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[toothyboi1996]

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[macsak]

The stats I've posted below aren't current, but what I expect to be able to graduate with (I'm currently in the first quarter of my senior year, and will be taking classes during the summer and the following fall quarter as well).

Overall GPA: 3.41 through 3.44, depending on whether I get the grades that I anticipate (3.44 is the highest attainable for me at the moment).
Science GPA: 3.28 - 3.30
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.15 - 3.18
DAT score (include AA and all sections): haven't taken yet
State of Residence: California
Major: Biopsychology
Minority? No


Volunteering/Shadowing: I will be volunteering at UCLA Dental post-graduation and will be shadowing my family dentists (two of them, I've known them since childhood). Hoping to do so for ~6 months or longer while studying for the DAT and putting together my application.

Employment: Worked at a large hospital in Los Angeles from my junior year of high school until the beginning of my sophomore year of university in various departments (Radiation Oncology, Emergency, Kidney Transplant, HR). Did lots of shadowing, was present in an operating room for a live kidney transplant, participated in mentoring and volunteering there as well (through different programs from my employment), as well as being part of a stem-cell research lab internship during the summer before entering university.

I currently am employed as head of my university newspaper's photography division, while also working as a freelance photographer (my own business). Also worked in retail for a while, though that's probably irrelevant.

I was hired by my school's Career Services to be their photographer for the duration of my junior year as well (I'm very good at what I do).

Research: Currently a Research Assistant in a neuropsychology lab, testing attention via EEG and other methods of brain imaging. I will have done 5 quarters of this by the time I leave undergrad.

Other Extracurriculars: VP of the university's photography club during sophomore year, staff photographer for school's newspaper during junior year, and now the head of the newspaper's photography division in my senior year. Freelance photography work as well volunteering (via photography) for an animal rescue shelter, as well as for the school's art department.
Relevant Honors or Awards: Junior year I was on the Dean's Honors list for 2/3 quarters (does that even count?)

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere:
I finished freshman year with a 2.74 oGPA/2.59 sGPA, and sophomore year with 2.94 oGPA/2.4 sGPA. Towards the end of sophomore year I decided to see a psychiatrist because things weren't going well (to keep it short). After extensive testing and meetings with him he diagnosed me with major depression and ADHD. I went on medication for both and went to therapy for my whole junior year to fix my situation (an ongoing process). I finished junior year with a 3.74 oGPA/3.55 sGPA/3.12 bcpGPA. I anticipate that I'll finish my senior year with a ~3.92 oGPA/~3.91 sGPA/3.89 bcpGPA.

Will my chances be alright once I take a gap year to take the DAT (and do well) + volunteer + shadow + write a good personal statement? Considering my circumstances and my upward trend. I'll also be going on a dental internship to Panama at the end of this year, and hoping for some decent LORs.

Thanks in advance.

you will need to shadow and volunteer A LOT in the dental profession
you will need to show adcoms that you understand dentistry and are not just someone who changed their mind from trying to go to medical school

 

[toothyboi1996]

you will need to shadow and volunteer A LOT in the dental profession
you will need to show adcoms that you understand dentistry and are not just someone who changed their mind from trying to go to medical school

I agree, though my goal was never med school, it's always been dentistry. I did the hospital thing because it was a rare opportunity and I thought it could help me with dentistry (later I found out that they had no dentists lmao), and to at least get my foot in to healthcare. I didn't pursue any dental programs while in undergrad (until now) because I kept failing and it really made me lose confidence and self esteem.

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[DSchoolorBust202X]

Also worked in retail for a while, though that's probably irrelevant.

Wanted to let you know that working in retail is not irrelevant, unless you only did it for two weeks or something. Any job experience shows that you can work with people. Retail is important because you have to test your patience regularly.

 

[toothyboi1996]

Wanted to let you know that working in retail is not irrelevant, unless you only did it for two weeks or something. Any job experience shows that you can work with people. Retail is important because you have to test your patience regularly.

you're right! I hadn't thought of that. it was for about 2 months only though, so not too long.

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[yasc]

Ive got a really similar GPA and upward trend as you and with a 21AA/22TS I got 4 pre-December interviews this cycle. You definitely have better ECs than me I think you'd have a good chance just make sure you kill the DAT and maintain the upward trend imo thats more important that volunteer hours.

 

[toothyboi1996]

Ive got a really similar GPA and upward trend as you and with a 21AA/22TS I got 4 pre-December interviews this cycle. You definitely have better ECs than me I think you'd have a good chance just make sure you kill the DAT and maintain the upward trend imo thats more important that volunteer hours.

congrats that's awesome! where did you get interviews from if you don't mind me asking?

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[yasc]

congrats that's awesome! where did you get interviews from if you don't mind me asking?

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IU,LECOM, SIU, and detriot mercy.
I got accepted to UDM and waitlist at iu haven't heard back from the other 2.