College Student - Post Baccalaureate Questions

[ridely]

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Hi. I'm currently a college student at UCSB and after a couple years of depression I have given more thought into a career as a dentist. Problem is my GPA is horrendous, hovering between 2.5 and 3.0. Organic Chemistry gave me a horrible time and my science GPA is even worse. I began as a biology major and have completed a few courses, but have since switched to an anthropology major. I have completed the basic biology and chemistry courses in my school.

I realize there is no possibility of getting into dental school right out of college, so I was wondering how much a pre-med post-baccalaureate program, along with extra-curriculars like shadowing a dentist, will help bolster my chances of getting in a dental school? Is a bad GPA in undergrad salvagable? If any of you have similar stories I would very much like to hear them. Thanks.

 

[ataha]

If you look into the forums a bit deeper you'll see a lot of us don't find out our calling until later, if you want it I feel like it is within your grasp. Upward trend. Shadowing and volunteering. Leadership skills, it's all helpful and as long as you can show adcoms you can handle the courseload you will be considered. If you get a high post bach GPA it will show them that you have since gotten better at this schooling thing and that you will be able to handle dental school curriculum.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

If its under 3.0, you're better off doing a special masters program. Think about doing a masters in biomedical science at Midwestern or Barry or something like that.

 

[dmd4all]

I meant to start a new thread... (deleted old)

 

[road2dmd]

Hi. I'm currently a college student at UCSB and after a couple years of depression I have given more thought into a career as a dentist. Problem is my GPA is horrendous, hovering between 2.5 and 3.0. Organic Chemistry gave me a horrible time and my science GPA is even worse. I began as a biology major and have completed a few courses, but have since switched to an anthropology major. I have completed the basic biology and chemistry courses in my school.

I realize there is no possibility of getting into dental school right out of college, so I was wondering how much a pre-med post-baccalaureate program, along with extra-curriculars like shadowing a dentist, will help bolster my chances of getting in a dental school? Is a bad GPA in undergrad salvagable? If any of you have similar stories I would very much like to hear them. Thanks.

YES! Of course you can still make it to dental school. First off, I was right in your boat low GPA 3.2 with a lower science gpa. I just sorta messed up my undergraduate experience...and than after I took extra classes, worked on my extracurriculars (worked in a dental office), and maintained straight A's from there on out. My regret was not doing a post-bac so definitely do it if you can it will help if you can grind out some solid good grades. Admissions are forgiving if they see change, ambition, and you can explain yourself in a personal statement. I got in applying my first round, 4 interviews, and really worked admissions offices prior to ...showing my interest, telling my story, and giving myself every advantage I could get...don't give up!

If you have any questions, I have an ask anything page going on my blog and will get back to you as soon as I can!

 

[LaughingGas]

if you can stay 1 more year at UCSB, take more MCDB/EEMB courses, at least 3 upper div class per quarter, then apply for a Special Master Programs, that have linkage with dental school. You can check about SMP in postbac thread.
so 1 year additional undergrad, then 1 year of SMP. You are looking for a plan of at least 2 years.
Also you have to rock your DAT.

 

[ridely]

thanks for all your answers, they were helpful. also laughinggas, do you happen to have a link to the thread you're talking about? i appreciate it.

 

[LaughingGas]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=346106

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=71

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640302

 

[LaughingGas]

also, from now on, nothing lower than a A- .

 

[ridely]

thanks, i'll try.