Need help !!!

[D_apprentice]

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Ok so here is my situation

I graduated from high school with out any goals in life. Two years ago, I got braces and somehow ended up getting really interested in dentristry. I have been attending a community college for close to 4 years and did horribly . I have a 2.3 overall GPA. I want to become a dentist and I won't settle for anything else . So I'm wondering what are my options right now . I need some serious advice. My plan is to transfer to a 4 year college and do really well(3.5 to 4.0) and get a B.S in biology . Get a high score on the DAT and get good letters of recommendation from my dentist and orthodontist. Will that be enough ? I'm also under the assumption that when you transfer your credits to another college you can start with a clean GPA even though everything stay on your record. Sorry for the long post and low level vocabulary!

 

[darknightzzz]

Ok so here is my situation

I graduated from high school with out any goals in life. Two years ago, I got braces and somehow ended up getting really interested in dentristry. I have been attending a community college for close to 4 years and did horribly . I have a 2.3 overall GPA. I want to become a dentist and I won't settle for anything else . So I'm wondering what are my options right now . I need some serious advice. My plan is to transfer to a 4 year college and do really well(3.5 to 4.0) and get a B.S in biology . Get a high score on the DAT and get good letters of recommendation from my dentist and orthodontist. Will that be enough ? I'm also under the assumption that when you transfer your credits to another college you can start with a clean GPA even though everything stay on your record. Sorry for the long post and low level vocabulary!

yes you start off with a clean GPA at that particular school you transfer to. However, the dental application will average all grades you receive (either CC or 4-year university).

2.3 overall GPA but what classes did you take to include here?. if you take a lot of science classes it may be hard to pull it up. if you take random classes then keep your focus in your upcoming science classes.

 

[D_apprentice]

yes you start off with a clean GPA at that particular school you transfer to. However, the dental application will average all grades you receive (either CC or 4-year university).

2.3 overall GPA but what classes did you take to include here?. if you take a lot of science classes it may be hard to pull it up. if you take random classes then keep your focus in your upcoming science classes.

First of all , I would like to thank you for actually trying to help me . Well , I did take basic Science classes like chem 1 and chem 2 . Im wondering how everything is going to factor in the end . Lets say I get straight As in the 4 year college. Will that give me a chance to get into dental school? There is also one time that I have to mention. Im 100% sure that all my credit won't tranfer. I have 63 credits right now and only 48 are going to transfer . Does that mean that if I get a good GPA while I get the remaining credit, Then I will have a chance to get into dental school . Even though I have such a horrible transcript from all those years in the CC?

 

[DustFreeEraser]

Do the math as you will need to brew up a formidable GPA with a 2.3 from 111 credits; take another 111 credits @ 4.0 and you will be at 3.15.
I have no doubt you won't be able to do it, I just want to make sure we cover the grounds in terms of what we're trying to aim for, i.e. a ~3.0 sGPA with 22< DAT

 

[ajj70]

Just note, in many states if you are using the articulation agreements between community colleges and state schools, your GPA from the community college DOES transfer to the 4 year school. For dental school purposes, it really doesn't matter in the end because you would have to report those grades anyway but without a GOOD upward trend for your last 4 semesters, admissions to dental school will be very difficult. Also, take note of the schools that do not accept community college classes for pre-reqs, there are a few. You can either choose not to apply to those or retake those classes at the 4 year school. It might only matter if your in-state school is one that won't take the credits.

 

[D_apprentice]

Just note, in many states if you are using the articulation agreements between community colleges and state schools, your GPA from the community college DOES transfer to the 4 year school. For dental school purposes, it really doesn't matter in the end because you would have to report those grades anyway but without a GOOD upward trend for your last 4 semesters, admissions to dental school will be very difficult. Also, take note of the schools that do not accept community college classes for pre-reqs, there are a few. You can either choose not to apply to those or retake those classes at the 4 year school. It might only matter if your in-state school is one that won't take the credits.

Okay thank you for the input . I realized that it is going to be extremely difficult to get into dental school with my current situation so instead of wasting time,effort and money (pay for college out of my own pocket ) I'll aim for something within my reach which is pharmacy school . Pharmacist was my second choice . Even though I really wanted to become a dentist, we don't always get what we want 🙁

 

[D_apprentice]

Do the math as you will need to brew up a formidable GPA with a 2.3 from 111 credits; take another 111 credits @ 4.0 and you will be at 3.15.
I have no doubt you won't be able to do it, I just want to make sure we cover the grounds in terms of what we're trying to aim for, i.e. a ~3.0 sGPA with 22< DAT

It's 2.39 lol but anyways it is going to be really difficult but not impossible . I'm really good with science . It just that I was not dedicated enough . But I'm going to aim for something within my reach . Thank you for the honest answer. I just want to repeat just in case somebody else read this and he/she is in the same situation as me . It is extremely difficult but not impossible to go from 2.39 to 3.1 and get into dental school . Depending on your situation , you should aim to do it .

 

[kyle nguyen]

Okay thank you for the input . I realized that it is going to be extremely difficult to get into dental school with my current situation so instead of wasting time,effort and money (pay for college out of my own pocket ) I'll aim for something within my reach which is pharmacy school . Pharmacist was my second choice . Even though I really wanted to become a dentist, we don't always get what we want 🙁

Where did you get the idea that pharmacy school is so much easier than dental? A 2.39 applicant in pharmacy school does not look any better than a 2.39 applicant in dental. Keep in mind that you will likely be applying in your junior year so you technically only have a year's worth of credits left to lift up that GPA.

 

[darknightzzz]

Where did you get the idea that pharmacy school is so much easier than dental? A 2.39 applicant in pharmacy school does not look any better than a 2.39 applicant in dental. Keep in mind that you will likely be applying in your junior year so you technically only have a year's worth of credits left to lift up that GPA.

Hi Kyle,

Pharmacy nowadays, are indeed, much easier than dental. A 2.5 GPA with minimal experience can still make it to some private pharmacy schools.

Just the rampant opening of new schools lower drastically the admission standards.

 

[DodobirdFiance]

I am sorry if I misunderstood, but are you saying that because of your GPA, you are going to go to pharmacy school?
Why did dentistry interest you in the first place?

If you really wish to go to dental school, how about taking some classes doing post-bac or going for masters degree?

 

[D_apprentice]

I am sorry if I misunderstood, but are you saying that because of your GPA, you are going to go to pharmacy school?
Why did dentistry interest you in the first place?

If you really wish to go to dental school, how about taking some classes doing post-bac or going for masters degree?

Well, I had braces for two years and I also had the chance to witness how dentist and orthodontist work . I loved the work environment and the bond the dentist has with his clients . I could see myself doing that for a long time . Pharmacy school was my second choice with optometry school being my third . I know from doing a lot of research that those two careers are easier to get admitted to than dentristry. I honestly do not want to give up on my dream of becoming a dentist which is why I'm going to A's on all my classes and apply to dental school after obtaining my B.S in Biology . I hope to be able to get in with a 3.1 GPA and good DAT score. I'm also planning to attend college all year around from now on to accelerate the process .