Looking for a bit of help and guidance

[crimsontide04]

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Hello all,

I have just recently graduated and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a GPA of 2.74 (3.68 in major). I was originally a economics major but due to the death of my father I was incapable of performing at an acceptable level because of the responsibilities put upon me to comfort my family. The smart thing to do would have been to withdraw from my classes but I did not and therefore my grades suffered for a few semesters (stupid I know) so I changed my major to psychology to catch up and I averaged a 3.68 over the last four semesters. I had only taken four sciences courses (six including math) and obtained a science GPA of a 2.2 but am now enrolled in my first semester of a post-bac/second bachelors (biology) and currently taking general chemistry, genetics, histology, ecology, and calculus 2. I am working for a general dentist as well as shadowing under a faculty member at my states dental school. I have also been given the opportunity to go on a dental/medical mission trip to Cameroon which I believe that I will take. I probably have around 500 volunteering hours (habitat for humanity, boys/girls club, community outreach) that were done during my years in a fraternity. My question is do you think that I will have any chance at drawing attention from adcoms if I bust my butt for a year or two in class and obtain a decent DAT score (20+). BTW I am 3/4 native american if that makes any difference. Thank you in advance, I really appreciate it.

 

[crimsontide04]

bump...

 

[sfrice80]

It's really hard to tell anything at this point. Of course, if you really nail it for 2 years and taking a lot of credits and do well on your DAT that you will have a shot. It sounds like you are doing everything you can at this point to reverse your past grades. All I can say is really work hard and focus especially on your GPA. Without that you can't even get your foot in the door, regardless of the circumstances. Once you boost that GPA, then start concentrating on smoking the DAT. Good Luck!

 

[crmdental]

I was told at a seminar given by a dental admissions advisor if they can see significant improvements in the courses required for dental school, that is they can draw a distinct line between your "bad semesters" and the rest of your academic career, you will be fine, especially if you have special circumstances that prevented you from reaching your potential those years.

My suggestion: Get straight A's in you course load of 20 units from here on out! If it makes you feel better all the classes you are taking you need to know the information for the DAT or the first year of dental school. And get above 21's on the DAT. If this is a career you really want to go into, research it. Read the forums on here. Have your personal statement done 4-6 months before you apply. Volunteer. Work in the dental field. Join a club. Be a leader in you community. Build relationships with your science professors because you will need to get a letter of recommendation from them.

Go on the mission trip, it sounds like a blast!

 

[crimsontide04]

Thank you for all of your help. Correction: cGPA is 2.801 not 2.74. I have begun volunteering at a free dental clinic that is open on Saturdays. So along with being paid to work under a general dentist as well as shadowing under the dental school faculty member, I'll have my hands full. Currently genetics is giving a bit of a rough time, the instructors notes don't actually match up with the textbook and I missed 4/30 on my first test , but I've hired a tutor and should be able to get it under control. Once again thank you for everything, you've really helped in keeping me motivated.

 

[gorrillaunit18]

Hello all,

I have just recently graduated and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a GPA of 2.74 (3.68 in major). I was originally a economics major but due to the death of my father I was incapable of performing at an acceptable level because of the responsibilities put upon me to comfort my family. The smart thing to do would have been to withdraw from my classes but I did not and therefore my grades suffered for a few semesters (stupid I know) so I changed my major to psychology to catch up and I averaged a 3.68 over the last four semesters. I had only taken four sciences courses (six including math) and obtained a science GPA of a 2.2 but am now enrolled in my first semester of a post-bac/second bachelors (biology) and currently taking general chemistry, genetics, histology, ecology, and calculus 2. I am working for a general dentist as well as shadowing under a faculty member at my states dental school. I have also been given the opportunity to go on a dental/medical mission trip to Cameroon which I believe that I will take. I probably have around 500 volunteering hours (habitat for humanity, boys/girls club, community outreach) that were done during my years in a fraternity. My question is do you think that I will have any chance at drawing attention from adcoms if I bust my butt for a year or two in class and obtain a decent DAT score (20+). BTW I am 3/4 native american if that makes any difference. Thank you in advance, I really appreciate it.

What do you think?

 

[amalgamgrillz]

What do you think?

Hahahaha agreed. You should have led with the 3/4 native information.

 

[nze82]

Hello all,

I have just recently graduated and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a GPA of 2.74 (3.68 in major). I was originally a economics major but due to the death of my father I was incapable of performing at an acceptable level because of the responsibilities put upon me to comfort my family. The smart thing to do would have been to withdraw from my classes but I did not and therefore my grades suffered for a few semesters (stupid I know) so I changed my major to psychology to catch up and I averaged a 3.68 over the last four semesters. I had only taken four sciences courses (six including math) and obtained a science GPA of a 2.2 but am now enrolled in my first semester of a post-bac/second bachelors (biology) and currently taking general chemistry, genetics, histology, ecology, and calculus 2. I am working for a general dentist as well as shadowing under a faculty member at my states dental school. I have also been given the opportunity to go on a dental/medical mission trip to Cameroon which I believe that I will take. I probably have around 500 volunteering hours (habitat for humanity, boys/girls club, community outreach) that were done during my years in a fraternity. My question is do you think that I will have any chance at drawing attention from adcoms if I bust my butt for a year or two in class and obtain a decent DAT score (20+). BTW I am 3/4 native american if that makes any difference. Thank you in advance, I really appreciate it.

First of all, sorry for your loss!
Second of all, instead of wasting time & energy trying to anticipate what's gonna happen in the future, invest that energy in doing well in your classes and scoring high on the DAT.
No one can tell you for sure what the future will bring. So, take advantage of the time you have now and do well at school.
Good luck👍

 

[mmu4487]

Seems like you have everything down! I'm sure an upward trend in your GPA will help you get interviews when the time comes. Just focus on your grades for the time being and make sure to schedule time to study and take the DAT. Make as many A's as possible and wreck your DAT!

*Also, make sure to bond with a few of your science teachers for LOR in the future! Your ECs seem really good!

Good luck!

 

[Pari777]

Sorry for your loss 🙁
You are Native American...that makes a HUGE difference! Use it to your advantage my friend. And of course, kick that DAT in the nuts.

 

[doc toothache]

You appear to be trying to jump the gun a little too soon. Why not concentrate on doing well in your science courses/DAT and skip the trip to Cameroon?