Advice Please

[piggy88]

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I'm currently a junior and I can't decide what to do with my life.

I do like dentistry but it is my grades that is making me hesitant with what career path I want to take. I'm currently on the path for pharmacy just because my grades are so low. I messed up my sophomore year and got about a 2.5 each semester so and I had an overall GPA of a 2.879. I did much better the first semester of my junior year with a 3.4 this semester which brought my GPA to a 3.0. I gained much more confidence this semester and figured out the best way I study so I can only imagine my GPA each semester to get higher and higher.
That said, I believe I can get into a pharmacy school when I apply this summer but if I want to do dental, I will have to take more credits and take a gap year in order apply with a higher GPA after my 4 years of college. And even with 4 years of college I think my GPA will only be an overall 3.3-3.4 and a sGPA of 3.2.

So I'm asking what are my chances? Will I get in with a 3.4 overall GPA and a sGPA of 3.2? Will I have to take extra classes to raise my GPA? Will my GPA each semester being immensely better mean anything to dental schools?

(Also EC: I do have leadership experience, involved with Operation Smile, but not involved with my pre-dental society at school because it's a $100 membership fee which I find ridiculous, and have been shadowing a dentist)

I would appreciate any advice because if there isn't really a chance for me then I will do pharmacy in the end.

 

[Advance]

I personally wouldn't choose a career based on which is easier to get into.
But to answer your questions...
A 3.2 sgpa is low but I've seen people get accepted with a 3.4ogpa/3.2sgpa.
The higher the GPA the better. you technically don't "have" to take extra classes to boost your GPA, but it will make you a more competitive applicant if you do.
An upward trend in GPA is always helpful.

As far as your chances overall... It's really too early to say. There are too many hypotheticals to your application right now. DAT, ECs, LORs, Essays, Interviews ect. These things effect your overall competitiveness immensely. One thing is certain though; your GPA needs to be higher.

 

[piggy88]

I personally wouldn't choose a career based on which is easier to get into.
But to answer your questions...
A 3.2 sgpa is low but I've seen people get accepted with a 3.4ogpa/3.2sgpa.
The higher the GPA the better. you technically don't "have" to take extra classes to boost your GPA, but it will make you a more competitive applicant if you do.
An upward trend in GPA is always helpful.

As far as your chances overall... It's really too early to say. There are too many hypotheticals to your application right now. DAT, ECs, LORs, Essays, Interviews ect. These things effect your overall competitiveness immensely. One thing is certain though; your GPA needs to be higher.

I really appreciate the reply! Would you say a 3.4 oGPA and a 3.3 sGPA has a much better chance? or does overall need to be higher too? I'm not a science major so I could take more science classes to boost my science GPA.

 

[JLT223]

I really appreciate the reply! Would you say a 3.4 oGPA and a 3.3 sGPA has a much better chance? or does overall need to be higher too? I'm not a science major so I could take more science classes to boost my science GPA.

No. It would need to be higher.

 

[piggy88]

No. It would need to be higher.

What would you say it needs to be around?

 

[The real 007]

I competitive gpa would be around 3.6.