Do I still have a chance at applying traditionally?

[Biodentist]

I'm a sophomore biology major at a state school in the Midwest US who is looking to eventually apply to dental school. I currently have ~40 hours of shadowing but I will be shadowing a dentist over my winter break and he said he might be able to make me work as a sterilization specialist at his practice.

I think my EC's are good, since I'm involved in community service, my school's pre-dental club, and the scuba diving club. However, my main concern is my GPA.

I currently have a ~3.42 cGPA, with a ~3.0 sGPA after finishing my 3rd semester. I've only ever gotten one C, and that was in Gen Chem I. The rest of my science course Grades have been B's (courses didn't offer +/- grades). However, I've had an upward trend in my GPA every semester, especially in my science courses and I was please to find out today I got a B in Organic I after did poorly in the class but aced the final exam. Additionally, I have not taken the DAT yet.

I'd like to apply to dental school and preferably my in-state school, however I'm worried I don't have the stats to get into my state school or let alone any dental school. Do I have to do a post-bacc or masters program or do I still have a chance at getting in?

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[zToothinator]

Your overall GPA is a little below average but not by much so I wouldn’t be concerned about that. I’d be more focused on your science GPA. Try to get A’s in your remaining science courses as it’ll show dental schools you can handle a science heavy curriculum. For the DAT, you’ll likely want to score 21+ to again show that you have a good science foundation and will be ready for dental school.

Overall, your GPA isn’t terrible and you have 3 more semesters to improve it before you apply. You have a good chance and getting in to A school but will need to do well in your remaining courses if you want a good chance at PICKING a school of your choice - hopefully your in-state school being an option.

 

[artist2022]

I think you still have a chance at applying traditionally if you get As from here on out. Bs are 3.0s and will continue to drop your oGPA, and not help in raising your sGPA- only As will help you. SO, focus on doing well in the rest of your classes (like Ochem II, Biochem, etc), and take some upper division bio courses to help show schools you can handle that type of coursework.

Worst case scenario, you get more Bs- then I'd look into a Master's only because Bs (like I said before) will drop your overall GPA. BUT I don't think you'll need to do a Master's if you can score really well on your DAT, like 22+.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Biodentist]

Your overall GPA is a little below average but not by much so I wouldn’t be concerned about that. I’d be more focused on your science GPA. Try to get A’s in your remaining science courses as it’ll show dental schools you can handle a science heavy curriculum. For the DAT, you’ll likely want to score 21+ to again show that you have a good science foundation and will be ready for dental school.

Overall, your GPA isn’t terrible and you have 3 more semesters to improve it before you apply. You have a good chance and getting in to A school but will need to do well in your remaining courses if you want a good chance at PICKING a school of your choice - hopefully your in-state school being an option.

That's my plan, I've started to get a hang of the difficult classes like organic chemistry and I still have to complete my physics requirement and take a few more biology courses. At least it's reassuring knowing dental school isn't completely out of the picture yet, thanks for the advice!

I think you still have a chance at applying traditionally if you get As from here on out. Bs are 3.0s and will continue to drop your oGPA, and not help in raising your sGPA- only As will help you. SO, focus on doing well in the rest of your classes (like Ochem II, Biochem, etc), and take some upper division bio courses to help show schools you can handle that type of coursework.

Worst case scenario, you get more Bs- then I'd look into a Master's only because Bs (like I said before) will drop your overall GPA. BUT I don't think you'll need to do a Master's if you can score really well on your DAT, like 22+.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

As I said in this previous reply, I'm going to focus on getting my sGPA up and I think it's definitely possible. I have a few more semesters to fix it but time will fly before I know it. Thanks for the advice!