Pre-Dental Concerns!

[VROB2]

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Academically: I'm a sophomore in college. My cumulative GPA is 3.26. I'm an average A- or B student. Do you think that will suffice for admissions into dental school? I'm majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in military science and biology.
Involvement: I'm involved in ROTC on campus. I'll be contracted as an officer in the military once I've completed my bachelors for my undergraduate degree.

Community: I volunteer and shadow a couple of different dental offices. This winter break.. I'm going to Argentina for a dental internship for experience with clinical and hospital work. Next year for spring break, I'll be going to Columbia for humanitarian purposes and volunteering.

I haven't taken my DAT test yet obviously.. I'm just concerned that my GPA is going to hurt me.. What are other ways or things I can do to help build a good resume?

Also, When is a good time to apply for dental school? (junior year or senior year?) When should I take my DAT test? Do you think my GPA is too low to even be considered anywhere? Granted.. I'm just beginning my sophomore year.. so a lot can change from here and then.

I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice! This is the first time I've ever been on a forum or did anything like this.. Thanks!

 

[sjv]

GPA is on the lower but definitely not out of the question for admissions and you still have plenty of time to bring it up. Continue shadowing, ECs, volunteering, etc., you're on the right track for those.

As for when to apply, if you want to be considered for entrance the Fall after you graduate then you would apply summer after Junior year. If you apply summer after senior year, you would have to take a year off post graduation as the cycle is year long beginning in June. The DAT is usually taken after prerequisites have been completed (Gen Chem, Gen Bio, Organic Chem) but really when you feel most comfortable since you can literally take it anytime, also dependent on when it fits in your timeline.

 

[VROB2]

Thank you for your advice. What is an acceptable DAT score for dental school? I'm wanting to start dental school in the fall of my senior year.. so I'll definitely start applying early next summer. When should I take the DAT test?

 

[ncamc]

I think the average for people accepted is around a 20 academic average/total science. but a 21+ is really more competitive, and it's probably necessary for you to have a higher DAT with a below average gpa (if you don't bring it up)
the summer after you take orgo is probably the best time to take the DAT, but it's really up to you. just give yourself enough time to get the scores you want
for more info on the DAT you should just browse/ask questions on the DAT sub-forum: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/dat-discussions.70/

 

[sjv]

Generally, with a lower GPA, a higher DAT would be preferable, I would aim for 20+. Yeah, you would apply the summer after junior year to enter dental school the fall after your senior year. If you have completed the prerequisites, you can use the summer to study for 2-3 months and then take it. If you a retake is necessary, you would have sufficient time to study and retake.