Will increasing volunteer/shadowing hours help me get in next cycle?

[youraverageasia]

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I had 3 interviews this year (1 I didnt' go to) and was rejected from the other 2. Also doesn't seem like I'll be getting any more invites. I believe I have solid stats (21 AA/21 TS), 3.94 Masters GPA in Biomedical Science. My question is, will increasing my volunteer/shadowing hours dramatically increase my chances of getting in next year? I believe one of the main reasons why I was rejected was due to my low volunteer hours (200 hrs via a school club) and 200 dental related activities. My application was complete mid aug.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

You mention your master's GPA which is very strong, but how was your undergrad GPA? I don't think 200 hours in volunteering and shadowing respectively is insufficient by any means.

 

[sweetpeeas]

You mention your master's GPA which is very strong, but how was your undergrad GPA? I don't think 200 hours in volunteering and shadowing respectively is insufficient by any means.

I agree, your hours do not look insufficient. Overall, your stats, even if you do have a lower under gpa, seem quite strong. How are your letters of rec & personal statement? You can always volunteer more, but maybe it's the way you are wording or conveying the message in your writing/interview that's rubbing admissions the wrong way? I would recommend having friends read and give feedback!

When you do reapply, maybe apply earlier and broader! Keep your head up!

 

[youraverageasia]

You mention your master's GPA which is very strong, but how was your undergrad GPA? I don't think 200 hours in volunteering and shadowing respectively is insufficient by any means.

So my undergrad GPA is on the lower side (3.2) which is why I did the masters. Am I pretty much screwed since my undergrad GPA is so low?

 

[Cello]

Why did you miss the interview? Also, mid-August is a bit late if you are worried about your stats.

 

[arierosa]

What do you mean by "dental related activities"? Maybe you need more straight forward shadowing experience? But, your stats are strong, nothing wrong with your hours. You should look towards improving your LoR's and personal statement. And apply more broadly, too.

 

[A Pre-dent]

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[Rambunctious]

If you do get another interview next cycle, they will ask you what you have done differently since the last cycle and you should have more shadowing hours done as one thing that you've done differently. So yes do some more shadowing.

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

3.2 undergrad gpa isn't good but it's not so atrocious they can't look past it after you got the 3.94 which is very nice. Your shadowing isn't bad but I guess you can do some more. Maybe try to do some community service and improve your interviewing skills too!

 

[sumin5924]

So my undergrad GPA is on the lower side (3.2) which is why I did the masters. Am I pretty much screwed since my undergrad GPA is so low?

I had a 2.8 uGPA (but a 3.9 SMP, 22AA) so I am very similar to you, if not worse off. How many schools did you apply to? I applied broadly and received around 9 invites. I would have to imagine it's the LOR or personal statement because your hours are definitely not insufficient.

 

[BiologyMajor86]

I would definitely apply broadly: 20+ schools if you have the money. A 3.2 uGPA, 3.9 gradGPA, and a 21AA should get you in somewhere by the next cycle. I echo the sentiment that double checking your PS, practicing an interview, and obtaining additional LOR's if possible will help your cause. If not class of 2020, you should be a class of 2021 candidate.

 

[dentguy89]

I had a 2.8 uGPA (but a 3.9 SMP, 22AA) so I am very similar to you, if not worse off. How many schools did you apply to? I applied broadly and received around 9 invites. I would have to imagine it's the LOR or personal statement because your hours are definitely not insufficient.

dang thats a nice turnaround! If you don't mind me asking...Where did you do your SMP?

 

[EasTexan]

Might not help, but definitely won't hurt and they'll want to see that you stayed involved and active since your last application. So, go for it, you've got nothing to lose.

That said, and like everyone else has pointed out, I don't think your volunteer or shadowing hours are what hurt you. It's in your interviews or just chance. I mean, not attending one of 3 interviews cut your chances pretty hard from the start...

 

[laserzpewpew]

IMO, shadowing and volunteering are a massive waste of time. For all the BS that people in this country extol about the virtues of capitalism, I can't understand how volunteering is still a thing and why people willingly work for free. Go get a paying job and make money so you can afford applying to even more schools.

 

[postpitadh]

I'm in a similar situation as you are. Work on your interview skills! I'd say it's a pretty easy fix for you going into the next cycle.

 

[super frank]

200 volunteer hours is definitely above average. Work on your interviewing skills.