Advice Needed!

[Seamonkey Doc]

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Hi, I'm a rising senior in college. As I'm thinking about post college life, I'm wondering what my chances are for dental school. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.24
BCP GPA: 3.07 (I also got a C+ in OChem I but a B in OChem II)
Shadowing Hours: ~30
I have not taken the DAT yet

My GPA is on the low side which is why I plan to take a year off hoping that my senior year grades can help. Along with that, I would like to use my gap year in order to get involved in the health field as a volunteer or intern somewhere.

I'm trying to optimistic but I'm wondering if this GPA really low for dental school. I'm really worried because I know many averages are around 3.5. If this is low and nothing changes in the next year, I'm wondering if I should turn to another career and another field.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[beatsdre]

Hi, I'm a rising senior in college. As I'm thinking about post college life, I'm wondering what my chances are for dental school. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.24
Science GPA: 3.07 (I also got a C+ in OChem I but a B in OChem II)
Shadowing Hours: ~30
I have not taken the DAT yet

My GPA is on the low side which is why I plan to take a year off hoping that my senior year grades can help. Along with that, I would like to use my gap year in order to get involved in the health field as a volunteer or intern somewhere.

I'm trying to optimistic but I'm wondering if this GPA really low for dental school. I'm really worried because I know many averages are around 3.5. If this is low and nothing changes in the next year, I'm wondering if I should turn to another career and another field.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

It's never to late to change things. Play around with the gpa calculator. If you need to take 50 units to raise it to a 3.5 then do it.

Its your last chance. If you want it, go get it. You can do it if you put your mind to it. 👍

 

[yappy]

My gpa is not that much higher than yours... it's freaky huh? I'm hoping that my strong upward trend will give some consideration. Try to 4.0 your senior year... and get a strong DAT score.
Some schools averages are below 3.5... I think i've read a number of them at 3.3.
I dont know weather or not you should do a different career. Our GPA isnt that much different and I'm going for it - if it's your dream maybe you should too.
Now that I think of it what are our chances with all these really high gpa applicants? maybe not very good.

 

[pinhi]

Hi, I'm a rising senior in college. As I'm thinking about post college life, I'm wondering what my chances are for dental school. Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.24
BCP GPA: 3.07 (I also got a C+ in OChem I but a B in OChem II)
Shadowing Hours: ~30
I have not taken the DAT yet

My GPA is on the low side which is why I plan to take a year off hoping that my senior year grades can help. Along with that, I would like to use my gap year in order to get involved in the health field as a volunteer or intern somewhere.

I'm trying to optimistic but I'm wondering if this GPA really low for dental school. I'm really worried because I know many averages are around 3.5. If this is low and nothing changes in the next year, I'm wondering if I should turn to another career and another field.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

ur gpa isnt really that bad.....all of these high gpa people may be lacking in personality areas...just cuz u have a great gpa doesnt assure anything. Experience and determination/dedication to the field of dentistry are huge. I have applied 3X in the past and I'm still trucking. I have heard 3-4 application cycles is the average for a applicants. Get a strong DAT for sure. It kinda sux but a 9 month masters program is almost a must (and will become a must in the near future)......my gpa is WAY lower than yours but I went and got the masters in biomedical science.....honestly I thought I was ready b4 that program (i wasnt)....now I know what to expect of professional school. Ended my masters with a 3.77 gpa and retook DAT
TS 21/AA 19/PA 20....not great but seriously good enough to get in...woo em in the interview.
Just remember: dentistry is one of the hardest career paths to get into.....u have to be dedicated and know its what you want to do.....its hard work......if u want it....go get it!! 😉

 

[dentalpath]

ur gpa isnt really that bad.....all of these high gpa people may be lacking in personality areas...just cuz u have a great gpa doesnt assure anything. Experience and determination/dedication to the field of dentistry are huge. I have applied 3X in the past and I'm still trucking. I have heard 3-4 application cycles is the average for a applicants. Get a strong DAT for sure. It kinda sux but a 9 month masters program is almost a must (and will become a must in the near future)......my gpa is WAY lower than yours but I went and got the masters in biomedical science.....honestly I thought I was ready b4 that program (i wasnt)....now I know what to expect of professional school. Ended my masters with a 3.77 gpa and retook DAT
TS 21/AA 19/PA 20....not great but seriously good enough to get in...woo em in the interview.
Just remember: dentistry is one of the hardest career paths to get into.....u have to be dedicated and know its what you want to do.....its hard work......if u want it....go get it!! 😉

I think this may just be your experience. 3-4 application cycles is def not the norm but if you have a lower GPA and low DAT score, this may be the case. A masters program is pretty much required when undergrad GPA is low not for those who already have a GPA above 3.5 in undergrad. After speaking with a counselor from NYU, I have come to know its just not your score in the sciences or your DAT, its how well rounded you really are. To the OP: If your GPA is low, you definitely need to bring it up to a 3.5 if you want to be competitive. Combine that with a DAT of 21+ and you should have a pretty good chance of getting in. Your grades in pre-reqs matter quite a bit as well. If you have any C's, compensate on your DAT for those sections . Dental schools dont want students who will drop out after first year so study hard, bring your GPA up and show the adcoms you deserve a spot at their school just as much as the rest of the competitive applicants.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Thank you all for posting your thoughts = )

I'll be looking into one year Masters Programs. I've already found a few at Tulane, Dartmouth, University of Louisville, and University of South Florida through a Google search.

Someone also told me that I can take more science classes at a undergraduate institute after graduation. This could potentially build up my science (but not BCP) GPA. If you have thoughts on this, please share.

Being a health care provider has always been my dream. I wanted to be a physician until I realized that dentists are needed just as much if not more in underserved areas. So dental public health has been my goal. I would hate to stop pursuing this but if it's too late, I need to know when to start thinking realistically.

 

[uncbestyet]

"my science (but not BCP) GPA"

I think BCP stands for (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

So I think post-bacc classes will raise this section if they fit into those categories.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

"my science (but not BCP) GPA"

I think BCP stands for (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

So I think post-bacc classes will raise this section if they fit into those categories.

I was under the impression that BCP classes are the pre-requisites needed for dental school (Intro Bio, Intro Chem, OChem, Physics). I've taken these classes and have received credit for them. Does this mean I should take these classes again as a Post-bac? Or should I take more science classes in general, with the intention of raising my science GPA?

My gpa is not that much higher than yours... it's freaky huh? I'm hoping that my strong upward trend will give some consideration. Try to 4.0 your senior year... and get a strong DAT score.
Some schools averages are below 3.5... I think i've read a number of them at 3.3.
I dont know weather or not you should do a different career. Our GPA isnt that much different and I'm going for it - if it's your dream maybe you should too.
Now that I think of it what are our chances with all these really high gpa applicants? maybe not very good.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone with this problem. Do you know which dental schools have the 3.3 average? I heard something about USC and NYU but I wonder if you know more. Good luck to you!

 

[schen140]

dont aim for a 3.3. only a few schools have averages that low, and when they do admit ppl with those low gpa's, those applicants are probably extremely strong in other areas such as extracurriculars

aim for a 3.5. if you have a 3.07 gpa right now, each A that you get will be a 4.0 and will heavily increase that number. If you get A's in all ur bcp classes senior year, you might be around 3.3 or 3.4. maybe 3.5, i dont know but you should do the math. if you cant get it up that high within the year then do the post-bacc or masters

also, aim to raise ur bcp gpa not ur science gpa. bcp does mean bio, chem, and physics, it includes any classes that fall under those categories. classes such as engineering and math will help your science gpa but not ur bcp, and ultimately bcp is the one that matters more, though we are often mislead because schools publish their science gpas and not bcp's

 

[pinhi]

I think this may just be your experience. 3-4 application cycles is def not the norm but if you have a lower GPA and low DAT score, this may be the case. A masters program is pretty much required when undergrad GPA is low not for those who already have a GPA above 3.5 in undergrad. After speaking with a counselor from NYU, I have come to know its just not your score in the sciences or your DAT, its how well rounded you really are. To the OP: If your GPA is low, you definitely need to bring it up to a 3.5 if you want to be competitive. Combine that with a DAT of 21+ and you should have a pretty good chance of getting in. Your grades in pre-reqs matter quite a bit as well. If you have any C's, compensate on your DAT for those sections . Dental schools dont want students who will drop out after first year so study hard, bring your GPA up and show the adcoms you deserve a spot at their school just as much as the rest of the competitive applicants.

dentalpath.....some really good follow-up information here. Thanks. Just wanted to comment on the fact that 3-4 cycles IS actually the norm. Those that get accepted after one cycle should consider themselves extremely fortunate. I have been around the block long enough and have spoken with enough people who would agree that 3-4 is the norm.Most schools get from 2000-5000 applicants per cycle. Even those with stellar scores may have to wait a year or 2.....just the way it is.
Good luck to everyone and I hope you can do it in one try! 🙂

 

[DunStopBelievin]

dentalpath.....some really good follow-up information here. Thanks. Just wanted to comment on the fact that 3-4 cycles IS actually the norm. Those that get accepted after one cycle should consider themselves extremely fortunate. I have been around the block long enough and have spoken with enough people who would agree that 3-4 is the norm.Most schools get from 2000-5000 applicants per cycle. Even those with stellar scores may have to wait a year or 2.....just the way it is.
Good luck to everyone and I hope you can do it in one try! 🙂

That really saddens me, but at least now, I know it's going to be a long road ahead.

 

[pinhi]

That really saddens me, but at least now, I know it's going to be a long road ahead.

DunStopBelievin.....ur DAT scores are good ....not sure about ur GPA....u will be fine....get ready for interviews.....dont stress too much...it wont help and can't change anything .....ur fine.....😉

 

[dentalbuzz]

I'm sorry, but 3-4 application cycles is definitely not the norm. I have also talked to several people, all of whom have gotten in their first try. The only way 3-4 application cycles is normal, is if you have really poor stats and need all that time to get them up to par.

 

[pinhi]

I'm sorry, but 3-4 application cycles is definitely not the norm. I have also talked to several people, all of whom have gotten in their first try. The only way 3-4 application cycles is normal, is if you have really poor stats and need all that time to get them up to par.

we will agree to disagree then.....maybe contact some schools and ask them what they think......they'll tell you the same thing friend.......
If you know people who have gotten in on their first app cycle....thats' great.....but there are thousands of other applicants out there......2 of your friends are a small % of that.

 

[pinhi]

we will agree to disagree then.....maybe contact some schools and ask them what they think......they'll tell you the same thing friend.......
If you know people who have gotten in on their first app cycle....thats' great.....but there are thousands of other applicants out there......2 of your friends are a small % of that.

I would like to clarify. Im in the same boat as everyone else. Im not trying to scare anyone..im just being realistic. I was told by several admissions officers that 3-4 cycles is the "Average".....maybe the word "NORM" is striking fear into some of you. I apologize if my wording was poor. I have also been through a masters with people who graduated from university with 3.5-4.0 gpas who were all rejected as well. A masters is soon going to be the bar for which we all have to strive. I can't count the amount of times i have heard "so and so finally got accepted on their 5th app cycle....he/she almost gave up".....well.....i have to say.....the "average" is 3-4 cycles. YOU may fall beneath or above that average.
You have to understand the reason dental school is soooo competitive is due to the vast amount of applicants. Just because you may know people who were accepted does not mean that there aren't thousands of other applicants who do not make it and have to try again (and again for many).......this is absolutely normal (and frustrating as hell)...BUT!! if you really really want to be a dentist...you will do anything to get into dental school...never quit......and try not to forget the people who dont get accepted right away.....they're working very hard as well. We're all future colleagues here.
I wish no ill on anyone, in any way......i wish only the best of luck to all of you!