cleanup Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 I don't believe my U of T interview went as planned, and am not expecting an acceptance. This is already my second time applying (I interviewed at UWO last year and similarly didn't get in), but I do hold American acceptances. I am honestly at a loss what to do. I feel so lost, depressed, ashamed and afraid that I've reached this point in my life. I've been lost and confused for the past week and can barely handle the magnitude of the situation. Every inch of my body and soul wants to stay in Canada. I have lived without my family and parents for 5 years and they are finally moving back to the country within the next year or so, and I have to leave. I know that I won't be moving too far away (the school I plan on going to is in Cleveland, which is only a 4.5 hour drive away) but the emotional distance is enormous. The finances are absurd, as well. My family can afford the cost of the education, but I do not WANT them to afford it. I feel so awful and at-odds with the concept of paying so much for something I could've gotten for much less, and much closer to home. When I hear about my friends at McMaster medicine paying how much I pay in a single year for their ENTIRE medical education, I feel incredibly ashamed. If I had gotten into top-tier schools in the states (like Harvard, UCLA or Penn), then I would have few qualms about leaving; but for whatever reason, I didn't, despite having an impressive application (3.9 AADSAS GPA, 100th percentile DAT, lots of extracurriculars and etc.) If I want to stay in Toronto, and try, try again, try a million times, what are my options? My full details: 1st two years: 3.96, 89% BUT both years are 4/5 credits, the bane of my existence... obviously didn't meet the UWO requirements 3rd year: awful; low low grades, this ruined me... brought my OMSAS GPA down to 3.78; only year with 5/5 credits 4th year: managed a 3.8, but once again only 4/5 credits 5th year: only did 2.5 credits to get pre-reqs for American schools out of the way, projected grades are about the same as 4th year; not sure if this year will even count due to the low credits DAT: it's from November 2010, so I'll have to rewrite, but: 23 AA 26 RC 26 PAT 11 carving (yep) I have not applied to any alternatives (MPH, MSc, etc.)... I believe most deadlines have passed. My only option is an MSc in my department (Biochemistry), which would allow me to stay in Toronto, save money, and get a degree that will help me in the future. HOWEVER, I do not enjoy research. I don't have an aptitude for it. I am afraid of being stuck in a project that I may never and will not want to finish. But at least I will be receiving a stipend, and be close to my family and friends. I've already applied to U of T and UWO twice and am unsure how many times I am even allowed to apply. If, come April 5, I miraculously get an acceptance or a waitlist spot, I will eat my own shoes. But I highly doubt this is going to happen. I know how poorly I did on the interview, because I know how well I usually did in practice; it was my breaking under pressure that was my own undoing. Any and all advice is appreciated. I have been on an emotional roller coaster for the past week. Sometimes I feel excited about going, about starting anew and making a name for myself... other times I find myself riddled with anxiety, sadness and anger and I break down emotionally, only to repeat the cycle later. Please help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PredentalStudent Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 Hey don't be so down! I didn't even get an interview to any dental schools this year I know how you feel! For now I suggest that you don't think on the negative side just because there is still possibility that you could gain acceptance even though you feel you didn't do so great:) I'm no expert but I think I heard that Ontario schools do not look at carving anyways? Personally, I would go to whatever school that accepts me now just because my first two years I just didn't see the need for high marks especially since I just graduated highschool and uni life was something I wanted to enjoy. But now I realized how important marks are and its a burden how those marks follow you where ever you go. From looking at your grades, I envy you. I'm doing another year of undergrad and may potentially do a second degree just to bump up my grades for the states. Anyways hope this was comforting for you (I'm sure there are more people out there that are in a worse situation then you are in currently example me). Especially with my grades I can't even apply to Ontario schools since I'm from Quebec. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dentalooti Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 Why do you think you didn't do well on the interview? What matters is how the interviewers felt, and there is no way of knowing that until April 5th. I am in a same position. For some reason I had a good feeling at the end of the interview, but now I worryyyy so much as everyone keep saying you could have answered this or that question better! For instance, they asked a couple of dentistry related questions, and apparently it is important to mention that "I am sure that I will be taught how to respond in this situation in dental school, and what I am saying now is based on my current knowledge". I don't remember if I said this or not . Or there was this question that "you wake up one day and you are not in the mood and don't want to go to clinic, but you go and there is this teenager with attitudes and you hit his gum and it bleeds, what do u do?". My answer was that the fact that I was not in the mood but I descided to go to office, was wrong if it did contibuted to my mistake. But, the better answer is that eventhough I was moody I should not have allowed that to interfer with my work. So there is always a better way of answering a question. I think you should stop thinking about the interview, but I know how difficult it is. Also, if you don't like ressearch I really recommend not to do masters. I am finishing my masters now and trust me it can be really difficult. Go to US and you will save two yearss of you life!!! I should have applied to US. Next year I will definitely do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denthopeful2015 Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 I would definitely go to the states especially research is something you just can't enjoy but if staying with family is something very important for you, think about other options (working..etc) and remember, there are 1-2 students who transfer from the states. maybe you can aim for those spots as well don't be so discouraged! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loops Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 I don't believe my U of T interview went as planned, and am not expecting an acceptance. This is already my second time applying (I interviewed at UWO last year and similarly didn't get in), but I do hold American acceptances. I am honestly at a loss what to do. I feel so lost, depressed, ashamed and afraid that I've reached this point in my life. I've been lost and confused for the past week and can barely handle the magnitude of the situation. Every inch of my body and soul wants to stay in Canada. I have lived without my family and parents for 5 years and they are finally moving back to the country within the next year or so, and I have to leave. I know that I won't be moving too far away (the school I plan on going to is in Cleveland, which is only a 4.5 hour drive away) but the emotional distance is enormous. The finances are absurd, as well. My family can afford the cost of the education, but I do not WANT them to afford it. I feel so awful and at-odds with the concept of paying so much for something I could've gotten for much less, and much closer to home. When I hear about my friends at McMaster medicine paying how much I pay in a single year for their ENTIRE medical education, I feel incredibly ashamed. If I had gotten into top-tier schools in the states (like Harvard, UCLA or Penn), then I would have few qualms about leaving; but for whatever reason, I didn't, despite having an impressive application (3.9 AADSAS GPA, 100th percentile DAT, lots of extracurriculars and etc.) If I want to stay in Toronto, and try, try again, try a million times, what are my options? My full details: 1st two years: 3.96, 89% BUT both years are 4/5 credits, the bane of my existence... obviously didn't meet the UWO requirements 3rd year: awful; low low grades, this ruined me... brought my OMSAS GPA down to 3.78; only year with 5/5 credits 4th year: managed a 3.8, but once again only 4/5 credits 5th year: only did 2.5 credits to get pre-reqs for American schools out of the way, projected grades are about the same as 4th year; not sure if this year will even count due to the low credits DAT: it's from November 2010, so I'll have to rewrite, but: 23 AA 26 RC 26 PAT 11 carving (yep) I have not applied to any alternatives (MPH, MSc, etc.)... I believe most deadlines have passed. My only option is an MSc in my department (Biochemistry), which would allow me to stay in Toronto, save money, and get a degree that will help me in the future. HOWEVER, I do not enjoy research. I don't have an aptitude for it. I am afraid of being stuck in a project that I may never and will not want to finish. But at least I will be receiving a stipend, and be close to my family and friends. I've already applied to U of T and UWO twice and am unsure how many times I am even allowed to apply. If, come April 5, I miraculously get an acceptance or a waitlist spot, I will eat my own shoes. But I highly doubt this is going to happen. I know how poorly I did on the interview, because I know how well I usually did in practice; it was my breaking under pressure that was my own undoing. Any and all advice is appreciated. I have been on an emotional roller coaster for the past week. Sometimes I feel excited about going, about starting anew and making a name for myself... other times I find myself riddled with anxiety, sadness and anger and I break down emotionally, only to repeat the cycle later. Please help. I wouldnt worry too much about the interview, good or bad everybody feels like crap after it. Its not like some of the interviews down here in the states, where you have some what of an idea of how you did. In regards to the states: I know how you feel, I had a 4.0 and solid DAT and had to go States. I always try to look at the advantages despite being drowned in loans. In the end you will make all that money back, and the US schools will give you a stellar clinical, you will be practicing off the get go when you finish, and that too with confidence. When you (if you decide) to go back to Canada a lot of procedures will seem basic because you will be exposed to things down here that are rare in Canada. A strong plus is you will have a greater chance at specializing, in Canadian schools most people dont specialize because there so few spots and its tough to be number 1 when everyone else is just as smart. Another plus is that you will be licensed in both countries, most canadian students at american schools write both boards around the same time, but Canadian students at canadian schools dont even give US boards a look, and when they want to go to the states they have to write all the tests and study stuff they learned a while back. Although 200k is a lot, there a lot more opportunities down here, and if you play your cards right that number will seem like chump change. Whatever your decision may be dont look back, you've worked hard to get here, and a lot of Canadian and American students would do anything to be in your spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanup Posted March 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 I wouldnt worry too much about the interview, good or bad everybody feels like crap after it. Its not like some of the interviews down here in the states, where you have some what of an idea of how you did. In regards to the states: I know how you feel, I had a 4.0 and solid DAT and had to go States. I always try to look at the advantages despite being drowned in loans. In the end you will make all that money back, and the US schools will give you a stellar clinical, you will be practicing off the get go when you finish, and that too with confidence. When you (if you decide) to go back to Canada a lot of procedures will seem basic because you will be exposed to things down here that are rare in Canada. A strong plus is you will have a greater chance at specializing, in Canadian schools most people dont specialize because there so few spots and its tough to be number 1 when everyone else is just as smart. Another plus is that you will be licensed in both countries, most canadian students at american schools write both boards around the same time, but Canadian students at canadian schools dont even give US boards a look, and when they want to go to the states they have to write all the tests and study stuff they learned a while back. Although 200k is a lot, there a lot more opportunities down here, and if you play your cards right that number will seem like chump change. Whatever your decision may be dont look back, you've worked hard to get here, and a lot of Canadian and American students would do anything to be in your spot. Thanks for the wise words. You're at Case, aren't you? I will likely be joining you in July. How do you manage to write both board exams when you're in Cleveland? Do American schools host NDEB writings? Are you planning on specialising and if so, do you find it difficult to stay at the top of your class/pursue research/extracurriculars/externships, etc. etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loops Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 Thanks for the wise words. You're at Case, aren't you? I will likely be joining you in July. How do you manage to write both board exams when you're in Cleveland? Do American schools host NDEB writings? Are you planning on specialising and if so, do you find it difficult to stay at the top of your class/pursue research/extracurriculars/externships, etc. etc.? Sorry for the short reply, busy period right now. 1.yes 2.kind of like studying for dat and midterms except both now cover similar material- you will pick up time management dont worry about it 3. not that i know of but i think boston/minneap will have centers soon 4. yes, not really its all about your rank/board-specialty scores, again time management is key, and knowing whats important to do well and filtering the other crap out srry again i will be back in a little bit once exams and stuff are done, until then deactivating all my scl ntwrks. see ya around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKS Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 I'm in the same boat. Get into Canadian school (slim), or go to the states. If I don't get in here I'm 100% going to the states. I've already spent 3 years in a masters working towards this, so...I don't have many options. The amt of debt we will be in after Canadian vs American education won't matter in 10 years, so might as well get on with life and go to a US school. Hopefully with the economy the way is everything doesnt go to s#@t with the canadian-US conversion over the 4 years!! but other than that it's the same thing. go to case! it's not far from canada..all will be good and you will be that much closer to becoming a dentist and can move back to canada. 4 years of dental school wil fly by.... oh and don't do a masters if you can't handle research. i like research, but this thesis im trying to write is the worst. hopefully you (we) hear good news april 5th! good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
microserf Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Quit waiting and just do it. Go to the states instead if wasting time trying to get into a Canadian school. It'll only get harder. I kinda wished I had applied to US schools earlier instead of going to get a second degree then going to dental school Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
microserf Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Oh and the easiest way to take the NDEB is to just take it in either London or Toronto. Which is what I did Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanup Posted March 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Oh and the easiest way to take the NDEB is to just take it in either London or Toronto. Which is what I did microserf, how do you like Case and Cleveland? I know Cleveland is the pits, but Case's med and dental faculties are meant to be top-notch, no? Any plans to specialise? How's clinic? And when did you write the NDEB? The same time as NBDE I or II? Thanks for the encouraging words, everyone. Seems like there are a lot of Canadians/Torontonians at Case in general, which sort of buoys my spirits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
microserf Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 NDEB (Canadian boards) are held usually in the first week of March. While NBDE I and II you can schedule to take whenever the school approves you as it is a computer exam. The clinic facilities are pretty good and the instructors are pretty good. But there seems to be more and more BS that you need to put up with these days. So I can't really say how the program has evolved as it changes all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddishh Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 I feel your pain, and it must be very tough for you. However, I wouldn't recommend doing a masters if you aren't into research, it will only get worse at the end. I think Case is the better option for you even though the tuition is much more expensive (I think you can pay off those $200K dept in like 10 years) Also, for interviews, no one really knows how it really went. It also depends on who marked ur interviews, so u never know until u hear from them! good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luzzati Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 I'm hoping you eat your shoes so you can tell us how that goes. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diu12345 Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Don't give up! You never know about the interview. I think it's pretty normal to do worse than practice since on real day, the pressure gets to you. And that goes the same for every one. I would go to the States because Cleveland is not that far. I think if you prioritize your family, you can still make it work. Long weekend trips back to Toronto etc. I personally wouldn't wait for another year because another year of uncertainty would haunt me. And you got to decide whether you would apply to the States again for 2013 cycle... With that being said, one year course-based Master's is another possibility. Course-based master's is much less research intensive as far as I know. I know there are some in Guelph University. However, I am not sure if the deadlines are over. This option is great if U of T gives preference regardless of whether it's course-based master's or thesis-based. Got a bit more than a week until results come out. Good luck man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euphaire Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 cleanup, don't feel down. I'm pretty sure you'll eat your shoes. I really don't think your impression of the interview = the evaluator's opinion. Sometimes my worst interviews gave me the offers and my best interviews gave me the boot. No idea why. So don't draw any conclusions yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icarus88 Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 ... The result hasn't even come out yet..... You make all other applicants nervous... I think you are well above the avg so don't worry about it too much.. Lets all cross our fingers.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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