Do I even have a chance?

[lillilz]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I am currently a sophomore at the University of Washington. a very hard school. I have been having trouble deciding on what I want to pursue and I finally decided on dentistry. I always knew I wanted to do something science-y so I have already taken many science classes, however, my current gpa is a 3.0 and I know dental school is very competitive.

What should I do from here? Can I still raise my gpa? What other things can I do or start doing to make myself better fit for dental school?

Also I am from California and I would really like to go to school there.

Thanks!

 

[sjv]

You should still have ~2.5 years left if you are a sophomore which is plenty of time to bring your GPA up. A 3.0 is not out of the question for admissions but you can't be choosy, need to apply broadly and probably a little bit of luck.

Essentially you need to bring your GPA up as much as possible before you plan to apply as that will currently hurt you the most right now. Study for the DAT, shadow, continue ECs and really reevaluate where you stand closer to application time.

If your GPA is still low come application time, there are a couple options (post-bac, SMP) to boost your application but it isn't time to decide that now since it is too early.

 

[Proxybrush15]

A 3.0 is iffy, but hey, I am in the same boat. Dental school is becoming increasingly competitive. Like stated above, you should apply broadly, and perhaps you may have some luck. Otherwise, your backup plan, should you need it, would certainly place you in a better position assuming you perform well. Good luck!

 

[dp93]

assuming you get roughly a 3.9 the rest of the way you could bring it up to 3.5 AND show a huge upward trend (very important).

 

[lillilz]

You should still have ~2.5 years left if you are a sophomore which is plenty of time to bring your GPA up. A 3.0 is not out of the question for admissions but you can't be choosy, need to apply broadly and probably a little bit of luck.

Essentially you need to bring your GPA up as much as possible before you plan to apply as that will currently hurt you the most right now. Study for the DAT, shadow, continue ECs and really reevaluate where you stand closer to application time.

If your GPA is still low come application time, there are a couple options (post-bac, SMP) to boost your application but it isn't time to decide that now since it is too early.

would you, or anyone on here, recommend me switching schools to a school with easier science classes? or would you say they are all about the same?

 

[Daneosaurus]

would you, or anyone on here, recommend me switching schools to a school with easier science classes? or would you say they are all about the same?

Generally speaking, they should be the same.

 

[Proxybrush15]

I believe you could go either way. Keep your head up, and have your next move planned so that you may begin building a stronger application asap. good luck!

 

[y3nd0]

sjv has it right.

PM me if you have any questions (I was also a UW undergrad).