Do I even stand a chance?

[BJW2k9]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Alright, so I’m getting really down about my grades… especially in science. I’m a sophomore psychology major and my cumulative GPA dropped just below a 3.00 this semester to a 2.9. This was just a bad semester for me grade-wise. I got a C in Orgo 1 and that is my fourth C in my six science classes I have taken so far. (1 B, 1 B-, 3 C+’s, and 1 C. I make all A’s and B’s in all my other classes. I have a lot of extra-curricular activities shadowing also. I am also doing a dental COVE internship through the med school at my university in the spring. Anyways, some people have told me that I should think about doing something else, but I can’t. I really don’t want to give up on dentistry. It’s just that I really seem to be struggling in science classes. Do I still have a fighting chance? Any advice?

 

[abzirian]

Alright, so I’m getting really down about my grades… especially in science. I’m a sophomore psychology major and my cumulative GPA dropped just below a 3.00 this semester to a 2.9. This was just a bad semester for me grade-wise. I got a C in Orgo 1 and that is my fourth C in my six science classes I have taken so far. (1 B, 1 B-, 3 C+’s, and 1 C. I make all A’s and B’s in all my other classes. I have a lot of extra-curricular activities shadowing also. I am also doing a dental COVE internship through the med school at my university in the spring. Anyways, some people have told me that I should think about doing something else, but I can’t. I really don’t want to give up on dentistry. It’s just that I really seem to be struggling in science classes. Do I still have a fighting chance? Any advice?

Anyone will tell you that people do get into dental school with those statistics. You have more than a fighting chance to get into dental school, especially since you still have time to boost up your grade and can still rock the DATs. That being said, you should set minimum benchmarks to look competitive (dental schools do favor improvement afterall). Definitely at least bring your science and overall gpa over the 3.0 limit and destroy the dats. Extracurriculars are also helpful to lower tier statistics.

 

[supraman]

Who is telling you to do something else? What a discouragement

You have seen the under 3.0 club thread right?

If your a sophomore, that means you just finished your 3rd semester? So you have what, 5 more left? I think you have time to improve there buddy, probably up to a 3.5 with hard work. Good luck

 

[supraman]

http://www.enrollment.iit.edu/registrar/gpa_calc.html

Check this out, its very good way to estimate how many hours you need to get your desired gpa

 

[BJW2k9]

hey thanks a lot guys! that helps!

 

[BJW2k9]

hey thanks a lot guys, that helps!

and yeah it was some career services thing i went to that told me to find something else. oh well im not doing that.

 

[SugarNaCl]

Sure, you have a chance! Seriously, more grades and less extracurricular activities esp if you already have alot. Observation is good, but clubs etc they don't look at as strongly as grades. I found that out the hard way 😉

 

[1992Corolla]

Plenty of people will tell you what to do. It is your choice to listen to them.

With that said, there are many people in my class who had lower undergraduate scores. They took a year of masters classes, rocked the GPA, reapplied and got in. If it comes to that than so be it.

Where there is a will there is a way. If you want it bad enough than you can get it.

 

[Old School]

Do I still have a fighting chance? Any advice?

It's definitely not too late to remedy your situation. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can get in with a 2.8. It happens, but not as often as it happens for someone with a 3.2.

I have a lot of extra-curricular activities

Then you probably have enough. Focus less on extra-curriculars and more on the science courses. I'm betting they would rather see that you had a b+ in biochemistry than to know you were in the chemistry club or played volleyball. That's not to diminish those activities, just to move your focus to the areas that need improvement.

I make all A’s and B’s in all my other classes.

Focus more on the courses that they will look at. When they look at your transcript they will be more inclined to overlook a C in art appreciation than in physics.

some people have told me that I should think about doing something else,

Disregard what other people think you should or should not do. However, it doesn't hurt to have a plan B. If you don't get in to D school, you could always get yourself a masters in another field, preferably something health science related, then re-apply.

 

[belmont]

.

 

[deerhunter]

http://www.enrollment.iit.edu/registrar/gpa_calc.html

Check this out, its very good way to estimate how many hours you need to get your desired gpa

What a nifty little calculator!!

 

[INFNITE]

i'm going to tell you the truth...if you can't figure out a way to do better in science courses, you're going to have ALOT of trouble in dental school even if you get in. The first two years of dental school is 80+% science (and not easy ones...they're advanced science courses that require a ton of memorization and scientific understanding). Science courses in dental school are hard...and it's not just that your'e taking one or two science courses in one semester...you're taking 4 or 5. If you can barely struggle through science classes in college, how are you expected to handle dental school workload?

 

[Snahster]

.

 

[Empty pockets]

Alright, so I’m getting really down about my grades… especially in science. I’m a sophomore psychology major and my cumulative GPA dropped just below a 3.00 this semester to a 2.9. This was just a bad semester for me grade-wise. I got a C in Orgo 1 and that is my fourth C in my six science classes I have taken so far. (1 B, 1 B-, 3 C+’s, and 1 C. I make all A’s and B’s in all my other classes. I have a lot of extra-curricular activities shadowing also. I am also doing a dental COVE internship through the med school at my university in the spring. Anyways, some people have told me that I should think about doing something else, but I can’t. I really don’t want to give up on dentistry. It’s just that I really seem to be struggling in science classes. Do I still have a fighting chance? Any advice?

let me offer a suggestion. Shadow less and study more.

 

[BJW2k9]

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate the advice. I realize the science classes in dental school will be way more intense and that's why I'm trying to figure out the best way to study.

 

[Old School]

Finally someone telling this guy the truth... honestly getting into dental school is like a baby hurdle...getting through dental school is muuuuuuuuuuuch harder. I think a lot of people focus so much on getting in that they don't really realize that dental school is very stressful and difficult. You (the op) need to get your act together and try some different studying strategies because obviously what you are doing is not working for your science classes. Everyone knows it's easy to get an A in humanities courses...just try something new for science courses. There is a study strategies thread that you may want to check out. Good luck! Don't give up just work hard!

I agree with you guys, but I was making the assumption that the OP was maybe spending more time on other activities, yada, yada.

You're probably right, but why break his spirit yet. In another semester or two he'll probably figure it out for himself.