GPA Question

[Maxim726X]

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Let me begin by saying that I love to see a community of people dedicated to assisting everyone get through this process... It's always nice to know that there is someone ****ting in their pants right along with me.

On to my question... I have what I guess would be considered a semi-competitive GPA (3.4), but I had one ABYSSMAL semester (my first) in which my GPA was a stellar 1.4... Which, as some of you could imagine, dug me in quite the hole. After that, my GPA was above a 3.6, which would have me sleeping much better at night, let me tell you.

So my question is, do schools take into consideration such things? How much will that one semester hurt my odds?

I have a lot of research experience (and some papers, to boot), a lot of community service and some very nice letters. Studying for the DAT as we speak, which I plan on taking in June.

My school of choice is Stony Brook... (which is where I went as an undergrad). Is that a pipe dream?

 

[blankguy]

I think you have a very competitive GPA. Nowadays the average GPA for admitted candidates seem to be around 3.5ish. I think the schools will cut you some slack since you showed an improvement. They realize that overall GPA is not the whole story, they look at trends and an improving trend will work in your favor. You are competing on an level playing field unlike some of the less fortunate individuals here. Just rock the DAT i.e aim for 20+/20+ and you will probably have many offers when you apply. You can't predict whether you can get in to a specific school but you will get in somewhere with a strong DAT score.

 

[berg1373]

The fact that this low GPA was your first semester is good...

I went to a seminar at the UMN Dental School about applying and they said that they look for good GPAs (which yours is) and for GPAs that have improved during the college experience.

I don't know anything about Stoneybrook... but give them a call and ask! Most admissions offices are very happy to give you their opinion and what they want... you could even schedule an appointment to talk to someone about it there. Make sure you apply EARLY as always, and of course ROCK the DAT!

 

[Maxim726X]

Thanks... I certainly feel a bit better. I appreciate the quick responses!

Since I have so much time before I take the test, does anyone recommend any courses? I have the 2006 Kaplan book from which I'm studying now... I don't know if its enough. I see that there is A LOT of memorization (just finished the Bio section...) sooo I was wondering if there were some suggestions you would have. I know this is OT, but since I have your attention....

By the way, if anyone feels that I'm really NOT competitive for certain schools, I would certainly like to know.

Thanks again!

 

[berg1373]

Go to the "DAT Discussion" Forum and there are more posts than you could dream about that recommend different DAT materials. Good Luck!

 

[Jem27]

I went to Stony undergrad as well but my GPA was worse than yours. I don't know what the admissions people think so I can only tell you my story and maybe you can glean some insight from it.

I transfered into SB, did really poorly for a year and a half. Then took Cabot's physio. Have you had him? I got a 30 out of 100 on the 2nd exam and was distraught. I started studying my butt off and pulled an A- in that class. Took genetics (A-), cell bio (A), dev. bio (A), immunology (A), biochem (A & top of the class), biochem 2 (A, at least within top 8 since i was invited to lunch with sternglanz, karzai and marcu), biochem lab (B), orgo (B or B+), orgo 2 (A-). These were in the last 2 years at SB.

I ended up TAing for Cabot(physio) and Lyman (cell bio). I got LORs from Lyman, Haltiwanger (biochem 1), Sternglanz (biochem 2), Hollingsworth (genetics), Holdener (dev. bio). Plus, Lyman is the head of the Pre-health committee so he signed off on my committee letter put together by Montren. I'd been told my committee letter said very good things about me.
On top of that, my DATs were 26/24/20 (TS/AA/PAT). But, I did no form of research, had no leadership positions to note and was part of zero organizations.

With that said, I applied to Stony Brook and heard NOTHING from them. 🙄 I guess this story is not very inspiring but I know someone who did get in and he didn't have as flashy a story as I do and his DATs were lower than mine. So, like I said, take from it what you will. I'd say talk to Montren. Get an appointment for an interview with him as soon as you can because that stupid letter takes a long time to get mailed out. Get your app in ASAP. Have bursar mail out your transcripts a week or two before AADSAS even opens. Oh and join something like pre-dental society... idk, I still wouldn't if I could do it again but maybe it'll help you.


Edit: to add, yes, of course schools will overlook one semester. if you've been improving, that's always good. and studying now for june is a good plan. do check out the sdn's dat page. and no, i don't think it's a pipe dream. best of luck!

 

[Maxim726X]

Wow... That is quite the story.

I'll be honest, I didn't even take those classes while attending SBU... As far as Dental School requirements go, I took the bare minimum with perhaps a few extra Bio classes thrown in (also TA'd Orgo 2 and worked in an HHMI lab, Neuro).

Well now I'm lost. I heard that state schools like SBU value DATs and grades above all else, and you obviously have a fantastic DAT score, along with some extremely impressive science grades in very difficult classes... (I know better than anyone; those classes are hell). The more and more I read about the admissions process the less I understand. Maybe they actually do give a **** about ECs and research? Maybe your grades just weren't high enough? (And if that's the case, I'm in screwedtown)... I just don't get it. Maybe you were 'too science-oriented'.... I'll still apply, but it just seems like a crap chutte. I guess people aren't kidding when they say apply as early as possible.

 

[Jem27]

hahaha! i know, it's weird ... don't worry. just apply. plus you might end up somewhere even better like, UOP. 😀

btw, i was a psych major. tacked on a bio minor after i completed tons of bio credits. "science-oriented", huh? i'm gonna take that as a compliment.

 

[Maxim726X]

You absolutely should. Thanks for all that answered, at least I feel like I have a fighting chance.

hahaha! i know, it's weird ... don't worry. just apply. plus you might end up somewhere even better like, UOP. 😀

btw, i was a psych major. tacked on a bio minor after i completed tons of bio credits. "science-oriented", huh? i'm gonna take that as a compliment.