Okay, here goes. So, back in high school it was always my dream to go to dental school. I gained admission to a very well-respected University (a "Public Ivy League" school) as a far as science and engineering are concerned. My peers were extremely smart and hardworking. Anyway, I got there and the culture shock completely crushed me. I slipped into a long battle with depression and hated school. I wanted to drop out many times but never did. I majored in Natural Sciences (Pre-Dental) track and took Bio 1 and Chem 1 and after my first semester was put on academic probation. I figured I wouldn't give up so I took the remainder of my science classes over the next few years (Physics, Orgo 1 and 2, Bio 2, Chem 2, a bunch of Psych classes). However, during that time, I could not seem to defeat my crippling depression, anxiety, and hatred for everything. Well, after 2.5 years of undergrad I had a 2.5 GPA cumulative (despicable). I quit my job and focused a little more on my studies. Well, I had a decently strong finish. My last 3 semesters were above 3.0 with classes like Ecology and Biochem (didn't do so well in this one) thrown in there. I brought my cumulative GPA up to a 2.8 and graduated and that was kind of it. Looking back, I never tried once. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about my family. I used to cry myself to sleep. I was in a bad relationship and at this point in my life I feel like I have done more harm than good during undergrad.
Anyway, I graduated undergrad last year. I have taken a full year off since then to just work and regain my mental health. I go to yoga every night. I workout hard. I plan out all of my meals and diet hard and have even found a love for meditation in the arts. I have built a stronger relationship with my family, I quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana (this was also a bit of a problem in undergrad) and all I want to do is focus on myself and my future. I still have a strong aptitude for science and love the field of dentistry so I have decided to go back to become a dentist. My GPA was a 2.8 and I am sure that there are several science classes I would have to retake like ORGO 1 and 2, Biochem, and Bio 1. However, I also need a few prereqs like Physics 2, Physics Lab, and Bio 2 lab maybe?
My question is this, do they have master's programs for students who want to make up for they're ****ty past? I am talking about programs designed to help you hit the remainder of prereqs and earn consistent good grades to help you get in. What are the best options here? Also, what about dental schools in other countries.... Are they harder to get into than the US? I have heard of several friends wanting to go for their MD that got into medical schools in the Caribbean. Please let me know what my best options are and what my first step may be. I know that I need to make a killer score on the DAT, consistently have good grades and cover all prereqs, research, shadowing, and such. I have grown up so much from when I was 18 I do not want to be defined by those first 2-3 years of undergrad for the rest of my life. I know I am smart enough to accomplish this. I know that I have the passion to accomplish it as well. Thank you and god bless anyone who deals with mental health in college, you're not alone! It gets much better!
Anyway, I graduated undergrad last year. I have taken a full year off since then to just work and regain my mental health. I go to yoga every night. I workout hard. I plan out all of my meals and diet hard and have even found a love for meditation in the arts. I have built a stronger relationship with my family, I quit drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana (this was also a bit of a problem in undergrad) and all I want to do is focus on myself and my future. I still have a strong aptitude for science and love the field of dentistry so I have decided to go back to become a dentist. My GPA was a 2.8 and I am sure that there are several science classes I would have to retake like ORGO 1 and 2, Biochem, and Bio 1. However, I also need a few prereqs like Physics 2, Physics Lab, and Bio 2 lab maybe?
My question is this, do they have master's programs for students who want to make up for they're ****ty past? I am talking about programs designed to help you hit the remainder of prereqs and earn consistent good grades to help you get in. What are the best options here? Also, what about dental schools in other countries.... Are they harder to get into than the US? I have heard of several friends wanting to go for their MD that got into medical schools in the Caribbean. Please let me know what my best options are and what my first step may be. I know that I need to make a killer score on the DAT, consistently have good grades and cover all prereqs, research, shadowing, and such. I have grown up so much from when I was 18 I do not want to be defined by those first 2-3 years of undergrad for the rest of my life. I know I am smart enough to accomplish this. I know that I have the passion to accomplish it as well. Thank you and god bless anyone who deals with mental health in college, you're not alone! It gets much better!
