Do I have a chance?

[colo420]

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I'll be reapplying for the fall of 2007. My degree is from 1995 with a lower GPA (3.1) I applied for 2006 to a couple schools and didn't get in. My DATs were pretty good (see below). I'm trying to figure out if I need to retake the DATs or get a masters of science, or both. I've been told that I don't need to retake the DATs from all the schools I applied at. I took 4 classes (3 bios and 1 math) this spring and got a 3.95 GPA, and did some biochemistry research. I know that these new grades will be averaged into my old GPA raising it only to a 3.2. That GPA was me 11+ years ago, this new GPA is me now, but with the crazy stats coming out of the dental schools these days I'm afriad I'll never get in.
BTW, I won't be applying to any state schools, only private, if that helps anybody direct me.

BIO 20
GC 19
OC 19
SCI 20
RC 16
AA 18
QR 18

 

[scottyhoop]

I'll be reapplying for the fall of 2007. My degree is from 1995 with a lower GPA (3.1) I applied for 2006 to a couple schools and didn't get in. My DATs were pretty good (see below). I'm trying to figure out if I need to retake the DATs or get a masters of science, or both. I've been told that I don't need to retake the DATs from all the schools I applied at. I took 4 classes (3 bios and 1 math) this spring and got a 3.95 GPA, and did some biochemistry research. I know that these new grades will be averaged into my old GPA raising it only to a 3.2. That GPA was me 11+ years ago, this new GPA is me now, but with the crazy stats coming out of the dental schools these days I'm afriad I'll never get in.
BTW, I won't be applying to any state schools, only private, if that helps anybody direct me.

BIO 20
GC 19
OC 19
SCI 20
RC 16
AA 18
QR 18

I graduated in '95 as well with a music degree. When I met with the dean of admissions at VCU he told me to get A's in my post bacc. and at least 20's on my DAT's. I had a 3.7 GPA, but that was over 10 years ago and not too many science classes. Sounds like you took more than I did. My advice would be to take some upper level classes this year and really pad the GPA and retake the DAT and shoot for 20's even tho some schools said your DAT's are ok. As non-traditional students I am assuming they are going to expect more from us. Whether thats true or not, who knows, but it's a good way to approach it. The better your resume the better your chances, so do what you gotta do!! Good luck!!
Scott

 

[colo420]

Yes, maybe I should have mentioned that I have biology and studio art majors and a chem minor from 1995. Also, I've run my own business for over 8 years.

 

[delightful]

I have a few questions about a post bacc.

I first heard about this option a few days ago. How does it work? You can just apply to do a post bacc and take classes you think are appropriate? or do you follow a major? Also, for how long do you stay in a post bacc program? 12 credits? 30 credits?

Do some dental schools prefer Master's credits?

In regards to your post about your chances I have no idea. It'd be wrong for me to take a guess because I've never applied to dental school and don't consider my opionion to be a golden standard. Good luck!!

 

[syn_apse]

colo420, what kind of business do you run? i just started an e-commerce venture to help pay for dental school.

to answer your question, apply very early and in the mean time, strengthen any weaknesses your old application might have had (shadowing, volunteering, personal statement, research, etc.)

 

[scottyhoop]

I have a few questions about a post bacc.

I first heard about this option a few days ago. How does it work? You can just apply to do a post bacc and take classes you think are appropriate? or do you follow a major? Also, for how long do you stay in a post bacc program? 12 credits? 30 credits?

Do some dental schools prefer Master's credits?

In regards to your post about your chances I have no idea. It'd be wrong for me to take a guess because I've never applied to dental school and don't consider my opionion to be a golden standard. Good luck!!

I'm not sure on the post bacc. as I'm not doing an "official" post bacc. program. I've been teaching HS for 10 years and am switching to dentistry. What I am doing is completing all of the pre-reqs and some recommended courses on top of the pre-reqs. I am following a plan laid out for me by the pre-health advisor and dean of admissions at a local dental school. I call it post bacc. out of laziness and lack of a better term for it. I assume it's pretty much what a post bacc. is but without the label. As far as length, it depends on how many classes you need to take. I pretty much needed to take all of my science classes so when all is said and done I will have taken about 60 credits which includes recommended courses such as A&P,cell bio,genetics,etc... 8 this past year,8 this summer,16 each of the next 2 semesters,8 the following summer then 3-6 both semesters of 07-08 school year. My music degree helps in the manual dexterity aspect for sure, but didn't do much for me in terms of science!! Good luck!!
Scott

 

[Mackchops]

That GPA was me 11+ years ago, this new GPA is me now, but with the crazy stats coming out of the dental schools these days I'm afriad I'll never get in.
BTW, I won't be applying to any state schools, only private, if that helps anybody direct me.

Oh, they'll take into consideration your new-and-improved, squeeky-clean GPA. It shows a trend and it shows a committment. Just keep up the good work and you'll be a shoe-in -- especially at the privates which tend to have slightly lower stats due to the larger-than-life price tags. I would definately retake your DATs though. Also, what have you done (shadowing, volunteering, etc) to demonstrate that you know what you're getting into and that you're committed to dentistry as a career? Non-trad students have the hardest time of anyone in demonstrating their committment because schools want to make sure you're not just sick of your old life and looking for a new start -- you have to be a die-hard tooth fan.

Mack

 

[Mackchops]

I have a few questions about a post bacc.

Then you should definately check out the "post-bac" forum for information. It may seem as though it's geared for med students but all pre-health professionals go through pretty much the same gauntlet of coursework.

Personally, I am completing a second bachelor's degree because it gives me financial aid eligibility, registration preference, and a lower price tag than some of the private structured programs. Explore your options but yes, there are opportunities for anyone to be given a second chance -- you certainly haven't missed the boat!

PM me if you have any questions.

Mack

 

[colo420]

I have job shadowed a general dentist and an oral surgeon. I have most of my hours (over 35 with the general dentist). I have research experience and I volunteer.