help me out....

Personally, I wouldn't go with the graph. I'd try my best now to keep my GPA as high as possible. Then I'd study like mad for my DATs and hopefully get in the 20+ range. With scores like that, you'll get into some dental school in the country.

Check out the Under 3.0 Club thread and read through some of the posts. Don't lose hope. With a 3.2-3.3 GPA, a lot of schools won't be too concerned if you do reasonably well on your DATs. And if they do happen to ask at the interviews, make sure you have a good reason and make sure to convey yourself in a manner that shows them you've really changed since that year in college.

 

I would not make a graph. I had a similar situation to yours, and was never asked about my 2.6 first semester of college. Don't say anything unless they ask, then give them the "ohh, but I had family problems and a bad case of syphilis...." schpeal. I think you'll be fine, just rock the DAT like stated above, and interview well.

 

I think your first semester wont hurt you as much because adcom are quite understandable that there is a gap between high school and college. IF you have a strong enough explanation, you could tell them why you did poorly in your first semester and what you do to improve. Otherwise, I wouldnt mention it unless they ask. Definitely rock the DAT like zurich5 said. And choose your schools well and apply early. Good luck

 

I don't think the graph is a bad idea....it will make you stand out. I made a 10 minute video explaining why I wanted to be a dentist, reserach, extracurriculars, etc. I sent it to every school I applied to. Everytime I would talk to the admissions director they immediately remembered me as the "guy who made the video". One of the directors even called me right after they watched it. Anything that makes you stand out is a plus. I don't think it is entirely necessary to explain yourself (although I would), all schools look at grade trend, but letting them know how hard you have been working can't hurt.

 

I also had a tough time adjusting to college freshman year, but nobody ever mentioned it during my interviews. I think if you do well on the DAT then that, combined with your improved GPA later in school, will be more than enough to convince adcoms of your academic ability.

 

Hello,
I had some really bad things happen to me while I was in college (really bad) and grades during those semesters that reflected them. I wrote an essay in the section of AADSAS about things that prevented me from doing well. I wrote an honest essay and didn't whine about anything but talked about how they had given me life experience. The subjects came up in my interview a little. I still got into several schools. I think this let the adcoms know a little more about me and I don't regret it at all.

Now I wouldn't recommend writing an essay about how you partied too much your first year caused you to get bad grades unless you make is really good. I also really wouldn't recommend making a chart unless you really think that it is a good idea. Most schools know that people tend to do better as they get more focus in their last couple of years of school. Just relax, apply early and you'll be fine.

Jessica

 

I'm with dr_benj here. I don't think it's a bad idea. It's definitely gutsy, but I actually think it could work. If I were on an adcom, I would treat it in a positive light...but I'm not so you kind of have to take my advice with a grain of salt.

...but I thought I'd add this: although I think it could be a good idea, the graph is also not necessary. You aren't the only one with a bad quarter or two earlier in his/her college days. In my first two years, my GPA was 2.85; I withdrew from an entire quarter; I had another quarter with just 8 units after dropping 2 classes, I've got an F and three course repeats, adding up to a whopping 60 quarter units or so in two whole years. But I recovered, just like you. During my interviews (the ones that were open file), I explained my situation as honestly as I could: I told them that academics weren't my #1 priority at that time, that my social life took precedence over my academic life, that I wasn't really ready to move away from home and take all that responsibility on my own. And then I told them that I grew up and realized why I was in school and how important it was to me...and so the interviewers bought it!!! no really, at least they understood where I was coming from...and I got my acceptance letter. So doing bad in your first year isn't as bad as you make it out to be. A lot of people, not just me, have been in your situation. A 3.2 - 3.3 really isn't that bad either. It's not great, but it's pretty good. FYI, I didn't bring it up in my personal statement, but it did come up at interviews.

Good luck always.

 

I did resarch with cardioviruses (totally not related to dentistry), however all the interviews I went to the interviewers seemed very interested in my research and I think it was definitely a plus. They know it is going to be pretty hard to find dental related research. They just like to know you have the capacity to problem solve on your own and think critically and analytically.

 

Yes, but I hope you're kidding.

 

This made me laugh not that is was a bad idea, but that it reminded me of the video the lead character in the movie Illegally blonde sent to Law school. It must have been good for your application.

 

Recently, an awesome dentist came to speak to our pre-dental group and gave us the exact same advice (except that instead of "the guy who made the video" she was "flying squirrel girl" -- I'll always get a kick out of that)!

 

Do something cool that is better than making a graph then. No offense.

Jessica