Depression is setting in

[dentalak]

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[longhornpride]

Straight up, I'm starting my senior year of undergrad. Major: Chemistry and Religion. I have a 3.32 cumulative GPA and a 2.9 science GPA. I take the DAT this coming Monday, and practice scores are less than stellar, around 17/18.

1. Should I even apply this year?

2. I've been thinking about joining Peace Corp for a few years, and every dentist I've talked to said I should do it before dental school, because I will rack up plenty of debt. Should I consider Peace Corp on the application as a pretty solid addition to my resume for next dental school applications and just wait until then to apply?

3. Should I consider an alternative to Peace Corp and just continue for a masters or something instead? I've had great extra curricular experience doing volunteer work abroad in 3rd world countries.

Life sucks...

I hear you man. I'm turning into a nervous wreck waiting for interviews.

First of all, your overall gpa isn't horrible. However, a higher science gpa will definitely help.

Secondly, don't worry about the practice tests... just focus and do your best. Don't go into the test with a negative attitude. Study your ass off this week and rock that test.

Third, I suggest that you still apply this cycle. Do some research and apply to select schools where you'll have a shot. If you do decide to apply... turn everything in now! Do not wait any longer. Even if you don't get in, you'll gain plenty of knowledge about the process which will definitely help you next time around.

If you have great ECs like you say, then I would focus on bringing my gpa up instead of joining the peace corps.

Good luck and think positive. It isn't the end of the world if you don't get in the first time around.

 

[sugarsting]

A lot of times your actual DAT will be higher than your practice scores. Even one point higher means you're average. And remember, if it's average, people with lower scores are being accepted.

So I definitely think it's worth applying if you're ready to go to DS next fall. Also having good EC's will help...

 

[Omenino]

hey,

if you are feeling like this...its not healthy....Tomorrow...you HAVE to go excersize/liftweights/and do cardio vascular activities....do it everyday...it will clear your mind out and change the way you think

you don't want to take your dat feeling like this so.......

also...do what you like to do...don't do what others think is good for them....you don't have to force anything...

I am probably in worse situations than you and im not even sweating anything...but I can gaurantee you that I will become a dentist

Straight up, I'm starting my senior year of undergrad. Major: Chemistry and Religion. I have a 3.32 cumulative GPA and a 2.9 science GPA. I take the DAT this coming Monday, and practice scores are less than stellar, around 17/18.

1. Should I even apply this year?

2. I've been thinking about joining Peace Corp for a few years, and every dentist I've talked to said I should do it before dental school, because I will rack up plenty of debt. Should I consider Peace Corp on the application as a pretty solid addition to my resume for next dental school applications and just wait until then to apply?

3. Should I consider an alternative to Peace Corp and just continue for a masters or something instead? I've had great extra curricular experience doing volunteer work abroad in 3rd world countries.

Life sucks...

 

[CrazyTeeth]

dentalak:

Focus on your DAT's man! You've got a few more days to go... lay off of SDN until after your test, I'm sure seeing all these people getting interviews is not helping your morale very much. Good luck!

 

[dentalak]

thanks for the positive words. I guess I was in a funk earlier, but cleared my head. I guess it is important to remember as well with any other grad school situation, not getting in the first year is not the end of the world. Thanks

 

[DCalypso]

Keep up the hope!
You'll get in as long as you keep trying and improving.

GOOD LUCK!! 👍

I've seen a handful students with your GPA get in dental schools. Assuming you have more ECs, you have a higher chance.

All I'd suggest is:

1) Retake the DAT (get at least the average to which schools you are applying to)
2) Maybe a 1 year masters might do the trick. But if you don't want to, it will show in your GPA.
(This is my plan since me GPA is lacking even more than yours, but it's not for everyone). But generally, people with lower GPAs enroll into a small masters with 3.7+ GPA and then get accepted.

I guess you should apply like everyone else says, but do your research and select the right schools.

GOOD LUCK! 👍

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

a 2.9 science GPA.........just continue for a masters

Go with this plan, a masters in the sciences (with high GPA) will overshadow your low undergrad science GPA, for the most part.

 

[dentstd]

Take the test before you freak out. My AA jumped 6AA points from practice exams to the real thing.

Pull up your science GPA to at least a 3.0 anyway you can. Take fluff classes if you have to. After that, do the Peace Corp. A masters is a waste of time.

 

[4thMolar]

Take the test before you freak out. My AA jumped 6AA points from practice exams to the real thing.

Pull up your science GPA to at least a 3.0 anyway you can. Take fluff classes if you have to. After that, do the Peace Corp. A masters is a waste of time.

How is a MS a waste of time? I know the OP's cumulative GPA isn't horrible, but his science GPA is low. He can do post-bacc classes like you suggested, which is fine, but I wouldn't say a masters is a waste of time.

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

The classic misconception that a stellar score on a four hour exam is going to eclipse four years of college.

 

[sketo43]

For right now, just focus on preparing for the DAT. You'll get your scores right after the test, and then you can decide what to do. Just focus on the task at hand before worrying about anything else. Definitely exercise to relieve stress.

After your DAT is done, think about how important the peace corps is to you. If you want to do it, then go for it, and worry about getting into dental school later. Another thing to think about: once you're a dentist, you can do volunteer dental work in developing countries. It probably wouldn't be for three years at a time like the peace corps, but you could go to a place in need to do fillings/extractions for a week every year, or something like that.

 

[physic8888]

The classic misconception that a stellar score on a four hour exam is going to eclipse four years of college.

IMO, a good mcat score doesn't eclipse four years of college; however, a good dat score does.

Look at pre-dents.com. All the AA 24-25 with a cum of 3.3-3.5 have lots of acceptances. When looking at mdapplicants etc, those with high 35+ mcat scores and below avg cum gpas 3.4-3.5 struggle to get one acceptance.

 

[dentalak]

Take the test before you freak out. My AA jumped 6AA points from practice exams to the real thing.

Pull up your science GPA to at least a 3.0 anyway you can. Take fluff classes if you have to. After that, do the Peace Corp. A masters is a waste of time.

I've been considering it the same way, I think Peace Corp would be a much better use of my time and I know I would personally get a great experience out of it...

 

[youknowthedrill]

If you want to join the Peace Corp, by all means do it. If you want to go to dental school now, get focused and apply. You are the only one who can decide which one is right for you. It will be difficult to pay off your dental school loans while you are in the Peace Corp. If you decide to pursue your dental career, you will still have plenty of opportunities to help your fellow man. Our local free dental clinic is begging for volunteer dentists. You don't have to go overseas to make a difference.

 

[golf05]

I am an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) whose BA is in Spanish and Education. I only decided to become a dentist after I spent two years doing what I studied! PC was an incredible experience and gave me growth in every way possible. No regrets! After returning to the States, I got all of my prereqs completed, did great, and am right on track to getting to school...I'm almost 27 now and currently have interviews with 3 of the 9 schools I'm applying to.

Obviously, I differ from you in that I did not intend to become a dentist until I had this life-changing experience. However, I fully support chasing your interest in the PC while you're young and energetic. If you have a passion for serving, traveling, learning new languages, and meeting interesting people, this is for you. There are tons of health education placements that would give you realistic and relevant experience that would make your dental resume solid- and it will be solid for whatever field you end up going into if your goals change like many other volunteers' did. (but in a good way!)

My scores are above average and my GPA is excellent, but had I not done PC, I would be a typical candidate and do not know if I would have gotten in.

One piece of advice I can give is sure, though: Don't do PC just because you want a resume booster; it's emotionally trying and takes a lot of personal commitment that most people back home (States) won't be able to help you with. If you do decide to join, give it all you've got. Realize, though, that it is a 27 month commitment--I graduated in May 2005 and will hopefully be matriculating in dental school Fall 2010.

Have you explored the Peace Corps Masters program? Or another shorter term volunteer program that would only delay dental school 1 year? I see it as: You have your whole life to be a dentist, but only a few precious years of freedom to really explore the world until bills, loans, houses, family and a career start tying you down (until you're ready, that is.)

 

[The Anhedonia]

while in my undergrad, i did a project with the peacecorp in panama. it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. you should definitely do it while you still have the chance.

f the dat, go serve the world.

 

[Peter Benders]

I think you should join peace corp... think abt it and decide

 

[armorshell]

The classic misconception that a stellar score on a four hour exam is going to eclipse four years of college.

I don't think that's a misconception in any way.

 

[Futuredds2010]

I hear you man. I'm turning into a nervous wreck waiting for interviews.

First of all, your overall gpa isn't horrible. However, a higher science gpa will definitely help.

Secondly, don't worry about the practice tests... just focus and do your best. Don't go into the test with a negative attitude. Study your ass off this week and rock that test.

Third, I suggest that you still apply this cycle. Do some research and apply to select schools where you'll have a shot. If you do decide to apply... turn everything in now! Do not wait any longer. Even if you don't get in, you'll gain plenty of knowledge about the process which will definitely help you next time around.

If you have great ECs like you say, then I would focus on bringing my gpa up instead of joining the peace corps.

Good luck and think positive. It isn't the end of the world if you don't get in the first time around.

I agree! I think you should definitely apply!! Good luck! Oh and your not the only one applying late. I was in the same situation with my gpa and worried about my DAT scores. But I just said DO IT!!!! Like nike "Just do it" lol😀

 

[ToothFareez]

From experience....

I had about similar GPA as you and I took my DAT (AA21, TS22) in October of my senior year. I got one interview and was waitlisted but then finally rejected. they told me that although my DAT scores were good that I needed to boost up my GPA and do a masters. I was sort of in denial so after I graduated I did a 1 year volunteer program. I applied again and got no interviews so then i realized that i really did need to do a masters program.
So I just finished my Masters with a GPA of 3.67. I applied in the first week (which I heard gives you about a 40% advantage) to 10 schools and so far have 3 interviews.

Although I was in denial at first about doing the masters program, I am very happy I did because it helped me grow and mature as a student. I worked really hard and it has paid off. I did my program at UMDNJ and i was able to take 3 courses with the actual dental students and I did well in those classes. So it is good to know that I am capable of succeeding in a dental curriculum. Also, when you apply with a masters gpa they look at it separately from your undergrad GPA. as if you are a new student.

In the long run, I wish I had saved the thousands of dollars in applying the 2 years that I didnt get in. I was always hoping and really nervous with my application. this time around i feel very confidant with my application.

This is just my experience and my opinion. Hope it was helpful.

 

[beeho]

a master's is never a waste if you can use it such as an MPH. if you have low confidence for an upcoming test, then by this time of year I say wait and practice more for the rest of the fall season. try some new methods of studying such as which materials you are using for practice.

the peace corps sounds very rewarding. however, how will you send in LOR that will be 2+ years old when you apply for dental schools after the peace c? how can you prove you are still capable of succeeding in an academic environment when you've been out for the 2+ years? those two questions suggest you will still need more education after your peace corps tour. you have to convince the schools that you are capable of succeeding in dental school. While a large variety of volunteering is wonderful, a dental school curriculum is not 4 years of volunteer training.

imo, the shortest and probable chance to get into a dental school is: 1) study more for the DAT and take the test by december 2) take several science classes for the spring semester and do well while getting great LOR from them 3) apply for aadsas on June 2010

also, you could take the dat as originally scheduled and apply for aadsas to take a shot for this year's cycle. just get phenomenal scores.

 

[HookEmBP]

From experience....

Also, when you apply with a masters gpa they look at it separately from your undergrad GPA. as if you are a new student.

.

Does anyone know the specifics on applying with as separate Master's GPA? I have a previous 3.5 in an MBA - if i went back and got a 4.0 in a master's in biology would my grad gpa be an average of the two, or would they be listed spearately?

 

[Gbrando2]

I would tell you to apply if it were earlier in the cycle, since there are plenty of people with GPAs below yours with interviews, but since it's so late I'll agree with the consensus and say that you should do a MS or the Peace Corps thing. I have a 2.97 for both my sGPA and cGPA and my AA is 20, which isn't amazing or anything, and I have gotten 3 interviews so far. So I think a decent DAT can def. make them ignore a crap GPA to some extent.

 

[tizom]

go in with confidence to the test... dont be nervous.. do your best, and thats all you can do with this time left...

 

[lekso]

From experience....

I had about similar GPA as you and I took my DAT (AA21, TS22) in October of my senior year. I got one interview and was waitlisted but then finally rejected. they told me that although my DAT scores were good that I needed to boost up my GPA and do a masters. I was sort of in denial so after I graduated I did a 1 year volunteer program. I applied again and got no interviews so then i realized that i really did need to do a masters program.
So I just finished my Masters with a GPA of 3.67. I applied in the first week (which I heard gives you about a 40% advantage) to 10 schools and so far have 3 interviews.

Although I was in denial at first about doing the masters program, I am very happy I did because it helped me grow and mature as a student. I worked really hard and it has paid off. I did my program at UMDNJ and i was able to take 3 courses with the actual dental students and I did well in those classes. So it is good to know that I am capable of succeeding in a dental curriculum. Also, when you apply with a masters gpa they look at it separately from your undergrad GPA. as if you are a new student.

In the long run, I wish I had saved the thousands of dollars in applying the 2 years that I didnt get in. I was always hoping and really nervous with my application. this time around i feel very confidant with my application.

This is just my experience and my opinion. Hope it was helpful.

Do you have the link to this program?
I went to the UMDNJ website but could not find any info about this.

Thanks