My Re-Applicant Story and Dilemna

[atabaki92]

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I am a re-applicant that was waitlisted at two schools and still has not heard anything back from. So at this point, I’m assuming they’re rejections, especially since there’s only a few days left until the next cycle opens up.

My problem as of this posting is my science and BCP GPA.

My DAT scores that I took December 2011 are 23/23/23 in AA/Science/PAT so I’m set in that category.

However, these are my GPA calculations:

Undergraduate BCP: 2.66
Undergraduate Science: 2.83

I took a year of graduate courses as a post-bacc and got about a 3.31 in the year. That is just the graduate courses. My GPA, changed for the better:

Cumulative BCP: 2.82
Cumulative Science: 2.92
Overall GPA: 3.16

Now, to raise my undergraduate GPA to meet the bare minimums at a lot of the schools, I have calculated that I need about 8 courses with A’s to raise my GPA to a respectable number. These are the results:

Undergraduate BCP: 2.66 ----> 3.03
Undergraduate Science: 2.83 ----> 3.08

Cumulative BCP: 2.82 ----> 3.08
Cumulative Science: 2.92 ----> 3.11
Overall GPA: 3.16 ----> 3.27

The question is, do I do it? If the answer is a HELL YES, it will probably take summer, fall 2013, and possibly even Spring 2014 to get this done. I COULD theoretically apply June 2013 (in about 10 days from now), and use the Academic Update period between November and December to update my GPA.

Or I can do that, and ALSO apply June 2014 (the last cycle in which my DAT is still eligible), and work with that.

Last but not least, I called all 19 of the schools I applied to last time around, and asked them why I was rejected, and what their advice would be for me. Almost all of them said my BCP GPA and Science GPA was the problem, even though my DAT is awesome. They suggested I do a post-bacc or just take classes to raise my GPA over this upcoming year in addition to continue my volunteer work and consider going on a mission trip or doing volunteering work in underserved communities.

Also, almost all of the schools said it was okay to take courses at a community college, although perhaps 2-3 of them said outright that they preferred courses from a 4 year university. I’m not financially loaded and at 1200 a class at my local state university, that would be nearly 10,000 in additional private loans whereas my local community college would be something like 50 bucks per class. Huge difference.

So what is your guys’ assessment of this, 8 classes at a CC, get A’s in all of them, do more volunteering, and do more work outside of just GPA-work, and not only apply June 2013, but possibly also apply June 2014?

Thank you,

 

[gibbon05120]

DAT is awesome, you are right. But what is not awesome is that with those scores, the admissions committee now sees you as an intelligent applicant who is lazy and not willing to put in the necessary time and effort to handle the impending course load that accompanies a rigorous dental school curriculum. So, frankly, it is not the advice of those on this forum that you should be concerned with. Listen to what the adcoms suggested after you contacted them and take some post-bacc classes (or complete a Master's program) and GET ALL A's. This is imperative. Taking these classes and earning anything less than a 4.0 is not satisfactory in the eyes of the adcoms imo. I have been in your shoes before, having to take post-bacc classes at my local state university to raise my GPA and, in my case, also my DAT. This is what was suggested to me by adcoms after my rejections so I did what I had to do and I was rewarded with an acceptance to my top choice institution. Just listen closely to the advice you receive, act on it accordingly, kick a** in your personal statement and then interviews, and BAM! You're in! Good luck!

 

[LaughingGas]

2cents.

If you can raise above 3.0 by all means, do it. You will have more choice of schools to apply. What worries me is that, what classes can you take at CC at this point? Besides the financial burden, I doubt you have any classes left to take.

 

[atabaki92]

2cents.

If you can raise above 3.0 by all means, do it. You will have more choice of schools to apply. What worries me is that, what classes can you take at CC at this point? Besides the financial burden, I doubt you have any classes left to take.

I can retake a bunch of classes, ranging from biology to chemistry to physics. It's actually pretty extensive.

 

[atabaki92]

Your plan is solid and is developed around feedback you personally sought out from the programs you've applied to. I like this plan and believe a combination of re-taking BCP prerequisite courses AND mixing in new science courses and acing them will help. Ideally, you should be doing these at a Uni but since it's cost-prohibitive and the programs seem okay with you doing these at a junior college then it's established - what other choice do you realistically have? Your DAT score is the strongest part if your application and will help you overcome the low GPAs. Solid plan! Now go ace those courses!

Yes, a few of them accept CC courses and a few didn't (or prefer 4-year). I worked for a year in a dental lab and hopefully that shows my commitment to dentistry.

I plan on boosting that GPA to above 3.1 or 3.0 in terms of science and seeing where my DAT takes me.

Do you guys have a list of schools I can look at (besides that on on the sticky, especialyl regarding the new schools)?

 

[gibbon05120]

Buy this book. One of the best investments you will make as a predent. It is compiled by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and it lists all of the current dental schools, along with lots of info on each of them. And it only costs 35 dollars. Get it.

https://access.adea.org/adeassa/ecs...ns_ty=&p_order_serno=&p_promo_cd=&p_price_cd=

 

[atabaki92]

Buy this book. One of the best investments you will make as a predent. It is compiled by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and it lists all of the current dental schools, along with lots of info on each of them. And it only costs 35 dollars. Get it.

https://access.adea.org/adeassa/ecs...ns_ty=&p_order_serno=&p_promo_cd=&p_price_cd=

I believe one of the stickies has all the information about OOS vs. in-state.

 

[2PacClone23]

Welcome to my world:

Apply broad!

 

[atabaki92]

Which schools should I add/cut/apply to? Here's my list so far:

UoP
University of Michigan
Temple U
Boston University
Tufts
LECOM
Roseman
USC
Western
Nova
Howard
Maryland
ASDOH
Midwestern IL
Midwestern AZ

 

[JAWSSS]

Welcome to my world:

Apply broad!

He's back

 

[gibbon05120]

I believe one of the stickies has all the information about OOS vs. in-state.

Then why did you ask, if the information you want is in the sticky? The guide that I referred you to contains information that is not contained in the sticky about every dental school in the country. There is a good chance that it would answer every question you might have regarding schools. Oh, and you should be the one deciding which schools to "add/cut/apply to". That is not a question that other people need to be answering for you. That is based off of your personal situation/preferences.

 

[atabaki92]

Then why did you ask, if the information you want is in the sticky? The guide that I referred you to contains information that is not contained in the sticky about every dental school in the country. There is a good chance that it would answer every question you might have regarding schools. Oh, and you should be the one deciding which schools to "add/cut/apply to". That is not a question that other people need to be answering for you. That is based off of your personal situation/preferences.

My personal preference is based on what is realistic with my numbers. I'm not an encyclopedia nor am I willing to pay 35 bucks for information that is readily available on the internet.

I just wanted advice.

 

[KittySquared]

My personal preference is based on what is realistic with my numbers. I'm not an encyclopedia nor am I willing to pay 35 bucks for information that is readily available on the internet.

I just wanted advice.

You don't have to get all sarcastic with what Gibbon said. That ADEA book honestly contains info you won't find on the net.

What kind of advice do you want when no one knows what you're looking for specifically in a dental school?

 

[atabaki92]

You don't have to get all sarcastic with what Gibbon said. That ADEA book honestly contains info you won't find on the net.

What kind of advice do you want when no one knows what you're looking for specifically in a dental school?

I'm not exactly in a position to "choose" my dental school. I just want a realistic chance of getting in.

Obviously I want to get into Harvard but that's not realistic, so if you have any other schools I should add, then please let me know.

 

[Ferneezy]

Obviously I want to get into Harvard

why?

 

[KittySquared]

If $ isn't an issue, then take a shotgun approach and apply to 30 schools to maximize your chance. There's enough info floating around SDN for you to know which ones out of the 60 don't take OOS. Go with that approach.

 

[Hawkteeth]

I'm not exactly in a position to "choose" my dental school. I just want a realistic chance of getting in.

Obviously I want to get into Harvard but that's not realistic, so if you have any other schools I should add, then please let me know.

Well you could just apply to every school if you don't want to choose. I think what is hurting you is the low graduate GPA. I would suggest a one year masters, like a biomedical science master, and aim for a 4.0. Anything less than a 3.5 is low for graduate in my opinion. You have a chance though if you want to go ahead an apply. Look for schools with lower average GPAs and high OOS numbers, such as expensive private schools not named Harvard.

 

[periopocket]

The hawk has a point...doing a Masters will totally change your game up!

 

[atabaki92]

Well you could just apply to every school if you don't want to choose. I think what is hurting you is the low graduate GPA. I would suggest a one year masters, like a biomedical science master, and aim for a 4.0. Anything less than a 3.5 is low for graduate in my opinion. You have a chance though if you want to go ahead an apply. Look for schools with lower average GPAs and high OOS numbers, such as expensive private schools not named Harvard.

All the deadlines for Fall 2013 have passed though. The cycle opens up in like 6 days.

 

[Hawkteeth]

All the deadlines for Fall 2013 have passed though. The cycle opens up in like 6 days.

Some masters programs start in the spring, I know Barry in Miami does. I just don't think getting A's in community college looks all that impressive, especially after doing a sub par post bacc. Maybe take a year off from applying, thats what I did. Also, some schools have 2 year DAT cut offs.

 

[Sanedor]

The hawk has a point...doing a Masters will totally change your game up!

This was my immediate recommendation as well...

 

[atabaki92]

Some masters programs start in the spring, I know Barry in Miami does. I just don't think getting A's in community college looks all that impressive, especially after doing a sub par post bacc. Maybe take a year off from applying, thats what I did. Also, some schools have 2 year DAT cut offs.

I'm in California though. I figure it's my GPA that needs the most help.

 

[Hawkteeth]

I'm in California though. I figure it's my GPA that needs the most help.

I'm from Iowa... Go ahead and take CC courses then, but I don't think they will help your chances all that much, even if you get all A's.

 

[atabaki92]

I'm from Iowa... Go ahead and take CC courses then, but I don't think they will help your chances all that much, even if you get all A's.

Iowa has community colleges, don't they? I've already taken a post-bacc at a public university so this is more of a cost-measure.

 

[Hawkteeth]

Iowa has community colleges, don't they? I've already taken a post-bacc at a public university so this is more of a cost-measure.

Yes they do, but with a oGPA of 3.16 and sGPA of 2.97 and degrees in Biology and Accounting, community college was the last place I was going to go to increase my GPA. Seemed like a step backwards to me. After applying 3 times without acceptance, I took a year off and went to Barry and worked my ass off for a 4.0. I still barely got in this cycle but I am glad I decided to get a masters and not give up on my dream. Yes it isn't as cost effective as going to CC but everyone I personally know that was in my masters program got into dental/med school this year (some got in last cycle as well). I'm not saying it's a sure thing, but it is sure hell of a lot better looking than CC. My fear for you is that you will be in the same boat next year, and will end up in a masters anyways. Good luck, you'll get there if you really want it, I just think this is your best path.

 

[LaughingGas]

If the schools were ok with you taking CC classes ,which is strange, b/c 2 schools that I've been talking to didn't want me to take CC classes. They preferred me to either take upper div bio classes at 4 year uni or get 1 year masters, heavy lecture based.
I understand what you mean by the cost. It's not cheap doing postbacs. I've been doing postbac for 3 years. I really want to avoid doing masters, but if I don't get in, I'll doing masters next cycle.
What we tell you here are "suggestions". I personally think doing masters also will change your game.
If you took Algebra 2, and you want to prove you can handle courses, you would take precalc or calculus, not take Algebra 1. Taking master makes more sense than go through CC path, which is obviously easy path, which you wouldn't prove any point to adcoms. You already proved you know gen chem/ochem/bio by doing well on DAT.

 

[atabaki92]

If the schools were ok with you taking CC classes ,which is strange, b/c 2 schools that I've been talking to didn't want me to take CC classes. They preferred me to either take upper div bio classes at 4 year uni or get 1 year masters, heavy lecture based.
I understand what you mean by the cost. It's not cheap doing postbacs. I've been doing postbac for 3 years. I really want to avoid doing masters, but if I don't get in, I'll doing masters next cycle.
What we tell you here are "suggestions". I personally think doing masters also will change your game.
If you took Algebra 2, and you want to prove you can handle courses, you would take precalc or calculus, not take Algebra 1. Taking master makes more sense than go through CC path, which is obviously easy path, which you wouldn't prove any point to adcoms. You already proved you know gen chem/ochem/bio by doing well on DAT.

This whole process would be more reasonable if it weren't June.

There are no 1 year Master's programs for the upcoming year that wouldn't cost me greater then $20,000 in more debt.

A few of the dental schools I spoke to didn't like CC, but the rest didn't care as long as it was accredited.

Besides, if I were to be in the same situation next year, my DAT would be expired anyway.

 

[LaughingGas]

Seems like you already made up your mind. Gl this cycle.

 

[KittySquared]

You know, it's frustrating to some of us when we are trying to help and all you think about is saving $. Making up for poor grades from before means more years of schooling. That is expensive. You can't go the easy way out and go backwards and do CC when you've already been a 4 year university student. It does NOT look good for your app. And when people suggest you SMP programs, all you think about saving $. You can't really do that if you want to get into dental school. The whole predent journey is expensive. There's really not many ways to go about saving $. My SMP program cost me 30k while I worked 30 hours a week to pay some of it off. I knew I was taking out loans so I pressured myself to study with my every waking hour and graduated with high honors and got several acceptances. It's about investing in your future and in yourself. If you're too stingy to dish out some $, then you won't really feel the pressure to study like your LIFE depends on it. It's your call. You can keep talking about it and waste time or take out some loans and get into an SMP and 4.0 the darn program and have a guarantee next cycle.

Loans, expensive, blah blah. Life is expensive. Dental school is expensive. If 30-40K is too much to take right now, how the heck are you going to deal with ~300K of dental school?

 

[atabaki92]

You know, it's frustrating to some of us when we are trying to help and all you think about is saving $. Making up for poor grades from before means more years of schooling. That is expensive. You can't go the easy way out and go backwards and do CC when you've already been a 4 year university student. It does NOT look good for your app. And when people suggest you SMP programs, all you think about saving $. You can't really do that if you want to get into dental school. The whole predent journey is expensive. There's really not many ways to go about saving $. My SMP program cost me 30k while I worked 30 hours a week to pay some of it off. I knew I was taking out loans so I pressured myself to study with my every waking hour and graduated with high honors and got several acceptances. It's about investing in your future and in yourself. If you're too stingy to dish out some $, then you won't really feel the pressure to study like your LIFE depends on it. It's your call. You can keep talking about it and waste time or take out some loans and get into an SMP and 4.0 the darn program and have a guarantee next cycle.

Loans, expensive, blah blah. Life is expensive. Dental school is expensive. If 30-40K is too much to take right now, how the heck are you going to deal with ~300K of dental school?

If it guaranteed, then sure I would do it. But for me, an SMP is something that is drastically different than a normal master's. When my undergrad GPA is clearly the problem, I don't see why a few classes to bump it up to >3.0 or 3.1 isn't a good idea.

Not to mention, most of the programs for Fall 2013 are finished.

 

[atabaki92]

On a unrelated note, what is the feedback on my school list?

California Resident:

USC
Western
UoP
ASDOH
MOSDOH
Nova
LECOM
BU
Tufts
NYU
Case
Detroit Mercy
LECOM
Roseman
Marquette
Creighton
Howard
Pitt
Midwestern AZ
Midwestern IL

Not sure if I should add/delete some....any help is appreciated.

 

[tommyinVA]

okay OP, I've ignored your PM's and comments for me to "advise on your situation" up to this point for multiple reasons, but seeing your stubbornness and unwillingness to take advice after reading this thread is getting on my nerves. so here's what I have to say.

First of all, contrary to your opinion, you and I are NOT in the same boat. Yes, I came out of undergrad with an atrocious GPA and have since gotten in. However, I'm 34. I was out of school for TEN years and lived my life and have actually matured since I first went to school. My life CV is unquestionably longer and more distinguished than yours. I'm assuming you're what, 25? 26 at the most? I'll bet you graduated and realized you did a piss poor job in undergrad and just jumped right back into school, didn't you? Maybe worked a year or 2 and realized that the real world is no fun when you're lazy? Do not try and compare yourself to me just because I got in with a sub-3.0 GPA.

Second, I went back to undergrad and got my BS from scratch...after 10 years. And I did it in 5 semesters. Averaged close to 20 hours/semester. And I finished with a near 3.9 GPA. Oh yeah, and my wife and I had our 3rd kid after my first semester back. Your 3.31 in a 1-year post-bacc is a joke to me. This is precisely what I'm talking about when I refer to the lazy 20-something generation. Do you have any idea how ridiculously difficult it is to do that poorly when you actually care about your academic progress?

And now you're talking about upping your GPA by taking CC courses? Great. Let's see where that gets you. Others on here have already either kindly suggested or more appropriately flat-out told you why that's a bad idea. Community college is a joke. That's why no one, NO ONE, is ever accepted into dental school after graduating from community college. They have no standard of academic excellence - all they care about is making money. Yes, community colleges are cheaper than 4-year schools and are a good low-cost option for some, but you're not one of them. You had your chance the first time in school and you f-ed it up. So now you've gotta pay. It'll either be in tuition fees or ridiculous app fees for the 30-plus schools you'll have to apply to...and I'll be that you'll have to do it twice given your current stats and your whole take on your situation. If you've really been keeping up with my posts, then you'll also be familiar with the fact that I have a complete disdain for people who try and do as little as possible to make them "good enough" to apply. Do you really think those are the people who will get in? Sure, maybe 1 or 2 will slip through the cracks, but I suggest you take a look around and do a little more observation: Dentists by and large are highly motivated people. That also applies to those in dental school. We aren't lazy and we aren't interested in just "squeeking by" and doing as little as possible. So you calculated that you need to take 8 courses to get yourself to the "bare minimum" (which is assuming you get all A's, which you haven't shown that you're capable of doing with your 3.31 post-bacc). This is the difference between what you and I are thinking: You're thinking "I need to take 8 classes. That'll take me 2 semesters and I need to get A's." I'm thinking "If it takes me 2 semesters, then I can possibly take 14 classes and almost double my credit hours over the lazy slob that only wants to take 8, which means I'll have an additional 72 grade points after I ace them all...assuming he actually gets straight A's." I did everything I possibly could as well as I possibly could. THAT'S why I got in. Do you really think with your mindset that you have a chance?

Here's what I think you need to do:

1) Stop whining about the money. Kitty made it painfully clear to you that you have no choice. If you're going to piss and moan about possibly getting $20k in debt (which I'll bet still wouldn't get you to where you need to be to get in) then you need to look for another career. Get a clue. As a dentist you have a reasonably unlimited earning potential. And you're whining about $20k? Sell your car if it's that big of a deal to you. And get rid of your smartphone that you doing nothing on other than post ridiculous pictures to your FB page while you're at it. You need to spend more time studying anyway.

2) Forget community college. You need to take upper-level biology courses at a 4-year university. If you're going to cry about the money again, then apply for a master's and get financial aid. I don't care if you missed the deadline. No one here does. That's your fault. If that's the case, then you had better get ready to pony up the cash from your own pocket to take more classes post-bacc, because a lot of bio master's programs that I know won't accept you with a sub-3.0 GPA either and ADCOM's don't look too kindly on sporadic "on again/off again" schooling.

3) Change your attitude or look for another profession. You did ridiculously well on your DAT and you only got a 3.31 in a year of post-bacc classes that probably weren't even grad-level. 2 words come to mind: lazy and uncommitted. If you're not willing to do what it takes or wait as long as you have to, then don't bother trying to get into dental school and stop wasting our time. There are lots of kids on here who are sincerely committed to doing what needs to be done to secure their future, and they're already looking to plan ahead during the freshman and sophomore years. If you can't see that, then you have no place as a dentist.

4) You had better get your head out of your ***** and start listening to others on here, because it's clear they're a lot smarter than you. And don't even think about trying to liken yourself to someone else on here, because you don't have a clue. I've owned 2 businesses and ran a 3rd. I've personally made well over a million dollars and lost it all, and I'm STILL doing whatever it takes to secure my and my family's future. I've got far more important things to do than deal with people like you who keep asking everyone else to get them into dental school. Every singe person in this post has offered you constructive criticism and you just don't listen. That's your own fault. Now stop chiding everyone for the answer that YOU want to hear.

 

[KillaCam]

atabaki92 is 2PacClone.......am I right? The story and attitude seems the same to me

 

[atabaki92]

okay OP, I've ignored your PM's and comments for me to "advise on your situation" up to this point for multiple reasons, but seeing your stubbornness and unwillingness to take advice after reading this thread is getting on my nerves. so here's what I have to say.

First of all, contrary to your opinion, you and I are NOT in the same boat. Yes, I came out of undergrad with an atrocious GPA and have since gotten in. However, I'm 34. I was out of school for TEN years and lived my life and have actually matured since I first went to school. My life CV is unquestionably longer and more distinguished than yours. I'm assuming you're what, 25? 26 at the most? I'll bet you graduated and realized you did a piss poor job in undergrad and just jumped right back into school, didn't you? Maybe worked a year or 2 and realized that the real world is no fun when you're lazy? Do not try and compare yourself to me just because I got in with a sub-3.0 GPA.

Second, I went back to undergrad and got my BS from scratch...after 10 years. And I did it in 5 semesters. Averaged close to 20 hours/semester. And I finished with a near 3.9 GPA. Oh yeah, and my wife and I had our 3rd kid after my first semester back. Your 3.31 in a 1-year post-bacc is a joke to me. This is precisely what I'm talking about when I refer to the lazy 20-something generation. Do you have any idea how ridiculously difficult it is to do that poorly when you actually care about your academic progress?

And now you're talking about upping your GPA by taking CC courses? Great. Let's see where that gets you. Others on here have already either kindly suggested or more appropriately flat-out told you why that's a bad idea. Community college is a joke. That's why no one, NO ONE, is ever accepted into dental school after graduating from community college. They have no standard of academic excellence - all they care about is making money. Yes, community colleges are cheaper than 4-year schools and are a good low-cost option for some, but you're not one of them. You had your chance the first time in school and you f-ed it up. So now you've gotta pay. It'll either be in tuition fees or ridiculous app fees for the 30-plus schools you'll have to apply to...and I'll be that you'll have to do it twice given your current stats and your whole take on your situation. If you've really been keeping up with my posts, then you'll also be familiar with the fact that I have a complete disdain for people who try and do as little as possible to make them "good enough" to apply. Do you really think those are the people who will get in? Sure, maybe 1 or 2 will slip through the cracks, but I suggest you take a look around and do a little more observation: Dentists by and large are highly motivated people. That also applies to those in dental school. We aren't lazy and we aren't interested in just "squeeking by" and doing as little as possible. So you calculated that you need to take 8 courses to get yourself to the "bare minimum" (which is assuming you get all A's, which you haven't shown that you're capable of doing with your 3.31 post-bacc). This is the difference between what you and I are thinking: You're thinking "I need to take 8 classes. That'll take me 2 semesters and I need to get A's." I'm thinking "If it takes me 2 semesters, then I can possibly take 14 classes and almost double my credit hours over the lazy slob that only wants to take 8, which means I'll have an additional 72 grade points after I ace them all...assuming he actually gets straight A's." I did everything I possibly could as well as I possibly could. THAT'S why I got in. Do you really think with your mindset that you have a chance?

Here's what I think you need to do:

1) Stop whining about the money. Kitty made it painfully clear to you that you have no choice. If you're going to piss and moan about possibly getting $20k in debt (which I'll bet still wouldn't get you to where you need to be to get in) then you need to look for another career. Get a clue. As a dentist you have a reasonably unlimited earning potential. And you're whining about $20k? Sell your car if it's that big of a deal to you. And get rid of your smartphone that you doing nothing on other than post ridiculous pictures to your FB page while you're at it. You need to spend more time studying anyway.

2) Forget community college. You need to take upper-level biology courses at a 4-year university. If you're going to cry about the money again, then apply for a master's and get financial aid. I don't care if you missed the deadline. No one here does. That's your fault. If that's the case, then you had better get ready to pony up the cash from your own pocket to take more classes post-bacc, because a lot of bio master's programs that I know won't accept you with a sub-3.0 GPA either and ADCOM's don't look too kindly on sporadic "on again/off again" schooling.

3) Change your attitude or look for another profession. You did ridiculously well on your DAT and you only got a 3.31 in a year of post-bacc classes that probably weren't even grad-level. 2 words come to mind: lazy and uncommitted. If you're not willing to do what it takes or wait as long as you have to, then don't bother trying to get into dental school and stop wasting our time. There are lots of kids on here who are sincerely committed to doing what needs to be done to secure their future, and they're already looking to plan ahead during the freshman and sophomore years. If you can't see that, then you have no place as a dentist.

4) You had better get your head out of your ***** and start listening to others on here, because it's clear they're a lot smarter than you. And don't even think about trying to liken yourself to someone else on here, because you don't have a clue. I've owned 2 businesses and ran a 3rd. I've personally made well over a million dollars and lost it all, and I'm STILL doing whatever it takes to secure my and my family's future. I've got far more important things to do than deal with people like you who keep asking everyone else to get them into dental school. Every singe person in this post has offered you constructive criticism and you just don't listen. That's your own fault. Now stop chiding everyone for the answer that YOU want to hear.

After that verbal beating, I don't know what to say.

I actually agree with you on pretty much everything you said. However, the application opens up in 4 days. Unless you're already talking about June 2014, any Master's classes I would take between Fall and Spring wouldn't show up on my stats anyway.

If you're talking about applying next year (meaning, between september and march) for a Fall 2014 Master's, then I'll have to say goodbye to my DAT score.

Taking on another $20,000 of debt isn't actually that bad, but I'm nearly 40-60k in debt, plus add another 350-400 of dental school and you're looking at something like 480k of debt.

Like I said, Fall 2013 Master's are done with, so only Fall 2014 is left. So you're pretty much telling me to give up on June 2013/June 2014 application cycle.

It's extremely hard to come to terms with that. But I will listen and learn.

 

[LaughingGas]

atabaki92 is 2PacClone.......am I right? The story and attitude seems the same to me

lol. That's what I was thinking too!. Similar Stats, even grad gpa, and stubbornness to not listen others' advices.

 

[LaughingGas]

After that verbal beating, I don't know what to say.

I actually agree with you on pretty much everything you said. However, the application opens up in 4 days. Unless you're already talking about June 2014, any Master's classes I would take between Fall and Spring wouldn't show up on my stats anyway.

If you're talking about applying next year (meaning, between september and march) for a Fall 2014 Master's, then I'll have to say goodbye to my DAT score.

Taking on another $20,000 of debt isn't actually that bad, but I'm nearly 40-60k in debt, plus add another 350-400 of dental school and you're looking at something like 480k of debt.

Like I said, Fall 2013 Master's are done with, so only Fall 2014 is left. So you're pretty much telling me to give up on June 2013/June 2014 application cycle.

It's extremely hard to come to terms with that. But I will listen and learn.

Actually, VCU CERT still accepts applicants.

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/graduate/premed_cert/index.html

 

[atabaki92]

Actually, VCU CERT still accepts applicants.

http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/graduate/premed_cert/index.html

Any in California? Virginia is a long ways away.....finding an apartment, room mate, getting the money, all within the next 2-3 months?

 

[periopocket]

I know someone who got into VCU from VCU cert with lower DAT and similar gpa! I would jump on that! Adcoms want to see your doing something!

 

[LaughingGas]

Any in California? Virginia is a long ways away.....finding an apartment, room mate, getting the money, all within the next 2-3 months?

nope. You can apply for CSUN second bachelors tho, although I'm not sure about deadline.
CSULA postbac-deadline passed
Western - passed
UCpostbacs- long passed.

Maybe look for CSU Fullerton, CSU East Bay postbac.

UCLA extension course.

Except for western, the rest mentioned are undergraduate level.

 

[periopocket]

Also, look for general Masters programs, you can make it an SMP if you complete it in 2 semesters. I did a regular MS in Bio on course overload (4.0) and got multiple acceptances!

 

[Ferneezy]

some fire and brimstone Old Testament style

 

[atabaki92]

atabaki92,

If you indeed are '2PacClone23' then I believe it's in your best interest to consult with the two (?) programs that you are currently wait-listed with. Now, going back to your original post you mentioned calling many dental school admissions officers to seek feedback. For the ones you are wait-listed with, did they specifically mention whether redoing previous courses / taking more undergrad science courses at a junior college would be potentially beneficial for you? Also, if you are '2PacClone23', what M.S. concentration were you taking? If instead you did an SMP from the start it would've been more tailored towards your goal - to move on to professional school - since the curriculum would somewhat mirror the rigors of first year of medical / dental school and not a thesis-based research curriculum.

Having said that, the incomplete M.S. degree is now more of a red flag than your sub-3.0 GPA from your undergraduate career.

It wasn't for a degree. I didn't get a Master's. And I'm not 2Pac, though I do believe he's alive.


As for VCU, I'm pretty sure if I told this to my friends or parents, they'd flip out and call me ******ed.

This is extremely high risk, more debt at what expense? What if I get a 3.4 again? What if I get a 4.0? Are these possibilities realistic? I'm not one whose uber confident in my academic skills to get a 3.7+, though I can def apply myself and try my best.

 

[LaughingGas]

My friend had 3.0 undergrad gpa, 3.4 at VCU, and got into DO schools. You are not doing sim lab but only heavy lecture base, so theoretically, you have more time than other med/dental students. So it is possible to get 4.0. Also SMPs, you should do your best, not try your best. This is the last resource for any low gpa people. It made people with low stats that were not in the range of accepted students in terms of gpa to get in. Lastly, there is no such thing as being "secured" in admission process. This process seems a bit random, at least to me.
And please stop saying about debt. We all understand it. But be mature and take responsibilities for your past actions, in this case, low gpa. You had the chance to do well and you blew it. GPA repair is not cheap ever.

 

[Hawkteeth]

After that verbal beating, I don't know what to say.

I actually agree with you on pretty much everything you said. However, the application opens up in 4 days. Unless you're already talking about June 2014, any Master's classes I would take between Fall and Spring wouldn't show up on my stats anyway.

If you're talking about applying next year (meaning, between september and march) for a Fall 2014 Master's, then I'll have to say goodbye to my DAT score.

Taking on another $20,000 of debt isn't actually that bad, but I'm nearly 40-60k in debt, plus add another 350-400 of dental school and you're looking at something like 480k of debt.

Like I said, Fall 2013 Master's are done with, so only Fall 2014 is left. So you're pretty much telling me to give up on June 2013/June 2014 application cycle.

It's extremely hard to come to terms with that. But I will listen and learn.

I think I said this before but some masters start every semester, check out Barry University in Miami, you will have to move but it's time to do what you need to, not what is most convenient. I wouldn't even apply this year. Take the year off and get into a masters and start in the spring. You may even want to take two years off of applying. I know it seems like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, its nothing.

 

[Hawkteeth]

What if I get a 3.4 again? What if I get a 4.0? Are these possibilities realistic? I'm not one whose uber confident in my academic skills to get a 3.7+, though I can def apply myself and try my best.

Just because you really want to be something doesn't mean you can. If you can't get a 3.7+ you need to find another career.

 

[atabaki92]

I think I said this before but some masters start every semester, check out Barry University in Miami, you will have to move but it's time to do what you need to, not what is most convenient. I wouldn't even apply this year. Take the year off and get into a masters and start in the spring. You may even want to take two years off of applying. I know it seems like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, its nothing.

And what happens to my lovely DAT expiration?

 

[Hawkteeth]

And what happens to my lovely DAT expiration?

You will have to retake the DAT, I thought that was obvious... At least your scores should get you into a masters.

 

[MajDiamondback]

And what happens to my lovely DAT expiration?

Take it as a loss and start studying. I've read this whole thread and I've been fighting to get in to dental school for a long time. Yes it will cost you money, yes it will cost you time, and yes since you messed up early on you are going to have to suffer. I got my masters a few weeks ago. My application is set to go within 48hours of the 2014 cycle opening on June 3rd. That's life sometimes if you mess up when your young. You make the choice of how to deal with your consequences.
No more excuses. Start working on your masters with a full course load. If you cant get in for this fall then get a job and save every penny so tuition won't hurt as bad the following year. Kick ass on your DAT's again, and apply early. Look, No one on here can make the choices for you. You have to decide if you are going to focus on everything that is hard about this, or everything you can do to make yourself better.

 

[atabaki92]

You will have to retake the DAT, I thought that was obvious... At least your scores should get you into a masters.

DAT scores don't get into Master's unless it's those medical/dental-focuses Master's programs with relationships to the dental school.

Take it as a loss and start studying. I've read this whole thread and I've been fighting to get in to dental school for a long time. Yes it will cost you money, yes it will cost you time, and yes since you messed up early on you are going to have to suffer. I got my masters a few weeks ago. My application is set to go within 48hours of the 2014 cycle opening on June 3rd. That's life sometimes if you mess up when your young. You make the choice of how to deal with your consequences.
No more excuses. Start working on your masters with a full course load. If you cant get in for this fall then get a job and save every penny so tuition won't hurt as bad the following year. Kick ass on your DAT's again, and apply early. Look, No one on here can make the choices for you. You have to decide if you are going to focus on everything that is hard about this, or everything you can do to make yourself better.

That makes more sense. I can start working and save money for the upcoming Master's during Fall 2014.

Only bad thing is that I'll be around 27 starting dental school.

 

[Hawkteeth]

DAT scores don't get into Master's unless it's those medical/dental-focuses Master's programs with relationships to the dental school.

Uhhh that's the type of masters program you should be applying to right now, what did you think I was talking about before? A masters in marine biology? It's called biomedical sciences if you need help googling it. Actually, just go to community college, it seems you got it all figured out.