D in orgo II, didn't retake, but A- in upper year biochem

[Sigg]

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Hey everyone,

So I'm a Canadian applying to American dental schools this cycle, and recently discovered you need at least a C in every prerequisite. I then realized that I actually have a D in orgo II (although I have an A in orgo I, don't ask me how that happened lol), and all of my other prerequisite are above a C. However, I never retook orgo II. (A D was all you needed to "pass" and get a degree at my university, and you don't need at least a C when applying to Canadian schools, which I had initially planned on doing, so I didn't see the point in retaking).

HOWEVER, I did take an upper year biochemistry course (a "half year"/3.0 unit course...not sure how many "quarters" it would in the states, but it's essentially the same length has orgo II) and got an A- in it.

So I'm now wondering...would that biochemistry course be able to "cover up" for the D I got in orgo II, and would my application still be looked at?? Or should I not even bother applying at all until I retake orgo II and get at least a C?

I don't mind eventually retaking orgo II if I have to, but it would just be too late too apply and submit early for this year's cycle.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[sjv]

Doubtful, Biochemistry is its own requirement at many schools, retaking would be your best bet.

If you do wish to apply, you can state that you intent to retake the class as it is only a requirement for matriculation but whether your application gets passed over or not would depend on the rest of your stats.

 

[Sigg]

^thanks!
I have a 3.5 cGPA and 3.4 sGPA

I'm writing the DAT in about 2 weeks, and aiming for 21+

I also have a bunch of leadership type ECs, volunteering, some shadowing, and part time employment.

If I get that 21+, would I have a realistic chance of my application getting looked at?

 

[Bifenthrin]

I mean, it MIGHT work out. I had a D in orgo II as well and never retook it.

 

[Sigg]

^oh really?? you're at NYU dentistry now? (That's actually my top choice school!)
what were the rest of your stats, if you don't mind sharing?

Did you have any other prerequisites below C?

 

[doc toothache]

That's the spirit!

 

[Bifenthrin]

^oh really?? you're at NYU dentistry now? (That's actually my top choice school!)
what were the rest of your stats, if you don't mind sharing?

Did you have any other prerequisites below C?

Yeah, just finished second year yesterday. 🙂

I didn't have anything else below a C, though I did have a few C's. My oGPA was 3.2, sGPA was a 2.9, and I got a master's in education with a 3.7 GPA. My DAT was 21AA 20TS. I also had five years experience working as a dental assistant and one year working as a teacher. And I had a year of research experience in neurotoxicity, without a publication though.

I won't lie, getting in was tough. I got outright rejected the first time applying (before I completed the masters) and then waitlisted at NYU the second time, with no other interview invites. Got off the waitlist to NYU though.

 

[Sigg]

Yeah, just finished second year yesterday. 🙂

I didn't have anything else below a C, though I did have a few C's. My oGPA was 3.2, sGPA was a 2.9, and I got a master's in education with a 3.7 GPA. My DAT was 21AA 20TS. I also had five years experience working as a dental assistant and one year working as a teacher. And I had a year of research experience in neurotoxicity, without a publication though.

I won't lie, getting in was tough. I got outright rejected the first time applying (before I completed the masters) and then waitlisted at NYU the second time, with no other interview invites. Got off the waitlist to NYU though.

Wow that's impressive!...your masters and work experiences obviously must have helped though. How early did you complete your application??

So I'm thinking I should still just apply...but when I do, should I tell them that I plan to retake orgo II? What do you guys think?

And if I do, how exactly do you tell them this? Is it through AADSAS?

 

[Bifenthrin]

Wow that's impressive!...your masters and work experiences obviously must have helped though. How early did you complete your application??

So I'm thinking I should still just apply...but when I do, should I tell them that I plan to retake orgo II? What do you guys think?

And if I do, how exactly do you tell them this? Is it through AADSAS?

My application was mailed at the end of October.

I mean, honestly, if you have time to retake Orgo II, do it. Improving that D could only help you.

 

[kyle nguyen]

My two cents: Never depend on anything to cover up anything.

 

[Sigg]

Alright, thanks guys.

So now my question is...how common is it for applicants to get accepted when they complete their prerequisites during the year they're applying? The website says that they only need to be completed by the start of enrolment...but are these applicants at a disadvantage in any way?

 

[bc1002]

Alright, thanks guys.

So now my question is...how common is it for applicants to get accepted when they complete their prerequisites during the year they're applying? The website says that they only need to be completed by the start of enrolment...but are these applicants at a disadvantage in any way?

My 2 cents... It depends on your overall background. If one has decent GPA, DAT and ECs, I am sure he/she would not be at a disadvantage in admissions process over one course. Again, it is just my $0.02.

 

[Sigg]

Sorry for all the questions, but does anybody have any anecdotal evidence on how it works out if you take prerequisites the year you apply?

Especially considering my stats are kind of average: 3.5 cGPA, 3.4 sGPA. My DAT is still TBD (writing it soon)..
I'd say my ECs are fairly decent (a bunch of volunteering w/leadership positions) + some dentist shadowing

 

[tooth knockn]

That's the spirit!

lol


All type of doctors are needed