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[Unsure123]

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Hi, I've applied to dental school multiple times. My scores are slightly below average, and my DATs are just average. But I guess now, my DATs would be considered below average with the rise in test scores. I already took the Kaplan course, and that helped, but still, my grades and test scores are not numbers that will make me stand out. My recommendations and volunteering is solid. I have gotten a couple (literally, a couple) of interviews with schools in the past. Should even bother to apply again or just chuck this idea of pursuing dentistry?

 

[SugarNaCl]

Hi, I've applied to dental school multiple times. My scores are slightly below average, and my DATs are just average. But I guess now, my DATs would be considered below average with the rise in test scores. I already took the Kaplan course, and that helped, but still, my grades and test scores are not numbers that will make me stand out. My recommendations and volunteering is solid. I have gotten a couple (literally, a couple) of interviews with schools in the past. Should even bother to apply again or just chuck this idea of pursuing dentistry?

If I were you, I would have applied for a masters program LONG ago! Honestly though, if you are considering "chucking" this idea of dentistry, I doubt it is for you. Keeping at it pays off but you have to improve yourself or schools may think you are lazy...and so might I. You need at least a 19 on your DAT if not higher and something to offset your low GPA... whatever it may be... like an MS program. If the time isn't worth it to you, neither is dentistry.

 

[Unsure123]

thanks sugarNaCl. I have been taking classes too (I need to work so cannot do school FT). Also, I spoke with a couple of people and they say that a Master's is different because they tend to grade those students softer than undergrads. So the few classes I have taken are upper level science courses and getting a masters in an area that i do not plan to pursue any further does not appeal to me.

 

[samdds]

Hi, I've applied to dental school multiple times. My scores are slightly below average, and my DATs are just average. But I guess now, my DATs would be considered below average with the rise in test scores. I already took the Kaplan course, and that helped, but still, my grades and test scores are not numbers that will make me stand out. My recommendations and volunteering is solid. I have gotten a couple (literally, a couple) of interviews with schools in the past. Should even bother to apply again or just chuck this idea of pursuing dentistry?

If you have interviews in the past, I don't think you are very far from being accepted. If I were you, I would definitely apply again and retake the DAT if you think you can do better. The quickest way to improve your stats is to retake your DAT and ace it. Good luck.

 

[SugarNaCl]

thanks sugarNaCl. I have been taking classes too (I need to work so cannot do school FT). Also, I spoke with a couple of people and they say that a Master's is different because they tend to grade those students softer than undergrads. So the few classes I have taken are upper level science courses and getting a masters in an area that i do not plan to pursue any further does not appeal to me.

I understand this way of thinking. I went for my MS (and graduated 3 yrs before deciding on dental school). I can tell you with absolute certainty that going for my MS and my research experience gave me a seat in dental school. My GPA was respectable, but not excessively high and my DAT scores were average. I was told the MS and research is what made the difference.

It is true that you don't take as many courses in an MS program at one time so schools weigh undergrad GPA more, but grad school gives you a different advantage. It shows you are mature and willing to do what it takes to achieve your dreams. By the way, you may want to talk with the schools you are interested in and see what you can do to improve your shot. I had to take out a bunch of loans to pay for my first year of grad school (before I received my scholarship 2nd year). I was living on my own, getting paid for doing my research while I went through the program. Unless you are supporting a family, you can afford to go full time.