Confused and lost, what should I do?

[lcheng0428]

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I'm currently a junior and my AADSAS GPA is extremely low (2.5) Because I messed up during freshmen year. However, I plan on doing really well on the DATs, I have three semesters of research, and some shadowing (ongoing), my dad is a dentist and he went to BU, so I'm not sure what I should do!! Help? Any suggestions?? 🙁((

 

[cacajuate]

get a 4.0 the rest of the way.

 

[ICUrunning]

Postbacc program or Masters. Although if you get straight A's here on out you could have a shot. Calculate your "what if" gpa and see what your final gpa wpuld look like.

 

[lcheng0428]

Does that mean that I shouldn't apply this year and wait til I graduate college? I was planning on applying to a tons of school this summer.

 

[DocVaquero]

You may want to do a postbac or masters program before you apply. With a 2.5 you won't make it past the initial screening at most, if not all schools.

 

[Digitalangel]

dont apply till you at least have a 3.0, and a an upward trend proving yourself etc.

 

[lcheng0428]

I mean, I'm taking 7 classes this summer and hoping that I'll get As in all of them. And I'm thinking applying around June 20th. Do you think I'll have a chance then? Also, I have definitely showed some improvements between my freshman and sophomore to my junior year.

 

[lcheng0428]

Postbacc program or Masters. Although if you get straight A's here on out you could have a shot. Calculate your "what if" gpa and see what your final gpa wpuld look like.

I mean, I'm taking 7 classes this summer and hoping that I'll get As in all of them. And I'm thinking applying around June 20th. Do you think I'll have a chance then? Also, I have definitely showed some improvements between my freshman and sophomore to my junior year.

 

[Digitalangel]

not with a 2.5, i had a 2.99 when i applied and since then had 18 credits of A's over the summer and one semester of grad school with a 4.0. ive had one interview, lots of rejections, and lots of waiting around, all while continuing my masters program. i think you would have a better shot applying next year when you are more competitive. you may have a shot if you do what someone said above about calculating your "what if" gpa. if you can get it to 3.0 after spring + summer then you might have a small shot. ive also had an upward trend over the last 2 years.

it would also help if you killed the DAT, but when are you going to study for that while you're trying to take as many classes as you can to increase your gpa?

 

[lcheng0428]

not with a 2.5, i had a 2.99 when i applied and since then had 18 credits of A's over the summer and one semester of grad school with a 4.0. ive had one interview, lots of rejections, and lots of waiting around, all while continuing my masters program. i think you would have a better shot applying next year when you are more competitive. you may have a shot if you do what someone said above about calculating your "what if" gpa. if you can get it to 3.0 after spring + summer then you might have a small shot. ive also had an upward trend over the last 2 years.

it would also help if you killed the DAT, but when are you going to study for that while you're trying to take as many classes as you can to increase your gpa?

If I get all As this semester and over the summer, i can get it up to around a 2.99. What if I applied to like 30 dental schools? All of them would reject me? :/

 

[dp93]

wouldn't apply right now. Masters program way to go.

 

[xerxes106]

If I get all As this semester and over the summer, i can get it up to around a 2.99. What if I applied to like 30 dental schools? All of them would reject me? :/

That's a big if though, if you can be certain you'll get all A's that's better. I have a 3.1-ish GPA, years of research and publications, 23+ DAT scores and got a Fulbright, and I still only got 2 interviews. Schools that rejected me cited my GPA when I asked them. Some schools won't even take your application if your GPA is below their threshold. You're going to have to really kill it and maybe consider a masters program or post-bacc work.

 

[lcheng0428]

That's a big if though, if you can be certain you'll get all A's that's better. I have a 3.1-ish GPA, years of research and publications, 23+ DAT scores and got a Fulbright, and I still only got 2 interviews. Schools that rejected me cited my GPA when I asked them. Some schools won't even take your application if your GPA is below their threshold. You're going to have to really kill it and maybe consider a masters program or post-bacc work.

How long do master programs or post-bacc programs take?? Because I want to get into dental school as soon as possible, I don't really wanna wait a full year to apply again.

 

[xerxes106]

How long do master programs or post-bacc programs take?? Because I want to get into dental school as soon as possible, I don't really wanna wait a full year to apply again.

Depends on the program. Average seems to be about 2 years, depending on whether you do one with a thesis or purely coursework. A lot of people here will recommend special masters programs which are basically all coursework but they cost a ton.

 

[lcheng0428]

My parents really want me to just try and apply to like every school this summer. So... I'm just not sure /: maybe a miracle might happen

 

[xerxes106]

My parents really want me to just try and apply to like every school this summer. So... I'm just not sure /: maybe a miracle might happen

Well, if they're the ones dishing out $5,000 to apply, go for it. At this point without knowing what your DAT scores, shadowing and other extracurriculars, it's impossible to say. But if you do anything less than great on the DAT and end up with a 2.75-3.0 it's going to take a miracle. Most people here will tell you that the AADSAS app is no overnight application either, it's a ton of work along with tons of secondary apps and don't get in you're going to be even more discouraged and have to wait another year regardless.

 

[doc toothache]

My parents really want me to just try and apply to like every school this summer. So... I'm just not sure /: maybe a miracle might happen

You ask and get advice, but you know exactly what your next step is going to be.

 

[distressstudent]

Then you have to ask yourself what you think is a bigger leap of faith. Convincing your parents that your 2.5 is not good enough or convincing schools that your 2.5 is good enough.

you're a junior right now, so you dont need to apply to master/post-bac programs right now. focus on doing well during your remaining time still in UG. Personally, I don't think taking seven classes in the summer is the road to a 4.0, but that's just my opinion.

If you don't believe us (it seems like you don't), you can give a phone call to dental school admission office and ask them instead.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

get a 4.0 the rest of the way.

I second this. Especially if you still have upper division bio classes to take like me. I just finished my Fall informal post bac classes with a 4.0 in Anatomy and physiology, micro, and embryology. I believe adcoms will still look at your overall stats but since its a holistic interview, your recent post bac grades will play a larger role.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

If I get all As this semester and over the summer, i can get it up to around a 2.99. What if I applied to like 30 dental schools? All of them would reject me? :/

You need to be smart about this. I would not apply to 30 schools if my GPA was a 2.99. You will waste a lot of money IMO. Save that money. Try to ace out of all your classes from now until you graduate. I would still take post bac classes for at least one year after graduation. You need to have a couple semesters of As in order to prove yourself with that upward trend. If you do get all A's in those classes and do well on the DAT (22+), then your chances will be good.

 

[FT2FLY]

Postbacc program or Masters. Although if you get straight A's here on out you could have a shot. Calculate your "what if" gpa and see what your final gpa wpuld look like.

should one calculate their GPA based on the AADSAS way of calculation? I know I'm in canada and they give A's for 80% out here, but on their scale that isn't a 4.0.

Since AADSAS is what the application process goes through, should I just calculate it through their method found in the PDF?

 

[lcheng0428]

should one calculate their GPA based on the AADSAS way of calculation? I know I'm in canada and they give A's for 80% out here, but on their scale that isn't a 4.0.

Since AADSAS is what the application process goes through, should I just calculate it through their method found in the PDF?

Yeah, when we apply to dental schools, everyone has to go through AADSAS, so we must calculate our gpa their way.

 

[bc1002]

Let me guess. Your parents will pay the money and they don't care how much you spend. All they want is for you to get into ONE dental school right after college. You know exactly what you are going to do. The reason you are here is to get some positive opinions to make yourself feel better. So I will say go forward... Miracle might happen.

 

[asusundevilll]

If I get all As this semester and over the summer, i can get it up to around a 2.99. What if I applied to like 30 dental schools? All of them would reject me? :/

Unless you ace the DAT like a 24Aa or you just have some amazing extracurricular s or some life changing events or your a Urm you probably will get rejected to all 30 schools. You really need to get it at least above a 3.0

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

should one calculate their GPA based on the AADSAS way of calculation? I know I'm in canada and they give A's for 80% out here, but on their scale that isn't a 4.0.

Since AADSAS is what the application process goes through, should I just calculate it through their method found in the PDF?

An 80% is an A?!?! For all classes???

 

[lcheng0428]

Unless you ace the DAT like a 24Aa or you just have some amazing extracurricular s or some life changing events or your a Urm you probably will get rejected to all 30 schools. You really need to get it at least above a 3.0

Yeah right now, I'm just really trying to focus on the DATs and really ace them. I'm also trying to get a lot of research and shadowing done. I also have some volunteer, and I'm involved in clubs and stuff like that. I just hope that maybe they'll focus more on the whole application

 

[Daneosaurus]

An 80% is an A?!?! For all classes???

I would have. 4.0!!!

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Yeah right now, I'm just really trying to focus on the DATs and really ace them. I'm also trying to get a lot of research and shadowing done. I also have some volunteer, and I'm involved in clubs and stuff like that. I just hope that maybe they'll focus more on the whole application

If you already have a lot of ECs, I would drop a club or two and focus on the DAT. You can have all the ECs in the world but if that DAT and GPA isn't up to par, then they won't bother looking at your app.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

I would have. 4.0!!!

Same here man!

 

[tortelliniboy]

Little off topic, but out of curiosity, you mentioned your parents wishing for you to apply; is dentistry your choice or their choice?

 

[lcheng0428]

Little off topic, but out of curiosity, you mentioned your parents wishing for you to apply; is dentistry your choice or their choice?

It is actually both my choice and their choice. My dad is a dentist, so I guess I was kind of influenced ever since I was a kid. I mean, I really want to become a dentist. They've never "forced" me to become a dentist. It kind of all worked out 🙂 I think being a dentist is an awesome job!

 

[tortelliniboy]

Well man, the reason I ask is to gauge motivation. As others have stated I believe it is possible however, it will take some work which may not be limited to attending a post-bacc/masters or some kind of the current course of action does not succeed.

Like anything in healthcare we must look at the risk/benefit ratio when making decisions as well as the chance of achieving these outcomes. In your current situation the risk is that you apply to 30 schools and lose money and time with no yield. The benefit/reward is that it is possible for you to get in during the following cycle. However given current trends in GPA/etc the chance of achieving the beneficial outcome is lower than incurring the consequence. So to be more comfortable with risk/benefit in this situation you'd probably want to optimize your standings in the form of increasing your GPA, killing the DAT, and increasing the subjective portions of your CV. However, since nothing is guaranteed even putting in all this extra work to optimize your GPA might not yield acceptance so you'll have lost time/money pursuing this route.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: "if this is truly your passion the above point is completely moot." However if you're applying for one of the several pragmatic reasons to enter dentistry you may want to consider the risk/benefits.

Finally, please don't be in a rush to apply and get in; 1 or 2 years extra before matriculating really is no big deal in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy life while you tune up that application so that once you start you'll go hard in the paint.

 

[dbrystow]

What is the progressions of your grades throughout college? what is you sGPA?

 

[lcheng0428]

What is the progressions of your grades throughout college? what is you sGPA?

Well I've been doing well and getting As ever since freshmen year. The only times I messed up were during freshmen year. I didn't think things through and retook many classes... Which is what is I hate about the AADSAS. My gpa in school is pretty good, but if I use the AADSAS way to calculate it, unfortunately, it is very low. Cuz I have to include all repeated classes 🙁

 

[lcheng0428]

Well man, the reason I ask is to gauge motivation. As others have stated I believe it is possible however, it will take some work which may not be limited to attending a post-bacc/masters or some kind of the current course of action does not succeed.

Like anything in healthcare we must look at the risk/benefit ratio when making decisions as well as the chance of achieving these outcomes. In your current situation the risk is that you apply to 30 schools and lose money and time with no yield. The benefit/reward is that it is possible for you to get in during the following cycle. However given current trends in GPA/etc the chance of achieving the beneficial outcome is lower than incurring the consequence. So to be more comfortable with risk/benefit in this situation you'd probably want to optimize your standings in the form of increasing your GPA, killing the DAT, and increasing the subjective portions of your CV. However, since nothing is guaranteed even putting in all this extra work to optimize your GPA might not yield acceptance so you'll have lost time/money pursuing this route.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: "if this is truly your passion the above point is completely moot." However if you're applying for one of the several pragmatic reasons to enter dentistry you may want to consider the risk/benefits.

Finally, please don't be in a rush to apply and get in; 1 or 2 years extra before matriculating really is no big deal in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy life while you tune up that application so that once you start you'll go hard in the paint.

Thanks for all the great advice! And yeah, I've been focusing my time mainly on the DAT now and research, and hopefully, a school can look at my whole application and see that I've been improving and maybe consider giving me an interview at least!

 

[dbrystow]

Well I've been doing well and getting As ever since freshmen year. The only times I messed up were during freshmen year. I didn't think things through and retook many classes... Which is what is I hate about the AADSAS. My gpa in school is pretty good, but if I use the AADSAS way to calculate it, unfortunately, it is very low. Cuz I have to include all repeated classes 🙁

What i mean is, what have your gpas for each semester been of college, ie F1, x.x; F2, x.x; S1 x.x...
I think that would help gauge your chances better

 

[FT2FLY]

I'm currently a junior and my AADSAS GPA is extremely low (2.5) Because I messed up during freshmen year. However, I plan on doing really well on the DATs, I have three semesters of research, and some shadowing (ongoing), my dad is a dentist and he went to BU, so I'm not sure what I should do!! Help? Any suggestions?? 🙁((

Were you failing courses freshman year?

 

[lcheng0428]

Were you failing courses freshman year?

Yeah I failed one of them

 

[TourdeTeeth]

Do you think you'll be ready for dental school if you were to be accepted tomorrow? Cause if you don't think you would be a great student in dental school if you were to be accepted next cycle then you should totally wait. Forget what your parents want. You should do what is best for you and do a post-bacc or master's or something to build your gpa and confidence. Cause I promise that you will get lots of rejections if you applied now, and that can be absolutely demoralizing. I can say that from personal experience.

I did a master's and my parents hated it at first. But then I got a 4.0 and was accepted to my dream dental school. So they got over it.