2.55 gpa any chance?

[xiong1190]

I just figured out something. I currently have a 2.0 GPA due to six F's (yes 6 🙁). That college GPA reflects the academic work from 3 years ago when I dropped out of college. I planned to go back to college this coming fall to finish my major and also do pre-dental classes. I learned that if study my butt off and get straight A's from now on plus retaking some G.E. classes my overall G.P.A. for AADSAS calculation would go up to 2.55. But with 2.55 and say a 3.7 science GPA would I stand a chance to get accepted to dental school? I am very nervous right now and not sure if I can get into dental school my dream is to become a dentist. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks 🙂

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[Seamonkey Doc]

I just figured out something. I currently have a 2.0 GPA due to six F's (yes 6 🙁). That college GPA reflects the academic work from 3 years ago when I dropped out of college. I planned to go back to college this coming fall to finish my major and also do pre-dental classes. I learned that if study my butt off and get straight A's from now on plus retaking some G.E. classes my overall G.P.A. for AADSAS calculation http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=738670would go up to 2.55. But with 2.55 and say a 3.7 science GPA would I stand a chance to get accepted to dental school? I very nervous right now and not sure if I can get into dental school which my dream is to become a dentist. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks 🙂

In a previous thread, you mentioned that you are pursuing a non science major and haven't taken your prerequisites, correct? I think you should take your pre requisite classes and study hard to get the best grades you can in those classes. A 2.55 is pretty bad but if you can get all A's in your pre requisite classes and your upper level biology classes, it at least shows that you can handle your science classes. You might have to do a master's to help out with the low overall GPA. But for now, focus on getting good grades in the science classes. Good luck

 

[dentalprodigy]

It's a pretty bad GPA...chances? Not good. Annihilate your classes and Dat. Apply to allot of private schools with big class sizes and if you show an upward trend of improvement than it is possible to land an interview or two

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

 

[321931]

I just figured out something. I currently have a 2.0 GPA due to six F's (yes 6 🙁). That college GPA reflects the academic work from 3 years ago when I dropped out of college. I planned to go back to college this coming fall to finish my major and also do pre-dental classes. I learned that if study my butt off and get straight A's from now on plus retaking some G.E. classes my overall G.P.A. for AADSAS calculation would go up to 2.55. But with 2.55 and say a 3.7 science GPA would I stand a chance to get accepted to dental school? I am very nervous right now and not sure if I can get into dental school my dream is to become a dentist. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks 🙂

Unfortunately even with a 4.0 post those 6 F's will not erase the 2.0 GPA. Even if you did pull it up...and that would take at least a good 2 years, you would most likely have to do a hard masters program to pull it up to a 3.0. Below a 3.0 just won't cut it.

Before you make the decision to pursue this endeavor, you have to realize the time, money, and commitment involved...and even if you do somehow manage to pull it up to a 3.0 with a flawless 2+ years of straight A's, there is zero guarantee you will get in anywhere.

It's a tough road...however, there are other if not better alternatives then dentistry that pay "as much" and offer "the lifestyle" that dentists have. Look into pharmacy, PT etc as they require lower gpa requirements. GL with your decision.

 

[lululime]

Despite the F's, you'll have to raise your GPAs so that they meet the minimum requirement. If you can achieve this, you get an opportunity to have your file reviewed. So make sure you explain the F's and demonstrate your determination and improvements in your application. Good luck!

 

[xiong1190]

Thanks guys but seems like I'm looking at 1% chance here.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Thanks guys but seems like I'm looking at 1% chance here.

Keep your chin up dude. Visit the "Under 3.0" thread for inspiration and comfort that others have been through something similar and made it. Consider talking to a pre-dental advisor at your school or someone else who has expertise in advising about this.

 

[xiong1190]

thanks i appreciate it 🙂

Keep your chin up dude. Visit the "Under 3.0" thread for inspiration and comfort that others have been through something similar and made it. Consider talking to a pre-dental advisor at your school or someone else who has expertise in advising about this.

 

[sacapuntas]

You have a chance, just depends how hard you are willing to work for it.

Will you still want to become a dentist if it takes 2, 3, 4, or 5 years of undergrad/masters just to get in a position to apply to schools?

 

[NOLAdentist2016]

Quite frankly, I think you need to pursue other career options.

In no way am I trying to be mean or tell you to give up on your dental dreams. However, after a long history of bad academic performance (6 F's), do you honestly think that you can start over and maintain a 4.0 and get excellent DAT scores? It sounds good in theory, but unless you transferred from a very challenging school to one that just hands out A's, then I don't see your 2.55 happening. And even still, someone with a 2.55 should not be competing with others who have done well throughout their entire academic career and achieved 3.5's-4.0's. I think if you had the capacity to do well and you truly did have the dental dream for so long, then you would've worked harder from the beginning, like most people who gain acceptances.

It might just be personally biased though. I cannot understand how many people have this dream of going to med/dental/vet school since they were a kid, but then take 5 or 6 years to complete college, don't finish their pre-reqs on time, do a post-bac or two, and apply 3-4 times, only to finally come to terms with the fact that they should consider other career options at the age of 30+. I was lucky enough to know what I wanted for myself, worked incredibly hard to build up a solid resume during undergrad and get accepted my first time applying, so I may just have a hard time comprehending that other people don't all do it like this. I just can't imaging having my life be in limbo for so many years waiting to begin my career and coming out with so much debt in my mid 30's. I took just one year off between undergrad and dental school (to work for 1 year doing research and get my application in order), and I couldn't imagine taking any more time off. I guess if that's what you really want for yourself though, delaying reality, then keep going after your dream.
I think it would be quite shrewd to start looking at other careers. You may even find something that you like better!

 

[UCLAzy]

Quite frankly, I think you need to pursue other career options.

In no way am I trying to be mean or tell you to give up on your dental dreams. However, after a long history of bad academic performance (6 F's), do you honestly think that you can start over and maintain a 4.0 and get excellent DAT scores? It sounds good in theory, but unless you transferred from a very challenging school to one that just hands out A's, then I don't see your 2.55 happening. And even still, someone with a 2.55 should not be competing with others who have done well throughout their entire academic career and achieved 3.5's-4.0's. I think if you had the capacity to do well and you truly did have the dental dream for so long, then you would've worked harder from the beginning, like most people who gain acceptances.

It might just be personally biased though. I cannot understand how many people have this dream of going to med/dental/vet school since they were a kid, but then take 5 or 6 years to complete college, don't finish their pre-reqs on time, do a post-bac or two, and apply 3-4 times, only to finally come to terms with the fact that they should consider other career options at the age of 30+. I was lucky enough to know what I wanted for myself, worked incredibly hard to build up a solid resume during undergrad and get accepted my first time applying, so I may just have a hard time comprehending that other people don't all do it like this. I just can't imaging having my life be in limbo for so many years waiting to begin my career and coming out with so much debt in my mid 30's. I took just one year off between undergrad and dental school (to work for 1 year doing research and get my application in order), and I couldn't imagine taking any more time off. I guess if that's what you really want for yourself though, delaying reality, then keep going after your dream.
I think it would be quite shrewd to start looking at other careers. You may even find something that you like better!

from one ***hole to another...way to be a d*ck about it

http://predents.com/?page=user&user_id=10239

 

[Odontos2015]

This worked for a few people in my class. Contact schools and find out which ones will let you replace your undergrad GPA with a masters GPA. Maintain contact with those schools as you complete either a masters in anatomy, biomedical science, or public health (or related field) and get as close to a 4.0 as possible. With competitive DAT I think you will have a chance.

On a side note, OSU used to allow this GPA replacement but since the new dean got rid of the admissions director, who knows if they'll still do this.

 

[toyotasupra]

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have exposure to dentists or higher education at a young age. I grew up in the ghettos and my parents didn't encourage higher education. So I don't think you can say a person with a 2.55 gpa has no chance, sure they might have to struggle more, do a post bacc, and go to a private school; but if they truly desire to become a dentist, they will succeed.

Quite frankly, I think you need to pursue other career options.

In no way am I trying to be mean or tell you to give up on your dental dreams. However, after a long history of bad academic performance (6 F's), do you honestly think that you can start over and maintain a 4.0 and get excellent DAT scores? It sounds good in theory, but unless you transferred from a very challenging school to one that just hands out A's, then I don't see your 2.55 happening. And even still, someone with a 2.55 should not be competing with others who have done well throughout their entire academic career and achieved 3.5's-4.0's. I think if you had the capacity to do well and you truly did have the dental dream for so long, then you would've worked harder from the beginning, like most people who gain acceptances.

It might just be personally biased though. I cannot understand how many people have this dream of going to med/dental/vet school since they were a kid, but then take 5 or 6 years to complete college, don't finish their pre-reqs on time, do a post-bac or two, and apply 3-4 times, only to finally come to terms with the fact that they should consider other career options at the age of 30+. I was lucky enough to know what I wanted for myself, worked incredibly hard to build up a solid resume during undergrad and get accepted my first time applying, so I may just have a hard time comprehending that other people don't all do it like this. I just can't imaging having my life be in limbo for so many years waiting to begin my career and coming out with so much debt in my mid 30's. I took just one year off between undergrad and dental school (to work for 1 year doing research and get my application in order), and I couldn't imagine taking any more time off. I guess if that's what you really want for yourself though, delaying reality, then keep going after your dream.
I think it would be quite shrewd to start looking at other careers. You may even find something that you like better!

 

[One Fly Guy]

I just figured out something. I currently have a 2.0 GPA due to six F's (yes 6 🙁). That college GPA reflects the academic work from 3 years ago when I dropped out of college. I planned to go back to college this coming fall to finish my major and also do pre-dental classes. I learned that if study my butt off and get straight A's from now on plus retaking some G.E. classes my overall G.P.A. for AADSAS calculation would go up to 2.55. But with 2.55 and say a 3.7 science GPA would I stand a chance to get accepted to dental school? I am very nervous right now and not sure if I can get into dental school my dream is to become a dentist. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks 🙂

You can still become a doctor. D.O. schools offer grade replacement (or it's averaging of the two grades, I forget). That may be an option to consider.

 

[MrWilson]

xiong, I had/have a very very similar ugrad gpa to yours from a "tier 3 party school" (didn't help my cause that I already had a loooowww gpa). I had many people laugh when they heard my ambitions for dental school and told me to give up. But it's all in how bad you want it right? I wanted to become a dentist more than anything, and I'm currently a first year. I didn't come from a family with any "clout" and I didn't "know" anybody at the dental school either, but I jumped through a lot of hoops. I went to grad school, pulled out a 3.7, published a paper, taught, worked in pharma, pulled off a 20 DAT, and got in on the first try. So it can be done, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'd recommend to go and talk with the admissions director at a school you want to attend, and get it from the "horse's mouth". They can give you better advice than any of us here will able to. For now make straight A's, do as much dental related work as possible or do something to make yourself stand out from the rest. Best of luck, and in the famous words of a great basketball coach, "Don't ever, ever give up!" - Jimmy V.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have exposure to dentists or higher education at a young age. I grew up in the ghettos and my parents didn't encourage higher education. So I don't think you can say a person with a 2.55 gpa has no chance, sure they might have to struggle more, do a post bacc, and go to a private school; but if they truly desire to become a dentist, they will succeed.

👍
It's sad to see how some people forget or fail to realize that some students have to struggle more than others due to circumstances they have little or no control over and easily say "Yeah move on...".

OP: Don't be discouraged by the "I'm not trying to be an ***hole even though I sound like one right now" posts.

 

[NOLAdentist2016]

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have exposure to dentists or higher education at a young age. I grew up in the ghettos and my parents didn't encourage higher education. So I don't think you can say a person with a 2.55 gpa has no chance, sure they might have to struggle more, do a post bacc, and go to a private school; but if they truly desire to become a dentist, they will succeed.

I also grew up in a low-income blue-collar town. I was raised by a single mother and was the first college grad in my family.I worked my way through college and high school.My family actually discouraged me from attending college. I don't use these facts as excuses for poor performance or for pity points. But please don't assume that people who don't struggle got everything handed to them. Everyone has their own story.

Taking this long road that some of you are describing, (extra years to complete B.S, post-grad courses, etc) would, in my opinion, be even more expensive and difficult to complete for someone from a low-income background. I just see the debt racking up, no?

All I was trying to say was that it never hurts to have a back up plan. You may even find something that you like better when looking for one.

 

[dentist95757]

At one point, I had a 2.5 GPA, and I finally got into dental school on my 3rd time applying, so there is hope! just a lot of hard work and making sure you do well on your DAT and also ensuring that you're up front about why your gpa is so low.

But make sure you have backups as well, just in case dental school doesn't work out, so you have other options. That's what I did this year, but I was fortunate enough to get in.

 

[xiong1190]

Yes I would still want to become a dentist even if it takes me 10 years of undergrad work. 🙂

You have a chance, just depends how hard you are willing to work for it.

Will you still want to become a dentist if it takes 2, 3, 4, or 5 years of undergrad/masters just to get in a position to apply to schools?

 

[HeyCharlie]

Better approach would be to marry a dentist. You can work as your spouse's dental assistant or office manager if you still want to get closer to dentistry.

 

[ethylalcohol]

Better approach would be to marry a dentist. You can work as your spouse's dental assistant or office manager if you still want to get closer to dentistry.

I feel sorry for your parents

 

[xiong1190]

Thanks to all of you kind folks for the responses, your words of motivation are greatly appreciated. I came from a very poor family, my mother is a disable person and father was a janitor until he had a head surgery from a fall from the roof. I was raised by immigrant parents and due to their lack of education/money my parents were never able to educate me in a way that middle class parents would. I would struggle with my education while living in the ghetto. I was in my freshman year in college when my father had his head injury which he became mentally ******ed for life. With me having to take care of my family, I struggled throughout college worrying about financial issues, taking care of younger siblings and parents. Despite all the things that happened I still want to achieve my dream, which is to become a dentist. If it takes 15 years I will still go for it but the only thing I hope for is that I have a chance. Thanks all!

 

[agb2782]

With an attitude like that, you've got more than a chance. Good luck.

 

[periopocket]

Buddy, you need to include all the things you mentioned in that last message in your personal statement. You also need to check off disadvantaged status when you apply. These days every individual who was at a disadvantage has a chance to redeem their past when times were difficult, and the best way to make up for it, is finish you bachelors as fast/efficiently as possible, and do a post-bac or masters. Since you haven't taken any science courses you will be able to apply to many 1 year programs that cover all the science requirements in one year, and you will need to get a 4.0 in that. I believe if you finish your bachelors, the rest all A's, apply to a one year masters/postbac called "career changer pathway", Ace that, write a really detailed personal statement with all your experiences, and make sure to apply to meharry and howard, you will have a shot, it may just take you a few years! Dont lose hope, and don't listen to people that make nothing but mean comments!! God bless man! P.S. this is my first time applying, I have a 3.2/3.2 and a 20 DAT, im wait listed, I started a masters this spring, and if I need to reapply I will. Your numbers are not to far off, plus you could have a 4.0 Sci GPA = most important.

 

[xiong1190]

Thanks guys. So post bac should be the right choice for me? I was thinking that I should stay in undergrad and take more G.E. classes (aiming for all A's) and finish all science classes with A's. If I take 10 more G.E. classes that would boost my G.P.A. to 2.7 assuming I get all A's including pre-dental classes. Or should I just finish up my B.S. and do a post bac and go for a Masters? Again thanks for the responses 🙂

Buddy, you need to include all the things you mentioned in that last message in your personal statement. You also need to check off disadvantaged status when you apply. These days every individual who was at a disadvantage has a chance to redeem their past when times were difficult, and the best way to make up for it, is finish you bachelors as fast/efficiently as possible, and do a post-bac or masters. Since you haven't taken any science courses you will be able to apply to many 1 year programs that cover all the science requirements in one year, and you will need to get a 4.0 in that. I believe if you finish your bachelors, the rest all A's, apply to a one year masters/postbac called "career changer pathway", Ace that, write a really detailed personal statement with all your experiences, and make sure to apply to meharry and howard, you will have a shot, it may just take you a few years! Dont lose hope, and don't listen to people that make nothing but mean comments!! God bless man! P.S. this is my first time applying, I have a 3.2/3.2 and a 20 DAT, im wait listed, I started a masters this spring, and if I need to reapply I will. Your numbers are not to far off, plus you could have a 4.0 Sci GPA = most important.

 

[sacapuntas]

Thanks guys. So post bac should be the right choice for me? I was thinking that I should stay in undergrad and take more G.E. classes (aiming for all A's) and finish all science classes with A's. If I take 10 more G.E. classes that would boost my G.P.A. to 2.7 assuming I get all A's including pre-dental classes. Or should I just finish up my B.S. and do a post bac and go for a Masters? Again thanks for the responses 🙂

How many credits do you have done and how many more GE credits do you need to graduate?

Usually I would say to people not to waste their time with GE credits, but considering where you are with your GPA it might not be the worst decision...it gets you a lot closer to that 3.0 mark.

 

[Tootyfruity]

Thanks guys. So post bac should be the right choice for me? I was thinking that I should stay in undergrad and take more G.E. classes (aiming for all A's) and finish all science classes with A's. If I take 10 more G.E. classes that would boost my G.P.A. to 2.7 assuming I get all A's including pre-dental classes. Or should I just finish up my B.S. and do a post bac and go for a Masters? Again thanks for the responses 🙂

i'd go masters

if you do ge credits you're working extra hard to pull up an avg that sadly won't be that stellar even if you get all 4.0s

getting the same 4.0s at a grad program draws a more tangible distinction with your undergrad marks

and i think some schools let you use just your grad marks

you could apply to dental school every year 'til you get in, but if you don't get in one year, you're still working towards a degree

but i think the most effective thing for you to do is to ace the dats

if they see 22-23s across the board they'll know you're not a 2.5 person on a level playing field

 

[periopocket]

I wouldn't spend extra time in undergrad personally. I decided to stay in undergrad for an extra semester, and an advisor from Temple Dental told me to get the hell out of undergrad. Once you have kind of sunk your ship in undergrad, its best to present other certificates: 1.) Post-bac and 2.) Masters. So they can set the new you apart from the old you (undergrad) and say well their undergrad wasn't that great, but look they got a 4.0 in their post-bac certificate, and a 4.0 in their masters. This also gives you a better chance of the computer actually spitting out your application. Most computers have cut off ex: 3.0 sci gpa. The only way to bypass the cut off so they actually get to learn about you, is get a high post-bac/masters gpa to compensate, so the computer can show the adcoms your file, and a high DAT. Just my two cents, I feel that if I could do it over again, I would have done the UMDNJ masters rite after finishing my undergrad on time, instead of extending the stay.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Thanks guys. So post bac should be the right choice for me? I was thinking that I should stay in undergrad and take more G.E. classes (aiming for all A's) and finish all science classes with A's. If I take 10 more G.E. classes that would boost my G.P.A. to 2.7 assuming I get all A's including pre-dental classes. Or should I just finish up my B.S. and do a post bac and go for a Masters? Again thanks for the responses 🙂

I think you should take a full load of classes (at least 1 science class but 2 would be better) and earn a 4.0. Schedule an appointment with someone in admissions from your state dental school after you have a rock solid semester under your belt (you will feel more confident and they will be more apt to take you seriously). Explain your situation and ask them if they think you should continue with undergrad, graduate and continue taking undergrad classes, or enroll in a master's program. Good luck!

 

[xiong1190]

Thanks for the responses guys but I'm kind of confused now since some of you agree on finishing my B.S. (GPA would be 2.1-2.3) fast and quick enroll in a post-bac to start new and some says to stay in undergrad to raise that GPA. But here's my situation, I have 2 semesters left (30 units) and I should get my B.S. So should I hold back on the two semesters and take more classes to boost my GPA (which would take 3 more years to get to 2.7) or should I finish my B.S. in a year and do a post-bac + masters? Regardless, isn't dental school going to calculate my overall GPA including undergrad, post-bac, and masters? thanks a lot guys.

 

[periopocket]

To be honest my friend, I think this question would only be best answered from a Dental School Advisor. You should arrange a meeting with a local dental school, or one that interests you, and explain your entire situation, and see what they personally would like to see from you. If you have trouble arranging a meeting, I know that UMDNJ Adcoms do advising appointments for 50 dollars, and you can register for this online. Best of luck my friend!

 

[xiong1190]

Thanks guys I agree I think the best way is for me to know to an admission adviser from the school of interest.