GPA Dropped in AADSAS & Dental Schools List- Help!

[Tajash7]

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I e-submitted my application June 12th with everything completed and only awaiting my DAT scores which will be done end of July.

Before I put all my business out there, it should be known that I am the first woman to graduate from high school and the first to attend college.
School was never easy and college was never expected of me. I started CC and failed miserably time after time. So much that I had worked myself down to a 1.4 cumulative GPA in fall 2011. But have redeemed myself at a 4 year university and now sit with a 3.1 cumulative GPA spring 2014. (Unfortunately, still low)

I am currently taking 16 hours this summer (Phys. 1, GenChem 1-retake, trig, marriage&family- received and A already) to help improve my GPA in time for the "Academic Update" in Oct.-Nov., and studying for the DAT (which has become very overwhelming). So, my grades have dramatically improved in the past year and a half once I figured out how to be a successful student.
AADSAS has calculated my GPA to be a 2.47 Total and 2.51 Science. Seeing this killed my confidence, and I feel I have no hope this year now, but have already submitted my application. So I gotta keep truckin' and finish with my best.

Reside in a state without a dental school, being recognized as a disadvantage student with completed essay, President of Pre-Dental Student Association on campus, University Student Ambassador, National mission work in different countries, dental work experience of 8 years before and throughout my education, research at current university.

Realistically, if the "Academic Update" brings me back up to a 2.9-3.0 range, what should I be getting on the DAT to still be highly considered by schools?

Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated
Thank you, again! 🙂

Oh! I have applied to: (Again, I submitted thinking my GPA wouldnt change so dramatically)
BU
Tuft
Oregon
Maryland
Howard
VCU
UNC
Colorado

 

[handsomeGoo]

the reason your GPA is low is because they average out all your grades. Retakes dont wipe the old grades away unfortunately. Maybe you can call them and express your interest. It is difficult but you can also apply next yr too.

 

[sjv]

I'm not sure any DAT score could make up for your GPA as it stands now, I would probably simultaneously apply to SMPs. Also, your school list is all over the place and should probably be a bit broader to increase your chances (if possible).

 

[Tajash7]

I have communicated with most of the schools early on, and even notified them that I would be taking advantage of the Academic Upgrade.
I did horrible in CC and I am paying for it now. I finished with a 1.95 there and currently have a 3.1 at my university. I still have 1 more year and am taking 19 hours of science in each semester. I did 17 all science this past spring and finished with a 3.6. I know I can get it up higher, and will have better chances at reapplying. But I was wondering if I can do some damage control this year and possibly have a shot of being considered? ;( I've worked so hard and feel its not even visible now.
Sjv, I want to go East (In midwest currently), but have good relationships with Oregon and BU. Also, one of the previous admission committee members who use to sit at Howard encouraged me to apply to Howard. I was looking at their average stats, and mine could closely match the minimum of 2.8 GPA, if the Academic Update boosts me after this summer. Am I being a little too hopeful?

 

[handsomeGoo]

since u already have sent the app, you cant really call it back. so i think for now, just keep expressing interest in the school and keep improving your grades.

 

[matty675]

At this point, its going to be hard to salvage that GPA in just one semester even if you did make all A's.

 

[PostDocCain]

I'd say your chances for this cycle as blown. Do a special masters!

You'd have to blow the DAT out of the water to even raise the eyebrows of adcoms.

 

[shyfox9p]

You're gonna have to get a masters. I know someone who had a really low GPA, had special circumstances, and got accepted for this year's class.

 

[tooth knockn]

I e-submitted my application June 12th with everything completed and only awaiting my DAT scores which will be done end of July.

Before I put all my business out there, it should be known that I am the first woman to graduate from high school and the first to attend college.
School was never easy and college was never expected of me. I started CC and failed miserably time after time. So much that I had worked myself down to a 1.4 cumulative GPA in fall 2011. But have redeemed myself at a 4 year university and now sit with a 3.1 cumulative GPA spring 2014. (Unfortunately, still low)

I am currently taking 16 hours this summer (Phys. 1, GenChem 1-retake, trig, marriage&family- received and A already) to help improve my GPA in time for the "Academic Update" in Oct.-Nov., and studying for the DAT (which has become very overwhelming). So, my grades have dramatically improved in the past year and a half once I figured out how to be a successful student.
AADSAS has calculated my GPA to be a 2.47 Total and 2.51 Science. Seeing this killed my confidence, and I feel I have no hope this year now, but have already submitted my application. So I gotta keep truckin' and finish with my best.

Reside in a state without a dental school, being recognized as a disadvantage student with completed essay, President of Pre-Dental Student Association on campus, University Student Ambassador, National mission work in different countries, dental work experience of 8 years before and throughout my education, research at current university.

Realistically, if the "Academic Update" brings me back up to a 2.9-3.0 range, what should I be getting on the DAT to still be highly considered by schools?

Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated
Thank you, again! 🙂

Oh! I have applied to: (Again, I submitted thinking my GPA wouldnt change so dramatically)
BU
Tuft
Oregon
Maryland
Howard
VCU
UNC
Colorado

Apply, but definitely get the Ada stat. school handbook, to help you choose which schools to apply to. Your DAT should be above 20.

It won't hurt to apply .








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[Tajash7]

You're gonna have to get a masters. I know someone who had a really low GPA, had special circumstances, and got accepted for this year's class.

Do you mind me asking what their GPA was and where they were accepted? I am going to apply to SMP's next winter/spring, just in case. But I also have no idea where to begin with those since that was never in the plans. Is it possible that schools will see the longevity and passion of my dedication to the field once they see my GPA, or will I automatically be ruled out after they see it? Thanks for all your help!!

 

[shyfox9p]

I believe it was around a 2.8 and they got into UF. The person I'm talking about finished his masters with a 4.0, did very well on the DAT (Science in the mid 20s). He did have a lot of research and his situation was special.

 

[Tajash7]

I believe it was around a 2.8 and they got into UF. The person I'm talking about finished his masters with a 4.0, did very well on the DAT (Science in the mid 20s). He did have a lot of research and his situation was special.

Does it have to be a traditional 2-years masters? An SMP is acceptable, as well, no? It may sound like a silly question, but I have never considered doing a Masters just like many others, because I thought I could do it without any additional schooling before dental school. Let me know if it is too personal, but what was his special circumstances? If too personal, I can relate and understand.
Also, thank you for helping and being supportive instead of just cutting me down.

 

[shyfox9p]

It doesn't have to be. Actually, it's not really favored. I never asked what my his circumstances were. I have talked to the some of the faculty members at NOVA and they just want to see improvements but also that you can handle the workload. They recommend doing a 1-1.5 year masters. I think an SMP is fine, but I'd call the schools you are interested in just to make sure. They may also suggest a masters program that they like. I'm doing the BMS program at Barry. I did it because my last semester was a 1.8 (I had a death in the family and father was diagnosed with prostate cancer same week...). Just make sure your graduate GPA is above a 3.5 and that you do VERY well on the DAT. Good Luck.