Advice Please, Life Decisions

[StudentDDS]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Here my story:

I have applied three times, this cycle being the third. I have a 3.04 GPA with a 2.54 BCP, 2.74 science gpa. 18 AA DAT score with 21 PA/21 RC/ 17's on Bio/Chem. I am contemplating whether to reapply a fourth time and take the dat a fourth time.

Now the first year applying was when I had completed two years of undergrad. Dont ask me why, I was nieve and hadn't even taken the second Ochem class yet. Bombed the Dat and wasted time and money(probably looks terrible on my application also) Now I have a Bachelors in Biology and minor in Chemistry, struggled a bit through the harder courses in undergrad although I should have put more effort into them.

My predicament is this. Do I study for the DAT for the next five months, 4 hours a day and try to kill this thing? Do I even have a chance with a great Dat score(23?, 22?) and this GPA?

I've heard some schools wont take a dat score the 4th time. Is there any truth to this? I know I have to request to take the test again.

I've looked into Chiropractics and might go that route as an alternative. I'm interested in dentistry but not stuck on it. It interests me but work is work and all professions are work. I want a dentist type lifestyle and I think Chiropractics might be similar, schedule and family friendly wise. (no law school.) But I'm not giving up on dental yet. Please offer some advice. thanks

 

[dtran95]

I'm on the same boat with you, third time apply, 2nd time DAT but no good news yet 🙁. I'm really tired with the application process, invest a lot of money and energy. I'm looking for an alternative career now.

 

[dentalWorks]

Here my story:

I have applied three times, this cycle being the third. I have a 3.04 GPA with a 2.54 BCP, 2.74 science gpa. 18 AA DAT score with 21 PA/21 RC/ 17's on Bio/Chem. I am contemplating whether to reapply a fourth time and take the dat a fourth time.

Now the first year applying was when I had completed two years of undergrad. Dont ask me why, I was nieve and hadn't even taken the second Ochem class yet. Bombed the Dat and wasted time and money(probably looks terrible on my application also) Now I have a Bachelors in Biology and minor in Chemistry, struggled a bit through the harder courses in undergrad although I should have put more effort into them.

My predicament is this. Do I study for the DAT for the next five months, 4 hours a day and try to kill this thing? Do I even have a chance with a great Dat score(23?, 22?) and this GPA?

I've heard some schools wont take a dat score the 4th time. Is there any truth to this? I know I have to request to take the test again.

I've looked into Chiropractics and might go that route as an alternative. I'm interested in dentistry but not stuck on it. It interests me but work is work and all professions are work. I want a dentist type lifestyle and I think Chiropractics might be similar, schedule and family friendly wise. (no law school.) But I'm not giving up on dental yet. Please offer some advice. thanks

Even if you were to do exceptionally well on the DAT, those science GPA numbers are low. My guess is you will still struggle to get in.

I don't like to tell people not to apply but you need to stop applying to dental schools just for a while, take some time off and fix your GPA. I recommend 2 years of post-bacc and do your best to 4.0 any course you take

Oh and another thing, don't go into chiropractics just because u didn't get into dental school.... You'll always wonder what being a dentist is like.

 

[StudentDDS]

I know i'm gunna get crap for the Chiropractics thing. I'm just looking at alternatives and what possibilities I have from here with my degree. Thanks for the advice. Any more opinions?

 

[spearmint]

I agree with Dentalworks. With a GPA that low, it's going to be unlikely you'll get in even with a great DAT score. If you are set on dentistry, then you'll need to make the sacrifice and do a post-bacc/SMP to bring that GPA up. There's still hope, but it's going to be a looong journey. You really have to dig deep and decide for yourself if dentistry is worth the time and money that you have to sacrifice. If it is, then think of it as an investment in your life-long career.

Although many predents will disagree, there are other rewarding careers out there. I think it's a great that you're looking at other options. If you don't get into dental school, it's not the end of the world. I actually knew someone who got into dental school but declined admission to pursue another career. He did some soul searching and realized he didn't like dentistry as much as he'd thought. He is making very good money now and is happy.

 

[linsy22689]

Agree. If lifestyle is what you are looking for, then you can look at some alternate jobs that are challenging for you and give you the lifestyle that you need. If you are interested in healthcare in general, you might try going for some other health professions. But keep in mind that no professional school wants to be considered backup for applicants, so you'll have to work to convince ad comms why you chose chiro.