Low GPA but 25 dat

[pizzaeater039]

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Do you think I have a shot this cycle that is going to start in June?

I have a low GPA. It's a 3.2 for both overall and science. I did poorly my first few semesters because I was having a bit too much fun. I did manage to get mostly A's during the latter half of college. I somehow got a B in orgo 1, A+ in orgo 2, A's in both physics, and A's in upper bio classes like biochem and microbio. The intro gen chem and bio classes really messed me up. I can't do much about it so I took my DAT to make up for it. I did ok. I got 21 AA and 22 TS and 19 PAT. I wasn't too happy since I scored a 19 on reading as well. So, I retook it and somehow got a 25AA and 25TS with all of my science scores 24+. I brought up my reading score and PAT score above a 21 as well.

With my strong DAT, do you think I have a shot? Or, do you think I should do a masters or something?

I think my ECs are ok. I worked alot during school. I often worked 30 hours doing school full time so I didn't have time to really do much else. I did, however, squeeze in about 200 hours of shadowing with a handful of dentists (specialists and general) over the last 2 years though by going on as many weekends as possible.

Other than that, my volunteering is week. I don't have any long term volunteering record. I did here and there for maybe a total of 50 hours. I really just don't have the time (my weekends are booked due to work the next 2 months already).

Letters are probably ok as well. I have some good relationships with half of my writers but the others will probably be the generic but positive letters.

 

[Bigjt1420]

Yes, you have a chance -- apply early and cast a wide net. Try getting your extracurriculars up a little before if you can, too.

I know this because I have similar stats and got accepted into 2 dental schools this round (first time applying). Good luck!

 

[dentalschool123]

I have the same GPA and 22 DAT and I got in I think you’re good

 

[887194]

Very good chance at acceptance, just apply broadly.

 

[Its_Me_G]

I had a little higher GPA (3.39) and a 22 DAT and I got into 6 schools and declined some interviews as well. Buy the ADEA official guide to dental schools and figure out which schools you have the best shot at (lower GPA, higher DAT, private, OOS friendly) and make sure to apply early and broadly, regardless of stats

 

[Dogtreats]

I had a little higher GPA and a 20 DAT. I got in on my second cycle! I think you’ll be fine, that’s a great score. Just apply to a lot of schools

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

Don't stress about the volunteering, it's not super important. Just squeeze in some more volunteering hours and you'll be golden, as long as you apply broadly.

 

[dentalschool123]

Don't stress about the volunteering, it's not super important. Just squeeze in some more volunteering hours and you'll be golden, as long as you apply broadly.

Really?? I disagree, I think my ECs are definitely what got me in

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

Really?? I disagree, I think my ECs are definitely what got me in

Should have said that it likely won't hurt you if your ECs aren't very impressive (and just average), but it could definitely help if they are. Of course, different schools weigh ECs differently. For the applicant that just wants to get in somewhere (not OP, just in general), having average ECs is fine.

 

[BabyBombers24]

Don't worry too much on your GPA unless you have some science/math courses that may be too low for certain program's pre-requisite. For comfort, my GPA is similar to yours and DAT score not nearly close. I have received 5 interviews and a couple acceptances so don't lose hope. Once you get an interview grades are black and white and they want to know more about your humanitarian side, this is where perhaps volunteering consistently for a mission your passionate about comes in hand. But my advice for now is to request LORs now so you don't have to track professors come finals season and work on your personal statement. Good luck!

 

[kimball]

You absolutely have a chance, apply broadly and to many privates. If you have the time/money consider taking informal post-bacc credits during this summer and fall so that by the time December rolls around you'll have beefed up your GPA.

 

[based_DMD]

Had a slightly higher gpa 3.3/3.4 with a 24 dat and got into my state school. Be confident, you got it!

 

[lttymm771109]

You can make it! I have 3 interviews and 1 acceptance so far with similar GPA and 21 DAT. Just make sure you have a strong PS and good LOR. Good luck!


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