Advice for Dental School

[Denta1986]

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Dental School has been a long dream of mine, ever since visiting my Orthodontist. As of now, I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in science. I am a first year Middle School Science teacher who is hoping to apply this next cycle. My total GPA is a 3.56, major GPA 3.9, and sGPA is 3.0 - 1. I just recently took a Biochemistry course at Northwestern University receiving an A- and I plan on taking more science courses over the summer - Micro and Immuno @ Loyola University. I have over 200 + hours shadowing and Orthodontist and 350 hrs with a regular dentist. Great recommendations and up to date with dental research. I will be taking my DAT in July, but completing my application in June. Any suggestions that would help me increase my chances of getting in?

 

[SoulPower]

You look solid to me dude. Keep up the good work, hit some solid scores on the DAT, and practice in the mirror for those interviews.

And the earlier you do the DAT the better, but as always the higher the score the better as well.

 

[FutureDentalSt1]

Dental School has been a long dream of mine, ever since visiting my Orthodontist. As of now, I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in science. I am a first year Middle School Science teacher who is hoping to apply this next cycle. My total GPA is a 3.56, major GPA 3.9, and sGPA is 3.0 - 1. I just recently took a Biochemistry course at Northwestern University receiving an A- and I plan on taking more science courses over the summer - Micro and Immuno @ Loyola University. I have over 200 + hours shadowing and Orthodontist and 350 hrs with a regular dentist. Great recommendations and up to date with dental research. I will be taking my DAT in July, but completing my application in June. Any suggestions that would help me increase my chances of getting in?

Woohoo for teachers!! I'm a high school math teacher myself!!! I think that taking more science classes to bring that science gpa up will be the best thing you do for yourself 🙂! Overall I think you look good!! Good luck!!

 

[bing12]

what are all the bio classes you have taken so far?

 

[Denta1986]

I've taken First year of Bio - First year Chem - Organics - Biochemistry - Anatomy - Phis. I hope to take Micro and Genetics this summer - at least one of the two.

 

[Maygyver]

You look good, so far. As stated earlier, make sure to take your DAT before the application cycle opens in June (for best/easiest results). Other than that, put in a few upper level biology courses and you should be good.

 

[dentalWorks]

Dental School has been a long dream of mine, ever since visiting my Orthodontist. As of now, I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in science. I am a first year Middle School Science teacher who is hoping to apply this next cycle. My total GPA is a 3.56, major GPA 3.9, and sGPA is 3.0 - 1. I just recently took a Biochemistry course at Northwestern University receiving an A- and I plan on taking more science courses over the summer - Micro and Immuno @ Loyola University. I have over 200 + hours shadowing and Orthodontist and 350 hrs with a regular dentist. Great recommendations and up to date with dental research. I will be taking my DAT in July, but completing my application in June. Any suggestions that would help me increase my chances of getting in?

The 3.0 sGPA will hurt you. Your chances as of today will be determined on how well your TS score turns out (total science).

all the best

 

[Denta1986]

Basically, I need to kill the science parts of the DAT to become a stronger candidate? I mean what type of science GPA would be more appropriate 3.2 or 3.3? I mean I am taking some courses over the summer to improve my sGPA and want to show an upward trend with A's.

 

[bing12]

Basically, I need to kill the science parts of the DAT to become a stronger candidate? I mean what type of science GPA would be more appropriate 3.2 or 3.3? I mean I am taking some courses over the summer to improve my sGPA and want to show an upward trend with A's.

you are doing great so far, keep taking those upper level bios. Your acceptance wont be soley determined by the TS score, but it might be weighted heavier than usual due to the lower sgpa. That is what Dworks is trying to say ( i think.haha). The lower something is from ur grades in a particular subject, the higher the DAT score generally should be to balance it out is the general consensus.

 

[FutureDentalSt1]

That science score definitely has to be at least a 20 21 (in my opinion) if you have a non-science background and with a weaker sGPA

 

[Denta1986]

What would be more logical. I have a 3.0- 3.1 sGPA and have not taken the DAT. I am debating whether or not to take Microbiology the first summer session or instead use that time to study for the DAT. If I decided to study for the DAT, I would take the exam in July and enroll in a science course for the second summer session.

Basically, take and study the DAT now and complete a science course the second session, or take 2 science courses over the summer and study for the DAT concurrently.

 

[Maygyver]

What would be more logical. I have a 3.0- 3.1 sGPA and have not taken the DAT. I am debating whether or not to take Microbiology the first summer session or instead use that time to study for the DAT. If I decided to study for the DAT, I would take the exam in July and enroll in a science course for the second summer session.

Basically, take and study the DAT now and complete a science course the second session, or take 2 science courses over the summer and study for the DAT concurrently.

Only you know yourself well enough to decide, but personally I had no trouble studying for the DAT while taking a full course load. It's up to you though.