low GPA high DAT so worried

[ohgongjoo]

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I need lots of advise
Ok... I did not study much when I was in college.
GPA 3.1 science 2.99 with decreasing trend..


PAT 22
QR 19
RC 17 (i got 20 in 2009. it's much harder now)
BIO 23
GC 29
OC 25
TS 25
AA 23

I am so worried about my low RC and low GPA...ah....Also I'm international student (even worse!!!)
Do I have a hope...? This is going to be my last chance to apply for dental schools...

 

[jonishere5]

your best bet is to enroll into an SMP program or a post back program to try to increase your GPA by now your DAT scores are way more than solid.although your DAT scores are high you may want to look into it schools have cut off rates for certain GPAs. In some schools your application won't even be looked at because you did not meet the minimum threshold GPA and the computer automatically kicks off your application. I would suggest compiling a list of schools in which you do meet the minimum GPA threshold and apply to those schools hopefully they will see your stellar DAT scores and grant you an interview, then it's all up to you after that. Being an international student you're at somewhat of a disadvantage especially if you apply to state schools you should definitely focus on applying to private schools that accept a lot of international students. Good luck!

 

[flyingforever]

Do a post-bac save your money for this cycle.

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

I don't think a post-bac is an option for the OP. For most schools, if not all, they view a post-bac as a viable option for someone who is not a science major and does not have the science requirements. In fact, many schools will explicitly say that if you have more than a certain number of credits (typically around 8-12) in core sciences, then you shouldn't do a post-bac. Otherwise, you're basically repeating courses which is the kiss of death. His best option is to enter a masters program.

 

[Golfguy]

I don't think a post-bac is an option for the OP. For most schools, if not all, they view a post-bac as a viable option for someone who is not a science major and does not have the science requirements. In fact, many schools will explicitly say that if you have more than a certain number of credits (typically around 8-12) in core sciences, then you shouldn't do a post-bac. Otherwise, you're basically repeating courses which is the kiss of death. His best option is to enter a masters program.

This is probably good advice for most. I did a post-bac with already completing a bio degree. But I hadn't had gen chemistry 1 and 2 for 10 years or so, and was told by my state school that generally, pre-reqs are looked at as "old" after 5 years. So I had the option of taking basic pre-reqs again, or doing more upper level coursework in that discipline. I did a mixture of both. Took some of the pre-reqs again, re-took biochem (a pre-req at many schools), re-took micro, re-took other upper level courses, and added a few new upper levels. So most were actually re-takes at some point in my academic career (almost all were over 7 years old).

So, if you are older like me and haven't been in school for a while, maybe think about something that I did (with input from dental schools). If you've taken your pre-reqs and science courses within 5 years I would consider a Masters program for sure.

 

[nondescriptive]

I don't think a post-bac is an option for the OP. For most schools, if not all, they view a post-bac as a viable option for someone who is not a science major and does not have the science requirements. In fact, many schools will explicitly say that if you have more than a certain number of credits (typically around 8-12) in core sciences, then you shouldn't do a post-bac. Otherwise, you're basically repeating courses which is the kiss of death. His best option is to enter a masters program.

What does 8-12 mean? 8-12 classes? What is too much science class?

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

What does 8-12 mean? 8-12 classes? What is too much science class?

8-12 credits. As Golfguy said, this applies more to recent grads. Schools just don't want students to basically repeat all of their science classes shortly after graduation via a post-bac. They would rather see a masters. If it's been years since you graduated, then you would need to repeat all courses to show that you still have science academic ability.

 

[ohgongjoo]

.

 

[ohgongjoo]

your best bet is to enroll into an SMP program or a post back program to try to increase your GPA by now your DAT scores are way more than solid.although your DAT scores are high you may want to look into it schools have cut off rates for certain GPAs. In some schools your application won't even be looked at because you did not meet the minimum threshold GPA and the computer automatically kicks off your application. I would suggest compiling a list of schools in which you do meet the minimum GPA threshold and apply to those schools hopefully they will see your stellar DAT scores and grant you an interview, then it's all up to you after that. Being an international student you're at somewhat of a disadvantage especially if you apply to state schools you should definitely focus on applying to private schools that accept a lot of international students. Good luck!

Thanks.. I thought about SMP but don't I have to re-take DAT by the time apply for dental schools again since DAT score is only valid for 2 yrs?

 

[Golfguy]

Thanks.. I thought about SMP but don't I have to re-take DAT by the time apply for dental schools again since DAT score is only valid for 2 yrs?

It's 3 years before expiration. Just apply after you have a year of coursework (masters level). You don't have to complete the program fully before you apply.

With that said, I would still apply with that awesome DAT. It's worth a shot.

 

[Mike885]

Have you already applied to some dental schools? Did you get any acceptances?