**HELP! Low GPA. What should I do?

[WannabeDentist1]

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Hey Guys!
I just graduated from UCR and I don't know what to do with my situation. Should I go to a post-bacc or masters program to gain admission to Dental School? Or do I have a chance at getting in with my status right now?

My stats;
cGPA- 3.34
science GPA - 3.17

I haven't took the DAT yet but based off practice tests --> 19-20 AA
- Studying right now to bring it up to a 22-23 AA.. hopefully.

Extra Curriculars
- Active member at Pre-dental Club
- 250+ hours of dental shadowing
- 200+ hours of volunteering at Hospital
- No research experience (Looking for research opportunities but have no research experience from undergrad)

During the summer, I am going to Paraguay for a week to assist a general dentist+oralmaxillosurgeon.
Hopefully, this will boost up my application a bit.

What do you guys think? Please help.. I don't want to waste any time. Do you guys know anywhere that are hiring or looking for research assistants/etc in Southern California (LA, Orange County, etc)?
Thanks!

 

[Typical Average Student]

You may have a shot if you do well on your DAT. Other than your GPA, everything else looks fine. Just take the DAT and you'll know.

 

[JLT223]

Really not that low of a GPA; your sGPA may raise a few questions though. That said, you would benefit from a 22+ DAT.

 

[SrJulio]

No leadership or research experience? You might be a tough sell at some schools with your GPA and everything


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[SrJulio]

If you want to have a shot at some competitive schools, try a postbac or SMP


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[Dre4m3r]

I got same GPA and I asked adcom from like 5 schools if I should be worrying at the virtual fair. 1/5 said that I look really competitive (900 hr volunteer, 110 shadowing, 30 dental enrichment, 5000 hrs working as nail tech with a upward trend avg 3.7 for the last 3 ses) if I retake the DAT and get 20+ cross the board. One school raised concerns regarding my RC (17) other that I should be fine. 2/5 said I looked competitive. Only one school directed me to some useless website to find answers myself (F lazy).

 

[WannabeDentist1]

You may have a shot if you do well on your DAT. Other than your GPA, everything else looks fine. Just take the DAT and you'll know.

Thanks! Do you know which schools I should apply to or have a 'chance' at? I live in orange county,CA and I either want to go to USC or Western. Preferably Western cause its much closer (around the same tuition though).

 

[WannabeDentist1]

I got same GPA and I asked adcom from like 5 schools if I should be worrying at the virtual fair. 1/5 said that I look really competitive (900 hr volunteer, 110 shadowing, 30 dental enrichment, 5000 hrs working as nail tech with a upward trend avg 3.7 for the last 3 ses) if I retake the DAT and get 20+ cross the board. One school raised concerns regarding my RC (17) other that I should be fine. 2/5 said I looked competitive. Only one school directed me to some useless website to find answers myself (F lazy).

Thanks!! I am definitely trying to hit 20+ all across the board. So hard though.. esp RC and Ochem for me. Btw, what schools do you think I have a chance at?

 

[WannabeDentist1]

Really not that low of a GPA; your sGPA may raise a few questions though. That said, you would benefit from a 22+ DAT.

Thanks! Do you recommend me to study all summer to get a 22+ AA? Or at the same time, study and find a research job? Btw, what schools do you think I have a 'chance' at?

 

[738177]

I got same GPA and I asked adcom from like 5 schools if I should be worrying at the virtual fair. 1/5 said that I look really competitive (900 hr volunteer, 110 shadowing, 30 dental enrichment, 5000 hrs working as nail tech with a upward trend avg 3.7 for the last 3 ses) if I retake the DAT and get 20+ cross the board. One school raised concerns regarding my RC (17) other that I should be fine. 2/5 said I looked competitive. Only one school directed me to some useless website to find answers myself (F lazy).

Do you mind revealing what school? I got an 18 on my RC and it's tripping me out.

 

[DC206R]

Thanks! Do you recommend me to study all summer to get a 22+ AA? Or at the same time, study and find a research job? Btw, what schools do you think I have a 'chance' at?

I recommend studying smart, and 3-4 months is unnecessary for most people I think. 8-10 weeks is good enough IMO. Get all the right resources and you should be able to score 22+. Schools will be up to you. Get a guidebook or read through the forums to see the stats of certain schools. People on this forum can't pick your schools for you. However, when you come up with a list after doing research on each school, we may help to narrow it down.

 

[confidentandgood]

That sGPA is a bit low but a strong DAT score will definitely help your application. Don't bite off more than you can chew while studying for the DAT; keep in mind that research is not essential for most dental schools. It's in your best interest to ace the test on the first try.

 

[Dre4m3r]

Do you mind revealing what school? I got an 18 on my RC and it's tripping me out.

UNE

 

[Dre4m3r]

Thanks!! I am definitely trying to hit 20+ all across the board. So hard though.. esp RC and Ochem for me. Btw, what schools do you think I have a chance at?

I am applying to most private schools like 15/19 are privates. Look at the ADEA guide to see which schools are OOS friendly.

 

[Hi Im Dent]

Thanks! Do you know which schools I should apply to or have a 'chance' at? I live in orange county,CA and I either want to go to USC or Western. Preferably Western cause its much closer (around the same tuition though).

Not around the same tuition actually, its on average 20-25k more per year for tuition at USC from what I remember at both interview days.

With your stats you and assuming a 20+ AA on the DAT I think:

WesternU
USC
MWU-IL
MWU-AZ
Tufts
NYU
UNE
Touro
Roseman
LECOM
Howard

But definitely use the ADEA guide its more informative and gives you stats on gpa ranges as well as OOS statstics for all schools. Make sure you check t see if they accept a lot of OOS even if you fall into their gpa/DAT range.