DAT Round 2 Completed....But will it make up for my science GPA?

[bwh06b]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Well, I recently finished my 2nd attempt at the DAT, and my scores definitely improved. I'll provide a little information about myself and my background to see if you think it may improve my chances. This is my third year applying to dental school, and I haven't had an interview the past two years.

DAT Round 1: May 2009

Bio: 18
GC: 17
OC: 15
RC: 24
QR: 17
PA: 15

AA: 18
TS: 17

DAT Round 2: September 2011

Bio: 20
OC: 19
GC: 20
QR: 21
RC: 24
PA: 20

AA: 21
TS: 20

I attended two universities, the first of which was the U.S. Naval Academy
GPA: 2.59 for 34 hours

Next, Abilene Christian:
GPA: 3.54
(had to retake O-chem and Gen Bio, and went from a D to an A, and a C to an A for each class. The world went to hell with my family that semester, and I have explained this in my application. I don't have another C for a science class on my record from that point forward).

So, the way they calculate my GPA, I have a 3.22 overall, and a 2.97 science GPA.

- I am currently working as a dental assistant and as the lead orthodontic assistant at a dental practice.
- I have over 2000 hours of dental shadowing
- I have hundreds of volunteer hours.
- I should have great faculty recommendations and a letter from a practicing dentist I am very close with.
- On average throughout college, I was working 25+ hours/week.

So, all-in-all, I feel like it has always been the science GPA + the mediocre DAT scores holding me back for the past two years. I know this is a little late to get these DAT scores in, but do you think that they should help get me an interview this year? So far I have applied to a total of 13 schools, and I am a Texas resident keeping my fingers crossed for interviews at either San Antonio or Baylor.

I'd appreciate anyone's input on this change in my status and my application.

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

Science & BCP GPAs are #1 for them, and I don't feel your DAT scores are high enough to off-set this. I think you'll get some interviews due to the strength of your extra-curriculars though, you have to make a really great impression I think.

 

[Philippines03j]

The DAT will not make up for a low science GPA. However, your DAT adds strength to your application (as it would for applicants with higher GPAs). Your GPA shows a longer commitment to academics than does your DAT. With that said one thing that will help your lower gpa is your TREND. Trends are very important. A steep upward trend such as the one you have will definitely work towards your advantage.

Good luck!

Oh, as Froggbuster said your EC will definitely help👍

 

[flyingforever]

Well, I recently finished my 2nd attempt at the DAT, and my scores definitely improved. I'll provide a little information about myself and my background to see if you think it may improve my chances. This is my third year applying to dental school, and I haven't had an interview the past two years.

DAT Round 1: May 2009

Bio: 18
GC: 17
OC: 15
RC: 24
QR: 17
PA: 15

AA: 18
TS: 17

DAT Round 2: September 2011

Bio: 20
OC: 19
GC: 20
QR: 21
RC: 24
PA: 20

AA: 21
TS: 20

I attended two universities, the first of which was the U.S. Naval Academy
GPA: 2.59 for 34 hours

Next, Abilene Christian:
GPA: 3.54
(had to retake O-chem and Gen Bio, and went from a D to an A, and a C to an A for each class. The world went to hell with my family that semester, and I have explained this in my application. I don't have another C for a science class on my record from that point forward).

So, the way they calculate my GPA, I have a 3.22 overall, and a 2.97 science GPA.

- I am currently working as a dental assistant and as the lead orthodontic assistant at a dental practice.
- I have over 2000 hours of dental shadowing
- I have hundreds of volunteer hours.
- I should have great faculty recommendations and a letter from a practicing dentist I am very close with.
- On average throughout college, I was working 25+ hours/week.

So, all-in-all, I feel like it has always been the science GPA + the mediocre DAT scores holding me back for the past two years. I know this is a little late to get these DAT scores in, but do you think that they should help get me an interview this year? So far I have applied to a total of 13 schools, and I am a Texas resident keeping my fingers crossed for interviews at either San Antonio or Baylor.

I'd appreciate anyone's input on this change in my status and my application.

I wish you good luck.