Pre-dental student at UC Berkeley. Need advice on what to do with REALLY crappy stats.

[randomconfusedstudent]

I'm kind of in a bad situation I think.
Here are my stats so you know what I'm talking about:

-Pre-dental student at UCB
-Biology major
-Junior transfer
-Low GPA: 2.85
I am a DSP student and only took 7-8 units per semester for 1 year because I get the "reduced course workload" accommodation. For the sciences, I took Orgo 1 (C+), lab (A-), General Bio (B-), and Physics (B). I took a 4 unit P/NP class to fulfill a requirement also. The reason I mention this is because the GPA correlates to only a few classes. I finished all of the other prerequisites with mostly As and Bs.
-No volunteer/internship experience
-No research experience

Sigh...So I know most of you are probably reading this and thinking "what is this person even trying to be a dentist for with those stats", but please try to keep those comments to yourself if possible. I'm already freaking out and my self esteem is really low from having such an unsuccessful year at Berkeley.

I really just need some guidance through this if you can provide it....it'd be greatly appreciated.

This message is going to be really long because I feel like I kind of need to explain how I got myself in this situation..I'm sorry for the length, and I hope someone can help me.

I had a pretty late start with college because I essentially got kicked out of the country. I'm not going to go into details with that because it'll take forever, but I'm just going to blame my parents and poor government regulations for that. I graduated from high school in 2007, and I began my college career in 2010. At this point I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I was an English/Music major. I've had ADHD since birth, so school was always extremely difficult for me. I finally got officially diagnosed with the disorder in 2011 and began taking medication. The turnaround was astounding. I never considered a major in the sciences because I had really poor study habits, and the ADHD made me unable to focus on schoolwork. English and music were the only things that came rather naturally for me (I know this paragraph is filled with grammatical errors so this must seem really ironic, but I promise I was better back then.).
When I took my first Biology course in 2011, I was finally able to study and grasp the material properly, and that's when I decided to pursue a career in dentistry. From 2011-2013, I worked really hard and received As and Bs in all my science prerequisites. I had to work really hard since I essentially had NO previous knowledge from any of these courses, as I didn't do anything in high school. I applied to transfer for the Fall 2013 semester and was accepted into all 4 schools that I applied to. For Berkeley, I was admitted for Spring 14 instead because they had too many applicants, and so I started my time at Cal in Spring 14.

I had a really difficult time transitioning into this university because I didn't realize how rigorous it would be, and I never thought I'd be as homesick as I was. I didn't make any friends and suffered bouts of depression all semester.

I kind of turned it around last semester, but my GPA still stayed pretty low. I don't know what I'm doing wrong because it feels like I'm studying a lot but I never have enough time. And this is with only 8 units a semester! I know my ADHD has a lot to do with it, but I feel overwhelmed sometimes by how far behind I am compared to most of the other pre-health students.
I tried applying to research positions and got denied, I applied for internships and didn't hear back from them, and I filled out numerous applications for volunteer work and didn't get anything back.

I guess what I want to know is whether I still have a chance at getting into dental school?
Do you have any advice on how to get internships/volunteering opportunities/research positions? They all prefer experience so what does someone with no experience do?

Thank you for those of you who were able to read through till the end...
And thanks for any advice/input!

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[Weakfart]

This might sound condescending but I'm just making sure, you have shadowed right?

Edit:

Dental school is going to have about 3x as many classes as you currently take with much harder curriculums. What has been your GPA for the past few semesters after you have been receiving treatment? I ask because you want to make sure you want to actually be a dentist before you spend the next few years and tens of thousands of dollars to repair your GPA and stuff. From what I see, you have no shot with the current GPA and you have no ECs to back you up? Are you perhaps considered a URM?

 

[manifesto]

In the end, dentistry is not easy to get into for a reason. You could really hurt someone if you don't know what you're doing. And despite whatever hardship you've had to go through, you're on track to becoming a risk to the profession even if you are accepted.

 

[BrazilianRider]

Jesus, you guys are absolutely brutal.

Are you a Junior now? If so, you might have to take a year of post-bach to bump up your GPA. I was able to raise my GPA from a 2.75 oGPA/ 2.68 sGPA to a 3.31 oGPA/3.3 sGPA in about four semesters, but it required pulling all A's. It's not going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of work, but it's definitely possible. Good luck man.

 

[distressstudent]

Hey OP,

It's great that you have a passion for dentistry. I am glad to hear that you were able get into a good uni like Cal despite your difficulties. Having ADHD is tough, we all know it. Personal growth is definite something that dental adcom would like to see and you definitely have it. However, dentistry is a very academic demanding profession and performing dentistry requires really meticulous concentration. Dental students take about 30 - 40 units per semester; that should testify to how demanding it is. You have a 2.85, but you are still just a Junior. Your GPA can definitely go up. But you really want to challenge yourself to try to increase your course load slowly. I think before thinking about raising your GPA, you have to ask yourself if you are ready for dental school. Getting into a school is just the first part. You wouldn't want to get in and then fluke out.

In the meantime, I would also work on your EC. Even if you can't get a position or internship (which might partly be due to your GPA and already lack of EC), I would start off with something small. Find the pre-dental or pre-health organization at Cal and get involved. That means doing the little things and work your way up. There's plenty of community services opportunities at your school through various undergraduate organization. Also, try to shadow an office. There's no prior experience you need; you're just watching to learn.

 

[randomconfusedstudent]

This might sound condescending but I'm just making sure, you have shadowed right?

Edit:

Dental school is going to have about 3x as many classes as you currently take with much harder curriculums. What has been your GPA for the past few semesters after you have been receiving treatment? I ask because you want to make sure you want to actually be a dentist before you spend the next few years and tens of thousands of dollars to repair your GPA and stuff. From what I see, you have no shot with the current GPA and you have no ECs to back you up? Are you perhaps considered a URM?

Thank you for the response!

Well when I calculated my science GPA from my community college, I think it was around 3.5.
My UC GPA is horrible (2.7), but they don't factor in anything from my CC. The 2.7 only takes into account 3 classes: Orgo 1, Physics 1, and Bio1. (I took Orgo 2 over summer at my CC and I got an A).

I really do want to be a dentist but I just want to know what more I have to do I suppose?

 

[randomconfusedstudent]

Jesus, you guys are absolutely brutal.

Are you a Junior now? If so, you might have to take a year of post-bach to bump up your GPA. I was able to raise my GPA from a 2.75 oGPA/ 2.68 sGPA to a 3.31 oGPA/3.3 sGPA in about four semesters, but it required pulling all A's. It's not going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of work, but it's definitely possible. Good luck man.

Thank you! Haha, no it's good to be honest!

I am currently a Junior, and I have as long as I want to graduate. It's kind of complicated but because I'm in the Disabled Student Program for my ADHD, I can take as long as I need to graduate..

This being the case, do you think I should take as few classes as possible a semester and make sure I get As? Or should I still try to graduate by 2016 with maybe 13-15 units a semester?

 

[randomconfusedstudent]

In the end, dentistry is not easy to get into for a reason. You could really hurt someone if you don't know what you're doing. And despite whatever hardship you've had to go through, you're on track to becoming a risk to the profession even if you are accepted.

Obviously I don't know what I'm doing right now since I haven't been taught yet..but what makes you say that I'm on track to becoming a risk? I mean it's not like they're going to give me my license if I end up not passing their classes, so until I pass I won't be hurting anyone..

 

[BrazilianRider]

This being the case, do you think I should take as few classes as possible a semester and make sure I get As? Or should I still try to graduate by 2016 with maybe 13-15 units a semester?

No, definitely aim for 13-16 credit semesters. I think it took ~50 credits to fix my GPA, so expect around the same amount to fix yours. Schools want to see that you took a heavy workload and still managed to pull out good grades.

 

[randomconfusedstudent]

Hey OP,

It's great that you have a passion for dentistry. I am glad to hear that you were able get into a good uni like Cal despite your difficulties. Having ADHD is tough, we all know it. Personal growth is definite something that dental adcom would like to see and you definitely have it. However, dentistry is a very academic demanding profession and performing dentistry requires really meticulous concentration. Dental students take about 30 - 40 units per semester; that should testify to how demanding it is. You have a 2.85, but you are still just a Junior. Your GPA can definitely go up. But you really want to challenge yourself to try to increase your course load slowly. I think before thinking about raising your GPA, you have to ask yourself if you are ready for dental school. Getting into a school is just the first part. You wouldn't want to get in and then fluke out.

In the meantime, I would also work on your EC. Even if you can't get a position or internship (which might partly be due to your GPA and already lack of EC), I would start off with something small. Find the pre-dental or pre-health organization at Cal and get involved. That means doing the little things and work your way up. There's plenty of community services opportunities at your school through various undergraduate organization. Also, try to shadow an office. There's no prior experience you need; you're just watching to learn.

Thank you for your advice!
Yes, I do realize that dental school will be even crazier than anything I do as an undergrad...Considering where I was in high school, I feel like I did improve quite substantially, but I also understand that it's still lacking tremendously if I want to succeed in dentistry.

I do have some ECs but I am planning on getting more involved this semester. What sorts of ECs do you think would look good? I know that anything to show that you have good manual dexterity is good, like playing an instrument, ceramics, etc, but is there anything beyond that?

 

[BrazilianRider]

Thank you for your advice!
Yes, I do realize that dental school will be even crazier than anything I do as an undergrad...Considering where I was in high school, I feel like I did improve quite substantially, but I also understand that it's still lacking tremendously if I want to succeed in dentistry.

I do have some ECs but I am planning on getting more involved this semester. What sorts of ECs do you think would look good? I know that anything to show that you have good manual dexterity is good, like playing an instrument, ceramics, etc, but is there anything beyond that?

The best ECs -- in my opinion -- are your stereotypical Pre-Dental clubs, dental volunteering (and any other volunteering) and stuff that makes for good stories. During the interviews, my research with mockingbirds was often brought up because it made for a good story/good conversation topic. If you join the skydiving club or something crazy like that, I'm sure it'll get talked about as well.

 

[distressstudent]

Thank you for your advice!
Yes, I do realize that dental school will be even crazier than anything I do as an undergrad...Considering where I was in high school, I feel like I did improve quite substantially, but I also understand that it's still lacking tremendously if I want to succeed in dentistry.

I do have some ECs but I am planning on getting more involved this semester. What sorts of ECs do you think would look good? I know that anything to show that you have good manual dexterity is good, like playing an instrument, ceramics, etc, but is there anything beyond that?

Yeah, those would be good skills to develop. But use those skills to do something. Join the band, join the ceramics club, etc. Having "I am really good at the guitar" on your resume doesn't have any merits. You want to have EC that you can put on your resume and say, "hey. this is my accomplishment". And definitely join a pre-health and pre-dental club if you havent already. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Just get to know some people and learn what kind of things they are involved with. Berkeley students I would imagine are pretty on top of their things.

And if there's nothing in particular you want to join, then try to start your own thing. I know that this would really remove yourself outside of your normal comfortable zone, but showing leadership and initiative will really help you out.

 

[randomconfusedstudent]

The best ECs -- in my opinion -- are your stereotypical Pre-Dental clubs, dental volunteering (and any other volunteering) and stuff that makes for good stories. During the interviews, my research with mockingbirds was often brought up because it made for a good story/good conversation topic. If you join the skydiving club or something crazy like that, I'm sure it'll get talked about as well.

Huh--kind of unrelated, but what did you do with mockingbirds? I recently applied for a research position dealing with mouse/squirrel coat color in various areas. Biology kind of interests me, haha.

Yeah, those would be good skills to develop. But use those skills to do something. Join the band, join the ceramics club, etc. Having "I am really good at the guitar" on your resume doesn't have any merits. You want to have EC that you can put on your resume and say, "hey. this is my accomplishment". And definitely join a pre-health and pre-dental club if you havent already. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Just get to know some people and learn what kind of things they are involved with. Berkeley students I would imagine are pretty on top of their things.

And if there's nothing in particular you want to join, then try to start your own thing. I know that this would really remove yourself outside of your normal comfortable zone, but showing leadership and initiative will really help you out.

Yeah, I'm actually part of band and I was planning on joining a few other clubs as well..
Have you ever created your own club?

 

[BrazilianRider]

Huh--kind of unrelated, but what did you do with mockingbirds? I recently applied for a research position dealing with mouse/squirrel coat color in various areas. Biology kind of interests me, haha.

Took mockingbird blood samples, body measurements, egg size/weight and banded the new babies 🙂

 

[manifesto]

Obviously I don't know what I'm doing right now since I haven't been taught yet..but what makes you say that I'm on track to becoming a risk? I mean it's not like they're going to give me my license if I end up not passing their classes, so until I pass I won't be hurting anyone..

Fair... I hope you find some clarity, but I really wouldn't know where to start if I were in your shoes.

 

[DentalDoge]

A couple of things.

First, shadow. Doesnt take alot of money (aside from transport), just require your time and a bit of kiss-ass. Regardless of how you came to decide on dentistry, this will either make or break that decision. Two, CC pre-reqs are a no-no at some schools be sure you do your research to see the school's requirements. This will probably be your 2nd biggest problem, as you might have to retake some prereqs.

Time to get down to biznis.

I've never had ADHD. So I can't talk from experience there. But from your post, it seems like you just lack proper studying techniques. From a damage control POV, you have a good bit of work to do before you apply. This means getting alot of A's and possibly doing a post-bacc if you have the dough. As for being denied from research positions, internships, work, etc are quite common ... though it's weird places would turn down free labor. What were you trying to get a volunteer position at? There's really no "internships" for dentistry but you can get hired in a dental lab to make molds and stuff (idk, I didnt do this). Shadowing is much easier, just go around asking EVERY dental clinic if you could shadow for a day or 2. Express that you are applying to dental school, yada yada. Research positions are a bit tricky, you can get it through applying. But alot of it has to do with developing a good relationship with a professor and asking if you could work in their labs. It is a bit alarming that you are having difficulty with an 8 hour load, and the admissions committee will note this. Are these upper level courses? If so, that might merit the difficulty. If not, then you have a good bit of work to do.

Your biggest problem will probably be actually forming a good study habit, something that can continuously produce result. Without this, it doesnt matter how much money you throw at it.

Also, without shadowing, there's no way you can decisively know that dentistry is the path you want to go down. Make sure your money and time is worth the pursue.

Obviously I don't know what I'm doing right now since I haven't been taught yet..but what makes you say that I'm on track to becoming a risk? I mean it's not like they're going to give me my license if I end up not passing their classes, so until I pass I won't be hurting anyone..

Neither did I. I am a first generation immigrant. No one in my family has ever been to an US college before, let alone graduate schools.I figured everything out for myself. All it takes an obsession for information and alot of time for internet research. Hell you could even call some of the schools to ask about information. But normally, the websites are already filled with information. It's astonishing the amount of information you have at your fingertips. All it takes is the motivation and smarts to access them (and a security clearance if military).

The fact of the matter is, sometimes people slip through the cracks in the system. That's why there are some dentists and physicians where you have to wonder "how did they graduate from dental/medical school?"

Thank you! Haha, no it's good to be honest!

I am currently a Junior, and I have as long as I want to graduate. It's kind of complicated but because I'm in the Disabled Student Program for my ADHD, I can take as long as I need to graduate..

This being the case, do you think I should take as few classes as possible a semester and make sure I get As? Or should I still try to graduate by 2016 with maybe 13-15 units a semester?

Unfortunately, correct me if I am wrong, you will be on the same chopping block as any other students in dental school.


To tie it all up. You have a long road ahead of you. Make sure you know this is what you want before you dump more money and time into it. Step 1, shadow.

 

[sskater]

Hey,

I would recommend you to try to get mostly As and Bs in your last few semesters at Cal then afterwards apply for a post-bacc program at SF State or CSUEB. Rock that post-bacc program, rock the DAT, and apply.

Also if you're not involved with any clubs this semester, it's a good time to start although I would advise against joining too many at once due to your GPA being your number one priority.

PM for details about the Pre-Dental Society at Cal, I can help you out or meet up in person to talk! Go bears

 

[LabCoatAndPearls]

Took mockingbird blood samples, body measurements, egg size/weight and banded the new babies 🙂

Random, but I did the same thing with Tree Swallows! Correlation between pre-dentals and bird research? 😛