low GPA/ok DAT..what should I do

[cknnguyen]

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Anyone can tell me that you have low GPA and ok DAT got accepted into dental school. I feel so frustrated everytime i saw people from SDN post up with with very high DAT and GPA and feel like i never have have any chance to get into dental school.
My 3rd taking DAT
AA: 18
TS:19
PAT: 20
OGPA: 3.12 , sGPA: 3.2
Im a dental hygienist for the past 5 years and have 2000 hours volunteer ... DO I have any chance ? should I even apply to this cycle early? anyone have similar situation and got accepted? Im doing post bacc to raise my GPA but eventhough i get all A it not really gain much. 4th taking DAT will look bad?

feel frustrated any advice would help. thanks

 

[Godspeedyou]

I don't know **** so take my comment with a grain of salt. Maybe try an SMP to show D schools you have what it takes? Also the DAT sub-forum has some pretty good study advice and I'm sure they could help you pick-out your weak points. How much did you study for the DAT the times you took it? Were you taking other courses at the same time?

 

[#kalel]

If you can, retake the DAT. It's low.
Especially given your low GPA, you want your DAT at least 22+ AA to be safe.

 

[cknnguyen]

I don't know **** so take my comment with a grain of salt. Maybe try an SMP to show D schools you have what it takes? Also the DAT sub-forum has some pretty good study advice and I'm sure they could help you pick-out your weak points. How much did you study for the DAT the times you took it? Were you taking other courses at the same time?

It took me about 3 months to study. I study DAT on my own, also learning new material on my own. I took most of bio after I took DAT..I doing backward. I just got accepted to MBA program. .but I do not know should I retake DAT and continue taking post back instead?

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

I would call the schools you are interested in and tell them about your situation. I'm sure they would be more than happy to give you advice. Don't give up!

 

[LFA20]

My advice is to apply to as many schools as you can afford EARLY and hope for the best. I think your hygienist background and volunteer hours will help. Taking the DAT for a 4th time doesn't look good..

good luck.

 

[cknnguyen]

[QUOTE for your response="AVB2104, post: 15221306, member: 547984"]My advice is to apply to as many schools as you can afford EARLY and hope for the best. I think your hygienist background and volunteer hours will help. Taking the DAT for a 4th time doesn't look good..

good luck.[/QUOTE]
Thanks

 

[cknnguyen]

[QUOTE for ur advice ="DentalLonghorn2014, post: 15221267, member: 585676"]I would call the schools you are interested in and tell them about your situation. I'm sure they would be more than happy to give you advice. Don't give up![/QUOTE]
Thanks

 

[Claydees]

I thought some schools look at your best 2 or 3 academic years provided your lowest year was not your 4th year? Are schools always looking at all 4 undergrad years?

 

[distressstudent]

I thought some schools look at your best 2 or 3 academic years provided your lowest year was not your 4th year? Are schools always looking at all 4 undergrad years?

I have never heard of that. They say your most recent years are the most important, but they always always look at your entire college history

 

[Claydees]

I have never heard of that. They say your most recent years are the most important, but they always always look at your entire college history

Interesting to know this as a Canadian who is going to be writing the American DAT.

Western U and U of T dental look only at best 2 years and best 3 years respectively when calculating GPA here in Canada provided the worst year is not your last year of undergrad. Problem is the Canadian DAT writing dates are terrible by contrast and there are so few schools here, so the American DAT makes more sense to write as an undergrad.