What should I do to improve my chances for the upcoming cycle?

[577455]

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I have a low GPA but an upward trend. I started out with a 2.9-ended with 3.6. cGPA: 3.29 BCP:3.32 sGPA:3.18 DAT: AA-20 TS:20 BIO:23 RC:22 GC:19 OR:20 PAT:19 QR:18 I have 450 hours of dental volunteering/shadowing 200 hours of volunteering in a hospital setting. -Trained ED Medical Scribe. -Member of the Student Literacy Corps (Tutor) -Other random extracurricular.

I have my application finished and ready to be submitted for June 2016. I'm currently volunteering at a clinic which is a rotation site for 4th year UMICH&UDM dental students and residents. They've given me great advice into the interview process and what they are looking for. Other than that, it seems like I have a lot of time until June. What should I do to improve my chances? Should I retake the DAT? I just graduated so I can't raise my GPA.

I've had thoughts of a postbac to improve my GPA but I really don't want to spend the time or money doing that. I know I can improve my DAT but I don't know if it will be worth it given the risk of doing worse.

I plan on applying to:
1.U of M
2.Detroit Mercy
3.Midwestern AZ & Downers Grove
4.NYU
5.TUFTS
6.NOVA
7.Indiana
8.UMN
9.New England
10.Boston
11.Oregon
12.UNLV

I plan on adding 2 more schools. I would appreciate any insight into what I can do to improve my chances at admission.

 

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Your GPA aren't on the lower-average side. You have a 3.6 with a 3.32 sci GPA and a 20 DAT. You'll get in for sure. Just keep volunteering away and do well on the interviews.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[577455]

You're in good shape, in my opinion. If you feel like your DAT wasn't your best effort, and that you can do better, I suggest re-taking. If you think that's where you're gonna end up, or time constraints keep you from re-taking, you'll still be okay.

Indiana interviews 11% of OOS applicants, and OHSU interviews 5%. So I'm not sure I'd keep those on your list. UNLV offers in-state after the fist year so keeping them on there is a good idea. The attached file will give you a good idea of where to apply. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't feel like my DAT was my best effort, and I remember walking away thinking I could do much better. I called admissions at UMICH and Midwestern. UMICH recommended not to retake. Midwestern told me that I was in competitive range and didn't need to retake the DAT but that it was up to me.

Does anyone have any additional schools I should consider? I know that Touro is opening up soon. A dentist recently recommended Howard, but I'm not a URM. If I don't get into my instate, I'd like to move near the west coast. I'm just tired of the snow lol.

 

[paniz]

How do u have you application finished when the website is closed till june?!!


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[1070752]

Hey,

mind telling me how you already finished your application...?

 

[577455]

Before the website closed you can go to AADSAS get a copy of the application without submitting it. Answer all questions and make sure you have everything you need on the application.

I have 4 letters of recommendation ready to go on Interfolio.
DAT is completed.
Personal Statement is written.
And the rest of AADSAS already filled out.

Finish the application before June so you can submit it as soon as it opens.

How do u have you application finished when the website is closed till june?!!


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[paniz]

Well the website is already closed so idk whats exactly on it to fill out


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[577455]

Well the website is already closed so idk whats exactly on it to fill out


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

Honestly answering all the random questions will only take you a day or two. All the big stuff takes longer than you'd anticipate though.

Before June:
1. Write a compelling personal statement.
2. Take the DAT
3. Get 4 letters of recommendation uploaded to Interfolio.
4. Be ready to send your transcripts into AADSAS.
5. Make sure you've meet all the dental experience requirements.

Finish this stuff, and your application is pretty much completed.

 

[zoey1234]

Well the website is already closed so idk whats exactly on it to fill out


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There's a copy of the application here somewhere in the forum, I think it's by doc toothache under dental school admission guide. Just print it and fill it out. I did that last year.

 

[paniz]

Can't find it


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[aaa127]

How do u have you application finished when the website is closed till june?!!


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http://www.byui.edu/Documents/societies/pre-dentistry/AADSAS Application.pdf

This is from 2013, but I think about everything is the same. It's really good to prepare early. The day that the application opens, just try to print out the transcript match form to get your transcripts in ASAP. (The ADDSAS site on the first day is usually difficult to get onto since everyone is filling out their application.) Best of luck!

 

[paniz]

Thnkss alot


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[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[zoey1234]

i think you will be ok, no need to retake DAT. Apply very early and broadly, add more schools to your list, it'll be expensive but it's better than waiting another year. You'll get it somewhere.
I'd suggest adding UNE, Western, and maybe LECOM.

 

[1070752]

Honestly answering all the random questions will only take you a day or two. All the big stuff takes longer than you'd anticipate though.

Before June:
1. Write a compelling personal statement.
2. Take the DAT
3. Get 4 letters of recommendation uploaded to Interfolio.
4. Be ready to send your transcripts into AADSAS.
5. Make sure you've meet all the dental experience requirements.

Finish this stuff, and your application is pretty much completed.

4 letters? I thought 3 was more than enough?

 

[KoonS]

Honestly answering all the random questions will only take you a day or two. All the big stuff takes longer than you'd anticipate though.

Before June:
1. Write a compelling personal statement.
2. Take the DAT
3. Get 4 letters of recommendation uploaded to Interfolio.
4. Be ready to send your transcripts into AADSAS.
5. Make sure you've meet all the dental experience requirements.

Finish this stuff, and your application is pretty much completed.

Do you mind explain what interfolio is and how does it work?

 

[577455]

4 letters? I thought 3 was more than enough?

You should aim for 4 letters of recommendation.

 

[JLT223]

Unless you are going through your school's committee, 3 letters is enough. Some schools don't even accept more than 3 individual letters.

 

[Baileyy259]

Does anyone know where to find TMDSAS in pdf form?