Mixed background, what schools are in my range?

[vindicate]

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Hi,

I'm really insecure about my application because I have a few weak spots in my applications. My undergraduate GPA was way below average (3.12 overall, 2.97 BCPM, and less than that if you don't consider math a science). I tried to compensate by really studying hard for the DAT and ended up with PAT 30, TS 24, and AA 22. Took this past year to do Drexel's interdepartmental medical science (a post-bac program that lets you take same courses and exams as their year 1 med w/out gross - their med year 1 set the curve for the exams and courses) to work on my gpa. Finished that program (equivalent of year one medical school) with a 3.82 GPA.

I've done quite a bit of extracurricular, but more on the path of medical. 4 years of research w/out publications, 3 years of clinical, 3 years of volunteer, 3 month of dentist shadowing.

Do I have a chance in California schools? In any dental school?

 

[wizi]

Hi,

I'm really insecure about my application because I have a few weak spots in my applications. My undergraduate GPA was way below average (3.12 overall, 2.97 BCPM, and less than that if you don't consider math a science). I tried to compensate by really studying hard for the DAT and ended up with PAT 30, TS 24, and AA 22. Took this past year to do Drexel's interdepartmental medical science (a post-bac program that lets you take same courses and exams as their year 1 med w/out gross - their med year 1 set the curve for the exams and courses) to work on my gpa. Finished that program (equivalent of year one medical school) with a 3.82 GPA.

I've done quite a bit of extracurricular, but more on the path of medical. 4 years of research w/out publications, 3 years of clinical, 3 years of volunteer, 3 month of dentist shadowing.

Do I have a chance in California schools? In any dental school?

damn, 30 PAT. kudo ++++

I think you will get some interviews with this. I dont think anyone can answer your question about having a chance at some schools. Just apply and pray. You have done what you could.

 

[vindicate]

damn, 30 PAT. kudo ++++

I think you will get some interviews with this. I dont think anyone can answer your question about having a chance at some schools. Just apply and pray. You have done what you could.

Thanks. All it takes is practice really. I feel bad b/c I bombed my best section (quantitative reasoning). I wasn't familiar with big number estimation. All the practice was with small numbers. I had 12 questions left with 5 minutes to go. I was getting 27-30s on my practice exams too. Ended up with 19 on the actual exam... 🙁

 

[spearmint]

Consider yourself vindicated. Great DAT score. Great post-bacc GPA. You will have a very good chance at getting a few interviews.

 

[thewobblytooth]

your scores + post-bac gpa is all you need. From what I hear, post-bac scores literally "make up" for your poor scores in undergrad. I've spoken with a few students that did the ucsf post-bac program, similar situation as yours, and have gotten into schools of their choice. I think you're good!😀

 

[DJ Empty]

Good post-bac GPA, good DAT score = You have a parabola GPA trend = That's all adcoms care for. You demonstrated to them that you can handle the course works that they might thrown at ya in DS. You did a good job and have a very good chance. All you have to do now is pray and wait for them to send out their interview invitations 🙂 Good luck!

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi,

I'm really insecure about my application because I have a few weak spots in my applications. My undergraduate GPA was way below average (3.12 overall, 2.97 BCPM, and less than that if you don't consider math a science). I tried to compensate by really studying hard for the DAT and ended up with PAT 30, TS 24, and AA 22. Took this past year to do Drexel's interdepartmental medical science (a post-bac program that lets you take same courses and exams as their year 1 med w/out gross - their med year 1 set the curve for the exams and courses) to work on my gpa. Finished that program (equivalent of year one medical school) with a 3.82 GPA.

I've done quite a bit of extracurricular, but more on the path of medical. 4 years of research w/out publications, 3 years of clinical, 3 years of volunteer, 3 month of dentist shadowing.

Do I have a chance in California schools? In any dental school?

I know UoP loves PAT, and they do have a high DAT average (both areas you excelled at).... I think UoP is your next home

I can't say anything about the other Calif schools. However, I strongly believe you should also apply to columbia, they have a reputation of looking past lower GPAs if the DAT is high.

Overall, I think you have a good application, big DAT, big upward trend, pretty nice setup

 

[annie12]

As long as your grades are going up you're set. way to go on that DAT score! i had a friend get in with a 3.1 GPA, she had horrible grades freshman and sophomore year, but junior year she got a 3.6ish first semester and 4.0 second and she didn't even do as well as you on the DAT! make sure you have a good explanation for your grades if you get asked in interviews.

 

[vindicate]

Thanks. That made my day. I'll def apply to UoP and Columbia. Forgot to mention, I'm a California resident. Not sure if that helps/hurts my chances.

 

[allDAT]

You made some real meaningful changes to your application, and they won't go unnoticed by the admissions committees.

Goodluck.