Help wanted..

[Snowflake10]

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Hello,

I was hoping to get some input on where I'm standing and what I can do..

I graduated May 2011 and have been doing an informal post-bacc for a year now. My undergraduate GPA was pretty much trash, sitting at a 2.89 cumulative and a 2.6 science. During my year of post-bacc, I've only taken advanced science courses and have made a 3.3 for the last semester..(I haven't finished this semester yet).

I have over 100 hours of shadowing, I'm currently volunteering at a hospital.. and I've taken my DAT twice already.. AA16 and AA19

What else can I do? I feel like I have no hope in even getting one interview if I apply this summer..

Any rays of hope out there?

 

[wizi]

Yes, you still have a chance but its going to be rough for you.

First of all, try to set up an appointment with the dean of your state dental school. Tell him everything. Ask for his advice.

2nd, I would take some "easy" science classes and raise that GPA to 3.0.
3rd, look into some SMP (1 year master). I have heard good things about UMDNJ SMP program.
4th, kill your master with a 3.5+ GPA.
5th (optional but you should consider): move to Texas. They have 3 dental schools with CHEAP tuition and not likely to accept OOS (5% OOS = 1 applicant) .

Good luck,

 

[Snowflake10]

Thank you for your input! I actually am from Texas. How do I set up an appointment with the Dean? Is it that easy as to just call the admissions office and say you want to talk to the dean?

Do you think I will have to retake my DAT?

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Hello,

I was hoping to get some input on where I'm standing and what I can do..

I graduated May 2011 and have been doing an informal post-bacc for a year now. My undergraduate GPA was pretty much trash, sitting at a 2.89 cumulative and a 2.6 science. During my year of post-bacc, I've only taken advanced science courses and have made a 3.3 for the last semester..(I haven't finished this semester yet).

I have over 100 hours of shadowing, I'm currently volunteering at a hospital.. and I've taken my DAT twice already.. AA16 and AA19

What else can I do? I feel like I have no hope in even getting one interview if I apply this summer..

Any rays of hope out there?

The 19 on the DAT would have been ok if you had a higher GPA. You need to take the DAT again and get at least 21+ on everything. Because it will be your third (and final) time to take it, you really need to evaluate how you studied, what you used to study, and how can improve your study tactics. The DAT forum can help you with that if you have specific questions. Take as many practice tests as possible before taking the actual test and if you feel that you're not prepared, then don't take it.

See what your GPA comes out to after you finish up this semester. A SMP might be beneficial if you can get a 3.5+ GPA.

Keep your chin up. Good luck

 

[wizi]

Thank you for your input! I actually am from Texas. How do I set up an appointment with the Dean? Is it that easy as to just call the admissions office and say you want to talk to the dean?

Do you think I will have to retake my DAT?

lol Good to hear that you are from Texas.
Call 3 dental schools and ask if you can meet with the dean to go over your application. If you know the dean's email, you can email him. Show them that you really want to go to their school.

Just like Seamonkey Doc said, 19 AA is a good score but you will need more than 19. Actually, ask the deans that question and see what they say.

Let us know after you talk to the deans.

 

[Ghostface17]

Yes, you still have a chance but its going to be rough for you.

First of all, try to set up an appointment with the dean of your state dental school. Tell him everything. Ask for his advice.

2nd, I would take some "easy" science classes and raise that GPA to 3.0.
3rd, look into some SMP (1 year master). I have heard good things about UMDNJ SMP program.
4th, kill your master with a 3.5+ GPA.
5th (optional but you should consider): move to Texas. They have 3 dental schools with CHEAP tuition and not likely to accept OOS (5% OOS = 1 applicant) .

Good luck,

Wizi is spot on. I can vouch for the UMDNJ masters but if you can get a postbac program in TX go with that since it would be cheaper