Help! Sub-3.0, Can I swing it?

[scottiedoo13]

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Hey guys,

I just retook the DAT today and lets say I didn't get the result I was anticipating after studying for 2 months strait. Below are my scores from DAT1 and DAT2 as well as GPA's and such. Will any school look at me? Should I do a Masters? Give up? I've already graduated with a BS in Sociology, my GPA looks crappy from my freshman and sophomore year. However, my last 4 semesters I've averaged a 3.9 GPA (mostly sciences), still not enough to raise my GPA from the dead. It tough to raise your GPA once you've taken 130+ credits.

Thoughts? Questions? Ask away!!

DAT1: DAT2:
BIO: 19 BIO: 19
GC: 20 GC: 18
OC: 18 OC: 20
PAT: 17 PAT: 21
RC: 17 RC: 20
QR: 15 QR: 16
TS:19 TS:19
AA: 18 AA: 18

Sci GPA: 2.71
CBP GPA: 2.83
Overall: 2.92

 

[Rambunctious]

Do a master's and retake the DAT with plenty of practice before hand.

 

[pgex2t]

Unless you have some sort of extremely compelling story to talk about in your PC, extraordinary ECs, and glowing recommendations, you're going to have to retake that DAT and crush it to get a selection of schools. Taking a masters/post-bacc is also highly recommended.

 

[mis_gnomer]

First of all I would take a moment to be proud of yourself for improving in almost all the sections (especially PAT, nice job!) Take some time off from studying, put together a plan, and pick a date to get started again. I think it will be easier for you this time around because you have a better idea of how to study for most of the sections. Try to build on your existing study approach by incorporating new materials and strategies. I would also carefully assess how to study for the sciences to crush it next time. Look at the DAT breakdowns people have posted on the DAT section of this forum for help. I would also recommend investing in DAT Bootcamp and the DAT Destroyer books if you haven't already.

 

[flyingmonkey18]

what scores have you been getting on practice exams? Only have one more shot to kill it and you will need 20+ due to low gpa. I would probably go the masters route and show that you can get good grades and retake the exam, but thats just what I think...

 

[BeaverLover]

IF you do decide on a retake, beware that you are only allowed a maximum of 3. Best of luck.

 

[kintaroiki]

It would be wise to look into alternatives to dentistry.

 

[darknightzzz]

It would be wise to look into alternatives to dentistry.

it would be wise for you to not go onto SDN and waste server space with your comment.

 

[Rambunctious]

It would be wise to look into alternatives to dentistry.

@free99 @sjv This poster has a history of similar comments they made here.

 

[AfriqueDMD]

I would tell you to apply. Look at the ADEA guidebook and you see the schools ranges. They don't all take geniuses as SDN would make you assume. Most Dental Schools want a well rounded applicant. I know a guy in D1 at Western that got in with a 16AA. Go for it and apply early. The worst they can say is no.

 

[TeeKay310]

I'd recommend planning to take a post bac/ masters in case you dont hear back. If you have the funds, go ahead and apply, but its a bit of a gamble b/c of the low GPA and average DAT scores. There are some great post bacc / master's programs out there set it place to help you get into a dental school. I attached a file that I was given with most of the post bacc/masters programs for pre-health, so just focus on the ones for dental or general pre health programs. Hope it helps, if you have any other questions, lmk. Good luck

 

[BetaHelix]

I vote for a masters and a DAT retake. Best of luck!

 

[Doom132]

What did you use to study for the DAT? Just curious.
How was it different from the first DAT preparations?

 

[ajj70]

I would apply to a few chosen schools since your upward trend is outstanding, along with applying to some masters programs, but the sub 3.0 is going to hurt there too. See what happens during next cycle for applications and then go from there whether you retake the DAT again.

 

[DENTALSCHNEEZ811]

Il be honest, I think you should apply for a 1 Year BMP, retake the DAT. If you can get a 21 + then you will be in dental school for sure. I just wouldn't want you to waste money. Although it wont hurt bc if you dont get in, and reapply, and improve your app, you will forsure get interviews and acceptances bc schools like students who are persistent. It wont hurt to apply but dont have crazy high expectations, if something good happens then that is awesome. But if I were you I would still be planning for next cycle and apply for a 1 year bmp and stud to retake the DAT. You need a score above a 21. I only say this bc I am a reapplicant with a 2.96 sgpa I have 4 interviews but i retook my DAT and scored a 22, and I improved my app.

Good luck my friend.