do dental schools consider . . .

[dds_sdc]

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hey guys. im new to sdn. currently a sophomore and taking all science classes, which now i learned my lesson, isnt such a good idea. im worried about my gpa. had a 3.6 - non science gpa. and a 3.7 science gpa last year. im worried it might go down lower than 3.5 this semester, possibily a 3.0. im taking physics, microbiology, organic chemistry, and calculus 2. i didnt realize i overloaded myself with work. i also work part-time as a tutor for bio, chem, and math. and currently shadowing a dentist. do dental schools look at the fact ur taking hard classes all at once and are in like a 24345 extracirricular activities?!

 

[SugarNaCl]

Maybe some schools more than others, but you have to make the cut first before they will look into it in detail. That is my impression at least. On top of that, to be honest, your course load looks pretty standard for any science major. It isn't that unusual at all to take 3 science courses along with a math. In dental school, from looking at the curriculum, you will be taking much more than that. Your GPA is good though right now, so you must be doing something right. Good luck to you. 🙂

 

[tinman831]

The only way you can go from a 3.6-3.7 to a 3.0 would be if you failed your classes. If you are failing your classes, then you really need to figure out what you are doing wrong in those classes. Schools do take into account the rigorousness of your curriculum but you should still try to get good grades.

 

[blue_moon01]

Schools, esp the ivy league ones likes if you can handle heavy science course loads. They think it's indicative of your ability to handle Dental school loads. With that said, having 3 science and one calculus is a standard load for a science major. But I do understand that physics, micro and orgo all have labs, which takes up more time than the class itself in my opinion. On top of that calculus usually also have a lab type thing too doesn't it? So in that aspect, that's a heavy, heavy load.

Schools will be impressed if you're able to pull A's and B's and do all the EC's at the same time. But first, you need the stats for them to look at your file to be impressed by your individual accomplishments so keep that GPA and DAT up. Reconsider dropping some ECs if you have to.

 

[dds_sdc]

thanks for the responses! yeah the schedule is pretty standard. except at my school physics isnt standard for a sophomore. but im glad im not the only one taking these classes.

&& im not failing any classes. so i guess my gpa wont go down to a 3.0 after all! im actually getting As so far, except physics. which i might be getting a C after i failed the exam today. lol thanks guys!

 

[maksidaa]

good luck w/ your classes. i agree w/ everyone else. before the school ever considers your course load they first look directly at your gpa. keep it high and you won't have any problems. for the rest of your undergrad try and get your schedule to balance out. i took a semester similar to yours my sophomore year and it was my worst semester in college (i also got engaged that semester so that didn't help). i got 2 b's and 2 a's and though it put a small dent in my gpa it didn't really destroy it or my chances of bringing it up. i think 2 b's look better than a C so maybe shoot for that. just my thoughts

 

[UTEMAN21]

All schools I have been to have commented on my course load, if you can handle it, it will be something that will give you that extra push past the other average applicants