Am I out of the question... Looking for advice and thoughts

[mrjaygainz]

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First of all, Hello. I am new here, but I have been a lurker 🙂

I am hoping I can get some advice on my chances for D-school.
I am a undergrad Super Senior with a current 2.97 oGPA and sGPA 2.8

Basically I am done with my major Exercise Science and able to graduate. However the only reason I have not graduated is because my heart tells me to finish the pre-reqs. Here is a break down of what I have so far.

Bio 1 w/ lab F (re-took 3 years later and got a C) Bio 1b Lecture B Lab A
Chem 1 with Lab : A Chem 2 with Lab: C
Org 1 lecture: F (re-took 2 1/2 years later and got a C)

I still need to take Organic Chemistry part 1 lab and Organic Chemistry 2 with lab. 1 year of Physics. and Biochemistry.

EC: I have shadowed a total of about 100 hours. 90 with 1 dentist. and approx. 10 with another dentist.
A few volunteer stuff here and there from the first 2 years of my undergrad.
My dad used to have a business and I would always have to help out
Currently working at a school district part-time

Sorry for the long post thus far...
Let me just say that undergrad has been a tough transition. I started with a 3.3 my first year and by the end of my second year I had a low of a 1.5 - 2.0 ( F in Bio and D in Anatomy in1 semester) . I went into depression stage. I was so clumsy that after that semester I decided to take on Organic and got a F. I than got help and was diagnosed with depression and all that. At this point of my life I did not necessarily think I could go to Dental school and pretty much gave up hope in that aspect of my life. The counselors at my school for depression were not that helpful except the first counselor I had. I had to see "grad" students for my counseling and a psychiatrist to just give prescribe me meds. I decided I just wanted to graduate and for 2 years or so I decided to try and finish my major and get out school. I got off and on the meds myself (big dummy) but I didn't see the treatment help me. Me being an introvert doesn't help and I tend to cancel my appointments for refills so I just stopped the last time I got meds and talked to someone about it. I feel a lot better now but I think my problem lies elsewhere. Needless to say I just decided after finishing this semester I want to still pursue my dream and attend D-school. Grades have yet to come in but from the looks of it , I finish with a 3.3 gpa. I just finish the second semester of Biology B and A in lab while taking Physiology ( B) also taking a bio behavior evolution class (A). I'm taking physics and O-chem next semester and I know I can do a 4.0 from here and out or at least a 3.7. I can expect my gpa to be about a 3.2/3.3 by the end. I am just not sure if I should finish all the pre-reqs and study for DAT or graduate already and do a post bacc/ masters . Any input is appreciated. Furthermore, I appreciate those who read through everything.

On top of the difficulties, I have a brother who is handicap (sort of don't like the word choice) and with my parents aging and my brothers leaving I had to pick up some duties. It doesn't help that my dad is also handicap from a serious back injury. There are a few other details that have made my undergrad a tough cookie but I have hopes that I can find a way if I try harder. I hope it doesn't sound like all excuses on my end. I know I could have done a lot better but since I have started I have been worrying a lot whether it's a family issue or a personal issue that I cannot concentrate with studying. Even when I feel okay, it is hard for me to concentrate but I think thats normal for a lot of people haha.

 

[deleted740991]

1. You are making excuses. Everybody in this journey who gets accepted has challenges of different magnitudes that they must overcome. Do whatever you can to end the habits that have put you in this hole and recover. Only you can look in the mirror and be accountable.

2. You are out of the question for dental school, as it stands right now, but you can make steps to recover and improve. Enroll in a post-bacc program that's affordable for you, and ace these classes to boost your confidence. Then, take upper level sciences or a special M.S. Program to round out more science experience related to a dental curriculum. Then, get a 23-25 AA on your DAT.

3. Start volunteering in a dental capacity. Serve others who need help. Empower others to change their lives for the better, which will change yours for the better. You will feel inspired and changed as a human being in this process and making others better off.

You have a long road, but feel grateful that there is still a road for you to travel.

 

[dr.d00m]

Props for @thebign1989 for not sugarcoating

Your stats aren't doing you any favors the way it stands currently.

Your 3.2/3.3 estimate of your overall gpa by the end of your next semester seems rather generous, even if you get a 4.0 next semester..a 3.1 is more realistic, coming from where it's at right now. Especially with the science GPA, it'll take a bit more to bring it up to a reasonable range

Depending on what's cheaper, a post-bacc might not be the better option over simply holding off graduating. A Masters is good, but try to get your undergrad gpa to 3.1/3.2 at least before pursuing that..and if you do, you better make sure you get a 4.0 or as close as possible in your graduate coursework.

For your DAT, you'll need to study hard and crush it (AA of at least 23).

Get some more extracurricular experience to stand out. Shadowing and volunteering always look good on a resume

You still have a shot, but it all comes down to how hard you're willing to work in the next couple of years

 

[setdoc7]

How many years from now can you wait? It's going to take some time. And Dental School is 4 years. When do you want to start living?

 

[mrjaygainz]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the honesty.

@thebign1989:
Agreed. I always think of others having difficulties such as mine or even worse. Thanks for the response.

@dr.d00m : Thanks. I agree, it is up to me. I'll definitely need to start making changes now.

@setdoc7 : I've thought about that question many times before. At this point in my life I would feel okay if it takes me more than 6 years more. I probably need more maturing to do before being able to take on D-school and do very well.

I guess I am just stuck on to finish all pre-reqs and do a post-bacc or finish about 75% and do a masters.