Which Schools to apply to for application showing improvement?

[cariesRbad]

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I'm trying to figure out which schools to apply to. I have already submitted my app, and just need to add more schools.

This is my third time applying. I have been trying to offset a low undergrad GPA. Since the last cycle, I retook the DAT and went from a 17 to a 20. The year before I did a pre-professional master's program (SMP) and earned a 3.7. That info was on last cycle's app, which earned me one interview at my state school, but no acceptance.

Undergrad GPA:
Overall: 3.04
Science: 2.86

Graduate GPA (All Science Courses - 30 cr hrs): 3.7

Recent DAT: 20/20/20
Bio: 21
GC: 21
O: 18
PA: 20
RC: 23
QR: 15
AA: 20
TS: 20

I have hundreds of hours of shadowing/lab work and volunteering.


So, with my stats and history, what schools or criteria for schools should I focus on? How many schools should I apply to?

I know some schools are more forgiving about past GPA if you've shown improvement, and others are not. I don't know which schools those are and I would really appreciate any input, as it will probably be very valuable to my success this cycle.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

I'm trying to figure out which schools to apply to. I have already submitted my app, and just need to add more schools.

This is my third time applying. I have been trying to offset a low undergrad GPA. Since the last cycle, I retook the DAT and went from a 17 to a 20. The year before I did a pre-professional master's program (SMP) and earned a 3.7. That info was on last cycle's app, which earned me one interview at my state school, but no acceptance.

Undergrad GPA:
Overall: 3.04
Science: 2.86

Graduate GPA (All Science Courses - 30 cr hrs): 3.7

Recent DAT: 20/20/20
Bio: 21
GC: 21
O: 18
PA: 20
RC: 23
QR: 15
AA: 20
TS: 20

I have hundreds of hours of shadowing/lab work and volunteering.


So, with my stats and history, what schools or criteria for schools should I focus on? How many schools should I apply to?

I know some schools are more forgiving about past GPA if you've shown improvement, and others are not. I don't know which schools those are and I would really appreciate any input, as it will probably be very valuable to my success this cycle.

I'm in the same boat, but with higher stats. I don't think we're in a position to be choosy in any way, so apply very broadly.

 

[DrFelt]

This is my third time applying.

Have you maintained communication with the schools that you applied to in the past? If so, I say those schools are your best bet as they can better see your efforts. Your DAT looks good, and obviously you had a nice performance with your graduate work, but your previous GPA is bad enough that you may get overlooked unless someone is aware of your situation.

 

[Malcolm1988]

Anybody who's anybody will tell you the only schools worth applying to are Hahr-vahd, Columbia, and Penn ( penn less so since it can be easily confused for a non-ivy school). Apply Ivy. It's the only way to gain success with the upper crust.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Anybody who's anybody will tell you the only schools worth applying to are Hahr-vahd, Columbia, and Penn ( penn less so since it can be easily confused for a non-ivy school). Apply Ivy. It's the only way to gain success with the upper crust.

Umm, maybe in your neck of the woods. Penn is probably one of the more prestigious Ivy league schools because of Wharton. 👍

 

[cariesRbad]

Why is there a conversation about Ivy League in a thread about applying to dental school 3 times? 😕

Umm, maybe in your neck of the woods. Penn is probably one of the more prestigious Ivy league schools because of Wharton. 👍

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Why is there a conversation about Ivy League in a thread about applying to dental school 3 times? 😕

Seems like it's Ivy or bust here on SDN. 👍