In Need Of Advice

[dentsdream0112]

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hey guys,

I'm in desperate need of evaluating my situation and how to improve my chances. First off let me say Im canadian so Im really unsure about applying to the states and want you guys to keep it in mind when evaluating my chances.

So my first year was terrible (1.46) and I took the bulk of my intro bios and chems during this year. What courses does the sgpa include and how much should it be? My cgpa should be around 3.15 this summer. My best 2 years are around 3.7. My cDAT is AA 19 RC 22 PAT 18 so a couple of ques...

1) do I have a chance anywhere?! if so, which schools? how can I improve these chances??

2) If I do a 5th year and apply this summer will they wait for and use those marks?

3) Is a masters looked up upon and can it compensate for lower grades?

4) if I retake certain courses through an online university this summer will they be replaced? would this help me?

5) should I write the american dat?

6) when should I apply?

any CONSTRUCTIVE input would be very appreciated! I feel so hopeless and this is my dream! Im so sad that 1 poor year is bringing me down so much!

Thanks

 

[Philippines03j]

hey guys,

I'm in desperate need of evaluating my situation and how to improve my chances. First off let me say Im canadian so Im really unsure about applying to the states and want you guys to keep it in mind when evaluating my chances.

So my first year was terrible (1.46) and I took the bulk of my intro bios and chems during this year. What courses does the sgpa include and how much should it be? My cgpa should be around 3.15 this summer. My best 2 years are around 3.7. My cDAT is AA 19 RC 22 PAT 18 so a couple of ques...

1) do I have a chance anywhere?! if so, which schools? how can I improve these chances?? Sure you have a chance. Did you just finish your first year? How far into your degree are you? What is your science gpa? Did you retake science classes with a c- and below? If so did you do well? In other words... This can be complicated and we need more information to give you a good answer. Even with more you never know what can happen. Do your best from here on out. That is all you can do. Study like your life depends on it and show them you are capable.

2) If I do a 5th year and apply this summer will they wait for and use those marks?
As soon as your application is complete they can look at it (usually around june/july depending when you get it done)... You can inform them you will send them updated grades but this does not mean you will not get a rejection letter.

3) Is a masters looked up upon and can it compensate for lower grades?
I think it is looked up upon but will not help your current gpa. In your case I would focus on your gpa. Masters does not replace a low undergrad gpa.

4) if I retake certain courses through an online university this summer will they be replaced? would this help me?
Not sure what you mean by replaced... But if you have failed (c- or lower) a prerequisite science course then yes you need to retake it and it will definitely help you.

5) should I write the american dat?
Depends on the schools you want to apply to. Many do not accept canadian dat. You will need to apply to as many schools as possible so it would be wise to take it. You will need to kill it! This will definitely help also (considering your gpa is low and canadian dat is average)

6) when should I apply?
If you take american dat and kill it (20+ science/AA) then I would say this year (assuming your current science and overall gpa is around 3.0 and not significantly less.). Get everything in by june 2 (or the first few days the application opens). 'Apply to 20+ schools (lots of $) and . Otherwise waite a year to get your grades up.

My situation was not as extreme as yours but read my blog post about my story. I am now in dental school and doing well. http://dentaldat.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-have-had-few-requests-to-share-story.html


any CONSTRUCTIVE input would be very appreciated! I feel so hopeless and this is my dream! Im so sad that 1 poor year is bringing me down so much!

Thanks

Good luck with everything and keep at it... You will get it..wether this year or sometime in the future. Just keep at it. I am in dental school now and the perserverance is worth it!!!

 

[dentsdream0112]

Good luck with everything and keep at it... You will get it..wether this year or sometime in the future. Just keep at it. I am in dental school now and the perserverance is worth it!!!

Thanks for the reply!

Im just finishing up my 4th year now. 1.46 1st yr 3.6 both 2nd and 3rd yr ~3.7 4th yr.

By replaced I just meant that some of my bios and chems in first year were D's if I retake these same courses and get A's (which I know I can), will they look at both the D and A or just look and use the A in the sgpa calculation? I have not retaken any of these courses below a c- yet, I was planning on this summer. Can I still apply?

Since then, I have taken many higher level bios and done well though.

So I can apply to ANY american school as long as I have the american dat correct? (and ofcourse some accept canadian)

I just feel so doomed considering only cgpa is looked at and mine is so low because of that stupid 1st year!!

 

[Philippines03j]

I don't think that you are doomed. You still can get in. YOu will have to retake those for sure... On ADSAAS application you will put in any planned courses. They will see that you are retaking the chems and bios. More than likely the will waite for the grades before they offer an interview but you could still apply (Maybe someone else who has had similar experience to you can give there opinion on this).

They will average both scores together (the A and the D)...

You have a really good upward trend going for you. This will definitely be a plus on your application. Personal statement may be a good place to tell your story and what you changed in your life. 👍