WAMC? 2023-2024 cycle?

[dentalstudent123456]

Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.56
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
AA: 19
RC: 19
QR: 19
BIO: 17
GC: 21
OC: 17
TS: 18
PAT 19
State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: if you want to include this
Major: BIO
Minor:
Minority? NO
Reapplicant? No

Shadowing Experience:
General Dentist: 234 HRS
Oral Surgery: 63 HRS
Pediatric: 100 HRS
Prosthodontist: 135 HRS
Orthodontist: 87 HRS
Volunteering Experience:
COMON (Colorado Mission of Mercy; free dental work): 24 HRS
Employment:
Dental assistant: ~1500-1600 HRS
Dental Lab Technician ~ 200-300 HRS

LOR type and strength:
2 from science professors (Microbiology and Biochemistry). 1 strong, 1 alright
1 from a general dentist (strong)
1 from a prosthodontist (strong)
School list:
- Anchutz CO
- New England
-Temple
-Las Vegas
-Louisville
-Touro
-AT Missouri
-Western CA
- Mid Western AZ
- Mid Western Illonois
- Creighton
- AT AZ
- Detroit Mercry
-University of Maryland
- UoP
-UCLA
-UCSF
-Tufts

Any advice is appreciated!

Thank you guys!

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[macsak]

Overall GPA: 3.68
Science GPA: 3.56
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
AA: 19
RC: 19
QR: 19
BIO: 17
GC: 21
OC: 17
TS: 18
PAT 19
State of Residence: Colorado

Undergrad Attended: if you want to include this
Major: BIO
Minor:
Minority? NO
Reapplicant? No

Shadowing Experience:
General Dentist: 234 HRS
Oral Surgery: 63 HRS
Pediatric: 100 HRS
Prosthodontist: 135 HRS
Orthodontist: 87 HRS
Volunteering Experience:
COMON (Colorado Mission of Mercy; free dental work): 24 HRS
Employment:
Dental assistant: ~1500-1600 HRS
Dental Lab Technician ~ 200-300 HRS

LOR type and strength:
2 from science professors (Microbiology and Biochemistry). 1 strong, 1 alright
1 from a general dentist (strong)
1 from a prosthodontist (strong)
School list:
- Anchutz CO
- New England
-Temple
-Las Vegas
-Louisville
-Touro
-AT Missouri
-Western CA
- Mid Western AZ
- Mid Western Illonois
- Creighton
- AT AZ
- Detroit Mercry
-University of Maryland
- UoP
-UCLA
-UCSF
-Tufts

Any advice is appreciated!

Thank you guys!

how did you come up with this school list?

 

[Ryxndek]

I would toss out UCLA, UCSF, and UoP, they will be donations to the school if you apply. I would narrow your list down to 12-14 schools, at most. You have schools listed all over the country, any reason as to that?

Your best chance for admission will be your state school, Ucolorado, along with neighboring schools; Creighton, Nebraska, ATMO, Touro - NM, AT-AZ, Midwestern AZ, which you have on your list. After that I would try to narrow it down to a region if you can. You may have better luck with Midwest than Westcoast. You could also try East Coast - NYU, Touro, TUFTS, etc. 18 schools is overkill and a large sum of money (about 3.5-5k just in apps alone not counting travel costs for interviews) It really adds up.

Did you take the DAT once? 19 is just below average, and being a Bio-major and getting a 17Bio doesn't look the best on an app. I would also aim to have more volunteer work, 24 hours isn't enough. Working with underserved populations also helps you app- soup kitchen, food pantry, etc. You also really won't need the Proths LOR, dental schools pump out general dentists not specialists. If you can get a LOR from a work/volunteer supervisor I think that would look a lot better.

Make sure you have all the prereqs for each school, some are more lenient than others. The main ones you will need to cover ALL bases: Calc 1, Anatomy/Physiology, Microbio, Biochem

Hope this helps clear some things up!

 

[dentalstudent123456]

I would toss out UCLA, UCSF, and UoP, they will be donations to the school if you apply. I would narrow your list down to 12-14 schools, at most. You have schools listed all over the country, any reason as to that?

Your best chance for admission will be your state school, Ucolorado, along with neighboring schools; Creighton, Nebraska, ATMO, Touro - NM, AT-AZ, Midwestern AZ, which you have on your list. After that I would try to narrow it down to a region if you can. You may have better luck with Midwest than Westcoast. You could also try East Coast - NYU, Touro, TUFTS, etc. 18 schools is overkill and a large sum of money (about 3.5-5k just in apps alone not counting travel costs for interviews) It really adds up.

Did you take the DAT once? 19 is just below average, and being a Bio-major and getting a 17Bio doesn't look the best on an app. I would also aim to have more volunteer work, 24 hours isn't enough. Working with underserved populations also helps you app- soup kitchen, food pantry, etc. You also really won't need the Proths LOR, dental schools pump out general dentists not specialists. If you can get a LOR from a work/volunteer supervisor I think that would look a lot better.

Make sure you have all the prereqs for each school, some are more lenient than others. The main ones you will need to cover ALL bases: Calc 1, Anatomy/Physiology, Microbio, Biochem

Hope this helps clear some things up!

Thank you for your feedback! I'll have to go over my list of schools again.

I took the DAT once, and I got mixed reviews about whether to apply or retake it. The majority of people I spoke to told me to apply, and apply broadly/early. I'm actually working under the prosthodontist as her lab tech. Would the LOR work from her, or should I ask another dentist I worked for?

I have taken all of those pre reqs, and made sure that I took every pre req for the schools I selected.

 

[Ryxndek]

Thank you for your feedback! I'll have to go over my list of schools again.

I took the DAT once, and I got mixed reviews about whether to apply or retake it. The majority of people I spoke to told me to apply, and apply broadly/early. I'm actually working under the prosthodontist as her lab tech. Would the LOR work from her, or should I ask another dentist I worked for?

I have taken all of those pre reqs, and made sure that I took every pre req for the schools I selected.

Gotcha, to address the DAT, I'm on the fence. Had you had a higher GPA, I think you could have been Okay. But since it's relatively average for matriculants, the DAT could do more harm than good to your application. I agree with what others have told you, applying early and broadly will be your best bet. However, the likelihood of you getting into an expensive private is more likely than getting into your state program. However, there's still a solid chance. I think if you can get your apps in early, like in June, you stand a chance.

In regards to the Pros letter, I think if you can have them write it more so from a supervisor standpoint it should be fine. I would just let them know. I could be wrong, but I think most schools will accept it as a supervisor if you list their contact for the work position. I am not entirely familiar with that type of LOR. My supervisor was my research PI, so slightly different.

But I would try to find some more volunteer work if you can, your app seems a little light outside of the extensive clinical experiences, which is solid. Did you have any leadership positions/experiences in undergrad?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

First you need more community service that is not dental or education related unless you were hired as a teacher.

Second you need to take a breath. I am as much a proponent of holistic review but you should go for a DAT retake. I agree submitting early and broadly works, but I don't have a sense of where you would be a good fit. You are basically showing your resume as a future dental student but not a thing about who you are, what interests you, and your ability to connect with patients. You have shadowing and dental employment, but you could be hired as a dental assistant with your resume above. Even be ready for hygiene school.

Where's your leadership? Involvement with campus activities? Involvement off-campus with the community? PERSONALITY?? I just don't see anything that would compel me to move your file to an interview.

 

[dentalstudent123456]

Gotcha, to address the DAT, I'm on the fence. Had you had a higher GPA, I think you could have been Okay. But since it's relatively average for matriculants, the DAT could do more harm than good to your application. I agree with what others have told you, applying early and broadly will be your best bet. However, the likelihood of you getting into an expensive private is more likely than getting into your state program. However, there's still a solid chance. I think if you can get your apps in early, like in June, you stand a chance.

In regards to the Pros letter, I think if you can have them write it more so from a supervisor standpoint it should be fine. I would just let them know. I could be wrong, but I think most schools will accept it as a supervisor if you list their contact for the work position. I am not entirely familiar with that type of LOR. My supervisor was my research PI, so slightly different.

But I would try to find some more volunteer work if you can, your app seems a little light outside of the extensive clinical experiences, which is solid. Did you have any leadership positions/experiences in undergrad?

Yeah, I'm totally okay with having to go out of state if it comes to that, but Colorado is definitely my #1 choice. I was going to apply this cycle and if I don't get in, I will retake my DAT to have a better chance for the next cycle. I plan on submitting my application on May 30th, right when it opens. I am also going on a mission trip to Jamaica this September for 1 week.

Unfortunately, my undergrad consisted of my going to class, studying, and working to pay for tuition. I didn't participate much in undergrad.

 

[Ryxndek]

Yeah, I'm totally okay with having to go out of state if it comes to that, but Colorado is definitely my #1 choice. I was going to apply this cycle and if I don't get in, I will retake my DAT to have a better chance for the next cycle. I plan on submitting my application on May 30th, right when it opens. I am also going on a mission trip to Jamaica this September for 1 week.

Unfortunately, my undergrad consisted of my going to class, studying, and working to pay for tuition. I didn't participate much in undergrad.

I sorta agree with @mr.smile above, I think you are going to need to really work/show who you are on your application. We aren't getting a very good picture of who you are as an applicant. I think if you can retake, and do better on the DAT, and acquire some more volunteer work that pushes your boundaries out of your comfort zone along with maybe some leadership experience that it will make you a much more competitive applicant.

Keep in mind, while you could apply this year, think about how much money you will spend. 12-15 apps in total will cost you around 3.5-5k, just to SUBMIT. Let alone travel if you get interviews. And reapplicants are held to higher standards, so you could throw yourself in the pot, but you shouldn't do it just to see how it goes, that would make your next cycle that much more difficult. You should 100% be fully ready to apply with ECs, Volunteering, and a solid DAT score if you want to get into UColorado. Otherwise, you might get stuck paying a ton in tuition. Just some food for thought.

 

[OncePreDent]

Have you thought about your neighboring state Utah (University of Utah or Roseman) - DAT is on the lower end for Univ. of Utah but other stats are fine

 

[OncePreDent]

First you need more community service that is not dental or education related unless you were hired as a teacher.

Second you need to take a breath. I am as much a proponent of holistic review but you should go for a DAT retake. I agree submitting early and broadly works, but I don't have a sense of where you would be a good fit. You are basically showing your resume as a future dental student but not a thing about who you are, what interests you, and your ability to connect with patients. You have shadowing and dental employment, but you could be hired as a dental assistant with your resume above. Even be ready for hygiene school.

Where's your leadership? Involvement with campus activities? Involvement off-campus with the community? PERSONALITY?? I just don't see anything that would compel me to move your file to an interview.

Mr. Smile would it be better to have LOR from 2 profs, 1 dentist, and 1 volunteering coordinator/leader or 2 profs, 1 dentist, and 1 work experience (dental assisting). Basically, do you think it would be better to have another dentist write a LOR or a volunteer coordinator?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Mr. Smile would it be better to have LOR from 2 profs, 1 dentist, and 1 volunteering coordinator/leader or 2 profs, 1 dentist, and 1 work experience (dental assisting). Basically, do you think it would be better to have another dentist write a LOR or a volunteer coordinator?

Pay attention to each school's requirements. It would be unfair to you if I listed a preferred combination that would not conform to those requirements. Remember you gave me no details about what you actually did with your dentist or your volunteer coordinator for any informed advice. Gotta be fair to give you advice that reflects the quality of information disclosed. I'm not a magician who can read your mind or know your application just from staring at your avatar.

I also point out the AAMC letter writer guidelines as important advice for your references.
Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a ... - AAMC https://www.aamc.org/system/files?file=2019-09/lettersguidelinesbrochure.pdf

 

[macsak]

I would toss out UCLA, UCSF, and UoP, they will be donations to the school if you apply. I would narrow your list down to 12-14 schools, at most. You have schools listed all over the country, any reason as to that?

Your best chance for admission will be your state school, Ucolorado, along with neighboring schools; Creighton, Nebraska, ATMO, Touro - NM, AT-AZ, Midwestern AZ, which you have on your list. After that I would try to narrow it down to a region if you can. You may have better luck with Midwest than Westcoast. You could also try East Coast - NYU, Touro, TUFTS, etc. 18 schools is overkill and a large sum of money (about 3.5-5k just in apps alone not counting travel costs for interviews) It really adds up.

Did you take the DAT once? 19 is just below average, and being a Bio-major and getting a 17Bio doesn't look the best on an app. I would also aim to have more volunteer work, 24 hours isn't enough. Working with underserved populations also helps you app- soup kitchen, food pantry, etc. You also really won't need the Proths LOR, dental schools pump out general dentists not specialists. If you can get a LOR from a work/volunteer supervisor I think that would look a lot better.

Make sure you have all the prereqs for each school, some are more lenient than others. The main ones you will need to cover ALL bases: Calc 1, Anatomy/Physiology, Microbio, Biochem

Hope this helps clear some things up!

touro is not in new mexico...

 

[macsak]

how did you come up with this school list?

???

 

[macsak]

Yeah, I'm totally okay with having to go out of state if it comes to that, but Colorado is definitely my #1 choice. I was going to apply this cycle and if I don't get in, I will retake my DAT to have a better chance for the next cycle. I plan on submitting my application on May 30th, right when it opens. I am also going on a mission trip to Jamaica this September for 1 week.

Unfortunately, my undergrad consisted of my going to class, studying, and working to pay for tuition. I didn't participate much in undergrad.

have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at UC D School?

 

[Ryxndek]

touro is not in new mexico...

They’re releasing a New Mexico school starting D2 year. Opening 100 new seats. Touro just disclosed this info to applicants not too long ago on the Touro Forum page

 

[macsak]

They’re releasing a New Mexico school starting D2 year. Opening 100 new seats. Touro just disclosed this info to applicants not too long ago on the Touro Forum page

link?

 

[Ryxndek]

link?

Post in: 'Touro Class of 2027 Interview/Acceptance Thread'
Interviewing - Touro Class of 2027 Interview/Acceptance Thread

Thread 'Touro: New Mexico Expansion'
Touro: New Mexico Expansion

Touro University welcomes its new status

New York State’s regents board has decided that the school is a full-fledged university

jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com

It’s been very “hushy hushy” I haven’t been able to find anything online that directly states it yet, but few applicants have said they received an email. I declined my waitlist spot so I never got the email asking if I’d consider it.

 

[macsak]

Post in: 'Touro Class of 2027 Interview/Acceptance Thread'
Interviewing - Touro Class of 2027 Interview/Acceptance Thread

Thread 'Touro: New Mexico Expansion'
Touro: New Mexico Expansion

Touro University welcomes its new status

New York State’s regents board has decided that the school is a full-fledged university

jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com

It’s been very “hushy hushy” I haven’t been able to find anything online that directly states it yet, but few applicants have said they received an email. I declined my waitlist spot so I never got the email asking if I’d consider it.

wow, thanks