GPA trends...

[predent9]

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I've got a downward trend, which goes like this semester by semester:

3.7
3.6
3.7
3.3
3.4
3.0
2.3

And then I'm at this semester, which is looking to be around 3.0-3.4...Without this semester, my GPA is about 3.3. Without that one really bad semester, I would have a 3.5.

Do you think this will prevent me from getting in? I heard that adcoms really pay attention to the last two semesters before applying, is this true? What kind of DAT do I need to offset a 3.3 GPA and 3.0-3.1 sGPA? Also, are there any schools that would fit into my stats and any schools I shouldn't bother applying to? I want to know which schools focus less on GPA than others...

Thanks in advance

 

[dentalWorks]

I've got a downward trend, which goes like this semester by semester:

3.7
3.6
3.7
3.3
3.4
3.0
2.3

And then I'm at this semester, which is looking to be around 3.0-3.4...Without this semester, my GPA is about 3.3. Without that one really bad semester, I would have a 3.5.

Do you think this will prevent me from getting in? I heard that adcoms really pay attention to the last two semesters before applying, is this true? What kind of DAT do I need to offset a 3.3 GPA and 3.0-3.1 sGPA? Also, are there any schools that would fit into my stats and any schools I shouldn't bother applying to? I want to know which schools focus less on GPA than others...

Thanks in advance

Prevent? No. Hurt? Yes.
Your academic record shows either you can't handle science classes too well or you partied around too much at the end of your educational years (not attractive either, you shoulda mature'd up as undergrad years progressed)

What kinda DAT scores you need? Its not like you can AIM for a score. The only thing you can do is study hard..... Very hard and hope for a strong performance.

I will say one thing, your situation isn't all that bad. 3.0-3.1 sGPA is a good place to bounce back from assuming you do some post-bacc or if you haven't graduated yet, start acing your classes.

 

[predent9]

Hey dentalWorks, thanks! I can raise my gpa, but only after I apply this time. I'm going to be taking classes for a few semesters, but I don't know if I'll be able to update my grades on AADSAS. I'm also going to retake a class that I didn't do so well in, hopefully that will bring it up as well

 

[4thMolar]

Dental schools will probably raise an eyebrow when they see your grades from the last semester, but regardless, I still think you should apply. You started off really well and if you can get back on track, you shouldn't have much trouble. The last semester seemed like a fluke, so if you have a valid reason to explain it, then you can at your interviews. Apply to many schools, and if you can counter the last semester GPA with a good DAT score, you'll be set.

 

[dantemac]

I feel like you will still have a chance, but this will be a hot topic during interviews. Do some reflection on how you can explain this.

 

[THRILLOFDAFILL]

take the classes, you can always update individual dental schools about your grades...etc. through a letter or a phone call.

 

[iralex801]

I had an assistant dean from a dental school come to my pre-dental society and speak. He said that Junior year is extremely important because its usually a time when your taking upper level bio classes and it shows if your able to handle a heavy course load of biology classes. He also said downward trends is looked upon negatively because it shows for some reason you couldn't do well whether it be due to the classes are too hard (shows your unable to handle a difficult course load/classes), you decided to party too much (shows you haven't matured), etc. The exception is if you had a major life crisis that caused you a lot of distraction from academics, which then you would explain in your PS or interview.

He said the ideal applicant is obviously 4.0 GPA throughout your whole academic semester and perfect DATs. However, a more realistic good applicant is someone who got C's freshman year, B's sophomore year, and A's junior year. This is because it shows you have matured and you are ready to take a even heavier/difficult course load in dental school.

The way I think of it is, if you have a basketball team doing bad in the regular season just before playoffs, they tend to do bad in the playoffs. On the other hand, if you had a team doing bad all season but near the end of the season start having winning streaks, they tend to carry that momentum throughout the playoffs. Thats my personal analogy if you think it sucks ignore it lol.

Anyways, this is just what one assistant dean said and you definitely still have a chance to get in. Good luck.