Need advice

[depressedguy]

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Here are my Stats
Cum. GPA 3.22 (will be taking about 29 units more in the summer and fall)
Sci GPA 3.18 (also taking units 15 in the upcoming spring)
BCP: 3.12
DAT 20 20 20
250 Hours Volunteering and Shadowing at dental office
200 Hours as a independent tutor (volunteer)
300 hours as an independent volunteer translator for immigrants since I speak Punjabi

I had a rough time in college since my HS was not very good so had a hard time adjusting. Maternal grandparents who raised me died my freshman year and paternal grandmother suffered a Heart Attack and is now bed ridden. Father also suffered a stroke 2 years ago. I had to work for my dads business all throughout college so help support my family since he needed to get more work done because of the economy. Also this helped pay my way through college since I never used any government aid or loans. I know these are not good excuses of why my grades are not up to par, but for me personally that was a lot to deal with and I was not able to handle the situation which affected my grades.

So should I even bother trying to apply this cycle or what should i do? Any advice would be helpful since I feel so lost right now, all my family is not helping either since the are just telling me to go get a second bachelors somewhere to get an accounting degree which will help me find a job. Some have told me to get an MPH which will offer job opportunities or allow me to reapply. Just all of this is really affecting me and starting to become quite sad.

Grew up in Richmond, California which is a poverty and high crime area. Moved to Antioch, CA which now is one of the top crime areas in california top 10 now i believe. Both parents only have high school educations from India. Mother is a maintenance worker and my dad used to be gas station attendant until I was 9 then owned his own business which makes good money. Would this at all qualify me for the disadvantaged status?

Schools I might apply to. Is there any I should take out or add? Any advice would help me

Applying to:
ADSOH
USC
UOP
Meharry
Both Midwesterns
Western
UNLV
USN
BU
NYU
Michigan
Temple
Pitt
LECOM
Louisville
Detroit Mercy
Creighton
NJDS
Buffalo
Case
VCU
Howard

 

[bing12]

you are a competitive applicant, just because your gpa isnt great doesnt mean you dont apply ( atleast you have a 3.0 or above). What is the breakdown of your DAT? dont apply to meharry unless you are a URM. take a few post bacc classes next semester, incase you have to reapply.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

Looks like you are probably URM by looking at your school selections (Meharry and Howard). Don't be depressed man seriously. Your stats should hold up well for those schools since your DAT is above average. I wouldn't worry.

 

[dentalWorks]

Here are my Stats
Cum. GPA 3.22 (will be taking about 29 units more in the summer and fall)
Sci GPA 3.18 (also taking units 15 in the upcoming spring)
BCP: 3.12
DAT 20 20 20
250 Hours Volunteering and Shadowing at dental office
200 Hours as a independent tutor (volunteer)
300 hours as an independent volunteer translator for immigrants since I speak Punjabi

I had a rough time in college since my HS was not very good so had a hard time adjusting. Maternal grandparents who raised me died my freshman year and paternal grandmother suffered a Heart Attack and is now bed ridden. Father also suffered a stroke 2 years ago. I had to work for my dads business all throughout college so help support my family since he needed to get more work done because of the economy. Also this helped pay my way through college since I never used any government aid or loans. I know these are not good excuses of why my grades are not up to par, but for me personally that was a lot to deal with and I was not able to handle the situation which affected my grades.

So should I even bother trying to apply this cycle or what should i do? Any advice would be helpful since I feel so lost right now, all my family is not helping either since the are just telling me to go get a second bachelors somewhere to get an accounting degree which will help me find a job. Some have told me to get an MPH which will offer job opportunities or allow me to reapply. Just all of this is really affecting me and starting to become quite sad.

Grew up in Richmond, California which is a poverty and high crime area. Moved to Antioch, CA which now is one of the top crime areas in california top 10 now i believe. Both parents only have high school educations from India. Mother is a maintenance worker and my dad used to be gas station attendant until I was 9 then owned his own business which makes good money. Would this at all qualify me for the disadvantaged status?

Schools I might apply to. Is there any I should take out or add? Any advice would help me

Applying to:
ADSOH
USC
UOP
Meharry
Both Midwesterns
Western
UNLV
USN
BU
NYU
Michigan
Temple
Pitt
LECOM
Louisville
Detroit Mercy
Creighton
NJDS
Buffalo
Case
VCU
Howard

Man you have a good story. I wouldn't be too upset with your stats. Just for the upcoming 29 credits, do yourself favor and focus all your energy into earning 4.0s (just incase you don't make it this cycle).

 

[depressedguy]

Based on Race, Asian Indian, I am not a URM. Only reason I would consider those is because of my parents education and where I was raised. I have no clue if that would count

 

[dentalWorks]

Based on Race, Asian Indian, I am not a URM. Only reason I would consider those is because of my parents education and where I was raised. I have no clue if that would count

there is a disadvantaged status section... there are also instructions for it.

I don't remember them too well, but they do tend to ask questions about family's financial status, poverty, and/or other conditions which led you to be at an disadvantage (academically). I think you will need a separate personal statement for this section, describing your hardships.

 

[Dusk]

you made it this far, just keep going. your stats are okay, you have a good story, you'll make it.

 

[Rdh777]

It's alot to go through with family and yes it does affect us especially if were a closely bonded family. Good stories. Your grades are pretty good. Be positive and go for it! Youve come a long way! Your dad has set a great example for you started out in gas station and made a great change and came a long way. You shouldn't have a problem at all. Should be very easy for you to accomplish your goals being single and you dont have the responsibility of raising a family etc... And yes try to raise your GPA in case you dont get in this time and have faith! It'll all work out. Best of luck.

 

[jkb53433]

Here are my Stats
Cum. GPA 3.22 (will be taking about 29 units more in the summer and fall)
Sci GPA 3.18 (also taking units 15 in the upcoming spring)
BCP: 3.12
DAT 20 20 20
250 Hours Volunteering and Shadowing at dental office
200 Hours as a independent tutor (volunteer)
300 hours as an independent volunteer translator for immigrants since I speak Punjabi

I had a rough time in college since my HS was not very good so had a hard time adjusting. Maternal grandparents who raised me died my freshman year and paternal grandmother suffered a Heart Attack and is now bed ridden. Father also suffered a stroke 2 years ago. I had to work for my dads business all throughout college so help support my family since he needed to get more work done because of the economy. Also this helped pay my way through college since I never used any government aid or loans. I know these are not good excuses of why my grades are not up to par, but for me personally that was a lot to deal with and I was not able to handle the situation which affected my grades.

So should I even bother trying to apply this cycle or what should i do? Any advice would be helpful since I feel so lost right now, all my family is not helping either since the are just telling me to go get a second bachelors somewhere to get an accounting degree which will help me find a job. Some have told me to get an MPH which will offer job opportunities or allow me to reapply. Just all of this is really affecting me and starting to become quite sad.

Grew up in Richmond, California which is a poverty and high crime area. Moved to Antioch, CA which now is one of the top crime areas in california top 10 now i believe. Both parents only have high school educations from India. Mother is a maintenance worker and my dad used to be gas station attendant until I was 9 then owned his own business which makes good money. Would this at all qualify me for the disadvantaged status?

Schools I might apply to. Is there any I should take out or add? Any advice would help me

Applying to:
ADSOH
USC
UOP
Meharry
Both Midwesterns
Western
UNLV
USN
BU
NYU
Michigan
Temple
Pitt
LECOM
Louisville
Detroit Mercy
Creighton
NJDS
Buffalo
Case
VCU
Howard

i know family crisis can take a lot out of a person...on a positive note talk about ur struggles and how they made a positive impact in ur life ...ur dad has clearly taught u so much from his experience of how he struggled and how he made it happen for himself by having his own business ...talk about all this in ur personal statement... dont be a depressed guy...us punjabis are happy ppl =) goodluck and be strong...u got this =)

worst case scenerio you reapply next year with an improved gpa ...its not about when u get into dental school ...its about knowing u will be a terrific dentist one day n thats all that matters
🙂

 

[depressedguy]

Thanks for all the advice. Its just stressful since I'm pretty sure my chances are slim from all the other posts I've seen. Plus even if my story is nice I don't really know how much it would help me out while applying.

 

[flyingforever]

Sound like my story, grew up in small Village in Pakistan. I am Afghan refugee, both parents don't have school education. Dad works for gas station and mom cleans houses. I started working when I was 16. I don't think school cares about this. I was interviewed last cycle and didn't get accepted.

 

[depressedguy]

Well I'm the last perso who should be giving advice, but you recieved an interview so it might have helped. You can't expect to be accepted just off of that if they feel you are still not prepared or not right for their school. I'm just hoping to get an interview an be able to sell myself to them from there that I can handle dental school while also having the tools to be a great dentist.

 

[depressedguy]

Just a question for all of you who answered, why would you think I have q chance from every similar thread the person was said to have barely have any shot of getting in

 

[sacapuntas]

Just a question for all of you who answered, why would you think I have q chance from every similar thread the person was said to have barely have any shot of getting in

I think you have a shot because all of your GPAs are above 3.1 and your DAT is a really good score. Individual breakdown of your DAT would offer more insight, but you aren't in that bad of shape. I think its 50/50 that you will get in somewhere, just a personal opinion without knowing most of your details.

 

[Ewt812]

If I were you, I wouldn't apply to this cycle. Your gpa, to be honest, is fairly low. I don't know how much would a 20 DAT and good family stories would help you out, but even USC (the lowest besides Howard and Meh) had average of 3.25 acceptance in the last cycle. If I were you, I would save the application fee for this cycle, take more classes, ace them all, and apply next cycle.

 

[depressedguy]

Now that just confused me even more about what i should do

 

[depressedguy]

Saca if i remember right i got a 20 in each category, nothing higher nothing lower

 

[dentaldylan]

If i was an adcom I would atleast give an interview to get to know you. I think most people facing that same situation would struggle a bit with grades too. To EWT grades are just a part of the process. If USC avg gpa was 3.25 how many people got in with less than that to cause it to be a 3.25? He seems to have pretty good volunteering espicially in the
Community which ASDOH favors and many others. If anything his difficulties i think would show he can handle dental school thr fact he had okay grades with all he went through. How many people really had to work all throughout college to support themselves for everything? I'd take the guy who always wanted to be in dental school then someone who went from MD to DO to Dental

 

[NguyenDDS]

I believe you should try applying.
Even if you don't get accepted, it will allow you to learn things about your application. For instance, if you are granted some interviews, it means they are interested in you based on your application. If you don't get an interview, then your application is missing something or needs work in some areas. If you get an interview, BUT get rejected. Then your personality and/or interviewing skills during the interviews needs work 🙂 Good luck! I am also applying this cycle even though my scores and GPA is low (BCP is <3.0)

 

[Ewt812]

to dentaldylan,

My opinion regarding to the op has nothing to do with my history. I wasn't trying to offend him or anything like that. It was just my opinion on this specific post. It was really mature of you to look through my history and used it to criticize me.

To op,

It was just my opinion. You are applying to like 20+ schools, which will cost you like thousands of dollars (I heard it's like around 200 per school?). If I were you, I would save those money and work more on my applications.

 

[dentaldylan]

Well you are one person out of 12 who said he shouldn't. Most people think he has a chance, even if he improves his gpa nothing is guaranteed. Next year will be even more competitive and then what he does the same thing again? This way he can get his name out there to the schools, so adcoms will know he is serious and get feedback. Not like he is getting any younger. Like i said if USC has a 3.25 gpa, a lot of people under 3.25 must have gotten in right? If someone with a 3.5 got in a person with a 3.0 would average that out right? What looks better a first time applicant lets say he gets his science gpa up to a 3.25, or a second time applicant who raised his sgpa from a 3.1 to a 3.25?
Do you have any proof that adcoms do not care about peoples story? Do you have proof adcoms will not maybe think he is a good applicant since he was able to overcome his difficulties?

 

[Ewt812]

To dentaldylan:

LOL, so you pulled out my history because I had different opinion? Do you always try to discredit people who had different opinion.

Indeed, I had no proof to whatever you were saying up there. However, in my original post, I never said that the adcom will not consider good stories. I said that I didn't know how much it will help out his stats/acceptance. Furthermore, I could also say that no one in this forum besides the adcom know how much it will help out the acceptance. Does an interesting stories add additional .1 to the cGPA? Does an interesting stories+3.2 cgpa > 3.6 cgpa? We can not quantify these kind of numbers. That is why I suggested that the op should perhaps work on the numbers. Again, I am not saying life time stories will not help, but it's not a solid guarantee.

To op,

sorry to bring this to your post. If you have the money to try, then go ahead. However, I would not try, if I were you. This is my own personal view. I hope you can accept it like every other people in this post.

 

[ethan11]

I just want to say keep it up....

 

[depressedguy]

To be honest both of you are not helping me at all and just making me feel worse now. At first I was feeling a little bit better from all the other responders, but both of you arguing over something petty has pretty much brought me back down to just feeling low and bad about myself. Seems like maybe I should just take my families advice and just go get a second bachelors in accounting or something

 

[flyingforever]

To be honest both of you are not helping me at all and just making me feel worse now. At first I was feeling a little bit better from all the other responders, but both of you arguing over something petty has pretty much brought me back down to just feeling low and bad about myself. Seems like maybe I should just take my families advice and just go get a second bachelors in accounting or something

Dude you should apply, at last you are Punjabi Sher.

 

[sacapuntas]

To be honest both of you are not helping me at all and just making me feel worse now. At first I was feeling a little bit better from all the other responders, but both of you arguing over something petty has pretty much brought me back down to just feeling low and bad about myself. Seems like maybe I should just take my families advice and just go get a second bachelors in accounting or something

I think you need to take time off and work or take classes and maybe seek professional counseling. You should not be brought down by what posters in an anonymous forum say to each other, and if you honestly are you are not in the right frame of mind to make it through dental school even if you do get in. With all you have been through, I believe you need to take a year to find yourself and heal some wounds and after that make decisions about your future. Don't listen to us, or your family. Ignore them for now, and figure out what YOU really want to do. Good luck sir.

 

[flyingforever]

I think you need to take time off and work or take classes and maybe seek professional counseling. You should not be brought down by what posters in an anonymous forum say to each other, and if you honestly are you are not in the right frame of mind to make it through dental school even if you do get in. With all you have been through, I believe you need to take a year to find yourself and heal some wounds and after that make decisions about your future. Don't listen to us, or your family. Ignore them for now, and figure out what YOU really want to do. Good luck sir.

I agree, don't lose hope. I got rejected last cycle from all the schools I applied, I am charged up for new cycle. Be a man, do the right thing 😀

 

[dentalWorks]

To be honest both of you are not helping me at all and just making me feel worse now. At first I was feeling a little bit better from all the other responders, but both of you arguing over something petty has pretty much brought me back down to just feeling low and bad about myself. Seems like maybe I should just take my families advice and just go get a second bachelors in accounting or something

this hopeless-attitude (Im sorry to say) will run you into some serious troubles later in life. you need to be stronger about the decisions you've made.

you've already made the choice to apply (even though I agree with Ewt812's OP, about you applying next year) BUT STILL, you've made the decision, stick to it and prove others wrong. this is the attitude you need to have now. Never 2nd guess a decision ESPECIALLY ONE that involves calculated-risks.

all the best

 

[kevinlawton]

Just my two cents on everything. If you do plan to apply, maybe just send like 5-10 out so you don't waste as much money. I would research the schools of which ones to send out, like it seems you have a lot of volunteer work so maybe focus on those schools that really focus on volunteering like western, asdoh, both midwesterns.

Also not to pick a fight, dental works I think you maybe should have told that him in the first place to not apply instead of applying since he said he was wondering if he should apply, not that he was going to. It might have raised his hopes, but only to bring him back down to Earth. A lot of people come on here because they are truly lost and need advice.

Also I know people say stay positive, but it's really easy to say that when you have good stats or have already been accepted. A lot of individuals like him (even me) worry because lets face it, if you don't get in someday, which a lot people will have to face sadly, it is scary about what you would end up doing as a back-up plan. It really sucks for the OP that he has such family problems that affected his grades compared to someone who grew up in very comfortable environment where all they really had to worry about is school so they could truly focus on the material. I can't really blame him for pondering his options because your first priority when deciding your future is how you can take care of yourself plus your family.

I know I will probably get yelled at by a lot for my suggestion, but OP if for some reason you can't get in or stats do not improve you can always try pharmacy or optometry. I'm not saying just go for it, but go experience and see how you like it. They are still competitive, but your stats would probably do better in their application process then it would in dental. I offer this since it seems like a main worry of yours is providing for your family and both of those would help take care of that.

 

[dentalWorks]

Just my two cents on everything. If you do plan to apply, maybe just send like 5-10 out so you don't waste as much money. I would research the schools of which ones to send out, like it seems you have a lot of volunteer work so maybe focus on those schools that really focus on volunteering like western, asdoh, both midwesterns.

Also not to pick a fight, dental works I think you maybe should have told that him in the first place to not apply instead of applying since he said he was wondering if he should apply, not that he was going to. It might have raised his hopes, but only to bring him back down to Earth. A lot of people come on here because they are truly lost and need advice.

Also I know people say stay positive, but it's really easy to say that when you have good stats or have already been accepted. A lot of individuals like him (even me) worry because lets face it, if you don't get in someday, which a lot people will have to face sadly, it is scary about what you would end up doing as a back-up plan. It really sucks for the OP that he has such family problems that affected his grades compared to someone who grew up in very comfortable environment where all they really had to worry about is school so they could truly focus on the material. I can't really blame him for pondering his options because your first priority when deciding your future is how you can take care of yourself plus your family.

I know I will probably get yelled at by a lot for my suggestion, but OP if for some reason you can't get in or stats do not improve you can always try pharmacy or optometry. I'm not saying just go for it, but go experience and see how you like it. They are still competitive, but your stats would probably do better in their application process then it would in dental. I offer this since it seems like a main worry of yours is providing for your family and both of those would help take care of that.

you are right... and I apologize to OP for not being so direct.
I was really moved when I read his hardships, and I guess....

to OP. Whether you apply this year or next, the MOST important thing for you right now is your upcoming classes. You will need to show serious improvements.

From a strategic point of view, ofc applying next year gives you better odds of an acceptance (assuming you do well in the upcoming courses), but that doesn't mean you don't stand a chance this cycle.

all the best

 

[Sunspear]

The fact is that none of us are admissions officers. I think a problem here is that posters of this forum read so many of these threads, and sometimes feel qualified to offer advice about chances. Really, what you need to do is contact schools directly to get a better sense. Some school's admissions officers are very friendly and helpful. I know this from first-hand experience! Yes, do some soul-searching, but above all, contact schools to get some legitimate, authentic advice rather than letting your feelings be affected by what some pre-dental posters have to say. Best of luck.

 

[molar3]

your stats are not that bad. and u need to be a bit more optimistic!!!!!
just apply this cycle bc whatever why not?? i mean sure u may be "wasting" your money, but its MONEY u can make more. ur not giving away ur arm okay.
in case u dont get in this cycle, just make sure youre taking a bunch more science classes this fall/spring semesters. do really well and reapply!!!!! stop getting so down on yourself. cheer up. im not into your username.....depressedguy.....it will NOT be the end of the world if u dont get in this cycle, but nobody knows here on the forums or wherever if ull get in this cycle. i mean statistically speaking ur stats are low-end but that doesnt necessarily mean u wont get in. whats the point in speculating?? i didnt know we could predict the future!!....if u want to apply just apply, do it, wait , keep taking classes. reapply if it comes to that. & if it does, dont put all the weight of the world on ur shoulders bro, ull make it if youre meant to.
goodluck
& if dentistry is what u REALLY want u better not giveup that easily.

 

[kevinlawton]

Well personally I have talked to ASDOH admissions officer and this is what I was told by someone.

Cum GPA-3.3
BCP 3.2 GPA
AA on DAT roughly 17.6. Was told you should not have more then one 16 at all in any category.

As long as you did well on the PAT and have good volunteering hours then you should have a chance to get into ASDOH. Seems like you have good volunteering hours so that is one school you should definitely look at.

 

[kevinlawton]

Does that help at all guy?