Alternatives?? to dental school? low DAT/GPA

[mem302010]

I took my DAT today for the 3rd time. I have to say, I didn't do so well. My GPA is 3.3 overall which isn't good either. I want to be a dentist so bad though. It's been my only dream. Having said this, I don't know what I can do now. I have a BS in Science, so post-bac. would not be very helpful, I believe.

Has anyone been in my position, or know a alternative way? similar to post bac. but guarantee's interview (something like that- I think I heard about it)
Anyone willing to share their plan B?

Thank you in advance.

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[plusalpha]

I took my DAT today for the 3rd time. I have to say, I didn't do so well. My GPA is 3.3 overall which isn't good either. I want to be a dentist so bad though. It's been my only dream. Having said this, I don't know what I can do now. I have a BS in Science, so post-bac. would not be very helpful, I believe.

Has anyone been in my position, or know a alternative way? similar to post bac. but guarantee's interview (something like that- I think I heard about it)
Anyone willing to share their plan B?

Thank you in advance.

How bad did you do you DAT? When you said low GPA/DAT, I initially thought your GPA would be under 3.0, but 3.3 isn't THAT bad at all, so what you think is low may not be as low as you think. Would you mind disclosing your DAT scores...?

 

[sharkteethdentist]

Man, Relax. I am in Barry BMS program and have seen many students taking DAT more than 3 times and finally getting into dental schools. Apply to masters program like Barry, Rutgers, USF, and etc and take the DAT after completion of masters. You will not only find your own improved study skills but also retain strong science background knowledge to excel your DAT.

 

[mem302010]

How bad did you do you DAT? When you said low GPA/DAT, I initially thought your GPA would be under 3.0, but 3.3 isn't THAT bad at all, so what you think is low may not be as low as you think. Would you mind disclosing your DAT scores...?

AA 18 BO 18 GC 18 OC 22 PA 23 RC 17 QR 15
Before this I got higher on GC 20 RC 19 QR 20 but will schools look at that?

 

[mem302010]

Man, Relax. I am in Barry BMS program and have seen many students taking DAT more than 3 times and finally getting into dental schools. Apply to masters program like Barry, Rutgers, USF, and etc and take the DAT after completion of masters. You will not only find your own improved study skills but also retain strong science background knowledge to excel your DAT.

I will look into that. Thank you. Btw can you take DAT more than 3 times?

 

[sharkteethdentist]

I will look into that. Thank you. Btw can you take DAT more than 3 times?

Yes, I have seen several people. I would email ada about details.

 

[gsquared]

Although my AA was higher than yours, I had a few 19's and 18's in the subsections. Your GPA is a bit lower than mine, but I got the impression when I was at the interview that the numbers really didn't matter all that much. I had several questions and conversations about my research interests and publications and almost none about my previous academic performance.

 

[mem302010]

Although my AA was higher than yours, I had a few 19's and 18's in the subsections. Your GPA is a bit lower than mine, but I got the impression when I was at the interview that the numbers really didn't matter all that much. I had several questions and conversations about my research interests and publications and almost none about my previous academic performance.

It seems you had some great extracurricular.
I don't really have any research or publications for that matter, so I don't know if I can stand out like that.
I have worked as a dental assistant for over a year now. Doing some community service like Mission of Mercy, but would this be enough?

 

[doktorinprogres]

Can you tell us what you've been doing to study for the DAT? I think your most cost-effective path is to knock out this test

 

[sumin5924]

science gpa?

 

[JLT223]

If you're seriously keen on gaining admission, contact the ADA and get permission to take the DAT again. This is most likely your last chance. Study hard, study effectively, and don't set foot in that testing center until you know you can get a respectable score. Head over to the DAT Discussion forum to learn the best test taking strategies/materials.

 

[kayzee25]

I took my DAT today for the 3rd time. I have to say, I didn't do so well. My GPA is 3.3 overall which isn't good either. I want to be a dentist so bad though. It's been my only dream. Having said this, I don't know what I can do now. I have a BS in Science, so post-bac. would not be very helpful, I believe.

Has anyone been in my position, or know a alternative way? similar to post bac. but guarantee's interview (something like that- I think I heard about it)
Anyone willing to share their plan B?

Thank you in advance.

Have you applied? I have similar stats and I have been accepted!

 

[smileyfaceschoolkid]

Have you applied? I have similar stats and I have been accepted!

Where did you get accepted? Were you a first applicant, in state? If you don't mind me asking. 🙂