Below Average GPA, Good ECs and Letters of Rec..Chances?

[Mitchapaloozaa]

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Hey All!

Firstly, I just want to thank everyone who participates in the discussion here on SDN. The information here is beyond valuable.

I'm curious what you all think about my chances of getting into dental school this cycle. I'm applying the earliest I can (June/July 2015) and I'm applying broadly (to 20+ schools). My Stats and Relevant Info are listed below. Thanks for the Feedback!

GPA
3.23 Overall
3.00 BCP
3.10 Science

DAT
Taking in June and expecting to receive 20 or better in all sections

EC
-Worked full time jobs during majority of college career, along with 2 summer internships(1 for a NonProfit Organization) I come from a family that provided minimal support and thus have supported myself financially through college by working 35+ hours a week while being a full time student.

-Vice President/Treasurer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Martial Arts) Club for 2 years
-Phi Alpha Delta Member

-Volunteered teaching kids Martial Arts for over 300 hours (Many kids weren't exactly privileged and we helped put some positive influence and direction into their lives)
-Volunteered at a Retirement Community 50+ hours
-Volunteered at local Parks and Recreation department 50+ hours (Cleaning up community and helping with local sporting events)
-Volunteered Serving Veterans for 15+ hours
-Donated unpaid time to lead a team of students on a project to promote a local Non Profit Organization through business marketing, significantly increasing the overall promotion for the organization throughout the community

-Job Shadowed/Observation Hours at 3 Dental Practices [2 General 1 Oral Surgeon] for 100+ Hours and counting

-Institutional Scholarships awarded from my University based on academic performance

-Play Piano (Manual Dexterity)
-BJJ/Martial Arts (Manual Dexterity and Precision)

LOR
-Biochemistry Professor and Dean of Science Department
-Biology Professor
-All 3 Dentists at the group practice I shadowed are writing a joint letter (They've also known me since I was a kid)
-My Current Manager/Employer
-President of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Martial Arts ) Club who volunteered with me

I have this next year off from school after taking the DAT in June and I plan on continuing shadowing hours and working full time either in a dental office or in an unrelated field.

Any Feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Mitchapaloozaa,

Your science GPA is low and will present a problem at most schools. You will definitely need a very high DAT Score and even with that it will be a challenge. I suggest you contact schools now and present your stats and get advice from them. They are best qualified to give you advice, etc.

Your impressive letters of recommendation, volunteer service, and shadowing is a plus. Dental schools like well rounded students and that you are.

Wishing you the best!

take care..Nancy

 

[doc toothache]

Unless DSs happen to have a functioning crystal ball and will know exactly what your DAT scores are going to be, it is a bit premature to contact schools and ask for advice.