**Need your help** Grades/DAT/Applying

[Crustation27]

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Hello friends,

Pre-Dental student here in dreams of becoming a Dentist or specializing one day, just like most of you on here. I am currently a Sophomore at and about to start my second semester. I want all the advice I can in order to get into Dental School.

Year 1 Semester 1:
Gen Chem: B
College Trig: B
Gen Chem Lab: A
Freshman Seminar: A
Philosophy: A

Year 1 Semester 2:
Gen Chem: C
Calculus: C
Bio 1: C
Gen Chem Lab: A
Geography: B

Year 2 Semester 1:
Bio II: C
Stats: B
Physics: B

....my plans for semester Sophomore year semester 2:

Orgo 1, Physics 2, Genetics, and Ceramics



- The reason I am taking Orgo 1 the second semester is because I was in it a few weeks and dropped it unfortunately. I plan to take Orgo 2 this summer at the university. My plan was to study for the DAT this summer but since I am yet to take orgo 2, I don't know what to do. I'm trying to apply early because people say it's always good to get your foot in the door but what do you think would be the best option? Also, are my grades that bad (regarding trying to get into Dental school)? I worry alot and came across this forum, so I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks everyone and best of luck to you all!

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

First semester GPA: 3.60
Second semester GPA: 2.60
Third semester GPA: 2.67

Total: 3.00 GPA

*assuming all of your courses were 3 credits. if Freshmen seminar is only 1 credit, then your GPA will be a bit less than 3.00.

Your science GPA, which doesn't include Philosophy or Freshman seminar, so it would be lower than your overall GPA.

So you started off great, but went downhill from there.
Average GPA to get into dental school is around 3.50, so you gotta keep at the first semester pace if you want to stand a chance.

It's best if you have all of your Orgo before tackling the DAT. And there's really no hurry for you to take the DAT for now. Do it during the summer before going into your senior year.

 

[LaughingGas]

Regarding the DAT, I would aim to take DAT by the end of the summer. I would prepare for DAT on other subjects (BIO, GCHEM and OCHEM1). Since you will be learning ochem II during summer, it will save you time to relearn the material. You probably have like 2~3 weeks after summer session. I would focus on the DAT and ochem II the whole summer and take it by early september.
Applying by then would be late. IMO its pointless to apply this coming year as a sophomore since your gpa is on the low edge, so even if you applied early (June1) not to be mean but statistically you have very low chance. When you become Junior, I would suggest more upper div bio classes and ace them, proving that you can handle hard science courses (Biochem,anatomy,physiology,immuno,genetics,etc), collect the letter rec, have personal statement ready and apply early the next cycle. IMO, this way you will have everything prepared (DAT, GPA,LOR, PS) and you will be saving LOTS of money by not applying this cycle.

 

[youknowthedrill]

I would drop Organic I this semester and replace it with an easy class like business management. You need to focus on school and work at making all A's. You have to establish good study habits, and science classes take much more effort that other classes. I would take Organic I & II over the summer and be prepared to stay on top of the material and avoid outside distractions. Forget about the DAT for now. It is nearly impossible to be accepted to dental school without a degree. The few that are accepted have high GPA/DAT scores. You still have time to repair your GPA but you need to be focused on academics. You can study for the DAT over your winter break and take it in January or take it early during the summer or 2013. Also, you should edit your post to remove your location and college.

 

[Crustation27]

I would drop Organic I this semester and replace it with an easy class like business management. You need to focus on school and work at making all A's. You have to establish good study habits, and science classes take much more effort that other classes. I would take Organic I & II over the summer and be prepared to stay on top of the material and avoid outside distractions. Forget about the DAT for now. It is nearly impossible to be accepted to dental school without a degree. The few that are accepted have high GPA/DAT scores. You still have time to repair your GPA but you need to be focused on academics. You can study for the DAT over your winter break and take it in January or take it early during the summer or 2013. Also, you should edit your post to remove your location and college.

I took out the specific details about where I attend college. Sorry.

 

[hardline]

You still have plenty of time to get those grades up so don't lose hope. Just do everything you can to succeed and you will. Really try getting A's in your science classes specifically. Once junior year wraps up study hard for the DAT and do well! There are so many excellent resources (study plans) for the DAT on this website so use them. Best of luck .

 

[dentalWorks]

Your gonna have to start swinging B+s (and above) on anything science related from now on if you want to have an easy transition into dental school.

Otherwise, your gonna spent/waste 1-3 years after bachelors working on more post-bacc or masters to improve your application (you don't want that ~ costly and time consuming)

 

[wizi]

Your gonna have to start swinging B+s (and above) on anything science related from now on if you want to have an easy transition into dental school.

Otherwise, your gonna spent/waste 1-3 years after bachelors working on more post-bacc or masters to improve your application (you don't want that ~ costly and time consuming)

👍👍👍

Not to mention all that stress that you will go through.
A lot of my friends have thought about giving up. I dont blame them though. They tried really hard but its life, you never know. Some already in pharmacy school.

Study really hard + check ratemyprofessor.com before you sign up for a class (it will make your life a bit easier). If you are a party type, you should forget about that and focus on dentistry.