Is it worth applying to Dental School this cycle?

[mangoes181]

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My undergrad (class of 2023) stats:
Undergrad GPA: 3.44
sGPA: 3.08
DAT: 18 (Oct 2023)

COVID-19 and familial deaths had affected my mental well-being and ability to succeed. I know this is no excuse, though; I know there are a lot of other people struggling daily and far worse than I am, so I'm conflicted if I should even bring it up on my application to explain my low grades. I don't even know where I can mention it.

What should have been the EASIEST writing class ever, I failed. Again, not to be an excuse, but mentally I was so checked out-- I was depressed. I retook it in my senior year and got a B+.
I have Cs in organic chemistry and Biochemistry.


I took a gap year working at a pediatric dental office. Money was tight, so I worked full-time and helped with my family. This was great because A. it was a job, and B. I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of Dentistry. I have worked there since I was a senior in high school.
During this gap year, I did a lot of self-reflection and decided that this is exactly what I want to do.
To redeem my academic stats, I decided to take on a pre-dental-oriented master's program. I am currently finishing up the Rutgers Biomedical Sciences Master's program. I have completed two semesters and have one left (I will be done with the program in Fall 2025). Straight As so far, my GPA is a 4.0.

Planning to retake the DAT by the end of June. Feeling good about it.

What I am worried about:

• I barely have any volunteering hours besides mentoring in college; finding the time between classes and commuting over the weekends to take care of my family was tough.
• I don't have any general dentist shadowing hours. I've shadowed dental students doing general dentistry for about 10 hours, but had to stop because I needed to make money, and continued working as an assistant and receptionist at the pediatric office. Could that count towards shadowing?
• Am I taking the DAT too late to apply for this cycle? I plan on taking it at the end of June, so results will probably come in 2-3 weeks. My application won't be complete by mid- to late July.

Would it be worth it to apply this cycle considering these factors? I can push myself to get a majority of these hours this summer, but would that look bad? Or should I wait another year and gradually build up the community and shadowing hours?

I also recognize that some schools want the prerequisites to be no older than 5 years. It has been since 2019 since I took Biology I and stuff, so I am just worried that if I wait another year, my biology and chemistry grades will be invalid.

Any insight is so greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read <3
Best of luck to anyone else applying this cycle!

 

[__deadroseht]

i dont think its too late to take the DAT. I'm taking it next week, and you have until feb to apply

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You're killing that Rutgers SMP. What do their advisors say about applying?

 

[macsak]

please fill out the full WAMC template...

My undergrad (class of 2023) stats:
Undergrad GPA: 3.44
sGPA: 3.08
DAT: 18 (Oct 2023)

COVID-19 and familial deaths had affected my mental well-being and ability to succeed. I know this is no excuse, though; I know there are a lot of other people struggling daily and far worse than I am, so I'm conflicted if I should even bring it up on my application to explain my low grades. I don't even know where I can mention it.

What should have been the EASIEST writing class ever, I failed. Again, not to be an excuse, but mentally I was so checked out-- I was depressed. I retook it in my senior year and got a B+.
I have Cs in organic chemistry and Biochemistry.


I took a gap year working at a pediatric dental office. Money was tight, so I worked full-time and helped with my family. This was great because A. it was a job, and B. I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of Dentistry. I have worked there since I was a senior in high school.
During this gap year, I did a lot of self-reflection and decided that this is exactly what I want to do.
To redeem my academic stats, I decided to take on a pre-dental-oriented master's program. I am currently finishing up the Rutgers Biomedical Sciences Master's program. I have completed two semesters and have one left (I will be done with the program in Fall 2025). Straight As so far, my GPA is a 4.0.

Planning to retake the DAT by the end of June. Feeling good about it.

What I am worried about:

• I barely have any volunteering hours besides mentoring in college; finding the time between classes and commuting over the weekends to take care of my family was tough.
• I don't have any general dentist shadowing hours. I've shadowed dental students doing general dentistry for about 10 hours, but had to stop because I needed to make money, and continued working as an assistant and receptionist at the pediatric office. Could that count towards shadowing?
• Am I taking the DAT too late to apply for this cycle? I plan on taking it at the end of June, so results will probably come in 2-3 weeks. My application won't be complete by mid- to late July.

Would it be worth it to apply this cycle considering these factors? I can push myself to get a majority of these hours this summer, but would that look bad? Or should I wait another year and gradually build up the community and shadowing hours?

I also recognize that some schools want the prerequisites to be no older than 5 years. It has been since 2019 since I took Biology I and stuff, so I am just worried that if I wait another year, my biology and chemistry grades will be invalid.

Any insight is so greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read <3
Best of luck to anyone else applying this cycle!