Applying this cycle despite poor stats

[scarsdale92]

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Hey guys, I want to first thank everyone who replied to my previous post regarding dropping a course. I have decided to take everyone's advice to drop Organic Chemistry II and retake it over the summer.

My status:
- Non-traditional student pursuing a DIY post-bacc. Grades I have achieved so far as a post-bacc student:
- Orgo I: B+
- Physics I: A
- Orgo I lab: B-
- Physics II: A
- Orgo II lab: Pending: Possibly a B
- Orgo II: Taking it over the summer

My current stats:
- Cumulative GPA: 2.96 GPA
- Science GPA: 2.97 GPA
- DAT: TBD - Writing the exam on May. 25th

Dental Experience:
- Have worked in a pediatric clinic for 1.5 years
- Now work at a general office that focuses on cosmetic dentistry

LOR:
- 1 from general dentist
- 1 from physics professor
- 1 from ochem professor

Questions:
1. I know my chances are probably slim to none for this cycle but assuming I get a 22+ on the DAT exam, which schools should I realistically apply to?
2. Should I also apply for a post-bacc or Master degree?
3. What more should i do to increase my chances?

 

[Hnl7]

If you have your volunteer hours lined up, don’t worry about anything other than the DAT (and current classes) right now. As you study for the DAT, remind yourself why you are studying.

From one Non-trad to another:

Keep motivated by writing notes on your phone about what you will be giving up to pursue dentistry. Write down what you are sacrificing now to pursue dentistry. What drove you to pursue it. Where your passion for dentistry started. How that passion has grown as you worked at the pediatric clinic. How it has changed you. Write about how much you wish you could have improved your undergrad gpa to get you dental school.

You have that chance now. Kill the DAT. Give up everything now to give yourself the best chance you can to score high on the DAT. The application process is expensive and can potentially cost you everything you make between now and your DAT to apply and interview. If you don’t get accepted, you have gained experience but have lost the potential income of one year as a dentist and an entire year of practicing in your dream profession.

From one SDNer to another:

Your circumstances may be where you cannot stop working because you need to survive. If that is the case spend all the time you can studying and do your best. Ask for help studying. Everyone here will give you advice on how to study. We are all here to help each other.

After you kill the DAT compile your notes on your dream, drive, and sacrifice and make a powerful personal statement that will show everyone who you are, how much you want to be a dentist, and what you are willing to sacrifice to get there.

Crush the DAT.

Good luck!

 

[deleted735879]

Many schools have a GPA cut off of 3.0. Meaning your application wouldn't even be looked at. Make sure you only apply to schools that have a GPA cut off around 2.75. Do well on the DAT and you might have a shot!

Best of luck