Desperate!!!

Hi!!
Don't be desperate. I think if dentistry is what you really want, then you can have it. But you have to show it to them. I am afraid that 2.8 is on low side and the chance that you get in if you apply is really low even with high DAT scores.
As many SDNers will tell you that you should considered master program. Get in a master program and good DAT scores will put you in the game. Further, your life circumstance should be explained in personal statement so they can understand how you struggle.
My 2 cents.

 

If you're saying you're an international student, then I say good luck on your apps.

So if you make it to the interview and they ask you, "If a 2.8 doesn't represent you, then what does?" How do you respond? What indication would you give them otherwise and why would they believe you?

Other than that, you may want to take the DAT soon, because you need to know if you can even apply this cycle.

 

So what reason - other than pity - do they have to accept you? Their accepting you would pull their numbers down by a good amount. What can you do for them or dentistry that would justify this? If you can't answer these questions, then you may not be getting in. (answer it to yourself, not to me or anyone else)

 

If you have a green card, you will be treated just as a citizen would.

Anyways, you gotta really, really kill the DAT to stand out and have a legit shot. Apply to 15+ would also help too.

Good luck.

 

I know a few ppl with your stats that got in... maybe apply to a few, you might get lucky. Just do it early!

 

I think you need "at least" 22+. Just study super hard. If you don't get it, do a graduate program and get 4.0.

 

I can only speak from what I know and I don't know about your chances specifically of getting in. No one does. Regardless of your reasons (and many schools do hate to hear "excuses") you are not a very competitive applicant unfortunately just because of the GPA. The average of the enrollee class of 2011 stats was a 3.54 GPA. It doesn't hurt to apply if you get over 20 on your DAT if you have about a grand and a half to blow. If not, definitely get into a masters program and try when you have a decent GPA in there. Unfortunately undergrad GPA is primarily what they look at. That said, you still have a chance...it's just a matter of how long it will take, this year or 2 years down the road. Many others have been there so don't worry, just take it as it comes.

Check this out for what I mean:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527700

 

You need something to stand out amongst the masses. You can do this with a high DAT score or a higher GPA. Some have military experience. Some have significant research experience at a MAJOR institution. Some went to do the Peace Corp. Some married a current student. (okay, maybe not that last one) Etc.

You can apply to some schools this year, but I'd focus on the more expensive ones that accept everybody. Give it a shot, but I'd invest more effort into standing out tremendously in future cycles.

 

Just in case some are new to this, when UCSF says to focus on those that accept everybody, everybody probably only = 15% of applicants. Overall acceptance to dental school is around 38% of applicants. Last I checked, that's pretty low. No school is a safety anymore. UCSF, I am sure you know this, but some may take your post literally.

 

UCSF doesn't like international students.

 

Jigabodo, I know this is unrelated but man, you DID smash the DAT. How in the world did you do that?

 

I thought I studied pretty hard and efficiently. Used multiple resources and dedicated a good amount of time into it without much distraction.

I think having the right mentality during the test day also helped a ton as well.

Anyways, that DAT score is pretty useless to me now seeing how I got in already. Now I just gotta focus on how to do well in dental school!

 

You just have to kill the DAT and explain your self well in your personal statement. Most schools will outright reject your application after you summit your secondary application fee; but a few will review and may take intrest, if you present yourself well. You also need to shell out the bucks to apply to many schools. If you do get accepted it is likely a private school and will cost you.


If you struggled through out your academic history - no acceptance
If you showed improving tread, it may be possible

I was accepted in 2004 w/ 2.7 GPA, 24 all sci and 18 RC.