Predental Predicament- Would appreciate any advice

[Dental-study]

I have a 3.55+ gpa and around a 3.1 sci GPA as of now.

1. Given my spring course load I will be able to pull my sci GPA to around 3.2. I have room to add genetics into my schedule, which could increase my sci gpa a bit more. I am also planning to take the DAT this (spring) semester. Should I take genetics or not take genetics and spend that time studying for the DAT(and aim for a higher DAT score 23+) ? Basically, do dental schools prefer higher gpa with upper electives or high DAT.

2. I want to apply this cycle, preferably as early as possible when the application opens up. However I know if I take bio classes this summer I can increase my sci gpa to 3.3. Should I take classes this summer? However they end in August. Would dental schools even care since I'd have already submitted the application by end of June. Even if I send in an updated transcript, would they care? Would it add any value

I really appreciate anyone who reads this. Thank you!

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[WheatLom]

There's some psychology classes that count as bio classes. They boosted my science GPA and at the time I had no idea they even counted as bio.

I took cognitive psych and bio psych. These psychs are a little different and more science based and not behavior based. Cognitive can be a tad confusing when talking about memory. Bio psych at least at my school had a ton of material but it was straight forward just give time to review notes over and over.

^BCP GPA

Also, you can take some math courses, computer sciences, and misc science course for oSGpa.

Hope that helps.

But if you have an up trend and good extras be mailed out by July, you'll be good

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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[Dental-study]

I thin in your situation the high DAT score would help you a lot more than bringing the science GPA up 0.1. My advice to you would be to study for the DAT from Mid May to late June or early July. Send in the rest of your application as soon as it opens up without your DAT score, so by the time your official scores make it schools in mid to late July you're still perfectly on time in the application process.

Thank you so much for the reply. I think its better to focus more the DAT, as you mentioned. I've actually been studying for it and feel pretty good about taking it it March. If I do end up taking the DAT in March. Should I still take classes in the summer. Would dental schools look at an updated transcript?

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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[Dental-study]

They would look at an updated transcript, but you have to take into account how much of an increase in GPA you'll see with such few credits, even if you do end up with a 4.0 in the summer classes. Could it help? Certainly. Could it be the most effective use of your time and money? It depends. If you get a 20 or 21 on the DAT, the more upward trend you have on that science GPA, the safer you'll be. If you get like a 26 or 27, you can likely forgo those summer classes with out adversely affecting your application.

The only reason I suggested taking it in the summer would be to give yourself a lighter course load during your dedicated study period, but if you feel like you can do well while studying for it during the spring semester, go right ahead!

Thank you so much for taking your time to help me out! This clarified a lot.