If the Worst Possible Happens...

[Graphire]

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Just thinking about the worst possible scenario and I don't get accepted this cycle.

My GPA isn't the greatest nor is the DAT.

If I am able to get a 3.8+ GPA this year my GPA would rise about 1.1 points.
After this I figure I have two options:

1. Come back for another year of undergrad to improve my GPA and apply for the next cycle.

2. Graduate this year, try to find a job as a dental assistant for a year and apply for the next cycle believing in that my "high" GPA increase from the last two years would be sufficient enough to land me a few interviews.

Maybe I'm looking at this too negatively too early haha.

 

[imback]

Just thinking about the worst possible scenario and I don't get accepted this cycle.

My GPA isn't the greatest nor is the DAT.

If I am able to get a 3.8+ GPA this year my GPA would rise about 0.1 points. (corrected it for you)
After this I figure I have two options:

1. Come back for another year of undergrad to improve my GPA and apply for the next cycle.

2. Graduate this year, try to find a job as a dental assistant for a year and apply for the next cycle believing in that my "high" GPA increase from the last two years would be sufficient enough to land me a few interviews.

Maybe I'm looking at this too negatively too early haha.

That is a very likely scenario for you.

 

[doc toothache]

Just thinking about the worst possible scenario and I don't get accepted this cycle.
My GPA isn't the greatest nor is the DAT.
If I am able to get a 3.8+ GPA this year my GPA would rise about 1.1 points.
After this I figure I have two options:
1. Come back for another year of undergrad to improve my GPA and apply for the next cycle.
2. Graduate this year, try to find a job as a dental assistant for a year and apply for the next cycle believing in that my "high" GPA increase from the last two years would be sufficient enough to land me a few interviews. Maybe I'm looking at this too negatively too early haha.

Ignoring the big if, how you figure 30 units of 3.8 will raise your gpa by 1.1 points is a mystery that requires some clarification. With low gpa and dat scores you really think getting a position as a da is going to improve your chances?

 

[MrAvicii]

Just thinking about the worst possible scenario and I don't get accepted this cycle.

My GPA isn't the greatest nor is the DAT.

If I am able to get a 3.8+ GPA this year my GPA would rise about 1.1 points.
After this I figure I have two options:

1. Come back for another year of undergrad to improve my GPA and apply for the next cycle.

2. Graduate this year, try to find a job as a dental assistant for a year and apply for the next cycle believing in that my "high" GPA increase from the last two years would be sufficient enough to land me a few interviews.

Maybe I'm looking at this too negatively too early haha.

you should also look at more "international friendly" schools next year. looking at some of your schools, you probably have a zero shot at school X simply because you're an international.

 

[Graphire]

That is a very likely scenario for you.

Right my bad on the math haha

 

[Graphire]

you should also look at more "international friendly" schools next year. looking at some of your schools, you probably have a zero shot at school X simply because you're an international.

The reason I have so many of these is because of my parents. I know that I probably won't get into any of these but they still wanted me to apply anyways.

 

[imback]

Right my bad on the math haha

It appears QR portion on the DAT is an accurate measure of one's quantitative ability.

 

[Graphire]

Ignoring the big if, how you figure 30 units of 3.8 will raise your gpa by 1.1 points is a mystery that requires some clarification. With low gpa and dat scores you really think getting a position as a da is going to improve your chances?

I don't see a reason why you are being so hostile.
Yes I made a simple mistake in the calculations but that doesn't warrant you calling me out.

Getting a higher GPA this year does improve my chances I don't think it'll decrease it by any chance.

 

[Graphire]

It appears QR portion on the DAT is an accurate measure of one's quantitative ability.

I never really liked math... 👍

 

[YoHomey]

Well you can always teach English in Asia next year.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Just thinking about the worst possible scenario and I don't get accepted this cycle.

My GPA isn't the greatest nor is the DAT.

If I am able to get a 3.8+ GPA this year my GPA would rise about 1.1 points.
After this I figure I have two options:

1. Come back for another year of undergrad to improve my GPA and apply for the next cycle.

2. Graduate this year, try to find a job as a dental assistant for a year and apply for the next cycle believing in that my "high" GPA increase from the last two years would be sufficient enough to land me a few interviews.

Maybe I'm looking at this too negatively too early haha.

Go with option 1.

The return on investment of option 2 is pretty much nil...
GPA + DAT = Cake Base
Extraneous dental experience = Icing

If ya haven't got a cake then there was no point in buying the frosting... right?

 

[Graphire]

Well you can always teach English in Asia next year.

That's true as well, I already have a TESOL Certificate anyways.

 

[YoHomey]

Go with option 1.

The return on investment of option 2 is pretty much nil...
GPA + DAT = Cake Base
Extraneous dental experience = Icing

If ya haven't got a cake then there was no point in buying the frosting... right?

But isn't the icing the part that brings out the taste in the cake?

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

But isn't the icing the part that brings out the taste in the cake?

If there is a cake to put it on in the first place...

 

[tayloreve]

But isn't the icing the part that brings out the taste in the cake?

Every cake needs icing!!

 

[imback]

Every cake needs icing!!

Cheesecake comes to my mind.

 

[YoHomey]

Every cake needs icing!!

Every cake needs whipped cream.

 

[NguyenDDS]

Option 1. Raise your GPA as much as you can and then possibly retake DAT (since you're international). And if the worse happens (you don't get accepted this year), reapply next cycle and then I think you're good to go. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[Graphire]

Option 1. Raise your GPA as much as you can and then possibly retake DAT (since you're international). And if the worse happens (you don't get accepted this year), reapply next cycle and then I think you're good to go. 🙂 Good luck!

Thanks for the advice man, I was leaning towards option 1 in the first place anyways haha

 

[uva09]

Call or email a few dental programs that interest you!

There are people there waiting to answer your questions. Simply explain your situation and see if you can acquire some meaningful advice directly from an individual in the admissions department.

Don't base your decisions upon responses you see from a bunch of pre-dental or dental students with zero relevant, professional experience.

Providing a few tidbits of your personal story (i.e. DAT and GPA) and expecting tailored advice is a lost endeavor.

Obviously you could improve a GPA or DAT score. But I'm sure you already knew that. And there is much more to the process than that. Get relevant and useable information from an admissions official.

 

[imback]

Call or email a few dental programs that interest you!

There are people there waiting to answer your questions. Simply explain your situation and see if you can acquire some meaningful advice directly from an individual in the admissions department.

Don't base your decisions upon responses you see from a bunch of pre-dental or dental students with zero relevant, professional experience.

Providing a few tidbits of your personal story (i.e. DAT and GPA) and expecting tailored advice is a lost endeavor.

Obviously you could improve a GPA or DAT score. But I'm sure you already knew that. And there is much more to the process than that. Get relevant and useable information from an admissions official.

Summary: Call or email a few dental programs that interest you! Simple.