Quick Question.

[notsowisetooth]

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So...How do the 3.0 GPA (B grade avg.) students usually fare in the game of dental school acceptance.

Also, on another note, to D-schools take into consideration your undergrad school and possibility that O-chem at a more prestigious school would be harder than the same class at a less prestigious one?

Thank you

 

[dr.rex]

if you are wondering how a b student would fair with the material in d-school, then my answer would be they probably would be fine as long as they work hard. on the other hand it is really hard to get in to a school with a 3.0. but they do sometimes consider your undergrad. my stats we ok, nothing special and i went to a school that does not have a reputation for academics and i was asked about it in 2 out of my 3 interviews

 

[margesimpson]

That issue confuses me. Even tho DAT is supposed to be the equalizer, it does not change the fact that if you come out of a school noted for tough academics and you have a 3.5 for example, that should carry some weighting over the same GPA from an "easier" school'. I get the impression from many that it does not matter where you went to school. Is that really so? In that case it makes more sense not to kill yourself in high school to get into a highly selective and challenging college since it may work against you when applying to dental or other professional schools.

 

[bruinpredent]

That issue confuses me. Even tho DAT is supposed to be the equalizer, it does not change the fact that if you come out of a school noted for tough academics and you have a 3.5 for example, that should carry some weighting over the same GPA from an "easier" school'. I get the impression from many that it does not matter where you went to school. Is that really so? In that case it makes more sense not to kill yourself in high school to get into a highly selective and challenging college since it may work against you when applying to dental or other professional schools.

welcome to sdn...

those who come from lesser known schools will claim that your undergrad institution doesn't matter, whereas those who come from more academically rigorous schools will claim otherwise.

which is correct? who knows...in the end your concern should be improving and polishing your application rather than dwelling on whether or not your B in organic chemistry is going to be worth as much as an A at another school.

 

[margesimpson]

welcome to sdn...

those who come from lesser known schools will claim that your undergrad institution doesn't matter, whereas those who come from more academically rigorous schools will claim otherwise.

which is correct? who knows...in the end your concern should be improving and polishing your application rather than dwelling on whether or not your B in organic chemistry is going to be worth as much as an A at another school.

You have a good point. It isn't under our control anyway. And, I realize that a challenging schedule at a less competitive school could easily trump an easier class load schedule at an Ivy or similar. I wouldn't want to have to choose from so many qualified candidates.

Thanks for your welcome, bruinpredent

 

[sm1nty]

I think how you come across as a well-rounded person with the skillset that will make you a good dentist - that's what matters most. The DAT and your GPA is only one part of the story.

 

[Pyriots]

And exactly who decides which undergrad institutions are "harder" or better? Thats a ridiculous question. Yes, some individual courses will be easier at different institutions but outside the DAT, there are other equalizers as well. Such as the ACS which I'm sure nearly everybody took in their chemistry classes. Theres absolutely no fair way for the schools to take "School difficulty" into account. Although adcom members will certainly take "School preference" into account.

 

[cariesarebad]

I think schools do recognize what undergrad you come from. I go to a school known for its tough academics. I have a B+ average and I got interviews at 3 schools where the average gpas are much higher.