- Joined
- Jun 23, 2015
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 14
Hi all!
I just finished taking my DAT yesterday, and while I was incredibly happy with my performance, I was brought back down to reality when I realized my GPA could still limit my chances of getting any acceptances.
I'd just like to approach applications this cycle with realistic expectations.
A little background:
- Non-traditional student (currently 27 years old): started community college around 21, transferred into university 2 years later and earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences May 2015.
- First year after transferring in was incredibly rough, and my grades suffered.
- GPA record shows an upward trend (raised it from a 2.9 with 2 withdrawals after the first year to a 3.4 at the time of graduation).
GPA information:
Community GPA: 3.81
University cGPA: 3.4
University sGPA: 3.44
Do dental schools look at grades from all institutions? A combination/average of the two?
DAT information:
Perceptual ability: 21
Quantitative reasoning: 23
Reading comprehension: 24
Biology: 20
General chemistry: 26
Organic chemistry: 23
TS: 22
AA: 23
Experience:
Volunteer at dental office: ~50 hours
Dental assistant (non-certified for 2.5 years before and during my time at community college): ~3000 hours
Other miscellaneous work: restaurant waitress, customer service for an e-commerce company, assistant at a podiatry clinic
Considering how behind I feel, I'd be happy to get into any school that is willing to extend admission. I'm hoping to maximize my chances by applying to as many schools as I can (roughly 25).
I don't have many pre-dental friends (mostly pre-med) and most say my GPA is concerning. It's been very worrisome hearing their input.
As far as personal statements go, I have one drafted, but writing has never been my forte, so I'm not sure how much that will help.
If any of you guys have similar experiences, or have a deeper understanding of the application process, I'd really appreciate any advice.
Thank you!
I just finished taking my DAT yesterday, and while I was incredibly happy with my performance, I was brought back down to reality when I realized my GPA could still limit my chances of getting any acceptances.
I'd just like to approach applications this cycle with realistic expectations.
A little background:
- Non-traditional student (currently 27 years old): started community college around 21, transferred into university 2 years later and earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences May 2015.
- First year after transferring in was incredibly rough, and my grades suffered.
- GPA record shows an upward trend (raised it from a 2.9 with 2 withdrawals after the first year to a 3.4 at the time of graduation).
GPA information:
Community GPA: 3.81
University cGPA: 3.4
University sGPA: 3.44
Do dental schools look at grades from all institutions? A combination/average of the two?
DAT information:
Perceptual ability: 21
Quantitative reasoning: 23
Reading comprehension: 24
Biology: 20
General chemistry: 26
Organic chemistry: 23
TS: 22
AA: 23
Experience:
Volunteer at dental office: ~50 hours
Dental assistant (non-certified for 2.5 years before and during my time at community college): ~3000 hours
Other miscellaneous work: restaurant waitress, customer service for an e-commerce company, assistant at a podiatry clinic
Considering how behind I feel, I'd be happy to get into any school that is willing to extend admission. I'm hoping to maximize my chances by applying to as many schools as I can (roughly 25).
I don't have many pre-dental friends (mostly pre-med) and most say my GPA is concerning. It's been very worrisome hearing their input.
As far as personal statements go, I have one drafted, but writing has never been my forte, so I'm not sure how much that will help.
If any of you guys have similar experiences, or have a deeper understanding of the application process, I'd really appreciate any advice.
Thank you!
