international undergrad with a problem for dental school.

[brownguy25]

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i am currently an international undergrad student studying in the US. my GPA isnt the best at the moment, its around 2.8 but working for the better, however in 2 of the pre reqs i have received a c-. Now, my school is not letting me take the classes again because according to my school, i have passed however it is not upto par with dental schools. Yes, i can take it after i finish with my undergrad at any other institute but my visa status will end by then. i am currently in the process of emailing dental school admissions officers to ask them for any alternatives but thought i would also take the input of this community into consideration.

I have thought about going to the Caribbean as well. After reading a lot of threads people say its a bad idea for US citizens to go out to learn dentistry and come back to the US to practice, but is it for a international student such as myself?

What other alternatives are there? i am simply asking because gut feeling tells me that i will have to take the classes again but do not know how exactly i will do it because i highly doubt the US will give me an extension on my visa for 2 classes and then wait for an entire year to hear from dental schools on the next rotation

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[bc1002]

You can apply for a master program and extend your visa. From what I understand, a master degree will make up your low GPA and you may retake some prerequisites as well. I understand master program costs much but it might be the best way for you to get into US dental school eventually. Hope it helps and good luck!

 

[dzle]

I think as an international student, you will need a higher GPA and DAT to compete with US students for admissions into Dental schools. So my suggestion is to apply for a Master program to strengthen your application with higher GPA, volunteer, shadowing experience, etc.