What to do if I don't get into dental school this cycle?

[wholetthedogsout]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,
I'm waiting to hear back from schools I interviewed and waitlists, I thought I would get in this application cycle but I've had no luck so far. Had a total of 4 interviews from 11 schools I applied to.

My stats are oGPA:3.53 sGPA: 3.35
DAT AA: 20, TS 19, RC 23, PAT 21

Volunteer hours: 400 tutoring low income students, dental assisting homeless patients, etc
Leadership experiences, various fundraising events

I was thinking of doing a master's program during the application cycle of 2017-18 but unfortunately, the deadlines for most of these programs was Dec 1st of last year. Are there any post bac programs in Southern California around the LA area that I should do? Or any other masters program in the greater LA area with a late deadline? Any tips and advice on how to improve my application and what I should possibly be doing on another potential gap year?

 

[DC206R]

Apply again this June. Maybe add a few more schools. Stats seem fine. Not sure on EC's. More shadowing, volunteering, and/or clinical experience if possible. Updated LOR's or replace with a couple new ones if you can. Revamp your PS.

 

[8_man]

What schools did you apply to?

 

[wholetthedogsout]

All the california schools, LECOM, MWU AZ, ASDOH, BU, NYU

 

[wholetthedogsout]

What schools did you apply to?

All the california schools, LECOM, MWU AZ, ASDOH, BU, NYU

I made sure to apply to some of the more expensive private schools

 

[8_man]

All the california schools, LECOM, MWU AZ, ASDOH, BU, NYU

I made sure to apply to some of the more expensive private schools

Exactly what I would have suggested, but you clearly did your research. Let's see what others have to say.

 

[OrphanageCaretaker]

Honestly, I would call up the schools and ask what you could do to better your application

 

[SmileItsLife]

Which schools did you interview at? For some schools the interview is more of a formality just to check if there are any red flags, for others it is very vital... You may see movement at the schools who accept more after interview.

 

[wholetthedogsout]

,

 

[wholetthedogsout]

I interviewed at ASDOH, NYU, BU, Western

Which schools did you interview at? For some schools the interview is more of a formality just to check if there are any red flags, for others it is very vital... You may see movement at the schools who accept more after interview.

I interviewed at ASDOH, LECOM, BU, and Western

 

[SmileItsLife]

Doesn't everyone get into Boston after an interview? When did you interview there?

*Let me add that I haven't gotten through a single cycle, but on every list it seems almost 100% of interviewees are accepted

 

[Craig_Sherwood234]

Mcdonald's, OP.

masters or post-bac if you really want it, OP. I wouldn't feel too comfortable w/ tht 3.3

 

[periopocket]

Call up BU and write multiple letters of intent...that is your best shot out of the group.

Edit: if you don't get in I would either re-take dat or start taking post back classes get that science above 3.5

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[gogoclever]

Doesn't everyone get into Boston after an interview? When did you interview there?

*Let me add that I haven't gotten through a single cycle, but on every list it seems almost 100% of interviewees are accepted

no, not true. I know people who have not gotten in after interview at BU

 

[Faefly]

Your gpa is the problem, two ways to offset that, either study for 2 more years a master degree or something which might or might not improve your gpa

or you study for 2 months and retake the DAT by the end of May.

 

[schmoob]

Follow the advice on here.

For FUTURE applicants, a word of advice is when you apply, make sure you continue strengthening your application. You never know if you will be fortunate enough to be accepted, so what you do is continue addressing your application weaknesses until you make that deposit. This way if you do not get any acceptances, you can apply again with a stronger application.

This may not help you right now OP, but if you are not extended any offers of admission, apply again and continue strengthening your app. This way, in the even you have to apply a 3rd time you'll be in better shape.

OP, I hope you get it this cycle! If not though, never stop trying; remember, this is not a "fire and forget" process.

Good luck!

 

[SmileItsLife]

no, not true. I know people who have not gotten in after interview at BU

That is surprising to me.

 

[wholetthedogsout]

Is the general consensus here: If I am not comfortable retaking the DAT, the best option for me is to do a master's program during the 16-17 application cycle?

 

[periopocket]

Is the general consensus here: If I am not comfortable retaking the DAT, the best option for me is to do a master's program during the 16-17 application cycle?

You can always drop out of it once you get accepted. It will show a good amount of dedication to enroll in it.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[wholetthedogsout]

You can always drop out of it once you get accepted. It will show a good amount of dedication to enroll in it.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Don't some dental schools that accept you not let you drop out of the master's program?

 

[periopocket]

Don't some dental schools that accept you not let you drop out of the master's program?

This is true, but the last thing you'll be worried about having to do in order to matriculate, after your year when you get accepted. You'll do whatever your aceptee says. Don't stress the small stuff let's get in.

Edit: really you just need to pull your science gpa up.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[dentalgoal team]

Start getting prepared for the upcoming cycle. I disagree about bringing your sGPA up as that takes too much time. Start doing research or masters and improve your personal statement.

 

[dentalabscessed]

These days, schools can get back to applicants as late as the week before classes start. We're rooting for you!

My views are a bit different than @Faefly's. OP and I have pretty similar ECs and stats (my GPA is slightly lower & DAT is slightly higher), and I got lucky with 8 interviews and 5 acceptances this cycle, though I owe it to a killer personal statement. If you don't get an acceptance this cycle, I'd focus hard on revamping the PS. An impactful one can make all the difference, and looking at your ECs, you can tell a really good story. Continue the community service ECs and shadow along the way. Research won't hurt, but it's not a deal breaker if you don't have it.

USC and Western have masters programs, but seriously consider if it is worth the cost and the extra time spent in school. Your GPA looks fine.

 

[gangazi]

get a job at a dental lab. unpaid intern is fine

 

[chives_irvine]

Although I have never been through admissions ( I apply in June), I have spoken with members of admissions committees at several different schools. Most agreed that luck is part of the selection process. They go through so many different applications and it can be really difficult to distinguish ones with similar stats, ECs and PSs so sometimes it just comes down to luck. If I were you, I would reapply and apply to more schools while redoing PS and maybe adding some ECs. The pre-professional advisement center at my undergrad recommends 15 schools, but you could consider more. A lot of people would argue that applying to 15-20 is a waste of money. I disagree. I would rather pay the extra 1k and get in the first time, rather than wait a year and pay 3k and lose a year of dental income at the end of my career.

Also, since you got some interviews, maybe interview skills?

Again, I have never been through the process so take everything I say with a grain of salt

 

[wholetthedogsout]

Thank you for the input everyone