General and redundant Q's(GPA, interview, and DAT)

[akstylish]

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This is my first semester at college, and my grades are grim so far. What is the maximum number of C's or lower you can have and still have a chance to get into a dental school?(I know there's no definite line, but just guesstimate, please.)
I also have horrible speaking English and can't improve it no matter how hard I try...not only because I suck, but also because I have something called social anxiety(laugh if you want to), which prevents me from talking to people comfortably. Is it possible that I get into dental school if I did horrible in the interview but other criteria are excellent?
Lastly, does not having English as the mother tongue make up for low DAT scores? I expect no as an answer, but I'm asking just in case.

 

[Montserrat]

This is my first semester at college, and my grades are grim so far. What is the maximum number of C's or lower you can have and still have a chance to get into a dental school?(I know there's no definite line, but just guesstimate, please.)
I also have horrible speaking English and can't improve it no matter how hard I try...not only because I suck, but also because I have something called social anxiety(laugh if you want to), which prevents me from talking to people comfortably. Is it possible that I get into dental school if I did horrible in the interview but other criteria are excellent?
Lastly, does not having English as the mother tongue make up for low DAT scores? I expect no as an answer, but I'm asking just in case.

Don't be so hard on yourself. As for the number of C's ... I'm not sure anyone can reliably guesstimate. Concentrate on what you can control for the next few years, and bring up that GPA.

As for the level of social anxiety you're feeling, I don't really understand it. I feel more comfortable on a ledge in the mountains than I do in a large city, but I don't clam up and find myself at a loss to express my thoughts. I'm a bit aggressive in my approach, and I'd advise you to join a debate club. At first, you can hear mock debates and construct contentions without having to present them full on. Gradually, the comfort of the environment will lend you more confidence, and you can build from there. It worked for me anyhow.

I have a good amount of interview experience, but have yet to interview for dental school, so someone more informed could chime in on that part of it.

But I am curious... why did you decide on dental school ?

 

[diane07]

Enjoy college, do your best and explore your options. Take some sciences and see how you do/if you enjoy them. If dentistry is your goal, then you need to work hard and be focused. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't also enjoy life and be open to other things as well.

 

[NewMexDent]

Enjoy college, do your best and explore your options. Take some sciences and see how you do/if you enjoy them. If dentistry is your goal, then you need to work hard and be focused. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't also enjoy life and be open to other things as well.

Seriously, take this advice.

You have a lot of schooling ahead of you and you need to make sure you are enjoying yourself and exploring your options. If your social anxiety is a real problem you need to take steps to become more comfortable with people if you want to be a dentist. Don't let a bad semester break your spirits - everyone has them. I got a couple of C's my first few years (actually, quite a few C's) and I'm interviewing at 7 schools.

 

[facepie]

I have a C- in organic I. I did very well in organic II. Is that bad for most schools? I heard that many schools require a C or above. I'm thinking of retaking it in the spring at a CC (due to finances). Thoughts?

 

[crrees]

your going to need to retake that organic with a C-

But its okay man, teachers put alot of emphasis on getting an A in organic because of how good it looks. Its really not the end all grade. You can do well on the DAT also in the organic section which would look really good (improvement and score wise).

I recommend getting a tutor for organic or try learning a subject then trying to teach it to people this will help tremendously.

 

[Regmata]

So, with all of this social anxiety you think you will be able to engage your patients, make them feel comfortable and then stick your fingers in their mouth to do procedures?

If the anxiety is truthfully that severe, you may want to rethink dentistry, unless you plan to go into research.

 

[DentDelOriente]

it depends your luck...but social anxiety will not benefit you. try your best to overcome it gradually. there's no room for it at dental school as you have to interact with your classmates and professors, and eventually by 2nd/3rd year, with patients. and if you can't communicate with patients, they will not come back and you won't have enough procedures done to pass those clinical courses. if dentistry is what you want, you just have to do whatever it takes. Don't wait for other people to pity you. By the way, English was not my first language either, so you definitely are not alone. Improve your weakness, and increase your strengths. Good luck. (Oh yeah, stop getting Cs!)