Would like guidance as best you could provide.

[123987]

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First thanks for taking time to read this, I have been looking into dentistry for the last 2 months, been reading books on my own like organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biology, chemistry, and will read biochem before taking the class (I am shooting for A's).

The question i had (I understand it's impossible to give me a definite answer but any advice is appreciated) was, how do i seem as an applicant.

Facts:
Male, Asian American (Born in the US parents are from Afghanistan), 26, Government and International Degree with a 3.2 gpa (I worked all throughout undergrad), I plan on going back to get the prereq's done while working full time for the Smithsonian and I will shoot for no less than 3.5 sgpa, I want at least a 21+ on the DAT's plus I will be starting a part-time volunteer position at a dental office this month.

I want to apply in June 1st, 2014 (the very first day it opens), the school I want to go to is, VCU mainly, but I am open to Maryland, UoP, Temple, NYU but i really want to get into VCU. I am a VA resident and have lived here for almost my whole life (i was born in Jersey).

Question:
With that record and projections, how competitive am I, and would you think VCU might accept me?

Thanks!

 

[123987]

Come on guys 71 views no help? haha

 

[periopocket]

Shoot for as close to a 4.0 sci gpa as possible and deff get that 21 on the DAT. Also contact Dr. Healy and seek his advice. He's a great guy.

 

[periopocket]

VCU's avgs: 3.6ogpa/3.6scigpa and 20dat

 

[123987]

Oh man Periopocket! you are the BEST! thanks for that heads up...what could I say to Dr. Healy, I could really use some guidance here.

 

[wazian2018]

Grades are obviously important but keep in mind VCU is really into shadowing hours (I'm currently applying, instate as well) - they recommend at least 150 with 100 from a general dentist. So assuming you haven't started shadowing yet this would be something to start looking into. Also meeting with Dr. Healy is a great idea- I met with him and he gives you realistic advice about what you need to do to improve your application (what classes to take, etc).

 

[123987]

Grades are obviously important but keep in mind VCU is really into shadowing hours (I'm currently applying, instate as well) - they recommend at least 150 with 100 from a general dentist. So assuming you haven't started shadowing yet this would be something to start looking into. Also meeting with Dr. Healy is a great idea- I met with him and he gives you realistic advice about what you need to do to improve your application (what classes to take, etc).

How exactly did you go about doing that, i just sent him an email, asking if i could ask him questions (read somewhere it is better to just ask before bombarding them with questions). I would be willing to drive down there and meet with him if thats what it takes. I just want a shot, I know my science GPA will be significantly higher then my bachelors GPA (which i can not do anything about). Also I will be working with a dentist very soon, if i start volunteering i can have close to 352 hours by june.

 

[wazian2018]

In my case he visited my undergrad in VA and my pre-health advisor allowed us to schedule individual meetings with him, but I've talked to current students at VCU and they say usually people just call the admissions office or email and ask to set up a meeting. If he doesn't reply to you I would just call the office and schedule something with him. Not that this is relevant to you now, but I've heard that he refuses to meet with you if you have already submitted an application, something to keep in mind for next year.