6 Years To Get Bachelors...Chances of Dental School?

[wowastudent]

Hello all, I am in a bit of a stressed situation and I would like everyone's opinion. I just finished my Bachelors Degree (Health Sciences with a concentration in Biology) with a 3.5 cGPA and a 3.6 sGPA. I am most worried about the fact that it took me 6 years to get my Bachelors. I'm not going to lie, the reason it took so long is the fact that I changed my major at least 4 times before deciding, and that I paid for my Bachelors out of pocket. Will the fact it took so long to get my Bachelors hinder my chances of being accepted into Dental School even if I get a great DAT score? Also anything anyone can tell me to help strengthen my application would be awesome! Thank you all

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[sobertiger]

Hello all, I am in a bit of a stressed situation and I would like everyone's opinion. I just finished my Bachelors Degree (Health Sciences with a concentration in Biology) with a 3.5 cGPA and a 3.6 sGPA. I am most worried about the fact that it took me 6 years to get my Bachelors. I'm not going to lie, the reason it took so long is the fact that I changed my major at least 4 times before deciding, and that I paid for my Bachelors out of pocket. Will the fact it took so long to get my Bachelors hinder my chances of being accepted into Dental School even if I get a great DAT score? Also anything anyone can tell me to help strengthen my application would be awesome! Thank you all

They don't care about how long it took as long as it wasn't too long ago, and you had a good reason for it.

 

[schmoob]

Everyone is different, and has a different story. Schools want those who can handle the rigors of dental school, but at the same time they want real people.

You have a good GPA. Rock the DAT and you shouldn't have issues. Good luck!

 

[TrevorwestDDS]

I graduated high school in 2010, and I just started my first semester of dental school two weeks ago. Timing isn't a problem at all unless it was purely to have easy course loads. In your case, since you were paying your own tuition, I think that is something that makes you a unique and strong applicant. I would definitely include that in your personal statement. I'm sure you had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way. Good luck!

 

[wowastudent]

I graduated high school in 2010, and I just started my first semester of dental school two weeks ago. Timing isn't a problem at all unless it was purely to have easy course loads. In your case, since you were paying your own tuition, I think that is something that makes you a unique and strong applicant. I would definitely include that in your personal statement. I'm sure you had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way. Good luck!

That's awesome! And sadly, yes. May I ask what school you are going to and what your DAT scores looked like?

 

[Faefly]

Why should they hold it against you?
Kinda presumptuous if you ask me!

Just graduating alone is a milestone! Your gpa is very nice as well.

Be proud of what you have! They can sense it! you know! They can sense your fear and insecurity!

Apparently in this world, being confident triumph being genuine!

So please don't apologize for these 6 years! Be proud that you did them and you did them well!

(but not too proud, not too confident, not too everything!)

 

[Biomechanix]

I took 5.5 years for my undergrad degree. In retrospect, I felt like I needed even MORE time. I changed my major more times than I could count and even went to podiatry school for a brief period. I really enjoyed learning different subjects and it was extremely difficult for me to choose a profession. Fast forward to now... I am a D1 and in love with dentistry! I really believe that my life experiences outside of school helped me get into D-school as well as being on track for a full ride scholarship from the NHSC.

Do the best you can on the DAT and use the fact of "taking longer than usual to graduate" as an advantage.

 

[NYK33AllDay]

I took an extra year to get my degree, and I have some interview invites. Your GPA is solid, just focus on your DAT.

 

[TrevorwestDDS]

That's awesome! And sadly, yes. May I ask what school you are going to and what your DAT scores looked like?

For sure. I'm at Ohio State and my AA was a 22. If you crush the dat, there won't be too many schools that are out of reach to you.

 

[californiway21]

I graduated high school in 2011. I spent 3 years at a community college because I tested into pre-algebra and worked my way up the math classes to integral calculus. I then spent two years and a fall quarter getting my BS degree. So basically it took my 6 years to get my BS as well. I'll be starting at UCLA in a few weeks. Good luck!