Which schools are must apply in my situation

[thanotoriousfob]

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Just took my DATs recently and received 17 AA 18 TS 20 PAT. Not the greatest scores and I'm not planning on retaking them. I have a 3.3 w 3.1 sci GPA. Which schools would most likely accept me (if that is possible) just based off these stats?

 

[UOP_Dentist]

Just took my DATs recently and received 17 AA 18 TS 20 PAT. Not the greatest scores and I'm not planning on retaking them. I have a 3.3 w 3.1 sci GPA. Which schools would most likely accept me (if that is possible) just based off these stats?

ouch!

Do you really NOT want to retake it? There's not much choices out there. YOu're applying at the wrong time. It's really competitive. You may want to either

a. retake the DATs and apply at a later year
b. Apply to 30+ schools
c. write a really damn good essay
d. apply at a much later year, when apps are low

 

[bruinpredent]

ouch!

Do you really NOT want to retake it? There's not much choices out there. YOu're applying at the wrong time. It's really competitive. You may want to either

a. retake the DATs and apply at a later year
b. Apply to 30+ schools
c. write a really damn good essay
d. apply at a much later year, when apps are low

a. do this one
b. do this as well
c. this probably wont save you
d. apps wont be low, the competition is increasing every year


OP, lets be realistic...you might get lucky and get in, but if you really want a good shot, and to not have to waste over a grand (maybe more) in application fees, i would seriously suggest you retake

i'm pretty sure everyone here will agree with me and UoP_Dentist

 

[DrSmiles12]

I agree with them, its worth retaking.. Sorry

 

[Regmata]

If you refuse to retake, then you must not really care altogether that much whether or not you are a dentist...your scores are not great, don't waste your time or money...

Find a career that you think you will enjoy enough to motivate you to do what is necessary to get the opportunity to become a member of the profession.

 

[DDSY]

A small bunch of people got in with those scores. I believe that many of those individuals probably have unique credentials.

However, as mentioned before, your chance increases tremendously by studying hard and improving your DAT score.

 

[thanotoriousfob]

If you refuse to retake, then you must not really care altogether that much whether or not you are a dentist...your scores are not great, don't waste your time or money...

Find a career that you think you will enjoy enough to motivate you to do what is necessary to get the opportunity to become a member of the profession.

The reason I said I did not want to retake it is because I've already taken it twice. My scores I posted are from the second time. I am contemplating on using my old scores 18 AA 19 TS 19 PAT instead. I don't know how I did worst in my sciences the second time around. I knew way more things and I still did worst.

I guess I just don't want to take it again because I am working 50+ hours a week and I'm BURNED out from that and studying for the DAT. I have some pretty good credentials: work experience, shadowing, pre-dental club pres, community service. I guess I'm just kind of in a rut right now and I'm starting to realize Dental school isn't for me. I'm bummed about it but I know I have some great alternatives set up for me. But still, dental school is my main priority.

I appreciate the responses! Thank you.

 

[bruinpredent]

The reason I said I did not want to retake it is because I've already taken it twice. My scores I posted are from the second time. I am contemplating on using my old scores 18 AA 19 TS 19 PAT instead. I don't know how I did worst in my sciences the second time around. I knew way more things and I still did worst.

I guess I just don't want to take it again because I am working 50+ hours a week and I'm BURNED out from that and studying for the DAT. I have some pretty good credentials: work experience, shadowing, pre-dental club pres, community service. I guess I'm just kind of in a rut right now and I'm starting to realize Dental school isn't for me. I'm bummed about it but I know I have some great alternatives set up for me. But still, dental school is my main priority.

I appreciate the responses! Thank you.

for most schools, you wont have the option of using your older scores as the schools usually take your most recent scores, though i'm sure you already know this. i'd say apply, but apply to a ton of schools if you want to have a decent shot

 

[burgler09]

I think your job should be the least of your worries right now. Take the DAT again and study very hard. Truthfully even with a 20+ and your GPA you are no shoo-in. While working those kind of hours right now might seem like good money.. if you think about it, it really doesnt mean anything in the long run. Sacrifice a bit now for more gains later. Best of luck to you my friend but at the same time, you have come this far only to give up because of a test? Come on, retake the DAT after studying your ass off and don't complain about being burned out. Itll all pay off

 

[pb323]

Pardon me for butting into this thread. I am a dental school drop-out, but I occasionally lurk in the dental threads. I'm usually hanging out in the pharmacy forum as I'm beginning pharmacy school next year...

I urge you to heed your intuitions about dental school. It could be a temporary feeling due to burnout..BUT, it definitely warrants some introspection. I'm not trying to sound patronizing as I'm doubt I'm telling you anything that you don't already know. Your post struck a chord and I had to respond.

 

[laundry]

Pardon me for butting into this thread. I am a dental school drop-out, but I occasionally lurk in the dental threads. I'm usually hanging out in the pharmacy forum as I'm beginning pharmacy school next year...

I urge you to heed your intuitions about dental school. It could be a temporary feeling due to burnout..BUT, it definitely warrants some introspection. I'm not trying to sound patronizing as I'm doubt I'm telling you anything that you don't already know. Your post struck a chord and I had to respond.

...this could be a lot of people....

 

[pb323]

Sad but true.

It's a harsh reality to come to the realization that you are in the wrong place after time invested. I hate to see somebody walking in that direction before they even get there. If the doubt is there now, it WON'T get better when you get there.

Im not talking about nervous jitters, it's the persistent voice that you try to shut-up due to denial. ....Just as a potential spouse's major flaws will not disappear because you are married.

 

[chrisvocker]

can't believe no one has suggested some of the schools with lower GPA/DAT avgs.

If you just really wanna go to D-school and are not too concerned where, I would suggest you take a look at Meharry and Howard. I think their avgs are in your neck of the woods....if not lower. Hope this helps.

 

[DDS1st]

Let's see.....
There are other factors to consider....
1. Have you done any internships?
2. Have you done any summer programs?
3. How long did you shadow?
4. How well are your letters of recommendation?
5. What leadership roles in your extracurricular activities have you held?
6. (Let's face it) Are you considered a minority or part of the majority?
7. The college you went to.....
8. What schools do you want to go to?

My DAT scores were about the same...Neither GPA was lower than a 3.45. I only applyed to 5 schools and got 5 interviews....👍

 

[uesider]

Don't get discouraged... these are not terrible scores! While they may not rival many people on this message board, keep in mind there are THOUSANDS of other people applying who don't visit SDN and post their scores. When a school has an "average" DAT of 18 or 19, it means some people HAVE scored below that and gotten in.

Just apply to a lot of schools... have you submitted your app yet? I don't know how people can say you have to forget about work... I totally understand needing to work to make money. My tutor has told me to quit work, and unfortunately that's not a very viable option (how does he think he gets paid!) Just keep a positive outlook and hope for the best. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world. There's always next year (and other opportunities) but since you've put so much time into it already, try to stay positive! Good luck!

 

[Red Falcon]

A 3.3 overall and 3.1 science GPA are the lower limits for application to dental school these days. Applicants with those stats are typically aiming for 20's and 21's on their DAT to make up for their low GPAs. I'll be honest and say you really don't stand a chance at getting accepted this cycle with a reduction in your DAT from 18 to 17. That's a red flag for any adcom and doesn't compliment your current GPA. They like to see progression.

Save your money and don't apply this year if you aren't willing to retake the DAT again anytime soon (next 3 months). You really need a 19AA at the bare minimum to give yourself a decent score to stand on. Only half of the applicants got in last cycle, so you can figure there were thousands of applications similar to your own that were tossed because of the influx of competitive applicants.

Continue working at your job to save your money and study hard for the DAT every chance you get. Take many practice tests, so you have an idea of what to expect in your scores. Don't take the test again until you are hitting 20's on the practices, so that way you'll get the score you need next time around. You'll get there, and it will be a great day when it happens.

 

[z3u2]

no one seems to be answering directly to the OP's question

 

[Ething]

Here is a direct answer to the OP. There are plenty of schools that will accept you if you are considered a minority. If not...you must increase that DAT score. If you are considered a minority try Meharry or Howard and call them all the time. Also apply to as many schools as possible but those two are your best bet. Apply early!