Dilemma, Applying in June with 3.2 or August with 3.4?

[CherubicDevil]

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My oGPA when if I apply in June is 3.2, sGPA 3.0. If I retake some prereqs of classes that I got C and C- in during the summer, I can boost my grade up to 3.4 and sGPA 3.2. My DAT is 21AA. I have an upward trend. Decent/average ECs.

If I apply in August, my summer term finishes August 13. Realistically, I will probably send out my transcript late August. AADSAS will verify them late September? And schools will read my application November. Versus, I apply in June with a low GPA and wait until November to do the Academic Update, and risk schools overlooking my application totally if they just looked at my low GPA before summer. I really don't know what do to! Any advice and opinions appreciated, thank you

 

[doc toothache]

My oGPA when if I apply in June is 3.2, sGPA 3.0. If I retake some prereqs of classes that I got C and C- in during the summer, I can boost my grade up to 3.4 and sGPA 3.2. My DAT is 21AA. I have an upward trend.

Assuming you visited the future, and now know that you will get As on your retakes, you can conceivably raise your science gpa (if you have roughly 40 credits) but, unless you are seriously deficient in non science courses or you have your own method of calculating the gpa, which isn't necessarily in agreement with that used by AADSAS, you may have a bit of a problem with your oGPA computing to 3.4.

 

[dentalWorks]

My oGPA when if I apply in June is 3.2, sGPA 3.0. If I retake some prereqs of classes that I got C and C- in during the summer, I can boost my grade up to 3.4 and sGPA 3.2. My DAT is 21AA. I have an upward trend. Decent/average ECs.

If I apply in August, my summer term finishes August 13. Realistically, I will probably send out my transcript late August. AADSAS will verify them late September? And schools will read my application November. Versus, I apply in June with a low GPA and wait until November to do the Academic Update, and risk schools overlooking my application totally if they just looked at my low GPA before summer. I really don't know what do to! Any advice and opinions appreciated, thank you

Im confused... how can you bring your oGPA from 3.2 to 3.4 in 1 summer session? It took me like 3 years to bring mine from 3.0 to 3.3.

If you think retaking a course replaces your old grade, then you are MISTAKEN. They don't replace old grades.

 

[321931]

Perhaps by overloading and taking 20 or so units? But that's still a stretch... Perhaps he has a 3.27-3.29 which could be theoretically raised to a 3.40 if he aced all his courses...

 

[g0forkurself]

I think you can send in your application in June and update the schools if you manage to raise your GPA. In my opinion, especially since it's not a dramatic change (0.2 difference), I would apply early rather than later.

 

[321931]

I think you can send in your application in June and update the schools if you manage to raise your GPA. In my opinion, especially since it's not a dramatic change (0.2 difference), I would apply early rather than later.

Even though its not a dramatic change...a 3.2 -> 3.4 OGPA and 3.0->3.2 SGPA crosses the threshold of having a "uncompetitive" GPA to an "average/lil bit below avg GPA." It will make a huge huge huge difference in dental school admissions.

 

[g0forkurself]

Even though its not a dramatic change...a 3.2 -> 3.4 OGPA and 3.0->3.2 SGPA crosses the threshold of having a "uncompetitive" GPA to an "average/lil bit below avg GPA." It will make a huge huge huge difference in dental school admissions.

I feel like having your application read so late (possibly November) can be a big disadvantage also. There's a pro and con to each approach so I think it's really up to person. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dental13]

From my opinion, I think you should fill out the application the first day when the cycle starts. After you take summer classes, I would make some phone calls to dental school and notify them about your classes with the grade.

Then each dental school must have their own instructions that you can follow.
Hope this help

 

[Regmata]

August with the 3.4....most schools are not interviewing before September and I would bet that the vast majority are not looking to offer interview slots to students with a 3.2 (or even a 3.4) in their first round of interviews. Most schools are probably extending interview invites to the top tier of applicants early and look to the lesser applicants later in the cycle.

 

[MechZZ]

Assuming you visited the future, and now know that you will get As on your retakes, you can conceivably raise your science gpa (if you have roughly 40 credits) but, unless you are seriously deficient in non science courses or you have your own method of calculating the gpa, which isn't necessarily in agreement with that used by AADSAS, you may have a bit of a problem with your oGPA computing to 3.4.

HAHAHAHAHAHHAAH


August is a tad late, but the lastest I've ever seen somebody apply and still get in. I don't see why you couldn't just wait a year and apply early the next cycle, that's if you want to really really maximize your chances.

 

[promolion]

june! i did with august and strugled.

 

[321931]

june! i did with august and strugled.

You can't win either way ZzZ...

A) Apply early= get rejected from everywhere due to 3.2/3.0. It just isn't competitive.

B) Wait til August= have a higher shot with a 3.4/3.2. But being late isn't competitive especially with a lower spectrum gpa.

Combine the two and apply early/notify dental schools immediately of your scores in August. However, I don't think they will take into account the new overall gpa/science gpa as it has to be validated by AADSAS (which sucks as schools won't technically see the 3.4/3.2). Therefore, they will have your straight A's + a 3.2/3.0.

It's worth a shot especially when academic update kicks in.

Edit: If it were me, I would apply the next year. I had a 3.2/3.1 end of junior year with a 22 dat, but I postponed a year and applied with a 3.5/3.4 end of senior year with a 22 dat. It was a big decision, because I had to deal with the gap year (this year). Yet, it worked out for the better in the end.

If you got the cash, it wouldn't hurt to throw some money into the dental school crapshoot and perhaps you might get lucky

 

[yappy]

I'm in a simular position and plan to apply. You have a 21 DAT and a gpa greater than 3.0. apply early to schools with lower GPA's or those that accept a diverse class. I was suprized at some schools. For example one class had a 3.5 avg yet 25 percent of their class came from the 3.0-3.3 spectrum.

 

[CherubicDevil]

hey guys thanks for replying! so i have a 3.27 oGPA. i guess you can say that's closer to a 3.3 but it still looks like a 3.2. if i finish summer term, hopefully i can have 3.408 oGPA. like some poster above said, it isnt guaranteed that i will have all As when I retake, but I've gotten straight As the past 2 semesters taking some upper div science classes. So I'm hoping if I work my butt off, I can pull As in the retakes.

yeah i'm worried that the advantage of applying early wouldnt matter if I have a 3.2 gpa. but even a 3.4 isn't super strong if my application is read in November when most of the pre December invites have gone out. the earliest academic update is in November, and it wouldnt matter if the schools have put me in the reject pile based on the 3.2. i am really stressed about what to do

 

[dentalWorks]

hey guys thanks for replying! so i have a 3.27 oGPA. i guess you can say that's closer to a 3.3 but it still looks like a 3.2. if i finish summer term, hopefully i can have 3.408 oGPA. like some poster above said, it isnt guaranteed that i will have all As when I retake, but I've gotten straight As the past 2 semesters taking some upper div science classes. So I'm hoping if I work my butt off, I can pull As in the retakes.

yeah i'm worried that the advantage of applying early wouldnt matter if I have a 3.2 gpa. but even a 3.4 isn't super strong if my application is read in November when most of the pre December invites have gone out. the earliest academic update is in November, and it wouldnt matter if the schools have put me in the reject pile based on the 3.2. i am really stressed about what to do

Omg your going to bump a 3.27 to 3.4 in 1 summer term? How many credits you aiming for? I am guessing 15-20ish with solid 4.0

As far as retaking goes... you should only retake pre-dent courses with a C- (or lower). Otherwise your wasting your time and money... instead you should be focusing on upper level biologies, those look very attractive in the eyes of adcoms when theyr sitting next to a 4.0

Because you have a strong DAT, you should still apply early June, its not like schools will see your 3.2 / 21AA / 3.0 sGPA and right away reject you. They might put you in the pile for later interviews.

When you fill out aadsas, there is a section there that lists all the classes you are planning to take in the future, thats where you take advantage of it and fill out all the summer courses. As soon as your grades come out, you update AADSAS, and within 1 week, the schools that haven't rejected you will get the updated GPA.

Becuase your GPA is low and you are applying early, I STRONGLY recommend applying to 20+ schools.

 

[CherubicDevil]

Omg your going to bump a 3.27 to 3.4 in 1 summer term? How many credits you aiming for? I am guessing 15-20ish with solid 4.0

As far as retaking goes... you should only retake pre-dent courses with a C- (or lower). Otherwise your wasting your time and money... instead you should be focusing on upper level biologies, those look very attractive in the eyes of adcoms when theyr sitting next to a 4.0

Because you have a strong DAT, you should still apply early June, its not like schools will see your 3.2 / 21AA / 3.0 sGPA and right away reject you. They might put you in the pile for later interviews.

When you fill out aadsas, there is a section there that lists all the classes you are planning to take in the future, thats where you take advantage of it and fill out all the summer courses. As soon as your grades come out, you update AADSAS, and within 1 week, the schools that haven't rejected you will get the updated GPA.

Becuase your GPA is low and you are applying early, I STRONGLY recommend applying to 20+ schools.

thanks dentalworks! but how do I update AADSAS as soon as my summer grades come out? I thought the only way to update is through the academic update in november?

 

[321931]

Academic update and call the dental schools with your update.

 

[dentalWorks]

thanks dentalworks! but how do I update AADSAS as soon as my summer grades come out? I thought the only way to update is through the academic update in november?

I did not know that... I just looked into this, you are right. The update period is between Nov 15th till February.

Your ONLY option at this point is to either apply early this cycle... or wait till next cycle so you can apply early with stronger stats.

The Academic update period (IMO) is too late in the game, by time November rolls around, your chances for landing interviews (if you didn't receive any) drops down exponentially.

Its your decision:
-apply early this year with low stats, and hope the academic update helps
-apply early next year with stronger stats (much higher chance of landing more interviews)

 

[duvaldentist]

I'm in a simular position and plan to apply. You have a 21 DAT and a gpa greater than 3.0. apply early to schools with lower GPA's or those that accept a diverse class. I was suprized at some schools. For example one class had a 3.5 avg yet 25 percent of their class came from the 3.0-3.3 spectrum.

Hey Yappy i am in the same boat as well, what school are you refering to when you talk about 25% of the class consists of 3.0-3.3 spectrum?

 

[yappy]

The school is located in one of the midwest states. The moral of what I was saying is that it is wise to look into what makes up the average and not just the raw number. Sounds like we both need to get busy and start researching more schools.

We low GPA guys have created a tough situation for ourselves. My goal right now is to get as high of dat score as I can & try and stay optimistic about te whole process. I think i'm going to hit another 4.0 this term but it will only raise my overall ~ 0.05.

The OP's 21 is pretty good - but from the looks of the messages on this thread -it seems higher DAT is needed to land some interviews with a 3.2X GPA?

GL

Edit: OP - I dont know much but from what I've read I dont think you should retake. A 21 is a good score with few mistakes - you never know how this cycle will go - plus it seems your GPA will be moving up pretty easily.

 

[CherubicDevil]

im willing to retake the dat if i need to. what do you guys think is a high enough score to offset the 3.2 oGPA and 3.0 sGPA? 23AA and above?

 

[321931]

im willing to retake the dat if i need to. what do you guys think is a high enough score to offset the 3.2 oGPA and 3.0 sGPA? 23AA and above?

I think your DAT is perfect. The GPA is what's hurting you. I think its a safer/more reasonable route to raise GPA with a 21, then to risk retaking a 21 for a 22-23...which really wouldn't offset the 3.0 sgpa imo...

Retaking the DAT seems like a quick fix which could or could not produce the best results.

Raising the GPA is a longer, more arduous path, but it will produce results especially with a 21.

I dunno OP you have a tough decision down the road

 

[dentalWorks]

im willing to retake the dat if i need to. what do you guys think is a high enough score to offset the 3.2 oGPA and 3.0 sGPA? 23AA and above?

The difference between 21AA and 23AA is not as significant as raising the overall from 3.2 to 3.4....

There are 2 problems with this plan:
1) what if you don't raise DAT ~ in-fact, what if it stays the same or goes lower?
2) GPA is a more important number than DAT (except the rare few who end up with 24AA+/24TS+)

 

[yappy]

I feel like those of us that are sitting betwee a 3.2-3.49 the DAT is a very important number. Though, I'm prob just focusing on what I can control at this point lol.

2) GPA is a more important number than DAT (except the rare few who end up with 24AA+/24TS+)

 

[Green85]

I did not know that... I just looked into this, you are right. The update period is between Nov 15th till February.

Your ONLY option at this point is to either apply early this cycle... or wait till next cycle so you can apply early with stronger stats.

The Academic update period (IMO) is too late in the game, by time November rolls around, your chances for landing interviews (if you didn't receive any) drops down exponentially.

Its your decision:
-apply early this year with low stats, and hope the academic update helps
-apply early next year with stronger stats (much higher chance of landing more interviews)

Lol, oh please...OP keep in mind that a 21 is pretty average and that SDN posters usually skew that up to about a 25 lol...IMO, I think you should go ahead and retake the classes, seeing that if you get rejected this cycle it would most likely be due to your gpa. Mid august would be the latest to apply if your not above average, but it is perfectly acceptable. I would not chance retaking the DAT in your situation and I Most Definitely would not tell you to sit out the Entire cycle because of it, that is Way easier said than done!! I took and retook my DAT in june/sept, submitted sept 28 with a AA 20/ 3.44 ogpa and got 5 interviews/ 2 acceptances out of 12 apps...and this was my first cycle 🙂 I'm just an average student with combined 4yr/ cc credit! Just have your application completely ready to submit the Day your summer grades post and apply wisely! Good Luck!

 

[dentalWorks]

Lol, oh please...OP keep in mind that a 21 is pretty average and that SDN posters usually skew that up to about a 25 lol...IMO, I think you should go ahead and retake the classes, seeing that if you get rejected this cycle it would most likely be due to your gpa. Mid august would be the latest to apply if your not above average, but it is perfectly acceptable. I would not chance retaking the DAT in your situation and I Most Definitely would not tell you to sit out the Entire cycle because of it, that is Way easier said than done!! I took and retook my DAT in june/sept, submitted sept 28 with a AA 20/ 3.44 ogpa and got 5 interviews/ 2 acceptances out of 12 apps...and this was my first cycle 🙂 I'm just an average student with combined 4yr/ cc credit! Just have your application completely ready to submit the Day your summer grades post and apply wisely! Good Luck!

Are you implying that I suggested he retakes the DAT???

 

[Green85]

nope. IMO (like stated) I would not chance retaking the DAT. I'm simply giving him other options than your two decisions. Sometimes I think the posters can be a bit overdramatic when it comes to giving advice. I know that if I had even thought for a second to ask or take the advice of some people on here judging from my stats, I wouldn't be where I am today, c/o 2015 lol. The OP has a moderate chance of getting a positive response from at least a few schools (if said person does their research before blindly mass applying) if they apply in August.

 

[dentalWorks]

nope. IMO (like stated) I would not chance retaking the DAT. I'm simply giving him other options than your two decisions. Sometimes I think the posters can be a bit overdramatic when it comes to giving advice. I know that if I had even thought for a second to ask or take the advice of some people on here judging from my stats, I wouldn't be where I am today, c/o 2015 lol. The OP has a moderate chance of getting a positive response from at least a few schools (if said person does their research before blindly mass applying) if they apply in August.

Let me just have you read your words again....

I would not chance retaking the DAT in your situation and I Most Definitely would not tell you to sit out the Entire cycle because of it

who here recommended him sit out an entire year "because of it"?

When you give people advice over these forums, try think about the worst case scenario before speaking.... cause if someone ends up listening to your ingenious plan that "its okay to apply in August" and "IMO, I think you should go ahead and retake the classes" and they end up blowing thousands of dollars and not getting in.... you've just jeopardized this person's chances cause they might not have enough $$$ to apply again next year.

What works out for you might not work out for others.... keep that in mind.

I don't know what your state of residency is, but I am assuming you are a Texas resident.

 

[Green85]

Let me just have you read your words again....



who here recommended him sit out an entire year "because of it"?

When you give people advice over these forums, try think about the worst case scenario before speaking.... cause if someone ends up listening to your ingenious plan that "its okay to apply in August" and "IMO, I think you should go ahead and retake the classes" and they end up blowing thousands of dollars and not getting in.... you've just jeopardized this person's chances cause they might not have enough $$$ to apply again next year.

What works out for you might not work out for others.... keep that in mind.

I don't know what your state of residency is, but I am assuming you are a Texas resident.

If this is your attempt to be condescending, let me stop you right here. It's futile...plus it's falling on deaf ears lol. I was telling the OP that he has good DAT scores and that he doesn't need to retake...and that he doesn't need to sit out an entire cycle...IMO like I stated before. Im not sure where you keep thinking that I wrote that you said these things, and quite frankly I dont care lol, but the only, and Only, thing I responded to your quote was that essentially there are other options to the ONLY 2 options you gave him. Suppose wcs...he ups his stats after applying early next year and still doesn't get in, simply for being an average student (assumption only), then what.....?IMO, he could retake, and if he feels confident that he can pull A's (based on his said confidence and upward trend) in those classes then why not. August is in no way dead late if you submit an absolute complete app including Lors and competed grades. If he gets rejected, then he would have to apply again anyway, but he would be a repeat applicant, and that coupled with an improvement in other app areas would make him a more competitive applicant....as opposed to waiting till next cycle, not getting in, then having to apply for entering c/o 2018 (dang! Lol!) The insert I put about me was for encouragement for the OP, that there are people here just like him, that we can do it, and that I have felt the way he feels.....or wcs, he could not consider my ingenious plan and pursue you genious one 🙂

 

[WhichRoom]

If this is your attempt to be condescending, let me stop you right here. It's futile...plus it's falling on deaf ears lol. I was telling the OP that he has good DAT scores and that he doesn't need to retake...and that he doesn't need to sit out an entire cycle...IMO like I stated before. Im not sure where you keep thinking that I wrote that you said these things, and quite frankly I dont care lol, but the only, and Only, thing I responded to your quote was that essentially there are other options to the ONLY 2 options you gave him. Suppose wcs...he ups his stats after applying early next year and still doesn't get in, simply for being an average student (assumption only), then what.....?IMO, he could retake, and if he feels confident that he can pull A's (based on his said confidence and upward trend) in those classes then why not. August is in no way dead late if you submit an absolute complete app including Lors and competed grades. If he gets rejected, then he would have to apply again anyway, but he would be a repeat applicant, and that coupled with an improvement in other app areas would make him a more competitive applicant....as opposed to waiting till next cycle, not getting in, then having to apply for entering c/o 2018 (dang! Lol!) The insert I put about me was for encouragement for the OP, that there are people here just like him, that we can do it, and that I have felt the way he feels.....or wcs, he could not consider my ingenious plan and pursue you genious one 🙂

Petty, but still gold 😍