I think I figured out why I probably won't get in this cycle

[pk62281]

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When I talk to people about applying to dental school. I usually get a very positive response based on my stats which is 23DAT, 3.3GPA. They say things like.. "dude, you're in for sure." I applied to 19 schools and have 0 interview invites, and one rejection from Nova. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
My gpa also has a very strong upward trend (My last 16 hours have been all BCP with a 4.0)
I'm also a nontraditional applicant and am currently working as an engineer in a well known company.
People say my gpa is OK because schools understand that engineers typically have lower gpas.
Also, my work experience and added years of maturity will also help.

I understand that when an Adcom looks at my 3.15BCP GPA, that probably works strongly against me. In his/her mind it screams "below average science student", and makes his/her decision without looking at my situation more carefully. Here's the thing, my BCP gpa is only 34 hours, and the poor grades were from my freshman year (12 years ago) when I got a few C's. The last 16 hours of BCP are 4.0.

If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

My BCP gpa is strongly affected by grades from 12 years ago and there are fewer hours. I believe that that gpa does not sufficiently represent me as an overall student, and when you look at my situation more carefully it's easy to see. However, I understand the perception of a low BCP gpa to an adcom. Crap...

 

[Demps]

When I talk to people about applying to dental school. I usually get a very positive response based on my stats which is 23DAT, 3.3GPA. They say things like.. "dude, you're in for sure." I applied to 19 schools and have 0 interview invites, and one rejection from Nova. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
My gpa also has a very strong upward trend (My last 16 hours have been all BCP with a 4.0)
I'm also a nontraditional applicant and am currently working as an engineer in a well known company.
People say my gpa is OK because schools understand that engineers typically have lower gpas.
Also, my work experience and added years of maturity will also help.

I understand that when an Adcom looks at my 3.15BCP GPA, that probably works strongly against me. In his/her mind it screams "below average science student", and makes his/her decision without looking at my situation more carefully. Here's the thing, my BCP gpa is only 34 hours, and the poor grades were from my freshman year (12 years ago) when I got a few C's. The last 16 hours of BCP are 4.0.

If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

My BCP gpa is strongly affected by grades from 12 years ago and there are fewer hours. I believe that that gpa does not sufficiently represent me as an overall student, and when you look at my situation more carefully it's easy to see. However, I understand the perception of a low BCP gpa to an adcom. Crap...

ouch that stinks dude,

Take a few more science classes and boost your BCP GPA. I think you will be in a great shape!

but hey application process ain't over yet! keep your hopes up!

 

[lnngu]

Really, it's too early for you to freak out. Even if you don't get pre-december interviews, plenty of people get in in the second round. All the positives you listed apply. Keep your chin up and stay positive.

 

[Philippines03j]

Stay positive. My first interview was not until Dec 7th and my second was in february. I am now in my second year of dental school. Plenty of others in your situation.

Keep your and good luck!👍

 

[Tooth Monster]

When I talk to people about applying to dental school. I usually get a very positive response based on my stats which is 23DAT, 3.3GPA. They say things like.. "dude, you're in for sure." I applied to 19 schools and have 0 interview invites, and one rejection from Nova. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
My gpa also has a very strong upward trend (My last 16 hours have been all BCP with a 4.0)
I'm also a nontraditional applicant and am currently working as an engineer in a well known company.
People say my gpa is OK because schools understand that engineers typically have lower gpas.
Also, my work experience and added years of maturity will also help.

I understand that when an Adcom looks at my 3.15BCP GPA, that probably works strongly against me. In his/her mind it screams "below average science student", and makes his/her decision without looking at my situation more carefully. Here's the thing, my BCP gpa is only 34 hours, and the poor grades were from my freshman year (12 years ago) when I got a few C's. The last 16 hours of BCP are 4.0.

If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

My BCP gpa is strongly affected by grades from 12 years ago and there are fewer hours. I believe that that gpa does not sufficiently represent me as an overall student, and when you look at my situation more carefully it's easy to see. However, I understand the perception of a low BCP gpa to an adcom. Crap...

Don't lose hope! My stats are lower than yours and I have gotten some interviews. Like others have said, it's still early and if you don't get a pre-Dec interview, you might get an interview post-Dec. I'm on hold for MWU-AZ but other schools are interviewing me. I'm also a non-trad so hang in there. Where did you apply?

 

[PilotG2Pen]

Like others have said, it's still early. There are many people who get accepted off Spring interviews. There are also many with no interviews, many who get interviews but no acceptances, and apply more than once. The whole application process is a roller coaster ride of emotions. You just have persevere and keep working towards your goal.

At one of my interviews, I actually caught a glimpse of the AADSAS application print out that adcoms use to review our applications, and saw that the BCP part is important because they have a break down of each section and each category (biology, chemistry, physics) is broken down and a separate GPA is written. My interview told me I had a high GPA at a 3.64 or something like that and I told him I think that number might be wrong because my sGPA is a 3.44, but then I saw that it was only in the Biology section which I have stacked with upper division courses. I think what schools liked about my application is that I've taken basically every upper division course they have, except for embryology and pathology. Schools really do recommend you to take anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, head and neck anatomy, immunology, microbiology, histology, genetics, and pharmacology.

Especially for a non traditional, schools want to know you will be ok taking hard science classes in dental school. Also, taking anatomy or histology will make life just a little easier when you actually have to take it in dental school. 16 hours is only 1 semester of classes right? I think schools want to see at least 2 semesters. Don't worry though, like you said, since you have so little hours, you can easily bring your BCP up. Just take some informal post bacc classes or a master's and you'll be getting a ton of interviews.

 

[OCDFlosser]

When I talk to people about applying to dental school. I usually get a very positive response based on my stats which is 23DAT, 3.3GPA. They say things like.. "dude, you're in for sure." I applied to 19 schools and have 0 interview invites, and one rejection from Nova. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
My gpa also has a very strong upward trend (My last 16 hours have been all BCP with a 4.0)
I'm also a nontraditional applicant and am currently working as an engineer in a well known company.
People say my gpa is OK because schools understand that engineers typically have lower gpas.
Also, my work experience and added years of maturity will also help.

I understand that when an Adcom looks at my 3.15BCP GPA, that probably works strongly against me. In his/her mind it screams "below average science student", and makes his/her decision without looking at my situation more carefully. Here's the thing, my BCP gpa is only 34 hours, and the poor grades were from my freshman year (12 years ago) when I got a few C's. The last 16 hours of BCP are 4.0.

If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

My BCP gpa is strongly affected by grades from 12 years ago and there are fewer hours. I believe that that gpa does not sufficiently represent me as an overall student, and when you look at my situation more carefully it's easy to see. However, I understand the perception of a low BCP gpa to an adcom. Crap...

What is your major? Engineering? To put it plainly - that is why NOVA denied you. I PROMISE that you'll get in this cycle.

 

[dantemac]

I would not worry. 19 schools is a lot. a few of them will see something like you in!

 

[NguyenDDS]

Be positive🙂 its not too late yet. I have a lower BCP than you and had 2 interviews. Good luck! 🙂

 

[PilotG2Pen]

What is your major? Engineering? To put it plainly - that is why NOVA denied you. I PROMISE that you'll get in this cycle.

Thought you were going to stay away from SDN. Couldn't help it huh.

 

[pk62281]

Don't lose hope! My stats are lower than yours and I have gotten some interviews. Like others have said, it's still early and if you don't get a pre-Dec interview, you might get an interview post-Dec. I'm on hold for MWU-AZ but other schools are interviewing me. I'm also a non-trad so hang in there. Where did you apply?

Be positive🙂 its not too late yet. I have a lower BCP than you and had 2 interviews. Good luck! 🙂

GAH!!! This actually makes me feel worse when I hear stuff like this. I know you guys are trying to be encouraging.

Realizing that my 3.15gpa is a red flag in my app sucks, but at the same time it's encouraging because I know if I ace two more classes, it's right up to 3.3.

When I hear about others with lower stats getting interviews it starts to make me wonder again.

 

[PlasticSurgeon3]

ouch that stinks dude,

Take a few more science classes and boost your BCP GPA. I think you will be in a great shape!

but hey application process ain't over yet! keep your hopes up!

You can't take more classes to boost up your BCP grade, it only consists of biology, chemistry, physics, ad I believe orgo... Unless I'm mistaken.
In my opinion you should be fine.

 

[Kahr]

GAH!!! This actually makes me feel worse when I hear stuff like this. I know you guys are trying to be encouraging.

Realizing that my 3.15gpa is a red flag in my app sucks, but at the same time it's encouraging because I know if I ace two more classes, it's right up to 3.3.

When I hear about others with lower stats getting interviews it starts to make me wonder again.

I agree, hearing people with lower stats getting interviews is disturbing, especially when you have a great non-trad background. So here, no interviews, 3.72 BCP. Enjoy.

Try not to take the SDN population's statistics on applying to heart, it seems to be on a much higher level than the average in the applicant pool nationwide.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for us both.

 

[PreDent321]

Do you have enough shadowing hours that indicate that you are serious and committed to making a career change to dentistry? If not, then an Adcom can possibly think that dentistry is a new flavor of the week?

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

You can't take more classes to boost up your BCP grade, it only consists of biology, chemistry, physics, ad I believe orgo... Unless I'm mistaken.
In my opinion you should be fine.

Exactly... just take another biology class.

 

[PreDent321]

You can't take more classes to boost up your BCP grade, it only consists of biology, chemistry, physics, ad I believe orgo... Unless I'm mistaken.
In my opinion you should be fine.

Wrong. BCP also includes biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, etc.

 

[NguyenDDS]

How do you feel about your LORs and PS? One bad LOR can do it

 

[iralex801]

I have 3.2 bcp gpa 3.35 overall and 21AA/23TS. I received 5 invites so far. So, I don't think the GPA is the sole reason your not getting interviews. Did you have a section with a low score on your DAT or did you apply late? Anyways, I dont think it's too late for pre-dec interviews for some schools.

 

[pk62281]

I have 3.2 bcp gpa 3.35 overall and 21AA/23TS. I received 5 invites so far. So, I don't think the GPA is the sole reason your not getting interviews. Did you have a section with a low score on your DAT or did you apply late? Anyways, I dont think it's too late for pre-dec interviews for some schools.

🙁
I got 20+ on every section.
My app went out 7/18.

 

[SeattleRDH]

Who the heck knows!!! I have zero invites so far and I have 4+ years working as a restorative RDH, 3.3ish GPAs, and 20/21/23. Your engineering degree is a real advantage. Engineers make great dentists!

My dad (a dentist himself) asked me the other day:
"So, have you heard anything about school yet?"
"No" (me, with a disappointed tone)
"Oh, that's good!"
"What? Why do you say that?"
"Because no one has rejected you yet!"

Just remember... Glass half full....

 

[Demps]

Wrong. BCP also includes biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, etc.

So who's right? ... -_-

 

[NguyenDDS]

So who's right? ... -_-

BCP includes all BIOL, CHEM, PHYS classes. So this includes anatomy, genetics, physiology, immunology, etc, etc.

 

[Golfguy]

Personally, I find it ridiculous that classes that old (12 years in your case) still count. I have been told by a few schools that pre-reqs MAY be considered old if taken over 5 years ago. Double standard if you ask me. They can only count against you but not for you, got it.

I have classes from 14 years ago that are dragging me down. How is that a reflection of the student I am today? It simply isn't. I think it's just a lazy way to cut people off because there are so many applicants. Why dig deeper if the surface shows a measly 3.0. So I guess I can't entirely blame them either.

But I digress....hang in there bud, plenty of time left, and a LOT more interviews to give out. Some schools are going to appreciate how you've matured, and the student that you are today.

 

[stevesteve121]

which schools did u apply for?

 

[amalgamgrillz]

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP

Guuuurl, you trippin! Those stats are higher than pretty much everyone at Howard, Meharry and late-cycle BU. You're more than fine.

 

[BizzyV]

Different schools stress different things. I too have a dreadfully low BCP and I have 3 interviews. Not surprisingly, I haven't heard back from MWU-AZ or IL. Both of them have stated that they look at BCP.

Its almost like a match. Some school put importance on different things. For example, UoP would probably like that high DAT score. Be patient, things will work out, and if not, you should only be delayed a year because all you have to do is go back and do a lil DIY post bacc and you'll be in the clear 🙂 Frankly, I expect someone will bite on you.

 

[NguyenDDS]

Different schools stress different things. I too have a dreadfully low BCP and I have 3 interviews. Not surprisingly, I haven't heard back from MWU-AZ or IL. Both of them have stated that they look at BCP.

Its almost like a match. Some school put importance on different things. For example, UoP would probably like that high DAT score. Be patient, things will work out, and if not, you should only be delayed a year because all you have to do is go back and do a lil DIY post bacc and you'll be in the clear 🙂 Frankly, I expect someone will bite on you.

I'm sure MWU-AZ has its exceptions. Maybe when determining who receives acceptances... that's when BCP becomes more important??

 

[Bereno]

How do you feel about your LORs and PS? One bad LOR can do it

x(a bunch)

 

[OCDFlosser]

Thought you were going to stay away from SDN. Couldn't help it huh.

It's a terrible addiction.

 

[polola55]

When I talk to people about applying to dental school. I usually get a very positive response based on my stats which is 23DAT, 3.3GPA. They say things like.. "dude, you're in for sure." I applied to 19 schools and have 0 interview invites, and one rejection from Nova. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.

It's my BCP gpa.

Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
My gpa also has a very strong upward trend (My last 16 hours have been all BCP with a 4.0)
I'm also a nontraditional applicant and am currently working as an engineer in a well known company.
People say my gpa is OK because schools understand that engineers typically have lower gpas.
Also, my work experience and added years of maturity will also help.

I understand that when an Adcom looks at my 3.15BCP GPA, that probably works strongly against me. In his/her mind it screams "below average science student", and makes his/her decision without looking at my situation more carefully. Here's the thing, my BCP gpa is only 34 hours, and the poor grades were from my freshman year (12 years ago) when I got a few C's. The last 16 hours of BCP are 4.0.

If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

My BCP gpa is strongly affected by grades from 12 years ago and there are fewer hours. I believe that that gpa does not sufficiently represent me as an overall student, and when you look at my situation more carefully it's easy to see. However, I understand the perception of a low BCP gpa to an adcom. Crap...

To comfort you, my gpa and sgpa are 3.2 and my DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading) breakdown is as follow: 20/22/19/19. I have applied to about 15 schools and received interview invitations from four so far (NYU, Columbia, LECOM, Creighton), one of which is my top choice ( in this case, Columbia).

 

[pk62281]

To comfort you, my gpa and sgpa are 3.2 and my DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading) breakdown is as follow: 20/22/19/19. I have applied to about 15 schools and received interview invitations from four so far (NYU, Columbia, LECOM, Creighton), one of which is my top choice ( in this case, Columbia).

I know you're just trying to comfort me, but this information actually worries me more.

 

[dentalWorks]

Really, it's too early for you to freak out. Even if you don't get pre-december interviews, plenty of people get in in the second round. All the positives you listed apply. Keep your chin up and stay positive.

👍

pk62281 ~ I can't be 100%, but, I am about 90% sure you will have multiple interviews before this cycle is over. You have too many good things going for you.

I know the waiting game sucks, we've all been there, don't get demoralized just yet. 19 schools with only 1 rejection is GOOD NEWS, that means the other 18 are up for grabs.

all the best

 

[yappy]

I too wish that colleges would only count the last 4 yrs (or 120 units) + the prereqs in terms of GPA. It sucks for students who are non tred and decided on grad school at a later date in their life. That would also allow academic late bloomers to get in who deserve it too. GL OP~! I cant imagine you NOT making it.

 

[KenKim]

yea so it seems BCP isnt only reason that ur not getting interviews (based on NguyenDDS). There must be some kind of red flag in your application that is preventing u from getting interviews...

I know why im not getting as much interviews so far as i thought.... my red flag is that on my transcript... i have two GRAFFITI ART classes. I only have 3 interviews 🙁 I know NOVA loves upper dive science classes not GRAFFITI classes. pretty sure thats why they rejected me

Maybe you are not even aware of your red flag in ur application. but good luck buddy

 

[KenKim]

yea so it seems BCP isnt only reason that ur not getting interviews (based on NguyenDDS). There must be some kind of red flag in your application that is preventing u from getting interviews...

I know why im not getting as much interviews so far as i thought.... my red flag is that on my transcript... i have two GRAFFITI ART classes. I only have 3 interviews 🙁 I know NOVA loves upper dive science classes not GRAFFITI classes. pretty sure thats why they rejected me

Maybe you are not even aware of your red flag in ur application. but good luck buddy

WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM??? RUTHLESS VANDAL THATS GOING TO TAG THEIR SCHOOL IF THEY ACCEPT ME? I HATE STEREOTYPES... sry i had to vent

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM??? RUTHLESS VANDAL THATS GOING TO TAG THEIR SCHOOL IF THEY ACCEPT ME? I HATE STEREOTYPES... sry i had to vent

Actually you kind of scare me a tad... since you quoted and responded to your own post...


Aside from that I don't think those two classes should be holding you back, assuming that you took a sufficient amount of upper science courses?

 

[Demps]

WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM??? RUTHLESS VANDAL THATS GOING TO TAG THEIR SCHOOL IF THEY ACCEPT ME? I HATE STEREOTYPES... sry i had to vent

relax buddy

 

[UCLAzy]

yea so it seems BCP isnt only reason that ur not getting interviews (based on NguyenDDS). There must be some kind of red flag in your application that is preventing u from getting interviews...

I know why im not getting as much interviews so far as i thought.... my red flag is that on my transcript... i have two GRAFFITI ART classes. I only have 3 interviews 🙁 I know NOVA loves upper dive science classes not GRAFFITI classes. pretty sure thats why they rejected me

Maybe you are not even aware of your red flag in ur application. but good luck buddy

WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM??? RUTHLESS VANDAL THATS GOING TO TAG THEIR SCHOOL IF THEY ACCEPT ME? I HATE STEREOTYPES... sry i had to vent

 

[Barking Lamb]

yea so it seems BCP isnt only reason that ur not getting interviews (based on NguyenDDS). There must be some kind of red flag in your application that is preventing u from getting interviews...

I know why im not getting as much interviews so far as i thought.... my red flag is that on my transcript... i have two GRAFFITI ART classes. I only have 3 interviews 🙁 I know NOVA loves upper dive science classes not GRAFFITI classes. pretty sure thats why they rejected me

Maybe you are not even aware of your red flag in ur application. but good luck buddy

NOVA gave me an interview and I have no upper division science classes. I am an anthropology major.

 

[hellopeople]

NOVA gave me an interview and I have no upper division science classes. I am an anthropology major.

To be fair you also have a 3.9 sGPA. A school might just overlook a few of their normal guidelines for you.

 

[Barking Lamb]

To be fair you also have a 3.9 sGPA. A school might just overlook a few of their normal guidelines for you.

Perhaps, I like to think they judge everyone equally. I'm more inclined to believe it is because I am a Florida resident.

Edit: These two sentences contradict each other. Radical.

 

[dds ed]

As an admissions officer, don't get discouraged so soon!! A good interviewer places a lot of weight on grades that show improvement over the the semesters. Could also be a big plus that you have more life/work experiences than the younger applicant. My opinion is that you sound like you should have a good chance getting in. Have faith buddy!!!

 

[doc toothache]

. It's been humbling not getting any interviews. An admissions counselor at MWU-AZ kindly pointed out why.
It's my BCP gpa. Here are my stats
23AA/21TS/26PAT
GPA: 3.31o/3.31s/3.15BCP
If I take 2 more classes, and ace them, the gpa bumps up to 3.3. My BCP hours are few so it is easy to change. That's the silver lining in my situation, but I'm regretful that I didn't take an extra class or two before applying.

An increase of 0.15 in the bcp gpa is likely to have as much effect on your admission as using a 2 x 4 to re enforce a 20 ton bridge.

 

[pk62281]

An increase of 0.15 in the bcp gpa is likely to have as much effect on your admission as using a 2 x 4 to re enforce a 20 ton bridge.

I disagree.

 

[Bereno]

An increase of 0.15 in the bcp gpa is likely to have as much effect on your admission as using a 2 x 4 to re enforce a 20 ton bridge.

I disagree as well. the 0.15GPA boost will help get him into the "acceptable" territory. Consequently, I think this also might help with at least getting interviews. This is mostly because when you have a low GPA, there is a large return on even a "small" boost.

However, I would agree that a 0.15 boost would do nothing if your GPA was 3.7+ becausee at that point Adcoms are no longer looking for how intelligent you are, they are looking at your personality. Just my $0.02 👍

 

[doc toothache]

I disagree.

You made your point crystal clear in the original post.

I disagree as well. the 0.15GPA boost will help get him into the "acceptable" territory. Consequently, I think this also might help with at least getting interviews. This is mostly because when you have a low GPA, there is a large return on even a "small" boost.

However, I would agree that a 0.15 boost would do nothing if your GPA was 3.7+ becausee at that point Adcoms are no longer looking for how intelligent you are, they are looking at your personality. Just my $0.02 👍

There is no question that a 0.15 boost in the science or overall gpa would be significant. However, it is not the case in this instance. Moreover, there is hardly any convincing that needs to be done when the last 16 credits (all bcp) were at 4.0, as claimed by the OP.

 

[NguyenDDS]

Any increase, little or big, in any of your GPAS is beneficial. I believe, the lower the GPA... the smaller increases make a bigger difference.

 

[Bereno]

There is no question that a 0.15 boost in the science or overall gpa would be significant. However, it is not the case in this instance. Moreover, there is hardly any convincing that needs to be done when the last 16 credits (all bcp) were at 4.0, as claimed by the OP.

Thats a good point. Especially given his last 16 credits are 4.0, like you said.

OP - how long would it take to boost your sGPA into the 3.45 range? (not just BCP).

 

[pk62281]

Thats a good point. Especially given his last 16 credits are 4.0, like you said.

OP - how long would it take to boost your sGPA into the 3.45 range? (not just BCP).

In order for me to boost my sGPA, I would need to take classes such as engineering, math, etc. I studied engineering, so I have a 130 hours of engineering. It would be hard to justify taking non BCP science classes just so I could bring that up.

 

[Kahr]

In order for me to boost my sGPA, I would need to take classes such as engineering, math, etc. I studied engineering, so I have a 130 hours of engineering. It would be hard to justify taking non BCP science classes just so I could bring that up.

BCP classes are factored into sGPA calculations as well, as far as I am aware. No? Assuming that's the case, you would specifically want to take BCP classes as they would boost both your sGPA and BCP.