I failed my first semester of college, then I transferred to cc. Should I forget about dental?

[heywen]

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Hi everyone,

I failed my first semester of college (1.08 gpa) due to depression after my dad's sudden death. I have since transferred to community college and am doing well now.

Do I still have a shot at getting into dental school?

Background:

Fall 2020, I began my freshman year at a 4 year university. I was severely depressed. I don’t know what I was thinking or doing at the time. Whenever I try to remember this period of my life, it’s like a black hole in my memory. I don’t know what I was doing, but I regret it so much. I basically failed the entire semester with a 1.08 gpa. I stopped attending classes partway through and I didn’t do my work. Spring semester 2021, I didn’t register for any classes. I received a letter from my university saying they are aware I withdrew from the university. I never submitted a formal withdrawal, so I think that letter was a mistake.

Fall 2021, I started school again at my community college after reflecting on myself. I’m doing well: all A’s in math and science, 2 B’s in the required English courses.

I’m about to start my second year at CC. My current major is chemistry. After CC, I will transfer to a 4 year college to complete my bachelors. I am confident I will continue to do well for my last year at CC and at my future university.

**My concern:**

I am currently majoring in chemistry because I wish to pursue dental school. However, I need to know asap (before this semester begins) if I should change my major to Chemical Engineering. If I can’t get into dental school, then I will change my major from chemistry to chemE. Switching from chem to chemE is easy since their curriculums overlap. If I major in chem, I will graduate CC spring 2023. If I major in chemE, I will graduate CC summer 2023.

**My questions:**

What are my chances of getting into a good dental school?

How will my 1.08 semester from my previous university affect my application?

Please be honest. Don’t sugar coat anything. I want to know if I should continue majoring in chemistry for dental school, or if I should change my major to chemE and forget about dental.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Naxeusyll]

You'll be at a disadvantage battling a previous ~1 GPA, and you'll need to make sure that your community college credits (or whichever ones you need) can transfer to your prospective universities.

 

[Ryxndek]

I guess it would depend on what year you are in school? Dental schools will still see that 1.08gpa and they will use it to calculate your overall gpa and that will hurt you drastically. That being said, if you can pull a 3.6/3.7 or higher to help offset it and show them you have improved and changed then I think that shows adversity given your circumstances.

If you change your major to ChemE there’s no way you’ll be able to maintain a high enough GPA to be a competitive applicant, it’s just too difficult a major. However you will be set when you graduate to get a different job. I think you need to look at how hard you want to push yourself because there’s a chance you can get in but you’ll have to put in the work to get your gpa back up. Plus you’ll have to study for the DAT which is another task itself.

If you’re truly set on dental school, put your mind to it and grind. But if you’re having doubts it might be time for change and pursue your other passions. The only person who knows that is you, and it’s ultimately your decision. I’m sure others will give you feedback as well. Good luck on your journey and whatever decision you decide is the best decision for you!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Gosh, don't change your major to ChemE if you think it would help your chances to get into medical/dental school. Any engineering degree is MUCH harder. Do ChemE if you really love to be an engineer to tolerate the higher-level math and problem-solving skills that will fry your brain while you're trying to understand organic chemistry for dental school. Choose a major you really will enjoy that will allow you to fit the prereqs and all the shadowing/clinical experience you will need. As others have said, you failed the first semester, so you have plenty more to show your true preparation for the rigors of dental school.

 

[heywen]

You'll be at a disadvantage battling a previous ~1 GPA, and you'll need to make sure that your community college credits (or whichever ones you need) can transfer to your prospective universities.

I used a gpa calculator to calculate the highest gpa I can possibly earn at this point. It is 3.63. That is if I get an A in every single course from now on. I’m not confident I can accomplish that, and even if I did, is 3.63 competitive enough? Especially considering my huge slip up in the beginning.

My cc has a transfer agreement with many of the local universities. I will be guaranteed junior standing once I transfer.

I am worried though, about which dental schools will accept cc credits. I’m finding conflicting information online. I do know for sure that my state school does not accept any cc credits.

 

[Naxeusyll]

I am worried though, about which dental schools will accept cc credits. I’m finding conflicting information online. I do know for sure that my state school does not accept any cc credits.

Yes, when I said university I didn't mean for your bachelor degree. I should have been more specific and clear.

 

[heywen]

I guess it would depend on what year you are in school? Dental schools will still see that 1.08gpa and they will use it to calculate your overall gpa and that will hurt you drastically. That being said, if you can pull a 3.6/3.7 or higher to help offset it and show them you have improved and changed then I think that shows adversity given your circumstances.

If you change your major to ChemE there’s no way you’ll be able to maintain a high enough gpa to be a competitive application, it’s just too difficult a major. However you will be set when you graduate to get a different job. I think you need to look at how hard you want to push yourself because there’s a chance you can get in but you’ll have to put in the work to get your gpa back up. Plus you’ll have to study for the DAT which is another task itself.

If you’re truly set on dental school, put your mind to it and grind. But if you’re having doubts it might be time for change and pursue your other passions. The only person who knows that is you, and it’s ultimately your decision. I’m sure others will give you feedback as well. Good luck on your journey and whatever decision you decide is the best decision for you!

I’m about to start my second year at CC. I’m willing to work hard.

I used a GPA calculator to see my highest possible cumulative GPA if I continue majoring in chem. It’ll be a 3.63 if I get A’s in every single class from now on. If I can do that, will I be competitive enough? I’m scared dental schools will look at my 1.08 transcript from my previous university and instantly reject me.

You’re right, I need to decide on one major or the other. I need to do some thinking about this before the semester starts. I like ChemE because it’s safe and I can graduate with low debt. Right now, I’m leaning towards dental because I want it more than engineering. I’m just afraid I won’t get in no matter how hard I try because my max GPA is 3.63. Is there any chance to boost that higher? Like taking additional courses?

Thank you for your advice.

 

[heywen]

Gosh, don't change your major to ChemE if you think it would help your chances to get into medical/dental school. Any engineering degree is MUCH harder. Do ChemE if you really love to be an engineer to tolerate the higher-level math and problem-solving skills that will fry your brain while you're trying to understand organic chemistry for dental school. Choose a major you really will enjoy that will allow you to fit the prereqs and all the shadowing/clinical experience you will need. As others have said, you failed the first semester, so you have plenty more to show your true preparation for the rigors of dental school.

Thank you. Understood. I definitely don’t think I can do ChemE while also doing predental. I guess I just really need to think about what I want, pick a path, and stick with it.

I just wish I were confident I could get into dental school. Then I would stick with chem for sure. The problem is I’m doubtful because of my GPA. I used a GPA calculator to determine my highest possible cumulative GPA, which is a 3.63. That’s if I get an A in every class from now on. It’s just so stressful because the courses will only get harder from here on.

 

[macsak]

a 1.08 will not eliminate you, nor will a 3.63...

 

[dent453]

I actually disagree with most of the people in this thread. My first two semesters I had a combined GPA of 1.00. Yes GPA of one. 13 Total credits. First semester 1.6 GPA, second semester literally ZERO. My last 137 Credits I got 3.71 GPA. I have had 4 interviews so far. Waitlisted at one, I applied late (last week of august). You only have had one bad semester. Try not to get any Cs (esp in any Science courses). I didn't get anything less than B in any science classes. If you can finish wiht 3.4-3.6 GPA with a 20 AA ish DAT, you will get in as long as you apply to enough schools. Keep your head up, dental schools love positive trends plus it's something you can talk about in your ps when that time comes.

 

[Rvting]

Hi everyone,

I failed my first semester of college (1.08 gpa) due to depression after my dad's sudden death. I have since transferred to community college and am doing well now.

Do I still have a shot at getting into dental school?

Background:

Fall 2020, I began my freshman year at a 4 year university. I was severely depressed. I don’t know what I was thinking or doing at the time. Whenever I try to remember this period of my life, it’s like a black hole in my memory. I don’t know what I was doing, but I regret it so much. I basically failed the entire semester with a 1.08 gpa. I stopped attending classes partway through and I didn’t do my work. Spring semester 2021, I didn’t register for any classes. I received a letter from my university saying they are aware I withdrew from the university. I never submitted a formal withdrawal, so I think that letter was a mistake.

Fall 2021, I started school again at my community college after reflecting on myself. I’m doing well: all A’s in math and science, 2 B’s in the required English courses.

I’m about to start my second year at CC. My current major is chemistry. After CC, I will transfer to a 4 year college to complete my bachelors. I am confident I will continue to do well for my last year at CC and at my future university.

**My concern:**

I am currently majoring in chemistry because I wish to pursue dental school. However, I need to know asap (before this semester begins) if I should change my major to Chemical Engineering. If I can’t get into dental school, then I will change my major from chemistry to chemE. Switching from chem to chemE is easy since their curriculums overlap. If I major in chem, I will graduate CC spring 2023. If I major in chemE, I will graduate CC summer 2023.

**My questions:**

What are my chances of getting into a good dental school?

How will my 1.08 semester from my previous university affect my application?

Please be honest. Don’t sugar coat anything. I want to know if I should continue majoring in chemistry for dental school, or if I should change my major to chemE and forget about dental.

Thank you all in advance!

Hey bud, I'm in a similar boat. My dad almost passed in 2019 and made my studying/school life difficult. If you really wanna try dental school: for you, I recommend retaking classes you flunked in the summer and power your way through the rest of the classes. Even if you end up with ~3.5-3.4 schools will notice the advancement in your capabilities, and you can explain your way through in your personal statement. You likely won't get into the top 50% of schools but I think you can have a good shot at least the bottom third (not to say they're bad on principle), especially if you can get a 21+ DAT score.

Also, before any hard moves, speak with a therapist and a academic counselor.