What is wrong with me?

[Deng13]

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First i really want to congratulate all the people that got in. You all have worked very hard and deserve to get the first acceptances. Honestly there is no1 that I can say doesnt deserve it. If at any point thru this thread i sound arrogant please forgive me.

If you all can help me figure out what the issue with me is, I would be very thankful.

This is my second year applying. I have an overall GPA of 3.43 and sgpa of 3.3. My dat score is AA: 23 TS: 23 PAT:23. I interviewed at 4 places (Marquette, Indiana, Nova, MW IL). I had the same interviews as last year except for MW IL, I had Michigan. Last year i had a DAT score of 19/20/20 (Everyone blamed my dat score so i took it again).

I have a good amount of activities and my interviews didnt have any awkward moments or any question i didnt give a good answer to. Everyone that has read my personal statement has said it is really good. I honestly dont understand what it is. Also, i dont understand why I am not getting more interviews. I have applied to 15 schools. I am honestly starting to think that im just not a likeable person. This is getting really tough and embarrassing specially within my family, and for some reason I am losing hope. I guess this is just another test from God that I have to stick through.

Everyone keeps telling "OH with that score you will def get in" but honestly im just tired of hearing that and just want to get in already. Can anyone help me think of any other problem that might be wrong with me? Also if its too late to add more schools....cause my dad keeps bugging me to add more schools. I have wanted to become a dentist since my freshmen year of high school and cant think of any other profession. If not this year I will apply again, but honestly I feel like I have paid my dues, worked hard enough and have earned atleast one spot in one school.

 

[duckdds]

First i really want to congratulate all the people that got in. You all have worked very hard and deserve to get the first acceptances. Honestly there is no1 that I can say doesnt deserve it. If at any point thru this thread i sound arrogant please forgive me.

If you all can help me figure out what the issue with me is, I would be very thankful.

This is my second year applying. I have an overall GPA of 3.43 and sgpa of 3.3. My dat score is AA: 23 TS: 23 PAT:23. I interviewed at 4 places (Marquette, Indiana, Nova, MW IL). I had the same interviews as last year except for MW IL, I had Michigan. Last year i had a DAT score of 19/20/20 (Everyone blamed my dat score so i took it again).

I have a good amount of activities and my interviews didnt have any awkward moments or any question i didnt give a good answer to. Everyone that has read my personal statement has said it is really good. I honestly dont understand what it is. Also, i dont understand why I am not getting more interviews. I have applied to 15 schools. I am honestly starting to think that im just not a likeable person. This is getting really tough and embarrassing specially within my family, and for some reason I am losing hope. I guess this is just another test from God that I have to stick through.

Everyone keeps telling "OH with that score you will def get in" but honestly im just tired of hearing that and just want to get in already. Can anyone help me think of any other problem that might be wrong with me? Also if its too late to add more schools....cause my dad keeps bugging me to add more schools. I have wanted to become a dentist since my freshmen year of high school and cant think of any other profession. If not this year I will apply again, but honestly I feel like I have paid my dues, worked hard enough and have earned atleast one spot in one school.

Hmm I really wish I can give you an answer, and I hope someone on here will give you an explanation. Your stats are very very good. I don't think your GPA is the reason. It is only slightly below national average and there are people getting in with lesser GPAs.
Did you try calling the schools asking them what went wrong?

 

[Deng13]

Hmm I really wish I can give you an answer, and I hope someone on here will give you an explanation. Your stats are very very good. I don't think your GPA is the reason. It is only slightly below national average and there are people getting in with lesser GPAs.
Did you try calling the schools asking them what went wrong?

Thanks yea I am going to tomorrow and hopefully they have a better answer. Maybe it could be the fact that I only got B's in all my science classes my last year? Is that really that bad of a thing?

 

[duckdds]

Thanks yea I am going to tomorrow and hopefully they have a better answer. Maybe it could be the fact that I only got B's in all my science classes my last year? Is that really that bad of a thing?

So your science GPA in those two semesters was a 3.0? What about previous semesters? Do you mind just listing the classes you took the last 4 semesters with the grades?
It could be a possibility, but I don't think it's the reason why you are not getting acceptance letters.

 

[tjddmskiss]

Your stat is very nice, your GPA is good enough, only possible reason could be interview. Since same school invited you, technically your stat is definitely not matter otherwise they don't invite you for interview. I will suggest you to practice a mock interview with your mature friend or academic adviser with same questions you got from your previous interview, then ask your adviser if your interview skill is good enough. I really feel sorry for you when I read your thread. Good luck. The game is not over yet.

 

[Munchy]

Your DAT scores are amazing. I would guess your GPA is not too great but nothing to be rejected for. Since you had 4 interviews, I don't think your stats had huge impact on your outcome. But rather, I think it is your interview skills.
You don't need to have awkward moments. Most schools have really nice people interviewing and most people leave interview feeling good. Except that many will not get accepted.

Interview is not about the answer but the reason behind it. If you want, you can video tape yourself and send it to my email. Maybe I can critique it for you. PM me if you are interested.

Don't give up.

 

[7 Iron]

Did you get waitlists? Or rejections? 4 interviews is a good number, and your stats are good. That is a tough situation. I know the waitlist will probably move quickly at Indiana, as we were told they accept 50% of their interview candidates which is a lot.

 

[max4good]

Don't loose hope yet. Hang on till all of the schools you applied to are completely filled, and I'm hoping and praying that you'll be the one to fill the empty seat. This year is my second time applying as well and having hope definitely made the difference for me-an untouchable factor

 

[Deng13]

So your science GPA in those two semesters was a 3.0? What about previous semesters? Do you mind just listing the classes you took the last 4 semesters with the grades?
It could be a possibility, but I don't think it's the reason why you are not getting acceptance letters.

Eco Evo b 3 hrs
human anatomy b 5 hrs
Physics b 5 hrs
1 credit hr p/f class

Research 1 hr p/f
Teachers assistant 2 hrs p/f
anatomy II 5 hrs B
Lithuanian studies 3 hrs A

Genetics 3 hrs B
Genetics lab 3 hrs B
Ecology Lab B 3 hrs
Bio chem B 4 hrs
Teachers assistant 2 hrs

Cell biology 3hrs b
Microbiology 3 hrs B
Homeostasis B 3 hrs
Soc-100 A 3 hrs

 

[Deng13]

Did you get waitlists? Or rejections? 4 interviews is a good number, and your stats are good. That is a tough situation. I know the waitlist will probably move quickly at Indiana, as we were told they accept 50% of their interview candidates which is a lot.

I got waitlisted. Yes I am also hoping that MW IL's wait list will move fast. them being a new school and all.

 

[duckdds]

Eco Evo b 3 hrs
human anatomy b 5 hrs
Physics b 5 hrs
1 credit hr p/f class

Research 1 hr p/f
Teachers assistant 2 hrs p/f
anatomy II 5 hrs B
Lithuanian studies 3 hrs A

Genetics 3 hrs B
Genetics lab 3 hrs B
Ecology Lab B 3 hrs
Bio chem B 4 hrs
Teachers assistant 2 hrs

Cell biology 3hrs b
Microbiology 3 hrs B
Homeostasis B 3 hrs
Soc-100 A 3 hrs

Those straight B's may be the reason, not sure though. What is your state residence?

 

[Deng13]

Those straight B's may be the reason, not sure though. What is your state residence?

I am not a US citizen or a permanent resident. Although I have been living in Chicago for 10 years now, and went to middle school and high school here. Therefore I couldnt apply to my instate schools. Could it be the fact that technically I am international?

 

[lululime]

Must be your interview. You seem like a competitive applicant. Ask other students how their interviews went, practice interviewing with dental students, find something to make yourself stand out. What kind of EC's were you involved in? I hear dental schools love leaders.

 

[duckdds]

I am not a US citizen or a permanent resident. Although I have been living in Chicago for 10 years now, and went to middle school and high school here. Therefore I couldnt apply to my instate schools. Could it be the fact that technically I am international?

To my knowledge, there are only a small number of international students getting accepted to dental schools. Schools like NYU and Case accept a certain number of internationals, but most schools prefer US citizens. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Deng13]

Must be your interview. You seem like a competitive applicant. Ask other students how their interviews went, practice interviewing with dental students, find something to make yourself stand out. What kind of EC's were you involved in? I hear dental schools love leaders.

I did research, mentored around 20 under grad students for a class, volunteered at a senior citizen community center, volunteered at math learning center on my campus, worked full time as an assistant in my time off and have done around 200 hrs of shadowing. I worked at National Argonne Lab for a summer. Couple of clubs in undergrad....

 

[Deng13]

To my knowledge, there are only a small number of international students getting accepted to dental schools. Schools like NYU and Case accept a certain number of internationals, but most schools prefer US citizens. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong.

LOL yeah, when the interviews were pouring in the first time I applied, everyone was like, its cause you are International! schools love international. When i didnt get in, I heard, its cause you are International and not that many get in.......

 

[duckdds]

LOL yeah, when the interviews were pouring in the first time I applied, everyone was like, its cause you are International! schools love international. When i didnt get in, I heard, its cause you are International and not that many get in.......

This is a thread that might help

 

[Deng13]

This is a thread that might help

wow thanks. yeah i applied to nyu, bu and tufts. they havent even given me an interview. i dont understand what they want from me.

 

[dentalWorks]

First i really want to congratulate all the people that got in. You all have worked very hard and deserve to get the first acceptances. Honestly there is no1 that I can say doesnt deserve it. If at any point thru this thread i sound arrogant please forgive me.

If you all can help me figure out what the issue with me is, I would be very thankful.

This is my second year applying. I have an overall GPA of 3.43 and sgpa of 3.3. My dat score is AA: 23 TS: 23 PAT:23. I interviewed at 4 places (Marquette, Indiana, Nova, MW IL). I had the same interviews as last year except for MW IL, I had Michigan. Last year i had a DAT score of 19/20/20 (Everyone blamed my dat score so i took it again).

I have a good amount of activities and my interviews didnt have any awkward moments or any question i didnt give a good answer to. Everyone that has read my personal statement has said it is really good. I honestly dont understand what it is. Also, i dont understand why I am not getting more interviews. I have applied to 15 schools. I am honestly starting to think that im just not a likeable person. This is getting really tough and embarrassing specially within my family, and for some reason I am losing hope. I guess this is just another test from God that I have to stick through.

Everyone keeps telling "OH with that score you will def get in" but honestly im just tired of hearing that and just want to get in already. Can anyone help me think of any other problem that might be wrong with me? Also if its too late to add more schools....cause my dad keeps bugging me to add more schools. I have wanted to become a dentist since my freshmen year of high school and cant think of any other profession. If not this year I will apply again, but honestly I feel like I have paid my dues, worked hard enough and have earned atleast one spot in one school.

Let me give you some positive encouragement. One day, you will be a dentist, with those scores, its just..... you are too qualified.

Now, please understand that the cycle is NOT over. Once my official acceptance gets recived in the mail, I will be withdrawing my application from 16 schools, this is all happening within the next week or so..... And I imagine MANY other folks who got in on Dec 1st are doing the same thing..... Places will open up, people will reject many offers they have gotten so far and interviews will start up again. Keep your faith in the process.

As far as "why" this is happening, it could be many many reasons, i'll take a guess on a few
-your GPA is good, but when you took upper level sciences, you didn't do too hot?
-maybe your too nervous in your interviews, and those guys can easily read that
-do you have any shadowing experience? this is key
-do you have a solid answer for when they ask "why dentistry"... believe me, I've heard some horror stories of answers that scream REJECT HIM... answers like "well, its a great field, lots of money and great job security"

What is the story with Nova? are you waitlisted there? and when was your interview?

 

[lululime]

I did research, mentored around 20 under grad students for a class, volunteered at a senior citizen community center, volunteered at math learning center on my campus, worked full time as an assistant in my time off and have done around 200 hrs of shadowing. I worked at National Argonne Lab for a summer. Couple of clubs in undergrad....

Everything's in check. That is strange. Well, try not to worry too much. You can't do much at this point just concentrate on school. And while waiting for the next cycle to open up, you might want to peruse this ADA publication.
http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/survey_ed_vol2.pdf

I stumbled upon it a few days ago on this forum, and it's got some unique factors that certain schools look for in applicants. Some have strong preference for students with masters, others want leadership, etc...

But please don't waste time doing all this research now, I'm sure you'll secure a spot this cycle! You strike me as a real people person. =)

 

[dctim211]

Someone brought up this point earlier but I think they are on to something so i'll +1 it...

I think the issue could very well be that your upper-division Biology performance seems to be right around a B average (3.0). Schools look at 300 & 400 biology courses as an indicator of your ability to handle the didactic coursework in dental school and these numbers may be affecting your ability to get the # of interviews you were expecting. For the schools that you have had interviews at, the problem could very well be your interview skills, particularly, how you respond to questions. I think a lot of times people focus so much on answering eloquently and without any hiccups that they forget that the substance of their response is just as important as not sounding "awkward". For this, it would be very beneficial for you to talk to your academic adviser (preferably a pre-health professions adviser).

With all that being said (copyright jerry seinfeld), your #s (GPA & DAT) are very competitive (much better than mine) and I think you need to remember that the 2011 cycle is FAR FROM OVER. People will start withdrawing from schools and eventually, your # will be called. Stick with it and stay positive! Good luck.

Btw, you didn't sound arrogant at all. We all understand where you're coming from.

 

[hoylematt]

Hey man, I remember you at Nova when we interviewed there Oct. 1st. Ironically when people tell me that little anecdote: "If you get 4 interviews, you should be able to get in to at least one, statistically"--I actually mention you and say that there was this one guy at one of my interviews that had 4 interviews, and 4 rejections. I feel seriously troubled by your story bro, and its making me think about my own situation and how I can improve myself for next cycle should this cycle end in disappointment.

For one, if i remember right--Nova hadn't received your new DAT scores yet at that point, or somehow messed up. When was the retake of your DAT? If that happened at Nova, perhaps your new DAT scores were not updated as well at some of the other schools and so under first consideration they looked at your application and perhaps thought you were applying with the exact same stats. I am a true believer after having my DAT score updated mid cycle, that this put me at a disadvantage.

The only thing I can think of is your GPA "trend". B,B,B,B,A,B,B,B,B,B,B,B,B,A
Your only A's were in non science classes, and you took an average of 12 units a semester which is barely full time. These adcoms are looking for our ability to take an intense load of science classes. I really have not a lot of room to talk simply because I always had an easier elective or two every semester, but in my defense I always carried 15 units, my highest being 18. Not only that but I 4.0'd my last 3 semesters, with a 3.8 right before that.

You should be close to graduating, or already graduated. Consider an "informal post-bacc" to show the Admissions committees that you can handle taking 4-5 science classes a semester and 4.0ing them. If you have the determination to get 23's on the DAT then I know you can do this. My plan if I don't get in this cycle is just that: to take a year long informal Post-Bacc and show an even longer trend of 4.0 grades.

My last piece of advice would be to contact all the schools that rejected you and get serious advice about specifically what you can do to improve. I know Indiana will tell you this straight out, and I'm sure Nova will too.

Good luck man, I will be praying for us both!

 

[sexychic]

LOL yeah, when the interviews were pouring in the first time I applied, everyone was like, its cause you are International! schools love international. When i didnt get in, I heard, its cause you are International and not that many get in.......

It might be the international status but if I were u I'd call those schools I wanna go and ask for their opinions, most likely schools like Columbia won't care. However, your GPA and DAT are not very consistent, I think it's important so you might want to take more upper division science classes and try again. Other than that, hang on there, you can do it!

 

[dentalpath]

I dont think it has anything to do with you being international. I am international but have been accepted on Dec 1. My stats are lower than yours..AA 20 but GPA: 3.77 with science being right around 3.67. I think what others have mentioned is true. You need to look at your science classes and your course load. Especially those upper division science courses. I believe in my first two years, I always had 3 science core classes and 1 elective (16 credits) and usually managed around a 3.7. In my junior year, I had the toughest semester - Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics and Sociology. I had a 4.0. I think the over all GPA def makes an impact but its also the distribution of the course load. I know this for a fact because I spoke with a faculty from NYU Dental. His guidance to me was, dont balance it out every semester, that doesn't show us that you can handle 36 credits of pure science. Ofcourse take electives, but try and stay with 3 science classes for at least 3-4 semesters and really ace those science classes.
I also have a Masters in healthcare Management from NYU with a decent Gpa - 3.49 but my graduate course load was 16 credits/sem (I needed 60 credits to graduate in 2 yrs) so obviusly this was more like a top notch MBA program.

All I am saying is...check your transcript and see how you distributed those courses.

 

[NJDental]

You mentioned the couple different EC's that you have done, but have you done anything dental related? (besides just shadowing) This could possibly play a factor, schools want to see that you are taking advantage of different opportunities and that you are familiar with the dental field; maybe try doing some dental related volunteer work.

 

[K9sbestfriend]

Someone brought up this point earlier but I think they are on to something so i'll +1 it...

I think the issue could very well be that your upper-division Biology performance seems to be right around a B average (3.0). Schools look at 300 & 400 biology courses as an indicator of your ability to handle the didactic coursework in dental school

Btw, you didn't sound arrogant at all. We all understand where you're coming from.

I agree with the above post but would also add that I noticed you only had 15 credit hours in one semester outlined above but only achieved B avg in the science courses. My pre-health advisor strongly encouraged me to take 15+ credits of upper level science courses per semester to demonstrate the ability to handle the course load. I wasn't perfect but I did manage a 3.47 sgpa over my last 4 semesters.

Unfortunately I'm in the same boat. However, I only had one chance to get accepted Dec 1st (creighton) and am now hoping for good news later.

Good luck, being on 4 waitlists surely one of them will come thru for you.

 

[daehyuny]

I have 3.8/3.9 (4.0 in last 6 semesters) 24 TS/ 22 AA/ 20 PAT

I only got 3 interviews and no acceptances..

you had 4 interviews.. I don't really have anything to say but to wait.. its still too early to think what went wrong and stuff..

 

[Deng13]

Hey man, I remember you at Nova when we interviewed there Oct. 1st. Ironically when people tell me that little anecdote: "If you get 4 interviews, you should be able to get in to at least one, statistically"--I actually mention you and say that there was this one guy at one of my interviews that had 4 interviews, and 4 rejections. I feel seriously troubled by your story bro, and its making me think about my own situation and how I can improve myself for next cycle should this cycle end in disappointment.

For one, if i remember right--Nova hadn't received your new DAT scores yet at that point, or somehow messed up. When was the retake of your DAT? If that happened at Nova, perhaps your new DAT scores were not updated as well at some of the other schools and so under first consideration they looked at your application and perhaps thought you were applying with the exact same stats. I am a true believer after having my DAT score updated mid cycle, that this put me at a disadvantage.

The only thing I can think of is your GPA "trend". B,B,B,B,A,B,B,B,B,B,B,B,B,A
Your only A's were in non science classes, and you took an average of 12 units a semester which is barely full time. These adcoms are looking for our ability to take an intense load of science classes. I really have not a lot of room to talk simply because I always had an easier elective or two every semester, but in my defense I always carried 15 units, my highest being 18. Not only that but I 4.0'd my last 3 semesters, with a 3.8 right before that.

You should be close to graduating, or already graduated. Consider an "informal post-bacc" to show the Admissions committees that you can handle taking 4-5 science classes a semester and 4.0ing them. If you have the determination to get 23's on the DAT then I know you can do this. My plan if I don't get in this cycle is just that: to take a year long informal Post-Bacc and show an even longer trend of 4.0 grades.

My last piece of advice would be to contact all the schools that rejected you and get serious advice about specifically what you can do to improve. I know Indiana will tell you this straight out, and I'm sure Nova will too.

Good luck man, I will be praying for us both!

thanks man. Yeah i remember you too! I was really sorry to hear about your rejection from Nova. Do you remember who you interviewed with there?

 

[Deng13]

I have 3.8/3.9 (4.0 in last 6 semesters) 24 TS/ 22 AA/ 20 PAT

I only got 3 interviews and no acceptances..

you had 4 interviews.. I don't really have anything to say but to wait.. its still too early to think what went wrong and stuff..

DANG boy you make my stats look sad. hahaha. yo okay I know you for sure will get in. I feel like with you all the schools thought you were too good for them and wouldnt be interested. Call them and tell them you want to go, cause that happened to one of my friends. When he called the school, the school was like the reason we didnt take you was because we thought you wouldnt even bother sending us a deposit. I know its shady but some actually think like that.

PS- OR you can take more classes and fail them to lower your gpa. so they will think you will actually consider them. HAHAHA

 

[Deng13]

thanks for all your advice guys. I had one another quesiton. My wait list letter from nova is different than the one i had last year.

The letter this year says HIGH HOLD candidate. Any to contact them if I am still interested. Does everyone wait listed at nova have this?

 

[Deng13]

Let me give you some positive encouragement. One day, you will be a dentist, with those scores, its just..... you are too qualified.

Now, please understand that the cycle is NOT over. Once my official acceptance gets recived in the mail, I will be withdrawing my application from 16 schools, this is all happening within the next week or so..... And I imagine MANY other folks who got in on Dec 1st are doing the same thing..... Places will open up, people will reject many offers they have gotten so far and interviews will start up again. Keep your faith in the process.

As far as "why" this is happening, it could be many many reasons, i'll take a guess on a few
-your GPA is good, but when you took upper level sciences, you didn't do too hot?
-maybe your too nervous in your interviews, and those guys can easily read that
-do you have any shadowing experience? this is key
-do you have a solid answer for when they ask "why dentistry"... believe me, I've heard some horror stories of answers that scream REJECT HIM... answers like "well, its a great field, lots of money and great job security"

What is the story with Nova? are you waitlisted there? and when was your interview?

Yes i got waitlisted there too. I have had shadowing experience. To be honest my interview didnt last that long once they heard about my new DAT score. They just asked me why Nova and Why dentistry. To which I gave them my life experiences with my grandparents (my grandpa had complete dentures by age of 45 and really has trouble eating food because indian dentures are terrible!) who i lived with and my orthodontic treatment once I came to US. How that changed my life and made me more confident and helped me realized how a proper dental care is required for a healthy and confident life.

 

[tjddmskiss]

Deng13, your answer for the interview question was too honest I guess. You can twist the same story into more positive way.

 

[dentalWorks]

Yes i got waitlisted there too. I have had shadowing experience. To be honest my interview didnt last that long once they heard about my new DAT score. They just asked me why Nova and Why dentistry. To which I gave them my life experiences with my grandparents (my grandpa had complete dentures by age of 45 and really has trouble eating food because indian dentures are terrible!) who i lived with and my orthodontic treatment once I came to US. How that changed my life and made me more confident and helped me realized how a proper dental care is required for a healthy and confident life.

this is something I heard from someone who goes to Nova. If you are waitlisted, then you best be sure to call them frequently about it. When you do this, you are showing them you REALLY wanna attend there. I'd call them every week or so (i know its annoying, but hey man, this is your future, run after it)

good luck to you

 

[amalgamgrillz]

First i really want to congratulate all the people that got in. You all have worked very hard and deserve to get the first acceptances. Honestly there is no1 that I can say doesnt deserve it. If at any point thru this thread i sound arrogant please forgive me.

If you all can help me figure out what the issue with me is, I would be very thankful.

This is my second year applying. I have an overall GPA of 3.43 and sgpa of 3.3. My dat score is AA: 23 TS: 23 PAT:23. I interviewed at 4 places (Marquette, Indiana, Nova, MW IL). I had the same interviews as last year except for MW IL, I had Michigan. Last year i had a DAT score of 19/20/20 (Everyone blamed my dat score so i took it again).

I have a good amount of activities and my interviews didnt have any awkward moments or any question i didnt give a good answer to. Everyone that has read my personal statement has said it is really good. I honestly dont understand what it is. Also, i dont understand why I am not getting more interviews. I have applied to 15 schools. I am honestly starting to think that im just not a likeable person. This is getting really tough and embarrassing specially within my family, and for some reason I am losing hope. I guess this is just another test from God that I have to stick through.

Everyone keeps telling "OH with that score you will def get in" but honestly im just tired of hearing that and just want to get in already. Can anyone help me think of any other problem that might be wrong with me? Also if its too late to add more schools....cause my dad keeps bugging me to add more schools. I have wanted to become a dentist since my freshmen year of high school and cant think of any other profession. If not this year I will apply again, but honestly I feel like I have paid my dues, worked hard enough and have earned atleast one spot in one school.

If you've interviewed both cycles and haven't gotten in....it's definitely not anything to do with your application. It's likely your interview. I don't know how else to ask this, but are you socially awkward? Generally speaking, once you get the interview, it's all about your life experiences/personality. So maybe you need to just practice your social skills and improve your interviewing ability.

 

[Nio87]

I got waitlisted. Yes I am also hoping that MW IL's wait list will move fast. them being a new school and all.

The admission cordinator at midwestern IL said that if you get waitlisted, then send them an email that shows how bad you want to get in. Its supposed to make a difference...

 

[yappy]

I'm starting to wonder if it may be your interviews too... Have you ever had a mock interview. Did they give you any feedback? If not you should AND make sure they're going to be very honest. Are your english skills good? do you understand everything being asked? etc.

 

[k00laid]

hey deng13, i think i remember meeting you at an interview. other people are saying that you may have messed up your interview, but i don't remember you being socially awkward. you seemed like you could hold a conversation and would do at least decently in an interview.

you do have a lot of B's in sciences and maybe that is the problem? someone said that since you got interviews, that means your stats are good enough. i think that's true on some level, but maybe when you go the interview they'll only take if you if you're really unique/special/something about you. maybe you're perfectly nice and social, but in the end when they put it all together your personality doesn't make up for the B grades. maybe??

i think just call up the schools in the end if you really are rejected. call them and really get it out of them why you didn't get in. if they dont' give you a good, clear answer at first, bring up things yourself and ask is it my grades? is it my ecs? was it my interview? really get to the bottom of what it is that you're lacking. maybe send emails to your interviewers so you can ask about your interview.

but for now just do what others said. email/call the schools and really insist that you would LOVE to attend their school. you're not rejected yet, just on the waitlist so don't give up hope! good luck!!

 

[Ibracadabra]

I agree to many ppls suggestions above. I also think that not doing any shadowing might have mattered.. I personally think shadowing is really important(GPA, DAT and then shadowing..) since it shows your direct interest in the field. Interacting with the dentists will also be your benefit.

Your scores look totally fine, if not great, so I would disregard the notion that you are international. I'm an international myself and I got accepted to 2 schools so far, 1 waitlisted (had 3 pre-dec interviews). I think I got waitlisted on one because of the interviews.. I wasn't prepared enough for that interview😛 So the interview clearly matters too.. maybe that was another thing.

As of now, I would follow along what the other people are saying 🙂 show them your interest in their school. I think you still have good chance of acceptance.. Good luck !!!!

 

[dentstd]

You should probably apply for a Visa and work on your interviewing skills.

Your GPA's already set in stone, for the most part.