Hi! I’ll just get right into it. I’m 35. Graduated with Bachelors in Biology in 2008 with a not-so-good GPA...around 2.8-2.9ish (stupid mistakes etc etc). Initially, I was never really interested in Dentistry until recently, so not shadowing, no volunteering, no experience. I won’t be applying for a few years until my youngest child is in school. What should I be doing now so that when the time comes my app is top notch (at least somewhat anyhow)? I know the volunteering aspect...but should I do a SMP to boost GPA? Repeat some classes? Keep in mind that although I graduated 2008, my intro bios/chems were taken more than 10 years ago, around 2004. I’d love to hear your suggestions!
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Older applicant...what should I be doing?
Started by Justcallmemom
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No, thank you. Not interested.
Unfortunately, only a few schools (if any...) will accept your credits from 15+ years ago.
You'll have to retake the courses required by dental school. If you already have a biology degree you most likely can take many of these courses at the same time and finish within 2 years, if you put in the effort. You will also have to do well in them because your older grades will be accounted for in your application's overall GPA and sGPA.
You will also have to work on volunteering, shadowing, etc. It varies from school to school, but ~100 shadowing hours is a safe number. Some schools require specialty shadowing as well.
I think it's a huge risk unless you have no problem with the finances.
1. There is no guarantee of good grades in your retakes.
2. If you are still interested afterwards and end with subpar grades, you may need to do masters to boost your GPA.
3. You are 35 now. It's a minimum of 6 years from now until you graduate dental school IF everything goes perfectly.
4. Dental school is expensive. You will be STARTING to pay your undergrad retakes + dental school fees starting early-mid 40s. I don't know if having 500-600k debt, or more depending on the school, is worth having in your 40s.
The above response is more realistic, I think. But if you really want it, it'll be a long road.
You'll have to retake the courses required by dental school. If you already have a biology degree you most likely can take many of these courses at the same time and finish within 2 years, if you put in the effort. You will also have to do well in them because your older grades will be accounted for in your application's overall GPA and sGPA.
You will also have to work on volunteering, shadowing, etc. It varies from school to school, but ~100 shadowing hours is a safe number. Some schools require specialty shadowing as well.
I think it's a huge risk unless you have no problem with the finances.
1. There is no guarantee of good grades in your retakes.
2. If you are still interested afterwards and end with subpar grades, you may need to do masters to boost your GPA.
3. You are 35 now. It's a minimum of 6 years from now until you graduate dental school IF everything goes perfectly.
4. Dental school is expensive. You will be STARTING to pay your undergrad retakes + dental school fees starting early-mid 40s. I don't know if having 500-600k debt, or more depending on the school, is worth having in your 40s.
The above response is more realistic, I think. But if you really want it, it'll be a long road.
Hey fellow old person! I’m a 33 year old D1 who graduated undergrad in 2009! I’m not even in the top five oldest people in my class of 103
First, I applied to schools that didn’t make me retake anything. I took bio 1 in 2005. It counted. I took many of my pre-reqs more recently but I did not have to retake anything. It’s not ideal but it’s not a massive hinderance. All dental schools lead to you being a dentist!
I did an SMP, one with a direct link to the dental school. This was key for me. I received no interviews before doing this. I received three afterwards and had my pick, but went with the school I was already at doing the bridge (LECOM).
Message me if you have any questions. I was here five years ago asking these same questions and it’s an absolute dream to be on the other side now. It’s absolutely possible and worth it to pursue!!
PS. You will hear a lot of naysayers. Ignore them. You get one life.
First, I applied to schools that didn’t make me retake anything. I took bio 1 in 2005. It counted. I took many of my pre-reqs more recently but I did not have to retake anything. It’s not ideal but it’s not a massive hinderance. All dental schools lead to you being a dentist!
I did an SMP, one with a direct link to the dental school. This was key for me. I received no interviews before doing this. I received three afterwards and had my pick, but went with the school I was already at doing the bridge (LECOM).
Message me if you have any questions. I was here five years ago asking these same questions and it’s an absolute dream to be on the other side now. It’s absolutely possible and worth it to pursue!!
PS. You will hear a lot of naysayers. Ignore them. You get one life.
Lack of shadowing suggests an impulse shopping spree, akin to walking a child through the candy isle. Whether or not courses are going to be on the menu will depend on how quickly you can reacquaint yourself with the concepts of general/organic chemistry, bio, and math. A high score on the DAT would strengthen the argument against the need to retake all the prerequisites because they are "too old".
I’m 40. Finishing my SMP now. Graduated with Assoc in dental hygiene in 2006. Took all but a few of my dental school prereqs since 2014, and was accepted to dental school starting 2020.
I have obviously been in the field for 13 years already but I would just suggest that if it’s what you want, first try some shadowing. Before you plunked down a lot of time and money. If it’s still what you want, then it’s never too late! Good luck!
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