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[faranak]

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Hi,

I have read many posts here. everyone seem to have a higher GPA than mine. I have a low (biology bach. degree) 2.75 GPA. I have already submitted my Application for 2008 cycle in mid may as soon as adssas started taking application and have Studied hard for my DAT. my application has a strong GOAl statement explaining reasons for my low GPA and I also have good Dental work background. I took DAT couple days ago and got an average score. I am hopeless and dont know what to do at this point. I am retaking DAT on september 18 and think will do much better since I know what I have to concentrate on more. I also want to take courses last session of summer and september ( fall semster) to raise my GPA. But I dont know if thats going to count! I have called several dental school to which I have applied to, they dont give good answers... all I got was that they will consider everything and not just the GPA SCORe or DAT score. I am aware that these two mean alot. and am willing to do anything to get to dental school and raise both up. but what should I do at this point???????? should I even bother Retake DAT at this point ( considering my GPA score???) should I take courses? or my master in BIO? I am very confused..... please let me know what You would do at this point???????? 🙁

 

[whoaaitzkyle]

depends....if you do really well on the DAT it might raise some questions and they might invite you for an interview as to why you didn't do well in your undergrad. All you really need is that interview....good luck and if I were you, cancel all your plans for the summer and study hardcore and kick some DAT butt in September! Good luck studying! 🙂

 

[faranak]

PLEASE RESPOND ME BACK....... I AM so DESPERATE.... 😳

 

[faranak]

oh ... really? do you think they would even look at it, considering all these pple here who have so much higher GPA and they are still nagging. I mean.. all I want from my life right now at this piont is to go to dental school. do you think how well I should do in my DAT to even count as competitive? do think taking courses after my DAT is over would help alot?? how much would it do?

 

[planetmrmr]

hers is the real deal. First note - If you want to get into dental school it will happen... it's not soooo hard. But...............you still have a lot of work to do. Your GPA is pretty much shot although there are people who get in to shcools with below 3.00 GPA. There are two factors you must take into acount. YOU MUST ROCK THE DAT. You have to get about a 22+ to be competitive with your GPA. Also, since it looks like you might be sitting it out this year because your are getting your stuff in very late (SEPT DAT), apply for a masters. I heard they have 1 year deals and if you can prove that you can handle the courseowrk, i.e. 3.5+ GPA you can show D-schools you have what it takes. Good luck in the challnege before you.

 

[xtractime]

lots of master programs had application deadlines in march. you would really have to dig around for schools with later dates or ones that accept a few people every semester (i.e. spring, summer, fall). unless you are a minority, i do not think a high DAT score submitted in sept 2007 will offset your 2.75 GPA. post-bacc would be an option and offers more flexibility than a masters.

 

[whoaaitzkyle]

As much as I agree with what everyone has said, look man...you sent your app out already and spent the money. It doesn't matter what other people think....study harder than you ever have and do well on this test. Honestly, I don't think GPA is as important as DAT scores used to be because unlike the DAT, GPA is a HUGE variable. Not to undermine any institutions but admit it, some schools are easier than others due to easier competition. I would think if you can show them you are good at a test everyone has to take and do well on it that says something. With that said, I went to UCSF dental school and there was a predent conference where we met the dean and a lot of the dental school students. I talked to a FEW (not the whole class or anything) but it seemed like a general consensus that the "average accepted gpa" is lower than what you see. For example, I remember one had a gpa way lower than UCSF's average..I think he said it was a 3.1? but anyways, good luck on your application process...there will always be people better than you but your GPA isn't the only thing they look at...after all they don't want a class full of nerds..they want successful dentists! 👍

 

[faranak]

post bach- humm!! that's a good idea. But do you know if i should apply for it? with my GPA I mean.. ! so you mean just take courses while I am waiting to hear respond from schools or just forget about this year and study for next year after completing Master. Ive also heard there is a 1 year program but DO YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION about this one year thingii...😕 I mean you think studying hard for DAT would not count as much?? cause I dont know if its worth studyin hard core for this next DAT, knowin its not gonna work!

oh god... 😱

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I wanna get in 😳

 

[faranak]

As much as I agree with what everyone has said, look man...you sent your app out already and spent the money. It doesn't matter what other people think....study harder than you ever have and do well on this test. Honestly, I don't think GPA is as important as DAT scores used to be because unlike the DAT, GPA is a HUGE variable. Not to undermine any institutions but admit it, some schools are easier than others due to easier competition. I would think if you can show them you are good at a test everyone has to take and do well on it that says something. With that said, I went to UCSF dental school and there was a predent conference where we met the dean and a lot of the dental school students. I talked to a FEW (not the whole class or anything) but it seemed like a general consensus that the "average accepted gpa" is lower than what you see. For example, I remember one had a gpa way lower than UCSF's average..I think he said it was a 3.1? but anyways, good luck on your application process...there will always be people better than you but your GPA isn't the only thing they look at...after all they don't want a class full of nerds..they want successful dentists! 👍

😛 THANX FOR GIVIN ME HOPE! yea.. I know .. I WILL study harder and have no problem with that... its just I dont know if its going to worth it... i SEE ALL THIS PPLE HERE with so much higher GPA and DAT SCORE. and i get very hopeless and nervous. I DONT KNOW how they evaluate pple but eventhough im not among those PPLE but I like to enter this field as much as they want EVEN MUCH MORE!
all Im hopin for is for them to give a chance ! oh ..by the way.. UCSF.. mm I love this school🙂 Do know if they offer the provisional program( the one in which you enroll for 6 months to see wether you can score high then you get enrolled or somethin like that.... ! ??????????

 

[faranak]

hers is the real deal. First note - If you want to get into dental school it will happen... it's not soooo hard. But...............you still have a lot of work to do. Your GPA is pretty much shot although there are people who get in to shcools with below 3.00 GPA. There are two factors you must take into acount. YOU MUST ROCK THE DAT. You have to get about a 22+ to be competitive with your GPA. Also, since it looks like you might be sitting it out this year because your are getting your stuff in very late (SEPT DAT), apply for a masters. I heard they have 1 year deals and if you can prove that you can handle the courseowrk, i.e. 3.5+ GPA you can show D-schools you have what it takes. Good luck in the challnege before you.

WHen you say SEPT is late.. I DID SENT MY APPLICATION TO SCHOOLS early in mid may.. I know they dont review my application without my DAT score. but If I fax my SCORES over fast right after on SEPT 19th ( DAY AFTER MY TEST) do you think its still late? cause I CONTACTED SOME SCHOOLS .. most of them said they dont call for FIRST ROUND INTERVIEW untill mid OCT. so you think IF I GIT IT TO THEM RIGHT AFTER ON THAT DATE (sept 19th) IT WOULD still be LATTTTEEEEEEEE?? I DID NOT KNOW THAT! I thought I would still be counted in first round interview.. ( if i got in) 😕

 

[UNC2008]

Hey Fararank...just wanted to say that I believe that you have done your best in the past and NOW is not a good time to sit down and think about what you could have done in past or whatnot...
There are a lot of ppl like you with average or low GPA's or DAT scores who are applying, and like always some will get in some won't and you being worried about it won't help...because the dental schools don't look at the "level of anxiety!!!" or how bad you want to get in...that would be something that you talk about in your interview.
Good luck on your DAT in September

 

[faranak]

Hey Fararank...just wanted to say that I believe that you have done your best in the past and NOW is not a good time to sit down and think about what you could have done in past or whatnot...
There are a lot of ppl like you with average or low GPA's or DAT scores who are applying, and like always some will get in some won't and you being worried about it won't help...because the dental schools don't look at the "level of anxiety!!!" or how bad you want to get in...that would be something that you talk about in your interview.
Good luck on your DAT in September

THanx 😛 Ill do my best.. If I can stay positive!

 

[chrisvocker]

I am going to have to second what someone said above.

You need a stellar DAT score for GPA compensation. Like DAT 22+. It's definitely manageable, but you gotta be in the zone and know your stuff inside-out.

Also, if you have the burning desire to enter DS (as I read), you might consider looking around for those schools that have lower GPA/DAT averages. There's nothing wrong w/ them at all, and they graduate competent dentists. Just be careful not to set hopes to high for some of the "higher up" dental schools.

You will get in, if you put your mind to it.

 

[whoaaitzkyle]

this is the only positive sub 3.0 gpa thread I have ever seen! I truly think if you put your mind to it you're capable of anything. oh yea, and I'm not sure what UCSF has to offer but you should definitely look into it. good luck!

 

[JMC07]

I don't think that September is too late. I called a few schools with application deadlines as early as October and they told me that they don't start interviewing until August and that decisions aren't made until December. If you take the test in September they still have two months to interview before the first round of acceptances come out. I think that it is important to have your application in early because of processing time but your scores won't take as long to reach the school.

 

[faranak]

I don't think that September is too late. I called a few schools with application deadlines as early as October and they told me that they don't start interviewing until August and that decisions aren't made until December. If you take the test in September they still have two months to interview before the first round of acceptances come out. I think that it is important to have your application in early because of processing time but your scores won't take as long to reach the school.

yea.. ive already submitted my application early.. like a week or two after aadsas started accepting applications... i am worried cause i know they wont review it untill they have my DAT score. and as you said october is the month most schools start interviewing and stuff.. so i guess i will fax over my score right after .. but do u know by any chance how long it will take for DAT center to send out ur score to your chosen schools?? cause schools told me to fax my scores over myself!

AND THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING SO POSITIVE and supportive ... I know right now im pretty nervous..but hope to get through with this and get what i deserve outta my life as I have overcame many challenges in my life! 😳

by the way has any of you retaken DAT? how does the question differ????

 

[faranak]

I am going to have to second what someone said above.

You need a stellar DAT score for GPA compensation. Like DAT 22+. It's definitely manageable, but you gotta be in the zone and know your stuff inside-out.

Also, if you have the burning desire to enter DS (as I read), you might consider looking around for those schools that have lower GPA/DAT averages. There's nothing wrong w/ them at all, and they graduate competent dentists. Just be careful not to set hopes to high for some of the "higher up" dental schools.

You will get in, if you put your mind to it.

I did apply to lower GPA/DAT avarege schools .... DO YOU THINK I APPLIED TO HARVARD OR SOMETHIN... no way! i swear it wont matter to me where i get accpeted... school is school i believe its mostly on your own.. you can study wherever you wish .. 🙄

 

[Dotoday]

Hi,

I have read many posts here. everyone seem to have a higher GPA than mine. I have a low (biology bach. degree) 2.75 GPA. I have already submitted my Application for 2008 cycle in mid may as soon as adssas started taking application and have Studied hard for my DAT. my application has a strong GOAl statement explaining reasons for my low GPA and I also have good Dental work background. I took DAT couple days ago and got an average score. I am hopeless and dont know what to do at this point. I am retaking DAT on september 18 and think will do much better since I know what I have to concentrate on more. I also want to take courses last session of summer and september ( fall semster) to raise my GPA. But I dont know if thats going to count! I have called several dental school to which I have applied to, they dont give good answers... all I got was that they will consider everything and not just the GPA SCORe or DAT score. I am aware that these two mean alot. and am willing to do anything to get to dental school and raise both up. but what should I do at this point???????? should I even bother Retake DAT at this point ( considering my GPA score???) should I take courses? or my master in BIO? I am very confused..... please let me know what You would do at this point???????? 🙁

Hey man, you should definitely take more science classes to raise your GPA. Also, by all means, if you can get a higher score on DAT - do so. The people whom you have spoken to are right. They cannot tell you exactly what will make you get into the program, they do however, look at at everything. So the better your personal statement and letters of recommendation are, the better your chances. However, make no mistake you must do wel on DAT and have a competitive GPA. Most people now apply with GPA above 3.0, so yes you do need to take a few classes to raise your GPA. Don`t give up though, all is not losed. I have seen a few people that had low GPA, but then have retaken some classes that raised their GPA. These people are now in medical school and in Dental school. So, just hang in there - all is not losed.
Good luck.

 

[hokie4life]

I'm no expert on this but get an amazing DAT score...it will show that you really do know this stuff even if it doesn't show that through your GPA and course grades -which you said you already explained. you gotta just show them that you do know this stuff well!

Good luck!!! Keep you head up high - you can do it!

 

[bruinpredent]

As much as I agree with what everyone has said, look man...you sent your app out already and spent the money. It doesn't matter what other people think....study harder than you ever have and do well on this test. Honestly, I don't think GPA is as important as DAT scores used to be because unlike the DAT, GPA is a HUGE variable. Not to undermine any institutions but admit it, some schools are easier than others due to easier competition. I would think if you can show them you are good at a test everyone has to take and do well on it that says something. With that said, I went to UCSF dental school and there was a predent conference where we met the dean and a lot of the dental school students. I talked to a FEW (not the whole class or anything) but it seemed like a general consensus that the "average accepted gpa" is lower than what you see. For example, I remember one had a gpa way lower than UCSF's average..I think he said it was a 3.1? but anyways, good luck on your application process...there will always be people better than you but your GPA isn't the only thing they look at...after all they don't want a class full of nerds..they want successful dentists! 👍

i dont completely agree with this...GPA is a much larger factor then many people would like to believe. you can have a stellar DAT score, but if your transcript is littered with C's, it wont matter where you went for undergrad...it will still reflect poorly on your ability to keep up with the rigors of the program. true, a good DAT score will offset a lower GPA, but only within limits...if you are below a 3.0, you're going to need 1) a ridiculously high DAT score (as in 24+) and 2) some luck.

i'm not trying to discourage the OP, i'm just being realistic...the amount of students who are accepted with below a 3.0 is miniscule, so at this point the best option would be to just aim for a ridiculously high DAT score, and then if you don't get in this cycle do a science post bac and bring up that GPA.

GPA AND DAT get your foot in the door...if you're missing one, you're going to have a hard time even getting the interview.

best of luck 👍


EDIT: reading over this again i realize its not the most optimistic post, and i'm sorry for ruining the string of positive posts, but i have a feeling that approaching the situation realistically is going to be much more beneficial in the long run than just saying "oh don't worry about it you are fine just take it again GPA doesn't really matter." Again OP, best of luck...I hope everything works out for you and that you do indeed get accepted!

 

[coolslugs]

i dont completely agree with this...GPA is a much larger factor then many people would like to believe. you can have a stellar DAT score, but if your transcript is littered with C's, it wont matter where you went for undergrad...it will still reflect poorly on your ability to keep up with the rigors of the program. true, a good DAT score will offset a lower GPA, but only within limits...if you are below a 3.0, you're going to need 1) a ridiculously high DAT score (as in 24+) and 2) some luck.

i'm not trying to discourage the OP, i'm just being realistic...the amount of students who are accepted with below a 3.0 is miniscule, so at this point the best option would be to just aim for a ridiculously high DAT score, and then if you don't get in this cycle do a science post bac and bring up that GPA.

GPA AND DAT get your foot in the door...if you're missing one, you're going to have a hard time even getting the interview.

best of luck 👍


EDIT: reading over this again i realize its not the most optimistic post, and i'm sorry for ruining the string of positive posts, but i have a feeling that approaching the situation realistically is going to be much more beneficial in the long run than just saying "oh don't worry about it you are fine just take it again GPA doesn't really matter." Again OP, best of luck...I hope everything works out for you and that you do indeed get accepted!

Is the 3.0 referring to overall GPA, science GPA, or both?

 

[faranak]

Thanx from all of you who posted here!

I am studyin for my Second DAT eventhough my score is awfully low. I have talked to several dentists that have recently graduated and other advisors in school and all .. but the thing is I ALREADY KNOW THAT MY chance of getting accepted is pretty low even with "rediculusly high DAt score". But the thing is DO YOU THINK THEY WILL WAIT TO SEE MY GPA RAISING UP IF I take DAT on september 18-07 and get for instance high score THEN TAKE SOME COURSES DURING FALL WHILE IM WAITIN TO HEAR RESPONS FROM THEM??????? do you think they will hold their though about my GPA and wait untill im done?? after all this GPA is from my B.S. degree and I see most pple with high GPA are in thir junior year still!! you know what i mean?? would they wait and would my chances raise ?? if yes HOW MUCH ?

 

[maisuree]

Thanx from all of you who posted here!

I am studyin for my Second DAT eventhough my score is awfully low. I have talked to several dentists that have recently graduated and other advisors in school and all .. but the thing is I ALREADY KNOW THAT MY chance of getting accepted is pretty low even with "rediculusly high DAt score". But the thing is DO YOU THINK THEY WILL WAIT TO SEE MY GPA RAISING UP IF I take DAT on september 18-07 and get for instance high score THEN TAKE SOME COURSES DURING FALL WHILE IM WAITIN TO HEAR RESPONS FROM THEM??????? do you think they will hold their though about my GPA and wait untill im done?? after all this GPA is from my B.S. degree and I see most pple with high GPA are in thir junior year still!! you know what i mean?? would they wait and would my chances raise ?? if yes HOW MUCH ?

If I were you, I would wait until my grades are out. Since many schools will be making decisions based on your grades, if your grade is very low, it wouldn't be much higher even if they wait. I would say, pull your grade up and study hard for your DAT. Good luck.

 

[evlyann]

Listen, dont panic. You already submitted your application for 08, so its done. Focus on what you CAN improve. If you take classes in the summer and fall, you can update your scores in december. Given u have a 2.75 and depending on how many units u have , i think if you can get maybe 5 ot 6 A's in sciences bw summer and fall, u can bring up the GPA by .1,.2 or even .3! which can bring u up to a 3.0. THEN, i would also suggest what a friend of mine did in a similar situation. He sent the schools progess reports of his improvement, signed by his instructors prior to DEC academic update. I mean, it could only help u right? THEN, get yourself the DESTRoYER http://orgoman.com/ and study your a** off until u get 20+ on topscore/achiever. THAT is pretty much it. IF it d/n happen this year, there is always next year. IT is not impossible! my cousing got in on his 3rd try after completing a masters at Barry.He was in a similar situation as u (a little higher GPA). If this is your passion stick with it! GL!🙂