Do I have a shot at getting in?

[mysterious13]

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Okay so I really want to be a dentist but my GPA in the prereqs is 2.5. I just have 3 chem courses left. I am a psychology major with a minor in biology. My overall GPA is a 3.2 and I am currently finishing up my junior year. I could bring up my science GPA to maybe a 3.0 by the time apply if everything goes as planned. I could improve my overall to a 3.3ish. I took the majority of my preqs in a rush when I started college but I didn't know what I wanted to do until recently. I plan on applying during summer in 2016. What can I do to increase my chances? Realistically do I have a shot?

 

[DATtestTho]

If you can get all As from now (if you really want this you will) and then kill the DAT (22+) absolutely.

 

[free99]

Okay so I really want to be a dentist but my GPA in the prereqs is 2.5. I just have 3 chem courses left. I am a psychology major with a minor in biology. My overall GPA is a 3.2 and I am currently finishing up my junior year. I could bring up my science GPA to maybe a 3.0 by the time apply if everything goes as planned. I could improve my overall to a 3.3ish. I took the majority of my preqs in a rush when I started college but I didn't know what I wanted to do until recently. I plan on applying during summer in 2016. What can I do to increase my chances? Realistically do I have a shot?

A good DAT score can definitely offset a low GPA, but a 2.5 in the prereqs doesn't bode well for an acceptance. It probably goes without saying that you'll need to get As from here out, like the previous poster mentioned. Upon graduation if you have a >3.o oGPA, sGPA, and BCP GPA, and a very strong DAT score, it might be worth applying. Another option would be to take a 5th year of undergrad and take a heavy biology course load - perhaps you're able to put off graduation so it can be financed with student loans if financing is an issue?

 

[zhou381OSU]

I agree with free99. I was in the same situation last year when I was applying for dental school. My undergraduate GPA is NOT strong but I took lots of time to study for the DAT and was fortunate enough to receive a strong DAT score. Like stated above, if you can get As from now on and kill the DAT, you will have a shot at getting into a dental school. But also keep in mind to improve on your extracurricular activities (shadowing, volunteering, research?) as well.