oGPA 3.3 sGPA 3.0 Should I go for it?

[PCON3]

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Hello,
Just trying to get a feel of what is possible. I have searched other threads but don't know if peoples opinions have changed since then.

oGPA: 3.3
sGPA: 3.0
DAT: 21AA/20TS

I have heard you automatically get flagged or thrown out for having a low GPA which I understand but is a 21 high enough to compensate? I was really discouraged but some people are saying the admission boards are more holistic now but that doesn't mean they wouldn't just throw me out for having a low gpa.

Things that may set me apart:
-I am a registered member of the Oneida Nation of Indians of Wisconsin and know there is a shortage of Native American dentists but both my cousins are Native and it took them 2-3 times to get accepted so I don't know if being multicultural (specifically Native) really helps too much.
- I am a Visual Arts Major and specifically a wood/stone carver. Some have told me that this will help me be memorable but others say it doesn't matter at all.

Should I apply and just wait to see or should I already start applying for postbacc programs since I forsee GPA being the weakest part of my application? I have heard that if you get into the postbacc and then get accepted later to dental school you could potentially drop out of the postbacc but others make you finish but I just don't know. I have a gap year and I'm 27 so just want to be as proactive as possible.

Thanks.

 

[ian21]

I am in the the same boat as you but have a slightly higher sGPA. I am gonna go ahead and apply and shoot my shot. But I am following this post!

 

[laundry]

Hello,
Just trying to get a feel of what is possible. I have searched other threads but don't know if peoples opinions have changed since then.

oGPA: 3.3
sGPA: 3.0
DAT: 21AA/20TS

I have heard you automatically get flagged or thrown out for having a low GPA which I understand but is a 21 high enough to compensate? I was really discouraged but some people are saying the admission boards are more holistic now but that doesn't mean they wouldn't just throw me out for having a low gpa.

Things that may set me apart:
-I am a registered member of the Oneida Nation of Indians of Wisconsin and know there is a shortage of Native American dentists but both my cousins are Native and it took them 2-3 times to get accepted so I don't know if being multicultural (specifically Native) really helps too much.
- I am a Visual Arts Major and specifically a wood/stone carver. Some have told me that this will help me be memorable but others say it doesn't matter at all.

Should I apply and just wait to see or should I already start applying for postbacc programs since I forsee GPA being the weakest part of my application? I have heard that if you get into the postbacc and then get accepted later to dental school you could potentially drop out of the postbacc but others make you finish but I just don't know. I have a gap year and I'm 27 so just want to be as proactive as possible.

Thanks.

I recommend applying - I have had a few of my students apply with similar stats and get accepted. You can also apply to postbacc's in parallel but that's tricky for some schools that have both dental and postbacc programs, as some of the adcoms serve on both committees.

 

[PCON3]

I recommend applying - I have had a few of my students apply with similar stats and get accepted. You can also apply to postbacc's in parallel but that's tricky for some schools that have both dental and postbacc programs, as some of the adcoms serve on both committees.

Thank you Ill definitely go for it but I will do some research on postbaccs as well!

 

[PCON3]

I am in the the same boat as you but have a slightly higher sGPA. I am gonna go ahead and apply and shoot my shot. But I am following this post!

Sweet! What schools are you going to apply to?

 

[ian21]

Sweet! What schools are you going to apply to?

I am applying very broadly to maximize my chances. I am planning on applying to 15 schools (mostly private and some public). I used dentalschoolexplorer to research schools that have lower gpa stats. Hopefully we can get int this cycle!

 

[PCON3]

I am applying very broadly to maximize my chances. I am planning on applying to 15 schools (mostly private and some public). I used dentalschoolexplorer to research schools that have lower gpa stats. Hopefully we can get int this cycle!

Yeah for sure! As of right now I’m applying to 12 schools but thinking about possibly adding more. Keep in touch, hopefully we do!!!

 

[PCON3]

I have the same stats! Do you know what schools you'll be applying to?

We are trying to stay in a warmer(ish) climate so I am applying all over the Midwest/western regions! How many schools you going to apply to?

 

[sobertiger]

It has been getting less competitive. I think you should try it.

 

[Bigjt1420]

I got in a few years ago with a 3.15 Science and 3.1 Overall GPA. 24 DAT helped a lot though. Applied only 1 cycle -- did the broad net approach and got into 2 schools. Definitely apply!

 

[Kurulean]

I think your science GPA is too low.
Almost all of applicants with low sGPA who got in have higher degree (masters' or PhD) or very solid DAT score (23+)