Help! Low science GPA

[DentalQueen247]

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Hi all,

I am stressed. Today I calculated my science GPA based on the ADEA and found out it is a 2.635. I have all A's & B's except I failed general chem twice (D & D) but have made up for it with an A. I also have a C in Bio I which I am planning on retaking and expect an A.

Currently I am taking classes at a post bac but was planning to apply in May and have found I need to take 7 classes to boost up to a 3.0657. My cumulative GPA currently is a 3.381 but I was a psychology major, natural science, and health studies minor.

I have great EC's, LOR's, experience, clinical etc, its just the damn GPA. I am also studying for the DAT right now and expect at least an AA of 20.

If I get 3.0657 science and have a 3.46 total GPA (because science will go up) do you think I have a chance? What should I do? I really don't want to take another year.

Also, if I take classes after May will they be seen in my application? I am planning on submitting the first day possible.

 

[pgex2t]

Acing the DAT is the fastest method in order to balance your application academically.

 

[ajj70]

If you get an exceptionally high DAT you would have a chance, maybe. While your GPA is low, having to take the basic sciences classes 3 times in order to pass is going to be a huge red flag. I would say a DAT of 23+ would be needed to off-set that, at least. What other science classes have you taken and what grades have you gotten in those classes?

 

[DentalQueen247]

I am working on the DAT! Trying for a 23+. Let me know what you think.

I have taken...
C+ Bio 1
B Bio 2
B Chem I
D D A Chem II
B Lab 1
A Lab 2
B Physics 1
B Physics 2
B Ochem 1
B Ochem 2
B Lab 1
B Lab 2
B Microbiology
(waiting for grade) Biochemistry
C Algebra Trig
B- Biostatistics

 

[pgex2t]

While it's true you didn't get any more C's and D's besides those you listed, what dental schools will see is basically only one A (not including your retake) and a steady string of B's. Even with a stellar DAT, it'll be a hard sell without some sort of upwards trend. Combined with getting a D twice in Gen Chem II, you must ace all classes in your post bacc (hopefully your program has just begun and you didn't get B's in your post bacc yet). At this point, I would have to say acing the DAT is a requirement for consideration. I'm not sure if two quarters/one semester of A's in your post bacc is enough to convince dental schools even if you aced the DAT.

 

[GAdawg94]

Why would you retake bio? Why don't you take immunology, genetics, or microbiology? A's in upper levels would be so much better than retaking a prereq. You only retake a prereq with a C- or below otherwise go on and take more advanced courses. I failed Orgo I once, withdrew the 2nd time, and went on to get straight A's even in biochemistry courses at the grad level.

 

[BeaverLover]

Why would you retake bio? Why don't you take immunology, genetics, or microbiology? A's in upper levels would be so much better than retaking a prereq. You only retake a prereq with a C- or below otherwise go on and take more advanced courses. I failed Orgo I once, withdrew the 2nd time, and went on to get straight A's even in biochemistry courses at the grad level.

Agreed. Tread carefully on the decision

 

[bwc]

If you get a C or above, retaking is not worth your time. You can demonstratec competency by doing better in an upper level class.

 

[TWD]

You should try to get straight A's from now on. Do your best and study really hard if this is your dream. DAT 23+ is a must in your case. You need to take more Upper level classes to prove your competency in science courses. First 2 years of dental school is nothing but science classes... Good luck 😉

 

[ajj70]

I am working on the DAT! Trying for a 23+. Let me know what you think.

I have taken...
C+ Bio 1
B Bio 2
B Chem I
D D A Chem II
B Lab 1
A Lab 2
B Physics 1
B Physics 2
B Ochem 1
B Ochem 2
B Lab 1
B Lab 2
B Microbiology
(waiting for grade) Biochemistry
C Algebra Trig
B- Biostatistics

Did you take all of these at a community college? You mentioned getting an AA. If these were all taken at a CC you are going to have to retake a good portion of these at a 4 year school since many dental schools won't accept CC credits for pre-reqs or put a limit on how many they will accept, and even those that do take CC credits, they want to see upper level classes at a 4 year college with good grades. I'm going to revise my DAT statement and say you are going to need a 24 or better with these grades. Unfortunately for an international student, your application at this point just isn't going to cut it.