GPA vs. DAT

[ucpredent]

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[CleverThought]

I'm not an expert, as I'm applying this cycle too. I would think you would at least get an interview to a few schools, as long as you were strategic and realistic about what schools you apply too.

 

[ucpredent]

Okay, I hope so...thanks. Good luck!

 

[atabaki92]

I have almost identical stats.

Any schools that like high DAT's more than high GPA's? I know UoP is one of them, but when I called them, they said they still want an average (by their standards) GPA.

 

[JAWSSS]

It will be an uphill battle.

 

[atabaki92]

It will be an uphill battle.

Don't worry, I won't be applying to UCLA haha.

 

[ucpredent]

Yeah I was wondering the same thing...from the dental students that I've talked to at UOP, it seems like the DAT is a pretty important factor but I'm not sure how much it can make up for GPA. I also talked to Boston University admissions today and he said that they look at both equally. I don't really know much about the other schools haha sorry.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi guys!

I am planning to apply this cycle and my GPA isn't that great, so I was wondering if my DAT is competitive enough to make up for my low GPA.

oGPA: 3.3
sGPA: 3.0
PAT: 21
QR: 22
RC: 18
Bio: 20
GC: 22
OC: 21
TS: 21
AA: 21

Thanks!

most schools favor GPA (especially science) over DAT.

Your application COULD be strong if you have a big upward trend in (say) the last 30+ credits with above 3.5+ grades

 

[ucpredent]

Yeah okay, that makes sense. Thank you!

 

[ushaseos]

most schools favor GPA (especially science) over DAT.

Your application COULD be strong if you have a big upward trend in (say) the last 30+ credits with above 3.5+ grades

DentalWorks is right. GPA is always given more consideration because it takes years to get a good GPA. Conversely, a couple months will ensure a stellar DAT score.

That said, your GPA isn't too bad. Its just a smidge under average, while your DAT is very good. Apply wisely and don't waste your time applying to schools looking for high stats (Columbia, Harvard and the like). UCLA and UCSF are also kinda picky about stats, but by your handle I'm assuming you're a CA resident. If so no harm applying to these...ya never know if they like your UC cred

 

[ucpredent]

DentalWorks is right. GPA is always given more consideration because it takes years to get a good GPA. Conversely, a couple months will ensure a stellar DAT score.

That said, your GPA isn't too bad. Its just a smidge under average, while your DAT is very good. Apply wisely and don't waste your time applying to schools looking for high stats (Columbia, Harvard and the like). UCLA and UCSF are also kinda picky about stats, but by your handle I'm assuming you're a CA resident. If so no harm applying to these...ya never know if they like your UC cred

Thank you! Yeah, I wasn't planning to apply to Columbia and Harvard...I'm trying to look at schools that are closer to my stats. And yes, UC Berkeley killed my GPA so I'm hoping they'll take the school into account a little. Also, great job on your DAT!

 

[atabaki92]

Thank you! Yeah, I wasn't planning to apply to Columbia and Harvard...I'm trying to look at schools that are closer to my stats. And yes, UC Berkeley killed my GPA so I'm hoping they'll take the school into account a little. Also, great job on your DAT!

Would you recommend Nova and Marquette as well for those with low GPA/high DAT?

 

[bing12]

usually depends what school, each will value it differently. Overall, I would guess that DAT is more valued due to the fact it is a standardized. you are not in bad shape, you will likely get an interview( prob at private schools). Focus on improving your science gpa.

 

[ucpredent]

Would you recommend Nova and Marquette as well for those with low GPA/high DAT?

I'm not too familiar with those schools but it seems like we might have a better shot at those based on the stats I saw. I think Tufts and Boston University are also a little closer to our stats.

 

[ucpredent]

usually depends what school, each will value it differently. Overall, I would guess that DAT is more valued due to the fact it is a standardized. you are not in bad shape, you will likely get an interview( prob at private schools). Focus on improving your science gpa.

Makes sense...I keep hearing different things. I'm just hoping for the best, thanks!!

 

[ushaseos]

Thank you! Yeah, I wasn't planning to apply to Columbia and Harvard...I'm trying to look at schools that are closer to my stats. And yes, UC Berkeley killed my GPA so I'm hoping they'll take the school into account a little. Also, great job on your DAT!

Go Bears and F*** Cal (kidding). I loved Cal, but grading there was just plain awful...so many classes where you're a solid 1-1.5 stdev above the mean and end up with a B+.

I feel for ya because I know a couple people whose GPAs were adversely affected by the Berkeley classes. I do know that some schools will be more sympathetic and take into consideration that your GPA isn't like a 3.3 from a no-name university. Still plan for the worst and assume you don't get any preferential treatment.

Apply broadly, boost GPA if possible and just give it your best shot!

 

[JAWSSS]

Don't worry, I won't be applying to UCLA haha.

I just think it will be an uphill battle overall. You'll see the same uphill battle at USC, Columbia, UCLA, LECOM, or Midwestern. It will just be... Different sized hills? haha.

Best of luck next cycle.

 

[atabaki92]

I just think it will be an uphill battle overall. You'll see the same uphill battle at USC, Columbia, UCLA, LECOM, or Midwestern. It will just be... Different sized hills? haha.

Best of luck next cycle.

Is that the same battle even with, I think, better than average EC's? Not too sure though 🙁

 

[ucpredent]

Go Bears and F*** Cal (kidding). I loved Cal, but grading there was just plain awful...so many classes where you're a solid 1-1.5 stdev above the mean and end up with a B+.

I feel for ya because I know a couple people whose GPAs were adversely affected by the Berkeley classes. I do know that some schools will be more sympathetic and take into consideration that your GPA isn't like a 3.3 from a no-name university. Still plan for the worst and assume you don't get any preferential treatment.

Apply broadly, boost GPA if possible and just give it your best shot!

Hahaha. Yeah exactly...it was pretty difficult for me. That's what I've heard too, I talked to UOP admissions and the rep said that they know Cal is pretty hard, but then I've also heard some schools don't care. So I guess we'll see!

 

[Longcatislong]

I have almost the same stats as well (low GPA, high DAT). I plan on applying to between 18-20 schools. Hopefully one of them will bite.

 

[ucpredent]

I have almost the same stats as well (low GPA, high DAT). I plan on applying to between 18-20 schools. Hopefully one of them will bite.

I hope so. Best of luck!

 

[celina08]

I applied last cycle with similar stats and got 2 interviews and got accepted to both. I think you definitely have a shot as long as the other parts of the application are good so don't give up

 

[ucpredent]

I applied last cycle with similar stats and got 2 interviews and got accepted to both. I think you definitely have a shot as long as the other parts of the application are good so don't give up

Okay well that's good to hear, thank you! If you don't mind me asking, which two schools did you get interviews at?

 

[RespectDent]

I would check the under 3.0 gap thread at seems to be a popular one. Not that your under 3.0 but if someone with your similar dat score made it in you are sure to with that "better" gap. It's not a great gpa, but people have done it before you so keep your head up and knock out the I interview process!

 

[UCSFx2017]

Go Bears and F*** Cal (kidding). I loved Cal, but grading there was just plain awful...so many classes where you're a solid 1-1.5 stdev above the mean and end up with a B+.

I feel for ya because I know a couple people whose GPAs were adversely affected by the Berkeley classes. I do know that some schools will be more sympathetic and take into consideration that your GPA isn't like a 3.3 from a no-name university. Still plan for the worst and assume you don't get any preferential treatment.

Wow that is nuts. They should give you guys percentile rankings instead of GPA.

http://www.dailycal.org/2013/03/11/...t-grade-inflation-through-new-grading-system/