3.4/3.4s Chances? How I can make my application stronger?

[ak14523]

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Hello, I'm on the verge of deciding whether to drop PreDent and go to Prepharm or not, so all advice and criticism in real honesty will be greatly appreciated. I've read most of the guides and been to many seminars on these kinda things, but I think getting advice from you guys might help me a bit as well. What are my chances and what should I do to become a stronger applicant?

Currently a Junior - Texas - Baylor
Major: Medical Humanities and Biology (Double major) might drop humanities and get a business minor.. but that's extreme.
Current GPAa: 3.3 GPAs: 3.3,
Perspective GPA by the end of my Junior year, around a 3.4 and 3.49 (Science)

Haven't taken DAT yet.

GPA trendline is basically an upside down bell curve, 4.0 my freshman year, bad Sophomore year, and currently bringing it up during my Junior year. (I took dual credit in highschool and slacked off, it's what's bringing my GPA down the most)

Extracurriculars: Secretary - Fraternity, Founded a sports club, currently Secretary of that, another interest club, 100 service hours in college alone, this number could be more or less, this is a rough estimate, Studied abroad for a semester, Habitat for Humanity Club I joined this semester to bring up hours.

Research: I did research through one of my Bio classes, presented a poster. Currently trying to join a prof in his research that will conclude when I graduate.

Experience: Here is where I'm really lackluster. I have very few hours. Probably around 15 hours shadowing a doctor, and about 5 shadowing an endodonist.

Rec Letters: Also another week spot, for Baylor I need 4! rec letters to a get a committee letter. I'm not very close to many of my professors currently, but I have a 2 from my freshman year that are potentials and I feel like I left a good impression on my Ochem Teacher this semester.

Connections: Wasn't sure if I should include this or not, but my uncle teaches at TAMBCD.

Tried to be as in depth as possible, is there any other information you may need? If you don't think I can get in immediately what should I do after I graduate? Master's? How can I make this application stronger and increase my chances? Thank you

 

[ak14523]

Didn't mean to add this.

 

[studentdental8]

I have similar grades / experiences so maybe you can get some insight from me. Difference is I'm not a texas resident applying to texas schools (from what I hear you will have a solid shot given that). I had fraternity related leadership positions, solid research experience in a graduate level lab. With experience you will want over 100 hours shadowing a dentist. Good rec letters are needed as well, and try to get one from upper level classes.

 

[SXCoronado]

.

 

[studentdental8]

Your GPA is on the lower side of average accepted applicants I think. It's easy to project a 3.5 but doing it is different. based on your current GPA try to score a 20 or higher on the DAT

Yeah, you're gonna have to want it really badly. I brought my GPA up from a corn hole with a straight 4.0 for the last four semesters of college. But I REALLY wanted it and refused to sleep, go out, and waste time.

 

[plumerias]

I wouldn't go to pharm just because of your grades, which aren't unsalvageable (actually, I would not go to pharm at all given the state of the field..)

Keep shadowing to make sure you really want to do one over the other. If you find your true calling is dentistry then prove you want it and study your butt off for the DAT!

 

[MRZ8]

Be sure the right end of that upside down bell curve happens.

 

[ak14523]

Thank you all for your feedback so far!

I have similar grades / experiences so maybe you can get some insight from me. Difference is I'm not a texas resident applying to texas schools (from what I hear you will have a solid shot given that). I had fraternity related leadership positions, solid research experience in a graduate level lab. With experience you will want over 100 hours shadowing a dentist. Good rec letters are needed as well, and try to get one from upper level classes.

That's very good to hear, thank you for your help! Did you do graduate school before going into Dental School? MS?

I wouldn't go to pharm just because of your grades, which aren't unsalvageable (actually, I would not go to pharm at all given the state of the field..)

Keep shadowing to make sure you really want to do one over the other. If you find your true calling is dentistry then prove you want it and study your butt off for the DAT!

Given that Pharm is my second option, I'm curious as to why you said you wouldn't go to pharm given the state it's in. Can you elaborate on this? I've done some research and it seems as if the field is doing well, good even.

I plan to start studying for the DAT ASAP. Most things I've read recommend 6-8 weeks, around 8 hours a day. I won't be able to put 8 hours a day next semester in because I still have school, but I plan to do about 3-4 hours a day for around 8-12 weeks. Do you guys feel this is adequate time? Or is this something I'll have to see for myself based on progress?

 

[nonociceptors]

i have a 3.4overall/3.3ish for science and 3 pre-dec interviews so far. i was batch 9 i think, so not late but definitely not early. just nail the DAT and it won't matter much imo. pretty sure my 26AA is saving my ass

 

[keewee981]

Your gpa isn't high but, I've seen people get in with a lower gpa. On the weekend go do some community work and, you have to shadow alot to show your interest! If I were you, I would do around 300hrs with some volunteer work as well! Make sure your personal essay is strong! You can also do your masters to raise your gpa, I've seen that work too!

 

[darknightzzz]

Thank you all for your feedback so far!



That's very good to hear, thank you for your help! Did you do graduate school before going into Dental School? MS?



Given that Pharm is my second option, I'm curious as to why you said you wouldn't go to pharm given the state it's in. Can you elaborate on this? I've done some research and it seems as if the field is doing well, good even.

I plan to start studying for the DAT ASAP. Most things I've read recommend 6-8 weeks, around 8 hours a day. I won't be able to put 8 hours a day next semester in because I still have school, but I plan to do about 3-4 hours a day for around 8-12 weeks. Do you guys feel this is adequate time? Or is this something I'll have to see for myself based on progress?

you should make a trip to pre-pharm SDN to know why people question the state of pharm currently. 136 schools (with more on the way) pumping out 15000 pharmacist every year. Just a head start for you.

Good luck!

 

[ajj70]

If you get a 21+ DAT your GPA will be fine. Work on getting up to 100+ shadow hours before you apply and then see how it goes. Stats are important to a point but so are your LOR's, PS and your interviews.

 

[mis_gnomer]

Shadowing is the only way to definitely help you decide between dentistry and pharmacy. Try shadowing a general dentist to get a broader perspective of the dental profession.

 

[Pro-Dentite19]

3.4 is nowhere near low enough to think about giving up on D School. I had a 3.4 and I am a D1!

 

[ak14523]

Thank you all for your help, after shadows and a lot of thought, I decided to take my chances at Dental school. Already started preparing for the DAT!

 

[chompsss]

You'll be plenty competitive. Look at the Official Dental School Guide and see that there are a number of schools where your stats (at least GPA) is above their average.

I had a 3.2 oGPA and got six acceptances. My DAT wasn't particularly great either - 21 AA, 20 TS, 21 PAT. I had a 4.0 BCP and other things to strengthen my application, but you have other things that will help out as well. Do well on your DAT (20+ AA and TS) and you'll get multiple acceptances (so long as you don't throw up on yourself in the interview).

 

[BioForLife]

You can get in with a 3.3 GPA, even if it is a little below the average, so don't let that discourage you. You're a junior so you can still get it even to 3.4 or 3.5. You have some decent extracurriculars and volunteering, but I would try to get at least 50 more shadowing hours. Your DAT is probably the biggest thing to focus on right now, as you're really going to want to get at least a 20 in order to boost your chances.