Odds for Dental School?

[yenehc01]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So I have a 3.36 cum GPA and have just started studying for the DAT. My first year at school I got a 3.1 but have gotten over a 3.30 ever since.

I have spent over 200 hrs working as a dental assistant to a surgeon whom performed dental implants and bone graphs. So, I think that plays to my advantage. The surgeon also happens to be the President of the Dental Association for the state I live in. He has offered to right a strong letter of recommendation for me, he also said that he knows some people on the acceptance board that he would recommend me to.

Realistically, I am wondering what my odds are for getting into Dental School. It is my dream career but at the same time if I dont get in I want to be prepared for other endeavors if this one doesn't pan out. \


Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

So I have a 3.36 cum GPA and have just started studying for the DAT. My first year at school I got a 3.1 but have gotten over a 3.30 ever since.

I have spent over 200 hrs working as a dental assistant to a surgeon whom performed dental implants and bone graphs. So, I think that plays to my advantage. The surgeon also happens to be the President of the Dental Association for the state I live in. He has offered to right a strong letter of recommendation for me, he also said that he knows some people on the acceptance board that he would recommend me to.

Realistically, I am wondering what my odds are for getting into Dental School. It is my dream career but at the same time if I dont get in I want to be prepared for other endeavors if this one doesn't pan out. \


Thanks in advance for any responses!

What is your sci GPA? If it's significantly lower than your oGPA , then you might have a problem. Because you haven't taken the DAT yet, it's difficult to assess your situation. However a 20+ should help you out in addition to your strong LOR and dental experience. Apply to plenty of schools that interest you and hopefully you'll land a few interviews and at least one acceptance.

Good luck

 

[Duriel]

Knowing the right people always helps

 

[yenehc01]

What is your sci GPA? If it's significantly lower than your oGPA , then you might have a problem. Because you haven't taken the DAT yet, it's difficult to assess your situation. However a 20+ should help you out in addition to your strong LOR and dental experience. Apply to plenty of schools that interest you and hopefully you'll land a few interviews and at least one acceptance.

Good luck

My science GPA is just over a 3.0.
Does it help me in any way that my major is neurobiology which is a more difficult area of biology than just a 4 year BS in Biology?
Also, I have a lot of extra-curriculars with leadership positions that I think will help. Some are in the field that relate to ethics/morals and one of the others is VP of the mental health group on the campus of the University of Iowa, which is where I go to school.

Thanks for the insight, much appreciated.

 

[wizi]

Knowing the right people always helps

You mean like a dean's 18 yo daughter?

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

My science GPA is just over a 3.0.
Does it help me in any way that my major is neurobiology which is a more difficult area of biology than just a 4 year BS in Biology?
Also, I have a lot of extra-curriculars with leadership positions that I think will help. Some are in the field that relate to ethics/morals and one of the others is VP of the mental health group on the campus of the University of Iowa, which is where I go to school.

Thanks for the insight, much appreciated.

I don't think a neurobiology degree vs a regular biology degree will make much of a difference.

Having a ton of EC's and a variety of leadership positions is always a plus, and never hurts. I think that personally helped me out for my own application since my GPA and DAT scores weren't spectacular.

The low sci GPA is a little concerning. If it was at least a 3.2 and you had good DAT scores, I would say you had a decent shot. However if you're very confident about your strong LOR and your connections, and you don't mind spending the money, it wouldn't hurt to apply this upcoming cycle. If worse comes to worst, you'll just have to do something different (probably bring up the sci GPA), and apply again later.

Good luck

 

[thewobblytooth]

major doesn't matter. i graduated with a psychology major. get your GPA up as much as possible, rape the DAT, and you'll be good. Having strong letters only help, but you need to be seen as a serious "academic" competitor as many other students will have strong GPAs applying within the same cycle as you will be. I didn't apply until the end of my senior year to rebuild my GPA as well. Brought it from 3.3 in Sophomore year to 3.6 by end of senior year. It's doable.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

major doesn't matter. i graduated with a psychology major. get your GPA up as much as possible, rape the DAT, and you'll be good. Having strong letters only help, but you need to be seen as a serious "academic" competitor as many other students will have strong GPAs applying within the same cycle as you will be. I didn't apply until the end of my senior year to rebuild my GPA as well. Brought it from 3.3 in Sophomore year to 3.6 by end of senior year. It's doable.

Good advice but there's one problematic word usage (especially to a particular group of people)....

 

[yenehc01]

What would be a reasonable DAT to reach for with my grades to improve my chances?

Like a 20/21?

 

[Duriel]

You mean like a dean's 18 yo daughter?

 

[JdogDMD]

Major doesn't matter as much as what your GPA's are. Bring those up and rock the DAT and you should have a chance. Good luck!