Advice on how to continue?

[smileytwelve]

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Hi, I'm currently a senior about one quarter away from graduating with a Psych degree. Every since I was six, I knew in my heart 100% I wanted to become a dentist. I'm now scared that I've ruined my chance. During my undergrad, I went through some really tough hardships with my family (don't want to use this as an excuse) and I was really unmotivated and barely checked in, which resulted in a really low GPA (2.6) withOUT taking any science/dental preqs. I know I messed up terribly and this is not who I am. I've always been an extremely hard worker. I'm so disappointed with myself looking back for not being able to take control and losing focus in school. I wholeheartedly want to become a dentist. I've finally reached the point where I am so motivated and ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish my dreams. I've looked at some of the threads on this site and people suggest doing a double major staying undergrad to raise my gpa however, if I did my science gpa would be high but my overall gpa would still be pretty low. Is staying another year the best route? Even financially? I don't think I'll be able to get into any Postbacc programs with this gpa? I really hate that I'm in this position but I am willing to do anything to change it. Do you have any advice on how I should continue if you were in my position? Thanks in advance!

 

[Weakfart]

I don't have an exact answer for you because I don't know your finances and stuff. But, check out this under 3.0 thread. I can't say for certain whether you should do a post bac or masters or what. Based on your post, you make it sound like you haven't taken the science courses required for dental school yet. So you're going to have to do an informal postbac to do that. After that you might need to do more GPA mending with a formal program and better your ECs. Whatever happens, you're going to be looking at at least a few years before applying to dental school.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

2.6 as a Psych major? How?

 

[DentalDoge]

Yeah, it seems like you need to take the dental school pre reqs, which will certainly take more than a year or 2. Hopefully your business with your family has resolved enough to the point where you can concentrate on your school work.

However, even after you finish your prereqs, you may even have to do a post-bacc after graduation to tap into those higher level science courses. It's going to be a long road for you. I really don't see any other way.

Additionally, I would definitely mention your family problems, if appropriate, in your PS. It was apparently very influential in your life but don't make it sound like an excuse. Instead write about what you have learned from it.

2.6 as a Psych major? How?

Tough hardships with his family.

 

[Proxybrush15]

If you really want to be a dentist then you should do all you can to achieve yor goal. You will need to revamp your entire application to prove to the adcoms that you can handle the rigors of the didactic years of dental school as it is much tougher and more intense than undergrad. You will need to prove yourself competent in the sciences, and perform well on the DAT. A simple post bac may not do the trick. It may require majoring in bio, and even a 1 year or 2 year masters program to provide the schools evidence that you can consistently handle the science heavy course loads over a longer period of time since your transcript currently shows a behavioral science transcript with lackluster results. I am right there with you, and I have a way to go myself. Keep your head up and develop a plan. Your goal is to develop an application where you do not have to make any excuses for yourself. Try reading this book. I found it helpfulhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S4HYOTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1422804603&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=predental+guide+i+wish+i+had
Good luck to you, and don't give up!

 

[smileytwelve]

I don't have an exact answer for you because I don't know your finances and stuff. But, check out this under 3.0 thread. I can't say for certain whether you should do a post bac or masters or what. Based on your post, you make it sound like you haven't taken the science courses required for dental school yet. So you're going to have to do an informal postbac to do that. After that you might need to do more GPA mending with a formal program and better your ECs. Whatever happens, you're going to be looking at at least a few years before applying to dental school.

Thank you for your advice! I'll definetely be checking that thread out!

 

[smileytwelve]

If you really want to be a dentist then you should do all you can to achieve yor goal. You will need to revamp your entire application to prove to the adcoms that you can handle the rigors of the didactic years of dental school as it is much tougher and more intense than undergrad. You will need to prove yourself competent in the sciences, and perform well on the DAT. A simple post bac may not do the trick. It may require majoring in bio, and even a 1 year or 2 year masters program to provide the schools evidence that you can consistently handle the science heavy course loads over a longer period of time since your transcript currently shows a behavioral science transcript with lackluster results. I am right there with you, and I have a way to go myself. Keep your head up and develop a plan. Your goal is to develop an application where you do not have to make any excuses for yourself. Try reading this book. I found it helpfulhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S4HYOTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1422804603&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=predental+guide+i+wish+i+had
Good luck to you, and don't give up!

I REALLY appreciate your response. You're totally right, I'm going to work on formulating a specific plan. I know my first step is majoring in Bio and acing it to show an upward trend. Thanks for the book recomendation, sounds super interesting can't wait to read it! I know the road will be long but totally worth it in the end. I wish you the best on your journey as well! 🙂