Non-trad, just took DAT, need advice.

[devin-]

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Hi all,

I'm a non-trad applicant who went back to school to try and become a dentist. During my undergrad I had a lackluster performance, ending with a cumulative GPA of 3.16. Since returning to school to do the pre-reqs, I managed 3.75 GPA including an A in Bio 1/2, gen chem1/2, ogro 1/2, physics 1/2, and Bioche.

What I'm worried about is that my total cumulative GPA only went up to 3.28, with a 3.4 in science due to me having made poor science grades my first year of school (unpreparedness account my immaturity and time spent doing sports). I'm also worried that my DAT wasn't as high as it may have needed to be considering this weakness. I didn't study too much as I have to work quite a bit.

Here are my stats, let me know if you have any recommendations or think I may have a chance.

Total GPA: 3.28
Science: 3.40
BCP: 3.53
GPA where I earned my bachelors: 3.16
GPA where I completed pre-reqs: 3.75

DAT: 18 PA, 18 QR, 20 RC, 17 BIO, 20 GC, 20 OC, 19 TS, 19 AA

Experience:
4000+ hours working in a dental office (It has been nearly three years and I have done everything from assisting to billing and learning to love dental insurance company operator-robots).

Shadowing experience with an endodontist and a day watching a periodontist.

Other things:
Bilingual English/Brazilian Portuguese. Can do very basic spanish.
Paid student instructor for O-chem 2 (4 hours/wk)- hired by the chemistry department.

 

[cacajuate]

you'll get some interviews

 

[tooth knockn]

Hi all,

I'm a non-trad applicant who went back to school to try and become a dentist. During my undergrad I had a lackluster performance, ending with a cumulative GPA of 3.16. Since returning to school to do the pre-reqs, I managed 3.75 GPA including an A in Bio 1/2, gen chem1/2, ogro 1/2, physics 1/2, and Bioche.

What I'm worried about is that my total cumulative GPA only went up to 3.28, with a 3.4 in science due to me having made poor science grades my first year of school (unpreparedness account my immaturity and time spent doing sports). I'm also worried that my DAT wasn't as high as it may have needed to be considering this weakness. I didn't study too much as I have to work quite a bit.

Here are my stats, let me know if you have any recommendations or think I may have a chance.

Total GPA: 3.28
Science: 3.40
BCP: 3.53
GPA where I earned my bachelors: 3.16
GPA where I completed pre-reqs: 3.75

DAT: 18 PA, 18 QR, 20 RC, 17 BIO, 20 GC, 20 OC, 19 TS, 19 AA

Experience:
4000+ hours working in a dental office (It has been nearly three years and I have done everything from assisting to billing and learning to love dental insurance company operator-robots).

Shadowing experience with an endodontist and a day watching a periodontist.

Other things:
Bilingual English/Brazilian Portuguese. Can do very basic spanish.
Paid student instructor for O-chem 2 (4 hours/wk)- hired by the chemistry department.

You look good....

I would want to interview you.

 

[techyguy]

Every admissions committee member I've talked to - all 4 - have said that they look at GPA trends, not just the end result. It's all about, "what have you done for me lately." Obviously a stronger DAT would help prove that you're prepared enough for the rigors of dental school, but my guess is you'll be alright.

 

[Danielqta]

We also have to take into account your course load when you came back and retook those pre-requisite courses. I am also a non-trad applicant, so I made sure to work my ass off this time around and max out my unit limit every semester.