How difficult?

[peabody]

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I will be graduating Brandeis U in May with a 3.5 gpa. I received an A in an upper level bio course, but have not taken any prereqs. I am a history and religious studies major and tend to do better in these areas than in the sciences. I am curious as to what is typically needed GPA-wise in order to be a competitive candidate. I think I could probably get at least a 3.3 science gpa, but I am afraid that is too low to be competitive. I realize there are many other factors that go into admissions decisions, but what is typical?

Also, is it terribly to my detriment that I will be doing the pre-reqs postbac? Most of my previous experience has been in counseling/social service type jobs, and I have only recently begun to look at dentistry as a nice combination of the client interaction I enjoy and technical/scientific skills.

One other thing I wondered about: In the past eight years I have accumulated about 800 hours of physician observation (for a long time I was interested in going into medicine) and research experience in clinical psychopharmacology - would this be a mark against me as it might look like dentistry is my second choice? It would not be a second choice, just a more appropriate choice. One of the reasons I put off completing the prereqs was so I evaluate my options.

Before I get ahead of myself, I know I should arrange for some observation to see if dentistry really would be my cup of tea. How is this usually arranged?

In any case, sorry for all the questions. I really appreciate any advice.

 

[DATMATT]

In order to be a competitive candidate most schools ave. science GPA's range from 3.0 - 3.7. Generally, the overall GPA's seem to be about 0.1 points higher. I think a 3.3 science gpa would put you in the competitive range. You are right, there are many other factors that go into admissions decisions, so a 3.3 science GPA will not "rule you out" from most dental schools. Also, it depends on what schools you are looking at. I do not think it will be a detriment that you will be doing the pre-reqs postbac. I am in the same boat. I do think it is important that you do well in these classes. From my understanding dental schools would rather you go from B's & C's to A's & B's. In other words, they want the trend to show you have become a better student.

The 800 hours of physician observation (IMHO) would be a plus. It shows you seriously consider a career & did not come to your decision haphazardly. If you get an interview invite they will read your application letter and you should be able to explain your situation to them.

To answer your last question, the way to observe dentists is to just ask them. There have been posts about people having a hard time finding places to observe so it might not be easy but that is all you can do.

Hope I helped,

DATMAT

 

[rjr]

Jaray,

Do not stress over it. I took all of my ~40 credits of pre-dental classes in postgraduate (had a 3.4 science) while working 40+ hours/week. Do not underestimate yourself. With a little hard work you can easily get a 3.4 science GPA.

Bottom line: if you have a 3.5 GPA, 3.3 science GPA and get at least a 17-18 on the DAT, you will have an EXCELLENT CHANCE to get into many dental schools (I am living proof).

Best of Luck

RJR

 

[space kacy]

No problem. Don't worry. My sci gpa is like a 2.9 and I got into a couple of schools. Plus, I kinda applied late too (late Nov). I did score 19's and above on my dat so if you do at least an 18 that should be no problem. You really should observe or volunteer. I volunteered at a dental clinic for 2.5 yrs and I think that helped my cause also. You could just about call any practice and I'm sure they would be happy to set something up for you.

 

[peabody]

Thanks so much for the responses - I feel a lot better knowing as long as I do well in my pre-req coursework, I have a shot! Thanks again, and best of luck to everyone.

 

[space kacy]

Oh, yeah. It's also a good idea to volunteer or observe to get a feel for the profession. I've heard about former volunteers changing their mind about dental school after volunteering for awhile. I've also heard about people quitting right in the middle of dental school because they really didn't know what they were getting into. Quite an expensive life choice to make. Make sure this is right for you and good luck!