GPA trend?

[Samin23]

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Hello,

How do dental schools view increase in GPA over multiple semesters? I had a horrible first semester and ended with a 3.0 GPA (with 2 c's - 1 in calculus and the other in sociology), I finished last semester with a 3.67 (3.33 overall), and I just got my grades back today for my 3rd semester and I obtained a 4.0 (3.545 overall). I'm just worried about that terrible first semester and feel like it may come back to haunt me when I start applying. So far I've completed all my intro Bio courses, Gen Chem 1 and 2, 1 semester of OChem, and 2 semesters of math along with electives. Any feedback is appreciated.

Side note: What are the best ways to study for the DAT? I plan on taking it in August 2016 or December 2016/January 2017 and I will apply in the summer of 2017. So far I've looked into Kaplan, Ari's Study Guide, and Chad's videos but can't seem to decide.

 

[super frank]

With a 3.545 you'll be fine. With an upward trend you'll be even better. No need to worry... Good luck on your DAT.

 

[bwc]

Upward trends are looked favorably upon. And I think a 3.5+ is supposed to get you in somewhere.

 

[TWD]

Keep it up from now on. They like to see the upward trend in your GPA. Keep your GPA above 3.6 just to be safe. Remember dental schools are becoming more and more competitive every year.

 

[ajj70]

Chads, Bootcamp and Feralis' notes, and DAT Destroyer are generally the best study tools. Kaplan is not very good at all.

 

[laterbay]

Skip Kaplan. Have a good story for interviews as to why your GPA began lower, but you were able to turn it around. Good luck.