Why i am not getting interviews?

[jhu1]

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a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

 

[pk62281]

I haven't even applied yet, and I could say without any experience that there are probably a number of reasons why.

You need to post more info than that such as LORs, DAT score by section, work experience, shadowing/volunteer hours, etc.

 

[mr24]

Did he/she/you apply late?

 

[dentalWorks]

a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

doesn't make any sense to me. Even if he applied late in september/october.... he should have been contacted by at least AT LEAST 1 school.

If this is a serious post, can you tell us all the schools he applied to... maybe he picked many non out-of-state friendlies

Another thing, does he have a DAT score bellow 15?

Somethings really off here.

 

[321931]

a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

Could be any number of reasons and or combination of reasons:

1) Disciplinary Action
2) "Low" DAT score sections. I.E. 16 on RC/PAT/Science
3) "Meh" LOR
4) "Meh" EC
5) Application Late
6) "Average" DAT score (I put "average" because the SDN "average" is like a 21-22 LOL)

I'm willing to put my bet that its #2,#5,#6.

Edit:

I just looked at his previous post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=749232

"PA – 23
QR – 19
RC – 15 ( English is 2nd language)
BI – 18
GC – 24
OC – 20
TS – 20
AA – 19

GPA: 3.65"

It's the 15 that in RC that is holding him back. To everyone that has below or equal to a 16 in certain sections especially RC/PAT, I advise advise advise a retake. I hate to a be a bummer, but rejections like this occur because of the 15.

 

[jhu1]

Yes guys, this is a serious thread ... and yes its not me ... he is a great student, did not apply late ... good LOR ... hundreds of hours of volunteers and other stuff ... and no interviews whats so ever. Yes he has a RC – 15 but overal 19 ... but would that stop him from even getting 1 interview?

 

[dentalWorks]

for some reason (beyond my little brain's comprehension), dental schools have a hard-on for RC.

I do agree, stats overall look nice, but that 15RC is ouchy

 

[Bchance]

With all of that, that only leaves 1 MAIN thing it could be.......... LOW score in a given section possibly.. You should find out what section he scored low in and let us know.. That could very well be it..


Edit... Aww I see, that 15 in RC does hurt.. Unforunately he needs to retake the DAT and score better on RC.... However; I would advise your friend to contact a few schools and see what the general consenses is as to why there were no interview invites.

 

[jhu1]

what books do you guys suggest for RC? considering english not being the mother language?

 

[dentalWorks]

what books do you guys suggest for RC? considering english not being the mother language?

there is no books lol, this isn't MCAT, we don't have books specifically for our reading 🙂

There is Kaplan Blue Book or white book... they have like 3 (if blue) or 9 (if white) passages,.... thats it.

There are practice DAT mock-up exams (like archiver and topscore), each test has 3 passages... thats a little practice.

There are 2 softwares, Crack DAT reading, and Godfry, those are packed with RC mock-up tests.

 

[dental1987]

a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

Is he an international student?

 

[321931]

what books do you guys suggest for RC? considering english not being the mother language?

Honestly...no clue... Just try different strategies like search and destroy and see what works for you.

RC is such a toss up. Some of the passages are just brutal. Just look at the DAT discussion forums on people getting screwed over by some passages and english is their FIRST language.

I dunno. I would just try different strategies to see what works.

 

[jhu1]

Is he an international student?

No US Citizen

 

[jkb53433]

what books do you guys suggest for RC? considering english not being the mother language?

I did use examcrackers 101 passages in mcat for the DAT rc section ...that book had TONS if inference and tone questions to practice with...I also used the crack DAT reading as well

 

[molar3]

You cannot study for this section. Its probably a very difficult section for those who dont read alot on a general basis.
The best way to prepare for this is to read journals such as scientific american, scientific american mind, science, national geographic. and read these for FUN. this is what ive done throughout my college career, and I just like to read boooks in general. I got a 25 RC, and on my topscore practice exams i was scoring a 22. I only took 2 practice topscore tests like 3-4 days before my DAT
So my advice is, you need to "learn" to read fast and get the main points quickly. You should read an article from the above texts i mentioned, at least one everyday starting now, until your DAT to get yourself use to reading RC like passages
& unfortunatley, ONE little thing can obliterate your chances of getting in ........not to say everything else in ones app isnt great but there are people applying with criteria thats darn near perfect...competition is rough and i dont think dental schools care to take pity on someone who has a 15 RC...its kind of like oh well, onto the next one...
SO GET UR SCORE UP SOMEHOW!!

 

[DistinctSummer]

Don't forget that GPAs and DAT scores aren't the whole thing. Like some of the others are saying, DAT scores could be improved. The average on the DAT is 18, so a 19 isn't very far above.
The GPA is good, but what is the math/science GPA? Schools will value that above the normal GPA. Also, he applied to SO MANY SCHOOLS! In my experience, dental schools really respect applicants who want to go to THEIR school and be involved in THEIR program. Dental schools do get to see what other schools you have applied for. I'm sure it doesn't look good when you apply for 20, they can probably tell you're trying to get in anywhere rather than a school you really want to go to. Not only will it save your friend some money, but he should pick programs that he is really interested in. And then he should write about it.
The personal statement is an important piece. It really makes the person real and not just a bunch of numbers. Same with the letters of rec. Choose the right people. Find someone with good writing skills and tell them personal information that will help them write a better letter. If your friend has any hand skills (playing guitar, piano, sculpting, etc) it okay to have a professor mention that too.
Does your friend have any shadowing experience? If not, get some. If not a lot, get some more! Shadow a bunch of different specialties! Dental schools want to know that you are really interested in the field of dentistry rather than just sat in a dental chair once and thought it was cool (not saying your friend doesn't have shadowing experience, but if they don't they should get some). This is also a good thing to write about in the personal statement, if they feel like it.
If your friend is looking into schools that value community and public health, your friend should pick up some volunteer hours. I would say only ramp up the volunteer hours if the schools he is applying to value that though, otherwise time is probably better spent increasing GPA and DAT scores.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into a school's decision. A "well-rounded" person is what they like to see.
That being said, you're a med student, so you know all this already. Dunno why you're asking us... in fact, dunno why your friend didn't post to ask. Or maybe he did, but it just seems kind of weird that he has someone else asking for him. But best of luck. Maybe 2011 will be his year

 

[321931]

In my experience, dental schools really respect applicants who want to go to THEIR school and be involved in THEIR program. Dental schools do get to see what other schools you have applied for. I'm sure it doesn't look good when you apply for 20, they can probably tell you're trying to get in anywhere rather than a school you really want to go to.

I agree with everything you said except the quote above. I was skeptical of that rumor, and I asked about it previously on the forums before I applied. Some said it did matter, and some said it didn't matter at all. Like I said, it was more or less a rumor.

I applied to 21 schools and got 9 interviews with avg gpa/above avg dat scores. I would argue to anyone to apply to many schools in order to maximize your chances. I still don't think it will hurt you in the end. Many people here have 20+ schools and have just as many interviews.

Overall, its the 15 that is keeping the OP back. He just retake the DAT and do better. GL!

 

[DesiDentist]

Reading comprehension is the most frequently looked at score. There is tons of reading in dental school. Some weeks I was reading over 300 pages. Lots of info to digest. I would tell him to retake the test and achieve a higher score.

Also, luck plays a huge role. Best way to increase your luck is apply early and keep communicating with schools.

DesiDentist

 

[dentalWorks]

In my experience, dental schools really respect applicants who want to go to THEIR school and be involved in THEIR program. Dental schools do get to see what other schools you have applied for. I'm sure it doesn't look good when you apply for 20, they can probably tell you're trying to get in anywhere rather than a school you really want to go to

I don't mean to get on your case... but this is totally incorrect and counter productive actually.

First of all, schools do NOT have access to how many schools you've applied to... and EVEN if they did, it doesn't look bad to apply to a lot of schools

With today's heavy competition for spots, its not uncommon for people with great stats (but didn't "fit") to not get accepted... so they increase their chances by applying to alot of schools.

Anyone who is SERIOUS about attending dental school and not waste an entire year (because they didn't apply to enough schools the first time) should consider applying to AS MANY SCHOOLS as thier stats and wallet allow them to.

there is one reality no one can dispute: the more schools you apply to, the more your chances of landing interviews.

 

[321931]

I don't mean to get on your case... but this is totally incorrect and counter productive actually.

First of all, schools do NOT have access to how many schools you've applied to... and EVEN if they did, it doesn't look bad to apply to a lot of schools

With today's heavy competition for spots, its not uncommon for people with great stats (but didn't "fit") to not get accepted... so they increase their chances by applying to alot of schools.

Anyone who is SERIOUS about attending dental school and not waste an entire year (because they didn't apply to enough schools the first time) should consider applying to AS MANY SCHOOLS as thier stats and wallet allow them to.

there is one reality no one can dispute: the more schools you apply to, the more your chances of landing interviews.

👍

Ye, definitely agree. I dunno whether schools can see where you have applied to...so who knows. That's another rumor that has circulated on the predental forums.

None-the-less, I had to list on two secondaries (UNLV comes to mind) of ALL the schools that I had applied to. I thought, "meh, I won't get in now, since they want serious applicants for themselves only"..., but I landed both interviews with LISTING ALL 21 schools by name.

 

[dentalWorks]

👍

Ye, definitely agree. I dunno whether schools can see where you have applied to...so who knows. That's another rumor that has circulated on the predental forums.

None-the-less, I had to list on two secondaries (UNLV comes to mind) of ALL the schools that I had applied to. I thought, "meh, I won't get in now, since they want serious applicants for themselves only"..., but I landed both interviews with LISTING ALL 21 schools by name.

I have verified this from dental schools (before I applied) I contacted some dental schools and told them I was going to apply to 20+ schools... I wanted to know if they would be turned off by this... they all said no and one of them said (paraphrasing here) "its not like we can see how many schools you've applied to"

During Nova secondary, they wanted me to list ALL the schools I applied to... I listed all 18.

During my Buffalo, Nova, and Detroit interview, I was asked how many schools I applied to, how many interviews I've gotten so far, and HOW WILL I MAKE UP MY MIND ON WHICH SCHOOL I'LL ATTEND IF THEY ALL ACCEPTED ME (hahaha was a stunner right?). I was honest with all my answers... didn't effect my chances whatsoever

 

[DistinctSummer]

Ok, to each his own. But I think the rest of my statements are valid. I didn't have enough money to apply to 20 schools, and I got enough interviews from the 5 I applied to. Then again, I applied to those schools for a very specific reason: each had a program that I was really interested in. I guess all I was trying to say is it doesn't hurt to make connections to specific programs and not just apply willy nilly. That said, it is competitive, and sure, apply to as many as you want if you have the means...

 

[Timpson]

Reading comprehension is the problem here and nothing else. It is one of the portions of the DAT that really tests how well you can function at D-school. PAT and QR are not as important because dentistry doesn't involve much math except with regards to research. The PAT is an irrelevant aspect of the DAT and has little to do with your ability as a dentist. Re-take the DAT and apply next year. Unless your friend is a hot girl or has deep-pocketed alumni from my school (USC), he/she will most likely not get in until that DAT score is improved.


-Might I recommend that your friend study some textbooks on physiology, cell bio, and genetics. That biology score could also use some improvement and while reading that material, his/her reading comprehension skills might improve. The RC section of the DAT tends to focus on theories and concepts in biology and I actually had previously read about the passages on my DAT.

 

[DesiDentist]

Actually, PAT has more to do with dental school than you may think.
As dentists we use 2-D radiographs and mentally translate them to 3-D. looking for lesions/decay and anatomy.

The whole purpose of the PAT is to see how you can "mentally" arrange spatial images and come up with the correct "diagnosis" so to speak.

In my opinion both RC and PAT are a big priority, there is a reason why PAT is a separate score. the Natural science section just wants to see if you can understand science and math is added on there if you can manipulate numbers and see how you can deal with having a very mentally tiring section at the end of this horrendous exam. It's like doing the last rep of a set of 3 bench presses and having no stamina to finish....brutal.

DesiDentist

 

[Green85]

Reading comprehension is the problem here and nothing else. It is one of the portions of the DAT that really tests how well you can function at D-school. PAT and QR are not as important because dentistry doesn't involve much math except with regards to research. The PAT is an irrelevant aspect of the DAT and has little to do with your ability as a dentist.

wow, so yeah PAT & RC have EVERYTHING to do with bring a dentist! Just like Desi Dentist said, PAT is imperitive for interpreting radiographic images and there have been proven correlations between a students RC score and their success in dental school...IMO, these are the two most important individual scores on the DAT. The OP should definitely retake...

 

[cangb]

. .

 

[glo1984]

Reading comprehension is the problem here and nothing else. It is one of the portions of the DAT that really tests how well you can function at D-school. PAT and QR are not as important because dentistry doesn't involve much math except with regards to research. The PAT is an irrelevant aspect of the DAT and has little to do with your ability as a dentist. Re-take the DAT and apply next year. Unless your friend is a hot girl or has deep-pocketed alumni from my school (USC), he/she will most likely not get in until that DAT score is improved.


-Might I recommend that your friend study some textbooks on physiology, cell bio, and genetics. That biology score could also use some improvement and while reading that material, his/her reading comprehension skills might improve. The RC section of the DAT tends to focus on theories and concepts in biology and I actually had previously read about the passages on my DAT.

As others have stated, PAT is huge. Hopefully you're not saying this to justify your own subpar performance because that would be delusional. While this may be a coincidence, I knew three people who were first in their class at very competitive programs, they destroyed the PAT. 🙂 Just saying...

 

[jonishere5]

a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

I'm not sure what method he used for the reading comprehension but if your not a fast reader the search and destroy method may be your best option, I used it and got a 19 on the reading comprehension section.

 

[dentalWorks]

according to this:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=657139

38 schools thought RC is "very important"
26 schools thought PAT is "very important"
and only 7 schools thought QR is "very important".

basically more than half the schools don't categorie PAT as a very-important section. So its safe to say, its no where near as important as RC.

 

[SN1]

according to this:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=657139

38 schools thought RC is "very important"
26 schools thought PAT is "very important"
and only 7 schools thought QR is "very important".

basically more than half the schools don't categorie PAT as a very-important section. So its safe to say, its no where near as important as RC.

I don't understand why is RC important. You are not learning how to write a novel or a book in dental school. As long as you can understand and communicate well, you are good. My dentist went to penn and she doesn't even speak perfect english.

Again I think this is a personal opinon. People who did well in RC are going to say RC is important. Same with ones who did well in other areas.

 

[321931]

I don't understand why is RC important. You are not learning how to write a novel or a book in dental school. As long as you can understand and communicate well, you are good. My dentist went to penn and she doesn't even speak perfect english.

Again I think this is a personal opinon. People who did well in RC are going to say RC is important. Same with ones who did well in other areas.

I think the importance of RC stems from understanding difficult material quickly. In theory, people with high RC can comprehend the difficult dental school curriculum over one that doesn't posses a high RC. To be honest, it does make sense...

And no, I didn't do "amazing" in RC. I got a 20.

 

[dl9006]

I don't understand why is RC important. You are not learning how to write a novel or a book in dental school. As long as you can understand and communicate well, you are good. My dentist went to penn and she doesn't even speak perfect english.

Again I think this is a personal opinon. People who did well in RC are going to say RC is important. Same with ones who did well in other areas.

so how are random facts about some insects and math relevant to dentistry?

RC= reading comprehension it's testing how efficiently you can understand what you read even if the topics are not relevant to dentistry/science.


it is indeed a very important score and if you bomb this section then kiss your chances goodbye.

i suppose that it also shows your grasp of english. i heard some complaints about advanced standing students not being able to explain their treatment plans properly to their patients. obviously dental schools want someone that can adequately communicate in english

 

[lmaozedong1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFx3SZO6F2M

This thread reminded me of this.

 

[SN1]

so how are random facts about some insects and math relevant to dentistry?

RC= reading comprehension it's testing how efficiently you can understand what you read even if the topics are not relevant to dentistry/science.


it is indeed a very important score and if you bomb this section then kiss your chances goodbye.

i suppose that it also shows your grasp of english. i heard some complaints about advanced standing students not being able to explain their treatment plans properly to their patients. obviously dental schools want someone that can adequately communicate in english

how are the history of west and east germany, us constitution and other topics in the RC relevant to dentistry?

Questions in RC can be tricky and ambiguous a lot of times. Often there are more than 1 answers to the question.

 

[SN1]

I think the importance of RC stems from understanding difficult material quickly. In theory, people with high RC can comprehend the difficult dental school curriculum over one that doesn't posses a high RC. To be honest, it does make sense...

And no, I didn't do "amazing" in RC. I got a 20.

20 is not good?

Man this forum is filled with cocky nerds who probably have 25 average on their AA

 

[dl9006]

how are the history of west and east germany, us constitution and other topics in the RC relevant to dentistry?

Questions in RC can be tricky and ambiguous a lot of times. Often there are more than 1 answers to the question.

i was saying RC tests you on how quickly you can digest new material


perhaps you need to work on your RC...

 

[SN1]

i was saying RC tests you on how quickly you can digest new material


perhaps you need to work on your RC...

oh please. I moved to the US at the age of 16. I am aware that I might not be the strongest in that section.

what did you get on that section a 29?

 

[Timpson]

As others have stated, PAT is huge. Hopefully you're not saying this to justify your own subpar performance because that would be delusional. While this may be a coincidence, I knew three people who were first in their class at very competitive programs, they destroyed the PAT. 🙂 Just saying...

I got a 23 on the PAT and I don't feel the need to put my stats in my profile for anonymous internet people to see and give me anonymous praise for how well I did. The PAT is, in my opinion, an easy portion of the test to score well on. It is just difficult to study for because there is no PAT prerequisite and KAPLAN's PAT section is a bit too easy. I used CrackDATPAT and it worked well for me. A dentist on here posted that he/she thinks that the PAT is important. I will defer to them because they have more real-world experience. That being said, why not just replace the PAT with an x-ray interpretation section or something along those lines? Let's make the test as relevant to dentistry as possible.

 

[321931]

20 is not good?

Man this forum is filled with cocky nerds who probably have 25 average on their AA

lol. In this forum, the average DAT AA seems to be a 21-22. So, I'm just being modest about my scores. None-the-less, RC is important, and even though you see no value/understand why RC is so important, Dental Schools really put a lot of weight on it.

Best to do well, then to undermine it.

 

[rnbaxter]

a friend of mine asked me to post this for him ..

he has BS from UCLA
GPA 3.5
DAT 19

and he didn't recieve even 1 interview from over 20 schools that he applied ...

any advise?

I have a BS from a div 1 college
GPA 3.8+
Dat 20
and top notch resume and not becoming accepted (3int)

Times are tough...

 

[glo1984]

i was saying rc tests you on how quickly you can digest new material


perhaps you need to work on your rc...

+1