Really concerned about whether to apply or not

[coffeelover12]

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Hey guys, I'm having this dilemma about what I should do...go ahead and apply this cycle or not.

I was a great student coming into college. I made A's and B's and in my sophomore year, got a D in Ochem1 and retook it (made a B).

My junior year however, I suffered like no other. I went through a mental breakdown and dealt with anxiety which I'm just now getting over after much help.

I felt alot better about school this semester and only took 12 hours so I could boost up my GPA.
Life doesn't always go as planned...I ended up with 2 C's, a B-, and an A-. The 2 C's were in my science classes too. I had the two worst professors teaching the class who wouldn't bump me up to a B as I was borderline B/C. Now I'm sitting here with a 2.9 overall GPA and plans to take the DAT in the beginning of June. I have letters of recommendations and an insane amount of volunteering hours and I've been shadowing two dentists (one of whom taught at UTHSC in San Antonio) and got a job as a dental assistant that starts in August.

I feel like my anxiety is creeping back in as I sit here and deliberate my options. I plan on doing extremely well on the DAT (20+) but I can't help but doubt myself in this whole process and whether or not ANY school would even offer me an interview.

I'm just really lost and can't wrap my head around whether or not I should wait, because I feel that I would be letting myself down.

Also, if I were to apply this cycle, should I mention in my personal statement why I did so badly my junior year? I really want to be a dentist and I think it shows because I haven't given up and I have this undying hope that somehow it will work out.

Let me know what you guys think! Thanks.

 

[khentoog182]

Hey there,

I went through something very similar, but it was my sophomore year in college that brought all my grades down. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in this situation, because sometimes you lose sight of things and think that you're the only one going through things like this...

On the other hand, I've gotten advice from other people about NOT mentioning things like that in your personal statement. I think it's great that you persevered and haven't let it get in the way of your dreams, but sometimes to admissions committees, it might look like you won't be able to handle the stresses of a dental course workload. Ultimately it's up to you, but that is the advice I've gotten from other dentists, and from some admissions counselors.

I think you should just apply, because you honestly never know what will happen. I think I'd rather just know I tried then have always having the question, "What if?" in the back of my head.

Good luck with everything! Hope this helped.

 

[Philippines03j]

My situation was different but here is what I did. During freshman year my GPA was 2.8-2.9 overall and lower science GPA at a community college. I spent the next 3 years bringing my GPA up. I ended with 3.61 overall and 3.54 science GPA in APRIL but when I applied my Overall was 3.4 and 3.29 science (I know not the same situation as you). I was not going to apply due to several factors (took the DAT in Late August ect...). I ended up applying because one school seemed to believe that I had a good shot. I was rejected there but accepted else where. In the end I am glad I gave it a shot this year and did not wait. YOU NEVER KNOW!

 

[mmu4487]

Hey guys, I'm having this dilemma about what I should do...go ahead and apply this cycle or not.

I was a great student coming into college. I made A's and B's and in my sophomore year, got a D in Ochem1 and retook it (made a B).

My junior year however, I suffered like no other. I went through a mental breakdown and dealt with anxiety which I'm just now getting over after much help.

I felt alot better about school this semester and only took 12 hours so I could boost up my GPA.
Life doesn't always go as planned...I ended up with 2 C's, a B-, and an A-. The 2 C's were in my science classes too. I had the two worst professors teaching the class who wouldn't bump me up to a B as I was borderline B/C. Now I'm sitting here with a 2.9 overall GPA and plans to take the DAT in the beginning of June. I have letters of recommendations and an insane amount of volunteering hours and I've been shadowing two dentists (one of whom taught at UTHSC in San Antonio) and got a job as a dental assistant that starts in August.

I feel like my anxiety is creeping back in as I sit here and deliberate my options. I plan on doing extremely well on the DAT (20+) but I can't help but doubt myself in this whole process and whether or not ANY school would even offer me an interview.

I'm just really lost and can't wrap my head around whether or not I should wait, because I feel that I would be letting myself down.

Also, if I were to apply this cycle, should I mention in my personal statement why I did so badly my junior year? I really want to be a dentist and I think it shows because I haven't given up and I have this undying hope that somehow it will work out.

Let me know what you guys think! Thanks.

I had a similar situation happen to me in college. I developed extreme anxiety during my sophomore year of college, it was really difficult, but i got over it during my junior and senior years and its pretty much gone. My grades suffered to and extent (i was straight A student and I got one C and B's and A's afterwards).

I wouldn't worry about it too much. The only thing you can do is look forward and take your DAT as planned and continue shadowing. Try to make good grades your last few semesters of school. I would also consider taking a few extra classes in the summer/maymester to boost your gpa if possible. Only attempt extra classes if you have the time to do well in them.

About the mentioning the anxiety on your application. I would not mention it. My mentor who is a dentist (with anxiety) told me not to. You would seem unprepared for the difficulties of DS. They may look at it negatively.

If you graduate and don't get in to DS, dont worry! Sometimes it takes a second try to get admission. If this happens look into a masters program or just take extra classes to boost your gpa. Dont have any semesters were you are not doing anything, stay involved in science classes and ECs.

Anyways, Remain Positive!!!! P/M me if you need anything!

 

[takedailyfiber]

If you get a 20 or higher on your DAT, I say go for it, but try your hand at schools whose admitted students have stats you could see yourself being a part of, or schools that you would definitely go to if they accepted you. Maybe just a handful of schools. No harm in trying, and any experience you get throughout the process will be valuable and make it much easier next cycle.

Your current drive to exceed on the DAT might net you a very high score too, and even if you don't get in this upcoming cycle, you won't have to worry about the DAT next cycle. This lets you focus on upping the GPA with a master's program or something.

And really, who knows what will happen?

 

[Kkae]

Go for it. The Adcomms are realists. They know everything cannot and will not be perfect. Ace the DATs - go ahead and apply (early)

 

[angelnyc89]

Apply! Give it a shot and hopefully you succedd in your dreams!

 

[coffeelover12]

Thanks everyone for the advice! My DAT is June 6th so I'm hoping I do really well and I plan on applying this cycle regardless, because like all of you said, you never know what will happen!

Good luck to everyone and thanks again!