Current Situation

[Claydees]

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Hi,

Just joined the forums. Will get to the point quickly. I'm a realist so be harsh in your response if need be. Going into my 3rd year as a Biology at Queen's university in Canada.

Originally was steered towards medical school subconsciously since my whole immediate family is in the field. Decided against it recently and wanted to do something different and have now set sights on dentistry.

Bad situation. I've read about 20-30 threads today prior to joining. Many of the people who claimed to have low gpa's in first year who never partied didn't have one nearly as low as mine. Not a good look for me. My first year GPA was 2.1 or 2.2. Let's go with 2.1. Didn't party, didn't socialize, was being a bookworm and still messed up. Didn't realize at the time that doing the 6-10 hour library run every single day of semesters including weekends and avoiding all the "stupid people" socializing and partying while isolating myself in a library cubicle would be my undoing. Maybe I burned myself out or was just in the wrong frame of mind, but needless to say I blew my freshman year with the above said GPA while actually studying as hard as I could with no distractions. Negative point. That I think is an actual low GPA for freshman year and what I have to live with. Would not say there was much going on with me in 1st year to cause this result. I don't ever miss my family, I wasn't in any relationships, and although I got mad frequently from poor results on test, I wouldn't say I was depressed or anything. It was very weird for me to do this poorly with the amount of effort I put in regardless of if it was overkill reading or not.

My most recent year 2nd year was much better and surprisingly much easier to me than first year. I still don't drink, party, or socialize a whole lot but I started doing exponentially better academically since i was going back to the gym and training in martial arts again (stuff i did before uni) that I abandoned in 1st year. Stopped reading like a bookworm with no life and combined with exercising which made me happy I got a 3.95 GPA in my 2nd year. This was a great feeling for me, but it's really just dampened by my first year so it's not much of a victory when you balance the two out on paper. Makes me a bit annoyed to think if my first year was even remotely decent, I would be in a pretty good position from a GPA standpoint (provided I kept it up in the future).

With dentistry in mind, it's a bit hard to see what I'm going to do here. Since switching my plan from med to dentistry so abruptly, I have no idea what EC's they consider useful/interesting, how shadowing these dentists comes about, and in general what volunteer/how much volunteer experience is deemed appropriate with a study intensive school schedule.

Coursewise, I have yet to take an english course or biochem (pray for my GPA if I must take them). I need to take biochem but I don't think it would be wise to take it during the same year as cell biology which is required for my program. For medical schools cell biology could be used as an equivalent to biochem or mbio. For dentistry, I'm not sure if this is the case or if I need to take biochem itself as on top of cell biology. If someone could let me know in addition to providing advice on what I should do, that would be welcome. Also english courses for many med schools just had to be courses that involved writing literature essays and not necessarily English department courses (i.e my brother used philosophy courses and got into med school with those as his writing courses). For dentistry, it appears only hardcore ENG courses are allowed from within the ENG department? Not quite sure if this is the case but I'm wondering about this also.

I plan to write the DAT next year to hopefully get into a 2014 class, if not, I'll retry for 2015. However as I said I don't know if I have the right pre-reqs. One thing I know for sure. Based on my 1st year alone, applying in Canada is stupid since UofT standards are out of my league and UwO probably won't take me either based on first year alone. Priority for out of province is unquestionably against me in my situation as well if we are to be realistic. America probably will be my only shot and probably not a good shot either. Have to try and keep my GPA at the 3.9's or 4.0's in 3rd and 4th year coming up.

I just feel like I'm running out of time being very confused with pre-reqs, whether it's worth trying the CDAT, whether the Adat is even smart to write, whether either of the DAT's even make sense to take after my third year considering my terrible first year (even if I did well I can't provide a good reason in an interview why first year was bad when I was not partying or messing around. Can't say I grew up when I was actually focusing the whole time you know?)

Things I know: I still do need to work on socializing more however partying + drinking was never and never will be a thing for me [heavily frowned upon in my culture/family]. I also need to figure out the good EC's, volunteer things, and shadowing dentists aspect. Need to remain cognizant of my bad first year and be realistic with my options and what kinds of places I can apply to. Need to be open to harsh and real criticisms from you guys.


Courses I've taken that matter:
First year: Bio, Chem, Physics, Psyc, Calc (was terrible at math and physics, main reasons my gpa tanked)

2nd year: 3 bio core courses including genetics, data management, and the bio of life stuff. Both orgo chems (did poorly in first part, did pretty well in second part which i found much easier). Took the orgo's in summer.

coming up this year: environmental science, cell bio, animal physiology,population & ecology, and evolution stuff again (all required), can't really fit biochem in my schedule unless I take a huge risk to drop a core course and try to take it in 4th year (keeping in mind if i don't get in [slots fill fast if you don't take them in the right year where you ma not be able to get a slot]) i risk not graduating in 4 years. Also don't see where english will be incorporated here.

I do have some mark boosting electives as well but biochem is in the fall term where I have 4/5 courses already bio courses with 1 mark booster...so 5/5 bio heavy courses will not be ideal considering my first year GPA i'm still recovering from..


Thanks to all who respond. Wasn't exactly concise like I said but I tried. Be real with me guys. How bleak are things looking. Besides the obvious get your grades up/wow you screwed up first year comments, what else can I do to grow? Should I reset sights back on medical school because i have more flexibility with pre-reqs. If you were in my situation what should I do? What would you not do? What tier/type of schools should i bother trying for in america (since canada likely is out of the picture based on yr 1) as a canadian student in my current situation and what kinds of schools are an immediate no already? Etc. you get the gist of it. I'm not saying answer each individual question I asked in this post (although if you do, thanks). I'm just trying to set a vivid picture of my scenario that you guys can advise me on.

 

[Jungerr]

You already know this but you have to maintain a good GPA in the upcoming years to make up for your first year GPA. However, the problem is that you probably got a low mark on the prerequisite courses (Chem, Physics, etc) that you took in the first year, and some schools do not look at your application if you have a below C in those courses.

If I were in your shoes, I would take some upper level courses in those subjects to prove that you are capable of getting a good mark in those. I heard schools are more lenient if they see an upward trend in your GPA so the best option for you would be to keep getting good marks and don't let your GPA slip.

By the way, you could still try applying for Western Ontario because they only look at your two best (consecutive) years.

 

[Claydees]

Thanks J,

Yes to put it bluntly I did not fail any first year courses, but Besides bio and psyc, a C- in Phys was my highest of the remaining 3 grades. Math was the lowest at a D...might have even been minus. I don't know why I just never could understand math.

 

[Soleus715]

Thanks J,

Yes to put it bluntly I did not fail any first year courses, but Besides bio and psyc, a C- in Phys was my highest of the remaining 3 grades. Math was the lowest at a D...might have even been minus. I don't know why I just never could understand math.

You need a C or higher on each of your prereq courses for consideration at most d-schools.

So if there's any course you got a C- or lower, you WILL need to retake it.

 

[ROFL A PIGGY]

Like Jungerr said, you need to get very high grades to get your gpa up. They will definitely see the upward trend as a positive. If your school lets you, retake the prereq courses that you got bad grades in, and get an A in them.

Assuming you do this for the remainder of your undergrad you might end up with a 3.3-3.5 or so.

Then you need to get a decent score on the DAT to help offset your lower gpa.

Start getting shadowing hours as well. The sooner you take them the better, because maybe you will find that you don't want to do dentistry after all, or you will have good experiences while shadowing and know that you want to do this for the rest of your life.

Having good experiences while shadowing and forming a strong relationship with the dentist you are shadowing will help you to get an outstanding LOR from them. Do really well in your science courses (including going to the professor's office often for help or questions) and get more outstanding LORs.

Ok, so now you have the basic prerequisites that will prompt dental schools to even look at your application. Now you want to make yourself stand out from others. Pick up a hobby that extensively uses (and trains) your manual dexterity and stick with it. For example, my hobby is sculpting clay into models such as cars, animals, you name it. Now you have an activity that you enjoy doing or are good at, and can show the dental schools your creations and that you love working with your hands.

Also, take advantage of any mock interview programs at your school. You sound like a pretty introverted guy (like I am) and it will help enormously to do mock interviews to get you comfortable with that environment, prepared for anything they might throw at you, and conversing with people (especially those you are trying to impress).

It will take an immense amount of hard work, but you only have to do this until you get into dental school! And then only 4 more years and you will have the career of your dreams. All this hard work will also build your character. You seem really down to earth and realistic of what needs to be accomplished to get where you want to go, and that is a huge advantage in your favor.

Good luck!

 

[Claydees]

You need a C or higher on each of your prereq courses for consideration at most d-schools.

So if there's any course you got a C- or lower, you WILL need to retake it.

Hello Soleus, I have looked at my unofficial transcript tonight as a refresher and it stands that Calc was a D+, Physics was a C-, and Chem was a C-. I'll have to figure out a way to retake the courses. Possibly in a summer or something seeing as my dad will likely refuse to let me stay as a post-bacc (since he's paying the tuition) and will only pay for a master's since that is "at least forward progress" in a sense. Yeah, I read a C or higher would be required for quite a few of the dental schools within Canada and assumed it was the same in the states. I honestly feel if I retake math it won't be a significant improvement considering how lost I was. An A in math is pushing it for me if I had to be realistic. It's a great option worth considering. However if I take summer courses next year for the GPA improvement this I assume would not allow me to write the DAT with much time I assume (I hear american schools should be applied to as soon as June opening starts). Still, something to consider, the post-bacc thing I feel may be necessary and not a masters, considering the GPA for a Master's doesn't even add much since it does not affect the GPA of your undergrad that schools look at, correct?

Like Jungerr said, you need to get very high grades to get your gpa up. They will definitely see the upward trend as a positive. If your school lets you, retake the prereq courses that you got bad grades in, and get an A in them.

Assuming you do this for the remainder of your undergrad you might end up with a 3.3-3.5 or so.

Then you need to get a decent score on the DAT to help offset your lower gpa.

Start getting shadowing hours as well. The sooner you take them the better, because maybe you will find that you don't want to do dentistry after all, or you will have good experiences while shadowing and know that you want to do this for the rest of your life.

Having good experiences while shadowing and forming a strong relationship with the dentist you are shadowing will help you to get an outstanding LOR from them. Do really well in your science courses (including going to the professor's office often for help or questions) and get more outstanding LORs.

Ok, so now you have the basic prerequisites that will prompt dental schools to even look at your application. Now you want to make yourself stand out from others. Pick up a hobby that extensively uses (and trains) your manual dexterity and stick with it. For example, my hobby is sculpting clay into models such as cars, animals, you name it. Now you have an activity that you enjoy doing or are good at, and can show the dental schools your creations and that you love working with your hands.

Also, take advantage of any mock interview programs at your school. You sound like a pretty introverted guy (like I am) and it will help enormously to do mock interviews to get you comfortable with that environment, prepared for anything they might throw at you, and conversing with people (especially those you are trying to impress).

It will take an immense amount of hard work, but you only have to do this until you get into dental school! And then only 4 more years and you will have the career of your dreams. All this hard work will also build your character. You seem really down to earth and realistic of what needs to be accomplished to get where you want to go, and that is a huge advantage in your favor.

Good luck!

Great idea with the hobby of manual dexterity-based activities. Did you actually bring in the carvings to your interview? Mock interviews will be helpful to me since it will first force me to get out there and make relationships/friendships and then be critiqued by them haha. Thanks for this advice.

When you shadow a dentist, is it seen as more impressive/better if you do it during the school year instead of during a summer? I mean, I've seen some schools say minimum 20 hours of shadowing (of course you'll want way more than this) and that is less than 3 days if you were to do it summer volunteer job style. I also didn't have success after 1st year shadowing a dentist. I asked if she would allow me and she said no.

Also I am missing biochem and english pre-reqs. Still unsure how I will slot them in before graduation. I do need to work on LOR from more science profs and medical field personnel. That is a good point you've brought up. So far all my references are from past summer jobs I've had for things I do.

Finally, based on what you've said, what kind of schools should I be looking to apply to with a 3.3-3.5 GPA type thing and what kind of score is "decent" with that kind of GPA (not to be complacent, but instead so I know where to certainly aim higher than 🙂). Clearly we are looking at America right? And with that said we are looking at the ADAT only?

Yes, I indeed am quite introverted as you noticed, I won't lie. I still try my best to be kind though. Thank you.

 

[ROFL A PIGGY]

This post is so long lol, sorry for that.

You can take pictures of all your great pieces and have a little portfolio to show them. Also if you think its best in the situation you could make some smaller pieces and put them in a small display case or something and give one to each of the interviewers at the schools. If you do some research and find out who the interviewers are and maybe discover a little bit about them personally, for example if they love trains, you could create a piece that you know they would love and be really excited about (in this example a train) and it would also create a personal connection between them, the piece, and you.

For shadowing a dentist, the most important thing is that you 1) get the total minimum amount of hours required (some schools like UofMich require 100 hours!) and 2) you can explain to the interviewer why you want to become a dentist, using your shadowing experiences as examples (e.g., you loved the interaction between the dentist and patient and how the patients were so happy that they got their teeth fixed and now they can confidently smile, etc etc).

You don't need to shadow year round because you must keep your grades up, there are no excuses for a lower gpa just because you spent more time shadowing in the year. However, depending on your dentist and how flexible he/she is, you may be able to shadow during the school year maybe 2 or 3 days a week for a couple hours. This can be good because you keep in constant contact with your dentist and you are shadowing for an extended period of time. But again, gpa is most important.

And yes you might have to shop around to find a dentist to shadow. Some dentists just don't want to deal with it, while others are super helpful and glad to help out a fellow dentist-in-training. If a dentist says no then be polite and say thank you for your time, and depending on the vibe you get from them, ask if you can give them your phone number if they decide to change their mind in the future or when they are less busy.

Your letters of recommendation are usually supposed to be from 2 science professors and 1 dentist you have shadowed or employer you have worked for. I would suggest trying to get the LOR from a dentist because the interviewers will see that the dentist you shadowed thinks you have what it takes to be in their shoes.

Make sure you carefully read all admission requirements from a lot of different schools (it's wise to apply to a lot of different schools to increase your chances) and contact the school directly for clarification on anything if you need it.

You should be looking to apply to a lot of different schools all across the US. The ADEA has a pdf that provides a ton of information on the different schools, their requirements, their mean DAT scores, their mean/recommended gpa, etc.

There are some schools that very rarely accept out of state students (Texas is one of them I believe), while others such as University of Michigan accept quite a few out of state students. Some schools are easier to get into than others (lower mean gpa and dat score for the entering class).

Also keep in mind that there is a minimum gpa, where if you don't meet this requirement they won't even look at your application, and an average entering class gpa (the average gpa of classes that get accepted there). You don't necessarily have to meet the average gpa, but you should be outstanding in the other areas (dat scores, excellent LORs, extracurricular activities such as my example of clay sculpting, good interview skills, etc) to sort of make up for your lower than class average gpa. So do not lose hope if you do not get the mean gpa of 3.5 for university of michigan for example, just make sure you make up for it on the other parts of your application.

The mean DAT scores for most schools are between 19-21 or so.

I would look at a wide variety of state schools (even private schools such as Loma Linda, they tend to accept more OOS students) such as NYU, UofMich, University of Nevada, U of Tennessee, etc etc.

Make sure you do research on a lot of schools, even ones that have a higher mean gpa like 3.6.

Cost of attendance should be your main factor in choosing which dental school you go to. A DDS is a DDS (or DMD, same thing). So graduating from UofM is pretty much the same as graduating from Howard University. There is a pdf floating around these forums of a list of dental schools and their costs of attendance. Personally if I got accepted into NYU and UC Denver, I'd be going to UC Denver because it costs MUCH less to get the same title of DDS.

 

[UWO2014]

You still got chance so cheer up! UWO looks at two best years, so I'm sure you can make up the first year grades and I agree with everyone else. If you maintain around 3.3-3.5 GPA, I think you need to balance that with high AA and TS on the DAT. Also, shadowing can be done whenever you have time.

It's obviously better if you shadow at multiple clinical setting, but it is important to fit everything in your schedule and maintain good GPA and positive trend. So, I would say doing it during summer would be best. Also, you can improve your EC by involving at your pre-dental society offered at Queen's. EC doesn't necessarily have to be related to dentistry. It's something that you want to do and enjoy doing. I did bunch of orchestra and volunteering teaching kids how to play hockey and skate etc. It's important to have diversity in your application and show you are interested in your community or services.

For biochem, I took cell biology and biochem together at UWO and it wasn't too bad. I don't know how it is at Queen's, but if the courses aren't too difficult, I think you should take both at the same time. If biochem doesn't open up any courses for upper year classes that you want to take, Just leave it til upper year and finish it. I took english during summer and some schools stressed that it has to be half composite and half literature. You can call schools directly and asked them OR I am pretty sure there are students at Queen's already discussing what ENG course they took as States pre-req. Take upper year science courses and show admissions that you can handle difficult courses.

UofT might be little bit tough because I think there entering GPA usually sits around 3.7-3.9. You still got chance at UWO (I Think UWO goes by percentage average not point scale) and US dental schools. Just keep up with your positive trend in your GPA and kill that DAT. Canadian DAT is only offered Nov and Feb, so it might overlap with your midterms etc. What I Would suggest is.. (I wish I did this earlier). You can study for American DAT and finish it around august and give it a shot for Canadian DAT in Nov because canadian DAT doesn't have Ochem and Quantitative reasoning. It's Important to keep up with your grade, because DAT and GPA is VERY IMPORTANT. EC is important as well but not as much as DAT and GPA. Finally, since you are Canadian, apply broad and mostly private schools (You can research on this when you apply). Good luck 🙂

 

[ROFL A PIGGY]

Didn't realize you were in Canada. I'm not sure how things work in canada but it is probably very similar to the US.

Also, keep up the martial arts if you want and talk about how martial arts is such a great source of discipline and how it helps you keep an active lifestyle, etc.

If you play an instrument well that is also a great alternative/supplement to prove your manual dexterity and how you like to work with your hands.

 

[Claydees]

@ROFL
No post is too long. I'm here for advice and would never deny any you had for me. Thanks a lot ROFL. Very great information. I'll try to look for a sculpting hobby club or something similar to show I can work with my hands precisely. I'll try to shadow soon after my school year is over. I'll try my family's dentist since he seems to like me despite not giving him even one cavity after all these years to fill haha. Thanks for the refocus statement on grades as well. I should be cognizant of my future application processes but should still remember I still have a school year coming up that I have to get the grades in to even think of continuing this discussion in the future. As for LOR, a good dentist reference is extremely key as you said, and I do have to get some profs on my side. I've used some profs before for my references but I feel it may be hard for them to remember me in a subsequent year, so I'll try to make new prof relationships this coming year.

I also am aware that applying to as many schools as one can is a good idea already. My brother has told me that and he also has told me to make sure I aim for realistic schools based on my situation and not schools out of ego for the same reason you mentioned and that I already know wherein a dentist is a dentist, a doctor is a doctor, regardless of school. Good point to aim for a few high ones just to see what happens, aim for some mid tier, maybe/probably even some "low" tier if that even exists. I think some American schools accept the CDAT as well so if I was to write just that I could apply to maybe uwo and UoT in Canada, then maybe 8 or 9 USA schools as well and maybe not even have to write the ADAT. However the ADAT is at more convenient times for writing. Overall, sounds like somewhat of a plan laid out, provided my GPA continues in the "upward trend" as many previous threads I've read called it. I've already researched Canadian schools, my task for tomorrow morning/during work when I can is to look at American schools in detail. Probably will start with Buffalo since I hear that's not too far from Canada, and then I will look at the one's you've mentioned and others in that "tier". I'll look at a few of the higher ones too. Thanks a lot for your invaluable information and detailed supportive response. Price is very important, but in the end getting in and getting the grades is most important when it comes down to it.

One thing I forgot to ask you, besides sculpting and shadowing, what other kinds of EC's are useful? I don't want to overload myself but my mother said maybe look at doing red cross stuff, doing something for a cause, and then also doing something else that uses other skills such as my video editing or photo skills for an organization in the school. Just things that show commitment, show a charitable side of me, and show an "i'm not only a scientist" side of me. Not sure if you had any comments on this or past experiences to share. I've heard some people say EC's are almost as important and others say their EC's effectively dropped their grades a bit and didn't even pay dividends since the drop in grades was an equal and opposite negative point to the positive points the EC's gave them. Thanks a lot. Finally yes I am in Canada. Queen's University is a Canadian school in Ontario wherein there are two dental schools: UWO and UofT. Will definitely check out the ADEA (I've left it open to read as soon as I wake up tomorrow)

Edit* Yes I play both the guitar and keyboard and martial arts is just something I find is great for discipline and peace of mind however I'm not too sure if martial arts is what I want to be talking about in an interview. It can come across as a negative thing to some people. Always some clout carried along with it in the modern age with the emergence of all this new UFC stuff.

@UWO2014 Judging by your username, next year will be an exciting time for you. Thank you for your kind words. Contrary to the direction of my inital post, I am not necessarily down in the dumps. I am driven with high expectations of myself. I just recognize when you come to ask for help, that is not the time to start acting like a know-it-all who is secretly just complaining or someone who is making excuses. Just telling the truth and being realistic in my situation with you guys.

Onto your post, If UWO only looks at your best two years that could be a positive for me. I read it on the website but thought I was misinterpreting it because it did not seem as if the other Canadian dental schools were doing that and it didn't seem to make sense that UWO would be so starkly different. So my GPA would be calculated only using two of my best years for real? I would say that is enticing but realize that it just makes it more competitive in a sense so I won't lean on that as a crutch for sure. Just good to keep in mind like you indicated.

I do think shadowing in May could be the way to go for me and then starting to study for attempt 1 for the american dat (probably will get the kaplan book) for June/july/august is a good idea. However, I read in past threads I researched here that the application date starts in the USA in June and if you don't get in as early as June your chances are very slim unless you have irresistable stats in every way, shape, or form? So wouldn't writing in August not be useful unless I plan to apply the year after?

I'll leave biochem to upper year since as you said, it doesn't open up any avenues I need right now and it doesn't seem necessary in the immediate moment where my schedule for year 3 is already brutal for fall semester when I'd be having to take it. The english is a bit of an issue for me mainly because all the bio majors that took it this past year (in this case it was for med school) said it was tanking their GPA badly. Not attractive reinforcement for me. Profs at Queen's in the medical school told me writing courses in programs outside of english such as Physiology, sociology, etc. are a much better option. No dental school here so I'm just going off what I saw online from Canadian school sites and I don't think they are as lenient with what counts as English. I haven't checked for America yet but will do soon.

As Jung &, ROFL that now you're also saying, grades are such a high priority right now that I need to have a schedule that doesn't jeopardize that when EC's, shadowing, volunteering, and all things application related are considered.


@anybody One last thing. It's always important to have a back up plan, or two back up plans even. This is not to make it sound like I am not focused and passionate about dentistry (or orthodontics if I had to be specific) but I do need to ask of the worst case scenario. If I can't get the right courses or right score on the DAT, do you guys feel if I have the pre-reqs for med that I should still write that test just to see what happens? If that doesn't work/doesn't make sense, do you guys think a Master's makes sense. Would it matter what specific field it is in? Just want to have my main plan (dental school) in mind along with some back up plans. Want to prepare for success for sure but also need to prepare for what could be if things don't work. Have to think of all my options on the table here and not regret that there were things I could have done to improve my situation after the facts in the future depending on how it goes.

 

[UWO2014]

So I think this is how UWO works. You apply with your two best year and there is cutoff for DAT by using Academic Average. As far as I know, I think UWO use computer cutting system. They give interviews to applicants who have score over cutoff AA and percentage grade. I haven't looked in too much yet, but will let you know later!

Yes and for DAT, best time to write is when you are tired of studying 😀 haha there is no such thing as completely ready, but you can plan that and your study schedule depending on when to apply. The chance being higher applying earlier means that you have higher chance of getting an interview invite because your application is looked at first.. but it doesn't mean your chance of acceptance increases. I think even july to august is still considered "early".

and for english course, usually it kills GPA that is true. Research about the courses and take what can fulfill that english pre requisite category. I think there is luck involved and depends on professor (because its subjective course). but make sure you check thoroughly because medical school english requirement is different from dental sometimes. You can use premed 101 to check around!

 

[Claydees]

Hey thanks UWO. Would you recommend the ADAT, CDAT, or both based on my position?

Also I met with a professor at Queen's recently and he told me that I should try and see if some other programs with courses in writing can fill the english pre-req instead which is exactly what I'm going to do. He also said see if cell bio can pass for biochem and if not, perhaps stick around and do a master's in biochem so that I can cover that pre-req without actually having taken the course since it doesn't really fit into my biology major program. Sounds smart but the issue with that is doing a master's in biochem with no background in biochem may not be a smart idea in the future. Of course, I still have 3rd and 4th year to get through with hopefully high grades before I can start getting too ahead of myself here with master's talk.

Something else I should mention. I did Organic chemistry away from Queen's (at Western Ironically) during the summer of 2012, because then the courses would not go on my Queen's transcript and affect my GPA. Needless to say I didn't do well in the first part of Organic chemistry (the supposedly easier half) but did quite well in the second part (despite it being the "harder" half). In the end rushing both halves of Orgo in 6 weeks was not one of my wisest life decisions. Since it doesn't show up on my transcript though as a grade (shows up as a TR [taken course]), will schools in the USA/Canada I apply to still dig to find what mark I got in the first half (a D -.-) and what mark I got in the 2nd half (a B) or will they just recognize it the same way Queen's does?

Really wouldn't want to retake that first half however a post-bacc with math, general chemistry, physics, first half of orgo retaken, and then maybe some other mark boosting courses for my GPA seems like something to look into. It makes some sense but seems like backwards progress. Also it will never be allowed by my parents. Perhaps moving onto a master's is a good idea if I don't get in instead? I just need some somewhat detailed back up plans/options here (even if it's something drastic such as look at med school instead since I have the pre-reqs for that which fit easily into 4 years). Cheers.

 

[Claydees]

To anyone who finds this thread in the future: keep believing in yourself. I got in on my first try after everything in the end. It hasn't been easy but I have to thank Glimmer1991, SJV, doctoothache, and everyone in this thread who gave me support. Go get 'em!