but others in the Carib. do.


Could you tell me how someone is at a disadvantage going to Carib. Med school ? Lot of my family friends took this path and are close to being finished

You only took the DAT once and did not do that well on it. This happens to a lot of people. All you have to do is retake it and get a better score. It's pretty simple. Yeah, right now it seems like it sucks that you'll have to find something to do for a year. But it's really not that big of a deal.

Suddenly looking at Caribbean med schools however makes people question your passion for dentistry. Other posters have done a good job on commenting about Caribbean med schools so I'm not going to get into that. It just seems like you're only interested in this health professions field to have "Dr." in front of your name and to make money. If dentistry is really what you want to do, then have some patience and retake the DAT before June. Plenty of people apply twice (or more) before getting accepted.

 

[dentalprodigy]

Agree with"wired..."

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