One semester of Organic -- Advice / Improvements to School List?

[Nohre]

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I will listen to, consider, and value any advice given. I apologize for a long post. I feel some background information is needed, and I'm trying to weigh a few different options.

Post-bacc study seems like it might be the best option. However, I am up to my eyeballs in debt and am not sure if I would be able to get any loans to finance it. My adviser once recommended a Doctor of Osteopathy program--which I am somewhat okay with. I would much prefer Dental work, but be okay with a DO degree. Also, I'm told that something goes on behind the scenes that prevents you from taking both the MCAT and DAT within a year from each other--so if I get rejected I don't think I can just immediately start pursuing a DO path.

I am scheduled to take the DAT in 5 days, and hope to make about a 20 AA.
GPA: 2.92
Overall Science GPA: 2.71
Science GPA from last 30 hours: 4.0

I recently graduated with a bachelor's in biology. As you can tell by my overall GPA, my first 3 years of undergrad were largely a lazy, unproductive mistake. I dropped out of college and didn't plan on going back.

After two years of low paying and unfulfilling work I had developed a new appreciation for the opportunities a college education might afford me and returned to college. I (seemingly) effortlessly made 4.0's my final year, and graduated.

I recently reviewed all websites of OOS friendly schools (I live in GA) mentioned in the 2015-2016 ADEA Guide to Dental Schools. From a list of 32 schools that would accept my GPA, only 4 would accept one semester of Organic Chemistry.

The list of schools I will be applying to: University of New England, University of Pennsylvania, Tufts, Roseman (Utah).

Any suggestions or advice?
Is there a school I overlooked that would fit my criteria?
Pursue DO?
Post-bacc classes the best option?

 

[BeaverLover]

Not to be a jerk but realistically I don't think 2.71 is going work with either DO or dental w/ a 20AA. You should probably continue with a post-bacc seeing how you were able to pull off a great uptrend.

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

With that GPA, you should be aiming for a higher DAT score regardless of your upward trend. Like...much higher.

 

[Nohre]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like some solid advice. Hopefully I'll net something higher than a 20 AA a few days from now.

 

[Incis0r]

When you say DO, do you mean the DO med schools? I think DO offers grade replacement so that could help you out a lot. Not sure if DDS/DMD do the same.

You mentioned you're in a lot of debt. Keep in mind that all the schools except UNE on your list now eclipse 400K, and UNE is over 320K. I would really really take a deep look at whether I would want to go dental over DO that much. Is this debt, in addition to the current debt, worth it to you?

I'm not sure about the financial situation of DOs, and I know they have to deal with residency and all that, but this is just some food for thought.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

You say you'd prefer dental work to DO and that you're in a lot of debt... have you considered a dental hygiene program? I don't know much about them, but I believe it's a lot cheaper and doesn't take as long.

 

[Nohre]

When you say DO, do you mean the DO med schools? I think DO offers grade replacement so that could help you out a lot. Not sure if DDS/DMD do the same.

You mentioned you're in a lot of debt. Keep in mind that all the schools except UNE on your list now eclipse 400K, and UNE is over 320K. I would really really take a deep look at whether I would want to go dental over DO that much. Is this debt, in addition to the current debt, worth it to you?

I'm not sure about the financial situation of DOs, and I know they have to deal with residency and all that, but this is just some food for thought.

Thanks for the food. Grade replacement would be nice, as I have two Fs in classes that I actually like but was unable to complete. For me, personally, the debt would not be a deterrent.

You say you'd prefer dental work to DO and that you're in a lot of debt... have you considered a dental hygiene program? I don't know much about them, but I believe it's a lot cheaper and doesn't take as long.

In the past I gave Dental Hygiene a lot of consideration--researching Hygiene programs in my area is where I got the idea to apply to Dental School. I haven't considered Dental Hygiene for some time, but a Hygienist where I shadow has told me great things. I suppose that would be a great option, too. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[ajj70]

Can't you pick up an OChem class somewhere over the next year? You don't need to have the classes done before you apply, just before you start dental school. With a GPA that low, you need to apply to more schools.

 

[dds2b219]

You should do a post bac or masters program if you don't start getting interviews before fall. That way you can complete a full year of classes and reapply, if dentistry is what you really want.

 

[Nohre]

Can't you pick up an OChem class somewhere over the next year? You don't need to have the classes done before you apply, just before you start dental school. With a GPA that low, you need to apply to more schools.

Organic II is only offered in the summer and spring, but if you're right I think that would still give me plenty of time. From what I'm reading I think most school start in August, but some have prerequisite deadlines in May (end of Spring semester).

Thanks for the idea! Going to look in to this more and see if I can find a way to finance it.