increasing GPA

[canadianpredent]

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Hi Everyone,

I stayed for a full fifth year and increased my cumulative gpa from 2.9=> 3.1. Do you guys know if the school's take into account an increasing trend in your transcript. The problem I am having is that I am finding it difficult to increase my gpa due to my poor marks in first/second year.

As far as the DATs, I took the Canadian DAT and got AA 19.

I am planning on applying all over the states for the 2009 cycle, and I am willing to go anywhere I get accepted. I have tons of research experience along with shadowing experience.

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks!

 

[USU24]

Yes, they do like to see an upward trend. I think in your scinero they'd like to see that upward trend continued into a masters program. Also they'd probably like an upward trend in your DAT score.

 

[Regmata]

They will take it into a consideration a bit. I would retake the DAT though, a 3.1 and a 19 likely won't cut it...especially for a non-US citizen.

 

[phantasmagoriun]

Yes they do take an upward trend into account, because who the hell knows what they're actually doing their first year of college??

 

[jdoc04]

Yes, they do like to see an upward trend. I think in your scinero they'd like to see that upward trend continued into a masters program. Also they'd probably like an upward trend in your DAT score.

I agree. An upward is looked on positively by adcoms but you may need a more sustained trend with a majority of As.

 

[canadianpredent]

Thanks for the replys. So, should i do a masters to increase my chances?? Or just apply early in the 2009 cycle and keep my fingers crossed???

 

[USU24]

I really think your chances are slim with those stats. If you had like a 3.3 I'd say risk it, but, if I were you I'd just do a masters (and retake the DAT, you can't be too careful).

 

[SMCohen]

Thanks for the replys. So, should i do a masters to increase my chances?? Or just apply early in the 2009 cycle and keep my fingers crossed???

What do the rest of your DAT scores look like? If all your scores are 19 or below, I'd say you should re-take the DAT. It's too late to write the Canadian DAT again, but the American DAT is available at Prometric centres around Canada.

And what are your plans for next year, while applying? Without a strong GPA, it is probably best not to risk academic inactivity. Think about a Masters - you're probably nearing, or past, the deadline for many programs so this might require some fast action.

 

[jdoc04]

I'd say you should re-take the DAT.

If you go the fingers crossed route and apply anyway you really should consider this advice.

it is probably best not to risk academic inactivity.

With a low gpa you should not waste time with inactivity just like SMCohne stated. You can't raise your gpa much with the number of hours but staying in school will raise it some and show your dedicated to doing what ever is necessary to become a dentist.

Question: Have you graduated yet?

If not you may consider postponing your graduation in order to allow you more time to add to your undergrad gpa before embarking upon the master's program. Some schools do not weight a master's as heavily as the undergrad gpa. This would allow you to increase that undergrad gpa a bit more before starting a separate AADSAS gpa which would be your master's.

Good Luck, if you want this to happen it will take some work but you can make it a reality!

 

[canadianpredent]

Thanks for your advice guys.

I will definately re-do the DAT b/c I got 17 in RC. I'll prolly do it in the US so I get the scores back faster.

Do you guys know if I stand a shot at NYU with my current gpa (cummularive 3.1, science 3.0) ? At this point, with all my courses, another term would only increase my gpa to 3.2 the most. Is it worth it? Or do I stand a shot if I kill the DATs?


I know I will have to re-do the DAT..

 

[canadianpredent]

I graduate in April... but am now considering taking more spring courses

 

[blankguy]

I graduate in April... but am now considering taking more spring courses

Do that. You need a whole bunch of As to boost your GPA.