What to do?

[mhk46]

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Hi all,

I posted a few times previously and am in need of some advice once again. I applied last cycle (app submitted in june, but complete in september due to DAT scores) to 12 schools with a 3.31 cGPA, 3.12 sGPA (all classes taken at a 4-yr university), and aa/ts/pat: 20/20/20. I received a couple of interviews and waitlisted. In the interim, I spent the year working as a dental assistant and totaled 410 hours.
I reapplied this cycle to 15 schools and was in the first mailing batch. For this year, I am considering taking a couple of science classes (anatomy, microbio) as a post-bacc while continuing to work as a dental assistant when time allows. I'm only considering taking a couple classes because I want to assure that I do well. However, I realize that the schools will not see them in time.

I was wondering if anyone could provide suggestions about my situation. More/less classes? Retake DAT? Continue assisting or focus on school?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[Mr. Thirsty]

Your DAT should be fine if you raise you're science GPA a little. You're EC's sound decent. In my opinion, taking post bac. is easier then retaking the entire DAT. People get in with 20's all the time. Don't give up now, you're really close!


Edit:

It is good that you are assisting, but unless you really need the money: GPA/DAT > Assisting. Some schools will even basically state that on their admissions website. It seems like you're hours are already good enough anyway.

 

[crax]

I received a couple of interviews and waitlisted.

Would i be out of line to say that the application process is essentially to gain an interview, and from here everyone is on an equal playing field? Why do you think your few interviews didnt turn out so well?

 

[KittySquared]

Take 3 sci classes in the fall and take 2 sci + an ethics course or business classes in the Spring if you can. Ace all of them. That should boost your GPA to 3.4 and sGPA to 3.2+. Not TOO significant, but if your previous stats got you interviews, the adcoms will see that you've taken 5 additional sci classes which means out of the 4 or 5 interviews you get, you'll probably get at least 2 acceptances! They love love improvements.

 

[Doc Smile]

Would i be out of line to say that the application process is essentially to gain an interview, and from here everyone is on an equal playing field? Why do you think your few interviews didnt turn out so well?

yes.

 

[dantemac]

I would say, if anything, get your grades (GPA) up a little bit. It sounds like the rest of your application is golden.

 

[mhk46]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! 😀

I think I'll be following through with my plan of taking 2 or 3 science classes this fall in hopes of raising my gpa (mainly sGPA). Since I have a lot of hours in the office, I will strongly consider focusing on school and acing those classes. Good luck to everyone this cycle! 🙂