Please help!!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

dentalholic

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2009
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
I would appreciate any advice on my situation.

I graduated in 2008 and have applied this cycle to dental schools. I am pretty sure I won't get in this year because of my low DAT scores--and I honestly don't think I could do much better in a short amount of time (if I retook it before the end of this years application cycle). I wanted to take couple of classes at a community college to raise my gpa and then apply to post bac and masters programs this year. I have two options as of right now--i could a) retake four general classes that I did semi poorly in (second part of gen chem, second part of bio, third part of math, and physics) OR b) take more advanced science classes such as Anatomy, Microbiology, Bacteriology (that I have not taken yet). I am not sure if it looks OKAY to take these classes at a community college. I've been reading mixed reviews about this topic on SDN.

Can anyone please suggest classes that would help me become a more competitive applicant (by raising my gpa) and if you have any more advice on what else I could do this upcoming year, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks.
 
I would appreciate any advice on my situation.

I graduated in 2008 and have applied this cycle to dental schools. I am pretty sure I won't get in this year because of my low DAT scores--and I honestly don't think I could do much better in a short amount of time (if I retook it before the end of this years application cycle). I wanted to take couple of classes at a community college to raise my gpa and then apply to post bac and masters programs this year. I have two options as of right now--i could a) retake four general classes that I did semi poorly in (second part of gen chem, second part of bio, third part of math, and physics) OR b) take more advanced science classes such as Anatomy, Microbiology, Bacteriology (that I have not taken yet). I am not sure if it looks OKAY to take these classes at a community college. I've been reading mixed reviews about this topic on SDN.

Can anyone please suggest classes that would help me become a more competitive applicant (by raising my gpa) and if you have any more advice on what else I could do this upcoming year, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks.

Well, it depends on a couple things in my opinion. First what kind of DAT scores are you talking about? Sometimes on SDN even 20s aren't considered great (lots of smart, hard-working, overachievers here...:laugh:)

Also, what is your GPA? I would suggest to move on to the upper level classes. Although its important to do your best in the intro courses, it is going to be the harder, higher level science classes in dental school. I would suggest you demonstrate that you can do well in them.

I was in a similar situation as you, and I chose the Master's route, it is more marketable if dental school doesn't work out immediately.

As for the whole community college thing, I don't have an opinion. I say just do your best, whatever you decide.👍

Just my two cents! Good luck
 
you late on this cycle for your dat. I did two years at a CC and got into four schools so far. It is fine to have some classes at a CC, but you will need some university credits if you would like to be competitive. especially the higher level courses, as they show your ability to perform in dental school. having taken both CC and University courses, CC are alot easier as it is basically 13th grade. So it just looks good to be able to show you can do well also at a university level.

In regards to retaking classes, your old grades are still present on your transcript, so you do show initiative wanting to improve, but you better make sure you do. Looks really bad you take it again and do worse.But again i would focus on higher courses to show you can perform at a higher level of intellectual challenge.

Also if you are going for a masters program, dont worry about those lower level stuff anymore, as if you do well in masters program that will over shadow your earlier shortcomings.

And as always just depends on where you wanna go.. FOr instance UCLA looks down on CC, but could do meharry, which average gpa is a 3.0. So just shoot for what youll be competative in
 
Thank you for your advice.

Here it goes...
DAT 17
Non Sci: 3.1
Sci: 2.7
Lots of E.C, Dental&Ortho Internship and volunteer work for couple yrs
Very good LOR from lab work I did on campus & abroad

I am debating between a masters program and post bac program. I know that the masters program does not enhance your existing gpa whereas the post bac programs boosts up your undergrad sci gpa (which as you can see I need). I am from Cali and would really appreciate if anyone can tell me where would be the best place to apply. I know dental schools look for improvement and at this point im ready to kick it up a notch to do my best in science classes--physics is what really kicked my butt. Any other advice would help!

And one more question, I am thinking about taking an online pharmacology course at a community college, do you think that's a good idea? Not sure if online courses seem okay to dental schools...

Thank you.
 
I would concentrate on bringing up that Science GPA up to a 3.1 at the very least. Taking advanced science classes will also in turn help you out with the Bio portion of the DAT. I would recommend Genetics, Cell Biology, and Biochem. Definitely retake Gen Chem. How are your grades in Orgo? If you got a C I would consider retaking it. Once you have fixed the Science GPA, you will be more prepared in tackling the DAT. With the amount of competition out there, you need to have a 19 AA/TS minimum. I would go ahead and apply to all the CA schools if that is where you want to be. No school is a lock or a backup these days, in my opinion.

In your spare time, try to be actively involved in dentistry......volunteer work, part time job at a general practice, or participation in mission of mercy programs. This will help you with ideas for your personal statement, be a source for letters of recommendation and will also help you standout and have confidence during your interviews. Good luck and work hard to make your dream come true!
 
I think your best bet would be a masters. Definitely need a retake on the DAT. good luck:xf:
 
I think your best bet would be a masters. Definitely need a retake on the DAT. good luck:xf:

My advice would be to apply to ADA accredited foreign schools. They are generally easier to get into. Then try to transfer to a US school, or when you're done do a specialty at a US school. If you pursued a masters, you would be taking the harder route.
 
Thanks for all the advice--I am looking into all the programs...

As for letting dental schools know about my plans for the future. Some of the schools I have applied to have post bac or masters programs. Would it be wise to let the schools know what I am thinking about doing--applying to these programs and retaking the DAT this summer (but not for this cycle). I want them to know I am working on improving my scores and grades but not sure how to say that because I'm not even sure if I will get into these programs FOR SURE. Just a little stressed out with how to approach this the right way.
 
Top