Low uGPA, decent CBSE – which 6-year OMFS programs to avoid?

[kiojj]

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Hi everyone,

I’m applying to OMFS this cycle and looking for some advice. I’m strongly interested in 6-year programs for personal reasons, but I’ve heard that some put weight on undergrad GPA, so I wanted to see if anyone has insight.

Here are my stats:

• Undergrad GPA: 3.3 (graduated 10+ years ago; worked several years before dental school)
• Dental school: Mid-upper tier (non-Ivy), GPA 3.65, lower half of class
• CBSE: 78 EPC
• Research: Significant experience
• LORs: 5 total, all from oral surgeons (ranging from very well-known to mentors who know me well)

I’ve seen applicants with similar uGPAs match into 6-year programs, so I’m hoping it won’t be a deal-breaker. That said, I currently have around 40 programs on my list and am trying to narrow it down to save time and money.

Does anyone know which 6-year programs have hard cutoffs for undergrad GPA or tend to weigh it more heavily? Any tips on where my app might be more competitive - or less welcome - would be super appreciated.

Thanks in advance and good luck to everyone this cycle!

 

[omfsing]

Apply broadly (aka everywhere)

You’ll be surprised.

I was in a similar position and I received interviews from programs I wasn’t expecting and was denied interviews from which I thought weren’t competitive.

 

[dratc]

Only avoid programs you absolutely don’t want to go to for whatever reason. Otherwise cast as broad a net as possible.

Quite a few programs went unmatched this year. That may not make any difference, but I suppose there is a chance they will try and interview more/rank more this year. May help your chances.

 

[kiojj]

Apply broadly (aka everywhere)

You’ll be surprised.

I was in a similar position and I received interviews from programs I wasn’t expecting and was denied interviews from which I thought weren’t competitive.

DM'd you. Thank you for sharing.

 

[odontogenesis]

Hi everyone,

I’m applying to OMFS this cycle and looking for some advice. I’m strongly interested in 6-year programs for personal reasons, but I’ve heard that some put weight on undergrad GPA, so I wanted to see if anyone has insight.

Here are my stats:

• Undergrad GPA: 3.3 (graduated 10+ years ago; worked several years before dental school)
• Dental school: Mid-upper tier (non-Ivy), GPA 3.65, lower half of class
• CBSE: 78 EPC
• Research: Significant experience
• LORs: 5 total, all from oral surgeons (ranging from very well-known to mentors who know me well)

I’ve seen applicants with similar uGPAs match into 6-year programs, so I’m hoping it won’t be a deal-breaker. That said, I currently have around 40 programs on my list and am trying to narrow it down to save time and money.

Does anyone know which 6-year programs have hard cutoffs for undergrad GPA or tend to weigh it more heavily? Any tips on where my app might be more competitive - or less welcome - would be super appreciated.

Thanks in advance and good luck to everyone this cycle!

Some programs (i.e., Maryland) advertise minimum 3.5 uGPA for their 6 year. I’m unsure how much this is enforced, but it’s worth noting.

 

[The Senn Retractor]

I wouldn't worry about undergrad gpa. Just apply.

The cost of the application is tiny compared to the cost of not matching.