What should I do next year? Advice appreciated!

[sassykat]

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Hello,

So as this cycle is coming to an end i'm beginning to accept the reality that I most likely will not get in this cycle. I applied to 10 schools, have been rejected from 4 without interview, and interviewed at 2 with no word still.

I'm unsure as to how to approach my year off. I'm currently finishing 2 B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry, so i'd like to refrain from taking even MORE science classes as a gpa booster (my cumulative gpa is ~3.5 and my science gpa is ~3.3). After all, i've already done 2 degrees worth so I've already taken a good chunk of them. Do I need to do a post-bacc?? It's already too late to apply to a master's program.

On the DAT I got a 24 in PAT, 21 AA (22 QR, 23 RC), 20 TS ( 20 Bio, 21 OC, 19 GC). Do I need to retake the DAT? I've only taken it once and I'm not sure I'd want to risk not doing as well a second time.

I've also had over 750 hrs dental assisting experience, 400 hrs research in a organic chemistry lab, and some other ECs sprinkled in between. It also might be worth mentioning I submitted my application late September and it was mailed out in October.

Other than applying early, what should i focus on improving for next year? GPA, DAT, ECs, other?? Thank you!!!

 

[Predoctalk]

Hello,

So as this cycle is coming to an end i'm beginning to accept the reality that I most likely will not get in this cycle. I applied to 10 schools, have been rejected from 4 without interview, and interviewed at 2 with no word still.

I'm unsure as to how to approach my year off. I'm currently finishing 2 B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry, so i'd like to refrain from taking even MORE science classes as a gpa booster (my cumulative gpa is ~3.5 and my science gpa is ~3.3). After all, i've already done 2 degrees worth so I've already taken a good chunk of them. Do I need to do a post-bacc?? It's already too late to apply to a master's program.

On the DAT I got a 24 in PAT, 21 AA (22 QR, 23 RC), 20 TS ( 20 Bio, 21 OC, 19 GC). Do I need to retake the DAT? I've only taken it once and I'm not sure I'd want to risk not doing as well a second time.

I've also had over 750 hrs dental assisting experience, 400 hrs research in a organic chemistry lab, and some other ECs sprinkled in between. It also might be worth mentioning I submitted my application late September and it was mailed out in October.

Other than applying early, what should i focus on improving for next year? GPA, DAT, ECs, other?? Thank you!!!

I find it completely ridiculous that you have not been accepted. You do not have anything lacking statistic wise. I think late submission is the underlying issue. If you do not gain admission, you should reapply in June. From what you have provided, you really do not need to do anything specific regarding the strength of your application. Just speak with people in admissions at the various schools to stay on their radars and see what they suggest (two birds with one stone).

 

[PaulieGualtieri]

Aside from applying earlier, you look to be quite a competitive applicant. Seriously, just apply during the summer and you're golden. No other courses required. Good luck

 

[jj007]

It always amazes me how people can simply state that you're golden or guaranteed a spot at a dental school. Granted that people with worst DAT and GPA than yours got in this year, it is still a leap to "guarantee" acceptance. I just think that it is unrealistic and will make you feel worst if you don't get in.

Your GPA and DAT look fine. I do not suggest retaking them. You should look at other aspects of your application: LORs, essays, and interviews. You got interviewed at two schools. How did you feel after the interviews? If you haven't received rejection from the schools where you interviewed, you might still have a chance. I wish you luck.

As others have stated, you should definitely apply early. It should help a lot especially if you apply OOS.

 

[FutureDent020]

It always amazes me how people can simply state that you're golden or guaranteed a spot at a dental school. Granted that people with worst DAT and GPA than yours got in this year, it is still a leap to "guarantee" acceptance. I just think that it is unrealistic and will make you feel worst if you don't get in.

Your GPA and DAT look fine. I do not suggest retaking them. You should look at other aspects of your application: LORs, essays, and interviews. You got interviewed at two schools. How did you feel after the interviews? If you haven't received rejection from the schools where you interviewed, you might still have a chance. I wish you luck.

As others have stated, you should definitely apply early. It should help a lot especially if you apply OOS.

Agreed

 

[sassykat]

Thanks everyone for the input. I am also wary of ever thinking anything is a "given" cause life certainly doesn't work that way! 😛

To answer jj, I felt good after my interviews but at this point i'm pretty sure I didn't get into UW (my state school) and I'm still waiting on UoP, for which i only got an interview for a waitlist spot.

I will focus my energy towards non-gpa/DAT related things. The essays I think I did a good job on and if anything was a strength towards my application. I do have some room to think of new LORs though if necessary. This still poses the question though, of what I should do in my free time, since those things don't take a whole year. Should i go save the dolphins? (half-serious)

 

[SeattleRDH]

Learn to play an instrument

 

[sassykat]

update: rejectors from UW 🙁 and waitlisted at UoP 🙂

seattleRDH - i already play 3 lol

 

[doc toothache]

Maybe the answer lies in your SDN moniker.

 

[anschutz1913]

apply earlier. add some community service. enjoy your time before you start dental school.

 

[Dota]

Just apply early this time. Gluk with apps.