opinion needed!!

[kc24]

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Hello! I'm planning on applying for May 2008. I'm planning to apply to many schools although my first choice is UIC since it's closer to home.

My cum GPA is 3.43 and sci GPA is 3.26
My EC involves volunteering 60+ hrs, research 2semesters, Art minor (4.0gpa), shadowed General dentist and orthodontist 70+hrs, clubs (predental, sci honor society), work experience 20 hrs/week.

But the thing that sucks is that I went to a CC before a university and my GPA is a 3.0. should I retake or take some classes in that CC?

And also, since spring semester is almost over, does anyone think that taking some courses at my CC during the summer would make any difference? I just don't want to turn in my application too late.

With this record, do I have any chance on getting in anywhere?

Thanks!

 

[kc24]

and also, do you think joining the military (ie, The Navy) would benefit my resume?

 

[ummjoey]

your GPA is ECs are good. GPA isnt the highest but it isnt low either.

what about your DATs?

nothing much you can do about the CC. even if you retake both grades will show up.

your summer grades will come out too late. you are better off applying early instead of waiting on those grades.

apply smart and keep on top of things. then your chances should be pretty good!

you are going to join the navy now to put on your application that you are in the navy? i dont get what you mean by joining the military would benefit your application. if you were in the military for like 10 years im sure that would benefit your applcation because it shows commitment and responsibilities.

 

[Slutskya]

Also, your GPA on AADSAS is a cummulative calculation based on all courses taken. Therefore, your 3.43 GPA and 3.0 GPA at 2 different schools are combined to come up with one cummulative GPA. There's also a seperate science GPA.

 

[kc24]

Also, your GPA on AADSAS is a cummulative calculation based on all courses taken. Therefore, your 3.43 GPA and 3.0 GPA at 2 different schools are combined to come up with one cummulative GPA. There's also a seperate science GPA.

Thanks for your reply!

That's what I am afraid of. It is the reason why I'm considering retaking/taking some extra classes at that CC to bump my GPA up. But if I do end up taking some classes, I won't be able to turn in my updated transcript till late August. And obviously, turning in an application late would be another disadvantage.

I know I would have a better chance if I do well on my DAT which I am scheduled to take this May. I'm aware that I need to score around the 20s to be competitive. I've been taking Kaplan and Topscore tests and have been scoring 18-19 (needs improvement!) for AA and 23 for PAT.

Any suggestions of what I should do? should I just wait till next year's cycle to apply?

 

[kc24]

your GPA is ECs are good. GPA isnt the highest but it isnt low either.

what about your DATs?

nothing much you can do about the CC. even if you retake both grades will show up.

your summer grades will come out too late. you are better off applying early instead of waiting on those grades.

apply smart and keep on top of things. then your chances should be pretty good!

you are going to join the navy now to put on your application that you are in the navy? i dont get what you mean by joining the military would benefit your application. if you were in the military for like 10 years im sure that would benefit your applcation because it shows commitment and responsibilities.

Thanks for your input!

I will be taking the DAT this May. I've taken Kaplan and Topscore tests and scored 18-19 AA while 23 for PAT.

I have heard that applying early DOES increase your chances of getting in. But since my GPA is barely competitive, I've been having doubts of turning it in early (I know that sounds idiotic).

I've looked into The Navy OCS (Officer Canditate School). I've also talked to a recruiter. She said that finishing the 3 month rigorous camp would make me stand out more as an applicant. It emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and hard work. But just like you said, it wouldn't benefit me since I'm planning to apply this May. So maybe if I ended up reapplying?

Maybe I should just concentrate on improving my GPA and doing well on the DAT..

So many questions..

 

[pidbull]

^recruiters will say anything to get you to join

 

[kc24]

^recruiters will say anything to get you to join

I kinda sensed that she was sugar coating it..

so do you think I should concentrate on improving my grades and doing well on the DAT then?

 

[makushin]

Why would you apply to OCS if you want to apply to dental school? Makes no sense, would probably delay dental school by a few years.

 

[kc24]

Why would you apply to OCS if you want to apply to dental school? Makes no sense, would probably delay dental school by a few years.

Thanks for your input!

It's just a thought. I guess it's more like a plan B if I ended up not getting in dental school the first time I apply.

 

[Regmata]

Can you even apply to OCS without a commission? Or would your applying to OCS and completing the program be with the caveat that you must be accepted to dental school, graduate and serve in the NAVY post grad? Three months doesn't sound like a medical OCS, it sounds like a straight up officer training program...Unless I am mistaken, you would have to sign up for a job in the NAVY, go through OCS and then apply to dental school...possibly after serving your time commitment within the field that you received your commission in. I am unfamiliar with the NAVY, but the Air Force offers an 8 week OTS for medical personnel. Furthermore, and again, I could be mistaken, but the medical officer training isn't exactly rigorous or hard working...at least not in comparison to the officer training that other officers must go through.

In my opinion, the last person you want to take advice from to help you get into dental school is a military recruiter. Their job is to get you in the military, not to get you into dental school. I am by no means bashing the military, this is just the way it is. If you want to serve your country in the NAVY and get your school paid for, I tip my hat to you...just be careful about how you do it and make sure that you look out for yourself first.