Difference Between 3.76 and 3.80 sGPA?

[Mycoalwin]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This might sound a bit neurotic of me, but my major choice depends on this significance!

If I were to take a not too-intensive science load this year (junior), I can boost my sGPA from the current 3.73 to a 3.80 by application time. This would probably mean me ending up pursuing a degree primarily in Biology, which I don't necessarily mind but it's definitely not in my sights.

If I were to take only 1 science class this coming year to be able to fit a social science major, my sGPA by the end of the year (assuming grades come out as planned) would be a 3.76. I'm not passionate about the social science, but I think it'd be cool to learn. But, of course, dental school is the goal, so if the GPA difference is significant enough, I'll do what I have to do.

If it makes a difference, schools that I'm aiming for are: UCSF, UCLA, UPenn.

 

[mel5142]

u r kidding, right? insignificant difference p.s. u r only a junior in college - u haven't even taken the DAT; do what u have a passion for - don't take courses solely for a grade.

 

[sjv]

Not much IMO, if you wanna do the social science major then go for it, either GPA is solid regardless of what you choose.

 

[Mycoalwin]

u r kidding, right? insignificant difference p.s. u r only a junior in college - u haven't even taken the DAT; do what u have a passion for - don't take courses solely for a grade.

My DAT is tomorrow!

...
time to panic

 

[FancyFloss]

The difference between a 3.7 and a 4.0 is the same as the change you get from buying something at the 99 cent store with $1. You impress admissions the same amount with either.

I also want to throw in the fact that a 25 and a 30 in TS on the DAT isn't also much of a difference, someone just correctly answered 3 or 4 questions more than you out of 100 questions, not a very big feat. If it came down to two students, student A has a 4.0 and a 30 TS and student B has a 3.7 and a 25 TS, they both get interviews. Now lets say Student A is doesn't have much volunteer/research experience, gives bland answers, and doesn't act passionate. Now lets also say student B is has a good amount of volunteer/shadowing experience and can relate his previous work experience to the field of dentistry. Now how do grades play a factor? They absolutely don't. Keep in mind that admissions don't want a 4.0 GPA and 30 TS unless there is substance in that person. If they had the option between the golden student with only good grades and a bronze student with good EC you better believe they are choosing the bronze student. Numbers aren't everything so stop trying to figure out how your GPA can go higher and concentrate on being a great person.

 

[FancyFloss]

My DAT is tomorrow!

...
time to panic

And god speed to you.

 

[dbd]

The difference between 3.80 and 3.76 is 0.04.

 

[Mycoalwin]

The difference between 3.80 and 3.76 is 0.04.

Shoot; need to review some more QR before tomorrow!

 

[Mycoalwin]

The difference between a 3.7 and a 4.0 is the same as the change you get from buying something at the 99 cent store with $1. You impress admissions the same amount with either.

I also want to throw in the fact that a 25 and a 30 in TS on the DAT isn't also much of a difference, someone just correctly answered 3 or 4 questions more than you out of 100 questions, not a very big feat. If it came down to two students, student A has a 4.0 and a 30 TS and student B has a 3.7 and a 25 TS, they both get interviews. Now lets say Student A is doesn't have much volunteer/research experience, gives bland answers, and doesn't act passionate. Now lets also say student B is has a good amount of volunteer/shadowing experience and can relate his previous work experience to the field of dentistry. Now how do grades play a factor? They absolutely don't. Keep in mind that admissions don't want a 4.0 GPA and 30 TS unless there is substance in that person. If they had the option between the golden student with only good grades and a bronze student with good EC you better believe they are choosing the bronze student. Numbers aren't everything so stop trying to figure out how your GPA can go higher and concentrate on being a great person.

I appreciate the insight, FancyFloss! I'm rather well-rounded in terms of research experience / volunteering / extracurriculars / leadership, so this whole "dilemma" is more a matter of "will it make the difference?"

 

[FancyFloss]

I appreciate the insight, FancyFloss! I'm rather well-rounded in terms of research experience / volunteering / extracurriculars / leadership, so this whole "dilemma" is more a matter of "will it make the difference?"

Nope, no difference at all. That extra science class however will look good on paper so go for it. D. schools love seeing extra classes. I wish you the best in next years cycle.