OK...let's be honest

[Diana A.]

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Hey guys! I'm need some feedback. Be honest.

Chances of getting in with: Mediocre GPA, respectable DAT (shooting for June), tons of experience ( 8yrs ) and recommendations too, and absolute LOVE of dentistry.

My undergrad was not in science- thus the lack of interest and lackluster grades. I have a busy semester (Biochem, Organic II, grad-level physiology, etc.) and will make out with probably a B average.

Any suggestions as far as getting your foot in the door?

 

[IcemanDDS]

I'm about in your position, or worse. Must have something in the GPA or DAT department to catch their attention. If either one of those is exceptional, then you can impress them with experience, LORs, etc. What exactly is mediocre? Get as high on DAT as you can. Also contact and build a relationship with schools of interest. That way they can recognize your app when they get it.

 

[wimmcs]

Please supply details. Hard to give advice with very little info.

 

[onetoothleft]

Hey guys! I'm need some feedback. Be honest.

Chances of getting in with: Mediocre GPA, respectable DAT (shooting for June), tons of experience ( 8yrs ) and recommendations too, and absolute LOVE of dentistry.

My undergrad was not in science- thus the lack of interest and lackluster grades. I have a busy semester (Biochem, Organic II, grad-level physiology, etc.) and will make out with probably a B average.

Any suggestions as far as getting your foot in the door?

Honest opinion is that that is too little information to make any sort of good guess. look here http://dentalstats.tripod.com/03-04.htm for some stats of what your GPA and DAT should be to get into various schools. Apply early and remember that stats are going up!

Sorry I couldn't be much more help, but welcome to SDN!

 

[Diana A.]

GPA ~2.5. I took the Kaplan prep course and I did OK (avg. score for the school I want to get in to) -especially without organic. I am not worried about my DAT so much as my GPA. It's hard to do well in a subject you have no interest in. Until this past semester, I had taken one science class in my life. In just a short amount of time, I have learned so much. Yeah, lab write-ups and papers are overwhelming, but actually learning about something that applies to work is very interesting. I have all the motivation in the world but I'm afraid admissions won't give me chance without the GPA. I'm kinda sorry I slacked now but it's too late.

Has anybody had luck building relationships with admissions? How do you start?

 

[IcemanDDS]

GPA ~2.5. I took the Kaplan prep course and I did OK (avg. score for the school I want to get in to) -especially without organic. I am not worried about my DAT so much as my GPA. It's hard to do well in a subject you have no interest in. Until this past semester, I had taken one science class in my life. In just a short amount of time, I have learned so much. Yeah, lab write-ups and papers are overwhelming, but actually learning about something that applies to work is very interesting. I have all the motivation in the world but I'm afraid admissions won't give me chance without the GPA. I'm kinda sorry I slacked now but it's too late.

Has anybody had luck building relationships with admissions? How do you start?

Yea my GPA is in that neighborhood. We both gotta get a HIGH HIGH DAT score with that GPA. I started with MCG by calling and making an appointment with director of admissions, to get an idea of what I need to do. I also signed up for the campus tour that same day, so I got to see all the facilities. You gotta show interest in these schools, and make yourself known. The lady at MCG started a "file" on me, to track my progress through these post bac classes I"m taking. Gotta show interest, improvement, and persistance!! I'm trying to practice what I preach here... 👍

 

[onetoothleft]

Since you asked for honesty I will adress you honestly without sugarcoating. A 2.5 GPA is too low for dental school even with 8 years of experience. You would need like a 24 DAT to salvage it. What I would suggest is doing a masters program that would give you a higher, separate GPA, and would highlight the fact that these 8 years have made you a different, more studious person. And maybe retake the DAT.

But that is just my opinion . . . check out the "under 3.0 GPA club" and see if anyone can offer other suggestions . . .

 

[mvs04]

Diana- check your PM box.

Don't despair there are many of us who got in with very very bad GPAs (I'm a 2.7'er).

 

[Rezdawg]

Diana, if your DAT is average for the school you want to get into, then you wont get in. Im just trying to be honest with you here. With a 2.5, you have to absolutely rock the DAT to have a chance. Getting the average score for your school wont do you any good. Therefore, I would suggest getting as prepared as possible for the DAT and get yourself a score that will stand out from the pack...22, 23, 24...you get the point.

 

[hockeydentist]

Diana, if your DAT is average for the school you want to get into, then you wont get in. Im just trying to be honest with you here. With a 2.5, you have to absolutely rock the DAT to have a chance. Getting the average score for your school wont do you any good. Therefore, I would suggest getting as prepared as possible for the DAT and get yourself a score that will stand out from the pack...22, 23, 24...you get the point.

Truth speaks volumes!

HD

 

[grant555]

Hey guys! I'm need some feedback. Be honest.

Chances of getting in with: Mediocre GPA, respectable DAT (shooting for June), tons of experience ( 8yrs ) and recommendations too, and absolute LOVE of dentistry.

My undergrad was not in science- thus the lack of interest and lackluster grades. I have a busy semester (Biochem, Organic II, grad-level physiology, etc.) and will make out with probably a B average.

Any suggestions as far as getting your foot in the door?

An experienced interviewer at Baylor explained this very well.

If your GPA and DAT or Cognitive Factors are low, you must compensate as best you can with overachieving NonCognitive Factors such as community service, experience, personal statement etc. This doesn't mean that you have to go out and build houses for the homeless, but you must show consistency in altruism as you would your GPA or Cognitive factors. In other words, not just one month for one year of handing out free turkeys won't cut it. Conversely, the Dean of Admission at Baylor told me that they want trends or consistent academic achievement-bar none. I believed him and respect the man's mission. At least, he was honest in relating what was required to gain admission and not blowing smoke. Also, it is their school, and they can emphasize or deemphasize what they wish; other schools do the same.

Also, individual schools value Cognitive and/or NonCognitive Factors more or less than others. One book that does a good job in breaking this down is Barrons Guide to Medical and Dental Schools


Also, this was discussed here.

And No being a Minority won't save you. More than a few people I know relied on their minority status to get into dental school and are not there yet, and presumably won't be until their attitudes change. I was told point blank that if you don't score reasonably well on the DAT, Keep GPA competitive, and those noncognitive factors, I wouldn't attend anyone's dental school.

But this is my own personal experience and that doesn't make it law. I hope this helps. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[ItsGavinC]

My honest opinion:

With a 2.5 GPA, I'd view your chances of getting admissions ANYWHERE to be extremely bleak. Sure it's possible and been done before, but for all intents and purposes it doesn't exist.

You must not only do well on the DAT, but I believe you must take further courses to raise your GPA. It may be that you have to enroll in a post-bacc program or seek another degree.

I say this because even a great DAT score (say a 23), although a boon to your application, will also raise many questions with adcoms.

If you're bright enough to get a 23 on the DAT, then they will seriously question your motivation that led you to a 2.5 in undergrad.

I'm not sure why you chose a non-science major if it didn't interest you (you said your poor grades were due to lack of interest). Seems like a big mistake, but we all learn from things throughout life.

Can you get into dental school? Absolutely. Will it happen right away? I think not. I think you've got more work than just the DAT ahead of you. Good luck.

 

[grant555]

My honest opinion:

With a 2.5 GPA, I'd view your chances of getting admissions ANYWHERE to be extremely bleak. Sure it's possible and been done before, but for all intents and purposes it doesn't exist.

You must not only do well on the DAT, but I believe you must take further courses to raise your GPA. It may be that you have to enroll in a post-bacc program or seek another degree.

I say this because even a great DAT score (say a 23), although a boon to your application, will also raise many questions with adcoms.

If you're bright enough to get a 23 on the DAT, then they will seriously question your motivation that led you to a 2.5 in undergrad.

I'm not sure why you chose a non-science major if it didn't interest you (you said your poor grades were due to lack of interest). Seems like a big mistake, but we all learn from things throughout life.

Can you get into dental school? Absolutely. Will it happen right away? I think not. I think you've got more work than just the DAT ahead of you. Good luck.

This is a valid point. One of my DAT instructors/tutors was a guy who had graduated from the Univ of Houston, travelled and worked a while. Later, he returned to another college and earned a 4.0 and eventually performed in the 20+ range on the DAT.

When confronted with questions (in the interview) about his first bachelor's, he commented that he wasn't serious and partied, but went back to school and proved he could do well academically then suplanted it with a very strong DAT.

Gavin is correct that additional courses should be included to help your cause along with any other things you could fit in.

I myself fell into a simliar category, since my first bachelors was in Communications (B avg). I spent 2 1/2 yrs taking a full load of science courses (A avg) and other activities to be the best applicant I could when it was time to apply. This was the advice I was given circa 2002, long before I eventually applied to dental school, providing time to improve.

Also, I was advised that it does matter what school you attend. This is what I found to be most questionable. Since not everyone can afford to attend a high end private school, it is weird that a school's reputation would come into play, but it does. At least, that is what I was told at Baylor by more than one faculty member. It seems that admissions' committees take note as to where you went to school and how you performed against arguably stiffer competition. From what I understand, Baylor is not alone in this caricature and that other schools do this as well even though it is not always directly stated.

I guess there really isn't fairness in anything. Man, I've got to stop watching FOX News (Damn O'Reilly). 😳

Admissions into dental school is not clear cut as I once assumed it was, but it is helpful to get as best an understanding as possible as to how the process works, which can vary depending on the school.

For example, the Univ of Detroit-Mercy states that it looks highly on the latter semester averages than those in the earlier college years. The reasoning provided in their literature is that students who performed marginally earlier on, are in a mathematical quandry as to being able to increase their GPA's. I had never heard that before reading UD Mercy's admissions requirement packet. Ironically, I did not apply to UD Mercy eventhough I debated on it greatly. In the end, I just could not see myself residing there for 4yrs and being comfortable. But that was a personal decision. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[hockeydentist]

This is a valid point. One of my DAT instructors/tutors was a guy who had graduated from the Univ of Houston, travelled and worked a while. Later, he returned to another college and earned a 4.0 and eventually performed in the 20+ range on the DAT.

When confronted with questions (in the interview) about his first bachelor's, he commented that he wasn't serious and partied, but went back to school and proved he could do well academically then suplanted it with a very strong DAT.

Gavin is correct that additional courses should be included to help your cause along with any other things you could fit in.

I myself fell into a simliar category, since my first bachelors was in Communications (B avg). I spent 2 1/2 yrs taking a full load of science courses (A avg) and other activities to be the best applicant I could when it was time to apply. This was the advice I was given circa 2002, long before I eventually applied to dental school, providing time to improve.

Also, I was advised that it does matter what school you attend. This is what I found to be most questionable. Since not everyone can afford to attend a high end private school, it is weird that a school's reputation would come into play, but it does. At least, that is what I was told at Baylor by more than one faculty member. It seems that admissions' committees take note as to where you went to school and how you performed against arguably stiffer competition. From what I understand, Baylor is not alone in this caricature and that other schools do this as well even though it is not always directly stated.

I guess there really isn't fairness in anything. Man, I've got to stop watching FOX News (Damn O'Reilly). 😳

Admissions into dental school is not clear cut as I once assumed it was, but it is helpful to get as best an understanding as possible as to how the process works, which can vary depending on the school.

For example, the Univ of Detroit-Mercy states that it looks highly on the latter semester averages than those in the earlier college years. The reasoning provided in their literature is that students who performed marginally earlier on, are in a mathematical quandry as to being able to increase their GPA's. I had never heard that before reading UD Mercy's admissions requirement packet. Ironically, I did not apply to UD Mercy eventhough I debated on it greatly. In the end, I just could not see myself residing there for 4yrs and being comfortable. But that was a personal decision. Take care and GOD Bless.

not to blow smoke at you grant, congrats on getting into dental school but did you get into any other schools besides Howard?

 

[grant555]

not to blow smoke at you grant, congrats on getting into dental school but did you get into any other schools besides Howard?

It is not a problem. I don't have anything to hide since it would defeat the purpose of having a webpage.

As far as your question, I was accepted into Howard, Meharry, and alternate list at Indiana and was denied at the three Texas schools. Dean Kasberg at Indiana and Mrs Adams were great people, and Dr. Kasberg encouraged me to apply for a specialty program down the road. My main goal is to work hard and do well on the boards so that I am more competitive if or when the time arises. In restropect, I regret I applied there so late. The school has a great reputation. As I understand it, one of the Baylor Post Bacc students was admitted there, but decided to go to Baylor instead (cheaper tuition). I Hope this helps. Take care and GOD Bless.

 

[The Godfather]

The fact of the matter is that you need to get that gpa up. It has gotten ultra competitive, and I don't foresee it getting any less so. And, like everyone else says, show steady improvement. It might take you a while (2 years maybe) to boost that gpa from where you are now (believe me I share your pain. I was a total party guy in college and paid for it). But if you really are as dedicated as you say you shouldn't have any problem sucking it up and sticking with it. It took me about 1.5 years of 4.0's to pull mine up to where I felt comfortable with applying. And rock the DAT even if you have to take one of those Kaplan courses - people seem to have had good results with them. And like Grant says, do some community service, and I'll add, try to attain some sort of leadership positions - schools love that stuff. I know it sounds like a lot, but it's very possible. Just think of it as good practice for the hell that is dental school Good Luck!!!

 

[The Godfather]

Cool website Grant555. I love New Orleans. I spent a week down there last year presenting some research for the Am. Soc. of Microbiology -my girlfriend and I had a blast. Rich culture, fun bars, and the best food!!! 👍

 

[demonicr]

Diana:

If you don't have any previous sciences courses, this might work to your advantage. Even though your overall GPA is low, if you do well in all you upcoming science courses, you can get a pretty nice science GPA. some school favors science GPA more than the overall GPA. Good Luck

 

[Diana A.]

I hope schools would look at what you did in your college years in addition to a science GPA. Does the fact that I finished my undergrad. in 3 years mean anything? How about buying house six months before I graduated? I had a mortgage and a degree before I could drink. My best friend had a free ride to her school with a perfect GPA and never worked. Now she is stuck in a mediocre job making half what she should because she had no work experience. Would I trade my experience for a point on my GPA? No way- I may not remember every enzyme in glucogenesis but I know what a good prep for a Procera should look like. (I was at a dental school and saw their "ideal" models- that would never fly with a lab)

I also took most of my sciences without taking their prerequites. Why? Because I want to be challenged- I wanted to prove I could pass a harder class and learn at an advanced level. What does an A in micro mean if it was one of two classes you took that semester? Good luck with that in d-school, you'll finish in six years if you don't have a nervous breakdown first. Four sciences and lab should hold more weight within a semester, don't you think?

I am very curious about how much experience pre-d kids have. Give me your feedback. I remember in my prep-course, when asked why they chose dentistry, kids said "for the money" or "my daddy's a dentist." Are you kidding me? I am afraid some of these kids have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Some kids dropout after their third year because they realize they just don't want be a dentist. Even two years experience won't give you a good perspective of the field- forget shadowing. You have to REALLY LOVE this to make it. Wait till you get the patients that smell like ashtray- the double-maskers- or patients that always call on a Friday afternoon b/c of a TA. I've loved doing to my job for eight years. How many people can say that? Not to mention you have to be good at managing people and money. I've worked for dentists that couldn't keep a staff for more than six months to save his life. Turnover in dentistry is incredible. Why? Not all good dentists make good managers. I know a couple of good dentists that can't sell their dentistry and are pretty much bankrupt. Smart as heck, just can't tell their patients why they need a crown and not an MOD. It's more than just teeth or working with your hands, it's about the people, your patients. You have to really care about people and want to make them happy. The best feeling in the world is when someone looks at me after I've bleached their teeth and says, "I haven't been able to smile in twenty years and now I can. Thank you." THAT is why I want to do this for the rest of my life. I know it sounds philosophical, but dentists can change peoples' lives. I've had patients who can't make it past the waiting room in the first three visits eventually have those eight or nine units done and change his self-esteem 180 degrees. How? A good dentist knows how. If you're in the field long enough, you know what works and what doesn't. Can anyone atest to this? All I am trying to say is books smarts are important, yes, but so is having the experience to apply your knowledge in a clinical setting. So when kids like me get in, keep your eyes open for them. They might be able to teach you something you'd never learn in school or might have to make a mistake to figure out first.

 

[WildcatDMD]

Well, it sounds like you are getting into dentistry for all the right reasons.

The only criticism I have is that you may not realize how much academic/science work dental school is. Taking 4 science courses in undergrad for one semester is great, but dental school is MUCH more work than that every semester. Schools need to be assured that you can handle the coursework required in dental school so that they are neither wasting your time/money nor you theirs.

Having the drive to become a dentist also requires the drive to prove yourself academically; your 8 years experience does not prove that. Dental school is not a tech program, and just being able to perform the manual tasks will not get you through. A 2.5 is a very low GPA regardless of the circumstances you were dealing with at the same time as school. There are many students who have worked/supported families while still attaining well above a 3.0 in undergrad.

I would be more than surprised if you were to be accepted without doing more coursework with a MUCH higher GPA. I would even seriously doubt that a high DAT would get you accepted with a 2.5--the discrepancy between GPA and DAT will probably concern the adcoms ("is this person really bright, but lacking drive?").

(I'm not trying to be harsh--I'm just a little exhausted from having 10 tests in the last 3 weeks [2 more left] with physiology on Monday and microbiology on Wednesday)

4 MORE DAYS TILL SUMMER "BREAK"!!!! 😀 😀

 

[Dentist 2 be]

I hope schools would look at what you did in your college years in addition to a science GPA. Does the fact that I finished my undergrad. in 3 years mean anything? How about buying house six months before I graduated? I had a mortgage and a degree before I could drink. My best friend had a free ride to her school with a perfect GPA and never worked. Now she is stuck in a mediocre job making half what she should because she had no work experience. Would I trade my experience for a point on my GPA? No way- I may not remember every enzyme in glucogenesis but I know what a good prep for a Procera should look like. (I was at a dental school and saw their "ideal" models- that would never fly with a lab)

I also took most of my sciences without taking their prerequites. Why? Because I want to be challenged- I wanted to prove I could pass a harder class and learn at an advanced level. What does an A in micro mean if it was one of two classes you took that semester? Good luck with that in d-school, you'll finish in six years if you don't have a nervous breakdown first. Four sciences and lab should hold more weight within a semester, don't you think?

I am very curious about how much experience pre-d kids have. Give me your feedback. I remember in my prep-course, when asked why they chose dentistry, kids said "for the money" or "my daddy's a dentist." Are you kidding me? I am afraid some of these kids have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Some kids dropout after their third year because they realize they just don't want be a dentist. Even two years experience won't give you a good perspective of the field- forget shadowing. You have to REALLY LOVE this to make it. Wait till you get the patients that smell like ashtray- the double-maskers- or patients that always call on a Friday afternoon b/c of a TA. I've loved doing to my job for eight years. How many people can say that? Not to mention you have to be good at managing people and money. I've worked for dentists that couldn't keep a staff for more than six months to save his life. Turnover in dentistry is incredible. Why? Not all good dentists make good managers. I know a couple of good dentists that can't sell their dentistry and are pretty much bankrupt. Smart as heck, just can't tell their patients why they need a crown and not an MOD. It's more than just teeth or working with your hands, it's about the people, your patients. You have to really care about people and want to make them happy. The best feeling in the world is when someone looks at me after I've bleached their teeth and says, "I haven't been able to smile in twenty years and now I can. Thank you." THAT is why I want to do this for the rest of my life. I know it sounds philosophical, but dentists can change peoples' lives. I've had patients who can't make it past the waiting room in the first three visits eventually have those eight or nine units done and change his self-esteem 180 degrees. How? A good dentist knows how. If you're in the field long enough, you know what works and what doesn't. Can anyone atest to this? All I am trying to say is books smarts are important, yes, but so is having the experience to apply your knowledge in a clinical setting. So when kids like me get in, keep your eyes open for them. They might be able to teach you something you'd never learn in school or might have to make a mistake to figure out first.

Diana. Good Luck to you sweetie!!! I hope that you can get interviews and speak your mind to the interviewers like you are on SDN because if you do, they will be blown away and forget about your less than mediocre GPA.

 

[nebuladds]

GPA and DATs. In my limited knowledge, I'd say those make up 90% of the admissions process. I speak from experience. I too graduated from college with a 2.5, from the #1-ranked public university in the country AND I scored an overall 20 on my DAT which was in the 97th percentile of all people taking the test. No dice. I didn't get in. I spent a year after college, assisting. Didn't get in again. It was only after I entered a masters program (at another very prestigous university....where my father had to pull some strings to get me into it) and finished with a 3.6 GPA did I get into dental school.

I don't mean to discourage you, but unless you have a phenomenally good excuse for your grades, you won't get in. That does not mean you cannot realize your goal of becoming a dentist, but it is going to take some additional work on your part.

Dental schools want to know you can hack it in their program, and a 2.5 GPA doesn't bode well for you in their eyes. So, you have to show them you can do better, and that means more classes. Preferably in the form of a masters degree.

I'll tell you what, though, WildcatDMD is way off the mark when he spoke of the rigors of dental school. Most dental students are of mediocre intelligence. Look at the profession....there are stupid, incompetent a-holes practicing dentistry all over the country. These idiots made it through dental school and are now treating patients. This applies to some of my classmates. It's a scary thought, but it goes to show you how dental school is NOT that rigorous, at least in terms of the sciences. The lab courses, on the other hand, are a royal pain in the ass. But then again, you don't need brains to get through them. Just a good work ethic and reasonably good hands.

 

[aceking]

Hi Diana,

Honestly,

your experience is probably no match to other applicants; however, u need to get those grades up somehow. Even a master's program may be a little difficult to get in with a 2.5, but i am sure that there are postbac or extesion couses that u can take to bring up your gpa.

i can see that there a strong competitive personality on you, but taking hard classes or bunch of classes does not prove anything to someone(admissions) who looks pretty much the total GPA without really going chronologically your transcript.

i am sure that you had your reasons to work so hard during school, but everyone knows that a student's main focus should be to perform well in midterms and final no matter what. And then if you have the cushion to do something else, one can work part time, volunteer, research, or party.

wish you the best.... 👍

 

[reLAXgirl]

I hope schools would look at what you did in your college years in addition to a science GPA. Does the fact that I finished my undergrad. in 3 years mean anything? How about buying house six months before I graduated? I had a mortgage and a degree before I could drink. My best friend had a free ride to her school with a perfect GPA and never worked. Now she is stuck in a mediocre job making half what she should because she had no work experience. Would I trade my experience for a point on my GPA? No way- I may not remember every enzyme in glucogenesis but I know what a good prep for a Procera should look like. (I was at a dental school and saw their "ideal" models- that would never fly with a lab)

I also took most of my sciences without taking their prerequites. Why? Because I want to be challenged- I wanted to prove I could pass a harder class and learn at an advanced level. What does an A in micro mean if it was one of two classes you took that semester? Good luck with that in d-school, you'll finish in six years if you don't have a nervous breakdown first. Four sciences and lab should hold more weight within a semester, don't you think?

I am very curious about how much experience pre-d kids have. Give me your feedback. I remember in my prep-course, when asked why they chose dentistry, kids said "for the money" or "my daddy's a dentist." Are you kidding me? I am afraid some of these kids have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Some kids dropout after their third year because they realize they just don't want be a dentist. Even two years experience won't give you a good perspective of the field- forget shadowing. You have to REALLY LOVE this to make it. Wait till you get the patients that smell like ashtray- the double-maskers- or patients that always call on a Friday afternoon b/c of a TA. I've loved doing to my job for eight years. How many people can say that? Not to mention you have to be good at managing people and money. I've worked for dentists that couldn't keep a staff for more than six months to save his life. Turnover in dentistry is incredible. Why? Not all good dentists make good managers. I know a couple of good dentists that can't sell their dentistry and are pretty much bankrupt. Smart as heck, just can't tell their patients why they need a crown and not an MOD. It's more than just teeth or working with your hands, it's about the people, your patients. You have to really care about people and want to make them happy. The best feeling in the world is when someone looks at me after I've bleached their teeth and says, "I haven't been able to smile in twenty years and now I can. Thank you." THAT is why I want to do this for the rest of my life. I know it sounds philosophical, but dentists can change peoples' lives. I've had patients who can't make it past the waiting room in the first three visits eventually have those eight or nine units done and change his self-esteem 180 degrees. How? A good dentist knows how. If you're in the field long enough, you know what works and what doesn't. Can anyone atest to this? All I am trying to say is books smarts are important, yes, but so is having the experience to apply your knowledge in a clinical setting. So when kids like me get in, keep your eyes open for them. They might be able to teach you something you'd never learn in school or might have to make a mistake to figure out first.

I am glad to hear you are going into dentistry for many of the same reasons as I am. However, while I think your arguments are valid and need to be presented to the admissions committees, sometimes good intentions are not enough. People are merely giving you their opinions from their experience. I hope your shiny outlook gets you in but in the meantime I wouldn't rely on your excuses. You will probably have to get the stats up so they will even consider you. . .then, you can dazzle them in the interview with your great outlook and motivations. In the meantime, keep it up and mention this points in your personal statement. Good luck!

 

[JavadiCavity]

Diana,

Before an Adcom will ever look at your spectacular experience, they will toss you out the door for having a 2.5 gpa. That's the nature of this game. If I were you, I'd enroll in a post-bac program and retake the courses you got less than a B or I'd enroll in Master's degree.

Gavin was right. As it stands now, your chances are bleak--I'd give you zero to none. If you get in with a 2.5 gpa, it would be a miracle.