Where to Apply: Advice?

[SubtlDisharmony]

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Hey all,

I've been on here a few months now and found this forum to be a great help! 😀 The time to take the DAT and apply is coming closer and closer and in compiling a list of schools to apply to I'm unsure if I'm being overly optimistic, or not giving myself enough credit. My stats aren't stellar and I'm aware of it and put effort into any opportunities I can find. Currently I'm a 3.0 Total GPA 3.0 Science GPA, Bioengineering major. I have a ton of hours shadowing a general dentist, periodontist, endodontist and oral surgeon. I'll be working in a research lab this semester studying biofilms and I've TA'd physics one semester and plan to again. I've got involvement in clubs as well, and e-board positions. I've started DAT prepping and hope to score mid 20s in each section.

But what I'm worried about is my chances of getting into places. I'm thinking I'll have a shot at bigger schools like NYU and Boston, but I don't know where else. I'm from NY, so possibly Buffalo? I would love Boston honestly, but a friend of mine applied and never heard back, but got into much more selective schools. Anyway, any advice on where else I should consider? The idea of applying next summer has crossed my mind also, since that would give me time to boost my GPA some more, but I'd rather not take the that year off. Any thoughts/ideas/advice? Thanks!

 

[rpatel8]

With your below average gpa and what looks to be pretty darn good extracurriculars, it looks the the DAT will tell the tale for you. You say you plan to score in the mid 20s in each section?....that is pretty confident don't you think? You seem to be on the right path though with the schools...I would personally apply to instate schools and a lot of private schools. The GPA, no offense, would really hold you back for a lot of out of state schools and higher tier private schools...but just knock out the DAT and go from there.

 

[Badgerfaithful]

If you can't get better than a 3.0, what makes you think you can get better than 99th percentile in all the sections of the DAT? Be realistic...

 

[somethinpositiv]

**What Schools Should I Apply To? / What Are My Chances?** (Read if this is you)
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046

 

[somethinpositiv]

With a 3.0 GPA, you may be looking at a 1-year SMP (Special Master's Program) and get a 3.8-4.0.

 

[SubtlDisharmony]

Thanks somethinpositiv 🙂,

And to Badger, what I meant by saying that was I don't think I have much chance of admissions to anywhere really if I don't score mid 20s. So in order for me to do this I'll NEED scores like that. I realize its difficult which is why I've started studying now. I've seen the range of GPAs that schools take and I'd like to think a low GPA in a difficult major, in an otherwise great application won't stop me from realizing a dream.