Fresh Pre-dental student!

[haagendazs]

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Hi!

Been a short-term lurker here, but I was wondering if I could get some advice from fellow predents!

I'm a Cali resident, nearing my graduation with a 3.1 overall GPA, and probably a lower science GPA, not sure what exactly though. I would like to apply the coming cycle (May 2009). I just decided to go into dentistry, so I plan on some research, volunteering, studying for DAT, etc.

Could you guys be honest and tell me what you think realistic chances are for me, and any advice/tips as to what I should do to maximize my chances? I'd like to just be a dentist, I don't really care that much which school at this point. Thanks! 👍

 

[drpsuedonym]

I think the best thing you could do to increase your chances is to wait at least until next year before applying. It's getting pretty late to submit your application anyways, and by the time you actually get all the paperwork done, get in letters, take the DAT, etc, it'll be way too late. On top of that, you have a weak GPA and at this point in time, nothing to compensate for it. Take your time to study for the DAT (2-3 months hard core studying), pick a couple of good extracurricular dental-related activities to be involved in and apply next year. Take a look at the application and knowing that other aspects of your application are going to have to compensate for your GPA, be very strategic about what you want your application to convey about you, and then spend the next year (at least) building that application. Good luck!

 

[DiNoZeRo2o9]

^^^he said he was applying for next cycle.

I would definitely focus a lot on your DATs and kill it, especially if you want to stay in Cali. And like he said above, extracurricular needs to be stellar and make sure you get adequate dental experience, not just shadowing a few hours a week. And most importantly, work that GPA up a bit more you still have time.

 

[drpsuedonym]

^^^he said he was applying for next cycle.

Hi!

I would like to apply the coming cycle (May 2009). I just decided to go into dentistry, so I plan on some research, volunteering, studying for DAT, etc.

Definitely good advice on needing something better than just shadowing.

 

[DocVT]

Set up a meeting with an adcom member at one of the dental schools in Cali. If you can't meet with him/her personally, then try e-mail and get their insight and advice. Right now, your best chance to get into dschool would be a killer DAT score (I'd aim for a 22). Some good resources for studying are the Kaplan blue book, Orgoman, Topscore, etc. You can get a lot of shadowing hours in during winter break, because I know it's tough to get some in during the semester. Also, try volunteering in dental clinics or get some research experience in dental labs if you can.

 

[haagendazs]

Thanks a lot for the quick replies, they're very helpful!

Could you elaborate a little on what more there is other than shadowing? If you could be specific I'd really like that. I do plan on shadowing dentists here and there, but honestly I don't know what other extracurricular activities would sound great and have a lot of opportunities! Thanks 😀

 

[DocVT]

Thanks a lot for the quick replies, they're very helpful!

Could you elaborate a little on what more there is other than shadowing? If you could be specific I'd really like that. I do plan on shadowing dentists here and there, but honestly I don't know what other extracurricular activities would sound great and have a lot of opportunities! Thanks 😀

Are you a junior or a senior? If you're a junior, then try to find out if there are any pre-dent organizations on your campus. I know most universities have them. Some schools also have student run dental clinics so you can contact them and see if you can volunteer/shadow. To find out about other clinics, go to your hospital or the health department and they can give you more info. Also, maybe taking a class in sculpture or something similar would help. It will help with your manual dexterity skills and be a good thing to put on your application. If you have the time and resources, try organizing your own dental service project. An example could be putting together packets and "goodie bags" and go to local elementary schools and give a presentation on proper oral health care. Hope this helps. Ask your dentist for advice as well.

 

[haagendazs]

Thanks! Right now I'm a senior so I'll have to find something quick, any tips?

Right now I can either take some more quarters and boost my 3.1 to maybe a 3.3 if I work and get A's, but they probably won't be in science courses. I could, instead, graduate and dedicate the time to extracurricular activities. If I continue with courses, I'd have far less time to do extracurriculars, and less time to study for the DAT. Do you guys think potentially increasing my GPA would be better or using that time to get more extracurrics in?

Thanks!

 

[drpsuedonym]

I think the time would be better spent on extracurriculars, because as of now I'm assuming you don't have anything dental related. The best thing would be to take only one or two upper div science course each semester/quarter and do well in it, and then use the rest of the time to study and volunteer. As far as what opportunities other than shadowing, the elementary school idea is really good (that's what a lot of pre-dent clubs do anyways), and so is the idea about joining the pre-dent club at your school or at a nearby school if they have a better one or if your school doesn't have one. Also, if you live near one of the dental schools, get in touch with them to see if they have any volunteer opportunities or a pre-dent club.

 

[haagendazs]

Does anyone know if any particular section of the DAT is more important than others?

Also right now I'm reconsidering research experience as I would only have a couple months worth of it. Is it worth it?

Thanks everyone for your help!! 😍