23 yrs old, low gpa, crap DAT score HELP!

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purplesquintz

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I've made a few mistakes in my studies in college... and I'm paying for them. My science GPA is a 2.55 and my overall GPA is a 2.87. I took the DAT without studying... like a ******* and got a 15.... then again and got a 16. Somehow, i managed to graduate college and get a B.A in Chemistry. I know my case sounds hopeless but does anyone have any advice to give. I feel bad as it is so please, if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say it. BUT if you do have some advice, please share. My goal is to get the GPA and DAT up and try to apply for the Fall of 2009. I was thinking about going back to college as an undergrad and get another biology degree so i can use the science courses to get the GPA up. I have one more chance to take the DAT without having to write a letter for permission (after 3 tries, you have to submit a letter to ask to take it a 4th time). I have the Kaplan books, topscore program and the drive.... I'm just wondering if I'm just beating a dead horse or If i have a chance. :scared:
 
Thatll be one hell of beating you give to that dead horse
 
whoa there....

i would suggest you take your time to apply with those stats. Unless you are pretty confident that you can do a 22+ on the DAT, I would recommend that you study for at least a year and then apply. Ask yourself, what are your stats when you apply for the 2009 year? (and do not submit it last minute either.!). with the said GPA, you need a 22+ (actually, I am kind of in your shoe and am aiming for a 24 AA on the DAT.. yes, wishful thinking). better study hard as hell.

You mentioned the possibility of getting a second BS, which might be the way to go. This well, you will also have time to study for the DAT. This way, you can at least tell the dental schools that you have changed, and show them the GPA (3.5+) and DAT (20+) to prove it. Then your odds would be good.

You are deciding what to do with your life. Be honest to yourself about your options, chances and potential.
 
Have you considered a post-bac program? And for the DAT, I'd recommend devoting a solid 2 months just to prepare for it. I found test-like questions to be the most helpful, but you have to understand why the answer is right and why the others are wrong. Good luck!!
 
get your M.S. with a 4.0.... retake the DAT but study your ass off to get 22+. it's not going to be easy, but who said getting into dental school would be easy?

jb!🙂
 
I agree with Jack, go for a Masters degree - I am also doing a 12-month Masters in Manangement starting September to boost my GPA. As for DAT study materials, I used Schaum's Biology and Kaplan DAT for the other sections. My scores aren't the highest on SDN (21/21/21), but they're not bad.
 
23 isn't old! I'm sure you'll find people 30++ starting dental school. You have plenty of time to get things worked out.
 
SMCohen said:
I agree with Jack, go for a Masters degree - I am also doing a 12-month Masters in Manangement starting September to boost my GPA. As for DAT study materials, I used Schaum's Biology and Kaplan DAT for the other sections. My scores aren't the highest on SDN (21/21/21), but they're not bad.
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actually, while taking a masters is good, and definately better than nothing,

if you have under say a 3.2 gpa, most schools will not want u to do a masters, but to do a post-bac or take additional classes

reason being, graduate school gpa does not affect your dental application gpa, only undergraduate courses do, or so ive been told
 
Hey everyone...
thanks so much for your posts... i REALLY appreciate it. As far as getting a masters, I appreciate the advice but i was told from one of the texas schools that graduate level courses do not count in the final science gpa count when you fill out the applications. That's the reason why i mentioned going back to undergrad and taking some extra science courses and possibly getting another Bachelors degree in biology.

As far as postbac programs... I'm 23 years old ... been out of college for almost a year and i couldn't find any that i qualified for. UCSF has one but its for California residents and Baylor in texas has one but its for students who DONT have a bachelors degree already. Christ, i hate being so negative and I do sincerely appologize but I have the drive, I'm just really stuck in a rut right now and just fustrated with myself. I'll snap out of it. I really want to be a dentist... that's all I've wanted to be.
 
Your gpa is kind of low to get into a masters as someone else stated. Try looking for more postbacs. Another option is try getting a second bachlors. I would suggest getting one from another college that isn't associated with your previous one, so that you'll have a brand new GPA.

Does anyone know if dental school require your post grad work to be of specific program such as a masters or postbac or can you just take a bunch of science classes and total that GPA?
 
even if you get a second bachelors, it would not be enough to raise your undergrad science gpa to a competitive level. I'm sure since you've graduated you must have around 120 college credits and to be able to boost a 2.5 sci gpa to at least a 3.0 would take much more than just a second bachelors degree and this is assuming you get all A's in your science classes while doing the second bachelors degree. try thinking about it realistically.
 
I resent that you feel that 23 is old 😛
 
So does this mean that doing a masters will not count towards the undergraduate GPA then why do people recommend doing masters to apply to dental schools? Doing a second bachelors degree IMO would be difficult in raising GPA because you will have to take mostly like 60 hrs of upper level courses and you are looking at another 2 years not to mention the money that you are paying for the 60 hrs whereas masters can be done in half that time with half the money invested. I would say masters would be a better choice because its possible to get a greater GPA in masters and once you have a greater GPA it will show as and upward trend which dental schools like. Retaking DAT and doing better shows an upward trend which is a plus sign. Get involved in research and if you have authorship in a couple of publications your chances increase. A lot of dental schools like people who are involved in research. Second bachelors degree I am not sure on that one. I just think I would not be stimulated to do a second bachelors.
 
Sorry dear .... 23 isn't old...I"m just fustrated that I'm not where i am at the age that I am...
 
BodybldgDoc said:
even if you get a second bachelors, it would not be enough to raise your undergrad science gpa to a competitive level. I'm sure since you've graduated you must have around 120 college credits and to be able to boost a 2.5 sci gpa to at least a 3.0 would take much more than just a second bachelors degree and this is assuming you get all A's in your science classes while doing the second bachelors degree. try thinking about it realistically.
Click to expand...
O.k... realistically...then what are you trying to say? I dont have a chance? doing a second degree isn't worth doing?
 
jza70 said:
Your gpa is kind of low to get into a masters as someone else stated. Try looking for more postbacs. Another option is try getting a second bachlors. I would suggest getting one from another college that isn't associated with your previous one, so that you'll have a brand new GPA.

Does anyone know if dental school require your post grad work to be of specific program such as a masters or postbac or can you just take a bunch of science classes and total that GPA?
Click to expand...
Brand new gpa? Does that mean that the previous GPA from my first degree wouldn't count?
 
purplesquintz said:
O.k... realistically...then what are you trying to say? I dont have a chance? doing a second degree isn't worth doing?
Click to expand...

what he is trying to say is that your undergrad gpa is low, period. you are better off getting into a masters program and acing every course you take. although this new gpa will not count into your undergrad SGPA, it WILL make you a more competitive applicant. ADCOMS are HUMAN.... numbers are important, but there is a certain human factor that goes into admission decisions.

if you choose to go the post-bacc route, you will have to take 60+ hours of credits just to raise your SGPA to a 3.2ish, which is still LOW.

try to find a special masters program that will allow you in with a low gpa if you take the GRE. there are some out there.

hope that helped, jb!🙂
 
i doubt you can redo college (do you really want to?) Just enter a post-bac program, get the best grades you can get to try to bump your GPA to at the very least a 3.0, and work your butt off for the DATs. You digged yourself in a hole, so you have to find a way to climb out of it. You can't just ignore the previous grades you got as if they never happened either. If the dental school finds out, chances are, you will face very severe consequences.
 
One question I think you need to answer that the admission committees will certainly ask: Are you sure that you'll be able to hack it in dental school? I certainly don't mean any offense by this, but how realistic is it that you will pass your dental school classes if undergrad was so difficult?

If school wasn't that hard and you just didn't take it seriously, then you need to do something to show that you've matured and changed. Like a masters. Or work experience. If dentistry is really what you want to do then working for a few years to demonstrate responsibility will not be too big a sacrifice.
 
Christ, this is all tough information...both mentally and physically. I'm going to get this **** together and figure this out. Thanks for the advice and info everyone...
 
purplesquintz said:
O.k... realistically...then what are you trying to say? I dont have a chance? doing a second degree isn't worth doing?
Click to expand...


sorry to say but its not worth it. you would have to get like 2 bachelors in addition to the one you already have and get ALL A's in them to be able to make your sci gpa anywhere close to competitive which would take you like I'm guessing 4 years? when you can easily just finish a 1 or 2 year masters program instead in a shorter amount of time.
You stand a greater chance of getting in by pursuing a masters program and getting a higher DAT score than pursuing like 2 bachelors which you would need to make yourself competitive. hope this helps.
 
2.55 GPA? Try a master's program if you can get in. Try that first, but do more postbac if the master's school rejects your application. You may have to work at it a while (2 years) if you don't have an M.S. attached to your name. Aim for a 3.0 at the bare minimum. Then you have to do very well on your DAT. That means you need to put the DAT on its face (21+). This will give your application some sheen.

Bottom line: You need stats these days to get into dental school. Keep working in your college to raise your GPA and study your tail off for the DAT.
 
purplesquintz said:
Brand new gpa? Does that mean that the previous GPA from my first degree wouldn't count?
Click to expand...

It's basically starting over. Go to a community college. Then transfer to a 4 year school after you have met transfer requirements. If you transfer to a 4 year which is not affiliated with your old school you will have a brand new GPA. This of course will be another 4 years. As other stated if you can get into a masters program do that.
 
jza, not entirely true, when applying to dental school you have to submit ALL transcripts from all previously attended universities. If you don't and they find out its bye bye. if they find out before you are accepted.. you can kiss d-school goodbye.
 
You could also look at a MS program. Alternatively, retake the DAT and do well on it and it could compensate for a low gpa. You'll need to retake it after your scores are three years old either way.

Transcripts-it's best to not lie on any part of the application. You don't want to make the buracracy of admissions mad at you for no good reason. They can be pretty durn mean.
 
Hey everyone;
thanks for you help and your advice.
My goal is to get AT LEAST a 3.0 science gpa and to score high on my dat (21+) by the application period for the fall of 2009. That's about a year from now. Masters programs take about 2 years and post bac programs about a year right? Going back for another degree would take a while but i'm so damn motivated not to screw up again, im willing to spend hours studying and volunteering. Maybe i didn't have the drive when i was scoring that low GPA but i now have it.

Here's what I've been told:
informal Post bac program- o.k, hard to get the gpa up unless i get all A's
formal post bac program- good, but like informal post bac
masters- good but the grades from the masters DO NOT count towards my
low gpa... master degree grades are a separate entity but looks
good because it shows a progression from low grades to high GPA
Apply to a school abroad- they'll take you but its hard to get a license in
the US.
Give up- screwed up what's the point wasting people time asking for advice.

obviously, the person who sent me that personal message this morning to give up is a douche bag 😡but ... seriously, i am now officially confused... DOES ANYONE ONE KNOW FOR SURE regarding my low gpa status and crap dat score what i can do.
 
purplesquintz said:
Hey everyone;
thanks for you help and your advice.
My goal is to get AT LEAST a 3.0 science gpa and to score high on my dat (21+) by the application period for the fall of 2009. That's about a year from now. Masters programs take about 2 years and post bac programs about a year right? Going back for another degree would take a while but i'm so damn motivated not to screw up again, im willing to spend hours studying and volunteering. Maybe i didn't have the drive when i was scoring that low GPA but i now have it.

Here's what I've been told:
informal Post bac program- o.k, hard to get the gpa up unless i get all A's
formal post bac program- good, but like informal post bac
masters- good but the grades from the masters DO NOT count towards my
low gpa... master degree grades are a separate entity but looks
good because it shows a progression from low grades to high GPA
Apply to a school abroad- they'll take you but its hard to get a license in
the US.
Give up- screwed up what's the point wasting people time asking for advice.

obviously, the person who sent me that personal message this morning to give up is a douche bag 😡but ... seriously, i am now officially confused... DOES ANYONE ONE KNOW FOR SURE regarding my low gpa status and crap dat score what i can do.
Click to expand...


check your pm
 
if you really want to be a dentist, go abroad, study at the dominican republic, philippines, germany, etc..., then come back as a foreign trained dentist, then go for residency or 18 month accredited ada school. then you'll have your dds. your gpa and dat wouldn't even matter if you do this. it may not be the best suggestion, but hey, it still is an idea. good luck.
 
Start Taking class Try to study hard
try to raise your GPA to 3.0
Mention that in your personal statement that you tried to raise it
do volunteers
shadow dentist
applay later ( take your time to take at least 40 credits) i know this don't sound right but It is the way to go
There is alway hope for anything to happen
I wish you the best of luck
if you have B.S then take master courses
if you don't have degree, try to complete it
 
delta121 said:
No, I didn't send you that message. Whoever sent something like that is a total douchebag.
Click to expand...
i know you didn't send the message delta... you were very sweet. i've already spoken to that person... it apparently was a "miscommunication" message... still the person is a jerk.
 
Prosthoman said:
Start Taking class Try to study hard
try to raise your GPA to 3.0
Mention that in your personal statement that you tried to raise it
do volunteers
shadow dentist
applay later ( take your time to take at least 40 credits) i know this don't sound right but It is the way to go
There is alway hope for anything to happen
I wish you the best of luck
if you have B.S then take master courses
if you don't have degree, try to complete it
Click to expand...
i already have a degree in chemistry... should i just take some informal post bac classes in biology to get at least a 3.0 gpa or get a masters degree? Im short in time and money... what do you suggest...
 
If you aren't going to start d-school until 2009 then you have two years to finish a MS in biosciences. I've seen threads where people suggest that there are some that are only a year long. It may be the difference between thesis/non thesis but I cannot fully remember the details. It does seem like you'll need something to boost your GPA and your DAT to be more competitive. I'm inclined to say the post bac stuff isn't the best if only because it's not a degree program so you can't get financial aid.
 
i'm wondering if doing a masters in science in education is a good thing to get into dental school. i did my B. Sc already and i think doing a masters will be best for me now cuz it will be the only faculty that could take me in at this time of the year to start this fall.
has anyone heard of this MSc in Education programs? People are allowed to teach when they finish the MSc. Will this be looked bad by the Adcoms (they could think i want to teach and then be a dentist?)? thanks for your all help!
so far i have heard of Niagara University in buffalo but is this a reputable school? i live in Toronto but i'm willing to travel to buffalo for the masters.....i wanna make myself more competitive for the fall 2009 and taking a good masters program is the best option i think....
 
marciallacua said:
i'm wondering if doing a masters in science in education is a good thing to get into dental school. i did my B. Sc already and i think doing a masters will be best for me now cuz it will be the only faculty that could take me in at this time of the year to start this fall.
has anyone heard of this MSc in Education programs? People are allowed to teach when they finish the MSc. Will this be looked bad by the Adcoms (they could think i want to teach and then be a dentist?)? thanks for your all help!
so far i have heard of Niagara University in buffalo but is this a reputable school? i live in Toronto but i'm willing to travel to buffalo for the masters.....i wanna make myself more competitive for the fall 2009 and taking a good masters program is the best option i think....
Click to expand...


why would you want to do a masters if you already have a Bsc? why not apply directly to dental? getting a masters in education is a waste of money and time unless you want to become a teacher. If you want to pursue dental school and are insistent on doing a masters then you should pursue a hardcore masters like the IMS program at drexel and not some flimsy education masters.
 
All of these advices are very good but you're not completely in the doom yet. With a 2.55 sci and 2.87 overall, although low in dental school standards but I don't think its that bad. If you really don't want to waste time and do more schooling, I suggest taking 2-4 months off and do nothing but study for the DAT and score a 23+ (this is possible and can be achieved with some hardcore studying) that is why they have the DAT--in order to standardized applicants since GPA varies from different undergrad institution. If i remember right, there is a thread for people with low GPA who got accepted, I think its called, "The under 3.0 club" or something l and there are alot of people in there that have made things happen. Check over that and don't feel discourage. Always look up for inspiration 😎
 
BodybldgDoc said:
why would you want to do a masters if you already have a Bsc? why not apply directly to dental? getting a masters in education is a waste of money and time unless you want to become a teacher. If you want to pursue dental school and are insistent on doing a masters then you should pursue a hardcore masters like the IMS program at drexel and not some flimsy education masters.
Click to expand...

yes i do have my BSc already but i need to have a higher GPA, i know where i stand. Taking random undergrad courses doesn't seem as beneficial as getting a Masters in the path of trying to become a dentist. I saw the program at Drexel and seems excellent but I don't think I can move next year. Will adcoms really think that pursuing education is bad before going to dental school? What about people getting MBAs in random schools? I went to U of Toronto so maybe I should go to an easier school to make sure I can boost my GPA 🙁....i guess i'll look into more science focused masters but I already specialized in Sciences in my BSc.....what should i do? HELP ANYONE!!!
 
the adcoms know everything, that is what he is telling you. He is saying you should go to a hard masters program because the adcoms will not show as much respect to you if you go to an easy masters program. It will simply look like you just went in to get a higher gpa and just took easy classes. What you have to do is prove you can handle anything hard. Here's how it would look. "oh he got a 2.5 as a chem major but now that hes taking easy classes he can handle good grades." That is NOT what you want.
 
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Baylor takes people with bac degrees, hince the name "post-bac"...I know 2 people doing that program right now and they both just graduated! APPLY TO THE POST BAC PROGRAM next year if you dont get in this year...ITS A GUARANTEED spot into baylor if you make the grades...which you will if you really want to go!
 
I feel your pain. I had a 3.2 overall and 3.08 GPA and sucked on the DAT 3 times cuz I didn't study hardly at all. I got a 17 on the DAT as my highest. So I took a year off from applying and am in a 2 years M.S. Microbiology and Immunology program. I'm taking real tough classes, doing research (getting a publication), and teaching a microbio lab class. All things that I think will help my resume. I talked to 5 admissions people after I failed to get into dental school and they all said a post-bac or master's program is better than re-taking undergrad classes. Plus the benefit of graduate education is that it will prepare you for other things even if you don't get into dental school (God forbid).

The bottom line is you need two years of a 3.5+ GPA and you also need to take 8-15 weeks to solely study for the DAT and get a 20+ score. Persistence is the key. I'm trying to do it right now and its tough but if I get in it will be all worth it.
 
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