Depression (Among Other Things) and Applying

[egad]

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I've recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and have been put on a treatment plan a couple of months ago. Since then, I've noticed my mood has been so much better and my grades improving but my gpa is just abysmal.

My gpa now is 3.0, sgpa 2.6 but instead of graduation and applying this summer, I've decided to take an extra year and apply next year. By then, I anticipate my gpa to be a 3.2 with a 3.0 sgpa. Also keep in mind that my school is on the quarter system and as this quarter is still on going, I have accounted that into my gpa progression. I plan to take the DAT the end of the fall and I know I've got to destroy it.

I must also mention that about 3 years ago, I was charged with academic misconduct. It was a gen chem lab and I got caught faking lab numbers. It's not on my transcript but I got bumped down a letter grade. I know this is yet another major flag.

Let me also mention that I'm a female, URM, have pretty good extracurriculars, if that counts for anything.

So, I'm wondering if I have a chance at any school. Ideally, I'd like to go to NYU. How should I explain these things? Should I go to a member of the admissions committee at my school and talk to someone? Will the upper trend in grades look good?

And if you look to the left and see my recent join date, please don't think I'm a troll. I've been lurking for years and just decided to make up a name.

 

[2PacClone23]

kill the DAT

 

[lnngu]

^ yes, but more importantly, make sure you get that upward trend. Even so, be prepared to enroll in a masters program for a year, if needed. A high DAT without supporting evidence will not get you an acceptance, despite popular opinion.

As for the other stuff, address it if it comes up. If so, try not to sound as though you're making excuses. At the same time convey that you've learned from those mistakes.

 

[Kaxain]

Exactly, kill the DAT, upward grade trend, make changes in your life that exemplify you've moved on from your mistakes/bad grades.

 

[ukrdon2006]

Exactly, kill the DAT, upward grade trend, make changes in your life that exemplify you've moved on from your mistakes/bad grades.

+1👍

 

[egad]

What kinds of things should I do, specifically, to show them that I have changed? Do you mean extracurricular wise? I don't understand how I can exemplify that to them.

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

 

[jjg22]

Hey: Applying is stressful but just know that things WILL work out for the best!

I was in a similar situation. I did really bad for 2 quarters at a university and was academically disqualified from attending until I maintained a 3.0 at another institution for 3 quarters. That was quite a low point in my life because I realized that my chances of getting into dental school was shot- at that point. After much crying (haha lame I know) I decided to put my energy into action. I transferred to a private school and finished my bachelors degree. My GPA was way better at the second school but because I had SO many units already from the other school, my overall did not raise very much. I applied to dental school twice while keeping my brain fresh by taking classes at a community college- with hopes that the schools would appreciate my improvement. However, I could not raise my chemistry score on my DAT very much which I know was a deciding factor on getting rejected.

So.... after much agony and perseverance, I decided to do a dental hygiene program (as a backup plan and a stepping stone to dental school) at the school that had my dream DDS program. Only 2 years- I kicked butt, increased my GPA- I got a plethora of clinical experience, went on dental trips to other countries helping people- and well... now here I am AGAIN getting ready to reapply and take the DAT.

I have no idea if I will get into a DDS program. I surely hope so! But if it doesn't go as planned, I do have dental hygiene as a financial backup.

To make the long story short, NOT ALL IS LOST. YOU CAN DO IT! Don't give up! You will get in.


I DOUBT anyone would want to take the pathway I took... and want to take out all those loans... but I definitely believe that when there is a will, there is a way.

 

[egad]

Thanks for the encouraging words, jjg22. Really appreciate it!

 

[TheToothsayer]

Look into the Masters program. 3.2/3.0s is also abysmal. I would definitely talk to everyone and anyone you can. The upward trend will look good, and if you do well on the DAT then you might have a chance at USC or NYU. However, a 3.0s..the DAT is mostly science.

Do well. Study hard. Don't give up until you've done all you can.