Where to apply...Need Advice

[BBD814]

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I just recieved the last of my rejection letters and wondering where to go from here...I recieved interviews from the schools that I applied to last year but no acceptance...My stats for last year were at DAT of 18/18/16 and a 3.49 overall and a 3.4 science GPA. I know my GPA is low but I maintained at least a 3.75 the last 2 1/2 years of college and only made 2 C's my entire college career...I just made a lot of B's my first 2 years...I took biochem lab this fall and made an A, which should have pushed my overall over 3.5 and took the DAT again a couple of weeks ago going up a little to a 18/19/19 with 20's in organic and biology. I was hoping that someone could advise me on which schools to apply,where I would have the best shot, and anything else that I might could do to better my chances for next year...Thanks

 

[Syrah]

Most schools are looking for 17+ on DAT scores and you might not have been accepted because of the 16. It sounds like you're decently solid for next year. Another tip is to apply as soon as the AADSAS comes out, you might have applied too late for this year.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

How many/which schools did you apply to?

 

[Anatomy Fanatic]

I also think that you are pretty well set up for next year's cycle. I would also get some more community service hours (no matter how many you already have, more always help!) and take a look at your personal statement again and maybe punch it up a bit. Also be sure to apply nice and early, which should be easy now that you know how the application process works.

As far as where to apply....take a look at predents and see what schools were accepting this year. Try to match your scores and GPA to schools, but don't aim too low! If you are a little below the averages, apply anyway because people have already gotten in with scores below those averages. That is why they are averages, and not minimums! If I were you, I would apply to about 15 schools, but really you'll have to figure that out on your own!

Good luck!

 

[DGDDS]

Also call the admissions offices of schools you had interview at and see where they think your app needs improving. Plus it will show you're still interested in them for next year!

 

[BBD814]

I appreciate the advice. I only applied to Tennessee and Mississippi last year because I really felt like I would have a decent chance in getting in at least one of them...I am definitely planning to apply to a lot of schools next year and I'm about start working on some more community service and shadowing hours. How many hours of community service should I try to obtain before the next application cycle?

 

[dr bojangles]

your gpa is ok i think, dat might be a bit low but should squeeze by. maybe its your ECs that are lacking? call the schools you interviewed at and see if they have suggestions.

 

[jigabodo]

I think the main problem is not your GPA, but your DAT score instead. Try to raise it to a 20 and I think you will have more than a legit shot. 🙂

 

[NewMexDent]

I appreciate the advice. I only applied to Tennessee and Mississippi last year because I really felt like I would have a decent chance in getting in at least one of them...I am definitely planning to apply to a lot of schools next year and I'm about start working on some more community service and shadowing hours. How many hours of community service should I try to obtain before the next application cycle?

So, you only applied to two schools? What's your state residency? You should probably look into increasing the number of schools you apply to.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

Yes, you applied to too few schools. With your GPA, applying to 2 schools might have been warranted if you had an AA of 23. But even that's a gamble b/c you can never know exactly what adcoms are looking for. There could be one or two minor details in your app that turn a few people off, but which others may not even consider. Retake the DAT again only if you think you can improve, otherwise reapply but shoot for 20 schools.

 

[jon68]

You need to apply to a lot more schools next year. It is getting more and more competitive every year. I had a 3.6 GPA and got 20s all around on the DAT, I applied to like 14 or 15 schools, got interviews at 4 (only decided to go to 3 of them) and only got accepted to 2 schools! Luckily for me they were my top 2 choices but I was surprised I didnt get more offers, I though I was a very strong applicant. Maybe let that be a lesson to many of you, dont feel too confident in yourselves, I know most of you are smart, but there are a lot more smart people out there than we like to believe sometimes. If I were you I would bite the bullet and apply to 20+ schools. I know it is expensive, but then again so is waiting another year to go to dental school.

 

[BBD814]

Both schools have told me that my DAT is above average for their accepted students, but my gpa was a bit low. The only thing that I can really improve now is my app by doing more community service and shadowing, because I have already graduated with a B.A. in biology and minor in chemistry making it hard to really improve my GPA due to all of the course work that I have already completed. I am definitely applying to a lot more schools next year and just hope that some one will take me...I really dont care where I go as long as I am in dental school.

 

[alanan84]

Both schools have told me that my DAT is above average for their accepted students, but my gpa was a bit low. The only thing that I can really improve now is my app by doing more community service and shadowing, because I have already graduated with a B.A. in biology and minor in chemistry making it hard to really improve my GPA due to all of the course work that I have already completed. I am definitely applying to a lot more schools next year and just hope that some one will take me...I really dont care where I go as long as I am in dental school.

Have you applied to your state's schools or have they mostly been to private schools?

 

[BBD814]

I applied to my state school, which only takes 35 students, and I was not accepted because of my gpa. They said that the average accepted white male applicant had a gpa of 3.6...

 

[sharpie88]

Hey man, dont give up this is my 3rd time, I have similar stats. 18/19/18 (22 in organic was highest) and 3.47 overall, 3.37 Science, BS in biology. I applied to 14 schools this year only got 2 interviews. I'm from south carolina and state school doesn't except many applicatns. So I advise to appply to as many as you can that have similar stats, im currently on USC waitlist, so I'll probably be applying again. Also, see if you can maybe work for a dentist, and increase those EC's. Good luck to you!