Am I allowed to ask this question?

[asuhdds]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi, I'm a 2nd year undergrad at UCLA and I had a couple of questions.

I didn't see too many threads about acceptable GPAs and such, so I wasn't sure if I could ask this question.

Can I salvage a pre-dental career with a 3.0 first year GPA? I think it's feasible for me to bring it up to about a 3.5, at least, by the time I apply, and I've been posting straight A's since summer since I have a sudden drive.

I was pretty much undeclared up until late Spring of my first year. Then one day I just sat down for a couple hours thinking what I wanted to do with my life instead of just languishing and messing around. Anyways I looked to dentistry and I've realized the profession encompasses aspects that I would find satisfying, namely that I have a fetish with teeth. Haha jk, sorta.

But yeah I really want to get into UCLA but I feel that my first year grades set me back quite a bit.

 

[nate28]

Just show an improvement and maintain it and you'll be fine. My first year GPA was about 3.1 (not to mention 3 W's), and I recovered just fine.

 

[AnonymousADCOM]

you can do UCLA. just have other options available.

 

[asuhdds]

Yeah I know, I just really like it at UCLA and I live like 20 minutes away, lol.

I really want to go to a California school.

Hell, I'd be satisified if I got into any dental school, haha. And on these boards I see a lot of schools that I haven't heard of, but that's mostly because I'm just not aware of other schools.

I've so far only considered UOP, UCLA, USC, UCSF, but that's because I'm a west coast kid, born and raised.

I've never seen falling snow.

I want to ask what schools you guys recommend but that seems like a really newbie question that I can probably pick up from searching.

 

[nokia123]

yes, you can do it. but i would suggests that you take take picture of yourself off your avatar.

apply to temple, case, and unlv. that's were i would've gone if i hadn't gotten into cali schools.

 

[asuhdds]

What's wrong with having my picture on my avatar?

Also, I've seen people here not apply to any California schools? What gives?

 

[nokia123]

What's wrong with having my picture on my avatar?

Also, I've seen people here not apply to any California schools? What gives?

well just make sure you don't post anything too stupid or obscene then cuz some adcom admins do check these forums.

I know brian from TEMPLE does check these forums.

 

[shane.]

What's wrong with having my picture on my avatar?

Nothing, that I know of anyway.

I think some people are paranoid about their true identity being released.

 

[asuhdds]

Lol, problem solved.

Anyways, my other questions still stand 😀

 

[nokia123]

Lol, problem solved.

Anyways, my other questions still stand 😀

no, no, but they can still undigitize the black marking and find your true identity. Remove it before it's too late.

 

[HenryH]

Considering that I'm a college freshman with a current GPA of barely over 3.1, I'd certainly say/hope that your chances of bringing up your GPA for d-school are ripe! You said you're a sophomore, so you still a year and a half to raise your GPA.

I decided to go ahead and get most of the pre-reqs out of the way during my first two years. Gen. chem. 1 is the main class bringing my grade down (B-/C+); it seems like everything gets easier when you start taking non-math-based sciences (for me, at least).

 

[dmd2011]

yea you have plenty of time to raise your GPA. you also want to work on creating a solid application with your DATs, community service, research, clubs, and most importantly dental experiences like assisting and/or shadowing.

 

[socratese291]

You're fine. I had the exact same problem. I didn't study for my first 2 years and went into my Junior year with a 3.3. Then I snapped myself into shape, started getting A's and A-'s for my last 4 semesters took the DAT's after I graduated (25, 25, 20) and had no problem getting interviews and accpetances. Besides, having a year off has been great fun. Just remember, once you're in dental school forget about traveling extensively for the next 4 years of your life.