Applying next cycle with my stats, wondering what my chances are with a low GPA and high DAT

[helpmedecide33]

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I decided to do an informal post bacc this Fall at my local state university. I graduated this past spring with a 3.23 OGPA and 2.96 SGPA. I took two 400 level science classes, and got an A in both of them so that brought my SGPA up to a 3.03. I took the DAT and scored well (22)but I felt as if I should take this year off to further strengthen my application

After my first 1.5 years my GPA was in shambles. Both of my GPA's were less than a 2.40. Since then I've managed to turn everything around. I did poorly at first because I didn't know how to study, got caught up partying, and I was too lazy/stupid/arrogant to get help when I needed it. Since then I have matured. I also went to a therapist and they diagnosed me with ADHD.

GPA: 3.29 OGPA, 3.03 BCP. I retook 3 prereqs and got an A in them. The first time around I had below a C in each.

DAT: 22 AA, 24 BIO, 21 GC, 23 OC, 23 RC, 20 QR and PAT


Extracirriculars:
-500 hours volunteering at a food bank/pantry (done during the weekends and summers)
- 2 summers as a part-time summer camp counselor
- I started a nonprofit where we donated oral care products to inner city youth. I was able to do this because I have a relative who is a teacher at an inner city school and they were able to set me up with some connections.
- 100 hours shadowing. 75 hours shadowing a general dentist and 25 shadowing my orthodontist.

School list:
-Buffalo
-Stony Brook
-NYU
-USC
-Midwestern
-UNE
-Penn
-Creighton
-Columbia

Do I have a good chance at getting into any of these? Would you guys have recommended I have done a SMP?

 

[NavyDDS1990]

I'm guessing that you are a NY resident?

 

[Likkriue]

My crystal ball says......20000% WOW.

 

[helpmedecide33]

I'm guessing that you are a NY resident?

Yes. I don't care about any of the other schools that much, ideally I want to get into buffalo or stony brook. Do I have a good shot at those schools?

 

[helpmedecide33]

My crystal ball says......20000% WOW.

Haha I guess that's a good sign?

 

[NavyDDS1990]

Yes. I don't care about any of the other schools that much, ideally I want to get into buffalo or stony brook. Do I have a good shot at those schools?

I feel like you need to bring that GPA up. Take a year off and take full load of upper level science courses and kill them all. I'd also add more easy-to-get interview schools on your list if your ultimate goal is to become a dentist. Your list does not look very safe to me, unless you want to be a dentist specifically from Buffalo or Stony Brook.

 

[helpmedecide33]

I feel like you need to bring that GPA up. Take a year off and take full load of upper level science courses and kill them all. I'd also add more easy-to-get interview schools on your list if your ultimate goal is to become a dentist. Your list does not look very safe to me, unless you want to be a dentist specifically from Buffalo or Stony Brook.

Thanks for the advice. Those are my top 2 for financial reasons but I'd be happy to get in anywhere.

 

[NavyDDS1990]

Thanks for the advice. Those are my top 2 for financial reasons but I'd be happy to get in anywhere.

If you are worried about not getting accepted into your state schools, you can always apply for the HPSP! After that, once you get accepted into your state schools, you can always turn your HPSP down.

 

[pgex2t]

I feel like you need to bring that GPA up. Take a year off and take full load of upper level science courses and kill them all. I'd also add more easy-to-get interview schools on your list if your ultimate goal is to become a dentist. Your list does not look very safe to me, unless you want to be a dentist specifically from Buffalo or Stony Brook.

I strongly agree.

 

[predental1994]

You DO have a chance. However, if you want to even increase your odds take a 3 upper level science classes this fall and you better make sure you get As in them. BE confident in yourself . You did a complete 180 from where you were at the beginning of your college career, be proud. Although, you should add 2 or 3 safety net schools just in case. Good luck!

 

[super frank]

Boost your GPA even further if finances are in order and add BU, Tufts and Temple (drop USC).

 

[Dr5paceman]

keep taking classes and getting A's before you apply but just wanted to congratulate you on your hard work on turning it all around, any dental school that gets you will be lucky to have you

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

If you are worried about not getting accepted into your state schools, you can always apply for the HPSP! After that, once you get accepted into your state schools, you can always turn your HPSP down.

Doesn't HPSP have a minimum GPA requirement? 3.5 or something?

@helpmedecide33 Congrats on turning yourself around! Make sure to discuss your struggles in your personal statement to solidify your app and you should be good!

 

[NavyDDS1990]

Doesn't HPSP have a minimum GPA requirement? 3.5 or something?

I think Navy's minimum GPA requirement is lower than 3.5

 

[bsfree]

What constitutes a high DAT score these days? 20 aa was regarded as a high score 10-15 years ago.

 

[stoopidmonkeycatdog]

What constitutes a high DAT score these days? 20 aa was regarded as a high score 10-15 years ago.

Was it? A 20 has always been around the 80th percentile, even nowadays the average matriculant has a 19-20. 22 is high, though not extraordinary.

 

[deleted632307]

What constitutes a high DAT score these days? 20 aa was regarded as a high score 10-15 years ago.

28AA