Desperate - Need advice

Started by LTAdams
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Your sci GPA isn't too bad. You're def not without hope!! Just take a few upper level sci courses later to bring up the sci GPA (just remember not to overload the semester with several tough courses at the same time).

No one needs to freak out over just one bad semester.
 
LTAdams said:
I know you all probably see these threads every day, but I'm in need of advice

I just finished up my 2nd semester of my sophomore year at a 20 top university.

Needless to say, my 2nd semester grades (which included Bio and Orgo) were very disappointing.

My non-science GPA is extremely high (I've basically made all A's and one or two A-'s in these courses).

However, my science GPA just plummeted this semester to a straight up 3.0
I'm really devastated and feel defeated after working pretty hard all semester.

Ive completed orgo, bio, and gen chem. Currently taking physics this summer

Do I still have a shot at Dental school with that low of a science GPA? I know you typically need a 3.3, though I did see some schools with avg. sciences at 3.2, 3.1, and even one at 3.0

I realize that I'm gonna need to absolutely blow the DAT away. Should I even continue or should I pursue law (which I like as well, but would prefer dental). My major is history and I just made an A in a logic course (and logic works with law school), so that might be a route

Thank you for any advice. I'm at the proverbial crossroads of my life and your suggestions mean a lot
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i think you're alright
 
I think you're better off than I am, but I think i won't have any problems getting into dental school and neither will you.
 
First off, what does it matter that you're at a Top 20 University?

Second, if you have a 3.0 and you're worried about two B minuses, then it sounds like you're a B student. A B minus is not that bad..I got a D in orgo 2, and my science GPA is still over a 3.5 --> but maybe this is b/c i don't go to a top 20 university or something 🙂
 
well, you need to figure out what your true passion is--law or dentistry. they are pretty different and require probably a lot of different courses. if you can or have already, look more into depth in those professions and truly decide which one you really want to pursue.

also, your science gpa can still be modified, and can go up, if you take more biology and science related classes/electives(and do well in them, of course). you are only in your sophomore year of college, so you have a good year or two to improve that science gpa.
 
There are people at top 20 universities with 4.0s...just to give you a little info. about the competitive nature of the process. I think you will be okay though if you persevere. I know a bad semester can really get you down and break your confidence but good luck.
 
LTAdams said:
Look, you apparently are not on the same page as me because you seem to think that I was trying to sound pretentious or holier-than-thou for mentioning that I'm at a top 20 university. I don't think that I'm more intelligent or better than anyone just because of my school's rank

The only reason that I put that info was to give everyone a better idea of my current situation because I'm asking for advice. Also, it is something that is considered in the admissions process, so it does play a role

I'm just reaching out for suggestions from others who may be in a similar situation or have done the whole pre-dental thing. I wasn't trying to start "my school can beat up your school". It sounds like youre being hostile for no reason - maybe due to bitterness
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Bitter about what? That he/she isnt stuck with 200K of loans from undergrad alone because of his/her top-20 univ? Riiiiiight.
 
amsie said:
Bitter about what? That he/she isnt stuck with 200K of loans from undergrad alone because of his/her top-20 univ? Riiiiiight.
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haha, this is wonderful
 
LTAdams said:
haha fair enough on the loans

I just wanted advice, and I wasn't looking to start anything. Sorry if I came off as a jerk or anything but that wasn't my intention at all. I guess that what I said didn't translate well over the 'net. I typed up the original post really quickly and now see that it might have seemed like I was blaming the difficulty of my school for my sub-par science GPA, but I didn't mean it like that at all. I also wasn't trying to sound like a prick by mentioning the rank of my school. My friend had the highest class rank in my high school and attends our state school - I realize your school has nothing to do with your intelligence.

Good luck to anyone who recently applied to Dental School and thanks to those who gave advice
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Look, no bad blood here. just trying to give you a heads up that the school you go to as an undergrad has little impact on the admissions process. tons of people come on here mention their school when they mention their poor gpa...it holds NO weight.

it sounds like you still have a year left before applying, so concentrate on doing well in all your classes to bring your GPA up to >3.3. like i said, a couple B-'s won't kill your gpa.. but they certainly won't help your gpa if it is sup par (~3.0).

i wish you luck, you can do it.

ps. don't worry i'm not bitter. i've spent the last four years partying with the hottest girls in the south, keeping up my 3.6 gpa, publishing papers, all while going to school for free and actually leaving school with an extra 5k. i'm the pretentious one, not you 🙂
 
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