I have 3 options, and direction is needed

[Cofo]

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I just turned 23. I am a senior in college. I am a non-traditional pre-dental student because I am a history major and I won't graduate until spring 2012 (because of all these damn extra science classes lol).
I've taken all science pre-reqs except physics 1 and 2.

I'm not stupid. My freshman year I made an F in GenChem1 but I retook it later and made a B, I've made C's and B's in GenChem and Orgo classes, I've made A's and B's in all biology classes, and this past semester I made an A in biochemistry...not easy to do!

However, my science GPA is crap. As of now, it is a 2.92. If I take 4 science courses this spring semester (and take none pertaining to my history degree) and make all A's in them, then my science GPA will be a mere 3.16,
and this is simply not good enough to apply to dental school for this coming cycle.

Even if I were to only take science classes in fall 2011 and spring 2012...and make all A's in them, my science GPA would only be 3.4, which I think will still not be good enough for me to get into dental school. And on top of that...I will still not have taken the other classes that I need to graduate with a history degree. I am really lost on what my next move should be. Which of the following should I do?

Option 1: Take all science classes for the next three semesters (Spring 2011-Spring 2012). Apply to dental schools with a science GPA of 3.4. Still not graduate from undergrad.
Option 2: Not take any more science courses, and end up with an undergrad science GPA of 2.92. Take the rest of my necessary history and miscellaneous courses, graduate in spring 2012, and apply for a 1 year Post-Bacc Program or
Option 3: Do option 2, but instead of a 1 year Post-Bacc, do a 1 year Masters Program.

Right now, I'm depressed, and I feel like I'm not moving forward. I know I am good enough to be in dental school, but the numbers don't show it. My goal is of course, to get into dental school the quickest way possible. I will appreciate any kind of practical advice, thank you.

 

[Munchy]

I wouldn't go with option 1. It is too risky. 3.4 is assuming that you make all A's which is not an easy thing to do. Even with 3.4, it is not a stellar GPA. At least have a degree in case dental school doesn't work out.

 

[Cofo]

I wouldn't go with option 1. It is too risky. 3.4 is assuming that you make all A's which is not an easy thing to do. Even with 3.4, it is not a stellar GPA. At least have a degree in case dental school doesn't work out.

I'm going to dental school, one way or another. It's not an option. But how I get there, well, as you see I'm presented with 3 options. I need advice on which one to do. I will be a dentist.

 

[yappy]

several ds have sci gpa averages @ or less than 3.4

I wouldn't go with option 1. It is too risky. 3.4 is assuming that you make all A's which is not an easy thing to do. Even with 3.4, it is not a stellar GPA. At least have a degree in case dental school doesn't work out.

 

[321931]

several ds have sci gpa averages @ or less than 3.4

Setup yourself for the best possible undergrad GPA period. The people that do get in with 3.2-3.3 tend to be exceptions. Most people with that GPA end up with very few interviews, and or no acceptances and will end up taking post-bac/masters.

So I'm vouching for option A; however, realize you have very little room for error.

 

[Kahr]

Check out doc toothache's post here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=772329

First off, being a history major is rad, I was one myself. You're plenty young, I think you should definitely not rush things just to apply sooner.

Here's what I would do:
*Concentrate on finishing your BA in history, making sure to kick ass and raise your overall GPA.
*This coming summer I would study for and take the DAT (you got 3 months, and if necessary you can push it a few weeks into the fall 2011 semester without really hurting your courses that semester).
*You graduate spring 2012 like you said.
*Depending on your DAT and overall GPA, you apply to dental school (or you can apply regardless if you're feeling lucky)
*Between the June 2012 and summer 2013 (when you start school or you reapply), you take science courses to boost your sGPA, do some research, shadow, volunteer, etc. So by summer 2013 you'll be perfectly set to apply or reapply with a much better standing.

I just don't think a post-bacc degree would be better than a significantly higher sGPA. *shrug* Best of luck.

 

[KentUT]

Alright man, I will give you my honest opinion. I love your passion when it comes to being a dentist, and I strongly believe that if you want something bad enough to work as hard as you possibly can, there is no reason why you can't achieve it. I honestly think you can do this. Here is the part ( IMO) that may be hard for you to stomach. That 2.XX sGPA may have set you back a little bit in your ideal timeline. But by no means did it ruin your chance of getting into dental school.. Yet. As far as your options, here is what I think. Take all your science classes and try to get your GPA as close to a 3.4 as possible. Obviously all A's is challenging, but if you achieve that and do well on the DAT, you may be able to find a seat at a school. However, if you slip up once or twice with a B, then you can do a one year post-Bacc and apply the next cycle. I know you want to get in as soon as possible, but truth be told, time is your best ally right now. Eliminate all of your distractions if you choose to take this route. You can't drink, play video games or any of that. School will have to be your life! Study more in your non-bio science courses as it seems you are getting A's in all you bio classes. Ultimately it comes down to how willing you are to making make your dream a reality. It won't be easy..at all. But take your time and make your application the best that it can be. Have faith in yourself! YOU CAN DO THIS! Take responsibility for your life and make it happen. I wish you the best on whatever plan of action you decide to take.

 

[yappy]

I'm just going by schools published class profiles for CO2010. Not predents or this board. but I agree - better to have a high gpa.

Setup yourself for the best possible undergrad GPA period. The people that do get in with 3.2-3.3 tend to be exceptions. Most people with that GPA end up with very few interviews, and or no acceptances and will end up taking post-bac/masters.
So I'm vouching for option A; however, realize you have very little room for error.

take mix of science and hist and get great grades. Then think about masters/post bacc once grad from ug.

 

[UCLAzy]

option 4: take a mixture of science classes and history classes so that you can both graduate on time and raise your science gpa.

i'm guessing that when you made those b's and c's and scant a's you were taking them along side of history or other non science classes. i'm pretty sure taking 4 science classes at a time is going to be super detrimental for you.

if your science gpa still makes you sad, once you GRADUATE you can choose to do either a post bac or masters.

summary: option 4 allows you to graduate ON TIME (bueno), raise your sGPA (muy bueno) and GRADUATE ON TIME. its much better to have your degree in hand and do a post bac or masters than to take an extra year of undergrad.

 

[yangwang]

option 4: take a mixture of science classes and history classes so that you can both graduate on time and raise your science gpa.

i'm guessing that when you made those b's and c's and scant a's you were taking them along side of history or other non science classes. i'm pretty sure taking 4 science classes at a time is going to be super detrimental for you.

if your science gpa still makes you sad, once you GRADUATE you can choose to do either a post bac or masters.

summary: option 4 allows you to graduate ON TIME (bueno), raise your sGPA (muy bueno) and GRADUATE ON TIME (tres tres bien!!!). its much better to have your degree in hand and do a post bac or masters than to take an extra year of undergrad.

Option 4 sounds good, sign up for it fast before it's all gone 😀

 

[KentUT]

option 4: take a mixture of science classes and history classes so that you can both graduate on time and raise your science gpa.

i'm guessing that when you made those b's and c's and scant a's you were taking them along side of history or other non science classes. i'm pretty sure taking 4 science classes at a time is going to be super detrimental for you.

if your science gpa still makes you sad, once you GRADUATE you can choose to do either a post bac or masters.

summary: option 4 allows you to graduate ON TIME (bueno), raise your sGPA (muy bueno) and GRADUATE ON TIME. its much better to have your degree in hand and do a post bac or masters than to take an extra year of undergrad.

I agree, this option is your best bet. This will also be good because it will keep you above 15 credits.

 

[dentalWorks]

I just turned 23. I am a senior in college. I am a non-traditional pre-dental student because I am a history major and I won't graduate until spring 2012 (because of all these damn extra science classes lol).
I've taken all science pre-reqs except physics 1 and 2.

I'm not stupid. My freshman year I made an F in GenChem1 but I retook it later and made a B, I've made C's and B's in GenChem and Orgo classes, I've made A's and B's in all biology classes, and this past semester I made an A in biochemistry...not easy to do!

However, my science GPA is crap. As of now, it is a 2.92. If I take 4 science courses this spring semester (and take none pertaining to my history degree) and make all A's in them, then my science GPA will be a mere 3.16,
and this is simply not good enough to apply to dental school for this coming cycle.

Even if I were to only take science classes in fall 2011 and spring 2012...and make all A's in them, my science GPA would only be 3.4, which I think will still not be good enough for me to get into dental school. And on top of that...I will still not have taken the other classes that I need to graduate with a history degree. I am really lost on what my next move should be. Which of the following should I do?

Option 1: Take all science classes for the next three semesters (Spring 2011-Spring 2012). Apply to dental schools with a science GPA of 3.4. Still not graduate from undergrad.
Option 2: Not take any more science courses, and end up with an undergrad science GPA of 2.92. Take the rest of my necessary history and miscellaneous courses, graduate in spring 2012, and apply for a 1 year Post-Bacc Program or
Option 3: Do option 2, but instead of a 1 year Post-Bacc, do a 1 year Masters Program.

Right now, I'm depressed, and I feel like I'm not moving forward. I know I am good enough to be in dental school, but the numbers don't show it. My goal is of course, to get into dental school the quickest way possible. I will appreciate any kind of practical advice, thank you.

What I highlighted/bold above is not true. A science GPA for 3.4 is very good.... If you can REALLY bring your 2.9 to a 3.4 (which is doable by the way), yes you would be a pretty competitive applicant.

I think Option #1 is the hardest and MOST IDEAL. It can get you into dental school the fastest.

Option #2 is... good, but your looking to waste a year into post-bacc.... why do that when you have 3 semesters left and you can bring your sGPA to that magical 3.4

Option #3 is....... fail, IMO... students who CAN raise thier undergrad GPAs by doing post-bacc or just undergrad should STICK to this route. Its cheaper, faster, and more efficient.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I would've loved to have been a non-bio major too 🙁

I originally started out with my minor as my major... but my sci gpa wasn't doing too well at that time... so I had to drop that down to a minor and I picked up bio as a major to ramp up my scigpa.

 

[CANgnome]

I wish I wasnt a bio major. I've taken so many bio courses in undergrad that it is extremely hard to get my sciGPA up 😳

3.4 is very good, imo. I wish I have a 3.4 undergrad sciGPA

 

[Maygyver]

I'm glad I was a bio major. I feel like I will be well prepared for the courses in dental school due to having a solid bio background.

 

[AcesInTheSky]

I'm glad I was a bio major. I feel like I will be well prepared for the courses in dental school due to having a solid bio background.

Same here. I took all the prereqs necessary and some extras by being a bio major. I really enjoyed the classes too.

 

[doc toothache]

I'm going to dental school, one way or another. It's not an option. But how I get there, well, as you see I'm presented with 3 options. I need advice on which one to do. I will be a dentist.

If only the final answer would be up to you. You should consider adding a Ph.D. to your resume and you will have a fighting chance.

 

[Cofo]

If only the final answer would be up to you. You should consider adding a Ph.D. to your resume and you will have a fighting chance.

what the hell? anyway...
Does anyone at all think a post-bacc program would be best?