impossible gpa

[sengineer]

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At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

 

[dentalWorks]

At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

This is the biggest reason why people with low GPAs don't make it into dental schools.... Its simply too taxing (both financially and time wise) to bring their stats to respectable levels.

Please understand I am not trying to discourage you. 93 credits is ridiculous, I'll will be the first to say forget it. INSTEAD, do 50 credits (you must 4.0 every class). Thats gonna put you at a more reasonable place at approx. 3.0 GPA.

Odds are still against you, but the 50 credits are a big upward trend.... Assuming you can top it off with a strong DAT performance, you might have a shot..... If that doesn't pan out, your next (and only options) is to enter an SMP.

Post-bacc + SMP are HUGE commitment. You are looking at 2-4 years worth of application fixing, and thousands of dollars.... But if you can pull it off, I think you'll get in.

 

[sengineer]

I understand and thanks for being honest.
This has become disheartening and I admit I did not think this through...
I looked at the site predents.com and looking at all the rejected apps, I saw that most had very low gpas.
I really feel like banging my head against the wall...well, I guess I am going to havta sleep on this..
thanks again buddy, btw which school are you enrolled in, udm?

 

[321931]

At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

Gonna be tough. 93 units, working full time, quitting job, supporting family? It's going to be incredibly tough on you and the family. I mean it can be done...but is it worth it?

I guess I can sorta relate. My parents never had the chance to go to school etc. They had to work full time to make ends meets; however, they always wanted to do something they enjoyed (I.E. Dental School, and I'm sure they thought about it as they were raising me). Yet, the sacrifice of quitting would be to much of a burden on the family and unrealistic (although it would of been possible to succeed). None-the-less, they instilled to me the importance of education and through their advice, I lived out their dreams. I guess I gotta give major props to my parents for sacrificing for me.

That being said, its never to late to start school/new career. After I was situated in college/independent, my parents went back to school to pursue what they wanted, because they were freed of their obligations. My Mom went on to get her masters, and is enjoying life in the health field as opposed to working a 9-5 clerical job. I've also met 50 year old medical students who went back to school after they finished situating their kids/families.

It's never to late to go back, so don't think that if you can't do it now, it will never happen. If anything, impart the wisdom to your kids, and whichever choice you make, it will be a good one. Good luck with your decision.

 

[sacapuntas]

Gonna be tough. 93 units, working full time, quitting job, supporting family? It's going to be incredibly tough on you and the family. I mean it can be done...but is it worth it?

I guess I can sorta relate. My parents never had the chance to go to school etc. They had to work full time to make ends meets; however, they always wanted to do something they enjoyed (I.E. Dental School, and I'm sure they thought about it as they were raising me). Yet, the sacrifice of quitting would be to much of a burden on the family and unrealistic (although it would of been possible to succeed). None-the-less, they instilled to me the importance of education and through their advice, I lived out their dreams. I guess I gotta give major props to my parents for sacrificing for me.

That being said, its never to late to start school/new career. After I was situated in college/independent, my parents went back to school to pursue what they wanted, because they were freed of their obligations. My Mom went on to get her masters, and is enjoying life in the health field as opposed to working a 9-5 clerical job. I've also met 50 year old medical students who went back to school after they finished situating their kids/families.

It's never to late to go back, so don't think that if you can't do it now, it will never happen. If anything, impart the wisdom to your kids, and whichever choice you make, it will be a good one. Good luck with your decision.

Awesome post and viewpoint, you have wonderful parents!

 

[UBERlowGPA]

Gonna be tough. 93 units, working full time, quitting job, supporting family? It's going to be incredibly tough on you and the family. I mean it can be done...but is it worth it?

I guess I can sorta relate. My parents never had the chance to go to school etc. They had to work full time to make ends meets; however, they always wanted to do something they enjoyed (I.E. Dental School, and I'm sure they thought about it as they were raising me). Yet, the sacrifice of quitting would be to much of a burden on the family and unrealistic (although it would of been possible to succeed). None-the-less, they instilled to me the importance of education and through their advice, I lived out their dreams. I guess I gotta give major props to my parents for sacrificing for me.

That being said, its never to late to start school/new career. After I was situated in college/independent, my parents went back to school to pursue what they wanted, because they were freed of their obligations. My Mom went on to get her masters, and is enjoying life in the health field as opposed to working a 9-5 clerical job. I've also met 50 year old medical students who went back to school after they finished situating their kids/families.

It's never to late to go back, so don't think that if you can't do it now, it will never happen. If anything, impart the wisdom to your kids, and whichever choice you make, it will be a good one. Good luck with your decision.

👍 👍 👍

 

[UltimateHombre]

At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

Not trying to put down the dental dream, but are you interested in other areas of healthcare?

I know that podiatry, optometry, and to some extent pharmacy are much more forgiving on the GPA, especially if you crush the admission test. If you 4.0 the pre-med core, 32 credits, then that would probably make you competative enough for the above programs. They all ususally start around 90-110K out of school too.

Either way good luck in whatever you decide to do!

 

[UBERlowGPA]

Not trying to put down the dental dream, but are you interested in other areas of healthcare?

I know that podiatry, optometry, and to some extent pharmacy are much more forgiving on the GPA, especially if you crush the admission test. If you 4.0 the pre-med core, 32 credits, then that would probably make you competative enough for the above programs. They all ususally start around 90-110K out of school too.

Either way good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Do you go to Western? 😀

 

[UCSD1984]

I'm having a hard time understanding something. I created a thread yesterday stating that my GPA is a 2.76, and that I wanted to know what my options were. Seems like all the responses I got were positive, telling me to focus on an informal post-bac. and to do extremely well. This guy posts something almost identical (aside from his personal life situation), and yet the responses seem a bit more unenthusiastic, if you will. Even a post saying that he could always consider a different healthcare field. Now I'm feeling sad =/

 

[bing12]

I'm having a hard time understanding something. I created a thread yesterday stating that my GPA is a 2.76, and that I wanted to know what my options were. Seems like all the responses I got were positive, telling me to focus on an informal post-bac. and to do extremely well. This guy posts something almost identical (aside from his personal life situation), and yet the responses seem a bit more unenthusiastic, if you will. Even a post saying that he could always consider a different healthcare field. Now I'm feeling sad =/

the difference i believe is that he said he needs to take 93 credits to get to a 3.0, usually most students dont have to take that much. I am assuming he has MANY credits contributing to the 2.76. How many credits do you have that contributes to ur 2.76?

 

[UCSD1984]

185 =/

 

[UBERlowGPA]

185 =/

I had about the same amount of units, and like I posted in the other thread, 80-100 units of 4.0 to boost it BARELY above 3.0.

I still got in, so don't lose hope.

 

[UBERlowGPA]

I think the response are less enthusiastic here because he has A LOT going on outside of school, so it would take quite a few years to complete 93 units or scholastic work.

I did it in under 2 years, but that required 18-19 units quarters. If I had a family and worked during that time, I don't think I would have finished in that amount of time, or achieved the grades that I did.

TO BOTH OF YOU: It CAN be done. It just depends on how bad you want it and how much you're willing to sacrifice.

 

[bing12]

I think the response are less enthusiastic here because he has A LOT going on outside of school, so it would take quite a few years to complete 93 units or scholastic work.

I did it in under 2 years, but that required 18-19 units quarters. If I had a family and worked during that time, I don't think I would have finished in that amount of time, or achieved the grades that I did.

TO BOTH OF YOU: It CAN be done. It just depends on how bad you want it and how much you're willing to sacrifice.

what were ur DAT scores? i am assuming you did very well.

 

[UBERlowGPA]

what were ur DAT scores? i am assuming you did very well.

21 overall, with a 20 in RC being my lowest and a 24 PAT being the highest.

I honestly think that the main reason I was interviewed at schools, and eventually accepted, was my most recent scholastic efforts in conjunction with my communication with the schools I wanted to attend. Obviously, the schools looked at my complete application, but I did notice my rejections came more quickly from schools I did not reach out to as much on a personal level and that my interviews came sooner with the ones where I did.

Maybe it's just a coincidence. ?

 

[UltimateHombre]

I'm having a hard time understanding something. I created a thread yesterday stating that my GPA is a 2.76, and that I wanted to know what my options were. Seems like all the responses I got were positive, telling me to focus on an informal post-bac. and to do extremely well. This guy posts something almost identical (aside from his personal life situation), and yet the responses seem a bit more unenthusiastic, if you will. Even a post saying that he could always consider a different healthcare field. Now I'm feeling sad =/

For the record i do not go to Wesetern and am still in undergrad.

To UCSD... there is a big difference in the types of advice between the OP and you, because they are very different situations (at least with the informatin you both gave). You are a recent grad and guessing by the "1984" in your name, i imagine you are 26ish years old. From your previous posts it seems like you are not a current working professional, could pursue a post-bac full time, and do not have a family with kids to support.

The OP has all those things. He would still need to work full time in order to support his family, so realistically he could probably only do 6-12 credits at a time of postbac. That means that 2-3 years of post bac full time, turns into 6-8 years part time for him. Especially needing 93 credits to bring his GPA to a respectable level.

So if the OP is simply looking for a good paying job in the health field, that fits within the parameters of his GPA, or maybe only 30 credits of postbac rather than 93... i think that the options i mentioned earlier are very viable.

If i were in his shoes and dentistry was no longer a practicle option, i would seriously consider any/all of the above. As a podiatrist, optomitrist, or pharmacist, he would make more money than he is currently, have less debt than dental school, have patient interations, and be making a difference in peoples lives. Just like we will as dentists, however it is just in a different scope of practice.

Cheers!!! 😀

 

[Dentist88]

Hey OP,

Look im in a similar situation (actually worse im at like a 2.49 or so from undergrad). The numbers sound bad I know the best I can raise it in like 2 years of solid course work with a 3.7 average is a 2.85. It still is a 2.85 but here is the thing numbers dont always matter on the overall. I have posted a couple times about things that have happened to me and people have been positive. Talk to UoP dental for example, call detroit mercy, talk to those admissions all of them will say get 21+ and have basically 2 years of full courseload (3 sci + 1 elective) and once they see that upward trend with a 21-22 DAT they know whats going on. They arent as harsh as alot of people make them out to be. They know u messed up and its fine to them, as long as you have your stuff together now is what they need to know. You can do it, I havent lost hope. I'll apply 8 times if I need to but they are going to have to look at my last 60 credit hours of 3.7 and say well his other 2.5 120 hours has something fishy about it. Also call your local school and physically go and talk to them multiple times, not just once keep them updated on your life like you do SDN, i know it sounds like a lot of work. However, if they see your application 5 times and u are improving adding more and more and more, there WILL be a time where your dedication alone will get their attention. You can do it! You reap what you sow, just make sure you sow REAL HARD from now on.

 

[UBERlowGPA]

Hey OP,

Look im in a similar situation (actually worse im at like a 2.49 or so from undergrad). The numbers sound bad I know the best I can raise it in like 2 years of solid course work with a 3.7 average is a 2.85. It still is a 2.85 but here is the thing numbers dont always matter on the overall. I have posted a couple times about things that have happened to me and people have been positive. Talk to UoP dental for example, call detroit mercy, talk to those admissions all of them will say get 21+ and have basically 2 years of full courseload (3 sci + 1 elective) and once they see that upward trend with a 21-22 DAT they know whats going on. They arent as harsh as alot of people make them out to be. They know u messed up and its fine to them, as long as you have your stuff together now is what they need to know. You can do it, I havent lost hope. I'll apply 8 times if I need to but they are going to have to look at my last 60 credit hours of 3.7 and say well his other 2.5 120 hours has something fishy about it. Also call your local school and physically go and talk to them multiple times, not just once keep them updated on your life like you do SDN, i know it sounds like a lot of work. However, if they see your application 5 times and u are improving adding more and more and more, there WILL be a time where your dedication alone will get their attention. You can do it! You reap what you sow, just make sure you sow REAL HARD from now on.

There aren't enough thumbup symbols in the world... 👍👍👍

 

[sengineer]

There aren't enough thumbup symbols in the world... 👍👍👍

to all previous posters...thumbs up and thanks a million. The reason why I became less optimistic was simply that I know how hard it was to do my bachelors with a family and working but now that the kids are getting older (still under 10) though 🙂, but I know I have the brains and discipline to do it. It was also whether I could ask so much of my wife to help work when I finally do get in. But as she said a couple of nights ago: besides myself and the kids, what else do you have to do? so at least give it a shot...
I will try it eventually,maybe start in the fall...but I am going to try and take my time and if I am 41 when graduating dental school or any alternative health care field ( extreme case scenario), then at least my kids will still be able to appreciate what I can offer them then and be a greater motivational example in life.

to the person who felt saddened by the different replies to his situation...the reason you probably received optimistic responses was simply that most ppl on these forums are here because they need the encouragement to foster strengths they probably already have and most just need success stories of ppl in similar situations to motivate them more...so chin up and look far ahead...

 

[flabernak]

Your story is just like mine. I got in this year at 35, previously a computer programmer with a bad gpa. You really don't have to get that GPA up to 3.2+ just get all the right classes done and do well. And you will need to lay the smack down on the DAT, do your homework on it. Then apply to the right schools. Good luck!

 

[UCSD1984]

I see what you're all saying now, it makes perfect sense. Sengineer, I wish you the best man. Whatever questions you have, make sure to come here. I've obtained a ridiculous wealth of information in regards to how to strengthen my application for Dental school in a mere TWO DAYS, just from this forum alone (big shout-out to Uber, 4thMolar, DentalWorks). =)~

But yea...I hope everything works out for you, I really do.

 

[tcn79]

21 overall, with a 20 in RC being my lowest and a 24 PAT being the highest.

I honestly think that the main reason I was interviewed at schools, and eventually accepted, was my most recent scholastic efforts in conjunction with my communication with the schools I wanted to attend. Obviously, the schools looked at my complete application, but I did notice my rejections came more quickly from schools I did not reach out to as much on a personal level and that my interviews came sooner with the ones where I did.

Maybe it's just a coincidence. ?

What type of communication did you do with the schools you wanted to attend? Was it actual updates with things you did to improve after your app was already submitted? Thanks!

 

[Doc Smile]

At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

Sorry, but I am too tired to read all the other comments (I know, forum rulez breaker), but just a little optimism. We have a 38ish year old in our class that recently quit his job at Chrysler as an engineer. He had a low GPA but was able to raise it while taking his pre-reqs. Yeah, it didnt raise it to AWESOME, but he was able to explain, in interviews and his PS, that he was much younger in undergrad and now look at what he can do. Time can play in your favor or against you. Just got to advertise yourself in the right way to the admissions committee.

 

[NguyenDDS]

At 35 years old with an engineering degree, my overall gpa was 2.76. Does not do justice to my abilities based on the issues that cropped up but in order to raise my gpa up to 3.2 or higher I used the online tool and calc that I need to take 93 credit hours. That is virtually impossible for me in that if I dedicate that much time and money to raising my gpa, it would literally take me years to complete. I work full time to support my family and only intended to quit my job once I got into dental school; thus completing 8 credit hours of chem and physics and 4 cred hours of biology with some shadowing time.
Any suggestions or comments appreciated.

Here's a spreadsheet that will calculate both your science GPA and cumulative GPA. You can save it to your desktop and modify it however and whenever you want to. I thought this might be more convenient for you, instead of using an online tool. I use this spreadsheet all the time to figure out what I need to reach my goals. Let me know if it's broken.

Just my opinion..... buttttt... You remind me of the dentist I shadowed. He was in the same boat just like you... engineer as a previous career, went back to school while supporting family, etc. It can be done. Seriously, if dentistry is your dream... go for it. 93-credits is a lot..... it takes about 3 years for an average student with NO full-time job and NO family to complete. It will take you much longer since you have both of these responsibilities..... in the end, it all comes down to how much you are willing to sacrifice (how much time, money, etc..)

I don't know where you live.... but if you're a Texas resident, you can apply through the "Texas Fresh Academic Start" where all previous grades taken 10+ years ago are wiped away forever.

 

[sengineer]

Just wanted to update this thread and hope there are some out there who want to join me on this trip. Took some time off to focus on work since my wife was laid off. Now she is working and I am grateful to her for sticking it out but after all this time I realized I hate my job even more. Could not afford college tuition and enrolled in community college to take my science classes. Contacted the dentist school to inquire as to what impact cc courses will have on my application and they responded that it was fine. So took anatomy last semester got a A+ with 100 in 3 out of 4 exams and now doing chem 1 and physics 1. So I am going to try this out and see what happens.

 

[sengineer]

Wow. Thanks for the sheet and man I wish I was in texas. Funny, my first job offer was in houston, but opted to stay in michigan

 

[cwoodds]

@sengineer: Congratulations on your choice to move forward! I am also a career-changing engineer with a family. Sounds like I'm probably a little older than you and have slightly higher GPA, but we have a lot in common. I finished my prereqs and DAT and have applied this year. No interviews yet but I am optimistic as I did well on the DAT and have heard that adcoms appreciate what nontraditional students have to offer, especially engineers.

I know it's hard working as an engineer (much different than working a typical full-time college job), maintaining a decent courseload, and taking care of a family. It's also hard on the rest of the family, it's critical to have everybody on board and supportive. My kids are actually excited about my career change because they know how much I dislike my current job and can see how much I look forward to dentistry. You'll find that the hardest part is staying focused on your current job when you know something better is just around the corner (I'm at the office now!).

Just keep pushing, keep your head up, and you will be succesful! Feel free to ask any questions if you want any advice from a fellow engineer who is a little further ahead in the process.

 

[joshwake]

I was sitting at about a 2.8 gpa when I was 25 and just finishing my second year of undergrad. I am now 32 and since then I did much better and finished a MPH and brought it up to a 3.3 gpa. sgpa still only a 3.1 but it has also improved.

The least time consuming route is to take the DAT and slay it. I did ok with a 19, but I had to take three weeks off from work and it just so happened that I had my first kid around that same time. I wish I took another 3 weeks now at least. If you really put in the time (I would say at least 1.5 months) then you should be able to pull out a 22+ on the dat, and even with a low gpa you have a chance.

To bring up your gpa with a family.... I wouldn't quit your job for full time school. Do you work in healthcare now and will your work pay for any school? If so, I would find out what science classes are the easiest at your nearby university or take some online. Only take science classes, preferably BCP, because boosting those will be much more efficient use of your time to improve your app. Also you may consider a career change if it is beneficial to your professional life, it never hurts to look around and maybe you can find something dental related. I have worked in a virology lab for 3 years so I have tons of research and a very solid microbiology/pathology foundation.

Lastly, SERVICE, and I mean tons of MEANINGFUL service. You can have a really low academic app and there are still a handful of schools that will give you an interview if you have lots of service. I would shoot for at least 250 hours of recent service. See if there is a local sealant program you can get involved in or just go to your nearest community health center, preferably with a dental clinic and schedule 1-3 days a week for 2-4 hours, maybe some 8+ hour Saturdays or something. I got my dog registered and trained as a therapy animal so we go visit people in hospitals etc. There is plenty of service out there that should be enjoyable to you depending on what you like.

This is roughly what I have been doing for the past 3-4 years and this year I have 4 interviews so far. It is absolutely doable but you have to keep in mind it is like the silversteen poem where the girl eats an elephant. One bite at a time, because if you focus on the end goal it will seem way too daunting.

 

[bumpntrunk]

Just wanted to update this thread and hope there are some out there who want to join me on this trip. Took some time off to focus on work since my wife was laid off. Now she is working and I am grateful to her for sticking it out but after all this time I realized I hate my job even more. Could not afford college tuition and enrolled in community college to take my science classes. Contacted the dentist school to inquire as to what impact cc courses will have on my application and they responded that it was fine. So took anatomy last semester got a A+ with 100 in 3 out of 4 exams and now doing chem 1 and physics 1. So I am going to try this out and see what happens.

You aint alone...I went back to school taking night classes for the pre-reqs while working full time and raising a family as well. I had a cGPA ~2.5 when I started 4 years ago (at 31 years old) and just grinded away taking a class a semester till last year. Then I had to go school full time to take enough credits to get my GPA high enough to meet the minimum requirements so I could apply this cycle. Over the last 4 years I ran sGPA ~3.7 for all the science courses for about 50 credits to get my cGPA to ~3. Anyway I am just saying it can be done and now my app is out to the schools and Im taking one course this semester and looking to go back to work getting a simple 9-5 job with zero stress for the next 8 months or so till I hear back from the schools. Thats my plan, it might not be the best but it works for me. I just gotta believe the sacrifices were for something and if your serious about dentistry you gotta try.

 

[sengineer]

Thanks for the response and to the other posts as well. Just wanted to personally respond to u cause it feels good to meet someone in similar situations. I had to laugh at the mention of u being in the office...thats y I am typing from my phone. The hard part is remaining fully committed to ur job and staying ahead cause anyone in engineering can testify, that u are always expected to learn more and there is so much to keep up with. I wanted to ask abt ur service hours. Because of scheduling, I plan to start community & shadowing service next semester when I take one class only. I got an email from an advisor and recruiter at the university here and she mentioned that a min of 100 hours puts u at good standing. How is or was ur experience with this? Anyone else feel free to reponde please.

 

[cwoodds]

Thanks for the response and to the other posts as well. Just wanted to personally respond to u cause it feels good to meet someone in similar situations. I had to laugh at the mention of u being in the office...thats y I am typing from my phone. The hard part is remaining fully committed to ur job and staying ahead cause anyone in engineering can testify, that u are always expected to learn more and there is so much to keep up with. I wanted to ask abt ur service hours. Because of scheduling, I plan to start community & shadowing service next semester when I take one class only. I got an email from an advisor and recruiter at the university here and she mentioned that a min of 100 hours puts u at good standing. How is or was ur experience with this? Anyone else feel free to reponde please.

Unfortunately, I feel this is the probably the weakest part of my application. My priority is my family. I coach my kids' soccer and t-ball teams so I was able to show a lot of 'volunteer' hours, but I don't think that's the type of 'service' they are looking for. I shadowed for 68 hours total (60 general and 8 OMFS, and it all had to come out of my paid leave), and went to a 2-day simulation clinic (made a little family vacation out of it). If you can volunteer at a local clinic, or a local Mission of Mercy event or something similar, that would probably help your app a lot.

 

[awaitsimpatient]

Just wanted to update this thread and hope there are some out there who want to join me on this trip. Took some time off to focus on work since my wife was laid off. Now she is working and I am grateful to her for sticking it out but after all this time I realized I hate my job even more. Could not afford college tuition and enrolled in community college to take my science classes. Contacted the dentist school to inquire as to what impact cc courses will have on my application and they responded that it was fine. So took anatomy last semester got a A+ with 100 in 3 out of 4 exams and now doing chem 1 and physics 1. So I am going to try this out and see what happens.

Make sure you take all your PRe-requisites at at 4 years college. ( community college are usually 2 years college and Dental schools dont accept those), well, to open up your options. I took chem, orgo, bio at CC and had to take them over at 4 years college! you should try to take more than 1 class per semester otherwise will take you many years to have all your prerequisites. your semester GPA is prolly 4.O but once its all total GPA is calculated it might not have done much difference. Take at least 4-5 classes per semester and do GREAT! I am advicing you from experience, B's dont help much.

 

[cwoodds]

Make sure you take all your PRe-requisites at at 4 years college. ( community college are usually 2 years college and Dental schools dont accept those), well, to open up your options. I took chem, orgo, bio at CC and had to take them over at 4 years college! you should try to take more than 1 class per semester otherwise will take you many years to have all your prerequisites. your semester GPA is prolly 4.O but once its all total GPA is calculated it might not have done much difference. Take at least 4-5 classes per semester and do GREAT! I am advicing you from experience, B's dont help much.

I agree, take the classes at a university, it will cost a little more but will look better, as long as you keep the grades up. I do not recommend taking more than 6-8 hours, though. It is not possible to take 4-5 classes while working as a full-time engineer, there just aren't enough hours in a day. Two lectures and two labs is plenty, and even that can be difficult because not all classes are offered at night/weekends.

 

[sengineer]

I have to find some ppl who have successfully completed the process. I unfortunately have no choice but to go through community college. This is a completely unfair situation. I will give you an example, i paid $350 dollars for anatomy and the university cost for the class was $1950. I already have a student loan from my first bachelors and if I still have to pay for dental school then I am just not going to be able to do this. I think I have illustrated the capability of doing college level classes by completing a bachelors in computer engineering with being on the deans list my first year. The additional science classes I am taking now will be used for my app. and if I get turned down, then I guess I will be forced to take a couple of semesters at the university.

 

[cwoodds]

I just read back through your initial post. If you talked to the school and they're fine with it, then listen to them, not us, we don't really know what we're talking about. 🙂 Some schools won't accept CC, just be careful where you apply. My local CC cost was about the same as yours, but my university was about half of yours, so it wasn't as hard to swallow. Plus, the CC did not offer some of the classes I needed.

 

[sengineer]

Thanks. I do appreciate ur feedback and that was a big concern for me but my main aim is to ace the DAT, rack up service hours and pray.

 

[bumpntrunk]

You can check with the schools you want to apply to but I took my pre-reqs at a community college and the d-schools I called accept them (this cc also has 4 year degrees for some majors). I took one class a semester for three years and the fourth year (as I stated before) I went all in taking 36 credits (24 science and 12 math which both go to sGPA) and that was the push I needed to get my sGPA high enough to be able to apply this cycle. I used the first three years to get through the chem/org chem courses and once I got through that with 3.5 gpa, I figured I was good to go, which I was and aced all the bio courses. You pretty much need to ace all the courses, there is no room for error in our situation.

 

[Dandune]

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