u/Deep-Instruction7083

On TMDSAS, theres a question that asks if you plan to apply out of state or apply to schools through AADSAS.

Whats the purpose of this question? Do schools assume that I'm more committed to Texas if I only apply instate, hence a higher chance at getting accepted? Or is this just for data reasons?

I can't see myself paying the tuition for OOS schools, but I'm nervous about not getting into a Texas School and having to reapply the following year.

The next 2 available dates are on May 28th and June 9th.

Would I be able to take it on May 28th, prepare now, and get a 4th quartile score? If not, if I were to take it June 9th, is that still early enough to where I'm not considered a late applicant?

Were there a lot of mechanism questions? I heard they were trying to make the ochem section more reason based and not memorization-based. The bootcamp and booster practice tests dont really question you on mechanisms too much so I was curious if this was something I should focus more on?

As I fill out the application, I'm starting to realize how much of a waste of time ECs were. When I was a freshman, all of these ADCOMS would say "Be well-rounded" or "we look at you holistically".

As I get closer to applying, I kinda realized how stupid that was. I know so many people who did the bare minimum and still got accepted, only because they had insane stats. At the end of the day, I kinda accepted that stats really are all they truly care about.

Having amazing stats is a safety net for so many things. If you have a charge on your file (alcohol, cheating, vandalism, etc.) good stats can cover that. If you are awkward in your interview, good stats cover that up. If you literally did nothing throughout 3-4 years of college, good stats cover that up. If your essays are bad, good stats cover that up.

I've literally witnessed so many people who have had one or more of those flaws in their application, but still get accepted just because they have amazing stats. It really is frustrating when, throughout the whole process, you waste so much time trying to fit that "well-rounded mold" by joining clubs, volunteering, and holding leadership positions, just for all of that to not really matter.

Obviously, this goes to say, you don't need crazy high stats to get accepted, BUT having crazy high stats basically does the work for you.

You can hate on me if you want for having this opinion, but it's pretty clear this is the direction dental school admissions are starting to go in.

Does anyone have a good video on the whole process of registering for the CASPER and any tips on how to study for it? I know realistically, I should only spend around 1-3 hours "Preparing" for it. Unless im undermining how hard it is, I would love some advice!

Also the next 2 dates to take it are March 14th or March 28th. Should I take it March 14th knowing nothing about the exam or should I take it March 28th? I dont want to delay my application too much

I was originally supposed to graduate in Spring 2026, but I had to withdraw from a semester of school because of some family medical issues. As a result, I’ll now be graduating in Fall 2026 instead.

Will dental schools view this negatively, or are they generally understanding about situations like this affecting graduating times? I’m a little worried about how it might look on my application, but I’ve maintained a strong upward GPA trend and have consistently taken heavy course loads (18–20 credits per semester), so it’s definitely not a case of me slacking off or trying to take the easy route.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or know how admissions committees typically view later graduations?

I keep hearing that some schools will wait for your updated DAT score (if you are retaking) and some won't even wait for you and just move on.

Which one is it?

Hello!

I’m planning to retake my DAT because I’m not too happy with my score, but I still want to apply this cycle. I’ve been studying a little during the semester, just not as much as I would’ve liked. Once the semester ends, I’m planning to really lock in and study hard, and I’m aiming to retake it around mid-June to early July.

I know you can submit your application without a DAT score and it’ll just be put on hold. I also know you can apply with your current score and let schools know you’re planning to retake it, then update them later.

But I’ve heard that if you apply with a lower score, even if you say you’re retaking it, some schools might not wait for your new score because the cycle is so competitive. Is that actually true?

If so, would it be better to wait until I get my new score before submitting? Or should I still apply as early as possible and just let schools know I have a retake coming up? I feel like I’m taking it early enough that timing shouldn’t hurt me too much, but I just want to make the smartest move.

(I also have everything ready, such as essays, descriptions, ECs, and my GPA/upwards trend is good enough to the point where I wouldn't get rejected off that alone)